Cutaneous gene therapy - Principles and prospects

As investigators continue to close the gap between basic research and clini cal science, gene therapy is becoming of increasing interest to the dermato logist. Most notably, recent advances in gene-based cancer therapy, DNA vac cination, and molecular pharmacology have opened new avenues for investigat ion beyond those of the traditional gene replacement applications. Differen t gene delivery systems are currently being tested, each with specific adva ntages and disadvantages. This article summarizes same of the principles of gene therapy and its applications to cutaneous diseases.