
<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the reference of our firm under the captions "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Targeted Genetics
Corporation for the registration of shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 3, 1998, with
respect to the financial statements of Targeted Genetics Corporation included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                                              Ernst & Young LLP
 
Seattle, Washington
April 30, 1998
