MODIFICATION OF A VIRUS TO REDIRECT INFECTIVITY AND ENHANCE TARGETED DELIVERY OF POLYNUCLEOTIDES TO CELLS

摘要

Targeted polynucleotide delivery to cells is enhanced by coupling to a virus capable of disrupting cellular endosomes, a molecular complex which redirects viral specificity to the targeted cell and carries the polynucleotide to be delivered. Viruses useful in this invention, such as adenovirus, are generally those which possess exposed capsid proteins and which are capable of disrupting endosomal vesicles upon internalization by a receptor-bearing cell. The modified virus can be used (in vivo, in vitro), or (ex vivo) to redirect viral cell-binding specificity and to enhance the selective delivery of polynucleotides to target cells.