Liposome-mediated delivery of oligodeoxynucleotides in vivo.

Oligodeoxynuclotides (ODNs) are deoxyribonucleic-acid-based sequences showing therapeutic potential against such diseases as cancer, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, viral infections, and inflammation. Administration of these chemical entities using carriers has certain advantages over administration of free nucleic acid strands. Liposomes, one class of carriers, have been proven to be a popular choice for ODN delivery in vivo because of their potential to increase resistance of ODNs against nucleases and enhance circulation half-life. This result increases ODN uptake in target cells. Several liposomal formulations with proven potential for ODN delivery in vivo are discussed in this article.