Overview: Viral vectors are a tool commonly used to efficiently deliver genetic material into cells.
Scope - The viral vector core provides:
- Hands-on consultation for selecting preferred viral vector technologies, effective use of viral vector technologies and viral safety procedures.
- Custom design of novel viral vectors for your special needs.
- Production services for AAV viral vectors.
Current status - The core focused in providing services for production of Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors from a variety of serotypes for in vitro and in vivo use. In contrast to retro- and lentiviral vectors, AAV vectors are non-integrative (episomal) following gene transfer. They are capable of long-term expression in vivo, have low pathogenicity and can infect both non-dividing and dividing cells. AAV vectors based on variety of serotypes have different preferences toward the targeted tissues. The Core currently offers several AAV vector serotypes (e.g. AAV1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, DJ, AAV-retro, Php.S and Php.eB). Purified AAVs are produced by iodoxanol gradient ultracentrifugation method.
Available services:
- AAV crude prep
- AAV small purified prep
- AAV medium purified prep
- AAV large purified prep
- AAV extra-large purified prep (spacial production)
- Consulting
Expected yield guideline – for a small prep, the expected yield is 9x10E11 viral genomes (VG) or higher and for a large prep – 2.7x10E12 VG or higher (medium prep is in between). Certain transgenes can have an unexpected negative effect on virus production and as a result virus yield will be lower than expected. Some AAV serotypes may produce lower titers than other serotypes. Other important factors – purity and quality of vector plasmids provided by the client are under the responsibility of the client as these can have a severe impact of virus production.