Preparation of functional liposomes with peptide ligands and their binding to cell membranes

Two novel lipopeptides, which have the peptide ligands [alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)] sequence and repeated [Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Se (GRGDS) sequence], are designed, synthesized by the solid-phase method, and introduced into liposome membranes by the freeze-thaw method. These liposomes bearing the peptide ligands on their surface are expected to bind to cell membranes. We have confirmed that the lipopeptides are introduced into liposome membranes almost quantitatively, while such a high degree of incorporation has not been accomplished in conventional methods. In this respect, the present method is superior to prepare surface-modified liposomes that are applicable to drug carriers and so on. We have also confirmed by using immunoelectron microscopy that the peptide ligands are actually located in an aqueous phase. It has been shown by flow cytometry that the liposome bearing alpha-MSH peptide ligand binds to B16 cells and the liposome bearing the repeated GRGDS sequence binds to NIH3T3 cells.