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Oncolytic Viral Therapy and the Immune System: A Double-Edged Sword Against Cancer

Giulia Marelli1, Anwen Howells1, Nicholas R Lemoine1,2

  • 1Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.

Frontiers in Immunology
|May 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) fight cancer by destroying tumor cells and stimulating the immune system. Balancing anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity is key for effective oncolytic viral therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) offer a novel cancer treatment strategy by selectively replicating in and lysing tumor cells.
  • Tumors create an immunosuppressive environment that hinders anti-cancer immune responses.
  • OVs can overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression by activating both innate and adaptive immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms by which OVs stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
  • To explore the challenges posed by anti-viral immune responses to OV efficacy.
  • To highlight strategies for balancing anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity in OV therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of oncolytic viral therapy and immuno-oncology.
  • Analysis of immune system components involved in OV treatment.
  • Evaluation of strategies to enhance anti-tumor immunity and mitigate anti-viral responses.

Main Results:

  • OVs induce tumor cell lysis and release tumor antigens, priming immune responses.
  • Both innate and adaptive immune cells contribute to OV-mediated anti-tumor effects and immunological memory.
  • Anti-viral immunity can limit OV effectiveness, necessitating strategies to modulate this response.

Conclusions:

  • Oncolytic viral therapy holds significant promise by synergizing with the immune system.
  • Optimizing the balance between anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity is crucial for maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
  • Further research into immune system modulation can enhance the efficacy of oncolytic viruses against cancer.
Keywords:
adenoviruscancer-related inflammationhost immune responseimmunotherapyoncolytic virustumor immunityvaccinia virusvirotherapy

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