Gene Electrotransfer to Skin; Review of Existing Literature and Clinical Perspectives

Gene electrotransfer, which designates the combination of gene transfer and electroporation, is a non-viral means for transfecting genes into cells and tissues. It is a safe and efficient method and reports regarding the use of this technique in a variety of animal models and organs have been published in the literature. We find that gene electrotransfer to skin is of particular interest; not only due to the easy accessibility of this organ, which renders both treatment and evaluation feasible, but also the capability of the skin to produce transgenes and elicit immunological responses. Up to now more than 40 papers have been published in which gene electrotransfer was the technique used for gene transfection to skin in vivo. The aim of this review is to summarize which plasmids were injected and the electrical parameters applied. Furthermore an overview of the clinical perspectives of gene electrotransfer to skin will be presented.