Objective To investigate the stable, high effective and low toxicity gene transfer vectors’ basics in research and clinical application.Methods Current status of hepatocytedirected gene transfer vectors were reviewed by history document and contemporary experimental advances analysis.Results Viral and nonviral vector systems could both transduce target genes to liver effectively with various transduction rates based on their corresponding biological characteristics.Conclusion Hepatocyte is the effective target for gene therapy of liverrelated genetic, neoplastic and infectious diseases, although the security needs to be further evaluated.