Targeted gene delivery to non-phagocytic mammalian cells via bacterially derived intact minicells

摘要

Provided is a targeted gene delivery method that comprises bringing bispecific ligands having specificity for a mammalian cell surface receptor capable of activating receptor-mediated endocytosis into contact with (a) bacterially derived minicells that contain a therapeutic nucleic acid sequence and (b) non-phagocytic mammalian cells, such that (i) said bispecific ligands cause said minicells to bind to said mammalian cells and (ii) said minicells are engulfed by said mammalian cells, which produce an expression product of said therapeutic nucleic acid sequence, with the proviso that any human cells are located ex vivo. Also provided are corresponding compositions and use of the compositions in the manufacture of medicaments wherein minicells contain a therapeutic nucleic acid molecule.