Adeno‐associated virus vectors for gene therapy—focusing on melanoma

Abstract

Adeno‐Associated Virus (AAV) vectors have been found to have great potential in the field of gene therapy due to their unique properties. These nonpathogenic vectors exhibit high tissue specificity, low immunogenicity, and sustained gene expression, enhancing their efficacy for targeted delivery. This review explores the application of AAV vectors in gene therapy. It introduces the application and development of AAV in hemophilia and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The review also highlights the use of AAV vectors in melanoma gene therapy, focusing on four key areas: cancer growth intervention, targeting cancer cells, mediating immune responses, and modulating key signaling pathways. However, despite its many advantages, rAAV faces significant challenges, including host immune responses and biological barriers that limit its effectiveness. Such complexities need to be addressed; therefore, this review also discusses the application of several polymers, such as hydrogels, nanoparticles, and solid scaffolds, in the controlled delivery of AAV.