Liposomes as Carriers of Vaccines: Development of a Liposomal Malaria Vaccine.

摘要

Liposomes that have been injected parenterally into animals have a well-known natural tendency to be injested rapidly and in large amounts by macrophages. Uptake of liposomes by macrophages has often been cited as a potential hurdle that could theoretically block applications of liposomes as drug carriers for certain purposes. However, the macrophage itself has served as a target for delivery of liposome-encapsulated drugs and immunomodulators, particularly for treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. It is certainly true that overcoming of the macrophage as an 'obstacle' can be difficult, but several reports have indicated that increased blood circulation time and distribution of liposomes to certain tissues can be achieved by the use of special biophysically or biochemically tailored liposomes. (jes)