title: Safety of adeno-associated virus gene therapy vectors: a current evaluation.
abstract: An increasing number of strategies for molecular treatment of disease rely on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a therapeutic gene delivery vector. One of the most attractive features of this viral DNA vector is the perceived safety of AAV gene delivery. Recent applications in human clinical trials support the safety record established in preclinical trials, with evidence of gene transfer in the absence of cellular immune responses or tissue disturbance. Nevertheless, many aspects of the biology of the wild type AAV and its derivatives are still being explored. While the therapeutic potential of novel recombinant AAV therapeutics appears promising, recent insights suggest aspects of their pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and toxicity that require consideration to achieve the safest application of these molecular medicines.
authors.affiliation: Gene Therapy Center, CB #7220, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 418 MacNider Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. paul_monahan@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Monahan
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jooss
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Sands
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D001682:Biological Availability; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000229:Dependovirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000276:immunology / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D012449:Safety; D014018:Tissue Distribution