Virosomes can enter cells by non-phagocytic mechanisms

Hofer, Ursula; Lehmann, Andrea D; Waelti, Ernst; Amacker, Mario; Gehr, Peter; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara (2009). Virosomes can enter cells by non-phagocytic mechanisms. Journal of liposome research, 19(4), pp. 301-309. New York, N.Y.: Marcel Dekker 10.3109/08982100902911612

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Phagocytosis of fine particles (1 mum) by macrophages is a ligand-receptor-mediated, actin-based process, whereas the entering of smaller particles (</= 0.2 mum) in macrophages occurs also by other mechanisms. Virosomes with a diameter of 0.12-0.18 mum are widely used as carrier systems for drugs, vectors, and plasmids in cancer therapy or for vaccines. We investigated their interactions with airway cells, in particular penetration into monocyte-derived macrophages. The microscopic analysis of phagocytic cells incubated with virosomes and polystyrene particles showed that virosomes and particles penetrated cells even in the presence of cytochalasin D, a drug inhibiting actin-based phagocytosis. The charge of the virosomes and particles did not influence their penetration. Also, different inhibitors of endocytotic pathways did not prevent the particles and virosomes from penetrating into the cells. Additionally, to study the ability of virosomes to overcome the epithelial airway barrier, a triple cell co-culture model composed of epithelial cells, monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells of the respiratory tract was used. We found virosomes and polystyrene particles in both populations of antigen-presenting cells, monocyte-derived macrophages, and dendritic cells, in the latter even if they were not directly exposed. In conclusion, virosomes are readily taken up by monocyte-derived macrophages, both by conventional phagocytosis and by actin-independent mechanisms. Further, they can penetrate the airway barrier and reach resident dendritic cells. Therefore, virosomes are promising vaccine candidates.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	04 Faculty of Medicine > Pre-clinic Human Medicine > BioMedical Research (DBMR) > Forschungsbereich Mu50 > Forschungsgruppe Pneumologie (Erwachsene)
UniBE Contributor:	Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara
ISSN:	0898-2104
Publisher:	Marcel Dekker
Language:	English
Submitter:	Factscience Import
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2013 15:11
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2022 14:21
Publisher DOI:	10.3109/08982100902911612
PubMed ID:	19552573
Web of Science ID:	000273111600006
URI:	https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/31080 (FactScience: 195483)