Comparative analysis of nucleic acid delivery systems for gene therapy: assessing viral and non-viral approaches with emphasis on extracellular vesicles

In the landscape of modern medicine, nucleic acid therapeutics have emerged as groundbreaking agents, holding the promise to revolutionize disease treatment at its genetic roots.These therapeutics encompass a spectrum of approaches, including gene, oligonucleotide drug, and mRNA therapies, each designed to modulate gene expression or function.The potential of nucleic acid therapeutics lies in their ability to address genetic disorders by directly targeting and manipulating the underlying genetic material.However, the translation of nucleic acid therapeutic concepts into effective clinical interventions faces challenges, spanning delivery hurdles, immunogenicity concerns, and the need for sustained efficacy.This Commentary article navigates the complexities associated with nucleic acid therapeutics, with a particular focus on gene therapy, and explores the recent emergence of extracellular vesicles as a potential solution to overcome the hurdles in nucleic acid delivery.