Polymer-based non-viral vectors for gene therapy in the skin

Abstract

Gene therapy has emerged as a versatile technique with the potential to treat a range of human diseases; however, examples of the topical application of gene therapy as a treatment for skin diseases remain scarce due to intrinsic difficulties associated with the unique nature of the skin. Polymers hold great promise in this regard due to their intrinsic benefits in terms of versatility, manufacturability, and multivalency. This review discusses currently employed approaches from a chemical perspective and summarizes associated challenges, ongoing clinical trials, and prospects regarding the application of polymer-based non-viral gene delivery systems as a treatment strategy for skin diseases. Through ongoing development and the application of rational design, we anticipate that polymer-based non-viral vectors (NVVs) will represent an effective alternative to viral vectors that will help to overcome drawbacks associated with virus-based particles and promote the passage of NVVs through skin-associated barriers to therapeutically-target specific skin layers.