Oncotarget Strategies For Herpes Simplex Virus-1.

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.