TRANS-SOMATICS WITH GENE TRANSFER INTO MAMMARY EPITHELIAL CELLS

摘要

A method is described to transfer a gene encoding a valuable compound, such as a pharmaceutical, into the secretory cells of the mammary gland to produce a new compound into the milk or to alter the composition of the milk. In this method the packaging cell line producing the viral-derived particles is infused into the mammary gland. The packaging cells will attach and survive for a period of time within the mammary gland. While the cells are viable, they will supply a continuous source of viral-derived particles to trans-infect the maximum number of mammary epithelial cells. After a period of time in the mammary gland, both the particles and the packaging cells will be destroyed by natural mechanisms while the trans-infected mammary epithelial cells continue to express gene(s) encoding the valuable compound or gene(s) to alter the composition of the milk.