Design considerations for liposomal vaccines: influence of formulation parameters on antibody and cell-mediated immune responses to liposome associated antigens.
Liposomes (phospholipid bilayer vesicles) are versatile and robust delivery systems for induction of antibody and T lymphocyte responses to associated subunit antigens. In the last 15 years, liposome vaccine technology has matured and now several vaccines containing liposome-based adjuvants have been approved for human use or have reached late stages of clinical evaluation. Given the intensifying interest in liposome-based vaccines, it is important to understand precisely how liposomes interact with the immune system and stimulate immunity. It has become clear that the physicochemical properties of liposomal vaccines - method of antigen attachment, lipid composition, bilayer fluidity, particle charge, and other properties - exert dramatic effects on the resulting immune response. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the physicochemical properties of liposomal vaccines and how they influence immune responses. A discussion of novel and emerging immunomodulators that are suitable for inclusion in liposomal vaccines is also presented. Through a comprehensive analysis of the body of liposomal vaccine literature, we enumerate a series of principles that can guide the rational design of liposomal vaccines to elicit immune responses of a desired magnitude and quality. We also identify major unanswered questions in the field, pointing the direction for future study.
Biosciences Division, SRI International, 140 Research Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, United States. watson.douglas@gmail.com [corrected].
Douglas S
DS
Watson
Aaron N
AN
Endsley
Leaf
L
Huang
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D000941:Antigens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D004337:Drug Carriers; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008081:Liposomes; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000906:Antibodies; D000941:Antigens; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D014612:Vaccines