Delivery of Genes via Liposomes to Corneal Endothelial Cells.

Liposomes have been useful models for studying the chemistry of lipid bilayers and the biology of the cell membrane. It has also been found that liposomes can be used as vehicles for chemicals and drugs and, more recently, as a tool for gene delivery. Compared with viral vectors, liposomes are particularly suitable with respect to simplicity of preparation, large-scale production and their lack of specific immune response. After systemic administration, however, a lower transfection efficiency as compared with viral systems and a transient gene expression limit their use. We therefore focus on organ specific, ex vivo gene therapy to prevent tissue or organ damage of the eye. The eye is an interesting organ for gene therapy and provides several advantages, including an overproportional number of well-defined genetic defects. In addition, the organ is easily accessible, and its transparency allows visual observation in a number of conditions. This is particularly true for the cornea. Gene transfer to corneal endothelial cells could be an important advantage in modulating functions of these critical cells and is an area that is currently being investigated. (c) 2002 Prous Science. All rights reserved.