How does it even work? Uncovering AAV entry mechanisms

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) - our multi-functional, harmless parvovirus friend - is the most commonly used virus vector in gene therapy. However, we still largely do not know how the virus actually works, beginning with the first step of the dynamic phase: Cell entry. Recently, a research team discovered GPR108, a G-protein coupled receptor, and by knocking out the receptor in cells, they found that it is necessary for cell entry in most strains of AAV. They propose that the receptor acts like a “lock” that helps the virus gain access into its target cell. The discovery is an important first step in describing AAV mechanisms, and by understanding how the virus vector works, scientists could potentially create more effective and specific gene vectors. Gene therapy is already being used to treat many diseases and poses many potential possibilities for combating cancer and other genetically based maladies.

~Avi Kaye 

Article: Dudek et al. GPR108 Is a Highly Conserved AAV Entry Factor. Molecular Therapy, 2019. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.11.005.