Rapidly evolving adeno-associated virus vectors

increasing possibility of gene therapy with custom-made vectors

Abstract

Nature has evolved adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) very slowly by natural selection in their long history. However, since over 100 AAV serotypes and variants were discovered in primates in 2002, their evolution has been significantly accelerated by human intervention. Their simplest structure and ease of genetic manipulation have allowed exploitation of rational design and directed evolution approaches to create AAVs with desired properties. It has become possible to create custom-made AAV vectors for various experimental and therapeutic purposes.