| abstract |
The present invention relates to polymer-modified viruses, processes for obtaining them and their use. In a preferred embodiment the polymer is polyethylene glycol (PEG). In one embodiment, the polymer is directly covalently attached to the virus. In another embodiment, the polymer is indirectly covalently attached to the virus via an intermediate coupling moiety. In yet another embodiment, the polymer is indirectly noncovalently attached to the virus via a ligand. In a preferred embodiment, the ligand has specificity for a viral surface component. For example, the ligand may be an antibody. The present invention further provides a method of making viruses modified by polymers, whereby the modified viruses retain infectivity. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for introducing a transgene into a target cell comprising contacting the target cell with a polymer-modified virus, wherein the virus comprises the transgene. The present invention further provides a method of delivering a virus to a tumor, comprising administering a polymer-modified virus of the invention to a subject in need of such treatment under conditions whereby the polymer-modified virus localizes to a tumor. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a virus modified by a polymer and a carrier. |