| abstract |
Defensins are microbicidal, tumoricidal cytotoxic protein components of animal host defense systems. They can be entrapped in liposomes containing release-inhibiting lipid such that the defensins are neutralized, and their release from the liposomes is inhibited; however, the defensins remain effective when exposed to endocytosed material in endocytic vesicles. Liposomal defensin formulations are administered to animals for the treatment or prevention of microbial infections, for the treatment of cancers and for the treatment of disorders characterized by a deficiency of protein-mediated cytotoxic activity in cytoplasmic granules. |