Antibody-mediated targeting of an adenovirus vector modified to contain a synthetic immunoglobulin G-binding domain in the capsid

Adenovirus vectors have been targeted to different cell types by genetic modification of the capsid or by using recombinant or chemically engineered adaptor molecules. However, both genetic capsid modifications and bridging adaptors have to be specifically tailored for each particular targeting situation. Here, we present an efficient and versatile strategy allowing the direct use of monoclonal antibodies against cell surface antigens for targeting of adenovirus vectors. A synthetic 33-amino-acid immunoglobulin G (IgG)-binding domain (Z33) derived from staphylococcal protein A was inserted into the adenovirus fiber protein. The fiber retained the ability to assemble into trimers, bound IgG with high affinity (K-d = 2.4 nM), and was incorporated into vector particles. The transduction efficiency of the Z33-modified adenovirus vector in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing cells was strongly and dose-dependently enhanced by combination with an EGFR-specific monoclonal antibody. The antibody-mediated increase in cellular transduction was abolished in the presence of competing protein A. In targeting experiments with differentiated primary human muscle cells, up to a 77-fold increase in reporter gene transfer was achieved by preincubation of the vector with monoclonal antibodies directed against neuronal cell adhesion molecule or integrin alpha(7), respectively. The IgG-binding adenovirus vector holds promise for directed gene transfer to a wide variety of cell types by simply changing the target-specific antibody.