Targeting of methotrexate-containing liposomes with a monoclonal antibody against human renal cancer.

The potential of monoclonal antibody-linked small unilamellar vesicles containing methotrexate [(MTX)SUVs] in cancer chemotherapy was investigated. (MTX)SUVs prepared by probe sonication [50 +/- 20 (SD) nm in diameter] were linked covalently to Dal K29 (an IgG1 monoclonal antibody against human renal cancer), normal mouse IgG, or a nonspecific mouse myeloma IgG1. After incubation with a human kidney cancer cell line, CaKi-1, for 2 h, Dal K29-linked (MTX)SUVs showed 6 and 8 times more binding to CaKi-1 cells than nonspecific mouse myeloma IgG1-linked (MTX)SUV or (MTX)SUVs unlinked. After incubation with Dal K29-linked ([3H]MTX)SUVs, a higher amount of radioactivity was associated with CaKi-1 cells at 37 degrees C than at 4 degrees C. Membrane immunofluorescence revealed aggregation and capping of Dal K29-linked SUVs around CaKi-1 cells after incubation at 37 degrees C for 2 h and endocytosis at 4 and 6 h. Electron microscopic examination confirmed the aggregation of Dal K29-linked SUVs on the surface of CaKi-1 cells and their presence in endocytic vesicles at 4 and 6 h. After incubation with Dal K29-linked gold containing SUVs at 37 degrees C, gold-containing SUVs were seen on the surface as well as inside endocytic vesicle of CaKi-1 cells at 2 and 4 h. A colony inhibition assay showed that Dal K29-linked (MTX)SUVs were 5 and 40 times more potent than Dal K29-MTX and equimolar amounts of free untrapped MTX in inhibiting the growth of the target CaKi-1 cells but were not toxic to a human melanoma line (that did not react with Dal K29).