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. 1985 Apr;19(2):85–89. doi: 10.1007/BF00199714

Efficient activation of human blood monocytes to a tumoricidal state by liposomes containing human recombinant gamma interferon

Wayne C Koff 1,✉, William E Fogler 1, Jordan Gutterman 2, Isaiah J Fidler 1
PMCID: PMC11039211  PMID: 3921232

Abstract

Human recombinant gamma interferon (INF-γ) activated human peripheral blood monocytes to a cytotoxic state capable of lysing adherent tumorigenic cells without harming normal cells. The efficiency of INF-γ activation of monocytes is enhanced by encapsulating INF-γ within liposomes: The minimum effective dose (MED) of free INF-γ for monocyte activation was found to be 1–10 U/ml, per 105 monocytes, whereas the minimum dose for INF-γ encapsulated in liposomes was less than 0.0025 U. Monocytes treated with liposome-encapsulated INF-γ retained their cytotoxic phenotype for much longer than do monocytes treated with free INF-γ. Since liposomes can be passively targeted to cells of the reticuloendothelial system following IV administration, these findings suggest that liposome-encapsulated INF-γ may have therapeutic potential that should be evaluated in vivo.

Keywords: Interferon, Normal Cell, Human Blood, Therapeutic Potential, Human Peripheral Blood

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