Bacteriophages as Therapeutic and Diagnostic Vehicles in Cancer

Abstract

Evolution of nanomedicine is the re-design of synthetic and biological carriers to implement novel theranostic platforms. In recent years, bacteriophage research favors this process, which has opened up new roads in drug and gene delivery studies. By displaying antibodies, peptides, or proteins on the surface of different bacteriophages through the phage display technique, it is now possible to unravel specific molecular determinants of both cancer cells and tumor-associated microenvironmental molecules. Downstream applications are manifold, with peptides being employed most of the times to functionalize drug carriers and improve their therapeutic index. Bacteriophages themselves were proven, in this scenario, to be good carriers for imaging molecules and therapeutics as well. Moreover, manipulation of their genetic material to stably vehiculate suicide genes within cancer cells substantially changed perspectives in gene therapy. In this review, we provide examples of how amenable phages can be used as anticancer agents, especially because their systemic administration is possible. We also provide some insights into how their immunogenic profile can be modulated and exploited in immuno-oncology for vaccine production.

Exposure to Bacteriophages T4 and M13 Increases Integrin Gene Expression and Impairs Migration of Human PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

“…Similarly, the integrins which are responsible for cellular behavior were significantly modulated by phages, therefore their role in modulating cancer progression genes cannot be ignored [74][75][76]. Our study supports the "Bacteriophage" as a model nanoparticle for in-vivo cancer studies along with its therapeutic potential [77].…”

Modification of a Tumor-Targeting Bacteriophage for Potential Diagnostic Applications

“…The M13 bacteriophages can be genetically modified to express a RGD4C peptide on its shell to target cancer cells [30]. They can be vehicles for curative nucleic acids, and the decoration of their capsids with drugs and imaging dyes transforms the phages into theranostic platforms [18,26,[31][32][33][34]. For example, refactored M13 bacteriophage for targeted imaging and drug delivery to prostate cancer cells in vitro has been developed: doxorubicin was attached to the M13 bacteriophage major coat protein pVIII, and the minor coat protein pIII displayed a peptide with affinity for SPARC (secreted protein, acidic, and rich in cysteine).…”

The Many Applications of Engineered Bacteriophages—An Overview

“…The ability of engineered phages to directly deliver drugs to specific cancer cells has the potential to minimize the side effects and off target toxicity of more traditional cancer therapies (for reviews see [ 81 , 82 ]). Phages can be linked to drugs that have low water solubility which allows for enhanced delivery and a lower dose to be administered.…”