| AAV Vector Safety Assay | Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are small, single-stranded DNA viruses in the Parvoviridae family that have several advantages as vectors for somatic gene therapy. Recombinant AAV genomes usually lack viral genes and do not efficiently integrate into the host genome, so as to reduce the risk of insertional mutagenesis. They establish as stable episomes and express transgenes indefinitely in postmitotic cells. Naturally existing AAV variants, together with a series of engineered variants, can infect a large variety of tissues and cell types in animals and humans. |