Avidin pseudotyped viral vectors and their use

Abstract

The present invention pertains to an avidin-pseudotyped virus, and especially baculovirus, useful for delivery of foreign genes etc. The present invention also pertains to vectors comprising respective cassettes for pseudotyping, mammalian gene expression and insect gene expression in baculovirus.

1 . An avidin-pseudotyped virus.  
     
     
         2 . A virus according to  claim 1 , which is a baculovirus.  
     
     
         3 . A virus according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , coated with a biotinylated molecule.  
     
     
         4 . A virus according to any preceding claim, which comprises a foreign gene which has, or is capable of expressing a peptide having, diagnostic or therapeutic utility.  
     
     
         5 . Use of a virus according to  claim 4 , for gene therapy.  
     
     
         6 . A vector comprising respective cassettes for pseudotyping, mammalian gene expression and insect gene expression in baculovirus.  
     
     
         7 . A vector according to  claim 6 , comprising one or more of: the origin of replication of the Epstein-Barr virus; a gene capable of expressing Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen I; and a foreign gene which has, or is capable of expressing a peptide, having diagnostic or therapeutic utility.  
     
     
         8 . A vector according to  claim 6  or  claim 7 , additionally comprising an effector gene or a marker gene.  
     
     
         9 . A vector according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a gene modifying the baculovirus phenotype, e.g. by pseudotyping.  
     
     
         10 . A vector according to  claim 9 , wherein the modifying gene is under the control of a promoter functional in insect cells.  
     
     
         11 . A baculovirus comprising the elements of a vector according to any of  claims 6  to  10 .  
     
     
         12 . Use of a baculovirus according to  claim 11 , for gene therapy.