adenovirus

(A-den-oh-VY-rus) A group of viruses that cause respiratory tract and eye infections. Adenoviruses used in gene therapy are altered to carry a specific tumor-fighting gene.

One of a group of DNA -containing viruses found in rodents, fowl, cattle, monkeys, and man. In man they are responsible for respiratory-tract infections, but they have been exploited as a vector in gene therapy, especially for genes targeted at the lungs.

A group of DNA containing viruses which cause respiratory disease, including one form of the common cold. Adenoviruses can also be genetically modified and used in gene therapy to treat cystic fibrosis, cancer, and potentially other diseases. See also cancer