Comparison of in vivo fate and immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigen incorporated in cationic and neutral liposomes

To compare cationic liposomes (CatL) and neutral liposomes (NeuL), as a vaccine carrier, the in vivo fate and immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), incorporated in CatL and NeuL, were investigated. CatL, composed of phosphatidyl choline (PC) and stearyl amine (SA) with a molar ratio of 9:1, showed a 2.5-fold higher incorporating efficiency of HBsAg than NeuL composed of PC alone. Most of HBsAg incorporated in both liposomes existed in an antibody-available form on the outer surface of liposomes. After intramuscular injection to rats, HBsAg in CatL resided at the injection site for a longer period than that in NeuL with terminal half lives of 52.5 and 42.9 h, respectively. However, HBsAg in NeuL was more efficiently taken up by the lymphatic organs and spleen than that in CatL. Furthermore, the group treated with HBsAg in NeuL showed earlier sero-conversion with higher anti-HBsAg titre than the group treated with HBsAg in CatL. Sero-conversion rates (SCRs) in both CatL- and NeuL-treated animals were 100% after every injection carried out, except the primary injection of CatL. These results demonstrate that CatL can enhance the retention of incorporated antigen at the injection site, compared with NeuL. However, the production of antibody by HBsAg in NeuL is more effective than that by HBsAg in CatL, probably due to the higher lymphatic targeting ability of NeuL. Thus, NeuL appears to be a better carrier for HBsAg than CatL.     

Characteristics and biodistribution of soybean sterylglucoside and polyethylene glycol-modified cationic liposomes and their complexes with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide

A novel cationic liposome modified with soybean sterylglucoside (SG) and polyethylene glycol-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-DSPE) as a carrier of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapy was constructed. Characteristics of the cationic liposomes modified with SG and PEG (SG/PEG-CL) and their complexes with 15-mer phosphorothioate ODN (SG/PEG-CL-ODN complex) were investigated by incorporation efficiency, morphology, electrophoresis, zeta potentials, and size analysis. Antisense activity of the liposomes and ODN complexes was determined as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in HepG₂ 2.2.15 cells by ELISA. Their tissue and intrahepatic distribution were evaluated following intravenous injection in mice. The complexes gained high incorporation efficiency and intact vesicular structure with mean size at ∼200 nm. The SG/PEG-CL-ODN complexes enhanced the inhibition of both HBsAg and HBeAg expression in the cultured HepG₂ 2.2.15 cells relative to free ODN. The uptake of SG/PEG-CL and nonmodified cationic liposomes (CL) was primarily by liver, spleen, and lung. Furthermore, the concentration of SG/PEG-CL was significant higher than that of CL in hepatoctyes at 0.5 hr postinjection. The biodistribution of SG/DSPE-CL-ODN complex compare with free ODN showed that liposomes enhanced the accumulation of ODN in the liver and spleen, while decreasing its blood concentration. SG/PEG-CL-mediated ODN transfer to the liver is an effective gene delivery method for cell-specific targeting, which has a potential for gene therapy of HBV infections. SG and PEG-modified cationic liposomes have proven to be an alternative carrier for hepatocyte-selective drug targeting.     

Enhancing the immunogenicity of liposomal hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by controlling its delivery from polymeric microspheres

Microencapsulated liposome systems (MELs) were investigated as a potential immunization carrier for a recombinant 22-nm hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) particle. MELs were prepared by first entrapping the HBsAg particles within liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol (1:1 molar ratio), which were then encapsulated within alginate-poly(L-lysine) (PLL) hydrogel microspheres. The entrapped HBsAg particles retained immunoreactivity, as judged by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Direct imaging of HBsAg particles and HBsAg incorporated into liposomes by cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) indicated that HBsAg is embedded in the liposomal membrane. The antigenic particles were released from MELs mainly within the context of liposomes. The release rates in vitro and in vivo depended on the molecular weight of PLL used for MEL coating; MELs-214, coated with 214 kDa PLL, released the liposomal HBsAg at much higher rates than MELs-25, which was coated with 25 kDa PLL. Concomitantly, the specific anti-HBsAg titers in mice receiving HBsAg in MELs-214 were higher than those induced by MELs-25. MELs-214 were more efficient than conventional liposomes or alum in eliciting higher and prolonged antibody levels in mice. The ability of MELs to provide an HBsAg depot as well as a sustained release of liposomal HBsAg suggests that these carriers may be an ideal immunoadjuvant.     

Characteristics and Biodistribution of Soybean Sterylglucoside and Polyethylene Glycol-Modified Cationic Liposomes and Their Complexes with Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide

A novel cationic liposome modified with soybean sterylglucoside (SG) and polyethylene glycol-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-DSPE) as a carrier of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapy was constructed. Characteristics of the cationic liposomes modified with SG and PEG (SG/PEG-CL) and their complexes with 15-mer phosphorothioate ODN (SG/PEG-CL-ODN complex) were investigated by incorporation efficiency, morphology, electrophoresis, zeta potentials, and size analysis. Antisense activity of the liposomes and ODN complexes was determined as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in HepG₂ 2.2.15 cells by ELISA. Their tissue and intrahepatic distribution were evaluated following intravenous injection in mice. The complexes gained high incorporation efficiency and intact vesicular structure with mean size at ～200 nm. The SG/PEG-CL-ODN complexes enhanced the inhibition of both HBsAg and HBeAg expression in the cultured HepG₂ 2.2.15 cells relative to free ODN. The uptake of SG/PEG-CL and nonmodified cationic liposomes (CL) was primarily by liver, spleen, and lung. Furthermore, the concentration of SG/PEG-CL was significant higher than that of CL in hepatoctyes at 0.5 hr postinjection. The biodistribution of SG/DSPE-CL-ODN complex compare with free ODN showed that liposomes enhanced the accumulation of ODN in the liver and spleen, while decreasing its blood concentration. SG/PEG-CL–mediated ODN transfer to the liver is an effective gene delivery method for cell-specific targeting, which has a potential for gene therapy of HBV infections. SG and PEG-modified cationic liposomes have proven to be an alternative carrier for hepatocyte-selective drug targeting.     

Hepatitis B surface protein docked vesicular carrier for site specific delivery to liver

The intrinsic liver tropism of liposomes can be augmented by the addition of targeting features such as the incorporation of hepatotropic elements of the hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis B virus is known to infect hepatocytes after viremia by asialoglycoprotein receptor mediated uptake. However, the specificity of hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBsAg) towards hepatocytes has confronting reports. In the present study, we evaluated the functional ability of HBsAg to be employed as a ligand for targeting hepatocytes. We prepared (14)C labeled small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) composed of egg PC/Cholesterol/N-glutarylphosphatidylethanolamine (NGPE) in a 60:30:10 molar ratio. HBsAg was covalently linked to SUVs using a water-soluble carbodiimide (EDC) mediated conjugation with NGPE. In vitro cell binding and uptake studies revealed that bioprotein docked carrier system was efficiently taken up by HepG2 cells by the receptor mediated endocytosis. The biodistribution behaviour of plain and HBsAg coated liposomes was also examined followed by intravenous injection. The study revealed that almost 75% of the radioactivity was recovered in the liver after 4 h of injection that was nearly three-fold greater in magnitude than the plain liposomes. Further, fractionation of liver into liver parenchymal cells (PC) and non-parenchymal cells confirmed the preferential localization of the HBsAg coated liposomal carrier in the parenchymal cells.     

