Immunoliposomal systems targeting the primary effusion lymphoma (PEL): in vitro study

Aims: To develop an appropriate liposomal formulation for gene delivery against Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL), a herpesvirus HHV8-associated B-cell lymphoma. Materials and methods: Cationic, cationic pegylated and cationic pegylated anti-CD138 liposomes (ILp) linking a monoclonal antibody expressed on PEL cells were prepared by thin layer evaporation method followed by extrusion technique. The formulations were mixed with a model oligonucleotide to form the lipoplexes tested on BCBL-1 cell (a PEL cell line). The transfection efficiency was evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. Results: Based on antigen–antibody interaction, ILp mediated a specific gene delivery as shown by a significant increase in the transfection rate and a localized internalization of the oligo, in comparison with cationic liposomes and cationic pegylated liposomes.Conclusion: ILp could be proposed as effective carriers for oligo transfer in BCBL-1 cells. In vitro experimental results encourage to further test the in vivo therapeutic potentials of ILp for specific delivery of antitumoral agents.