7.2.2.3 Naked DNA Injection

The injection of naked DNA into tissues is currently used to deliver therapeutic genes. It was found that injection of DNA into muscle tissue of mice was taken up and expressed inside the muscle cells. However, this method is considered a crude way to introduce new genes, since the mechanism of uptake stability and expressions of DNA are still ill defined. Despite of this it is considered a way to target to particular tumor masses. A biolistic gun is used to fire DNA –coated tungsten or gold microparticles at cells. The force produced is able to get the DNA into the cells. Many cells are destroyed using this method.  For example, some researches are being under consideration using genetic vaccination to give immune response to tumor antigens, such as carcinoembryonic antigens, pathogenic agents such as herpes simplex, rabies, hepatitis B and malaria and anti p53 for cancer therapy. (Cai et al 1995, Caplen, 1998).