AAV-DJ/8 Virus-Like Particles (Empty Capsids)

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have become a cornerstone of gene therapy due to their ability to efficiently transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells, relatively low immunogenicity, and ability to express over long periods of time. The DJ/8 serotype is a hybrid variant created through a process called DNA shuffling that combines elements from multiple AAV serotypes to increase transduction efficiency and expand tropism. The DJ/8 serotype is particularly noteworthy for its robust transduction capabilities in a variety of tissues, including liver, muscle, and central nervous system. AAV-DJ/8 virus-like particles, also known as empty capsids of AAV serotype DJ/8. AAV-DJ/8 virus-like particles contain no genomic material and offer unique advantages. They are a non-infectious option that can be used to study the interaction of viral capsids with the host immune system. Such studies are critical to understanding and mitigating immune responses that can limit the efficacy of gene therapy. Additionally, empty capsids facilitate large-scale production and quality control of AAV vectors, aiding in the optimization of the production process and enabling researchers to optimize the ratio of full to empty capsids.