human adenovirus serotype 5

Wild-type Ad5 (Human Adenovirus Serotype 5) is a non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus that naturally infects human respiratory epithelial cells. It enters host cells primarily through high-affinity binding of its fiber knob domain to the Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR), followed by internalization via alpha-v integrins. In biomedical research and oncology, wild-type Ad5 serves as the foundational parental strain for many engineered oncolytic viruses and gene therapy vectors. While it possesses potent natural lytic capabilities, its use as a systemic therapeutic is hindered by significant liver sequestration (mediated by blood factor binding) and high levels of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies in the general population. Consequently, it is most frequently used in clinical and preclinical studies as a benchmark or control to evaluate the improved safety, targeting, and efficacy profiles of next-generation, genetically modified adenoviral agents.

Other names

wild-type Ad5wtAd5wtAd-5wtAd 5wild-type adenovirus type 5