ABSTRACT
The revolution of gene transfer as an experimental tool and therapy has
created a new potential for the delivery of genetic pharmaceuticals that alter cell physiology in previously unimaginable ways. The accessibility of the
airspace compartment and the availability of vehicles that efficiently trans-
duce epithelial cells offer the possibility of gene therapy to modulate the
pathophysiology of acute lung injury (ALI). It is reasonable to speculate
that some of the genetic therapies being proposed for ALI might be
applicable to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This review includes
the summaries of potential genetic therapies for ALI, which may be appli-
cable for VILI.
