title: Overcoming RNAi transduction in leukocytes using targeted and stabilized nanoparticles.
abstract: RNAi-based approaches have contributed significantly to the improved understanding of gene expression and function in vitro. The ability to apply these strategies in vivo to validate the role of specific genes in normal or pathological conditions, and to induce gene silencing, has led to new possibilities for using RNAi as a novel therapeutic modality. However, the translation of RNAi from an effective genomic tool into clinical applications has been hindered by the challenge of delivering RNAi molecules to their target tissues by systemic administration, particularly to hematopoietic cells. This feature review describes the current systemic RNAi delivery platforms targeted to leukocytes, with a focus on the integrin-targeted stabilized nanoparticles strategy, which uses leukocyte integrins for the delivery of siRNAs exclusively to cells of the immune system.
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Cell Research and Immunology, Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Rofa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Elfakess
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020868:Gene Silencing; D018390:Gene Targeting; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism; D007962:Leukocytes; D053758:Nanoparticles; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014161:Transduction, Genetic
chemical_list: D016023:Integrins; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering