mRNA Transfection of T-Lymphocytes by Electroporation

Electroporation enables the transfection of different cell types including microbial, plant, and animal cells with charged molecules, such as nuclear acids or proteins. During electroporation, an electrical field is applied to the cells leading to a transient permeabilization of the cell membrane allowing exogenous molecules to enter the cells. Here we report the electroporation of human primary CD4⁺ -T cells with in-vitro transcribed mRNA to facilitate gene editing (knockout) of the CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), the coreceptor of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV1) predominantly used during primary infection. Using such strategy of transient expression of a CCR5-specific Transcription-activator-like-effector nuclease (TALEN), we aim to protect helper T cells from de novo HIV infection.