[Natural infection with adeno-associated viruses]

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are parvoviruses which exhibit oncosuppressive properties as well as unique characteristics of integration. They have never been associated with human diseases. AAV are thus considered promising vectors for the corrective therapy of various gene defects. In this review, the (possible) consequences of AAV infection for human health, cancer development and recombinant AAV vectors are discussed with respect to recent results on the cellular and molecular targets of AAV infection in humans.