Enhancement of IFN-γ production for Th1-cell therapy using negatively charged liposomes containing phosphatidylserine

We have developed an efficient method of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) induction for Th1-cell therapy. OVA (ovalbumin)-specific Th1 clone 42-6A cells cocultured with antigen presenting cells (APCs) from spleen resulted in high levels of OVA-specific IFN-γ production by the treatment of phosphatidylserine (PS), but not phosphatidic acid (PA), liposomes-encapsulated OVA (OVA-liposomes). The IFN-γ production was increased in a manner dependent on the PS content of the liposomes and inhibited by the addition of annexin V, a PS binding protein. Furthermore, coadministration of Th1 cells plus OVA-liposomes in mice strikingly enhanced IFN-γ levels in serum and in spleen cells compared with that of Th1 cells plus OVA. In addition, serum levels of IL-12 p70 increased and ongoing OVA-specific IgE immune response was dramatically attenuated. These results first suggest that antigen delivery using negatively charged liposomes containing PS is very useful for the enhancement of IFN-γ production in Th1-cell therapy.