Applications of VLPs
VLPs are often used in studies to identify protein components required for viral assembly. VLPs are also a useful tool for the development of vaccines. VLPs contain repetitive high density displays of viral surface proteins which present conformational viral epitopes that can elicit strong T cell and B cell immune responses. Additionally, since VLPs lack genetic material, they provide a safer alternative to attenuated viruses. VLPs have already been used to develop FDA approved vaccines for Hepatitis B and human papillomavirus. More recently, VLPs have been used to develop a pre-clinical vaccine against chikungunya virus.
Gene therapy efforts are focused on utilizing VLPs as a delivery system for genes or other therapeutics.
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