Gene delivery using temperature-responsive polymeric carriers.

Synthetic temperature-responsive polymers can be applied as gene carrier systems. For successful gene therapies, efficient and safe vectors are essential because they deliver genes to target cells and aid gene expression of therapeutic peptides. Vector systems that can control gene expression are favorable, especially for genes whose therapeutic effects are considerably dependent on quantity, site, duration and timing of their expression. Strategy and clinical feasibility of the temperature-responsive vector system are discussed with an example of gene expression enhancement by temperature stimuli.