Hepatitis B surface protein docked vesicular carrier for site specific delivery to liver

The intrinsic liver tropism of liposomes can be augmented by the addition of targeting features such as the incorporation of hepatotropic elements of the hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis B virus is known to infect hepatocytes after viremia by asialoglycoprotein receptor mediated uptake. However, the specificity of hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBsAg) towards hepatocytes has confronting reports. In the present study, we evaluated the functional ability of HBsAg to be employed as a ligand for targeting hepatocytes. We prepared ¹⁴C labeled small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) composed of egg PC/Cholesterol/N-glutarylphosphatidylethanolamine (NGPE) in a 60:30:10 molar ratio. HBsAg was covalently linked to SUVs using a water-soluble carbodiimide (EDC) mediated conjugation with NGPE. In vitro cell binding and uptake studies revealed that bioprotein docked carrier system was efficiently taken up by HepG2 cells by the receptor mediated endocytosis. The biodistribution behaviour of plain and HBsAg coated liposomes was also examined followed by intravenous injection. The study revealed that almost 75% of the radioactivity was recovered in the liver after 4 h of injection that was nearly three-fold greater in magnitude than the plain liposomes. Further, fractionation of liver into liver parenchymal cells (PC) and non-parenchymal cells confirmed the preferential localization of the HBsAg coated liposomal carrier in the parenchymal cells.     

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of gamma-oryzanol-loaded liposome formulations for topical use

The objective of this study is to prepare the γ-oryzanol-loaded liposomes and investigate their physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity intended for cosmetic applications. Liposomes, Composing phosphatidylCholine (PC) and Cholesterol (Chol), CHAPS or sodium taurocholate (NaTC) were prepared by sonication method. γ-oryzanol-loaded liposomes were prepared by using 3, 5 and 10% γ-oryzanol as an initial concentration. The formulation factors in a particular type and composition of lipid and initial drug loading on the physicochemical properties (i.e., particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug release) and antioxidant activity were studied. The particle sizes of bare liposomes were in nanometer range. The γ-oryzanol-loaded liposomes in formulations of PC/CHAPS and PC/NaTC liposomes were smaller than PC/Chol liposomes. The incorporation efficiency of 10% γ-oryzanol-loaded PC/Chol liposomes was less than γ-oryzanol-loaded PC/CHAPS liposomes and PC/NaTC liposomes allowing higher in vitro release rate due to higher free γ-oryzanol in buffer solution. The antioxidant activity of γ-oryzanol-loaded liposomes was not different from pure γ-oryzanol. Both γ-oryzanol-loaded PC/CHAPS liposomes and PC/NaTC liposomes were showed to enhance the antioxidant activity in NHF cells. γ-oryzanol-loaded PC/Chol liposomes demonstrated the lowest cytotoxicity in NHF cells. It was conceivably concluded that liposomes prepared in this study are suitable for γ-oryzanol incorporation without loss of antioxidant activity.     

Liposomes with nifedipine and nifedipine-cyclodextrin complex: calorimetrical and plasma stability comparison

Inclusion complexes of nifedipine with 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) were formed by the spray- and freeze-drying methods. Nifedipine or its inclusion complexes (Nifedipine-CD complex I and II) were incorporated into liposomes prepared by the ethanol injection method. The highest entrapment value (77.7% of the starting material) was achieved for liposomes with N-CD complex II. The interaction of nifedipine with lipid bilayers was measured calorimetrically. DPPC liposomes mixed with nifedipine or N-CD complex II showed a slight shift of the transition temperature of DPPC towards lower temperatures compared to DPPC liposomes alone or mixed with HPßCD. However, with nifedipine, an additional transition peak was seen at lower temperatures in the second and all subsequent scans which could not be detected for the N-CD complex. Plasma stability studies showed that liposomes containing N-CD complex II are more stable than liposomes containing nifedipine. Encapsulation of drug-cyclodextrin complexes into liposomes can increase the entrapment of the lipophilic drug and reduce its release from the carrier.     

