Binding of antibodies in liposomes to extracellular matrix antigens

We have incorporated antibodies against fibronectin or laminin into liposomes and studied their interaction with insoluble forms of these antigens. The antibodies, after modification by palmitoylchloride, were incorporated into the lipid bilayer by the cholate dialysis method. The antibodies in the liposomes recognized their specific antigen with little reaction to the alternative attachment protein or to albumin (less than 2%). The binding of antibody-containing liposomes to insoluble antigen was inhibited by soluble antibodies to the respective antigens but not by antibodies to other antigens. The affinity constant of the liposome-antibody complex with the antigen was estimated at 1-10 X 10(-9) M liposomes. Thus, antibodies in liposomes retain their reactivity and specificity, and the reaction constant is comparable to that observed for immune complexes.     

Antibodies reactive with liposomal phospholipids are produced during experimental Trypanosoma rhodesiense infections in rabbits

Antibodies against phospholipids appeared spontaneously during the course of experimental Trypanosoma rhodesiense infections in rabbits. These antibodies were observed in rabbits infected either with a lethal strain or with a strain newly discovered to give a spontaneous self-cure. Serum antibodies reacting with liposomes containing dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), phosphatidylinositol (Pl), phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PlP), or cardiolipin were detected at 3 to 4 wk by complement-mediated release of trapped marker from liposomes. Antibodies were also detected against a trypanosomal lipid fraction (TrF2) that contained Pl as a major constituent. The antibody activities against DMPC, Pl, or TrF2 all reacted (or cross-reacted) with DMPC, and were removed from the serum by adsorbing with liposomes containing DMPC as the only phospholipid. Phosphocholine inhibited the antibodies reactive with liposomes containing either DMPC or DMPC and Pl as phospholipids. Antibodies against PlP, however, reacted only with liposomes containing PlP and were not removed by adsorbing with liposomes lacking PlP. We conclude that anti-phospholipid antibodies appear during the course of trypanosomal infections that either undergo apparent self-cure or are lethal, and at least two anti-phospholipid antibody specificities can be detected.     

Synthesis of neoglycoproteins containing O-methylated trisaccharides related to excretory/secretory antigens of Toxocara larvae

The disaccharides allyl beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta- and alpha-D-galactopyranoside 10a and 10b and the trisaccharides allyl 2-O-methyl-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta- and alpha-D-galactopyranoside 18a and 18b have been prepared using stepwise assembly of the sugar units. The glycosidic linkages were formed employing the trichloroacetimidate procedure for the attachment of the galactopyranosyl residue and N-iodosuccinimide/triflic acid activation of an ethyl 1-thiofucopyranoside donor for fucosylation. Deprotection furnished the allyl glycosides which were converted into cysteamine-spacered ligands, activated with thiophosgene and subsequently linked to bovine serum albumin. The neoglycoproteins serve as immunoreagents to determine epitope specificities of monoclonal antibodies directed against highly immunogenic O-glycans located at the surface of Toxocara larvae.     

Chemical and antigenic structure of the O-polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharides from two Acinetobacter haemolyticus strains differing only in the anomeric configuration of one glycosyl residue in their O-antigens.

In a previous study [Pantophlet, R., Brade, L., Dijkshoorn, L., and Brade, H. (1998) J. Clin. Microbiol. 36, 1245-1250] the O-polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Acinetobacter haemolyticus strains 57 and 61 exhibited indistinguishable banding-patterns following Western blot and immunostaining with homologous or heterologous rabbit antiserum. In this report, the molecular basis for the observed cross-reactivity was elucidated, by determining the chemical structure of the polysaccharides by compositional analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The structures are: [sequence: see text] for strain 61 [GulpNAcA, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-gulopyranosyluronic acid; ManpNAcA, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-mannopyranosyluronic acid; QuipN4N, 2,4-diamino-2,4,6-trideoxy-glucopyranose; acyl (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl], thus, differing only in the anomeric configuration of the QuipN4N residue. The antigenic structures were determined by generating murine monoclonal antibodies, which were characterized by Western blot using LPS as antigen, by ELISA using LPS and de-O-acylated LPS as solid-phase antigens, and by ELISA inhibition studies using LPS, polysaccharide, and de-O-acylated LPS as inhibitors. Of the four antibodies selected, two were specific for the respective LPS moieties and two were cross-reactive. All antibodies were found to require the presence of the O-acetyl group for reactivity.     

The inhibitory activities of 2-acetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-hex-2-enonolactones on 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucosidase.

