An adeno-associated virus variant enabling efficient ocular-directed gene delivery across species.
Luo, S., Jiang, H., Li, Q., Qin, Y., Yang, S., Li, J., Xu, L., Gou, Y., Zhang, Y., Liu, F., Ke, X., Zheng, Q., Sun, X.(2024) Nat Commun 15: 3780-3780
- PubMed: 38710714 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48221-4
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
8JRE - PubMed Abstract: 
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have emerged as promising gene therapy vectors due to their proven efficacy and safety in clinical applications. In non-human primates (NHPs), rAAVs are administered via suprachoroidal injection at a higher dose. However, high doses of rAAVs tend to increase additional safety risks. Here, we present a novel AAV capsid (AAVv128), which exhibits significantly enhanced transduction efficiency for photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, along with a broader distribution across the layers of retinal tissues in different animal models (mice, rabbits, and NHPs) following intraocular injection. Notably, the suprachoroidal delivery of AAVv128-anti-VEGF vector completely suppresses the Grade IV lesions in a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) NHP model for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Furthermore, cryo-EM analysis at 2.1 Å resolution reveals that the critical residues of AAVv128 exhibit a more robust advantage in AAV binding, the nuclear uptake and endosome escaping. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of AAVv128 as a next generation ocular gene therapy vector, particularly using the suprachoroidal delivery route.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China.