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Published on: February 17, 2026
Toward Safe and Effective Gene Therapy: Non-Viral Nanostructured Delivery Systems
Fatemeh Madani1, Elaheh Izadi2, Maral Motamedi1
1Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
International Journal of Nanomedicine
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Non-viral gene delivery systems offer safer alternatives to viral vectors for gene therapy. This review highlights advances in non-viral vectors, focusing on improving gene delivery efficiency for various diseases, especially cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Gene therapy holds great promise for treating genetic disorders but faces challenges with viral vectors.
- Viral vectors exhibit limitations such as immunogenicity, insertional mutagenesis, and production difficulties, hindering clinical translation.
- Non-viral gene delivery systems are emerging as safer and more adaptable alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review recent advances in non-viral gene delivery vectors.
- To analyze key parameters influencing the efficiency of non-viral gene delivery.
- To evaluate the translational potential and therapeutic applications of non-viral vectors, particularly in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of non-viral vector technologies.
- Analysis of physicochemical properties influencing cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and nuclear localization.
- Evaluation of preclinical and clinical studies on non-viral gene delivery systems.
Main Results:
- Non-viral platforms like nanoparticles, polymers, and dendrimers offer customizable properties and scalable manufacturing.
- These systems demonstrate reduced immunogenicity and improved safety profiles compared to viral vectors.
- Key parameters influencing transfection efficiency have been identified, paving the way for optimized gene delivery.
Conclusions:
- Non-viral vectors are poised to overcome the limitations of viral gene delivery.
- Advances in non-viral systems offer safer, more adaptable, and clinically relevant next-generation gene therapies.
- Further research and development in non-viral vectors will accelerate the clinical translation of gene therapy for diverse diseases, including cancer.
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