Treatment of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-mannono-1,4-lactone with dicyclohexylamine in ethanolic solution afforded an unsaturated 1,4-lactone, 2-acetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-erythro-hex-2-enono-1,4-lactone (1), in good yield. 2-Acetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-threo-hex-2-enono-1,4-lactone (2) was similarly prepared from 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactono-1,4-lactone. An unsaturated 1,5-lactone, 2-acetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-threo-hex-2-enono-1,5-lactone (4), was obtained through the oxidation of 2-acetamido-2-doexy-4,6-0-isopropylidene-D-galactopyranose with silver carbonate on Celite, followed by mild hydrolysis. The inhibitory activity of four isomeric 2-acetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-hex-2-enonolactones [1, 2, 4, and 2-acetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-erythro-hex-2-enono-1,5-lactone (3)] was assayed against 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucosidase from bull epididymis. Only the erythro lactones 1 and 3 are weak competitive inhibitors, whereas the threo lactones 2 and 4 are practically inactive. The 1,4-lactone 1 inhibited 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucosidase more strongly than the 1,5-lactone 3. The lactones 1-4 were found to be quite stable in aqueous solution or under inhibitory-assay conditions. In addition, two 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glycals, 2-acetamido-1,5-anhydrohex-1-enitol (7) were tested; both are 10 times as active as 1.     

Electron spin resonance studies on the lipid-protein interaction between cardiolipin and anti-cardiolipin antibodies.

Electron spin resonance measurements were performed in order to investigate the influence of anti-cardiolipin antibodies on cardiolipin-containing liposomes. The physical state of the lipid structures and the alterations caused by the interaction with specific antibody were determined by measuring the freedom of motion of spin-labeled stearic acid derivatives incorporated into the lipid structures. The interaction of the cardiolipin-containing liposomes with the anti-cardiolipin antibodies reduced the mobility of the spin-labeled stearic acid probe I (12, 3), whose nitroxide group is assumed to be located near the polar region of the lipid bilayer. The restricted mobility, which qualitatively resembles the interaction of cardiolipin liposomes with calcium ions, is probably the result of a tighter packing of the polar groups in their crystalline array. The binding sites of the cardiolipin structures for anti-cardiolipin antibodies and Ca2 ions seem to be identical. As indicated by the spin-labeled stearic acid probe I (1, 14), the apolar region of the lipid bilayer is not affected by the interaction of the cardiolipin-containing liposomes with the anti-cardiolipin antibodies.     

Effect of liposomal formulations and immunostimulating peptidoglycan monomer (PGM) on the immune reaction to ovalbumin in mice

The adjuvant activity of liposomes and immunostimulating peptidoglycan monomer (PGM) in different formulations has been studied in mice model using ovalbumin (OVA) as an antigen. PGM is a natural compound of bacterial origin with well-defined chemical structure: GlcNAc-MurNAc-L-Ala-D-isoGln-mesoDpm(epsilonNH2)-D-Ala-D-Ala. It is a non-toxic, non-pyrogenic, and water-soluble immunostimulator. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different liposomal formulations of OVA, with or without PGM, on the production of total IgG, as well as of IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses of OVA-specific antibodies (as indicators of Th2 and Th1 type of immune response, respectively). CBA mice were immunized s.c. with OVA mixed with liposomes, OVA with PGM mixed with liposomes, OVA encapsulated into liposomes and OVA with PGM encapsulated into liposomes. Control groups were OVA in saline, OVA with PGM in saline, and OVA in CFA/IFA adjuvant formulation. The entrapment efficacy of OVA was monitored by HPLC method. The adjuvant activity of the mixture of OVA and empty liposomes, the mixture of OVA, PGM, and liposomes and PGM encapsulated with OVA into liposomes on production of total anti-OVA IgG was demonstrated. The mixture of PGM and liposomes exhibited additive immunostimulating effect on the production of antigen-specific IgGs. The analysis of IgG subclasses revealed that encapsulation of OVA into liposomes favors the stimulation of IgG2a antibodies, indicating the switch toward the Th1 type of immune response. When encapsulated into liposomes or mixed with liposomes, PGM induced a switch from Th1 to Th2 type of immune response. It could be concluded that appropriate formulations of antigen, PGM, and liposomes differently affect the humoral immune response and direct the switch in the type of immune response (Th1/Th2).     

