Capsid-Free AAV Vectors for Gene Delivery and Their Use for Gene Therapy

Description:

The invention concerns novel capsid-free AAV vectors that can be used for gene delivery and gene therapy applications. The invention provides for a linear nucleic acid molecule comprising in this order: a first adeno-associated virus (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a nucleotide sequence of interest, and a second AAV ITR, wherein said nucleic acid molecule is devoid of AAV capsid protein coding sequences. The said nucleic acid molecule can be applied to a host at repetition without eliciting an immune response. Methods of producing and purifying this nucleic acid molecule, as well as its use for gene transfer and gene therapy are also described.