Virus-like nanoparticles as a theranostic platform for cancer

Abstract

Virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) are natural polymer-based nanomaterials that mimic viral structures through the hierarchical assembly of viral coat proteins, while lacking viral genomes. VLPs have received enormous attention in a wide range of nanotechnology-based medical diagnostics and therapies, including cancer therapy, imaging, and theranostics. VLPs are biocompatible and biodegradable and have a uniform structure and controllable assembly. They can encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and can be genetically or chemically modified. These properties have led to sophisticated multifunctional theranostic platforms. This article reviews the current progress in developing and applying engineered VLPs for molecular imaging, drug delivery, and multifunctional theranostics in cancer research.

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

“…VLPs, which mimic the structure of viruses but lack viral genetic material, offer a promising platform for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. 151 These particles providing a unique approach to transport therapeutic agents across the BBB and deliver them to GBM cells ( Figure 7 ). VLPs are known for their structural similarity to viruses, allowing them to utilize the natural cellular entry pathways used by viruses without the associated risk of viral replication or infection.…”

Virus-like particles nanoreactors: from catalysis towards bio-applications

“…173 Desired advancements also encompass precise control over in situ diagnosis and treatment. Numerous studies are already delving into the integration of functional elements, such as quantum dots, 177 magnetic particles, 178 and fluorescent entities, 177 within VLPs or on their surfaces for real-time, non-invasive bio-imaging. 178 The convergence of nanoreactors and bioimaging might pave the way for heightened disease diagnosis and treatment precision.…”

“…Numerous studies are already delving into the integration of functional elements, such as quantum dots, 177 magnetic particles, 178 and fluorescent entities, 177 within VLPs or on their surfaces for real-time, non-invasive bio-imaging. 178 The convergence of nanoreactors and bioimaging might pave the way for heightened disease diagnosis and treatment precision. Ideally, this could be done via a further combination of in-situ monitoring of metabolites with exceptional specificity and sensitivity, thus adjusting the activity of nanoreactors to enhance the therapeutic efficiency with minimized side effects.…”

Vault, viral, and virus-like nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy

“…74 Notably, VLPs have several advantages for cancer therapy, encompassing biocompatibility, biodegradability, uniform structure and controllable assembly as well as the capability of genetic/chemical modifications and enhanced permeability and retention. 5,60 However, there are obstacles in the journey towards clinical translation, involving toxicity, stability, and efficacy. 44,75 Clinical studies of viral and virus-like NPs in cancer therapy should be conducted to explore the potential of nanotechnology in reducing the drawbacks of chemotherapy and improving the efficiency of cancer treatment approaches.…”

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoarchitectures have been widely exploited in the field of bio-and nanomedicine, especially for gene/drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cancer theranostics, and imaging/diagnosis. [1][2][3][4][5] To treat or manage cancer, various chemotherapy strategies are routinely applied, but concerns/challenges are still faced due to the possible drug resistance and low targeting properties, 6 along with the probable side effects/toxicity. Thus, there is a vital need for developing efficient and safer drug carriers with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and controlled release behavior.…”