Green synthesis of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus-loaded thiolated chitosan nanoformulation for CD44 targeted delivery and sustained release of virus in cervical cancer xenografts

Abstract

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) Lasota strain has proven oncolytic activity. One shortcoming associated with this treatment modality is the immune neutralization of the virus in body, mediated by natural killer cells and macrophages. This study aims at encapsulating the oncolytic virus in thiolated chitosan nanoparticles, surface functionalized with hyaluronic acid for CD44 targeted delivery and sustained release of NDV in cervical cancer tumors. These nanoparticles were tested for oncolytic potential in HeLa cells and cervical cancer xenograft model.