Immunoliposomal Systems Targeting Primary Effusion Lymphoma: In Vitro Study

Abstract

Aims: To develop an appropriate liposomal formulation for gene delivery against primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a herpesvirus HHV8-associated B-cell lymphoma. Materials & methods: Cationic, cationic PEGylated and cationic PEGylated anti-CD138 liposomes (ILp) linking a monoclonal antibody expressed on PEL cells were prepared by a thin layer evaporation method, followed by extrusion technique. The formulations were mixed with a model oligonucleotide to form the lipoplexes and tested on a BCBL-1 cell (a PEL cell line). The transfection efficiency was evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. Results: Based on antigen–antibody interaction, ILp mediated a specific gene delivery as shown by a significant increase in the transfection rate and a localized internalization of the oligonucleotide, in comparison with cationic liposomes and cationic PEGylated liposomes. Conclusion: ILp could be proposed as effective carriers for oligonucleotide transfer in BCBL-1 cells. In vitro experimental results encourage us to further test the in vivo therapeutic potential of ILp for specific delivery of antitumoral agents.

Keywords::

• atomic force microscopy (phase image)
• cationic PEGylated anti-CD138 liposomes
• drug targeting
• monoclonal antibodies
• primary effusion lymphoma

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank L Costantino and L Bondioli for the synthesis of Chol-PEG3350-NH2 and Chol-PEG3350-Mal, Massimo Tonelli and Andrea Tombesi (Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) for the technical supports on AFM and CLSM measurements.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.