title: Plasmid DNA as a safe gene delivery vehicle for treatment of chronic inflammatory disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The development of plasmid DNA (pDNA) vectors for safe and efficacious gene transfer therapy for chronic inflammatory diseases is a natural sequel to biological therapies which, whilst effective, are relatively expensive, require frequent administration and are not suitable for all patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To outline the methods of non-viral gene therapy using pDNA and detail research on potential targets in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, with particular emphasis on multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive online journal search was used to examine current approaches in pDNA transfer and practical applications in chronic inflammatory diseases; conditions with similar disease processes were also considered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Significant progress has been made in increasing the efficiency and efficacy of non-viral gene transfer. For modulation of inflammatory targets, the conversion of biological therapy to gene therapy using pDNA is achievable.
authors.affiliation: Research Associate Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, 65 Aspenlea Road, London, W6 8LH, UK. f.clanchy@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Felix I L
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Clanchy
authors.forename: Richard O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010957:Plasmids
chemical_list: D004247:DNA