# Shared Resource-Viral Vector Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES · 2021 · $93,730

## Abstract

Viral Vector Core Shared Resource - Project Summary/Abstract 
(This Core was previously named the Gene Transfer, Targeting, and Therapeutics Core) 
Viral vectors are commonly used to deliver genetic material to targeted cells, both in vitro and in vivo. They 
also represent attractive candidates for in vivo gene therapy. However, there are significant safety concerns 
when working with and producing research grade viral vectors. These safety issues are compounded when 
individual research laboratories are tasked with establishing and maintaining their own safety infrastructure and 
protocols. To address these concerns, the Salk Institute has established a centralized resource, namely the 
Viral Vector Core. The Core produces and maintains an extensive library of commonly-used stock viral vectors. 
In addition, the Core offers custom design and production services for multiple types of viral vectors, including 
lentivirus, retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, G-deleted rabies, and vesicular stomatitis virus. 
Finally, the Core provides expert consultation services, helping researchers identify the viral vector tool best 
suited for their stated objectives, and teaching investigators how to safely handle and use viral vector 
technologies. Salk Cancer Center members have utilized both the custom and stock vector production 
services, as well as the NanoSight Particle Tracker, which is used to visualize and count nanoparticles such as 
viruses and exosomes. To help Salk Cancer Center members innovate new experimental tools and potential 
therapies, the Viral Vector Core constantly seeks to introduce novel viral vector technologies. Recent advances 
in viral vector design have produced new AAV capsids and lentivirus/retrovirus envelope proteins with 
enhanced infection and trafficking characteristics. The Core has incorporated these novel tools into Core 
offerings, making them available to Cancer Center researchers. Core staff have also introduced a self- 
inactivating rabies virus that has markedly less cytotoxicity, thus improving the utility of these vectors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10114248
- **Project number:** 5P30CA014195-48
- **Recipient organization:** SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
- **Principal Investigator:** TONY R. HUNTER
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $93,730
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-12-31 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10114248

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10114248, Shared Resource-Viral Vector Core (5P30CA014195-48). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10114248. Licensed CC0.

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