The structure, uniformity, stability, and functions of virus-like particles (VLPs) have encouraged scientists to utilize them as a unique tool in various applications in biomedical fields. Their interaction with the innate immune system is of major importance for the adaptive immune response they induce. The innate immune cells and molecules recognize and interact with VLPs on the basis of two major characteristics: size and surface geometry. VLP-based vaccines against hepatitis B, human papilloma, malaria, and hepatitis E have been developed and are available in many countries around the world. Given the inherent immunogenicity of VLPs, they render themselves ideal for the development of new vaccines against infectious diseases as well as noncommunicable diseases, such as chronic inflammation or cancer. This Special Issue is designed to provide an up-to-date view of the latest progress in the development of VLP-based prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines and technologies for their generation.

The Subcellular Biochemistry series has recently embarked upon an almost encyclopaedic coverage of topics relating to the structure and function of macromolecular complexes (Volumes 82, 83 and 87). The present multi-author text covers numerous aspects of current research into molecular virology, with emphasis upon viral protein and nucleoprotein structure and function. Structural data from cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography is displayed throughout the book. The 17 chapters in the book cover diverse interesting topics, all currently under investigation, contributed by authors who are active actively involved in present-day research. Whilst structural aspects predominate, there is much consideration of the structure-function relationship. In addition, the book correlates with and extends from Volume 68 of the series “Structure and Physics of Viruses: An Integrated Textbook”. This book is directed primarily at professionals that work in the broad field of Structural Biology and will be of particular interest to Structural Virologists. The editors, David Bhella and Robin Harris, have much experience in virology and protein structure, respectively. Dr Bhella is Director of the Scottish Macromolecular Imaging Centre. Professor Robin Harris is the long-standing Series Editor of the Subcellular Biochemistry series. He has edited and contributed to several books in the series.

This book represents the first complete and systematic guide to the virus-like particles (VLPs) and their applications as vaccines, therapeutic tools, nanomaterials, and nanodevices. The grouping of the VLPs follows the most recent virus taxonomy and the traditional Baltimore classification of viruses, which are based on the genome structure and mechanism of mRNA synthesis. Within each of the seven Baltimore classes, the order taxon serves as a framework of the chapter’s arrangement. The term "VLP" is used as a universal designation for the virus-, core-, or capsid-like structures, which became an important part of the modern molecular virology. The 3D structures, expression systems, and nanotechnological applications are described for VLPs in the context of the original viruses and uncover their evolving potential as novel vaccines and medical interventions. Key Features Presents the first full guide to the VLP nanotechnology, classified by current viral taxonomy Outlines specific structural properties and interconnection of the virions and VLPs Explains generation and characteristics of VLPs produced by various expression systems Offers up-to-date summary of VLPs designed as vaccines and delivery tools Unveils interconnection of VLPs with novel organic and inorganic nanomaterials

This book provides a comprehensive overview of how use of micro- and nanotechnology (MNT) has allowed major new advance in vaccine development research, and the challenges that immunologists face in making further progress. MNT allows the creation of particles that exploit the inherent ability of the human immune system to recognize small particles such as viruses and toxins. In combination with minimal protective epitope design, this permits the creation of immunogenic particles that stimulate a response against the targeted pathogen. The finely tuned response of the human immune system to small particles makes it unsurprising that many of the lead adjuvants and vaccine delivery systems currently under investigation are based on nanoparticles. - Provides a comprehensive and unparalleled overview of the role of micro- and nanotechnology in vaccine development - Allows researchers to quickly familiarize themselves with the broad spectrum of vaccines and how micro- and nanotechnologies are applied to their development - Includes a combination of overview chapters setting out general principles, and focused content dealing with specific vaccines, making it useful to readers from a variety of disciplines

Biomedical Innovations to Combat COVID-19 provides an updated overview on the development of vaccines, antiviral drugs and nanomaterials, and diagnostic methods for the fight against COVID-19. Perspectives on such technologies are identified, discussed, and enriched with figures for easy understanding and applicability. Furthermore, it contains basic aspects of virology, immunology, and antiviral drugs that are needed to fully appreciate these innovations. This book is split into four sections: introduction, presenting basic virologic and epidemiological aspects of COVID-19; vaccines against COVID-19, discussing their different types and applications used to develop them; diagnostic approaches for SARS-CoV-2, encompassing advanced sensing and microfluidic-based biosensors; and drug development and delivery, where antivirals based on nanomaterials or drugs are presented. It is a valuable source for virologists, biotechnologists, and members of biomedical field interested in learning more about how novel technologies can be applied to fasten the eradication of the COVID-19 and similar pandemics. - Presents updated literature coverage summarizing the most relevant information on COVID-19 - Written by experts from diverse scientific domains in order to provide readers with a thorough view on the subject - Encompasses tables, figures and information trees especially developed for the book in order to condense and highlight key points for quick reference

Nanotechnology is a collective term describing a broad range of relatively novel topics. Scale is the main unifying theme, with nanotechnology being concerned with matter on the nanometer scale. A quintessential tenet of nanotechnology is the precise self-assembly of nanometer-sized components into ordered devices. Nanotechnology seeks to mimic what nature has achieved, with precision at the nanometer level down to the atomic level. Nanobiotechnology, a division of nanotechnology, involves the exploitation of biomaterials, devices or methodologies in the nanoscale. In recent years a set of b- molecules has been studied and utilized. Virus particles are natural nanomaterials and have recently received attention for their tremendous potential in this field. The extensive study of viruses as pathogens has yielded detailed knowledge about their biological, genetic, and physical properties. Bacterial viruses (bacte- ophages), plant and animal eukaryotic viruses, and viruses of archaea have all been characterized in this manner. The knowledge of their replicative cycles allows manipulation and tailoring of particles, relying on the principles of self-assembly in infected hosts to build the base materials. The atomic resolution of the virion structure reveals ways in which to tailor particles for higher-order functions and assemblies.

The Vaccine Book, Second Edition provides comprehensive information on the current and future state of vaccines. It reveals the scientific opportunities and potential impact of vaccines, including economic and ethical challenges, problems encountered when producing vaccines, how clinical vaccine trials are designed, and how to introduce vaccines into widespread use. Although vaccines are now available for many diseases, there are still challenges ahead for major diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This book is designed for students, researchers, public health officials, and all others interested in increasing their understanding of vaccines. It answers common questions regarding the use of vaccines in the context of a rapidly expanding anti-vaccine environment. This new edition is completely updated and revised with new and unique topics, including new vaccines, problems of declining immunization rates, trust in vaccines, the vaccine hesitancy, and the social value of vaccines for the community vs. the individual child's risk. - Provides insights into diseases that could be prevented, along with the challenges facing research scientists in the world of vaccines - Gives new ideas about future vaccines and concepts - Introduces new vaccines and concepts - Gives ideas about challenges facing public and private industrial investors in the vaccine area - Discusses the problem of declining immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy