Receptor Targeting of Adeno‐Associated Virus Vectors

One of the most promising viral vectors is derived from the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2), a member of the parvovirus family. Since AAV-2 has a broad tissue tropism it is attractive for in vitro gene transfer into various tissues. However, the broad host range is a disadvantage for in vivo gene therapy, because a selective, tissue- or organ-restricted infection is desirable to enhance the safety and efficiency for the gene transfer in vivo. Therefore, increasing efforts are undertaken to retarget AAV-2 based vectors to specific receptors a summary of which is given in this review.