Liposome-encapsulated poly iclc

Abstract

Although poly ICLC possess a broad spectrum of antimicrobial and anticancer activities, it therapeutic potential has yet to be fulfilled due to its toxic side effect. This problem can be overcome by encapsulating poly ICLC within liposomes which provides a drug delivery system with slow sustained release characteristic and which has the ability to target the drug to sites of infection and tumor without causing systemic burden to normal tissues, thereby enhancing the immunological and biological activities of poly ICLC.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An immunomodulating agent comprising poly ICLC encapsulated within liposomes.  
     
     
         2 . An imrnmunomodulating agent as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the liposomes include a mixture of phospholipids.  
     
     
         3 . An immunomodulating agent as claimed in    claim 2    wherein the mixture of phospholipids includes at least one cationic phospholipid.  
     
     
         4 . An immunomodulating agent as claimed in    claim 3    wherein the cationic phospholipid is selected from the group consisting of stearylamine, 1,2,-diacyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane and 1,2-triacyl-3-dimethylammonium-propane.  
     
     
         5 . An immunomodulating agent as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the liposomes further include a steroid.  
     
     
         6 . An immunomodulating agent as claimed in    claim 5    wherein the steroid is cholesterol.  
     
     
         7 . An immunomodulating agent as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the liposomes are selected from.