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Factors affecting the direct targeting of murine leukemia virus vectors containing peptide ligands in the envelope protein
Author(s) -
Katane Masumi,
Takao Eiko,
Kubo Yoshinao,
Fujita Rika,
Amanuma Hiroshi
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1093/embo-reports/kvf179
Subject(s) - transduction (biophysics) , murine leukemia virus , biology , viral vector , virology , viral envelope , virus , receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , recombinant dna , gene , biochemistry
To develop a reliable strategy for cell‐specific delivery of retroviral vectors, we genetically modified the envelope (Env) protein of the ecotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus. We found a site in the variable region A, where the insertion of ligands, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and stromal‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α), was possible without abolishing virion incorporation of the Env protein and its ecotropic entry function. The vector containing the EGF–Env did not show the EGF receptor‐dependent transduction. The vector containing the SDF‐1α–Env, however, specifically transduced human cells expressing CXCR4, the receptor for SDF‐1α, at titers of 10 3 –10 4 c.f.u./ml. Further experiments showed that the CXCR4‐dependent transduction was based on the specific interaction between the SDF‐1α moiety of the SDF‐1α–Env and CXCR4 and was independent of the ecotropic entry function. The direct targeting of the retroviral vector may be possible if the proper chimeric Env structure and the appropriate ligand–receptor system are employed.