Gene Therapy
How does Gene Therapy work?
The two most common ways used to transfer genes into cells are:
Viruses
Viruses have evolved to enter the cells of the body efficiently. Scientists have harnessed this property for gene therapy by putting a copy of the therapeutic gene into the virus that then carries it into the cell. The adenovirus (one cause of the common cold) is an example of a virus that has been used extensively for gene therapy.
Liposomes
Liposomes are fatty substances that naturally adhere to the surface of cells. Coating the gene with liposomes protects it and encourages it to enter the cell.
Viruses and liposomes are known as gene transfer agents. For more information follow this link Gene transfer agents.