Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2

**Semantic type:** Virus

**Definition:** This strain of viridae is a non-pathogenic human parvovirus that is icosahedral, 20-25 nm in diameter, minus sense, and comprised of a 5 kb. single-stranded DNA genome. The virus is generally monomorphic and has been developed as a gene therapy vector for the treatment of numerous diseases. Wild-type AA-2 retains the ability to preferentially integrate its DNA into a 4 kilobase region of human chromosome 19, designated AAVS1, making it an attractive gene therapy vehicle. The virus has demonstrated anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

**Synonyms:** - AAV2 - AAV2 - ADENO-ASSOCIATED VIRUS 2 - Adeno-Associated Virus-2