What is a key characteristic of retrovirus vectors used in gene therapy?

Retrovirus vectors are known for their ability to integrate genes into the host genome, which makes them particularly effective for gene therapy. One of the key characteristics of retroviruses is that they insert their genetic material into the DNA of the host cell. This integration happens randomly within the genome, which can lead to permanent changes in the host's genetic makeup. This feature is advantageous because it allows for long-term expression of the therapeutic gene.

While the random integration can sometimes lead to detrimental effects, such as activating oncogenes or disrupting critical regulatory elements in the host's DNA, it is also what enables the retrovirus vectors to achieve sustained gene expression in the target cells. This characteristic is a fundamental aspect of how retrovirus vectors function in gene therapy applications, distinguishing them from other viral vectors that may have different integration mechanisms or strategies. Thus, the ability to integrate genes randomly into the host genome is a key feature of retrovirus vectors in this context.