Purification, characterization and immunological properties of the serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide of Pasteurella haemolytica serotype A7 organisms

The serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide from two strains of Pasteurella haemolytica serotype A7 organisms was purified and characterized by chemical analysis and by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy using one- and two-dimensional methods. The polymer has the repeating unit----3)-beta-2-acetamido-2-deoxygalactopyranose-(1----3)-alpha- 2-acetamido- 2-deoxy-6-O-acetyl-glucopyranose-(1-phosphate----. It was immunogenic (capable of eliciting antibodies) for sheep. Chemical removal of O-acetyl groups destroyed both the ability of the polymer to adhere to sheep erythrocytes at neutral pH and the ability to form immune precipitates with specific antisera. Studies using the protein A-gold technique in the electron microscope showed the polysaccharide to be peripherally localized on the bacterial surface.     

A homogeneous immunoassay for the mycotoxin T-2 utilizing liposomes, monoclonal antibodies, and complement

The trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 is a fungal metabolite known to contaminate agricultural products and cause intoxication of humans and animals. We have developed a homogeneous competition inhibition assay for T-2 mycotoxin based on complement-mediated lysis of liposomes. The T-2 mycotoxin was converted to an acid chloride derivative, subsequently coupled to the amino group of phosphatidylethanolamine, and incorporated with the phospholipid into unilamellar liposomes. Carboxyfluorescein, which is self-quenched at high concentrations, was entrapped in the liposomes as a release marker. We used a monoclonal IgG1 antibody specific for T-2 mycotoxin and a polyclonal anti-mouse Ig as a secondary antibody since the anti-T-2 IgG1 does not activate complement. In the absence of free T-2, the liposomes were lysed within 30 min after the addition of complement, releasing carboxyfluorescein into the surrounding buffer. In the presence of free T-2 toxin, the binding of antibodies to the liposomes was reduced, causing a corresponding decrease in lysis. This assay proved to be sensitive to T-2 toxin levels as low as 2 ng, which is 10-fold more sensitive than the present enzyme immunoassay using the same antibodies.     

Therapeutic efficacy of anti-ErbB2 immunoliposomes targeted by a phage antibody selected for cellular endocytosis

Many targeted cancer therapies require endocytosis of the targeting molecule and delivery of the therapeutic agent to the interior of the tumor cell. To generate single chain Fv (scFv) antibodies capable of triggering receptor-mediated endocytosis, we previously developed a method to directly select phage antibodies for internalization by recovering infectious phage from the cytoplasm of the target cell. Using this methodology, we reported the selection of a panel of scFv that were internalized into breast cancer cells from a nonimmune phage library. For this work, an immunotherapeutic was generated from one of these scFv (F5), which bound to ErbB2 (HER2/neu). The F5 scFv was reengineered with a C-terminal cysteine, expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli, and coupled to sterically stabilized liposomes. F5 anti-ErbB2 immunoliposomes were immunoreactive as determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and were avidly internalized by ErbB2-expressing tumor cell lines in proportion to the levels of ErbB2 expression. F5-scFv targeted liposomes containing doxorubicin had antitumor activity and produced significant reduction in tumor size in xenografted mice compared to nontargeted liposomes containing doxorubicin. This strategy should be applicable to generate immunotherapeutics for other malignancies by selecting phage antibodies for internalization into other tumor types and using the scFv to target liposomes or other nanoparticles.     

Effect of Liposomal Formulations and Immunostimulating Peptidoglycan Monomer (PGM) on the Immune Reaction to Ovalbumin in Mice

The adjuvant activity of liposomes and immunostimulating peptidoglycan monomer (PGM) in different formulations has been studied in mice model using ovalbumin (OVA) as an antigen. PGM is a natural compound of bacterial origin with well-defined chemical structure: GlcNAc-MurNAc-l-Ala-d-isoGln-mesoDpm(εNH₂)-d-Ala-d-Ala. It is a non-toxic, non-pyrogenic, and water-soluble immunostimulator. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different liposomal formulations of OVA, with or without PGM, on the production of total IgG, as well as of IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses of OVA-specific antibodies (as indicators of Th2 and Th1 type of immune response, respectively). CBA mice were immunized s.c. with OVA mixed with liposomes, OVA with PGM mixed with liposomes, OVA encapsulated into liposomes and OVA with PGM encapsulated into liposomes. Control groups were OVA in saline, OVA with PGM in saline, and OVA in CFA/IFA adjuvant formulation. The entrapment efficacy of OVA was monitored by HPLC method. The adjuvant activity of the mixture of OVA and empty liposomes, the mixture of OVA, PGM, and liposomes and PGM encapsulated with OVA into liposomes on production of total anti-OVA IgG was demonstrated. The mixture of PGM and liposomes exhibited additive immunostimulating effect on the production of antigen-specific IgGs. The analysis of IgG subclasses revealed that encapsulation of OVA into liposomes favors the stimulation of IgG2a antibodies, indicating the switch toward the Th1 type of immune response. When encapsulated into liposomes or mixed with liposomes, PGM induced a switch from Th1 to Th2 type of immune response. It could be concluded that appropriate formulations of antigen, PGM, and liposomes differently affect the humoral immune response and direct the switch in the type of immune response (Th1/Th2).     

Purification, characterization and immunological properties of the serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide of Pasteurella haemolytica (serotype A1) organisms

The serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide from two strains of Pasteurella haemolytica serotype A1 organisms was purified and characterized by chemical analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The polymer has the structure----3)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4-O-acetyl-beta-D-mannopyranos yluronic acid)-(1----4)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-mannopyranose)-(1----. The polysaccharide was immunogenic (able to evoke production of antibodies) for sheep but not for rabbits. Immuno electron-microscopy studies using the Protein A-gold technique showed the polysaccharide to be peripherally located on the bacterial surface. Reduction, oxidation and de-O-acetylation of the polymer did not appear to alter its immunological precipitability with specific antiserum, but all three treatments destroyed its ability to adhere to sheep erythrocytes at neutral pH. De-N-acetylation of the polymer destroyed both immunological precipitability and erythrocyte adherence.     

The preparation of carbohydrate-protein conjugates: cyanuric trichloride coupling of 2-aminoethyl glycosides,and mixed-anhydride coupling of 8-carboxyoctyl glycosides to bovine serum albumin

Preparation of the following glycosides is described: 2-aminoethyl β-d-glycosides of (A) 2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose, (B) 2-acetamido-4-O-(2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-3,6-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranose (N,N′-diacetylchitobiose pentaacetate), (C) 4-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-2,3,6-tri-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranose (cellobiose heptaacetate); 8-carboxyoctyl glycosides of (D) cellobiose, and (E) N,N′-diacetylchitobiose. Conjugates were prepared from (A), (B), and (C) by coupling to bovine serum albumin by cyanuric trichloride and subsequent deacetylation; (D) and (E) were coupled to bovine serum albumin by the mixed-anhydride reaction. Conjugates (A) and (B) were insoluble; conjugates (C), (D), and (E) functioned as artificial antigens and gave rise to precipitating antibodies in rabbits. Specificities of the antisera were determined by inhibition studies.     

Synthesis of phosphodiesters of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose--fragments of polymers of capsules from Escherichia coli K51 and Neisseria meningitidis X

Hydrogenphosphonate method was used for synthesis of 4-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-3- and 4-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-4-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl phosphate)-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosides. The glycosides, phosphate diester fragments of the title bacteria capsular antigens, were obtained by H-phosphorylation of the suitably protected 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosides with 2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl H-phosphonate in the presence of trimethylacetyl chloride followed by oxidation and deprotection.     

Synthesis of N4-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-L-asparagine analogues. n-Butyramide, 3-chloropropionamide, 3-aminopropionamide, and isovaleramide analogues

The syntheses of four analogues of N4-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-L-asparagine are described. Activated carboxylic acids were reacted with 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine. n-Butyric anhydride gave N-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-n-butyramide. 3-Chloropropionic anhydride was synthesized from 3-chloropropionic acid and gave N-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-3-chloropropionamide. Equilibration of the latter with ammonium bicarbonate gave N1-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-3-aminopropionamide. Succinimidyl isovalerate was synthesized and gave N-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-isovaleramide.     

Synthesis of 4-deoxy analogues of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-xylose and their effects on glycoconjugate biosynthesis

4-Deoxy analogues of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-xylose were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of glycoconjugate biosynthesis. Methyl 2-acetamido-2,4-dideoxy-beta-D-xylo-hexopyranoside (11) showed a reduction in [3H]GlcN and [14C]Leu incorporation into hepatocyte cellular glycoconjugates by 89 and 88%, of the control cells, respectively, at 20 mM, whereas the free sugars, 2-acetamido-2,4-dideoxy-alpha,beta-D-xylo-hexopyranoses (15), showed a reduction of [3H]GlcN and [14C]Leu incorporation by 75 and 64%, respectively, at 20 mM. The acetylated analogues of 11 and 15, namely methyl 2-acetamido-3,6-di-O-acetyl-2,4-dideoxy-beta-D-xylo-hexopyranoside and 2-acetamido-1,3,6-tri-O-acetyl-2,4-dideoxy-alpha,beta-D-xylo-hexopyra noses, showed a greater inhibition of [3H]GlcN and [14C]Leu incorporation at 1 mM compared with their non-acetylated counterparts, but were toxic to hepatocytes at concentrations of 10 and 20 mM. Corresponding derivatives of 2-acetamido-2,4-dideoxy-L-threo-pentopyranose showed no biological effect up to 20 mM, suggesting that the C-6 substituent is important for the biological activity.     

Structural characterization of the acid-degraded secondary cell wall polymer of Geobacillus stearothermophilus PV72/p2

The secondary cell wall polymer (SCWP) from Geobacillus stearothermophilus PV72/p2, which is involved in the anchoring of the surface-layer protein to the bacterial cell wall layer, is composed of 2-amino-2-deoxy- and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-mannose, and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-mannuronic acid. The primary structure of the acid-degraded polysaccharide--liberated by HF-treatment from the cell wall--was determined by high-field NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry using N-acetylated and hydrolyzed polysaccharide derivatives as well as Smith-degradation. The polysaccharide was shown to consist of a tetrasaccharide repeating unit containing a pyruvic acid acetal at a side-chain 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl residue. Substoichiometric substitutions of the repeating unit were observed concerning the degree of N-acetylation of glucosamine residues and the presence of side-chain linked 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl units: [Formula: see text].     

Prostaglandin and thromboxane in liposomes: suppression of the primary immune response to liposomal antigens

Liposomes containing lipid A as adjuvant and also containing prostaglandin E2 or thromboxane B2 were examined for the ability to influence induction of humoral immunity against liposomal protein or lipid antigens in rabbits. The protein antigen consisted of cholera toxin that was bound to ganglioside GM1 on the surface of the liposomes. High titers of anti-cholera toxin antibodies were produced and IgM and IgG responses were detected. When the immunizing liposomes contained either prostaglandin E2 or thromboxane B2 as part of the lipid bilayer, the primary immune response, involving both IgM and IgG antibodies, was greatly reduced. The secondary immune response observed after a boosting immunization was not suppressed by liposomal eicosanoids. A similar inhibitory effect on the primary response was observed when liposomal lipid antigens were examined instead of cholera toxin. An inhibitory effect of liposomal prostaglandin E2 on the phagocytic uptake of opsonized liposomes by cultured macrophages was also observed, suggesting that liposomal eicosanoids can have direct local effects on macrophages that might influence the immune response to liposomal antigens.     

Liposomes That Provide T-Dependent Help to Weak Antigens (T-Independent Antigens)

The design of an adjuvant for eliciting a thymus-dependent response to LPS, a well-defined thymus-independent antigen, is presented. Hybrid liposomes containing LPS and HA2 peptide from the hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus within the liposome bilayer were prepared (LPS/HA2 liposomes). The HA2 polypeptide contains epitopes recognized by T-helper lymphocytes and T-cytotoxic lymphocytes. Outbred mice immunized with LPS/HA2 liposomes produced anti-LPS-specific IgG responses. IgG subclass analysis indicated that IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 antibodies were produced by these animals. LPS liposomes (liposomes without HA2) stimulated a T-independent response only. This was demonstrated by the detection of IgG3 but not IgG1 or IgG2 in serum of mice immunized with LPS liposomes. These results support the concept that the simultaneous incorporation into liposomes of a polypeptide with T-cell recognition sites along with a T-independent antigen can lead to the generation of cognate T-cell help for the T-independent antigen. The synthesis and characterization of a neo-lipopolysaccharide T-independent antigen for incorporation in hybrid HA2 liposomes are also presented. Findings are discussed relative to the liposome model used and implications for development of vaccines for use in humans.     

A non-covalent method of attaching antibodies to liposomes

A novel non-covalent method of attaching antibodies to liposomes which exploits the high affinity of streptavidin for biotin, is described. The two-step coupling protocol involves the initial attachment of streptavidin to liposomes containing biotin PE, followed by the coupling of biotinated antibodies to streptavidin-liposomes. The association of streptavidin with liposomes containing biotinated PE is rapid (less than 5 min), resulting in a maximum association of 40 molecules of streptavidin per 100 nm vesicle. In the presence of equimolar cholesterol, the amount of streptavidin bound is twice that observed when biotin PE/egg PC liposomes are used. Irrespective of the mole ratio of biotin to antibody (e.g. for 1-6 biotins per antibody), or the molar ratio of antibody to streptavidin in the second incubation step, equimolar amounts of antibody bind to streptavidin. It is shown that anti-rat-erythrocyte IgG or F(ab')2 complexed to liposomes via the streptavidin linker bind specifically to rat erythrocytes but not to human erythrocytes. This coupling protocol can be readily extended to other biotinated antibodies.