Adeno-associated virus type 8 (AAV8) is a valuable vector for gene therapy. It is one member of the human parvovirus family which depends on co-infection with helper viruses such as adenovirus or herpes virus for efficient reproduction. AAV8 empty capsids are composed of three proteins, VP1, VP2 and VP3 with relative molecular masses of 87, 72 and 62 kDa, respectively.