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Updated: May 26, 2026

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Measles virus causes immunogenic cell death in human melanoma
O G Donnelly1, F Errington-Mais, L Steele
1Leeds Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses (OV) are promising treatments for cancer, with several currently undergoing testing in randomised clinical trials. Measles virus (MV) has not yet been tested in models of human melanoma. This study demonstrates the efficacy of MV against human melanoma. It is increasingly recognised that an essential component of therapy with OV is the recruitment of host antitumour immune responses, both innate and adaptive. MV-mediated melanoma cell death is an inflammatory process, causing the release of inflammatory cytokines including type-1 interferons and the potent danger signal HMGB1. Here, using human in vitro models, we demonstrate that MV enhances innate antitumour activity, and that MV-mediated melanoma cell death is capable of stimulating a melanoma-specific adaptive immune response.
Insights
Measles virus (MV) effectively targets human melanoma, demonstrating its potential as an oncolytic virus (OV) therapy. This study shows MV enhances innate immunity and stimulates adaptive immune responses against melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OV) are emerging cancer therapeutics in clinical trials.
- Measles virus (MV) has not been previously evaluated in human melanoma models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of MV against human melanoma.
- To explore MV's role in modulating host antitumour immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human in vitro models of melanoma.
- Assessed MV-mediated melanoma cell death and its impact on immune responses.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated MV's efficacy in targeting human melanoma cells.
- Showcased MV-induced cell death as an inflammatory process, releasing cytokines and HMGB1.
- Confirmed MV enhances innate antitumour activity.
- Established that MV stimulates a melanoma-specific adaptive immune response.
Conclusions:
- MV is a viable oncolytic virus for human melanoma treatment.
- MV therapy can potentiate both innate and adaptive antitumour immunity.
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