Dexamethasone incorporating liposomes: effect of lipid composition on drug trapping efficiency and vesicle stability

Effect of lipid composition on encapsulation and stability of dexamethasone (DXM) incorporating multilamellar vesicles (MLV) is studied. MLVs composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) or distearoyl-glycero-PC (DSPC), with or without cholesterol (Chol), are prepared and the release of DXM during vesicle incubation in buffer or plasma proteins is evaluated. Incorporation of DXM is slightly higher in DSPC liposomes compared with PC, whereas the drug is displaced from liposomes, as the Chol content of liposome membranes increases. Plain lipid and Chol-containing liposomes lose similar fractions of vesicle-incorporated DXM during incubation in buffer or serum, whereas DXM release kinetics are similar (for each liposome type studied), implying that drug release is due mainly to dilution of liposome dispersions that leads to repartitioning of DXM.     

Dexamethasone Incorporating Liposomes: Effect of Lipid Composition on Drug Trapping Efficiency and Vesicle Stability

Effect of lipid composition on encapsulation and stability of dexamethasone (DXM) incorporating multilamellar vesicles (MLV) is studied. MLVs composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) or distearoyl-glycero-PC (DSPC), with or without cholesterol (Chol), are prepared and the release of DXM during vesicle incubation in buffer or plasma proteins is evaluated. Incorporation of DXM is slightly higher in DSPC liposomes compared with PC, whereas the drug is displaced from liposomes, as the Chol content of liposome membranes increases. Plain lipid and Chol-containing liposomes lose similar fractions of vesicle-incorporated DXM during incubation in buffer or serum, whereas DXM release kinetics are similar (for each liposome type studied), implying that drug release is due mainly to dilution of liposome dispersions that leads to repartitioning of DXM.     

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α covalently conjugated to long-circulating liposomes

Recombinant tumor necrosis factor-α (rHuTNF) was covalently conjugated to a phospholipid, N-glutaryl phosphatidylethanolamine (NGPE). The resultant rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates were incorporated into liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol (Chol) with or without polyethyleneglycol conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG3000-PE). Efficient incorporation (35–50%) of rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates into liposomes was obtained for both PC/Chol and PC/Chol/PEG3000-PE liposomes. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates incorporated into liposomes exhibit a reduced biological activity as compared to the free rHuTNF. Biodistribution studies using ¹²⁵I-labeled rHuTNF showed a significant increase in the circulation time of rHuTNF by incorporation into PC/Chol/PEG3000-PE liposomes, but not conventional PC/Chol liposomes. However, studies using a radioactive lipid as a liposome marker showed that incorporation of rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates resulted in increased clearance from the blood and accumulation in the spleen and liver of both liposomal formulations. The liposome clearance from the blood depends on the protein/lipid ratio of liposomes. The higher the protein/lipid ratio, the higher the liposome clearance from the blood and accumulation in the spleen and liver, suggesting that accumulation of rHuTNF-bound liposomes in the spleen and liver involves interactions with TNF-receptors in these organs.     

那西肽脂质体的制备及其体外抗乙肝病毒的研究

目的制备那西肽脂质体并了解其体外抗乙肝病毒作用。方法以超声法和脱氧胆酸钠法制备那西肽脂质体，同时考察其包封率和粒径大小的影响因素。以HPLC测定那西肽含量，以透射电镜观察其形态，以激光散射法测定其粒径大小，以HepG₂ 2.2.15细胞模型检测那西肽脂质体对乙肝病毒HBsAg和HBeAg的抑制率。结果采用氯仿-甲醇混合液(2∶1,v/v)作溶剂的那西肽脂质体包封率高于二氧六环作溶剂的。随着那西肽与卵磷脂的重量比增大，脂质体包封率呈下降趋势。脱氧胆酸钠法中的脱氧胆酸钠可以调节脂质体粒径的大小，它与卵磷脂的重量比越大脂质体的粒径越小。添加保护剂的脂质体在-20 ℃放置2年后基本稳定。脂质体中那西肽质量浓度为1.25,2.5和50 μg·mL^-1时，对HBsAg和HBeAg的抑制率分别达到(46.9±2.6)%,(55.4±1.2)%,(65±3)%和(15.1±2.3)%,(36.2±1.7)%,(36.8±2.5)%。结论超声法或脱氧胆酸钠法可以制备那西肽脂质体；那西肽脂质体对乙肝病毒HBsAg和HBeAg抑制效果优于游离那西肽。     

