Electroporation of mRNA as universal technology platform to transfect a variety of primary cells with antigens and functional proteins

Gerer KF, Hoyer S, Dörrie J, Schaft N (2017)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Publisher: Humana Press Inc.

Edited Volumes: RNA Vaccines - Methods and Protocols

Series: Methods in Molecular Biology

Book Volume: 1499

Pages Range: 165-178

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6481-9_10

Abstract

Electroporation (EP) of mRNA into human cells is a broadly applicable method to transiently express proteins of choice in a variety of different cell types. We have spent more than a decade to optimize and adapt this method, first for antigen-loading of dendritic cells (DCs), and subsequently for T cells, B cells, bulk PBMCs, and several cell lines. In this regard, antigens were introduced, processed, and presented in context of MHC class I and II. Next to that, functional proteins like adhesion receptors, T-cell receptors (TCRs), chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), constitutively active signal transducers, and others were successfully expressed. We have also established this protocol under full GMP compliance as part of a manufacturing license to produce mRNA-electroporated DCs for therapeutic vaccination in clinical trials. Therefore, we here want to share our universal mRNA electroporation protocol and the experience we have gathered with this method. The advantages of the transfection method presented here are: (1) easy adaptation to different cell types, (2) scalability from 106to approximately 108cells per shot, (3) high transfection efficiency (80-99 %), (4) homogenous protein expression, (5) GMP compliance if the EP is performed in a class A clean room, and (6) no transgene integration into the genome. The provided protocol involves: Opti-MEM® as EP medium, a square-wave pulse with 500 V, and 4 mm cuvettes. To adapt the protocol to differently sized cells, simply the pulse time is altered. Next to the basic protocol, we also provide an extensive list of hints and tricks, which in our opinion are of great value for everyone who intends to use this transfection technique.

Authors with CRIS profile

How to cite

APA:

Gerer, K.F., Hoyer, S., Dörrie, J., & Schaft, N. (2017). Electroporation of mRNA as universal technology platform to transfect a variety of primary cells with antigens and functional proteins. In Springer Protocols Editors: Thomas Kramps, Knut Elbers (Eds.), RNA Vaccines - Methods and Protocols. (pp. 165-178). Humana Press Inc..

MLA:

Gerer, Kerstin F., et al. "Electroporation of mRNA as universal technology platform to transfect a variety of primary cells with antigens and functional proteins." RNA Vaccines - Methods and Protocols. Ed. Springer Protocols Editors: Thomas Kramps, Knut Elbers, Humana Press Inc., 2017. 165-178.

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