Targeted Drug Delivery Using Tuftsin-bearing Liposomes: Implications in the Treatment of Infectious Diseases and Tumors

Khan, MA

Abstract

Tuftsin, a tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), acts as an immunopotentiating molecule with its ability to bind and activate many immune cells, including macrophages or monocytes, neutrophils and dendritic cells. The specific targeting activity of tuftsin has been further increased by its palmitoylation followed by its incorporation into the lipid bilayer of liposomes. Tuftsin-bearing liposomes (Tuft-liposomes) possess several characteristics that enable them to act as a potential drug and vaccine carriers. Tuft-liposomes-loaded anti-microbial drugs have been shown to be highly effective against many infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, malaria, candidiasis and cryptococosis. Moreover, Tuft-liposomes also increased the activity of anticancer drug etoposide against fibrosarcoma in mice. Tuft-liposomes showed the immune-potentiating effect and rejuvenated the immune cells in the leukopenic mice. In addition, antigens encapsulated in Tuftsin-bearing liposomes demonstrated greater immunogenicity by increasing the T cell proliferation and antibody secretion. Keeping into consideration their specific targeting and immunopotentiating effects, Tuft-liposomes may potentially be used as promising drug and vaccine delivery systems.

Keywords: Drug delivery; Immunoadjuvant; Infection; Liposome; Macrophages; Tuftsin

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Liposome System

Tuftsin-bearing liposomes are a novel and promising advancement in the field of drug delivery and immunotherapy. Tuftsin is a naturally occurring peptide that plays a crucial role in the immune system by enhancing the activity of phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, which are responsible for identifying and destroying pathogens. By incorporating tuftsin into liposomes—tiny spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers—researchers have developed a powerful tool to boost immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes. Liposomes are widely used as drug delivery vehicles due to their ability to encapsulate various therapeutic agents, protecting them from degradation and ensuring their controlled release. When tuftsin is attached to the surface of these liposomes, it targets and binds to specific receptors on phagocytic cells, significantly enhancing their uptake by these immune cells. This targeted delivery system ensures that the encapsulated drugs or therapeutic agents are efficiently delivered to the desired cells, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment. Tuftsin-bearing liposomes have shown great potential in treating infections, cancers, and other diseases where an enhanced immune response is beneficial. By stimulating the body's natural defense mechanisms, these liposomes can improve the clearance of pathogens and malignant cells, offering a promising approach to enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies. As research progresses, tuftsin-bearing liposomes may become a critical component of advanced immunotherapy and personalized medicine, providing more targeted and effective treatments for a variety of conditions.