Uptake of apolipoprotein E fragment coupled liposomes by cultured brain microvessel endothelial cells and intact brain capillaries

The suitability of surface modified liposomes as drug carriers for brain-specific targeting was investigated using apolipoprotein E fragments as brain-directed vectors. Liposomes coated with polyethylene glycol-2000 (sterically stabilized, PEGylated liposomes) were prepared from hydrogenated egg phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and a PEG-derivatized phospholipid. Liposomes were covalently coupled to a peptide of 26 amino acids length, derived from the binding site of human apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) and a peptide of random amino acid sequence, respectively. Rhodamine-labeled dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine was incorporated into the lipid bilayer in order to visualize the liposomal interaction with brain capillary endothelial cell monolayers. The interaction of the liposomes with monolayers of porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC), the rodent cell line RBE4, and freshly isolated porcine brain capillaries was studied by means of confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy. In contrast to random peptide coupled liposomes, the ApoE4-fragment coupled liposomes were rapidly taken up by cultured BCECs and RBE4 cells. Uptake could be inhibited by ApoE4, free peptide, and antibodies against the LDL receptor in a concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that the liposomes are internalized via the LDL receptor, which is expressed at the blood?brain barrier. In conclusion, liposomes coupled to ApoE4 fragments are taken up into brain endothelium via an endocytotic pathway and may therefore be a suitable carrier for drug delivery to the brain.     

马钱子碱脂质体制备工艺研究

目的优化制备马钱子碱脂质体的处方.方法采用乙醇注入式硫酸铵梯度法制备马钱子碱脂质体;并以马钱子碱脂质体的包封率为主要评价指标,采用正交设计法优化马钱子碱脂质体的配方.结果获得了马钱子碱脂质体的工艺处方:卵磷脂与胆固醇的重量比为6∶1,马钱子碱和卵磷脂的重量比为1∶30,当硫酸铵浓度达到0.15 mol·L-1,卵磷脂的重量与硫酸铵溶液的体积比为12∶1.按该处方工艺制备3批马钱子碱脂质体,包封率平均值为92.17%.结论按照优化处方,可制得包封率稳定,粒径较小且分布较窄的马钱子碱脂质体.     

Targeted delivery of prostaglandin E1 to hepatocytes using galactosylated liposomes

Prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1) ) was incorporated in galactosylated liposomes containing cholesten-5-yloxy-N-(4-((1-imino-2-beta-D-thiogalactosyle thyl)amino)b utyl)formamide (Gal-C4-Chol) intended for hepatocyte-selective delivery. Liposomes composed of distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC)/cholesterol (Chol)/Gal-C4-Chol (60∶35∶5) were prepared and compared with DSPC/Chol (60∶40) liposomes. After intravenous injection of [(3) H]-labeled PGE(1) or cholesteryl hexadecyl ether (CHE) with the liposomal formulation, mice were sacrificed at a series of times, and the radioactivity in tissues was determined. Up to about 80% of [(3) H]CHE in galactosylated liposomes had accumulated in the liver 10 min after intravenous injection and the liver accumulation of the incorporated [(3) H]PGE(1) was significantly higher than that in control liposomes during the entire test period. The pharmacological activity was examined in mice with fulminant hepatitis induced by peritoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Intravenous injection of PGE(1) incorporated in DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol (60∶35∶5) liposomes significantly suppressed the GPT increase, whereas PGE(1) (dissolved in saline) and PGE(1) incorporated in DSPC/Chol (60∶40) liposomes had little effect.     

Comparison of the effects of dimyristoyl and soya phosphatidylcholine liposomes on human fibroblasts

The in vitro effects of prolonged exposure (8 days) of human skin fibroblasts to several concentrations of extruded dimyristoyl (dm-PC) and soya phosphatidylcholine (soya-PC) liposomes were compared. Prepared liposome suspensions were added to the fibroblast culture medium at phospholipid concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 200, and 300 mu M. Survival curves and values of 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to compare the response of the fibroblasts to the two types of liposomes. The effect of the incorporation of vitamin E in the liposomal preparations also was determined. Fibroblasts showed greater sensitivity toward the soya-PC liposomes (IC₅₀ = 150 mu M) than the dm-PC liposomes (IC₅₀ = 212 mu M). The presence of vitamin E in the soya-PC liposomes led to a 1.9-fold increase in the IC₅₀, while dm-PC liposomes containing vitamin E showed an IC₅₀ that was 1.1 times higher than that shown by control vitamin-free liposomes. Soya-PC liposomes containing vitamin E at a molar ratio of 10:0.5 (phospholipid:vitamin)were best tolerated by the fibroblasts (IC₅₀ > 300 mu M). It would appear that dm-PC liposomes are better tolerated by fibroblasts than those composed of soya-PC. However, the incorporation of vitamin E into the liposomes seems to reverse this effect, and it is the vitamin-containing soya-PC liposomes that are most compatible with the growth of fibroblasts in culture.     

Well-defined and potent liposomal hepatitis B vaccines adjuvanted with lipophilic MDP derivatives

The characterization of immunological cascades of the innate immune system activated by invariant molecular structures termed as pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by pattern recognition receptors of macrophages and dendritic cells, have allowed the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory properties of adjuvants. Thus, adjuvant-active lipophilic analogues of N-acetyl muramyl dipeptide (MDP) were incorporated in liposomal hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) formulations. The immunoreactivity of the formulations was evaluated by measuring anti-HBs, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and isotype antibody titer and compared with alum-adsorbed HBsAg formulation. The formulations were also evaluated for cell-mediated immune response by HBsAg-specific proliferation of splenocytes and simultaneous estimation of cytokines (interleukin-4 [IL-4], interferon-γ [IFN-γ]). Results indicate that the serum IgG and anti-HBs titer obtained after intramuscular administration of liposomal muramyl tripeptide–phosphatidylethanolamine (MTP-PE) and liposomal N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine–glycerol dipalmitate (MDP-GDP) antigenic formulations were significantly higher. The incorporation of MTP-PE on the liposomal HBsAg increased the stimulation index (SI) four to five times as compared to plain HBsAg solution, and it also induced significantly higher Th1 cellular immune response with a predominant IFN-γ level. So it is the novel effective and potentially safe approach in which liposomes act as delivery vehicles for hepatitis B viral antigen to antigen-presenting cells and is ornamented with a biological response modifier that could activate these target cells to enhance the antigen presentation to T lymphocytes.From the Clinical EditorIn this study, adjuvant-active lipophilic analogues on N-acetyl muramyl dipeptide (MDP) were incorporated in liposomal hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) formulations. The immunoreactivity of the formulations was evaluated and found effective, leading to a potentially enhanced immune response against the delivered antigen.     

