Enhancing endosomal exit of nucleic acids using pH-sensitive viral fusion peptides

Numerous low-molecular weight, pharmacologically active compounds are readily taken up into cells by passive diffusion processes through the cell membrane. Macromolecules and also small polar compounds such as peptides, proteins, nucleotides, or nucleic acids that can not penetrate through lipid membranes, require active cellular transport mechanisms for uptake into cells. Internalization may occur via specific transport channels, via receptor-mediated endocytosis or via general fluid-phase pinocytosis.