Gene transfer into mature T cells with gammaretroviral vectors requires prestimulation, as only mitotic cells are susceptible to integration of the gammaretroviral proviral genome. Costimulation via the CD3/ TCR complex and a second costimulatory molecule, such as CD28 was found to better preserve functionality of the T lymphocytes during ex vivo expansion than stimulation with anti-CD3 alone. The protocols described here for prestimulation and transduction of human and murine T cells with gammaretroviral vectors were optimized for high-level gene transfer and maximum yield of functional T lymphocytes.