Abstract: The non-viral vectors and targeting methods offer some specific advantages. These include better safety profiles (lower toxicity and non-infectious properties) and the capacity to transfer large genes and low production costs. The clinical usefulness of non-viral methods has been hindered by their relatively low gene delivery and transgene expression efficiencies. However, recent problems in clinical trials using viral vectors renewed interest in non-viral technologies, particularly that the properties of non-viral vectors make them appear closer to the traditional pharmaceutics. ... Read more

Numerous developments in molecular biology and cellular engineering techniques have given a fresh impetus to the rational design of immunotherapies aimed at combating difficult-to-treat diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Such advances have catalyzed the identification of several potential tumor antigens and HIV-1 viral antigens. This has subsequently permitted the generation of vectors for the delivery of genetic material encoding these tumor-specific and HIV-1 specific antigens.

Vaccines can be defined as genetic when the antigen they deliver is present as DNA or RNA. Numerous viral vectors such as adenovirus, adeno-associated virus or lentiviral retroviruses can be exploited for the delivery of ... Read more