Nonviral gene delivery systems: From simple transfection agents to artificial viruses.

The introduction of nucleic acids into cells for therapeutic intervention is greatly impeded by the size and charge of these molecules and therefore requires sophisticated vectors that facilitate cellular uptake. Both viral and nonviral vectors have been developed for this purpose, each with their own advantages and shortcomings. The engineering of artificial viruses by dismantling virus particles or incorporating viral features into nonviral vectors represents a novel strategy to combine "the best of both worlds".: