Patent ID: 11104902

Abstract:
MicroRNAs embedded within an intron, which are called ‘mirtrons,’ can be used as a platform for expressing one or more shRNA or miRNA mimics in a lentiviral vector. The inventors developed a strategy to improve lentiviral titering by reducing the production of shRNA/miRNA from the vector during packaging through the introduction of splice-inhibiting antisense oligonucleotides during vector packaging, which inhibit the splicing of the mirtron and subsequent processing of the shRNAs/miRNAs. In an aspect is provided a kit comprising an oligonucleotide comprising a mirtron splice site binding sequence and a lentiviral packaging system. In an aspect is provided a method for producing a lentivirus. The method comprises the step of transfecting a cell with an oligonucleotide comprising a mirtron splice site binding sequence and a lentiviral packaging system; thereby producing the lentivirus.