Accelerated healing of skin burns by anti-Gal/alpha-gal liposomes interaction

作者：Galili Uri^*; Wigglesworth Kim; Abdel Motal Ussama M

来源：Burns, 2010, 36(2): 239-251.

DOI：10.1016/j.burns.2009.04.002

• Skin burn
• Wound healing
• alpha-Gal glycolipids
• Anti-Gal antibody

Topical application of alpha-gal liposomes on burns results in rapid local recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Recruited macrophages are pivotal for healing of burns because they secrete cytokines/growth factors that induce epidermis regeneration and tissue repair. alpha-Gal liposomes have glycolipids with alpha-gal epitopes (Gal alpha 1-3Ga1 beta 1-4GlcNAc-R) which bind anti-Gal, the most abundant natural antibody in humans constituting similar to 1% of immunoglobulins. Interaction of alpha-gal liposomes with anti-Gal within the fluid film formed on burns, activates complement and generates chemotactic complement cleavage peptides which effectively recruit neutrophils and macrophages. Anti-Gal IgG coating alpha-gal liposomes further binds to Fc gamma receptors on macrophages and activates them to secrete cytokines/growth factors. Efficacy of alpha-gal liposomes treatment in accelerating burn healing is demonstrated in the experimental model of alpha 1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout mice. These mice are the only available nonprimate mammals that can produce anti-Gal in titers similar to those in humans. Pairs of burns in mice were covered either with a spot bandage coated with 10 mg alpha-gal liposomes, or with a control spot bandage coated with saline. On Day 3 post-treatment, the alpha-gal liposomes treated burns contained similar to 5-fold as many neutrophils as control burns, whereas macrophages were found only in alpha-gal liposomes treated bums. On Day 6, 50-100% of the surface area of alpha-gal liposomes treated burns were covered with regenerating epidermis (re-epithelialization), whereas almost no epidermis was found in control burns. The extensive recruitment of macrophages by anti-Gal/alpha-gal liposomes interaction was further demonstrated in vivo with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge discs containing alpha-gal liposomes, implanted subcutaneously. Since anti-Gal is abundant in all humans, it is suggested that treatment with alpha-gal liposomes will be effective also in patients with bums and other skin wounds.

• 出版日期2010-3