Virus-like particles as antiviral strategies against shrimp viral diseases

Abstract

Viral diseases continue to threaten the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture, prompting the urgent development of innovative antiviral strategies. Virus-like particles (VLPs), self-assembled viral capsid structures lacking infectious genomes, have emerged as well-established nanoplatforms with potential applications in molecular delivery and antiviral intervention in aquatic species. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the design and biophysical properties of VLP-based platforms in shrimp. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Scopus between December 2025 and February 2026, and studies investigating VLP- or capsid-based applications in shrimp models with antiviral-related outcomes were included. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on penaeid shrimp, particularly Penaeus vannamei , and primarily targeted white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The majority of VLP constructs were derived from shrimp viral capsid proteins and produced in Escherichia coli , and were subsequently used to encapsulate dsRNA targeting viral structural genes. Across in vivo challenge models, 63.16% of studies reported improved survival or reduced mortality compared with controls, while 47.37% demonstrated reduced viral load following VLP-based treatment. Although heterogeneity in construct design and experimental conditions limits direct comparison, current evidence supports the potential of VLP platforms as multifunctional antiviral systems in shrimp. Standardized evaluation frameworks and field-relevant validation will be essential to advance their translational application in aquaculture.