Veterinary Molecular Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3610, USA

Correspondence to: D W Pascual

To facilitate eventual genetic vaccination of mucosal tissues, a receptor-mediated gene transfer system was devised using the reovirus adhesin, protein 1. Highly efficient uptake and internalization of protein 1 polylysine (PL) DNA complexes could be demonstrated by fluorescent microscopy. Successful cellular transfection of rodent and human cell lines was obtained with the recombinant protein 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 1-PL and chloroquine treatment improved transfection efficiency dramatically. To test its ability to bind a mucosal inductive tissue, recombinant protein 1 was specifically bound to the nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT). Thus, recombinant protein 1-PL-DNA conjugates can efficiently bind and transfect cells that express the receptor for protein 1. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 61-69.

NALT; receptor-mediated gene transfer