Compositions and Methods for Transient Expression of Recombinant RNA

Abstract

Compositions for transient but prolonged exogenous mRNA expression through the use of the transcription system of negative strand RNA viruses, and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system contains only RNAs and does not include any DNA molecules. The compositions typically include an RNA template unit (rTeUn) that includes a virus regulatory sequences operably linked to a coding sequence of interest. The rTeUn is typically transfected to a host cell's cytoplasm in the presence of virus expression system proteins that mediate replication of the rTeUn and transcription of the transgene. The rTeUn RNA bonded to viral proteins exhibits high resistance to degradation, prolonged duration of expression, and is free of viral genes. The compositions can be used to reprogram cell. For example, the compositions and methods can be used to redirected lymphocytes to target cancer cells, or to dedifferentiate somatic cells into induce pluripotent stem cells.

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