Protection of Baculovirus-Vectors against Complement-Mediated Inactivation by Recombinant Soluble Complement Receptor Type 1

Abstract

Baculovirus-based vectors are efficient means for gene transfer into hepatocytes in vitro. However, gene transfer in vivo is hampered by inactivation of baculovirus by the complement system. In this study, we demonstrate protection of baculovirus vectors against complement-mediated inactivation through recombinant soluble complement receptor type 1 (sCR1). Blocking of only the alternative complement pathway by a mutant of sCR1 did not result in baculovirus survival in human serum. The data suggest the use of sCR1 as a potent drug to facilitate baculovirus-mediated gene transfer into hepatocytes in vivo.