Oral delivery of nucleic acid-based gene interfering agents by
the Present Invention Provides Vectors, Including a Novel Attenuated Strain of Salmonella , for Efficient Gene Transfer into an Animal, e.g. a Mammalian Host.
1. A method of inhibiting cytomegalovirus replication, the method comprising:
contacting a cell infected with the cytomegalovirus with an attenuated Salmonella having a deletion in ssrA/B, and comprising a plasmid construct encoding a targeted M1GS ribozyme that cleaves cytomegalovirus mRNA essential for replication, wherein viral replication is inhibited.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the M1GS ribozyme is targeted to a region accessible to ribozyme binding.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the region is determined to be accessible by mapping with dimethyl sulfate.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attenuated Salmonella is SL101.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein expression of mRNA targeted by the M1GS ribozyme is reduced at least 80%.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein viral replication is reduced by at least 2.500-fold.
7. A method of inhibiting cytomegalovirus replication in an individual, the method comprising:
orally administering to the individual an attenuated Salmonella having a deletion in ssrA/B, and comprising a plasmid construct encoding a M1GS ribozyme targeted to a cytomegalovirus mRNA essential for replication,
wherein viral replication is reduced by at least 2,500-fold.