Therapeutic approaches for the delivery of TNF-α siRNA

Immune-mediated diseases are emerging as a major healthcare concern in the present era. TNF-alpha, a proinflammatory cytokine, plays a major role in the manifestation of these diseases by mediating different pathways and inducing the expression of other cytokines. In last decades, monoclonal antibodies and extracellular portion of human TNF-alpha receptors are explored in this area; however, the risk of immunological response and undesired effects urge a need to develop more effective therapies to control TNF-alpha levels. siRNA therapeutic strategies are emerging for the treatment of myriad of diseases, but the delivery challenges associated with siRNA require the development of suitable delivery vectors. For delivery of TNF-alpha siRNA, both viral and nonviral vectors are explored. This review attempts to describe different delivery approaches for TNF-alpha siRNA with special focus on nonviral delivery vectors.