Virus-Like particles as a Novel Targeted Drug Delivery Platform for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Virus-Like Particles (VLP) mimics virions immunologically which induces high titers of neutralizing antibodies to conformational epitopes due to the high-density display of epitopes, present multiple proteins which are optimal for uptake by dendritic cells and are assembled in vivo. VLP triggers the immune response of the body against the diseases and is broadly two types like non enveloped VLP’s and Enveloped VLP’s. The present review discusses the production, analysis, and mechanism of action of virus-like particles. Various applications, the Indian Scenario of VLP, Limitations, and future scopes are briefly reviewed and discussed. VLPs imitate authentic viruses in antigenic morphology and offer a stable alternative to attenuated and inactivated viruses in the production of vaccines. It can effectively deliver foreign nucleic acids, proteins, or conjugated compounds to the system, or even to particular types of cells, due to their transducing properties. It retains the ability to infiltrate and render cells useful for a wide range of applications. Used as a tool to increase the immunogenicity of poorly immunogenic antigens, VLP therapeutics can be developed and manufactured in a way that would be sufficiently cheap to be seen globally in many countries. The ability to mass-produce them cost-effectively improves their possibility of being introduced to undeveloped countries.