Molecular targeted viral nanoparticles as tools for imaging cancer.
Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are a novel class of bionanomaterials that harness the natural biocompatibility of viruses for the development of therapeutics, vaccines, and imaging tools. The plant virus, cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), has been successfully engineered to create novel cancer-targeted imaging agents by incorporating fluorescent dyes, polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers, and targeting moieties. Using straightforward conjugation strategies, VNPs with high selectivity for cancer-specific molecular targets can be synthesized for in vivo imaging of tumors. Here we describe the synthesis and purification of CPMV-based VNPs, the functionalization of these VNPs using click chemistry, and their use for imaging xenograft tumors in animal models. VNPs decorated with fluorescent dyes, PEG, and targeting ligands can be synthesized in one day, and imaging studies can be performed over hours, days, or weeks, depending on the application.
Translational Prostate Cancer Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Choi-Fong
CF
Cho
Sourabh
S
Shukla
Emily J
EJ
Simpson
Nicole F
NF
Steinmetz
Leonard G
LG
Luyt
John D
JD
Lewis
D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002642:Chick Embryo; D057930:Click Chemistry / Q000379:methods; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014780:Viruses / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D010455:Peptides