Cationic liposome
[2] These interactions allow cationic liposomes to condense and encapsulate various therapeutic and diagnostic agents in their aqueous compartment or in their lipid bilayer.
[5] Cationic liposomes are increasingly being researched for use as delivery vectors in gene therapy due to their capability to efficiently transfect cells.
[3] In the 1960s, Alec D. Bangham discovered liposomes as concentric lipid bilayers surrounding an aqueous center, based on his research at the University of Cambridge Babraham Institute.
[9] Felgner introduced the first cationic lipid used for gene delivery, N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA).
Although cationic lipids themselves are able to encapsulate nucleic acids into liposomes, the transfection efficiency is low due to a process known as endosomal escape.
[3] These components are all biocompatible and biodegradable in the human body, making cationic liposomes a useful gene delivery vector.
[5] The PEG-lipid binds to the outer surface of the liposome, acting as a protective layer and reducing the formation of a protein corona.
[3] After administration in vivo, cationic liposomes are biodegradable due to the presence of endogenous enzymes that can digest the lipids.
[7] PTX works by inhibiting the growth of tumor endothelial cells, however it has in vivo delivery issues that are caused by its unfavorable pharmacokinetic and physical properties.
[16] EndoTAG-1 is currently under phase III clinical trial investigation, and is specifically targeting adenocarcinoma of the pancreas when used in combination with gemcitabine.
[3][5][6] If delivered through intravenous administration, cationic liposomes can result in opsonization, which is an immune response that occurs when opsonins tag foreign pathogens to be eliminated through phagocytosis.
