Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Showing the Way: Oncolytic Adenoviruses as Chaperones of Immunostimulatory Adjuncts
Jing Li Huang1, Christopher J LaRocca2, Masato Yamamoto3
1Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. jingx014@umn.edu.
Abstract:
Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) are increasingly recognized as vectors for immunotherapy in the treatment of various solid tumors. The myriads of advantages of using adenovirus include targeted specificity upon infection and selective replication, which lead to localized viral burst, exponential spread of OAds, and antitumor effect. OAds can also induce a strong immune reaction due to the massive release of tumor antigens upon cytolysis and the presence of viral antigens. This review will highlight recent advances in adenoviral vectors expressing immunostimulatory effectors, such as GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor), interferon-α, interleukin-12, and CD40L. We will also discuss the combination of OAds with other immunotherapeutic strategies and describe the current understanding of how adenoviral vectors interact with the immune system to eliminate cancer cells.
Insights
Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) show promise for cancer immunotherapy by selectively targeting tumors and triggering immune responses. Advances focus on engineered OAds expressing immune-boosting factors and combination therapies for enhanced cancer cell elimination.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer immunotherapy
- Molecular and cellular oncology
Background:
- Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) are emerging as potent vectors for cancer immunotherapy, particularly against solid tumors.
- Adenoviruses offer advantages like tumor-specific infection, replication, and localized viral spread, leading to direct antitumor effects.
- OAds enhance anti-tumor immunity through the release of tumor antigens and presentation of viral antigens, stimulating a robust immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in adenoviral vectors engineered to express immunostimulatory molecules.
- To explore the synergistic potential of combining OAds with other immunotherapeutic strategies.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which adenoviral vectors interact with the immune system for cancer cell eradication.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on oncolytic adenoviruses and cancer immunotherapy.
- Analysis of adenoviral vectors engineered to express cytokines and co-stimulatory ligands.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data on OAd combination therapies.
Main Results:
- Engineered OAds expressing granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-α, interleukin-12, and CD40L demonstrate enhanced immunostimulatory effects.
- Combination of OAds with other immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, shows promising synergistic antitumor activity.
- Adenoviral vectors effectively engage the immune system, leading to targeted cancer cell lysis and systemic anti-tumor immunity.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic adenoviruses represent a versatile platform for cancer immunotherapy, with ongoing developments in vector engineering and combination strategies.
- The immunomodulatory properties of OAds, coupled with their oncolytic activity, offer a promising approach for overcoming treatment resistance in solid tumors.
- Further research into the intricate interactions between OAds and the host immune system will optimize their therapeutic potential in oncology.
More Related Videos
13:36Utilizing the Antigen Capsid-Incorporation Strategy for the Development of Adenovirus Serotype 5-Vectored Vaccine Approaches
Published on: May 6, 2015
11:06Live Cell Imaging of the TGF- β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo Using an Adenovirus Reporter System
Published on: July 30, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...