Preparation of liposomes incorporating membrane components from human lymphoid cells

Abstract

A procedure for the preparation of liposomes incorporating membrane components of human lymphoid cells is described, whereby the detergent used to solubilize the plasma membrane is almost completely eliminated. MHC products HLA-A-B-C and DR molecules were shown to be incorporated into the liposomes and their antigenic determinants to be exposed on the outer surface. A protein-rich liposomal fraction could be separated from both protein-free liposomes and from aggregates. This preparation may be suitable for testing the functions of cell membrane components in biological assay systems.