Virus-Like Particles (Vlps) from Synthesis to Targeted Drug Delivery, Vaccine Approaches, and Gene Therapy

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologeis Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Students Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.32592/ARI.2025.80.4.833

Abstract

VLPs are spontaneously generated from viral capsid proteins. VLPs imitate genuine viruses visually and physiologicallybut lack viral DNA. Various VLP designs provide structural and functional appeal. Spontaneous polymerization of viral capsid proteins may result in VLPs with geometrical symmetry, which are often icosahedral, spherical, or rod-like.Moreover, functionalized VLPs may precisely target cancer cells and recruit macrophages to destroy them. The ability to target tumors for therapeutic drug delivery through using VLP-based delivery platforms in novel and intriguing aspects related to cancer treatment is the primary goal of VLP design. Cancer therapies require precise targeting of diagnostic or therapeutic elements to tumor cells while avoiding healthy cells and tissues. VLPs offer an innovative approachas site-specific drug delivery systems reducing systemic toxicity and injury to healthy cells. Immunotherapy, which boosts the host's immune system, has fewer side effects. Cancer vaccines aim to induce an immune response that provides protection against tumor cells. Due to their naturally fitted particle size and repetitive structural order, VLPs may be employed as a vaccine without any adjuvant. This review aims to provide basic information on VLPs and outline current studies on their use as drug and vaccine delivery systems in different cancers, highlighting their potential as a promising cancer treatment strategy. This review aims to provide basic information on VLPs and outline current studies on their use as drug and vaccine delivery systems in different cancers, highlighting their potential as a promising cancer treatment strategy. This review aims to provide basic information on VLPs and outline current studies on their use as drug and vaccine delivery systems in different cancers, highlighting their potential as a promising cancer treatment strategy.

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Main Subjects

References

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Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 80, Issue 4
July and August 2025
Pages 833-842

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