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Published on: November 24, 2014
Preclinical Mouse Models for Analysis of the Therapeutic Potential of Engineered Oncolytic Herpes Viruses
Maria-Carmela Speranza1, Kazue Kasai1, Sean E Lawler1
1Maria-Carmela Speranza, PhD, is a post-doctoral fellow; Kazue Kasai, PhD, is a Research Specialist; and Sean E. Lawler, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Harvey Cushing Neurooncology Laboratories in the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
After more than two decades of research and development, oncolytic herpes viruses (oHSVs) are moving into the spotlight due to recent encouraging clinical trial data. oHSV and other oncolytic viruses function through direct oncolytic cancer cell-killing mechanisms and by stimulating antitumor immunity. As further viruses are developed and optimized for the treatment of various types of cancer, appropriate predictive preclinical models will be of great utility. This review will discuss existing data in this area, focusing on the mouse tumor models that are commonly used.
Insights
Oncolytic herpes viruses (oHSVs) show promise for cancer treatment by directly killing cancer cells and boosting immunity. This review focuses on mouse tumor models essential for developing these oncolytic virus therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses, including oncolytic herpes viruses (oHSVs), are emerging as a promising cancer therapy.
- These viruses work by directly lysing cancer cells and eliciting an antitumor immune response.
- Recent clinical trial data has increased interest in oHSV therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on preclinical models for oncolytic virus therapy.
- To focus on commonly used mouse tumor models for evaluating oHSVs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of commonly employed mouse tumor models in oncolytic virus research.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses utilize dual mechanisms: direct tumor cell killing and immune system activation.
- Mouse tumor models are critical for the development and optimization of oncolytic virus treatments.
- The utility of various preclinical models for oHSV efficacy studies is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Effective preclinical models are crucial for advancing oncolytic herpes virus therapies.
- Continued research and optimization of oHSVs require robust predictive models.
- Mouse tumor models play a vital role in the future development of oncolytic virus-based cancer treatments.
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