The case of oncolytic viruses versus the immune system: waiting on the judgment of Solomon

Robin J Prestwich1, Fiona Errington, Rosa M Diaz

  • 1Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom.

Human Gene Therapy
|July 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses can enhance cancer immunotherapy by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the interplay between viruses, tumors, and immunity is key to improving virotherapy outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The interaction between oncolytic viruses, tumor microenvironment, and immune system is crucial for cancer therapy.
  • Traditionally, the immune system is viewed as a barrier to oncolytic virus efficacy, causing viral clearance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how oncolytic viruses can modulate the tumor microenvironment's immunogenicity.
  • To explore the dual role of innate and adaptive immunity in restricting or enhancing virotherapy.
  • To discuss immunomodulatory strategies for improving oncolytic virus therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical data on oncolytic virus therapy.
  • Analysis of the impact of oncolytic viruses on tumor immunology.
  • Discussion of immune system's role in virotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Virotherapy can function as cancer immunotherapy by altering the tumor microenvironment.
  • Immune responses can both limit and potentiate the effects of oncolytic viruses.
  • Oncolytic viruses have the capacity to modify the tumor's immunogenic profile.

Conclusions:

  • The immune system's interaction with oncolytic viruses is complex, offering therapeutic opportunities.
  • Targeting immune responses through immunomodulation can enhance the efficacy of oncolytic virus cancer therapy.
  • Further research into immune-mediated mechanisms is vital for optimizing virotherapy.

Related Concept Videos

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...