Advances in Cancer Prevention
Open Access

Virus-like particles (VLPs); Synthetic carriers; Vaccine delivery; Nanocarriers; Immunogenicity; Antigen presentation; Nanoparticle-based vaccines; Biomimetic systems

Introduction

The rapid evolution of vaccine technologies has ushered in a new era where delivery systems play a central role in determining immunogenicity, safety, and long-term protection. Among these, virus-like particles (VLPs) and synthetic carriers have emerged as revolutionary tools in the field of vaccine delivery [1]. VLPs, which mimic the structural features of real viruses without containing infectious genetic material, offer a highly immunogenic and safe platform for presenting antigens in a repetitive and multivalent manner ideal for robust immune system activation [2]. In parallel, synthetic carriers, including lipid nanoparticles, polymer-based vesicles, and biomimetic nanostructures, provide customizable platforms for the delivery of DNA, mRNA, or protein antigens. These carriers enhance the stability, targeting capability, and controlled release of vaccine components, ensuring effective delivery to antigen-presenting cells while minimizing systemic side effects [3].

Both VLPs and synthetic carriers have proven crucial in the success of mRNA vaccines, such as those developed for COVID-19, and are now being explored for applications in cancer immunotherapy, infectious disease prevention, and personalized medicine [4]. Their ability to bypass traditional cold-chain dependencies, enable needle-free administration, and support multivalent antigen presentation marks a significant leap forward in global vaccine development. As these novel platforms continue to evolve, they hold the promise of transforming vaccine delivery—making immunization more effective, accessible, and adaptable across a range of diseases and populations [5].

Discussion

The emergence of virus-like particles (VLPs) and synthetic carriers represents a transformative leap in vaccine delivery technologies, providing platforms that are both biologically effective and structurally adaptable. VLPs, composed of self-assembled viral proteins without genomic content, closely mimic native viruses in size and shape, which allows them to engage the immune system effectively through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Their highly repetitive and multivalent structure promotes strong B-cell receptor cross-linking, enhancing antibody production and T-cell activation, even in the absence of an adjuvant [6]. VLPs have demonstrated success in licensed vaccines such as HPV and hepatitis B, and are now being engineered to present multiple or chimeric epitopes, making them ideal for next-generation multivalent or universal vaccines. Moreover, their biocompatibility and ability to be genetically or chemically modified offer versatile solutions for both infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy [7].

In parallel, synthetic carriers such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric nanocarriers, and inorganic systems (e.g., gold or silica-based particles) have revolutionized the delivery of nucleic acid vaccines, including mRNA and DNA platforms. LNPs, in particular, have proven to be critical for the stability and intracellular delivery of mRNA vaccines, as exemplified by the success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines [8]. These carriers protect payloads from enzymatic degradation, facilitate endosomal escape, and enable targeted delivery to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), thereby increasing vaccine potency while reducing required dosages. However, despite their promise, several challenges remain. For VLPs, scalability and manufacturing consistency can be limiting factors, especially when complex antigenic structures are required. Synthetic carriers, while highly tunable, may trigger undesired immune responses, biodistribution issues, or toxicity depending on their physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the immunological outcomes are highly dependent on the route of administration, cargo type, and surface modifications of these carriers. Efforts to improve these systems are ongoing, with a strong focus on bioinspired designs, surface functionalization with targeting ligands, and stimuli-responsive release mechanisms [9]. Additionally, combining VLPs or synthetic carriers with immunostimulatory molecules, such as TLR agonists or cytokines, has shown potential to further amplify the immune response. In summary, both VLPs and synthetic delivery systems represent a synergistic approach to overcoming the limitations of conventional vaccine platforms. Their continued development will not only enhance immunogenicity and safety but also enable the creation of customized, patient-specific vaccines for a wide range of diseases [10].

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