1
|
Arul SS, Balakrishnan B, Handanahal SS, Venkataraman S. Viral nanoparticles: Current advances in design and development. Biochimie 2024; 219:33-50. [PMID: 37573018 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are self-assembling, adaptable delivery systems for vaccines and other therapeutic agents used in a variety of biomedical applications. The potential of viruses to invade and infect various hosts and cells renders them suitable as potential nanocarriers, possessing distinct functional characteristics, immunogenic properties, and improved biocompatibility and biodegradability. VNPs are frequently produced through precise genetic or chemical engineering, which involves adding diverse sequences or functional payloads to the capsid protein (CP). Several spherical and helical plant viruses, bacteriophages, and animal viruses are currently being used as VNPs, or non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs). In addition to their broad use in cancer therapy, vaccine technology, diagnostics, and molecular imaging, VNPs have made important strides in the realms of tissue engineering, biosensing, and antimicrobial prophylaxis. They are also being used in energy storage cells due to their binding and piezoelectric properties. The large-scale production of VNPs for research, preclinical testing, and clinical use is fraught with difficulties, such as those relating to cost-effectiveness, scalability, and purity. Consequently, many plants- and microorganism-based platforms are being developed, and newer viruses are being explored. The goal of the current review is to provide an overview of these advances.
Collapse
|
2
|
Hincapie R, Bhattacharya S, Baksh MM, Sanhueza CA, Echeverri ES, Kim H, Paunovska K, Podilapu AR, Xu M, Dahlman JE, Finn MG. Multivalent Targeting of the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor by Virus-Like Particles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304263. [PMID: 37649182 PMCID: PMC10840735 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is expressed in high density on hepatocytes. Multivalent variants of galactosyl carbohydrates bind ASGPR with high affinity, enabling hepatic delivery of ligand-bound cargo. Virus-like particle (VLP) conjugates of a relatively high-affinity ligand were efficiently endocytosed by ASGPR-expressing cells in a manner strongly dependent on the nature and density of ligand display, with the best formulation using a nanomolar-, but not a picomolar-level, binder. Optimized particles were taken up by HepG2 cells with greater efficiency than competing small molecules or the natural multigalactosylated ligand, asialoorosomucoid. Upon systemic injection in mice, these VLPs were rapidly cleared to the liver and were found in association with sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatocytes, dendritic cells, and other immune cells. Both ASGPR-targeted and nontargeted particles were distributed similarly to endothelial and Kupffer cells, but targeted particles were distributed to a greater number and fraction of hepatocytes. Thus, selective cellular trafficking in the liver is difficult to achieve: even with the most potent ASGPR targeting available, barrier cells take up much of the injected particles and hepatocytes are accessed only approximately twice as efficiently in the best case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hincapie
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Sonia Bhattacharya
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Michael M Baksh
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Carlos A Sanhueza
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Elisa Schrader Echeverri
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Kalina Paunovska
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Ananda R Podilapu
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Minghao Xu
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory School of Medicine, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - M G Finn
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen YL, Bao CJ, Duan JL, Xie Y, Lu WL. Overcoming biological barriers by virus-like drug particles for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115134. [PMID: 37926218 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have natural structural antigens similar to those found in viruses, making them valuable in vaccine immunization. Furthermore, VLPs have demonstrated significant potential in drug delivery, and emerged as promising vectors for transporting chemical drug, genetic drug, peptide/protein, and even nanoparticle drug. With virus-like permeability and strong retention, they can effectively target specific organs, tissues or cells, facilitating efficient intracellular drug release. Further modifications allow VLPs to transfer across various physiological barriers, thus acting the purpose of efficient drug delivery and accurate therapy. This article provides an overview of VLPs, covering their structural classifications, deliverable drugs, potential physiological barriers in drug delivery, strategies for overcoming these barriers, and future prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chun-Jie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia-Lun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Wan-Liang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tan JS, Jaffar Ali MNB, Gan BK, Tan WS. Next-generation viral nanoparticles for targeted delivery of therapeutics: Fundamentals, methods, biomedical applications, and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:955-978. [PMID: 37339432 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2228202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are virus-based nanocarriers that have been studied extensively and intensively for biomedical applications. However, their clinical translation is relatively low compared to the predominating lipid-based nanoparticles. Therefore, this article describes the fundamentals, challenges, and solutions of the VNP-based platform, which will leverage the development of next-generation VNPs. AREAS COVERED Different types of VNPs and their biomedical applications are reviewed comprehensively. Strategies and approaches for cargo loading and targeted delivery of VNPs are examined thoroughly. The latest