Construction of HER2-Specific HIV-1-Based VLPs

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanoplatforms comprised of one or more viral proteins with the capacity to self-assemble without viral genetic material. VLPs arise as promising nanoparticles (NPs) that can be exploited as vaccines, as drug delivery vehicles or as carriers of imaging agents. Engineered antibody constructs, namely single-chain variable fragments (scFv), have been explored as relevant molecules to direct NPs to their target. A vector containing the scFv of an antibody, aimed at the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and fused to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protein gp41, was previously constructed. The work herein describes the early results concerning the production and the characterization of HIV-1-based VLPs expressing this protein, which could function as potential non-toxic tools for transporting drugs and/or imaging agents.

Automated summary

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembling nanoplatforms that can be used as carriers for vaccines, drug delivery, or imaging agents. This study presents early results on the production and characterization of HIV-1-based VLPs, which have the potential to serve as non-toxic tools for drug and/or imaging agent transport.