Stable nonviral gene transfer into primary human T cells

Hum Gene Ther. 2009 Sep;20(9):989-98. doi: 10.1089/hum.2008.180.

Abstract

Effective techniques for the stable genetic modification of peripheral T cells would facilitate functional gene studies and the development of gene therapeutic approaches. However, many approaches to genetically modify T cells are hampered by low transfection efficiency, direct cell toxicity, and the need for specialized laboratory space. In this study we investigated the Amaxa Nucleofector platform, a nonviral technique to transfect primary human T cells. A plasmid equipped with two different promoters enabled concomitant expression of a gene of interest and of a cell surface marker allowing for immunomagnetic cell enrichment. This resulted in highly purified populations of gene-modified T cells and, after repeated enrichment steps, provided stably and homogeneously transfected, fully functional human T cells. In summary, this study provides proof of principle that human T cells can be altered to homogeneously and stably express a gene of interest by a nonviral technique. This should enable further studies on T cell physiology and ultimately facilitate the translation of treatment approaches either for diseases that are caused by defective gene function in T cells or for diseases that require genetically designed T cell therapy.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electroporation / methods
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunomagnetic Separation
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics*
  • Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Plasmids / genetics*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Transfection / methods*

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins