Adeno-associated virus (1-8)
Adenovirus was one of the first viruses discovered, yet in the 1960's, electron microscopy showed that adenovirus samples often contained a second, smaller particle. This was classified as a second virus, adeno-associated virus, in 1965.
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a dependovirus that is a satellite virus on adenovirus and also certain herpes viruses. It is also a orphan virus - it is not known to cause any disease in humans.
Because of its relatively simple genome and its status as an non-pathogenic, AAV has been of interest as a vector for gene therapy. AAV can also stably integrate into the human 19th chromosome.
Current trials include gene therapies for cystic fibrosis, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
