Liposome-Mediated Macrophage Activities

This chapter discusses the relevant methodology for evaluating liposome behaviour in vivo with particular emphasis on the elevation of liposome-encapsulated biological response modifier (BRM) to augment macrophage-mediated host defences against neoplastic and infectious diseases. Liposome-encapsulated antifungal drugs might reasonably be expected to have limited success in treatment of infections with the more common opportunistic fungi, where the organisms grow extracellularly. However, selective delivery of antifungal agents to macrophages may still be therapeutically useful. Phagocytic uptake of fungi by macrophages that contain drug would be expected to enhance intracellular destruction of the phagocytosed organisms. In addition, macrophages that have phagocytosed liposomes, containing drug might act as a mobile slow-release depot. For example, macrophages that endocytosed liposomes containing antifungal drugs, while in the circulation may migrate to the site of infection and release drugs locally over a prolonged period.