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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Measles virus for cancer therapy
1Mayo Clinic, Department of Molecular Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. sjr@mayo.edu
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|February 11, 2009
Summary
Attenuated measles virus shows promise as an oncolytic agent for cancer therapy. Engineered measles viruses exhibit potent antitumor activity, with ongoing clinical trials exploring their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Measles virus (MV) is being explored as a platform for oncolytic virotherapy.
- Wild-type MV requires SLAM receptor for infection, which is not widely expressed on tumors.
- Attenuated MV strains utilize CD46, a receptor more abundant on tumor cells, enabling oncolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of attenuated measles viruses as selective oncolytic agents against cancer.
- To explore strategies for enhancing tumor specificity and monitoring of oncolytic measles viruses.
- To address challenges related to pre-existing anti-measles immunity for effective delivery.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing attenuated measles virus vaccine strains adapted to infect tumor cells via CD46.
- Engineering viruses for enhanced tumor specificity, potency, and in vivo monitoring.
- Investigating methods to overcome pre-existing immunity, such as cell carriers and immunosuppression.
Main Results:
- Attenuated measles viruses demonstrate potent and selective oncolytic activity in mouse xenograft models.
- Engineered viruses show potential for improved tumor targeting and monitoring.
- Pre-existing immunity is a significant hurdle for systemic delivery and intratumoral spread.
Conclusions:
- Attenuated measles viruses are promising candidates for oncolytic cancer therapy due to their tumor selectivity.
- Strategies to overcome immunity and enhance delivery are crucial for clinical translation.
- Clinical trials are currently investigating the safety and efficacy of oncolytic measles viruses.
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