TARGETING OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TO SPECIFIC RECEPTORS

摘要

The invention relates to engineered Herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles exhibiting a binding pair member that specifically binds to, or targets, one or more specific binding partners, such as receptors, including binding partners lacking at least one of a cytoplasmic domain or a transmembrane domain. Also, recombinant vectors for producing such HSV particles are provided. By reducing the affinity of HSV for its natural receptor(s) and increasing the affinity for a selected receptor, the HSV particles of the invention are useful for targeting cells that express the selected, receptor, which itself may be a product of genetic engineering. The ability to selectively target cells renders the HSV particles particularly useful in selectively diagnosing, treating, and imaging cells bearing the selected binding pair member, such as a receptor. The invention also provides for polynucleotide-based therapy to cells bearing the selected binding pair member such as a receptor.