Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

10:22
Isolation of Viral Replication Compartment-enriched Sub-nuclear Fractions from Adenovirus-infected Normal Human Cells
Published on: November 12, 2015
Adeno-associated virus type 5 exploits two different entry pathways in human embryo fibroblasts
Ursula Bantel-Schaal1, Ilona Braspenning-Wesch1, Juergen Kartenbeck2
1German Cancer Research Center, Infection and Cancer Research Program, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
The Journal of General Virology
|January 15, 2009
Summary
Adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5) uses two distinct pathways to enter human cells: the known clathrin-dependent route and a novel caveolae-mediated pathway. This finding is crucial for understanding gene therapy vector delivery.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are promising vectors for gene therapy.
- Understanding AAV uptake and intracellular trafficking is critical for efficient gene delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the entry pathways of adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5) in primary human embryo fibroblasts.
- To elucidate the mechanisms governing AAV5 cellular internalization.
Main Methods:
- Microscopy to observe virion localization at low temperatures.
- Analysis of AAV5 uptake at physiological temperatures (37°C).
- Investigation of cellular entry pathways involved in AAV5 internalization.
Main Results:
- AAV5 virions accumulate at cell-cell contact points and filopodia at low temperatures.
- Significant dissociation (up to 80%) of bound AAV5 occurs upon warming to 37°C.
- AAV5 utilizes both clathrin-dependent endocytosis and a parallel pathway involving caveolae and caveosome-like organelles for entry.
Conclusions:
- AAV5 employs a dual-entry mechanism involving both established and novel pathways.
- Caveolar endocytosis represents a previously undescribed route for parvovirus entry.
- These findings have implications for optimizing AAV-based gene therapy strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...

