Shigella vector for delivering DNA to a mammalian cell
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsArthur A. Branstrom, Donata R. Sizemore, Jerald C. Sadoff
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Abstract
We describe a bacterial delivery system for the delivery of DNA and antigens into cells. We constructed an attenuated bacterial vector which enters mammalian cells and ruptures delivering functional plasmid DNA, such as a mammalian expression plasmid, and antigens into the cell cytoplasm. This Shigella vector was designed to deliver DNA to colonic surfaces, thus opening the possibility of oral and other mucosal DNA immunization and gene therapy strategies. The attenuated Shigella is also useful as a vaccine for reducing disease symptoms caused by Shigella.
Claims17
A delivery vehicle for delivering a mammalian expression plasmid into a mammalian cell, said vehicle comprising a pure culture of attenuated Shigella cells into which said expression plasmid has been introduced, wherein said Shigella cells have at least one genetic mutation such that they lyse once inside said mammalian cell, thereby delivering said expression plasmid therein.
A method for delivering a mammalian expression plasmid into a mammalian cell, said method comprising:
- (i) introducing a mammalian expression plasmid into a pure culture of attenuated Shigella cells, wherein said Shigella cells have at least one genetic mutation such that they lyse once inside said mammalian cell;
- and
- (ii) administering said Shigella cells to said mammalian cell, thereby delivering said expression plasmid therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.