ABSTRACT
Viruses protect their genetic material by encapsulating them within protein capsids that are composed of protein subunits called capsomeres, which self-assemble in vivo during viral replication. For antigen presentation on Virus-Like Particles surface, the antigenic component is fused to one of the viral coat protein subunits to be presented on the capsid surface. Regardless of the different types of Self-Assembling Peptides (SAP), a certain minimal peptide concentration is required for self-assembly to occur. Two factors are important for the initiation or increase in peptide self-assembly: the concentration of the self-assembling peptide and an external stimulus. Peptide-based assembly is a relatively straightforward approach to combine functional proteins with SAPs to create functional protein nanomaterials with self-assembly attributes. SAP-based protein nanomaterials have advantages of the simplicity and variety although the field is at an early stage for the delivery of nanoparticles with defined structures.
