A novel retroviral vector that allows the magnetic selection of infected cells.

Retroviral vectors are used widely in research and are also being designed for use in gene therapy trials. In practice, these vectors usually contain a marker gene, which is often a drug selection gene. In this report, a novel retroviral vector has been constructed which contains a gene that allows selection for infected cells by a magnet. This gene is a single-chain antibody (sFv) to a specific hapten molecule 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (phOx). sFv specific for phOx is displayed on the surface of infected cells. This feature allows binding to phOx-BSA coated magnetic beads which are used to isolate the infected cells.