Protection of baculovirus-vectors against complement-mediated inactivationby recombinant soluble complement receptor type 1

Baculovirus-based vectors are efficient means for gene transfer into hepato cytes in vitro. However, gene transfer in vivo is hampered by inactivation of baculovirus by the complement system. In this study, we demonstrate protection of baculovirus vectors against com plement-mediated inactivation through recombinant soluble complement recept or type 1 (sCR1). Blocking of only the alternative complement pathway by a mutant of sCR1 did not result in baculovirus survival in human serum. The d ata suggest the use of sCR1 as a potent drug to facilitate baculovirus-medi ated gene transfer into hepatocytes in vivo.