Inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication in the mouse cornea by drug containing immunoliposomes

Monoclonal antibody to HSV glycoprotein D was derivatized with palmitic acid and incorporated into liposomes. These immunoliposomes bound specifically to intact mouse corneas infected with HSV-1 in vitro. Furthermore, in yield reduction assays, anti-gD immunoliposomes loaded with acyclovir proved far more effective at inhibiting viral replication in the cornea than free drug or drug delivered in untargeted liposomes. Site-specific sustained release immunoliposomes of this type are potentially an improved vehicle for drug delivery in the treatment of ocular HSV.