Trends in nano-platforms for the treatment of viral infectious diseases

Viral diseases have always been a major health issue, from the currently eradicated poliovirus to the still unresolved human immunodeficiency virus, and have since become a recent global threat brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pathogenic viruses easily spread through various means such as contaminated food and water intake, exchange of bodily fluids, or even inhalation of airborne particles mainly due to their miniscule size. Furthermore, viral coats contain virulent proteins which trigger assimilation into target cells on contact through either direct penetration or induction of endocytosis. In some viruses their outer envelope contains masking ligands that create a means of escape from detection of immune cells. To deal with the nanometer size range and biomolecular-based invasion mechanism, nanoparticles are highly suitable for the treatment. The review highlights the progress in nanoparticle technology, particularly viral therapeutics, including therapeutic strategies and existing clinical applications.

Automated summary

Viral diseases are a significant health concern, from diseases like polio that have been eradicated, to ongoing issues like HIV, and now the global threat of COVID-19. Pathogenic viruses easily spread through various means, such as contaminated food and water, bodily fluids, and even airborne particles due to their small size. Additionally, viruses have virulent proteins in their coats that allow them to assimilate into target cells. Nanoparticles have shown promise as a treatment due to their ability to target viruses at a molecular level. This review focuses on the progress in nanoparticle technology for viral therapeutics, including strategies and current clinical applications.