REVOLUTIONIZING CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH PLANT VIRUS- BASED NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Cancer is a complex disease and is the leading cause of mortality that affects millions of people across the globe. Cancer is challenging to treat, and current treatments including surgery, radiotherapy and systemic treatments have improved significantly over time; however, a better and effective treatment of cancer remains a challenge for patients, wellness professionals, investigators and scientists. Therefore, it is necessary to develop targeted and less toxic therapies for cancer. Recent research has revealed that plant viruses, occurring naturally, can invade a host cell for their replication and reproduction, and thus may have the ability to use as a tool to treat cancer. Plant viruses, occurring naturally, possess a remarkable ability to infiltrate host cells for their replication and propagation. This unique characteristic positions them as potential tools in the fight against cancer. Unlike conventional therapies, plant viruses are harmless to humans and can be engineered to specifically target cancer cells. Furthermore, the size and genome organization of different proteins of plant viruses are very small in diameter, making them an ideal size for transmission in the blood flow and have potential for carrying and discharge of payload to target cancer cells. This inherent capability holds immense potential for developing targeted and less toxic therapies for cancer, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.