Neuroblastoma targeting by c-myb-selective antisense oligonucleotides entrapped in anti-GD2 immunoliposome: immune cell-mediated anti-tumor activities.

Liposome encapsulation of anticancer agents results in reduced side effects of the entrapped drug and improved therapeutic efficacy. The external surface of the lipidic envelope can be coupled with antibodies directed against tumor-associated antigens. The resulting immunoliposomes allow to increase the therapeutic index of cytotoxic drugs while minimizing their systemic toxicity. In this regard, the disialoganglioside GD2 is a very promising tumor-associated antigen since it is expressed at high intensity on human neuroblastoma cells, but is detected only in normal cerebellum and peripheral nerves. Immunoliposomes can be used as vectors to deliver antisense oligonucleotides to cancer cells with the aim to modulate oncogene expression. Furthermore, antisense oligonucleotides have attracted much interest because of their ability to stimulate immune responses. Here, we will describe a novel experimental therapeutic approach for neuroblastoma based on anti-GD2 liposomal c-myb-selective antisense oligonucleotides.