Virosomes as Next-generation Nanocarriers: Advances, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Chaithra R.P, Shankrayya M , Pruthvi A.V , Kishor Rahul R.P, Chethan Dixit, Arun Kumar M.K & Siddeswar B

Virosomes are virus-like nanocarriers that combine the structural advantages of viral envelopes with the safety of liposomes. By retaining viral glycoproteins such as hemagglutinin and neuraminidase but lacking genetic material, virosomes mimic natural viral entry while avoiding replication. This enables efficient, targeted delivery of vaccines, chemotherapeutics, and nucleic acids. Compared with conventional drug delivery systems, virosomes offer high biocompatibility, the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, and pHsensitive release. They have demonstrated clinical success in licensed vaccines such as Inflexal® V and Epaxal®, and ongoing research highlights applications in oncology, antimicrobial therapy, and gene delivery. Despite these advantages, challenges remain in largescale manufacturing, long-term stability, immune system recognition, and regulatory approval. Future directions include personalized medicine, combination therapies, CRISPR/Cas delivery, and integration with imaging agents for theranostic platforms. Overall, virosomes represent a versatile and promising next-generation nanocarrier technology with the potential to significantly advance targeted therapeutics and vaccination strategies.

Keywords –Virosomes, Targeted drug delivery, Vaccines, Nanocarriers, Oncology, CRISPR, Theranostics