Abstract
Protein nanocages have been studied extensively, due to their unique architecture, exceptional biocompatibility and highly customization capabilities. In particular, ferritin nanocages (FNs) have been employed for the delivery of a vast array of molecules, ranging from chemotherapeutics to imaging agents, among others. One of the main favorable characteristics of FNs is their intrinsic targeting efficiency toward the Transferrin Receptor 1, which is overexpressed in many tumors. Furthermore, genetic manipulation can be employed to introduce novel variants that are able to improve the loading capacity, targeting capabilities and bio-availability of this versatile drug delivery system. In this review, we discuss the main characteristics of FN and the most recent applications of this promising nanotechnology in the field of oncology with a particular emphasis on the imaging and treatment of solid tumors.
Highlights
Protein nanocages have been studied extensively, due to their unique architecture, exceptional biocompatibility and highly customization capabilities
An exception is represented by virus-like particles (VLPs), which are composed of self-assembled proteins that are, in some cases, highly immunogenic [5]
ferritin nanocages (FNs) have been studied extensively due to their intrinsic targeting capabilities toward the Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1), which is highly expressed in many tumors, making them very appealing for drug-delivery applications in oncology
Summary
Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have the capacity to enhance the physicochemical properties of a wide variety of drugs used in oncology to limit off-site side effects and improve their therapeutic efficacy [1,2,3]. Some examples are ferritin nanocages (FNs), heat-shock protein cages, vault ribonucleoparticles, the E2 protein of the pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex, chaperones, carboxysomes and other enzyme complexes [6] Most of these protein-based NP are understudied and have, so far, limited applications in the field of oncology. Extreme pH (2 or 13) is used to transiently disassemble the protein nanocage into monomers that can reassemble by adjusting the pH toward neutrality By employing this methodology, FN can be loaded with different chemotherapeutic drugs. High concentrations of guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) or urea are able to disrupt the non-covalent forces which support FNs’ structure, leading to their disassembly This process can be reversed by dialysis to remove the excess of chaotropic agents, leading to the recovery of the original nanostructure with consequent loading of molecular cargoes in the inner cavity [24].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
