title: Bactofection of mammalian cells by Listeria monocytogenes: improvement and mechanism of DNA delivery.
abstract: Bacteria-mediated transfer of plasmid DNA into mammalian cells (bactofection) is a potent approach to express plasmid-encoded heterologous proteins (protein antigens, toxins or enzymes) in a large set of different cell types including phagocytic and nonphagocytic mammalian cells. Previously, we have described a Listeria monocytogenes-mediated DNA delivery system, which releases plasmid DNA directly into the cytosol of mammalian cells by partial self-destruction of the carrier bacteria. Here we report on a second generation of this phage lysin supported bactofection system, which is greatly improved with respect to plasmid stability, transfer efficacy and biosafety. In this case, DNA release is initiated by spontaneous bacterial lysis in the infected cells cytosol which is subsequently enhanced by the simultaneously released phage lysin produced by the intracellular carrier bacteria. Bacteria that are capable of cell-to-cell spread are found to be much more efficient in bactofection than their non spreading counterparts.
authors.affiliation: Theodor-Boveri-Institut der Universität Würzburg, Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Am Hubland, Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pilgrim
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stritzker
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schoen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kolb-Mäurer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Geginat
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Loessner
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gentschev
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Goebel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D002460:Cell Line; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008845:Microinjections; D010587:Phagocytosis; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins