Introduction to gene therapy

Abstract

Gene therapy is broadly defined as the delivery or transferof genetic material to target cells for therapeutic purposes. Elucidation of the molecular bases of inherited diseases as well as acquired diseases, such as cancer, allows for the possibility of therapeutic interventions at the molecular level. The therapeutic benefits may be achieved by, interfering with gene function, restoring lost function, or initiating a new function in the target cells. Current methods of gene transfer include the use of viral and non-viral vectors [1-5]. Viral vectors accomplish gene transfer directly by viral-mediated infection. © 2009 Springer-Verlag US.