Liposomes as carriers of the antiretroviral agent dideoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate

The presence and replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) together with the preferential uptake of liposomes in macrophages suggest that liposomes can become a valuable carrier of anti-HIV agents. Moreover, liposomes reduce toxicity of encapsulated drugs and protect encapsulated drugs against rapid degradation in the blood circulation. To overcome problems associated with the administration of free nucleosides and to improve targeting to the MPS, dideoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate (ddCTP) was encapsulated in liposomes. Liposomes were stable with regard to retention of the entrapped drug, particle size and chemical stability of ddCTP. Results obtained with liposome encapsulated ddCTP in the murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) model indicate that ddCTP encapsulated in liposomes can reduce proviral DNA in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) in both spleen and bone marrow.