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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Cell carriers for oncolytic viruses: current challenges and future directions
1Centre for Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
The optimal route for clinical delivery of oncolytic viruses is thought to be systemic intravenous injection; however, the immune system is armed with several highly efficient mechanisms to remove pathogens from the circulatory system. To overcome the challenges faced in trying to delivery oncolytic viruses specifically to tumors via the bloodstream, carrier cells have been investigated to determine their suitability as delivery vehicles for systemic administration of oncolytic viruses. Cell carriers protect viruses from neutralization, one of the most limiting aspects of oncolytic virus interaction with the immune system. Cell carriers can also possess inherent tumor tropism, thus directing the delivery of the virus more specifically to a tumor. With preclinical studies already demonstrating the success and feasibility of this approach with multiple oncolytic viruses, clinical evaluation of cell-mediated delivery of viruses is on the horizon. Meanwhile, ongoing preclinical studies are aimed at identifying new cellular vehicles for oncolytic viruses and improving current promising cell carrier platforms.
Insights
Cellular carriers offer a promising strategy to overcome immune system clearance of oncolytic viruses, enhancing targeted tumor delivery and paving the way for clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Immunology
- Cellular drug delivery
Background:
- Systemic intravenous injection is the preferred route for oncolytic virus delivery, but rapid immune clearance limits efficacy.
- The immune system efficiently removes viruses from circulation, posing a significant challenge for tumor targeting.
- Carrier cells are being explored to protect oncolytic viruses and improve tumor specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of carrier cells as delivery vehicles for systemic oncolytic virus administration.
- To overcome immune neutralization and enhance tumor-specific delivery of oncolytic viruses.
- To evaluate the feasibility of cell-mediated delivery for oncolytic virotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on cell-mediated delivery of oncolytic viruses.
- Investigation of how carrier cells protect viruses from immune clearance.
- Assessment of the tumor-homing (tropism) capabilities of carrier cells.
Main Results:
- Cell carriers protect oncolytic viruses from immune system neutralization.
- Carrier cells can exhibit inherent tumor tropism, improving targeted delivery.
- Preclinical studies demonstrate the success of this approach with various oncolytic viruses.
Conclusions:
- Cell-mediated delivery is a promising strategy to enhance the clinical efficacy of oncolytic viruses.
- Clinical evaluation of cell-delivered oncolytic viruses is anticipated.
- Ongoing research focuses on identifying novel cellular vehicles and optimizing existing platforms.
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