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Design and application of oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy

Erkko Ylösmäki1, Vincenzo Cerullo1

  • 1Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|December 25, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) show promise in cancer virotherapy by selectively killing cancer cells and stimulating anti-tumor immunity. Engineered OVs can enhance immunotherapies, turning "cold" tumors "hot" for more effective cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncolytic virotherapy
  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Tumor microenvironment modulation

Background:

  • The first oncolytic virus (OV) approval for metastatic melanoma and OVs' potential to enhance immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoint proteins have spurred interest.
  • Oncolytic viruses selectively infect and lyse cancer cells, sparing normal cells, and stimulate anti-tumor immune responses.
  • OV infection modulates the tumor microenvironment towards a less immunosuppressive state, promoting immune cell and cytokine infiltration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in cancer immunotherapy.
  • To highlight the role of OVs in transforming immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors.
  • To discuss the enhancement of OV immunostimulatory activities through genetic engineering for improved cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on oncolytic virus therapy.
  • Analysis of OV mechanisms in stimulating anti-tumor immunity.
  • Investigation of strategies for engineering OVs with transgenes to enhance immunotherapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • Oncolytic viruses can be engineered to increase immunostimulatory activities.
  • Arming OVs with transgenes can direct immune responses specifically towards cancer cells.
  • Engineered OVs can synergize with other agents for potent cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Oncolytic viruses are a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy.
  • Engineered OVs can overcome tumor immunosuppression and enhance anti-tumor immunity.
  • Combination strategies involving OVs hold significant potential for effective cancer treatment.

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