Basic concepts, current evidence, and future potential for gene therapy in managing cutaneous wounds

Several studies have investigated the role of gene therapy in the healing process. The aim of this review is to explain the gene delivery systems in wound area.

Ninety-two studies were included and comprehensively overviewed. We described the importance of viral vectors such as adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and retroviruses, and conventional non-viral vectors such as naked DNA injections, liposomes, gene gun, electroporation, and nanoparticles in achieving high-level expression of genes. Application of viral transfection, liposomal vectors, and electroporation were the main gene delivery systems. Genes encoding for growth factors or cytokines have been shown to result in a better wound closure in comparison to application of the synthetic growth factors. In addition, a combination of stem cell and gene therapy has been found an effective approach in regeneration of cutaneous wounds.

This article gives an overview of the methods and investigations applied on gene therapy in wound healing. However, clinical investigations need to be undertaken to gain a better understanding of gene delivery technologies and their roles in stimulating wound repair.