An insight into the role of liposomal therapeutics in the reversion of multiple sclerosis

Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2021 Dec;18(12):1795-1813. doi: 10.1080/17425247.2021.2003327. Epub 2022 Jan 10.

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as an autoimmune disease, has complicated immunopathology, which makes its management relevant to various factors. Novel pharmaceutical vehicles, especially liposomes, can support efficacious handling of this disease both in early detection and prognosis and also in a therapeutic manner. The most well-known triggers of MS onset are the predominance of cellular to humoral immunity and enhancement of inflammatory cytokines level. The installation of liposomes as nanoparticles to control this disease holds great promise up to now.

Areas covered: Various types of liposomes with different properties and purposes have been formulated and targeted immune cells with their surface manipulations. They may be encapsulated with anti-inflammatory, MS-related therapeutics, or immunodominant myelin-specific peptides for attaining a higher therapeutic efficacy of the drugs or tolerance induction. Cationic liposomes are also highly applicable for gene delivery of the anti-inflammatory cytokines or silencing the inflammatory cytokines. Liposomes have also been used as biotools for comprehending MS pathomechanisms or as diagnostic agents.

Expert opinion: The efforts to manage MS through nanomedicine, especially liposomal therapeutics, pave a new avenue to a high-throughput medication of this autoimmune disease and their translation to the clinic in the future for overcoming the challenges that MS patients confront.

Keywords: Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE); Immune response; Liposome; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Nanotechnology; Tolerance.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Liposomes
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Peptides

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Liposomes
  • Peptides