Gene transfer of Hodgkin cell lines via multivalent anti-CD30 scFv displaying bacteriophage

Yoon-Suk A Chung , Katja Sabel , Martin Krönke and Alexander Klimka

University of Cologne, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Goldenfelsstr. 19-21, 50935 Cologne, Germany

author email corresponding author email

BMC Molecular Biology 2008, 9:37doi:10.1186/1471-2199-9-37


Published:	16 April 2008

Abstract

Background

The display of binding ligands, such as recombinant antibody fragments, on the surface of filamentous phage makes it possible to specifically attach these phage particles to target cells. After uptake of the phage, their internal single-stranded DNA is processed by the host cell, which allows transient expression of an encoded eukaryotic gene cassette. This opens the possibility to use bacteriophage as vectors for targeted gene therapy, although the transduction efficiency is very low.

Results

Here we demonstrate the display of an anti-CD30 single chain variable fragment fused to the major coat protein pVIII on the surface of bacteriophage. These phage particles showed an improved binding and transduction efficiency of CD30 positive Hodgkin-lymphoma cells, compared to bacteriophage with the anti-CD30 single chain variable fragment fused to the minor coat protein pIII.

Conclusion

We can conclude from the results that the postulated multivalency of the anti-CD30-pVIII displaying bacteriophage combined with disseminated display of the anti-CD30 scFv on the whole particle surface is responsible for the improved gene transfer rate. These results mark an important step towards the use of phage particles as a cheap and safe gene transfer vehicle for the gene delivery of the desired target cells via their specific surface receptors.