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Updated: May 24, 2026
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Isolation of more potent oncolytic paramyxovirus by bioselection
R Beier1, T Hermiston, D Mumberg
1Therapeutic Research Group Oncology, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany. Rudolf.Beier@Bayer.com
Abstract:
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an oncolytic paramyxovirus with a nonsegmented single-stranded RNA genome. In this report, a recombinant oncolytic NDV was passaged in human tumor xenografts and reisolated and characterized after two rounds of bioselection. Several isolates could be recovered that differed from the parental virus with respect to virus spread in tumor cells and the ability to form syncytia in human tumor cells. Three isolates were identified that demonstrated superior oncolytic potency compared with the parental virus as measured by increased oncolytic potency in confluent tumor cell monolayers, in tumor cell spheroids and in a mouse xenograft tumor model. The surface proteins F and HN were sequence analyzed and characterized for fusogenicity. The present study demonstrates that in vivo NDV bioselection can enable the isolation of novel, oncolytic NDV and thus represents a powerful methodology for the development of highly potent oncolytic viruses.
Insights
This study developed a more potent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) for cancer treatment by adapting it within tumors. The enhanced NDV shows improved oncolytic activity, offering a promising new tool for oncolytic virotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an oncolytic paramyxovirus.
- NDV has potential as a cancer therapeutic agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize novel oncolytic NDV strains with enhanced potency.
- To evaluate the efficacy of in vivo bioselected NDV in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant NDV was passaged in human tumor xenografts for two rounds of bioselection.
- Isolates were characterized for virus spread, syncytia formation, and oncolytic potency.
- Surface proteins F and HN were analyzed for fusogenicity.
Main Results:
- Several NDV isolates with altered tumor cell spread and syncytia formation were recovered.
- Three isolates demonstrated superior oncolytic potency compared to the parental NDV.
- Enhanced potency was observed in cell monolayers, spheroids, and a mouse xenograft model.
Conclusions:
- In vivo bioselection is an effective method for isolating potent oncolytic NDV.
- This methodology can be used to develop highly effective oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy.
