Biochemical and biophysical characteristics of lipoplexes pertinent to solid tumour gene therapy.
Cationic liposomes have become the reagent of choice for transfer of nucleic acids such as plasmids and oligodeoxynucleotides to cells in culture and in vivo. Whilst these reagents have several advantages over other forms of nucleic acid transfer methods, toxicity remains a significant problem, especially in vivo. Recent studies have also highlighted the immunostimulatory nature of these cationic vesicles when complexed to plasmid DNA, a phenomenon that may be harnessed for efficacious usage against tumours. Current research in this dynamic technological field is aimed at the development of cationic lipids that have negligible toxic effects and enhanced transfection capabilities.
Dass
Crispin R
CR
Johnson & Johnson Research, 1 Central Avenue, Australian Technology Park, 1430, Eveleigh, Australia. cdass@medau.jnj.com
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D008081:Liposomes; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014162:Transfection
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008055:Lipids; D008081:Liposomes; D004247:DNA