USE OF TARGETED CATIONIC LIPOSOMES IN ENHANCED DNA DELIVERY TO CANCER-CELLS

Cationic liposomes are considered to be safe vectors for gene transfer , but they are less efficient at delivering DNA to cells when compared with retroviral vectors. Cationic liposomes complexed with DNA were t argeted to specific cells in vitro by means of monoclonal antibodies ( mAbs) or ligands associated with the liposomes. Significant increases in expression of a beta-galactosidase reporter gene were observed in v itro in mAb-targeted liposomes, compared with non-targeted liposomes, in both an adherent tumor cell line (human adenocarcinoma) and a suspe nsion cell line (human T-lymphoma). Also, use of asialofetuin as a tar geting ligand significantly increased expression of the reporter gene in human hepatoma cells. Our results suggest that site-specific target ing of cationic liposomes is a good strategy for increasing both the s electivity and the efficiency of DNA delivery to cells and with furthe r development may lead to targeted DNA delivery in vivo.