Two of the most widely used viral vectors in gene therapy research are AAV and Lentivirus. Both are powerful gene delivery systems, but each has distinct advantages depending on the application.
Key Features of AAV
- Low immunogenicity
- Well suited for in vivo delivery
- Favorable safety profile
- Limited cargo capacity
Key Features of Lentivirus
- Supports stable gene expression
- Can transduce dividing and non-dividing cells
- Useful for ex vivo cell engineering
- Integration-related considerations
When to Use Each Vector
AAV is often preferred for in vivo gene delivery, while lentiviral vectors are commonly used in cell engineering workflows such as CAR-T development, stem cell modification, and CRISPR delivery.
Conclusion
Choosing between AAV and lentivirus depends on the target cell type, expression goals, delivery route, and payload size. Understanding these differences is essential for successful vector selection.