Advances of Structural Design and Biomedical Applications of Tobacco Mosaic Virus Coat Protein

Abstract

Recognized as the primary RNA virus to be categorized and extensively studied, the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is foundational to advancements in virology, molecular biology, and biomaterials. Over the past few decades, the deep comprehension of the TMV coat protein (TMVcp) molecular structure and assembly principles has stimulated a surge in research on TMVcp structural design using genetic engineering and chemical modification techniques. The unique characteristics of TMVcp, including its nanoscale orderly structure, ease of modification, and considerable drug loading capacity, have enabled significant progress in its biomedical applications. This review summarizes the advanced strategies deployed for TMVcp design and multidimensional assembly and underscores the prototypical applications of TMVcp‐based biomaterials in bioimaging, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing. Ultimately, the future prospects of TMVcp research in structural design and biomedical applications are explored, which encompass artificial intelligence‐guided structural and functional design, the development of stimulus‐responsive biomaterials, and potential clinical translation.