AsAVs

AsAVs, or Adeno-associated viruses, are small, non-pathogenic viruses that have become significant tools in gene therapy and molecular biology research. They belong to the Parvoviridae family and are known for their ability to infect a wide range of human and animal cells. Unlike many other viruses, AsAVs do not cause disease in humans, making them an attractive option for therapeutic applications.

The AsAV genome is a single-stranded DNA molecule. For the virus to replicate efficiently, it requires the presence of a helper virus, such as adenovirus or herpesvirus, although it can also replicate to some extent in the presence of cellular factors. This dependency on a helper virus contributes to its non-pathogenic nature.

In gene therapy, AsAVs are engineered to carry therapeutic genes into target cells. Their ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, along with their long-term expression of transgenes, makes them particularly useful for treating genetic disorders. Various AsAV serotypes exist, each with different tissue tropisms, allowing for targeted delivery to specific organs or cell types. Research continues to explore the full potential of AsAVs for a variety of diseases.