Viral Nanoparticle System: An Effective Platform for Photodynamic Therapy

• Main Authors: Shujin Lin, Chun Liu, Xiao Han, Haowei Zhong, Cui Cheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: photodynamic therapy; viral nanoparticles; photosensitizer
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/4/1728

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapy due to its efficiency and accuracy. The photosensitizer is delivered to the target lesion and locally activated. Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have been explored as delivery vehicles for PDT in recent years because of their favorable properties, including simple manufacture and good safety profile. They have great potential as drug delivery carriers in medicine. Here, we review the development of PDT photosensitizers and discuss applications of VNP-mediated photodynamic therapies and the performance of VNPs in the treatment of tumor cells and antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, future perspectives are discussed for further developing novel viral nanocarriers or improving existing viral vectors.