Identification and characterization of human nucleus pulposus cell specific serotypes of adeno-associated virus for gene therapeutic approaches of intervertebral disc disorders

Intervertebral disc (IVD) disorders are often accompanied by painful inflammatory and immunopathological processes. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells play a pivotal role in maintenance of IVD by organizing the expression of anabolic, catabolic, anti-catabolic and inflammatory cytokines.