Adeno-Associated Virus
Full Form of AAV
What is AAV?
Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) is a small, non-enveloped virus belonging to the Parvoviridae family, widely recognized for its role as a delivery vector in gene therapy. In the Indian context, AAV is pivotal in biomedical research and clinical trials targeting genetic disorders such as hemophilia, Leber congenital amaurosis, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Unlike wild-type parvoviruses, recombinant AAV (rAAV) has been engineered to carry therapeutic genes without causing disease, making it a safe and efficient tool. It is used in laboratory settings, biotech companies, and academic institutions like the National Institute of Immunology and the Centre for Stem Cell Research. For students preparing for exams like NEET, CSIR NET, and GATE in biotechnology, understanding AAV vectors is essential because they are a cornerstone of modern gene editing and regenerative medicine. AAV's ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, along with its low immunogenicity, has made it a preferred choice for in-vivo gene therapy, and India is actively contributing to AAV-based clinical trials through initiatives like the Indian Council of Medical Research.
AAV का फुल फॉर्म
एडिनो-संबद्ध वायरस
Example
Indian researchers at an IISc lab successfully delivered a corrective gene using an AAV vector to restore vision in mouse models of retinal degeneration.