Host Cell Modification with Artificial Endosymbionts

Abstract

The present invention is directed generally to host cells with artificial endosymbionts, wherein the artificial endosymbiont and the host cell communicate with each other to alter a phenotype of the host cell. In some embodiments, the communication comprises the secretion of a polypeptide from the artificial endosymbiont into the host cell. The secreted polypeptide can be a selectable marker, a reporter protein, a transcription factor, a signal pathway protein, a receptor, a growth factor, a cytokine, an effector molecule or other factors that can produce a phenotype in the host cell.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An isolated mammalian cell comprising a magnetotactic bacterium, wherein the magnetotactic bacterium provides a protein to the host cell and thereby provides a phenotype to the mammalian cell, and wherein the mammalian cell is a hematopoietic cell. 
     
     
         18 . The mammalian cell of  claim 17 , wherein the hematopoietic cell is a T-cell. 
     
     
         19 . The mammalian cell of  claim 17 , wherein the hematopoietic cell is a B-cell. 
     
     
         20 . The mammalian cell of  claim 17 , wherein the hematopoietic cell is a human cell. 
     
     
         21 . The mammalian cell of  claim 17 , wherein the hematopoietic cell is a rodent cell. 
     
     
         22 . The mammalian cell of  claim 17 , wherein the protein is a reporter. 
     
     
         23 . The mammalian cell of  claim 22 , wherein the reporter is a PET reporter or an optical reporter. 
     
     
         24 . The mammalian cell of  claim 18 , wherein the T-cell is a human T-cell. 
     
     
         25 . The mammalian cell of  claim 18 , wherein the hematopoietic cell is in a mammal. 
     
     
         26 . The mammalian cell of  claim 18 , wherein the hematopoietic cell is in a rodent.