Composition for introducing nucleic acid complexes into higher eucaryotic cells
First Claim
1. A process for introducing nucleic acid into the cytoplasm of a higher eucaryotic cell, which comprises contacting the cell with a composition of matter which comprises a complex, wherein said complex comprises(a) a nucleic acid of interest,(b) a substance having affinity for nucleic acid, and(c) an endosomolytic agent, whereby said complex is internalized into the cell by endocytosis, and is released into the cytoplasm of said cell by endosomolysis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.
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Citations
75 Claims
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1. A process for introducing nucleic acid into the cytoplasm of a higher eucaryotic cell, which comprises contacting the cell with a composition of matter which comprises a complex, wherein said complex comprises
(a) a nucleic acid of interest, (b) a substance having affinity for nucleic acid, and (c) an endosomolytic agent, whereby said complex is internalized into the cell by endocytosis, and is released into the cytoplasm of said cell by endosomolysis.
Specification