AAV-DJ Virus-Like Particles (Empty Capsids)

AAV-DJ is a chimeric vector designed by combining sequences from multiple AAV serotypes (AAV2, AAV8, and AAV9), which provides it with unique properties such as broad tissue tropism and enhanced transduction efficiency. The construction of the AAV-DJ capsid mimics the structural composition of wild-type AAV serotypes, thereby retaining the same outer protein coat. This provides many advantages, particularly related to the enhanced transduction efficiency of AAV-DJ compared to other serotypes. AAV-DJ virus-like particles (VLPs) represent a major innovation in gene therapy and molecular biology. These VLPs are essentially empty capsids derived from AAV serotype DJ that have been specifically designed to not contain any genomic material. This “empty” property greatly reduces potential biosafety issues associated with the delivery of foreign genetic material, making it an attractive tool for a variety of research and therapeutic applications. Researchers can use these particles to elucidate how the AAV-DJ capsid interacts with cellular receptors, internalization pathways, and intracellular trafficking processes without complicating genome replication and gene expression. This provides a clear window into the initial stages of viral infection, which is critical for developing targeted gene therapies and improving vector design.