Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic unit, optionally present as a multiple-copy, for inhibiting RNA. The unit contains the transcription units necessary for transcription by polymerase III and a DNA coding for inhibiting RNA, which is arranged within the unit in such a way that the transcribed RNA is part of the polymerase III transcript. Using these units it is possible to achieve increased stability of the inhibiting RNA, which may occur in the form of ribozymes or antisense-RNAs, whilst maintaining an undiminished activity. The invention further relates to a process for introducing the genetic units into the cell, the use of these units and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: New protein-polycation conjugates which are capable of forming soluble complexes with nucleic acids contain as their protein component an antibody directed against a cell surface protein, with the ability to bind to the cell surface protein so that the complexes formed are absorbed into cells which express the cell surface protein and are expressed therein. Complexes for use in pharmaceutical preparations contain a therapeutically or gene therapeutically active nucleic acid.

Abstract: New protein-polycation conjugates are capable of forming soluble complexes with nucleic acids or nucleic analogs. The protein portion of these conjugates is a protein capable of linking with a cellular surface protein expressed by cells of the T-cell lineage, so that the complexes thus obtained are absorbed by cells which express the T-cell surface protein. Complexes useful in pharmaceutical compositions contain a therapeutically or gene therapeutically active nucleic acid.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.