IN VITRO RECONSTITUTED PLANT VIRUS CAPSIDS FOR DELIVERING RNA GENES TO MAMMALIAN CELLS

摘要

The invention provides compositions of matter comprising a cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid protein (CCMV CP) and a ribonucleic acid, as well as methods for using such compositions. In such compositions, the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid protein envelops the ribonucleic acid so as to for a capsid that can inhibit the degradation of the ribonucleic acid (e.g. by RNAses). A method of delivering a ribonucleic acid into the cytoplasm of a mammalian cell is also provided. Typically, the method comprises the steps of combining the mammalian cell with a composition of matter described herein under conditions selected to allow the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid to contact the mammalian cell and deliver the ribonucleic acid into the cytoplasm of a mammalian cell.

主权项

1. A composition of matter comprising:
cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid proteins; and ribonucleic acid; wherein:
the ribonucleic acid is at least 100 nucleotides in length;the ribonucleic acid is not derived from a cowpea chlorotic mottle virus; andthe cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid proteins form a capsid that envelops the ribonucleic acid, thereby inhibiting degradation of the ribonucleic acid.