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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Evaluation of vesicular stomatitis virus mutant as an oncolytic agent against prostate cancer
Xin Zhao1, Shengsong Huang1, Huarong Luo1
1Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University Shanghai, China.
Background:
To date, limited options are available to treat malignant prostate cancer, and novel strategies need to be developed. Oncolytic viruses (OV) that have preferential replication capabilities in cancer cells rather than normal cells represent one promising alternative for treating malignant tumors. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a non-segmented, negative-strand RNA virus with the inherent capability to selectively kill tumor cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of VSV-ΔM51-GFP as an effective therapeutic agent for treating prostate tumors.
Methods:
For in vitro experiments, DU145 and PC3 cell lines were treated with VSV-ΔM51-GFP. Viral titers were quantified using plaque assays. Cytotoxicity was performed by MTT analysis. IFN-β production was measured using a Human IFN-β detection ELISA Kit. The detection of apoptosis was performed via Annexin-V-FITC staining method and analyzed with flow cytometry. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of VSV-ΔM51-GFP in a xenograft mice prostate tumor model.
Results:
It was observed that VSV-ΔM51-GFP can efficiently replicate and lyse human prostate cancer cells and that this virus has reduced toxicity against normal human prostate epithelial cells in vitro. VSV-ΔM51-GFP in the induction of apoptosis in DU145 cells and PC3 cells. Furthermore, in a xenograft tumor animal model, nude mice bearing replication-competent VSV-ΔM51-GFP were able to eradicate malignant cells while leaving normal tissue relatively unaffected. The survival of the tumor-burdened animals treated with VSV-ΔM51-GFP may also be significantly prolonged compared to mock-infected animals.
Conclusions:
VSV-ΔM51-GFP showed promising oncolytic activity for treating prostate cancer.
Insights
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-ΔM51-GFP effectively targets and destroys prostate cancer cells while sparing normal cells. This oncolytic virus therapy shows promise in prolonging survival in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virology
- Cancer therapy
- Virology
Background:
- Limited treatment options exist for malignant prostate cancer.
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) offer a promising strategy for tumor treatment.
- Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) selectively targets and eliminates cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate VSV-ΔM51-GFP as a potential therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.
- To assess the oncolytic efficacy and safety of VSV-ΔM51-GFP.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines.
- In vivo evaluation in a xenograft mice prostate tumor model.
- Assays included plaque assays, MTT analysis, ELISA, and flow cytometry for apoptosis detection.
Main Results:
- VSV-ΔM51-GFP replicated efficiently and lysed prostate cancer cells in vitro with reduced toxicity to normal cells.
- The virus induced apoptosis in DU145 and PC3 cells.
- In vivo studies demonstrated eradication of malignant cells and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice.
Conclusions:
- VSV-ΔM51-GFP exhibits significant oncolytic activity against prostate cancer.
- This oncolytic virus represents a promising candidate for future prostate cancer therapies.
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