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Engineering Virus-like Particles for Antigen and Drug Delivery
Brett D Hill1, Andrew Zak1, Eshita Khera1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Current Protein & Peptide Science
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Virus-like particles (VLPs) offer versatile platforms for drug and antigen delivery due to their immune-activating properties. This review explores VLP engineering strategies to overcome challenges in clinical translation for enhanced therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Immunology
Background:
- Virus-like particles (VLPs) are non-infectious nanoscale structures mimicking native virions, lacking genetic material.
- VLPs possess inherent immune-activating properties and act as natural delivery vehicles.
- Their potential for antigen and drug delivery is significant, yet clinical translation remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges hindering VLP development for therapeutic delivery.
- To discuss current strategies addressing these developmental hurdles.
- To outline available genetic and chemical engineering approaches for VLP optimization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of VLP applications in antigen and drug delivery.
- Analysis of challenges in VLP clinical translation.
- Exploration of VLP engineering techniques (genetic and chemical).
Main Results:
- VLPs are promising for antigen and drug delivery due to their structural and immunological characteristics.
- Key challenges include immunogenicity control, stability, and efficient cargo loading.
- Various genetic and chemical modification strategies are being investigated to enhance VLP efficacy and safety.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming VLP development challenges is crucial for realizing their therapeutic potential.
- Advanced VLP engineering holds promise for improved antigen and drug delivery systems.
- Further research into VLP optimization is essential for successful clinical applications.
