Cell specific targeting of drugs and genes with glycosylated liposomes

The potential uses of galatosylated macromolecular and liposomal carriers on cell-specific targeting of lipophilic drugs or plasmid DNA were evaluated. The liposome formulation composed of cholesten-5-yloxy-N-(4-((1-imino-2- β-D-thiogalactosylethyl)amino)butyl)formamide, 3β[N′,N′,N′-dimethylaminoethane)- carbamoyl]cholesterol, and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine was highly efficient on gene transfer into the hepatoma cells. Its enhanced gene transfer activity was cell-specific. This enhanced activity was observed in HepG2 cells and the asialoglycoprotein receptor-positive cells, but not in the receptor-negative cells. These results suggest the possible use of these liposomes in cell-specific targeted delivery of genes and in low-molecular weight drugs.