CATIONIC LIPIDS FOR DELIVERY OF NUCLEIC ACID TO CELLS

摘要

The present invention is directed to new cationic lipids and intermediates in their synthesis that are useful for transfecting nucleic acids or peptides into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. The lipids comprise one or two substituted histidine residues, or similar compounds, linked to a lipophilic moiety. The lipids form a complex when mixed with polyanions such as nucleic acids or peptides. The complexes permit efficient transfer of polyanions into cells, usually without significant toxicity to the cells.