Receptor-mediated delivery of foreign genes to hepatocytes

Naturally existing cell surface receptors provide convenient systems for transporting substances from the extracellular environment to the interior of cells. When such receptors are highly selective for certain cell types, the possibility exists for targeting biological agents of interest to specific tissues. In this review, the concepts, progress and problems in targeting genes and their subsequent expression in hepatocytes based on the asialoglycoprotein receptor in vitro and in vivo will be discussed. The use of protein carriers for hepatocyte specific delivery of double stranded DNA to introduce novel gene expression novel, as well as, delivery of single stranded DNA for inhibition of endogenous genes with examples of each are reviewed.