AAV-Retro Virus-Like Particles (Empty Capsids)

The AAV-Retro serotype has been engineered to have enhanced retrograde transport capabilities. This property makes it particularly useful for targeting neurons and other cells with long projection distances, as it can reach the cell body via axons. Because of this, AAV-Retro is highly valuable in neuroscience research, where delivery of genetic material to specific neuronal populations is often necessary to study complex neural circuits and diseases. AAV-Retro virus-like particles (VLPs) are an emerging tool in the field of genetic research and therapy. These particles are characterized by their empty capsids, meaning that they do not encapsulate any genomic material, distinguishing them from traditional viral vectors that carry therapeutic genes. By using empty capsids, researchers can distinguish the effects of the viral vector itself from the effects of the therapeutic gene it typically carries. This comparison is critical for understanding innate immune responses, vector biodistribution, and potential off-target effects without having to account for the confounding effects of the transgene. Second, empty AAV-Retro capsids can be used for immunogenicity studies. Researchers can explore the body's immune response to the viral capsid protein alone, which is critical for improving the design and delivery of AAV-based therapeutics.