Abstract
Liposomes expressing external antibody specific for Candia albicans and encapsulating amphotericin B were studied. Fluorescent microscopy indicated that the antibody showed specificity for the yeast cells of C. albicans and it was modified by papain to antibody fragments (Fab'). Fab' fragments were conjugated with egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes coated with pullulan derivatives bearing maleimide group and twenty-two Fab' fragments were connected with one liposome in this study. Candida albicans phagocytized by macrophage was mixed with free amphotericin B (FAMB), liposome-encapsulated amphotericin B (LAMB), and amphotericin B liposomes bearing antibody (LAMB-Ab), FAMB was the most effective but LAMB and LAMB-Ab showed similar effects against C. albicans. Candida albicans was mixed with FAMB or LAMB or LAMB-Ab and added to macrophages. FAMB showed the most efficient killing of the yeast cells and LAMB-Ab was more effective than LAMB but there was no significant difference between LAMB and LAMB-Ab. To investigate the efficacy of LAMB and LAMB-Ab in mice with disseminated candidiasis, the number of the fungi in lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys were examined. However there was no significant difference between LAMB and LAMB-Ab.
