| abstract |
The invention described herein relates to compositions and methods for targeting gene delivery vehicles. Specifically, the invention relates to utilizing multifunctional linking agents, e.g., homobifunctional, heterobifunctional, and trifunctional linking agents, to covalently bind targeting elements to the exterior of gene delivery vehicles. Following administration of such targeted gene delivery vehicles to an animal, the targeted elements interact with a specific molecule on the surface of the target cells, after which the desired nucleic acid molecule is introduced into the target cell and expressed. The described targeting mechanism allows gene delivery vehicles to be delivered to specific target cell or tissue types with greater specificity than occurs when the gene delivery vehicle administered lacks such a covalently bound targeting element. |