A method for producing
viral gene delivery vehicles which can be transferred to pre-selected
cell types by using targeting conjugates. The
gene delivery vehicles comprise: 1) the
gene of interest; and 2) a viral
capsid or envelope carrying a member of a specific binding pair, the counterpart of which is not directly associated with the surface of the target
cell. These vehicles can be rendered unable to bind to their natural
cell receptor. The targeting conjugates include the counterpart member of the specific binding pair, linked to a targeting
moiety which is a cell-
type specific ligand (or fragments thereof). The number of the specific binding pair present on the viral vehicles can be, for example, an
immunoglobulin binding moiety (e.g., capable of binding to a
Fc fragment,
protein A,
protein G, FcR or an anti-Ig
antibody), or
biotin,
avidin or
streptavidin. The
virus' outer membrane or
capsid may contain a substance which mediates entrance of the
gene delivery vehicle into the target cell. Due to the specificity of the ligand, the binding pair's high affinity, and the
gene delivery vehicle's inability to be targeted when used alone, the universality of the method for
gene delivery, together with its
high cell type selectively can be achieved by using various targeting conjugates.