Junping Zhang Email & Phone Number

My research has always focused on AAV basic biology, recombinant AAV vector development and AAV vector application for human gene therapy, especially hemophilia A. For the first time, I discovered a novel method to study AAV genome population at single molecule level. This study is breakthrough for developing the next generation of AAV vectors which can improve both efficacy and safety. Specially, I identified a special form of AAV contaminant, snapback AAV genomes, which exist in all AAV preps, including those used clinically in human patients. Thorough analysis of such snapback genomes showed that it may reduce AAV therapeutic efficiency, cause immune responses as well potential oncogenic risk. We are developing new technology to improve AAV vectors based on this discovery.