Structurally Modified Plant Viruses and Bacteriophages with Helical Structure. Properties and Applications

Abstract

Structurally modifi ed virus particles can be obtained from the rod-shaped or fi lamentous virions of plant viruses and bacteriophages by thermal or chemical treatment. They have recently attracted attention of the researchers as promising biogenic platforms for the development of new biotechnologies. This review presents data on preparation, structure, and properties of the structurally modifi ed virus particles. In addition, their biosafety for animals is considered, as well as the areas of application of such particles in biomedicine. A separate section is devoted to one of the most relevant and promising areas for the use of structurally modifi ed plant viruses -design of vaccine candidates based on them.