Figure 5-1.4.2(a): AAV life cycle.
(Adapted from Daya S, Berns KI.2008. Gene Therapy Using Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors.Clin.Microbiol. Rev, 21(4): 583.)

AAV life cycle

• AAV life cycle comprises two phases-lytic and lysogeny.
  
  
• In the presence of helper virus, AAV undergoes lytic phase comprising genome replication, expression of viral genes and production of virions (Figure 5-1.4.2(a).).
  
  
• In the absence of helper virus, it undergoes lysogenic phase and integrates into the host cell's genome as a latent provirus. This latent genome undergoes replication by subsequent infection with helper virus.
  
  
• Both the stages of life cycle of AAV are controlled by complex interactions between the AAV genome andhelper virus, AAV and host proteins.