Protein-associated lipoplexes: Novel strategies to enhance gene delivery mediated by lipid-based particles

The use of an efficient carrier for nucleic acid-based medicines is considered to be a determinant factor for the successful application of gene therapy, Cationic liposomes are emerging as promising non-viral carriers for genetic medicines due to their safety and versatility. Nevertheless, despite the extensive work in the last decade, transfection efficiency mediated by such systems is still unsatisfactory, especially when compared with viral vectors. Therefore, the development of novel approaches to enhance in vivo gene delivery mediated by lipoplexes is crucial to generate viable alternatives to viral vectors. This review focuses on the different efforts that have been made to confer viral attributes to lipoplexes, namely through the association of certain proteins or peptides. Particular emphasis is given on the mode by which these strategies allow surpassing the various biological barriers faced by such carriers