Virus-Based Biological Systems as Next-Generation Carriers for the Therapy of Central Nervous System Diseases

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are currently a major challenge in medicine. One reason is the presence of the blood–brain barrier, which is a significant limitation for currently used medicinal substances that are characterized by a high molecular weight and a short half-life. Despite the application of nanotechnology, there is still the problem of targeting and the occurrence of systemic toxicity. Viral vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs) may provide a promising solution to these challenges. Their small size, biocompatibility, ability to carry medicinal substances, and specific targeting of neural cells make them useful in research when formulating a new generation of biological carriers. Additionally, the possibility of genetic modification has the potential for gene therapy. Among the most promising viral vectors are adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, and retroviruses. This is due to their natural tropism to neural cells, as well as the possibility of genetic and surface modification. Moreover, VLPs that are devoid of infectious genetic material in favor of increasing capacity are also leading the way for research on new drug delivery systems. The aim of this study is to review the most recent reports on the use of viral vectors and VLPs in the treatment of selected CNS diseases.

Nanoparticle-Based Combinational Strategies for Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier and Blood-Tumor Barrier

“…Researchers have been investigating various strategies to enhance BBB penetration, such as modifying the surface properties of VLPs to exploit receptor-mediated transcytosis pathways. 158 Research on brain tumor treatment using VLPs is still in its early stages, but it holds promise as various viruses capable of crossing the BBB have been reported, suggesting a potential avenue for exploration. 159 …”

“… 157 Personalized medicine, using detailed patient profiles to tailor nanoparticle properties, is expected to refine treatment efficacy further. 158 The convergence of nanotechnology with emerging fields such as genomics and proteomics is expected to open new avenues for personalized medicine. 169 , 170 Understanding individual patient profiles could lead to the development of custom-tailored nanoparticle systems, optimizing treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.…”

Molecular Mechanisms in the Design of Novel Targeted Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Advances in editing CRISPR-Cas9 genes show that in the future, it may be successfully used in limiting mHTT expression in HD [ 73 ]. Recombinant viral vectors have been successfully used to test for neurodegenerative diseases, such as HD, Canavan disease, Parkinson’s disease, MS, or glioblastoma multiforme [ 8 ]. Importantly, the use of such vectors may be necessary when using siRNA, miRNA or CRISPR-Cas9, which are currently showing great potential in terms of creating therapies for HD [ 8 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ].…”

“…Despite intensive scientific research and clinical trials, no effective therapeutic agents have been developed [ 5 ]. The traditional management of neurological disorders only alleviates the severity of symptoms without eliminating the cause of the diseases, and the search for new treatments is hindered by the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Synthesis, Pharmacological Properties, and Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Antitumor Activity of Betulin and Its Derivatives in Gastrointestinal Cancers

“…Therefore, this information provides new avenues for betulinic acid research in terms of using BA to support the treatment of EC with chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, in order to improve the bioavailability of betulin derivatives, it may be useful to develop new formulations based on nanoparticles or other carriers, i.e., viruses and virus-like particles, to further increase the bioavailability and targeting of a specific cell type [ 109 ].…”