Viral vectors have been the favored delivery vehicle for gene therapy in recent years. Adeno-associated virus has become a candidate of great interest because of its biological properties which include site specific integration in human chromosome 19. In this volume methods of vector production and use in in vitro and in vivo experi- ments are described, including recent studies with hematopoietic stem cells and non-dividing cells. Various protocols for preparing recombinant AAV vectors and their intracellular delivery are extensively discussed. The first trial of AAV as vector for human gene therapy was conducted in late 1995.
