We report the discovery of AAV capsid-binding peptides identified through phage panning. The heptapeptide motif GYVSRHP selectively recognized AAV serotype 8 capsids and blocked transduction in vitro. Recombinant AAV8 vectors were purified directly from crude cell lysate and supernatant through sequential application of peptide affinity and anion exchange chromatography. Peptide affinity reagents may serve as useful alternatives to monoclonal antibodies in AAV capsid recognition, and offer readily scalable solutions for purification of clinical grade AAV vectors
