AAV1-tMCK-mCherry

AAV is a small, 4.7 kb, linear, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus in the Parvoviridae family that infects a wide range of tissue types. To infect cells, AAV attaches to the cell membrane and undergoes receptor-mediated endocytosis and endosomal trafficking. AAV then escapes from late endosomes or lysosomes and translocates to the nucleus, where the virus is free of the capsid. Double-stranded DNA is produced by the host cell's polymerases. The fate of AAV depends on the presence of a helper virus, such as adenovirus or herpes simplex virus. In the absence of a helper virus, AAV does not replicate.

Most AAV genomes remain in the nucleus as latent episomes, although a relatively small percentage of AAV genomes may integrate into the host genome, assuming that latency does not participate in the lysogenic pathway. If a helper virus is present, AAV gene expression is activated, allowing AAV to replicate. Rep and Cap genes are expressed, allowing genome replication and synthesis of progeny ssDNA particles. Complete virions are assembled and released from the host cell when the helper virus kills the host cell via the lytic pathway. AAV replication can also proceed in the absence of helper virus if cellular stress is induced or if helper virus genes required for AAV replication are provided in trans .