Gene transfer using human papillomavirus pseudovirions varies according tovirus genotype and requires cell surface heparan sulfate

Artificial viruses consisting of DNA plasmid packaged in vitro into virus-l ike particles (VLPs) are new vehicles for gene transfer. We therefore inves tigated the ability of nine human papillomavirus (HPV) VLPs to interact wit h heterologous DNA and transfer genes. HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 58, 59, and 68 VLPs were able to bind heterologous DNA and to transfer genes into C os-7 cells. Inhibition of gene transfer by preincubation of the pseudovirio ns. with heparin confirmed that heparan sulfate on the cell surface plays a role as cell receptor for HPVs. As HPV neutralizing antibodies are mainly type-specific, gene transfer with different HPV pseudovirions offers the po ssibility of their sequential use in vivo for a greater efficacy. (C) 2001 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.