Gene transfer facilitated by a cellular targeting molecule, reovirus protein sigma 1

To facilitate eventual genetic Vaccination of mucosal tissues, a receptor-m ediated gene transfer system was devised using the reovirus adhesin, protei n alpha 1. Highly efficient uptake and internalization of protein alpha 1 p olylysine (PL) DNA complexes could be demonstrated by fluorescent microscop y. Successful cellular transfection of rodent and human cell lines was obta ined with the recombinant protein alpha 1 as a PL-DNA complex, and could be shown to be receptor-specific. Transfection efficiency was dependent upon the ratio of DNA complexed to protein alpha 1-PL and chloroquine treatment improved transfection efficiency dramatically To test its ability to bind a mucosal inductive tissue, recombinant protein alpha 1 was specifically bou nd to the nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT). Thus, recombinant prote in alpha 1-PL-DNA conjugates can efficiently bind and transfect cells that express the receptor for protein alpha 1.