DESIGN OF HER2-SPECIFIC VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES FOR IMAGE-GUIDED DRUG DELIVERY

Modelling, docking and fitting of an HER2-specific single chain variable fragment with the transmembrane viral protein (gp41) was the key to define the best pairwise residues allowing the modeling of a fusion protein to be expressed onto the viral capsid. Considering this information, DNA recombinant technologies were used to prepare the retargeted VLP containing the fusion protein with Gp41. The tropism of the constructed HIV-based VLPs was manipulated and the particles were engineered for the specific delivery of drugs and/or radionuclides for theranostics of HER2 positive breast cancer.