Gene Therapy : Potential Use of Liposomes

The primary challenge for gene therapy is to develop a method that delivers a therapeutic gene (transgene) to selected cells where proper gene expression can be achieved. Gene therapy using viral or synthetic vectors is currently one of the most promising strategies for many diseases. Cationic lipid–DNA complexes have emerged as one of the major non-viral DNA delivery tools. An ideal gene delivery method needs to meet 3 major criteria: (1) it should protect the transgene against degradation by nucleases in intercellular matrices, (2) it should bring the transgene across the plasma membrane and into the nucleus of target cells, and (3) it should have no detrimental effects.