Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) is a small, non-enveloped DNA virus that infects humans and other mammals. Its spelling can seem daunting, but it actually follows a straightforward phonetic pattern. In IPA transcription, "adeno" is pronounced as /əˈdinoʊ/, emphasizing the first syllable. "Associated" is pronounced /əˈsoʊsiˌeɪtəd/, with the stress on the third syllable. Lastly, "virus" is pronounced as /ˈvaɪrəs/, with the stress on the first syllable. Together, this produces a clear and concise phonetic spelling of Adeno Associated Virus.
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a small, non-enveloped virus from the Parvoviridae family, known for its ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells. AAV is classified as a dependovirus, as it requires helper viruses like adenovirus or herpesvirus to complete its replication cycle. Originally discovered as a contaminant during adenovirus growth, AAV is considered a non-pathogenic virus in humans and is not associated with any significant diseases.
AAV has gained immense interest in gene therapy due to its capacity to deliver therapeutic genes into human cells. Its ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells makes AAV an attractive vector for gene transfer, as non-dividing cells are typically more difficult to transfect with other methods. Additionally, AAV shows a broad tropism, meaning it can infect various cell types and tissues.
The AAV genome consists of single-stranded DNA, which can be either positive or negative sense, depending on the serotype. Various serotypes of AAV have been identified, each exhibiting different transduction efficiencies and tropisms. The viral genome is small, making it suitable for genetic manipulation to create recombinant AAV vectors that can deliver therapeutic genes into target cells.
In summary, adeno-associated virus is a non-pathogenic virus that has gained significant attention in the field of gene therapy due to its ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, as well as its broad tropism. Its small genome and manipulability have allowed scientists to develop recombinant AAV vectors for efficient and targeted gene delivery.