1. ¹Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, AI Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
2. ²Ark Therapeutics Oy, Kuopio, Finland
3. ³Cellular and Molecular Imaging Group, Department of Biomedical NMR, AI Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
4. ⁴Department of Chemistry, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
5. ⁵Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
6. ⁶Department of Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland

Correspondence: Professor Dr S Ylä-Herttuala, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, AI Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Kuopio, PO Box 1627, Kuopio 70211, Finland. E-mail: Seppo.Yla-Herttuala@uku.fi

Received 24 October 2006; Revised 6 January 2007; Accepted 21 January 2007; Published online 5 April 2007.

Abstract

Non-invasive imaging provides essential information regarding the biodistribution of gene therapy vectors and it can also be used for the development of targeted vectors. In this study, we have utilized micro Single-photon emission computed tomography to visualize biodistribution of a ^99mTc-polylys-ser-DTPA-biotin-labelled avidin-displaying baculovirus, Baavi, after intrafemoral (i.f.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), intramuscular (i.m.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration. The imaging results suggest that the virus can spread via the lymphatic network after different administration routes, also showing accumulation in the nasal area after systemic administration. Extensive expression in the kidneys and spleen was seen after i.p. administration, which was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, transduction of kidneys was seen with i.m. and i.f. administrations. We conclude that baculovirus may be beneficial for the treatment of kidney diseases after i.p. administration route.