Compositions and methods for delivery of a molecule into a cell

US6664040B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Michael Sherman · Davis, US
• Warner C. Greene · Chapel Hill, US
• Carlos de Noronha · San Francisco, US
• Ulrich Schubert · Jena, DE
• Peter Henklein · Belfast, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 20, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 16, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 20, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2740/16322
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Provided is a composition comprising a Vpr polypeptide conjugated to a therapeutic molecule. Preferably, the Vpr comprises synthetic Vpr. The therapeutic molecule can comprise any molecule capable of being conjugated to Vpr or a fragment thereof, including a polypeptide, a polynucleotide, and/or a toxin. The invention additionally provides a method for delivering a molecule into a cell. The method comprises contacting the cell with a conjugate comprising a Vpr polypeptide conjugated to the molecule. The invention further provides a method for modulating the expression of a transgene in a cell, a method for killing a target cell population in a subject, a method for increasing the sensitivity of cells to radiation therapy, and a method for inhibiting cell proliferation.