What is “helper-free” production?

In general, replication of AAV requires a helper virus such as adenovirus or herpesvirus. Our AAV helper-free vector systems generate recombinant AAV without the use of a helper virus ("helper-free"). Instead, packaging is accomplished by transfecting HEK 293 cells (e.g. AAVpro 293T Cell Line) with plasmids that encode the factors necessary to prepare recombinant AAV particles. AAV [...]

How much AAV should be used for general animal experiments?

The amount used depends on the target tissue and method of administration, but for mice the amount will be between 1011 and 1012 vg/animal (vg = vector genome, as measured by real-time PCR). However, the exact dose should be determined empirically. AAV [...]

What precautions should be taken when working with recombinant AAV?

It is imperative to fully understand the potential hazards of and necessary precautions for the laboratory use of AAV vectors. Viruses could, depending on your gene insert, be potentially hazardous. Similar vectors have been approved for human gene therapy trials, attesting to their potential ability to express genes in vivo. For these reasons, due caution must be exercised in the production and [...]

What are the features of different AAV serotypes?

Serotype is classified by the type of capsid structural proteins and determines tissue specificity. Serotype 2 (AAV2) is the most well-studied serotype. AAV2 has a broad range of tissue infectivity and is the most popular serotype for research purposes. Serotype 5 (AAV5) and serotype 6 (AAV6) have more specific tissue infectivity; AAV5 can infect cells in tissues including the central nervous [...]

What features of AAV makes the virus a good vector for gene delivery?

AAV vectors exploit the properties of AAV for transduction of genes to cells and organisms. AAV vectors are generally considered safer than adenoviral and retroviral vectors. AAV vectors can be used to transduce genes into both proliferating and nonproliferating cells and can impart long-term expression in nondividing cells. In addition, AAV has little immunogenicity and is suitable for the [...]