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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Arming oncolytic viruses to leverage antitumor immunity.
Tanja D de Gruijl1, Axel B Janssen, Victor W van Beusechem
1VU University Medical Center - Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology , Room VUmc-CCA 2.44, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands +31 20 4444063 ; td.degruijl@vumc.nl.
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|May 12, 2015
Summary
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are now primarily used to stimulate anti-tumor immunity, not just kill cancer cells. Enhancing OVs with immune-modulating transgenes shows promise for improved cancer immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer immunotherapy
- Tumor microenvironment modulation
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have shifted from direct cytolysis to immune response induction against tumors.
- Their ability to induce immunogenic cell death and pro-inflammatory signals makes them valuable in cancer immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for arming oncolytic viruses (OVs) to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
- To explore methods for modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) in conjunction with OVs.
Main Methods:
- Literature survey of NCBI-PubMed database.
- Review of recent investigations into OV-based immunotherapies.
- Analysis of strategies to overcome immune suppression within the TME.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are effective in eliciting tumor-directed immune responses.
- Early clinical data show promise for immunologically armed OVs.
- Modulating the TME is crucial for maximizing OV therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Further optimization of armed OVs is warranted, focusing on overcoming pre-existing anti-OV immunity and improving tumor targeting.
- Systemic administration of armed OVs could achieve local immune potentiation and tumor elimination.
- Combinations of transgenes, including bispecific T-cell engagers and immune checkpoint blockers, are key to enhancing OV efficacy.
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