Cells of Respiratory Epithelium

The goal of correcting such genetic lung diseases as cystic fibrosis could be achieved by vector-mediated gene transfer to airway epithelia. The principle of using viral vectors to complement genetic defects is well documented in cell culture and in animal models. Moreover, strategies for the successful implementation of gene transfer-based therapies for patients are beginning to emerge (1 ). However, the airway epithelium has evolved many defensive barriers against microbial invasion (2 ,3 ). Indeed, these same barriers likely impede gene transfer efficiency with viral and nonviral vectors (3 ).