PVM is a structure dedicated to the production of recombinant viral particles (adeno-associated viruses, AAV; human and canine adenoviruses, lentiviruses) for all requesting laboratories. Viral vectors allow the efficient, reproducible, and targeted expression of genes in different cell types.

Application Portfolio:

  • Labelling of specific cell cohorts, lineage studies, network studies,
  • Monitoring neuronal activity,
  • Gain/loss of function approaches to identify the role of different genes in cellular processes,
  • Vaccines,
  • Gene therapy.

The choice of the most suitable viral particle type is crucial. The different particle types are characterized by:

  • Their pathogenicity and replicative capacity,
  • Their episomal feature (not integrated in the host genome) or not,
  • The transgene expression duration
  • Their type, conferring a specific cell/tissue tropism
  • The need of working in a level 2 or 3 biosafety laboratory.

These particles can infect cell lines or be injected in animals.

Main expertise/Services :

  • Particle production and concentration. Recombinant viral particles are derived from lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses (Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle), or from human and canine adenoviruses (Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier). We have developed a unique expertise in the world concerning canine adenoviruses (CAV-2). Vector production requires specific biosafety conditions (L2/L3) as well as all the specific authorizations needed for each vector type and the desired application.
  • Advice and R&D. Besides our service activity, the facility offers advice and R&D activities. We give advice to research groups concerning the best experimental strategies to be put in place (pseudotypes, use of specific promoters, virus choice). The objective of the R&D activity is to optimize the existing vectors to address the needs of the requesting laboratories. We also study the possibility of using other viral systems.

Access and service policy:

PVM service activity is open also to international laboratories and companies. The production of recombinant particles is fee-based.

In some conditions, users must provide the expression vector to be inserted in the target viruses, and when required, they must have already all the necessary authorizations (GMO declaration, Material transfer agreement).

Publications

Application notes:

PVM

 

Platform website

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