| abstract |
A composition for intracellular delivery of a chemical agent into a T cell comprises a receptor-binding and endocytosis-inducing ligand and a chemical agent coupled to a water soluble polymer. The ligand binds to a receptor on T lymphocytes and elicits endocytosis of the composition. The composition also includes a spacer for coupling the chemical agent and the ligand to the polymer. Chemical agents can include cytotoxins, transforming nucleic acids, gene regulators, labels, antigens, drugs, and the like. A preferred water soluble polymer is polyethyleneglycol and activated derivatives thereof. The composition can further comprise a carrier such as a water soluble polymer, liposome, or particulate. Methods of using these compositions for delivering a chemical agent in vivo or in vitro are also disclosed. |