Abstract There has been a resurgence in gene therapy
efforts that is partly fueled by the identification and
understanding of new gene delivery vectors. Adeno-associated
virus (AAV) is a non-enveloped virus that can be
engineered to deliver DNA to target cells, and has attracted
a significant amount of attention in the field, especially in
clinical-stage experimental therapeutic strategies. The
ability to generate recombinant AAV particles lacking any
viral genes and containing DNA sequences of interest for
various therapeutic applications has thus far proven to be
one of the safest strategies for gene therapies. This review
will provide an overview of some important factors to
consider in the use of AAV as a vector for gene therapy.