ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that liposome-mediated gene transfer can be improved significantly using the strategy of viral mimicry. An advantage of anionic liposomes over cationic ones is that they can be composed of naturally occurring lipids and therefore are biodegradable. Viral proteins can be inserted on the outer surface of anionic liposomes to target specific lung cells and also to promote fusion of the lipid layer of the liposome with the cell membrane. Liposomes are prepared separately using various combinations of naturally occurring lipids. Sendai virosomes have been used successfully to deliver genes in vivo. Cell trafficking was assessed by encapsulating a fluorophore within the virosome and examining the cells under confocal fluorescent microscopy. Cationic liposome/plasmid complexes enter many different cell types readily, mainly through endocytosis. The tripartite complex enhanced liposome-mediated gene transfer at the price of converting an extremely safe, but inefficient, gene delivery system into a system which was toxic.
