M. Yoshida et al., Introduction of plasmid DNA and oligonucleotides into lung epithelial cells by the hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-liposome method, SOM CELL M, 25(1), 1999, pp. 49-57
The hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) fused with liposomes provides a u
nique transfection vehicle with characteristics of both virus vector and li
posome. Here we investigate the efficiency and safety of the HVJ-liposome t
echnique in delivering foreign genes and oligonucleotides into the lung of
the Wistar rat. A plasmid vector containing the Escherichia coli beta-galac
tosidase (beta-gal) gene and the chicken beta-actin promoter was transfecte
d via the trachea using the HVJ-liposome method. Cytochemical staining show
ed expression of exogenous beta-gal activity in airway epithelial cells, al
veolar macrophages, and alveolar type II cells. This activity persisted at
least 28 days after administration of the genes. FITC-labeled oligonucleoti
des also were introduced into the same types of lung cells as those express
ing beta-gal. After instillation of HVJ-liposome, anti-HVJ antibodies were
detected in the sera of the rats, but even after repeated administration of
HVJ-liposome, no marked histopathologic change was observed while exogenou
s beta-gal expression was detected in pulmonary cells.