Engineered Viral-Cop

VIROCOP

This illustration was created for a science journal cover to entice the lay audience to read the featured article.

STORY

Recent advancements in genetic engineering have facilitated the development of oncolytic viruses to target and destroy cancer cells. Recent modifications to these viral vectors allow them to specifically target cancer cells and express cancer-suppressing genes, thereby promoting anti-tumor immune responses, and ultimately counteracting tumorigenesis.

The image features a modified adenovirus, a vector expensively explored as an oncolytic virus. In this case it is portrayed as a “viral cop” searching for, and targeting, cancer cells. To emphasize the engineered nature of the virus, it is designed and modeled using mechanical parts and inorganic materials. In contrast, the cancer cell is depicted using organic forms and textures. The spotlights highlight the targeted receptor protein, both drawing the viewer’s eye, and emphasizing the critical moment of cancer detection.

DESCRIPTION