HVJ-E/importin-β hybrid vector for overcoming cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes as double barrier for non-viral gene delivery.

In order to enhance the nuclear import of the transgene, we prepared plasmid DNA/importin-β conjugates consisting of biotinylated poly(ethylenimine)s and recombinant streptavidin-fused importin-β. Hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope vector containing the PEI polyplex/importin-β conjugate showed high transfection efficiency not only in vitro but also in vivo. We showed that novel HVJ-E/importin-β-conjugated PEI polyplex hybrid vector could overcome plasma and nuclear membrane barriers to achieve effective transfection.