Technological advances in the use of viral and non-viral vectors for delivering genetic and non-genetic cargos for cancer therapy

Abstract

The burden of cancer is increasing globally. Several challenges facing its mainstream treatment approaches have formed the basis for the development of targeted delivery systems to carry and distribute anti-cancer payloads to their defined targets. This site-specific delivery of drug molecules and gene payloads to selectively target druggable biomarkers aimed at inducing cell death while sparing normal cells is the principal goal for cancer therapy. An important advantage of a delivery vector either viral or non-viral is the cumulative ability to penetrate the haphazardly arranged and immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment of solid tumours and or withstand antibody-mediated immune response. Biotechnological approaches incorporating rational protein engineering for the development of targeted delivery systems which may serve as vehicles for packaging and distribution of anti-cancer agents to selectively target and kill cancer cells are highly desired. Over the years, these chemically and genetically modified delivery systems have aimed at distribution and selective accumulation of drug molecules at receptor sites resulting in constant maintenance of high drug bioavailability for effective anti-tumour activity. In this review, we highlighted the state-of-the art viral and non-viral drug and gene delivery systems and those under developments focusing on cancer therapy. Graphical Abstract

siRNA incorporated in slow-release injectable hydrogel continuously silences DDIT4 and regulates nucleus pulposus cell pyroptosis through the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 axis to alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration

“…Donald A. Tomalia first reported PAMAM dendrimers in 1985. 49 PAMAM is one of the most used dendrimers in drug and siRNA delivery systems. It serves as a delivery vehicle in the following three ways: generation of a void (via molecular entrapment), branch point (via hydrogen bonding), and external surface group passage (via charge-charge interactions).…”

The Chemokine CXCL14 as a Potential Immunotherapeutic Agent for Cancer Therapy

“…Potential methods for CXCL14 delivery include the administration of recombinant CXCL14 protein directly into the TME and CXCL14 gene using nanoparticles, liposomes, or viral vectors. Because each method has clear advantages and disadvantages, as previously documented [ 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 ], effective CXCL14 delivery may depend on these technical limitations and patients’ circumstances (e.g., immunocompromised condition). For instance, the direct application of recombinant CXCL14 protein may be challenged by the lack of posttranslational modifications required for its proper functions [ 28 , 84 ].…”

Drug Delivery Application of Functional Nanomaterials Synthesized Using Natural Sources

“…In some cases, the viral coating plays a role in recognizing specific disease biomarkers or receptors and functions as triggerable agents. Even though there are still several challenges in therapeutic gene delivery, like purity, low production yield, target specificity, they need to be addressed [ 101 ]. Distinct natural source-based NMs for DDS applications are tabulated and presented in Table 1 .…”