Objectives: To provide a comprehensive literature review describing recent developments of the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector and exploring the therapeutic application of rAAV for bone defects, cartilage lesions and rheumatoid arthritis.
Design: Narrative review.
Result: The review outlines the serotypes and genome of AAV, integration and life cycle of the rAAV vectors, the immune response and regulating system for AAV gene therapy. Furthermore, the advancements of rAAV gene therapy for bone growth together with cartilage repair are summarized.
Conclusion: Recombinant adeno-associated virus vector is perceived to be one of the most promising vector systems for bone and cartilage gene therapy approaches and further investigations need to be carried out for craniofacial research.