Liposome clearance

The clearance rate of liposomal drugs from the circulation is determined by the rate and extent of both drug release and uptake of liposomes by cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Intravenously injected liposomes initially come into contact with serum proteins. The interaction of liposomes with serum proteins is thought to play a critical role in the liposome clearance. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the role of serum proteins, so-called opsonins, that enhance the clearance of liposomes, when bound to liposomes. In addition to opsonin-dependent liposome clearance, opsonin-independent liposome clearance is also reviewed. As opposed to the conventional (non-surface modification) liposomes, we briefly address the issue of the accelerated clearance of PEGylated-liposomes (sterically stabilized liposomes, long-circulating liposomes) on repeated injection, a process that has recently been observed.