| abstract |
Replication-competent adenovirus vectors specific for target cells and methods of use of such viruses are provided. These adenoviruses comprise a first adenoviral gene under control of a cell specific heterologous (i.e., non-adenoviral) transcriptional regulatory element (TRE) and at least a second gene under control of a second heterologous TRE, where the heterologous TREs are different from each other in polynucleotide sequence but functional in the same cell. The adenoviral gene can be, for example, a gene required for adenoviral replication. The second gene can be, for example, a second adenoviral gene or a transgene, such as a gene which can contribute to cytotoxicity in the target cell. Adenoviral replication can be restricted to target cells in which the heterologous TREs are functional and thus, the adenovirus vectors can provide selective cytotoxicity to the target cells, particularly neoplastic cells. |