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The science of gene therapy is enjoying a renaissance after ups and downs over the past 25 years. The heart of this field still largely relies on viral vector gene transfer systems that have evolved considerably. There is now a wealth of clinical experience with numerous vector types that have been applied primarily to treatment of cancer and rare metabolic diseases. Viral vectors will likely achieve considerable prominence in the delivery of gene editing tools, providing an important aspect of gene therapy strategies going forward. Still more advanced platforms and vehicle delivery systems are required to enable appropriate level and duration of gene expression in targeted cell types. Recent research into the field of vector technologies are highlighted in publications in the journal Gene Therapy.