Recombinant virus vaccines--present status and future prospects.

Several DNA viruses have recently emerged as useful eucaryotic vectors. The ability to incorporate large amounts of foreign DNA in the vaccinia virus genome without loss of infectivity, evidence to correct glycosylation and processing of expressed proteins and the wide host range of vaccinia virus all contribute to the versatility of this system as a research tool. The development of recombinant DNA technology and its use in genetic engineering has provided opportunities to construct DNA-recombinant viruses that can provide protection against a spectrum of diseases. A brief account is given of current developments and future prospects of DNA recombinant viruses, with particular reference to vaccinia virus.