Therapeutic microRNA Delivery Strategies with Special Emphasis on Cancer Therapy and Tumorigenesis: Current Trends and Future Challenges

Abstract

Background: Over the decade, miRNAs are the most important molecules for the biopharmaceutical industry due to their relation with several human diseases. Presently, the phase-II clinical trial has been initiated for the first miRNA-based therapeutics ("Miravirsen") to treat HCV infection. It has been expected that many more miRNA-based therapeutics will enter the clinical trials. Therefore, it is important to develop different kinds of novel delivery systems with better efficacy and more efficiency, but fewer side effects.

Methods: We have undertaken a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature to solve our review question. Literature survey was performed widely to write this review article.

Results: In this review, we have discussed the various types of miRNA delivery systems such as viral vectors, lipid-based systems, nanocarriers, and LNA-customized DNA delivery without any delivery-mediated agent. Current status, technical support, and the future challenges for miRNA-based delivery are also discussed.

Conclusion: Recent development and understanding of miRNA had shown the therapeutic potentiality of miRNA.