Spacer Length: A Determining Factor in the Design of Galactosyl Ligands for Hepatoma Cell-Specific Liposomal Gene Delivery.

Background: Use of nucleic acids to treat acquired or inherited hepatic diseases has considerable potential. Although recombinant viruses are popular vectors, interest in cheaper, often less immunogenic, non-viral modalities, is increasing. Thus hepatotropic, galactosylated lipoplexes directed to the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) are promising candidates.