| abstract |
Molecular complexes can be used to target a gene encoding an immunogenic protein or polypeptide to a specific cell in vivo. The gene is incorporated into the target cell, expressed and the gene-encoded product is secreted and an immune response against the immunogenic protein or polypeptide is elicited. The molecular complex comprises an expressible gene encoding a desired immunogenic protein or polypeptide complexed with a carrier of a cell-specific binding agent and a gene-binding agent. The cell-specific binding agent is specific for a cellular surface structure which mediates internalization of ligands by endocytosis. An example is the asialoglycoprotein receptor of hepatocytes. The gene-binding agent is a compound such as a polycation which stably complexes the gene under extracellular conditions and releases the gene under intracellular conditions so that it can function within a cell. The molecular complex is stable and soluble in physiological fluids and can be used to elicit an immune response against a variety of immunogens in an organism for the purpose of vaccination or for the production of antibodies. |