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Updated: May 22, 2026

Identification of Plasmodesmal Localization Sequences in Proteins In Planta
Published on: August 15, 2017
Guiding plant virus particles to integrin-displaying cells
Marisa L Hovlid1, Nicole F Steinmetz, Burkhardt Laufer
1Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) were genetically and chemically modified to display RGD peptides. These engineered VNPs exhibit strong, selective binding to cancer cells expressing RGD-binding integrin receptors.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Virology
Background:
- Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are stable, tunable nanomaterials produced in high yields.
- Unmodified VNPs lack tissue specificity for mammalian cells.
- VNPs are malleable scaffolds for displaying targeting ligands and therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically and chemically engineer Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) nanoparticles.
- To display RGD peptides on CPMV for enhanced cell targeting.
- To evaluate the binding affinity of modified CPMV to cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Genetic modification of CPMV coat protein to display an RGD oligopeptide.
- Chemical modification of wild-type CPMV using NHS acylation and CuAAC chemistry to attach a cyclic RGD peptide.
- Assessment of VNP binding to cancer cell lines expressing integrin receptors.
Main Results:
- Both genetically and chemically modified CPMV particles demonstrated RGD peptide display.
- Modified CPMV exhibited strong and selective affinity for multiple cancer cell lines.
- Targeting was mediated by RGD-binding integrin receptors on cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Engineered viral nanoparticles can be effectively targeted to specific cell types.
- CPMV nanoparticles serve as versatile scaffolds for targeted delivery applications.
- Modified CPMV shows potential for cancer cell targeting and therapeutic delivery.
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