Virusähnlichen

Virusähnlichen, also known as Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), are non-infectious agents that resemble viruses structurally but lack the genetic material necessary for replication. They are composed of viral proteins, typically the capsid proteins, that self-assemble into a virus-like structure. Because they do not contain viral DNA or RNA, VLPs cannot infect cells or cause disease.

The significance of VLPs lies in their potential as vaccines. When introduced into the body, VLPs can trigger an immune response similar to that elicited by a live or inactivated virus. The immune system recognizes the VLP as foreign and produces antibodies and T-cells that can then recognize and neutralize the actual virus if encountered. This makes VLPs a safe and effective vaccine strategy, particularly for viruses where traditional vaccine methods might be less successful or pose safety concerns.

VLPs have been successfully developed as vaccines against several diseases, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis E (HEV). The production of VLPs typically involves recombinant DNA technology, where genes encoding viral structural proteins are expressed in host cells, such as yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells. These proteins then self-assemble into VLPs within the host cells. The absence of genetic material makes VLPs inherently safer than live-attenuated or inactivated viral vaccines, as there is no risk of reversion to a pathogenic form or accidental infection. Their high immunogenicity and safety profile make them a promising platform for developing future vaccines against a range of viral pathogens.