Nucleic acid immunisation is achieved by delivering a self-replicating RNA encapsulated within a small particle. The RNA encodes an immunogen of interest, and the particle may deliver this RNA by mimicking the delivery function of a natural RNA virus. Thus the invention provides a non-virion particle for in vivo delivery of RNA to a vertebrate cell, wherein the particle comprises a delivery material encapsulating a self-replicating RNA molecule which encodes an immunogen. These particles are useful as components in pharmaceutical compositions for immunising subjects against various diseases.
