VIROBODY-LIKE DISTRIBUTION PARTICLES FOR SELF-REPLICATING RNA MOLECULES

Abstract

Immunization with nucleic acids is achieved by delivering a self-replicating RNA encapsulated in a small particle. The RNA encodes an immunogen of interest, and the particle can deliver the RNA by mimicking the delivery function of a natural RNA virus. Accordingly, the invention provides a particle other than a virion for in vivo delivery of RNA to a vertebrate cell, wherein the particle comprises a delivery material that encapsulates a self-replicating RNA molecule encoding an immunogen. Such particles are useful as components of pharmaceutical compositions for immunizing subjects against various diseases.