Transport proteins and their uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to transport proteins, in particular VP22 and homologues thereof, and to methods of delivering these proteins and any associated molecules to a target population of cells. This transport protein has applications in gene therapy and methods of targeting agents to cells where targeting at high efficiency is required.

1 - 5 . (canceled)  
     
     
         6 . A transport protein comprising VP22 or an active portion, fragment, or homologue thereof, non-covalently associated with one or more other molecules whose transport to a target population of cells is desired.  
     
     
         7 . A transport protein according to  claim 6  wherein the one or more associated molecules are non-peptidyl.  
     
     
         8 . A transport protein according to  claim 6  wherein the protein is further capable of being exported from a first part of the target population of cells in which it is expressed and taken up by a second part of the target population of cells not directly producing the protein.  
     
     
         9 - 15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . A method of transporting a desired molecule into a population of cells, the method comprising: 
 i) non-covalently coupling the desired molecule to a transport protein comprising VP22 or an active portion, fragment, or homologue thereof to form a complex; and,    ii) exposing the cells to the complex so that cells can take up the complex.    
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16  wherein the desired molecule is non-peptidyl.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 16  wherein the desired molecule is coupled to the transport protein by incorporation into a lipid based vehicle.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the wherein the desired molecule is coupled to the transport protein by incorporation into a lipid based vehicle.  
     
     
         20 . A transport protein according to  claim 7  wherein the protein is further capable of being exported from a first part of the target population of cells in which it is expressed and taken up by a second part of the target population of cells not directly producing the protein.