- Viral Vector Core
Guide to Choosing an AAV serotype
In general, the best way to determine which AAV serotype is best for your project is by experimenting. To that end, the MGH Vector Core Facility offers GFP-expressing AAV2-derivatives in serotypes 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and rh10, available to researchers as aliquots at low cost. To request an aliquot of a specific AAV serotype, please place a service request.
For in vitro applications, AAV2 is the most broadly-expressing serotype, but we strongly recommend beginning with a literature search. For in vivo applications, a general guide to the serotype tropism for various tissues is listed below.
Tissue | Recommended serotype |
---|---|
Heart | AAV8, AAV9 |
Lung | AAV4 |
Liver | AAV9 |
Brain | AAV2, AAV9 |
Kidney | AAV2, AAV9 |
Testes | AAV2, AAV9 |
Muscle | AAV2, AAV9 |
Eye | AAV1, AAV5 |
Pancreas | AAV2, AAV5 |
References:
Grim and Kay. (2003). “From Virus Evolution to Vector Revolution: Use of Naturally Occurring Serotypes of Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) as Novel Vectors For Human Gene Therapy.” Current Gene Therapy.3: 281-304.
Wu et al. (2006). “Adeno-associated Virus Serotypes: Vector Toolkit for Human Gene Therapy.” Molecular Therapy.14: 316-327.
Zincarelli et al. (2008). “Analysis of AAV Serotypes 1–9 Mediated Gene Expression and Tropism in Mice After Systemic Injection.” Molecular Therapy.16: 1073-1080.