Fusogenic liposome can be used as an effective vaccine carrier for peptide vaccination to induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response.

We reported previously that fusogenic liposome (FL) introduced antigen protein encapsulated in the liposome directly into the cytoplasm of the antigen presenting cells, and that it induced immune responses. In the present study, we encapsulated TAX38-46, an HTLV-I derived protein and an antigen peptide model, into FL. The ability to induce effective cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses in immunized mice was evaluated.

Augmentation of antigen-specific immune responses using DNA-fusogenic liposome vaccine.

In an attempt to enhance the immunological efficacy of genetic immunization, we investigated a new biological means for delivering antigen gene directly to the cytoplasm via membrane fusion. In this context, we investigated fusogenic liposome (FL) encapsulating DNA as a possible genetic immunization vehicle. RT-PCR analysis indicated that a FL could introduce and express encapsulating OVA gene efficiently and rapidly in vitro.