developments in controlled release of cargoes from VNPs and their mechanisms are highlighted too. The challenges faced by VNPs in biomedical applications are identified, and solutions are provided to overcome them. EXPERT OPINION In the development of next-generation VNPs for gene therapy, bioimaging and therapeutic deliveries, focus must be given to reduce their immunogenicity, and increase their stability in the circulatory system. Modular virus-like particles (VLPs) which are produced separately from their cargoes or ligands before all the components are coupled can speed up clinical trials and commercialization. In addition, removal of contaminants from VNPs, cargo delivery across the blood brain barrier (BBB), and targeting of VNPs to organelles intracellularly are challenges that will preoccupy researchers in this decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Sen Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Norizwan Bin Jaffar Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bee Koon Gan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Siang Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hincapie R, Bhattacharya S, Keshavarz-Joud P, Chapman AP, Crooke SN, Finn MG. Preparation and Biological Properties of Oligonucleotide-Functionalized Virus-like Particles. Biomacromolecules 2023. [PMID: 37257068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides are powerful molecules for programming function and assembly. When arrayed on nanoparticle scaffolds in high density, the resulting molecules, spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), become imbued with unique properties. We used the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition to graft oligonucleotides on Qβ virus-like particles to see if such structures also gain SNA-like behavior. Copper-binding ligands were shown to promote the click reaction without degrading oligonucleotide substrates. Reactions were first optimized with a small-molecule fluorogenic reporter and were then applied to the more challenging synthesis of polyvalent protein nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates. The resulting particles exhibited the enhanced cellular uptake and protection from nuclease-mediated oligonucleotide cleavage characteristic of SNAs, had similar residence time in the liver relative to unmodified particles, and were somewhat shielded from immune recognition, resulting in nearly 10-fold lower antibody titers relative to unmodified particles. Oligonucleotide-functionalized virus-like particles thus provide an interesting option for protein nanoparticle-mediated delivery of functional molecules.
Collapse
|
6
|
Pistono P, Huang P, Brauer DD, Francis MB. Fitness Landscape-Guided Engineering of Locally Supercharged Virus-like Particles with Enhanced Cell Uptake Properties. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:3367-3378. [PMID: 36378277 PMCID: PMC9764284 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based nanoparticles are useful models for the study of self-assembly and attractive candidates for drug delivery. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are especially promising platforms for expanding the repertoire of therapeutics that can be delivered effectively as they can deliver many copies of a molecule per particle for each delivery event. However, their use is often limited due to poor uptake of VLPs into mammalian cells. In this study, we use the fitness landscape of the bacteriophage MS2 VLP as a guide to engineer capsid variants with positively charged surface residues to enhance their uptake into mammalian cells. By combining mutations with positive fitness scores that were likely to produce assembled capsids, we identified two key double mutants with internalization efficiencies as much as 67-fold higher than that of wtMS2. Internalization of these variants with positively charged surface residues depends on interactions with cell surface sulfated proteoglycans, and yet, they are biophysically similar to wtMS2 with low cytotoxicity and an overall negative charge. Additionally, the best-performing engineered MS2 capsids can deliver a potent anticancer small-molecule therapeutic with efficacy levels similar to antibody-drug conjugates. Through this work, we were able to establish fitness landscape-based engineering as a successful method for designing VLPs with improved cell penetration. These findings suggest that VLPs with positive surface charge could be useful in improving the delivery of small-molecule- and nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paige
E. Pistono
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California94720, United States
| | - Paul Huang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California94720, United States
| | - Daniel D. Brauer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California94720, United States
| | - Matthew B. Francis
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California94720, United States,Materials
Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory, Berkeley, California94720, United States,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ikwuagwu B, Tullman-Ercek D. Virus-like particles for drug delivery: a review of methods and applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102785. [PMID: 36099859 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembling protein nanoparticles that have great promise as vectors for drug delivery. VLPs are derived from viruses but retain none of their infection or replication capabilities. These protein particles have defined surface chemistries, uniform sizes, and stability properties that make them attractive starting points for drug-delivery scaffolds. Here, we review recent advances in tailoring VLPs for drug-delivery applications, including VLP platform engineering approaches as well as methods for cargo loading, activation, and release. Finally, we highlight several successes using VLPs for drug delivery in model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bon Ikwuagwu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute E136, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Danielle Tullman-Ercek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute E136, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Technological Institute B486, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wijesundara YH, Herbert FC, Kumari S, Howlett T, Koirala S, Trashi O, Trashi I, Al-Kharji NM, Gassensmith JJ. Rip it, stitch it, click it: A Chemist's guide to VLP manipulation. Virology 2022; 577:105-123. [PMID: 36343470 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are some of nature's most ubiquitous self-assembled molecular containers. Evolutionary pressures have created some incredibly robust, thermally, and enzymatically resistant carriers to transport delicate genetic information safely. