Gene transfer methods

Abstract

Improved methods for transferring a gene into target cells by using a retrovirus, wherein the gene transfer efficiency is improved and the target cells are efficiently transformed by binding the retrovirus to a functional substance which is immobilized on as carrier and having an activity of binding to retroviruses followed by washing; using an antibody capable of specifically recognizing cells, laminin or mannose-rich type sugar chain as a substance having an activity of binding to the target cells; pre-treating the target cells so as to inactivate transferring receptor, or introducing a new functional group into the functional substance.

1 . A cell culture medium comprising two functional substances: 
 (1) a functional substance having an activity of binding to a retrovirus; and    (2) a functional substance which is an antibody that specifically binds to a target cell.    
   
   
       2 . The cell culture medium according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional substance having an activity of binding to the retrovirus is selected from the group consisting of fibronectin, fibroblast growth factor, collagen type V, polylysine and DEAE-dextran, as well as fragments thereof and substances having an equivalent activity of binding to the retrovirus.  
   
   
       3 . The cell culture medium according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional substance having an activity of binding to the retrovirus has an activity of binding to the target cell.  
   
   
       4 . The cell culture medium according to  claim 1 , wherein the functional substance which is an antibody recognizes CD antigen.  
   
   
       5 . The cell culture medium according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two functional substances is immobilized on a substrate.  
   
   
       6 . The cell culture medium according to  claim 5 , wherein said substrate is a vessel for cell culture or a particulate substrate.