Delivery of a lentiviral vector in a Pluronic F127 gel to cells of the central nervous system.
Lentiviral vectors have been demonstrated as efficient tools for gene delivery to the CNS. We describe a novel approach for vector delivery using the thermoresponsive Gel, Pluronic F127 as a carrier. A HIV-1 lentiviral vector expressing GFP was contained in various concentrations of gel (15, 30 and 40%) and applied to cultures of 293T cells. FACS analysis of cells transduced with 8ng of lentiviral vector revealed a similar transduction efficiency for each Gel concentration compared to vector added to cells without PF127. Primary Rat CNS mixed glial cultures were also transduced with lentiviral vector in 15% Pluronic F127 and results demonstrated a similar transduction efficiency of astrocytes compared to virus without gel and no evidence of cell toxicity or death. Stereotaxic delivery of viral vector in 15% PF127 to the rat brain resulted in transduction of cells, predominantly astrocytes close to the injection site. Pluronic F127 gel delivery of viral vectors to the CNS may provide a platform for localised release particularly in areas of brain or spinal cord injury.
Strappe
Padraig M
PM
Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK. padraig.strappe@nuigalway.ie
Hampton
David W
DW
Cachon-Gonzalez
Begona
B
Fawcett
James W
JW
Lever
Andrew
A
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005782:Gels; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D016086:Lentivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism*; D020442:Poloxamer / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051381:Rats; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014161:Transduction, Genetic
D005782:Gels; D020442:Poloxamer