Abstract
ABSTRACT
Delivery of therapeutic DNA molecules to the respiratory tract is of great interest but has been limited to instillation or aerosolization of DNA-coated liposomes or virusvectored genes in aqueous solutions. We have developed propellant-driven aerosols to deliver metered doses of DNA to the respiratory tract. Plasmid DNA was combined with surfactants to suspend it in a propellant. When aerosolized, respirable-sized DNA particles were produced. Aerosols of a β-galactosidase–containing plasmid induced transfection and gene expression in the respiratory epithelial cells of aerosolexposed mice. Metered-dose, propellant-driven aerosols of DNA offer a new approach to delivering therapeutic genes or DNA-based vaccines to the respiratory tract.
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