Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process and medium for the transfection of higher eukaryotic cells with DNA/polycation complexes, wherein a medium is used which contains ethyleneglycol and/or glycerol. The medium may also contain a substance which prevents the acidification of the endosomes, and/or a lower alcohol such as ethanol. The process is particularly suitable for the transfection of primary cells such as fibroblasts. Stably transformed cells can be obtained thereby, e.g. tumour cells for use as tumour vaccines.

Abstract: Complexes between internalizing factor-bonding factor conjugates and nucleic acid which can be taken up into higher eukaryotic cells by endocytosis containing, in non-covalently bound form, one or more substances having an affinity for nucleic acid, which are capable of increasing the efficiency of absorption of the complexes into the cells. The non-covalently bound substance having an affinity for nucleic acid may optionally be identical to the bonding factor, preferably a polycationic substance. The internalizing factor is preferably transferrin. Processes for preparing the complexes and processes for introducing nucleic acid into higher eukaryotic cells. Pharmaceutical preparations containing complexes with a therapeutically active nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting nucleic acids into the cell, which is effected by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a transferrin-polycation conjugate, a complex can be formed with the polyanionic nucleic acid. This complex is bound to the transferrin receptor, which is highly regulated in growing cells, and absorbed into the cell. Suitable nucleic acids include those which inhibit specific genes or the RNA function, such as antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes or the genes coding for them. The invention further relates to a process for introducing nucleic acids into the cells, transferrin-polycation/nucleic acid complexes and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: Endosomolytically active virus-like particle which is made up of units of capsid proteins of viruses or virus-like particles, the capsid protein units having a membrane-active peptide sequence. The particles are suitable as components of compositions for transporting nucleic acids into higher eukaryotic cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Abstract: Viruses or cells are targeted for selective internalization into a target in vive. A molecule Specific for a receptor on the surface of the target cell is introduced onto the surface of the virus or cell. The modified virus or cell binds the receptor in vive and is internalized by the target cell. The method provides vectors for selective delivery of nucleic acids to specific cell types in vivo and a means to alter the tropism of an infectious agent.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Conjugates in which a virus is bound via an antibody to a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid, for transporting gene constructs into higher eucaryotic cells. Complexes of the conjugates and nucleic acid are internalized in the cell, whilst the virus as part of the complex brings about the internalization and the release of the contents of the endosomes, in which the complexes are located after entering the cell. Pharmaceutical preparations in which the nucleic acid is a therapeutically active gene construct, particularly for use in gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting nucleic acids into the cell, which is effected by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a transferrin-polycation conjugate, a complex can be formed with the polyanionic nucleic acid. This complex is bound to the transfertin receptor, which is highly regulated in growing cells, and absorbed into the cell. Suitable nucleic acids include those which inhibit specific genes or the RNA function, such as antisense oligonucleotides or ribozymes or the genes coding for them. The invention further relates to a process for introducing nucleic acids into the cells, transferrin-polycation/nucleic acid complexes and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: In the production of explosive or detonating cords which are covered with plastic, a preliminary cord, which contains the explosive substance, is guided through the opening of an extrusion nozzle and is injection molded with plastic. Measuring sensors in the supply duct for the plastic monitor the temperature and/or the pressure in the supply duct. If permissible limit values are exceeded, a die piece and a spindle sleeve of the arrangement are driven out from a stationary block in opposite directions. The spindle sleeve divided in the lengthwise direction is separated by auxiliary drives from the cord. A plug is withdrawn from the wall of the supply duct by means of a further auxiliary drive in order to relieve pressure stressing. In addition, the preliminary cord is withdrawn from the danger region by reversal arrangment. Furthermore, when the protection arrangment is in the release state an additional cooling takes place.

Abstract: The casings are guided through a supply duct to a sorting roller which possesses an arresting duct with a pin extending axially and, in the same cross-sectional plane, a transit duct. Those casings which arrive with the casing base directed upwardly penetrate into the arresting duct, with the case base resting on the free end of the pin. On subsequent rotation of the sorting roller through 180.degree., the casing falls into the outlet duct with base directed downwardly. Casings, which arrive with base pointing downwardly, run up against the pin and rest on the periphery of the roller until, after 180.degree. rotation of the transit duct, they align with the supply duct and can fall unhindered into the outlet duct. All casings fall into the outlet duct with their base directed downwardly.