Bacteriophage T4 As a Nanovehicle for Delivery of Genes and Therapeutics into Human Cells

Overview

Journal Curr Opin Virol

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2022 Aug 11

PMID 35952598

Authors

Venigalla B Rao

Jingen Zhu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The ability to deliver therapeutic genes and biomolecules into a human cell and restore a defective function has been the holy grail of medicine. Adeno-associated viruses and lentiviruses have been extensively used as delivery vehicles, but their capacity is limited to one (or two) gene(s). Bacteriophages are emerging as novel vehicles for gene therapy. The large 120 × 86-nm T4 capsid allows engineering of both its surface and its interior to incorporate combinations of DNAs, RNAs, proteins, and their complexes. In vitro assembly using purified components allows customization for various applications and for individualized therapies. Its large capacity, cell-targeting capability, safety, and inexpensive manufacturing could open unprecedented new possibilities for gene, cancer, and stem cell therapies. However, efficient entry into primary human cells and intracellular trafficking are significant barriers that must be overcome by gene engineering and evolution in order to translate phage-delivery technology from bench to bedside.

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