SERUM-MEDIATED RECOGNITION OF LIPOSOMES BY PHAGOCYTIC-CELLS OF THE RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM - THE CONCEPT OF TISSUE-SPECIFICITY

The mechanisms responsible for the clearance and recognition of intrav enously injected liposomes by phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothel ial system are presently not well understood. Here, we address a multi plicity of physicochemical and physiopathological factors which influe nce the clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of liposomes admini stered into the circulation. Emphasis is particularly drawn towards th e concept of liposome-blood protein interaction and its role in liposo me recognition by various phagocytes of the reticuloendothelial system . (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.