Interactions of Liposomes with Cells In Vitro and In Vivo: Opsonins and Receptors

Authors: Ishida T.; Harashima H.; Kiwada H.

Source: Current Drug Metabolism, Volume 2, Number 4, December 2001 , pp. 397-409(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

A number of studies have appeared recently on the underlying mechanisms of liposome-cell interactions under in vitro conditions, in which isolated cell populations or cell lines were used. However, our knowledge of how liposomes interact with cells and the parameters that influence this in vivo is limited. We will summarize and discuss the relevant studies on this matter in this article. In addition, researchers in this field have long been aware of the interaction of liposomes with blood (or serum / plasma) proteins in vivo and their potential role in the process of the clearance of liposomes from the circulation. Some of the 'opsonizing' proteins, such as complement components, immunoglobulins, which enhance the interactions of liposomes with 'phagocytic cells' have been identified. However, the issue of which types of opsonins determine the fate of liposomes in vivo and how liposomal physicochemical properties such as size, charge and fluidity play an important role in the process of liposome clearance is not clear. Our own observations of one of opsonins, complement component are reviewed herein.

As opposed to the fate of conventional liposomes, we briefly touch on the interaction of surface-modified liposomes, which are designed to avoid interactions with blood proteins and / or cells (sterically stabilized liposomes, long-circulating liposomes) and to actively target specific cells or tissues (targeted liposomes: immunoliposomes). Blood proteins such as opsonins are not usually thought to play an important role in the clearance of such liposomes.

Keywords: liposomes; opsonins; receptors; spingomyelin

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389200013338306

Publication date: 2001-12-01

• Current Drug Metabolism aims to cover all the latest and outstanding developments in drug metabolism and disposition. The journal serves as an international forum for the publication of timely reviews in drug metabolism. Current Drug Metabolism is an essential journal for academic, clinical, government and pharmaceutical scientists who wish to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments. The journal covers the following areas:
  
  In vitro systems including CYP-450; enzyme induction and inhibition; drug-drug interactions and enzyme kinetics; pharmacokinetics, toxicokinetics, species scaling and extrapolations; P-glycoprotein and transport carriers; target organ toxicity and interindividual variability; drug metabolism and disposition studies; extrahepatic metabolism; phase I and phase II metabolism; recent developments for the identification of drug metabolites and adducts.

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Pharmacology
• By this author: Ishida T. ;  Harashima H. ;  Kiwada H.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers