Abstract

To achieve therapeutic success, transfer vehicles for gene therapy must be capable of transducing target cells while avoiding impact on non-target cells. Despite the high transduction efficiency of viral vectors, their tropism frequently does not match the therapeutic need. In the past, this lack of appropriate targeting allowed only partial exploitation of the great potential of gene therapy. Substantial progress in modifying viral vectors using diverse techniques now allows targeting to many cell types in vitro. Although important challenges remain for in vivo applications, the first clinical trials with targeted vectors have already begun to take place.

Author affiliations

1. Division of Human Gene Therapy, 502 Biomedical Research Building II, 901 19th Street, South Birmingham, Alabama 35294-2172, USA.
2. Molecular Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Correspondence to: David T. Curiel¹ Email: curiel@uab.edu

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