Nanoscale engineering is revolutionizing the way we prevent, detect and treat diseases.  Viruses are playing a special role in these developments because they can function as prefabricated nanoparticles. Genetic engineering and bioconjugation chemistry allow to introduce hundreds to thousands of copies of therapeutic payloads and/or targeting ligands to impart tissue-specificity. Functionalities can be introduced at the exterior and interior surfaces, and with spatial control. We have developed various strategies for therapeutic cargo loading and delivery; here, I will discuss applications in plant virus-based chemotherapy delivery targeting cancer. Furthermore, in addition to serving as a tool for drug delivery, the immune-stimulatory properties of the multivalent protein-based nanoparticles can be harnessed to stimulate the immune system, therefore potentiating the therapeutic outcome. I will highlight the potential for virus-based dual-pronged cancer therapeutics.

From pathogen to cure: plant virus-based therapeutics

251st National Meeting (2016)

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