Optimization of a preparation of lentiviral particles for transduction of neurons in vivo

The transduction of neurons using the lentiviral systems is a widely used method for the delivery of genetic material to cells of the nervous system in vivo. In the present study, we optimized the conditions for the preparation of lentiviral particles for injections to the CNS of experimental animals. We describe a method of transfection of packaging cells with the use of polyethyleneimine. A higher transfection efficacy was observed in the serum-free medium when the cell density level was 60% of the maximum and the DNA: polyethyleneimine ratio was 1 : 1.5. These transfection conditions may be used for the preparation of a suspension of lentiviral particles for the effective transduction of neurons in vivo.