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Therapeutic Use of Native and Recombinant Enteroviruses
Jani Ylä-Pelto1, Lav Tripathi2, Petri Susi3,4
1Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, 20520 Turku, Finland. jani.ylapelto@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Research on human enteroviruses has resulted in the identification of more than 100 enterovirus types, which use more than 10 protein receptors and/or attachment factors required in cell binding and initiation of the replication cycle. Many of these "viral" receptors are overexpressed in cancer cells. Receptor binding and the ability to replicate in specific target cells define the tropism and pathogenesis of enterovirus types, because cellular infection often results in cytolytic response, i.e., disruption of the cells. Viral tropism and cytolytic properties thus make native enteroviruses prime candidates for oncolytic virotherapy. Copy DNA cloning and modification of enterovirus genomes have resulted in the generation of enterovirus vectors with properties that are useful in therapy or in vaccine trials where foreign antigenic epitopes are expressed from or on the surface of the vector virus. The small genome size and compact particle structure, however, set limits to enterovirus genome modifications. This review focuses on the therapeutic use of native and recombinant enteroviruses and the methods that have been applied to modify enterovirus genomes for therapy.
Insights
Human enteroviruses, which infect cells via specific receptors often overexpressed in cancers, show potential for oncolytic virotherapy. Modifications to enterovirus genomes create therapeutic vectors for cancer treatment and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Over 100 human enterovirus types identified, utilizing specific protein receptors for cell entry and replication.
- Many viral receptors are overexpressed in cancer cells, influencing viral tropism and pathogenesis.
- Enteroviruses induce cytolytic responses, disrupting infected cells, making them candidates for oncolytic virotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic applications of native and recombinant enteroviruses.
- To explore methods for modifying enterovirus genomes for therapeutic purposes.
- To highlight the potential of enteroviruses in oncolytic virotherapy and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of enterovirus types and their receptors.
- Analysis of viral tropism and cytolytic properties.
- Copy DNA cloning and genetic modification of enterovirus genomes to create vectors.
Main Results:
- Enteroviruses exhibit tropism and cytolytic activity, making them suitable for oncolytic virotherapy.
- Engineered enterovirus vectors can express foreign antigenic epitopes for vaccine trials.
- Enterovirus genome modification is constrained by small genome size and particle structure.
Conclusions:
- Native and engineered enteroviruses hold significant promise for cancer treatment (oncolytic virotherapy).
- Enterovirus-based vectors are valuable tools for vaccine development.
- Further research into enterovirus genome modification is needed to optimize therapeutic potential.
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