Researchers introduced an intelligent design framework for adeno‑associated virus (AAV) vectors that dynamically respond to tumor microenvironment signals to enhance tumor targeting and reduce off‑target delivery. The work, reported in a recent preclinical study, engineers AAV tropism and activity to be conditional on tumor‑specific cues, addressing a key translational bottleneck in viral vector oncology. The team demonstrated improved tumor infiltration and transgene expression in models with reduced activity in healthy tissues, potentially lowering systemic toxicity and improving therapeutic index. The platform offers a modular approach that could be adapted for gene therapy payloads, oncolytic constructs, or AAV‑delivered immunomodulators, accelerating precision biologics development.