VLPbased

VLPbased refers to technologies and products that use virus-like particles (VLPs) as the central platform. VLPs are self-assembled protein shells that resemble authentic viruses in size and morphology but lack infectious genetic material, making them replication-incompetent. The highly ordered arrangement of surface epitopes on VLPs often drives strong antibody responses and can display conformational epitopes similar to those of the native pathogen.

Production and design of VLP-based constructs rely on diverse expression systems, including yeast, insect-cell baculovirus, mammalian cells, and plants. Core structural proteins drive self-assembly, and foreign antigens can be displayed on the particle surface or incorporated inside. This modularity allows tuning of immunogenicity, safety, and delivery properties for different targets.

The most established use is vaccines. Hepatitis B surface antigen and HPV L1 VLPs form well-known vaccines with favorable safety profiles. VLP-based approaches are also under development for influenza, dengue, and emerging pathogens, including plant-derived SARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccines. Beyond vaccines, VLPs are explored for diagnostic applications and as platforms for targeted delivery and nanomaterial engineering due to their defined geometry and surface chemistry.

Advantages and challenges include a favorable safety profile and potent immunogenicity from repetitive antigen display, along with the potential for adjuvant synergy. Challenges encompass manufacturing complexity, cost, stability during storage, and ensuring consistent epitope presentation and regulatory approval across products and regions.

Historically, the concept matured in the late 20th century, with first licensed VLP vaccines for HBV and HPV marking significant milestones. Today, VLP-based technologies continue to attract research and development efforts worldwide.