INDUCTION OF TOLERANCE THROUGH ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF A THERAPEUTIC AGENT COUPLED TO A TRANSPORTING AGENT

摘要

The present invention is directed toward a method for the induction of tolerance to a foreign transgene or a self-antigen in an animal host by administration of a composition to an animal host via a natural gastrointestinal pathway. Additionally, the present method can eliminate a pre-existing immune response in an animal host. The composition administered when carrying out the method achieves widespread distribution, systemic expression and sustained delivery of a genetic material in an animal host. More particularly, the invention discloses a method useful for both eliciting tolerance and for abrogation of a pre-existing immune response by oral administration of a genetic material.