Comparative gene analysis (CGA) was combined with pathway visualization software to identify a positive correlation between AAV6 transduction and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. It was found that EGFR is necessary for vector internalization and functions as a co-receptor for AAV6. The identification and characterization of AAV6s requirement of EGFR expression for high transduction activity has allowed construction of recombinant AAV6 vectors which are capable of targeting and killing specific types of head and neck tumors that because of this high EGFR activity, were until now, refractory to current therapies.
