The present invention is based on the discovery that proteins produced in
insect cell cultures are glycosylated in a unique manner that causes them
to be selectively imported by cells that express mannose receptors on
their membranes, particularly macrophages. Proteins that are selectively
imported into cells containing mannose receptors are provided, as well as
pharmaceutical compositions containing such proteins and methods for
producing such proteins. Application of the present invention to produce
proteins useful for treating lysosomal storage disorders is also
disclosed. Engineering of cells to express mannose receptors so that they
will selectively import proteins produced in insect cells is also taught,
as well as a protein targeting system using such cells and proteins.
Finally, an improved elution buffer for the purification of proteins
produced in insect cells from a Concanavalin A column is provided.