ADVANCES IN VIRAL AND NON-VIRAL VECTORS FOR SAFE AND EFFICIENT GENE THERAPY APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Background: Delivery vectors are a key component in the therapeutic success of gene therapy since it has become a revolutionary approach to curing genetic and obtained illnesses.

Objective: This paper will assess the recent progress in viral and non-viral vectors in terms of their efficiency, safety profiles and clinical applicability.

Methodology: Instead, linked to databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, a systematic literature review was carried out within the period between 2018 and 2025. There were studies comparing the performance of vectors, transduction efficiency and safety outcomes.

Findings: Viral vectors, especially adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vectors showed a high transduction rate of 70-95 but had a moderate immunogenic risk. However, non-viral vectors, like lipid nanoparticles, had a lower efficiency (3070 percent) but much better safety and scalability. The hybrid systems of vectors performed better with efficiencies of over 80% and low toxicity in preclinical models.

Conclusion: Viral vectors are very effective but non-viral and hybrid systems offer safer alternatives with an increasing clinical applicability. Innovation should be persisted and aimed at maximizing gene delivery to therapeutic uses in the future.