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Updated: May 3, 2026
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Viral warfare! Front-line defence and arming the immune system against cancer using oncolytic vaccinia and other
R V Dave1, A H S Jebar2, V A Jennings2
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK; Targeted and Biological Therapies, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, Leeds, UK.
Background:
Despite mankind's many achievements, we are yet to find a cure for cancer. We are now approaching a new era which recognises the promise of harnessing the immune system for anti-cancer therapy. Pathogens have been implicated for decades as potential anti-cancer agents, but implementation into clinical therapy has been plagued with significant drawbacks. Newer 'designer' agents have addressed some of these concerns, in particular, a new breed of oncolytic virus: JX-594, a genetically engineered pox virus, is showing promise.
Objective:
To review the current literature on the use of oncolytic viruses in the treatment of cancer; both by direct oncolysis and stimulation of the immune system. The review will provide a background and historical progression for the surgeon on tumour immunology, and the interplay between oncolytic viruses, immune cells, inflammation on tumourigenesis.
Methods:
A literature review was performed using the Medline database.
Conclusions:
Viral therapeutics hold promise as a novel treatment modality for the treatment of disseminated malignancy. It provides a multi-pronged attack against tumour burden; direct tumour cell lysis, exposure of tumour-associated antigens (TAA), induction of immune danger signals, and recognition by immune effector cells.
Insights
Oncolytic viruses, like the engineered poxvirus JX-594, offer a promising new approach to cancer treatment by directly destroying tumors and stimulating the immune system. This viral therapy represents a significant advancement in harnessing the body's defenses against cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, driving research into novel therapeutic strategies.
- Harnessing the immune system for anti-cancer therapy is a rapidly evolving field.
- Oncolytic viruses are emerging as promising agents, with genetically engineered strains like JX-594 showing potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on oncolytic virus therapy for cancer.
- To explore the dual mechanisms of direct tumor cell lysis and immune system stimulation.
- To provide a historical and immunological context for oncolytic virotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- The Medline database was utilized for literature retrieval.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses demonstrate potential as a novel treatment for disseminated cancers.
- These viruses employ a multi-pronged attack against tumors.
- Therapeutic strategies include direct tumor cell lysis and immune system activation.
Conclusions:
- Viral therapeutics offer a promising new modality for treating widespread malignancy.
- Oncolytic viruses induce direct tumor cell lysis and expose tumor-associated antigens (TAAs).
- They also trigger immune danger signals, facilitating recognition by immune effector cells.
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