COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING EUKARYOTIC CELLS

Described herein are compositions and methods for modifying eukaryotic cells, for example, to express a transgene of interest and/or to produce an expanded population of cells ex vivo. Using the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a population of eukaryotic cells, such as a population of pluripotent cells (e.g., CD34+ hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells) may be transduced to express a gene of interest by contacting the cells with a viral vector, such as a lentiviral vector, and a diblock copolymer, such as a diblock copolymer composed of a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region. For example, the diblock copolymer may be composed of polyoxyethylene (PEO) subunits and polyoxypropylene (PRO) subunits. Additionally, the compositions and methods described herein can be used to promote the proliferation or survival of a population of pluripotent cells (e.g., CD34+ hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells) ex vivo, for example, by contacting the cells with a diblock copolymer.