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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Oncolytic viruses: a new class of immunotherapy drugs
Howard L Kaufman1, Frederick J Kohlhapp1, Andrew Zloza1
1Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, Room 2004, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses represent a new class of therapeutic agents that promote anti-tumour responses through a dual mechanism of action that is dependent on selective tumour cell killing and the induction of systemic anti-tumour immunity. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated but are likely to depend on viral replication within transformed cells, induction of primary cell death, interaction with tumour cell antiviral elements and initiation of innate and adaptive anti-tumour immunity. A variety of native and genetically modified viruses have been developed as oncolytic agents, and the approval of the first oncolytic virus by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is anticipated in the near future. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the basic biology supporting oncolytic viruses as cancer therapeutic agents, describes oncolytic viruses in advanced clinical trials and discusses the unique challenges in the development of oncolytic viruses as a new class of drugs for the treatment of cancer.
Insights
Oncolytic viruses are a promising cancer therapy, selectively killing tumor cells and stimulating immune responses. Further research and clinical trials are advancing this novel treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses represent a novel therapeutic class for cancer treatment.
- They exhibit a dual mechanism of action: selective tumor cell lysis and induction of systemic anti-tumor immunity.
- The precise molecular and cellular mechanisms are still under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of oncolytic viruses as cancer therapeutic agents.
- To describe oncolytic viruses currently in advanced clinical trials.
- To discuss the challenges associated with developing oncolytic viruses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on oncolytic virus biology and clinical applications.
- Analysis of mechanisms of action, including viral replication, cell death induction, and immune system interaction.
- Examination of data from advanced clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses demonstrate potential through selective tumor cell killing and immune stimulation.
- Several oncolytic viruses are progressing through clinical trials, with FDA approval anticipated.
- Challenges in development include understanding complex biological interactions and optimizing therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic viruses hold significant promise as a new class of cancer drugs.
- Continued research into their mechanisms and clinical development is crucial.
- Overcoming developmental challenges will facilitate their broader application in cancer therapy.
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