Formulation of Synthetic Gene Delivery Vectors for Transduction of the Airway Epithelium

The ability to mediate gene transfer to the lumen of the lung offers opportunities to treat diseases that affect the airways. Currently, several different gene-transfer vectors are being evaluated for delivery of a variety of therapeutic genes to the airways. These include recombinant viral (adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, retrovirus) and synthetic, self-assembling (cationic lipids, polymers) vectors. Although much of the early focus of these vectors has been directed toward a therapy for cystic fibrosis (1 -5 ), other lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer are being explored as viable disease targets.