TARGETED GENE TRANSFER USING G PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS
A method of delivering heterologous nucleic acid (e.g., a gene sequence) into a cell comprises attaching a virus containing a heterologous gene sequence to a G protein coupled receptor (i.e., a seven transmembrane receptor such as the P2Y2 receptor). The virus may be attached to the receptor by means of a bridging antibody, or by binding an antibody specific for the receptor with an antibody specific for the virus, wherein the antibody that specifically binds with the receptor and the antibody that specifically binds to the virus are cross-linked. Alternatively, the virus may express a peptide that specifically binds to the receptor. The receptor may be induced to internalize by means of the addition of a ligand known to trigger internalization of the receptor into the cell.