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are human-engineered non-infectious systems that inherit the parent virus' ability to self-assemble under controlled conditions while being non-infectious. VLPs and plant-based viral nanoparticles are becoming increasingly popular in medicine as their self-assembly properties are exploitable for applications ranging from diagnostic tools to targeted drug delivery. Understanding the basic structure and principles underlying the assembly of higher-order structures has allowed researchers to disassemble (rip it), reassemble (stitch it), and functionalize (click it) these systems on demand. This review focuses on the current toolbox of strategies developed to manipulate these systems by ripping, stitching, and clicking to create new technologies in the biomedical space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalini H Wijesundara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Fabian C Herbert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Sneha Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Thomas Howlett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Shailendra Koirala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Orikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Ikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Noora M Al-Kharji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Gassensmith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Virus-like Particles: Fundamentals and Biomedical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158579. [PMID: 35955711 PMCID: PMC9369363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology is a fast-evolving field focused on fabricating nanoscale objects for industrial, cosmetic, and therapeutic applications. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled nanoparticles whose intrinsic properties, such as heterogeneity, and highly ordered structural organization are exploited to prepare vaccines; imaging agents; construct nanobioreactors; cancer treatment approaches; or deliver drugs, genes, and enzymes. However, depending upon the intrinsic features of the native virus from which they are produced, the therapeutic performance of VLPs can vary. This review compiles the recent scientific literature about the fundamentals of VLPs with biomedical applications. We consulted different databases to present a general scenario about viruses and how VLPs are produced in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell lines to entrap therapeutic cargo. Moreover, the structural classification, morphology, and methods to functionalize the surface of VLPs are discussed. Finally, different characterization techniques required to examine the size, charge, aggregation, and composition of VLPs are described.
Collapse
|
10
|
Edwardson TGW, Levasseur MD, Tetter S, Steinauer A, Hori M, Hilvert D. Protein Cages: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9145-9197. [PMID: 35394752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into polyhedral shell-like structures are useful molecular containers both in nature and in the laboratory. Here we review efforts to repurpose diverse protein cages, including viral capsids, ferritins, bacterial microcompartments, and designed capsules, as vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, targeted imaging agents, nanoreactors, templates for controlled materials synthesis, building blocks for higher-order architectures, and more. A deep understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function, and evolution of natural systems has been key to tailoring selective cargo encapsulation and interactions with both biological systems and synthetic materials through protein engineering and directed evolution. The ability to adapt and design increasingly sophisticated capsid structures and functions stands to benefit the fields of catalysis, materials science, and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McFall-Boegeman H, Huang X. Mechanisms of cellular and humoral immunity through the lens of VLP-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:453-469. [PMID: 35023430 PMCID: PMC8960355 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2029415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination can be effective defense against many infectious agents and the corresponding diseases. Discoveries elucidating the mechanisms of the immune system have given hopes to developing vaccines against diseases recalcitrant to current treatment/prevention strategies. One such finding is the ability of immunogenic biological nanoparticles to powerfully boost the immunogenicity of poorer antigens conjugated to them with virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines as a key example. VLPs take advantage of the well-defined molecular structures associated with sub-unit vaccines and the immunostimulatory nature of conjugate vaccines. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will discuss how advances in understanding the immune system can inform VLP-based vaccine design and how VLP-based vaccines have uncovered underlying mechanisms in the immune system. EXPERT OPINION As our understanding of mechanisms underlying the immune system increases, that knowledge should inform our vaccine design. Testing of proof-of-concept vaccines in the lab should seek to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of immune responses. The integration of these approaches will allow for VLP-based vaccines to live up to their promise as a powerful plug-and-play platform for next generation vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hunter McFall-Boegeman
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Xuefei Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|