Table 4.
Summary of advantages and disadvantages of physical delivery strategies used in DNA vaccination
| Physical delivery strategy | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Electroporation | • High levels of transgene expression | • Invasive |
| • Long-lasting gene expression | • Need for specialist equipment and training | |
| • Safety demonstrated in numerous clinical trials | • Potential for tissue damage | |
| • Commercially available delivery devices | • Two-step delivery process | |
| Gene Gun | • High levels of transgene expression | • Invasive |
| • Long-lasting gene expression | • Limited DNA carrying capacity | |
| • Safety demonstrated in clinical trials | • Need for specialist equipment and training | |
| • Commercially available delivery devices | • Often need for multiple administrations | |
| • One-step delivery process | • Low tissue penetration | |
| Ultrasound | • Non-invasive | • Low levels of transgene expression |
| • Can be targeted to specific organs easily | • Need for specialist equipment and training | |
| • Two-step delivery process | ||
| • Safety not yet widely demonstrated in gene therapy clinical trials |