Drug transport to brain with targeted liposomes.

Antibody-conjugated liposomes or immunoliposomes are particulate drug carriers that can be used to direct encapsulated drug molecules to diseased tissues or organs. The present review discusses examples of successful applications of this technology to achieve drug transport across the blood-brain barrier. In addition, information will be provided on practical aspects such as phospholipid compositions of liposomes, antibody coupling technologies, large-scale production of liposomes, and obstacles related to drug loading of the carrier. Prospects of future uses of immunoliposome-based drug delivery systems such as gene therapy of the brain and clinical trials are discussed.