title: Functionalization of protein-based nanocages for drug delivery applications.
abstract: Traditional drug delivery strategies involve drugs which are not targeted towards the desired tissue. This can lead to undesired side effects, as normal cells are affected by the drugs as well. Therefore, new systems are now being developed which combine targeting functionalities with encapsulation of drug cargo. Protein nanocages are highly promising drug delivery platforms due to their perfectly defined structures, biocompatibility, biodegradability and low toxicity. A variety of protein nanocages have been modified and functionalized for these types of applications. In this review, we aim to give an overview of different types of modifications of protein-based nanocontainers for drug delivery applications.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.vanhest@science.ru.nl.
authors.forename: Lise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schoonen
authors.forename: Jan C M
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: van Hest
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005293:Ferritins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D050888:Heat-Shock Proteins, Small / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D036022:Capsid Proteins; D004337:Drug Carriers; D050888:Heat-Shock Proteins, Small; D011506:Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; D005293:Ferritins