Emerging advances in cationic liposomal cancer nanovaccines: opportunities and challenges

Immunotherapy. 2021 Apr;13(6):491-507. doi: 10.2217/imt-2020-0258. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Abstract

Advancements in the field of cancer therapeutics have witnessed a recent surge in the use of liposomes. The physicochemical characteristics of the liposomes and their components, including the lipid phase transition temperature, vesicular size and size distribution, surface properties, and route of administration, play a significant role in the modulation of the immune response as an adjuvant and for loaded antigen (Ag). Cationic liposomes, concerning their potential ability to amplify the immunogenicity of the loaded Ag/adjuvant, have received enormous interest as a promising vaccine delivery platform for cancer immunotherapy. In the present review, the physicochemical considerations for the development of Ag/adjuvant-loaded liposomes and the cationic liposomes' effectiveness for promoting cancer immunotherapy have been summarized.

Keywords: DOTAP; cancer immunotherapy; cationic liposome; delivery vehicle; fusogenic; liposomal vaccine; nanoliposome; nanomedicine; synthetic vaccine; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cancer Vaccines*
  • Humans
  • Liposomes*
  • Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System*
  • Nanoparticles
  • Vaccines, Synthetic*

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Liposomes
  • Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
  • Vaccines, Synthetic