COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF A MOLECULE INTO A CELL

摘要

Provided is a composition comprising a Vpr polypeptide conjugated to a therapeutic molecule. Preferably, the Vpr comprises synthetic Vpr. The therapeutic molecule can comprise any molecule capable of being conjugated to Vpr or a fragment thereof, including a polypeptide, a polynucleotide, and/or a toxin. The invention additionally provides a method for delivering a molecule into a cell. The method comprises contacting the cell with a conjugate comprising a Vpr polypeptide conjugated to the molecule. The invention further provides a method for modulating the expression of a transgene in a cell, a method for killing a target cell population in a subject, a method for increasing the sensitivity of cells to radiation therapy, and a method for inhibiting cell proliferation.