title: Protein delivery by subviral particles of human cytomegalovirus.
abstract: Direct protein delivery is an emerging technology in vaccine development and gene therapy. We could previously show that subviral dense bodies (DB) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a beta-herpesvirus, transport viral proteins into target cells by membrane fusion. Thus these non-infectious particles provide a candidate delivery system for the prophylactic and therapeutic application of proteins. Here we provide proof of principle that DB can be modified genetically. A 55 kDa fusion protein consisting of the green fluorescent protein and the neomycin phosphotransferase could be packed in and delivered into cells by recombinant DB in a functional fashion. Furthermore, transfer of protein into fibroblasts and dendritic cells by DB was efficient, leading to exogenous loading of the MHC-class I antigen presentation pathway. Thus, DB may be a promising basis for the development of novel vaccine strategies and therapeutics based on recombinant polypeptides.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Virology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Strasse 67, 55101 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pepperl-Klindworth
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Frankenberg
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riegler
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Plachter
mesh_terms: D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D015870:Gene Expression; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D006801:Humans; D019868:Kanamycin Kinase / Q000235:genetics; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D022142:Secretory Vesicles; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D019868:Kanamycin Kinase