Virus capsules consisting of viral proteins are good candidates as drug carrier due to their hollow structure derived from symmetrical arrangement of component proteins, and the inherent targeting potential and efficient cellular uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis. We represent JC virus capsules enable controlled-release of drugs in response to reducing environment in the cell via cleavage of disulfide bond. Fluorescent dye molecules were encapsulated within the virus capsules by modification of cysteine residues specifically located at the interior surface of the capsules. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) indicated the dye molecules were released from the capsules within 5 min by adding glutathione molecules (10 mM). Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) observation revealed that the encapsulated dye molecules were released from virus capsules in NIH3Y3 cells, suggesting that this virus capsules may have potential for improving drug delivery efficacy.

Glutathione-triggered drug release from virus capsules in cells

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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