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Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
Oncotarget Strategies For Herpes Simplex Virus-1
Lumin Zhang1, Tsurumi Tatsuya, Yukihiro Nishiyama
1Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA. lumin.zhang@mssm.edu.
Abstract:
The high level of manipulability of viral genome has set up HSV-1 to be an ideal viral vector for oncolytic virotherapy. In the past two decades, several oncolytic HSV-1 viruses have been successfully developed and assessed in animal studies. Accumulated evidences show that oncolytic HSV- 1 can efficiently infect many tumor cells and augment anti-tumor effect by induction of systemic innate and adaptive immune responses. Inspiring results have been accomplished in several phase I clinical trials for glioma, head and neck squeous cells carcinoma and Melanoma using oncolytic HSV- 1 viruses. More recently, oncovey, one of oncolytic HSV-1 viruses has been approved by FDA for the comprehensive evolution of its anti-tumor effects in phase III clinical trials. These promising studies encourage more efforts to be devoted to craft the new generation of oncolytic HSV-1. Herein, we will review and summarize the basic strategies to construct oncolytic HSV-1 viruses and their applications in cancer therapy.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) shows promise as an oncolytic virotherapy vector. Engineered HSV-1 viruses effectively target tumors and stimulate immune responses, with promising clinical trial results for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Viral oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) possesses a highly manipulable genome, making it an ideal candidate for oncolytic virotherapy.
- Extensive research over two decades has led to the development and preclinical assessment of numerous oncolytic HSV-1 vectors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the fundamental strategies for constructing oncolytic HSV-1 viruses.
- To discuss the diverse applications of these engineered viruses in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on oncolytic HSV-1 development.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical trial data for HSV-1-based cancer treatments.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic HSV-1 demonstrates efficient tumor cell infection and enhances anti-tumor immunity through innate and adaptive responses.
- Phase I clinical trials for glioma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma have yielded encouraging outcomes.
- One oncolytic HSV-1, Oncovey, is undergoing Phase III clinical trials after FDA approval for comprehensive evaluation.
Conclusions:
- The success of oncolytic HSV-1 in preclinical and clinical settings supports continued development of next-generation vectors.
- Engineered HSV-1 holds significant potential for advancing cancer treatment strategies through oncolytic virotherapy.

