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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Transmitting Plant Viruses Using Whiteflies
Published on: November 8, 2013
Future of cancer immunotherapy using plant virus-based nanoparticles
Erum Shoeb1, Kathleen Hefferon1
1Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
Abstract:
Immunotherapy potentiates a patient's immune response against some forms of cancer, including malignant tumors. In this Special Report, we have summarized the use of nanoparticles that have been designed for use in cancer immunotherapy with particular emphasis on plant viruses. Plant virus-based nanoparticles are an ideal choice for therapeutic applications, as these nanoparticles are not only capable of targeting the desired cells but also of being safely delivered to the body without posing any threat of infection. Plant viruses can be taken up by tumor cells and can be functionalized as drug delivery vehicles. This Special Report describes how the future of cancer immunotherapy could be a success through the merger of computer-based technology using plant-virus nanoparticles.
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