POLYMERIC IMMUNOGLOBULIN RECEPTOR (PIGR)-BINDING DOMAINS ANDMETHODS OF USE THEREFOR

摘要

The present invention identifies a domain located in the C.alpha.3 domain of IgA that is reponsible for targeting of the polymeric immunoglobulin recepto r (pIgR) and transport of the antibody to the mucosal epithelium. This pIgR- binding domain may be used to target a wide variety of compositions, includi ng proteins, nucleic acids, drugs and diagnositic agents, to the mucosal surfac e. Other more specific targeting agents may be used in conjunction with the pIg R- binding domain to define further the ultimate localization of the complexes in the body. Treatment of a large number of disease conditions such as viral, fungal and bacterial infections, as well as cancer, may be improved through the use of a pIgR-binding domain.