Oncolytic paramyxoviruses-induced autophagy; a prudent weapon for cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Oncolytic virotherapy offers a promising strategy for inducing tumor-specific cell death across various cancers.
• Paramyxoviruses possess inherent oncolytic properties, making them suitable candidates for cancer virotherapy.
• These viruses exploit cellular mechanisms like autophagy and apoptosis to eliminate cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms by which oncolytic paramyxoviruses induce cancer cell death.
• To explore the role of autophagy in enhancing tumor immunogenicity and anti-cancer immune responses.
• To summarize preclinical studies on oncolytic paramyxoviruses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on oncolytic virotherapy and paramyxoviruses.
• Discussion of autophagy, viral xenophagy, and their interplay with viral proteins.
• Analysis of preclinical data on oncolytic paramyxovirus efficacy and mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Oncolytic paramyxoviruses induce autophagy and apoptosis, leading to cancer cell death.
• Autophagy induction enhances tumor immunogenicity through damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) release and immunogenic cell death (ICD).
• This process promotes cross-presentation of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) to CD8+ T cells, priming a tumor-specific immune response.

Conclusions:

• Oncolytic paramyxoviruses are effective inducers of cancer cell death and potent stimulators of anti-tumor immunity.
• The interplay between paramyxoviruses and autophagy is crucial for their oncolytic efficacy and immunomodulatory effects.
• Further preclinical development of oncolytic paramyxoviruses holds significant promise for cancer treatment.