Increased tumor localization and reduced immune response to adenoviral vector formulated with the liposome DDAB/DOPE

We aimed to increase the efficiency of adenoviral vectors by limiting adenoviral spread from the target site and reducing unwanted host immune responses to the vector. We complexed adenoviral vectors with DDAB–DOPE liposomes to form adenovirus–liposomal (AL) complexes. AL complexes were delivered by intratumoral injection in an immunocompetent subcutaneous rat tumor model and the immunogenicity of the AL complexes and the expression efficiency in the tumor and other organs was examined. Animals treated with the AL complexes had significantly lower levels of β-galactosidase expression in systemic tissues compared to animals treated with the naked adenovirus (NA) (P < 0.05). The tumor to non-tumor ratio of β-galactosidase marker expression was significantly higher for the AL complex treated animals. NA induced significantly higher titers of adenoviral-specific antibodies compared to the AL complexes (P < 0.05). The AL complexes provided protection (immunoshielding) to the adenovirus from neutralizing antibody. Forty-seven percent more β-galactosidase expression was detected following intratumoral injection with AL complexes compared to the NA in animals pre-immunized with adenovirus.

Conclusions

Complexing of adenovirus with liposomes provides a simple method to enhance tumor localization of the vector, decrease the immunogenicity of adenovirus, and provide protection of the virus from pre-existing neutralizing antibodies.     

Comparison of the Effects of Dimyristoyl and Soya Phosphatidylcholine Liposomes on Human Fibroblasts

The in vitro effects of prolonged exposure (8 days) of human skin fibroblasts to several concentrations of extruded dimyristoyl (dm-PC) and soya phosphatidylcholine (soya-PC) liposomes were compared. Prepared liposome suspensions were added to the fibroblast culture medium at phospholipid concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 200, and 300 mu M. Survival curves and values of 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to compare the response of the fibroblasts to the two types of liposomes. The effect of the incorporation of vitamin E in the liposomal preparations also was determined. Fibroblasts showed greater sensitivity toward the soya-PC liposomes (IC₅₀ = 150 mu M) than the dm-PC liposomes (IC₅₀ = 212 mu M). The presence of vitamin E in the soya-PC liposomes led to a 1.9-fold increase in the IC₅₀, while dm-PC liposomes containing vitamin E showed an IC₅₀ that was 1.1 times higher than that shown by control vitamin-free liposomes. Soya-PC liposomes containing vitamin E at a molar ratio of 10:0.5 (phospholipid:vitamin)were best tolerated by the fibroblasts (IC₅₀ &gt; 300 mu M). It would appear that dm-PC liposomes are better tolerated by fibroblasts than those composed of soya-PC. However, the incorporation of vitamin E into the liposomes seems to reverse this effect, and it is the vitamin-containing soya-PC liposomes that are most compatible with the growth of fibroblasts in culture.     

Novel galactosylated liposomes for hepatocyte-selective targeting of lipophilic drugs

Novel galactosylated neutral liposomes containing cholesten-5-yloxy-N-(4-((1-imino-2-beta-D-thiogalactosylethyl)amino)butyl)formamide (Gal-C4-Chol) as a "homing" device were developed for hepatocyte-selective drug targeting. Distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC)/cholesterol (Chol) (60:40) and DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol (60:35:5) liposomes were prepared and labeled with [3H]cholesteryl hexadecyl ether (CHE). [3H]Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and [14C]probucol were incorporated in liposomes as model lipophilic drugs. After intravenous injection of the liposomes, mice were sacrificed at suitable time periods, and the lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and heart were excised. DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol liposomes rapidly disappeared from the blood, and 85% of the dose had accumulated in the liver within 10 min compared with hepatic accumulation of DSPC/Chol liposomes of 12%. The liver was perfused with collagenase, and liver parenchymal cells (PC) and liver nonparenchymal cells (NPC) were separated by centrifugal differentiation to determine the cellular distribution. The PC/NPC ratios for DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol and DSPC/Chol liposomes were 15.1 and 1.1, respectively. The hepatic uptake of DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol liposomes, but not that of DSPC/Chol liposomes, was significantly inhibited by the predosing of galactosylated bovine serum albumin. [14C]Probucol and [3H]PGE1 incorporated in DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol liposomes was also efficiently delivered to the liver. In conclusion, newly developed galactosylated liposomes have been proven to be a useful carrier for hepatocyte-selective targeting that will have many practical applications.