Harnessing Nature's microscopic messengers: Cutting-Edge viral and bacterial vectors revolutionize targeted therapies

Abstract

Viral and bacterial vectors have significantly advanced targeted therapies over recent decades, particularly in drug delivery and cancer treatment. Retroviral vectors, especially those that are replication-competent, have improved the integration of therapeutic genes into host genomes, showing promise in treating gliomas and lung cancer. Lentiviral vectors, particularly HIV-1 derivatives, excel in gene therapy for genetic disorders like Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome due to their ability to transduce non-dividing cells with low genotoxicity. Clinical trials indicate their effectiveness in enhancing patient outcomes without major side effects. Bacterial vectors, such as "bacteriabots," which combine bacterial cells with nanoparticles, improve targeting in chemotherapy. Various bacterial strains have been effective in activating T-cells and enhancing macrophage responses. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) also contribute to drug delivery and immune activation. In tumor phototherapy, bacterial biohybrids utilize photodynamic agents to enhance treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. Techniques like covalent conjugation and electrostatic interactions aid in developing these biohybrids. Overall, this review emphasizes the effectiveness of viral and bacterial vectors in targeting cancer cells and stimulating immune responses, while highlighting the need for continued research to overcome limitations and optimize their clinical applications.