Protransduzin b, a gene transfer enhancer

Abstract

An N-terminally protected peptide having the sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1) X-Glu-Cys-Lys-Ile-Lys-Gln-Ile-Ile-Asn-Met-Trp-Gln, wherein X is a group protecting the N-terminal of the peptide.

1 . An N-terminally protected peptide having the sequence
   X-Glu-Cys-Lys-Ile-Lys-Gln-Ile-Ile-Asn-Met-Trp-Gln,   wherein X is a group protecting the N-terminal of the peptide.   
     
     
         2 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , wherein X is one or two alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl groups, an acyl group, such as an acetyl or propionyl group, or the group X-Glu is the amino acid pyroglutamic acid. 
     
     
         3 . A medicament containing a peptide according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         4 . The peptide according to  claim 1  for use in gene therapy for treating diseases that are treatable with gene therapy. 
     
     
         5 . A method for enhancing the infection of a cell by a virus, comprising the steps:
 providing the peptide according to  claim 1  dissolved in an organic solvent;   adding the peptide to an aqueous solution to form insoluble aggregates of the peptide;   mixing the solution from the last preceding step; and   culturing the cells.   
     
     
         6 . A method for enhancing the infection of a cell by a virus comprising administering to a patient a peptide according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         7 . A kit containing a peptide according to  claim 1 .