ABSTRACT
This chapter is devoted to the VLP applications other than vaccines. Firstly, the popular armored RNA technology is described as an excellent example of the broad and successful application of the RNA phage VLPs in modern diagnostic kits. The armored nucleic acids as noninfectious, easily available reagents are employed widely for the quality control in the diagnosis of many pathogenic viruses like, for example, influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus, or Ebola virus. Secondly, a detailed list is given of the prospective RNA phage VLP-based experimental approaches that could be classified as the VLP nanocontainer studies including the packaging, targeting, and delivery steps. Thirdly, the detailed list of the RNA phage VLP-based bioimaging applications is presented. The use of imaging agents in combination with the RNA phage VLPs has contributed recently to the high-resolution and non-invasive visualization of these particles, as well as to the potential treatment of diseases. Next, the solid contribution of the RNA phage VLPs to the general idea of the nanoreactors is highlighted.
