Novel protein transfection of primary rat cortical neurons using an antibody that penetrates living cells

An Ah-based system to deliver functional proteins into neurons was develope d using the murine mAb, mAb 3E10. This was achieved by covalently conjugati ng catalase to the Ab so that the conjugate retained high activity for the degradation of hydrogen peroxide, Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy was used to demonstrate penetration of the Ab into the nucleus of living p rimary cortical neurons. The Ab conjugate localized in both the cytoplasm a nd nucleus, Retention of catalase activity after penetration and distributi on of conjugate was demonstrated by reduction in cell death following expos ure of treated neurons to hydrogen peroxide, These studies illustrate the p otential of this method for the intracellular delivery of therapeutic prote ins.