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Transfection of human macrophages by lipoplexes via the combined use of transferrin and pH‐sensitive peptides
Author(s) -
Simões Sergio,
Slepushkin Vladimir,
Pretzer Elizabeth,
Dazin Paul,
Gaspar Rogério,
Lima Maria C. Pedroso,
Düzgüneş Nejat
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of leukocyte biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.819
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1938-3673
pISSN - 0741-5400
DOI - 10.1002/jlb.65.2.270
Subject(s) - biology , transferrin , transfection , macrophage , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , in vitro , gene
The crucial function of macrophages in a variety of biological processes and pathologies render these cells important targets for gene therapeutic interventions. Commonly used synthetic gene delivery vectors have not been successful in transfecting these non‐dividing cells. A combination strategy involving cationic liposomes to condense and carry DNA, transferrin to facilitate cellular uptake, and the pH‐sensitive peptide GALA to promote endosome destabilization, resulted in significant expression of a luciferase gene. Transfection of macrophages was dependent on the degree of differentiation of the cells. The quaternary complexes of cationic liposomes, DNA, transferrin, and GALA exhibited a net negative charge, which may obviate a limitation of cationic synthetic vectors in vivo. The lack of cytotoxicity and the expected lack of immunogenicity of these complexes may render them useful for gene delivery to macrophages in vivo. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 270–279; 1999.