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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Viral Nanoparticles for In vivo Tumor Imaging
Published on: November 16, 2012
Engineered Plant-Derived Nanovesicles Facilitate Tumor Therapy: Natural Bioactivity Plus Drug Controlled Release
Xiaohang Chen1,2, Shuaiqi Ji1,2, Yuxiang Yan1
1Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Tumors are the second-most common disease in the world, killing people at an alarming rate. As issues with drug resistance, lack of targeting, and severe side effects are revealed, there is a growing demand for precision-targeted drug delivery systems. Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs), which arecomposed of proteins, lipids, RNA, and metabolites, are widely distributed and readily accessible. The potential for anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and drug-resistant-reversing effects on tumor cells, as well as the ability to alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) by modulating tumor-specific immune cells, make PDNVs promising anti-tumor therapeutics. With a lipid bilayer structure that allows drug loading and a transmembrane capacity readily endocytosed by cells, PDNVs are also expected to become a new drug delivery platform. Exogenous modifications of PDNVs enhance their circulating stability, tumor targeting ability, high cell endocytosis rate, and controlled-release capacity. In this review, we summarize PDNVs' natural antitumor activity, as well as engineered PDNVs as efficient precision-targeted drug delivery tools that enhance therapeutic effects. Additionally, we discuss critical considerations related to the issues raised in this area, which will encourage researchers to improve PDNVs as better anti-tumor therapeutics for clinic applications.
Insights
Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) show natural anti-tumor activity and can be engineered for precision drug delivery. These nanovesicles offer a promising platform to enhance cancer therapeutics by improving drug targeting and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tumors represent a significant global health challenge, driving the need for advanced cancer therapies.
- Current treatments face limitations including drug resistance, poor targeting, and severe side effects.
- Precision-targeted drug delivery systems are in high demand to overcome these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the natural anti-tumor properties of plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs).
- To explore the potential of engineered PDNVs as novel drug delivery platforms for cancer therapy.
- To discuss challenges and future directions for clinical applications of PDNVs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PDNVs and their therapeutic applications.
- Analysis of PDNV composition, structure, and biological activities.
- Evaluation of exogenous modification strategies for enhancing PDNV efficacy.
Main Results:
- PDNVs exhibit intrinsic anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on tumor cells.
- PDNVs can modulate the tumor microenvironment and reverse drug resistance.
- Engineered PDNVs demonstrate improved stability, tumor targeting, and cellular uptake for drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- PDNVs possess significant potential as both direct anti-tumor agents and drug delivery vehicles.
- Exogenous modifications can optimize PDNVs for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research is needed to translate PDNVs into effective clinical cancer treatments.
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