AUTHOR=Kim Kyeong Rok , Lee Ae Sol , Kim Su Min , Heo Hye Ryoung , Kim Chang Sup 

TITLE=Virus-like nanoparticles as a theranostic platform for cancer

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2022.1106767

DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2022.1106767

ISSN=2296-4185

ABSTRACT=<p>Virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) are natural polymer-based nanomaterials that mimic viral structures through the hierarchical assembly of viral coat proteins, while lacking viral genomes. VLPs have received enormous attention in a wide range of nanotechnology-based medical diagnostics and therapies, including cancer therapy, imaging, and theranostics. VLPs are biocompatible and biodegradable and have a uniform structure and controllable assembly. They can encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and can be genetically or chemically modified. These properties have led to sophisticated multifunctional theranostic platforms. This article reviews the current progress in developing and applying engineered VLPs for molecular imaging, drug delivery, and multifunctional theranostics in cancer research.</p>