Lipid-binding proteins and their therapeutic and diagnostic use

Abstract

The present invention pertains to microparticles of a lipid-binding protein such as defatted albumin or microparticles of such a protein having a non-natural lipid profile are useful in therapy, e.g., as a vehicle for gene therapy, and in imaging.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A microparticle of a lipid-binding protein.  
     
     
         2 . The microparticle according to  claim 1 , comprising also a cationic or anionic molecule.  
     
     
         3 . The microparticle according to  claim 2 , comprising DC-Chol.  
     
     
         4 . The microparticle according to  claim 1 , wherein the protein is defatted albumin.  
     
     
         5 . The microparticle according to  claim 4 , wherein the albumin is human serum albumin.  
     
     
         6 . A microparticle of a lipid-binding protein having a non-natural lipid profile.  
     
     
         7 . The microparticle according to  claim 6 , comprising also a cationic or anionic molecule.  
     
     
         8 . The microparticle according to  claim 7 , comprising DC-Chol.  
     
     
         9 . The microparticle according to  claim 6 , wherein the protein is defatted albumin.  
     
     
         10 . The microparticle according to  claim 9 , wherein the albumin is human serum albumin.  
     
     
         11 . A method for providing enhanced ultrasound imaging, said method comprising providing the microparticles as defined in  claim 6  for use as an ultrasound contrast agent.  
     
     
         12 . A complex of a therapeutic agent and a microparticle selected from the group consisting of a microparticle of a lipid-binding protein and a microparticle of a lipid-binding protein having a non-natural lipid profile.  
     
     
         13 . A method for treating a person or animal, said method comprising administering a therapeutic amount of a complex as defined in  claim 12 .  
     
     
         14 . A complex of DNA and a microparticle selected from the group consisting of a microparticle of a lipid-binding protein and a microparticle of a lipid-binding protein having a non-natural lipid profile.  
     
     
         15 . A method for providing gene therapy to a person or animal, said method comprising administering a therapeutic amount of a complex as defined in  claim 14.