Mod4 Research Proposal

Project Overview

We propose a method of delivering cancer drugs, such as chemotherapy, through linkage to a virus. This virus would have a modified specificity so that it only infects cancerous mammalian cells.

Background Information

Cancer

• Cancer is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world.
• A major obstacle is cancer treatment is the lack of specificity - drugs attack cancerous cells, but they attack healthy cells as well
• Cancerous cells, such as tumors, are known to have modified surface proteins

Viruses

• Huge variety - can infect all living things

Predicted Outcomes

If all goes well, our virus should be able to deliver cancer drugs specifically to cancerous cells.

References

• Yacoby, I, et al. "Targeting antibacterial agents by using drug-carrying filamentous bacteriophages." Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 50.6(June 2006): 2087-2097.

This study used a method similar to our proposal, but with modified bacteriophages delivering antibiotics to target bacteria.

• Jung J, et al. "Bio-nanocapsules for In vivo Pinpoint Drug Delivery." Yakugaku Zasshi 127.5(May 2007): 797-805.

This study uses a recombinant yeast-derived hepatitis B virus surface antigen particle as a hepatitis B vaccine, but the particle can incorporate other types of materials as well.