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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
IFNAR blockade synergizes with oncolytic VSV to prevent virus-mediated PD-L1 expression and promote antitumor T cell
Nader El-Sayes1,2, Scott Walsh1, Alyssa Vito1,2
1Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
Oncolytic virotherapies have shown excellent promise in a variety of cancers by promoting antitumor immunity. However, the effects of oncolytic virus-mediated type I interferon (IFN-I) production on antitumor immunity remain unclear. Recent reports have highlighted immunosuppressive functions of IFN-I in the context of checkpoint inhibitor and cell-based therapies. In this study, we demonstrate that oncolytic virus-induced IFN-I promotes the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells and leukocytes in a IFN receptor (IFNAR)-dependent manner. Inhibition of IFN-I signaling using a monoclonal IFNAR antibody decreased IFN-I-induced PD-L1 expression and promoted tumor-specific T cell effector responses when combined with oncolytic virotherapy. Furthermore, IFNAR blockade improved therapeutic response to oncolytic virotherapy in a manner comparable with PD-L1 blockade. Our study highlights a critical immunosuppressive role of IFN-I on antitumor immunity and uses a combination strategy that improves the response to oncolytic virotherapy.
Insights
Oncolytic virotherapy can be improved by blocking type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling. This approach reduces immunosuppression, enhances T cell responses, and boosts therapeutic efficacy against tumors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Oncolytic virotherapies leverage antitumor immunity but the role of type I interferon (IFN-I) remains unclear.
- Emerging evidence suggests IFN-I may have immunosuppressive effects in cancer therapies.
- Understanding IFN-I's impact is crucial for optimizing oncolytic virotherapy efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of oncolytic virus-induced IFN-I in modulating antitumor immunity.
- To determine if inhibiting IFN-I signaling can enhance the effectiveness of oncolytic virotherapy.
- To explore combination strategies involving IFN-I blockade and oncolytic virotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Oncolytic virus administration in preclinical cancer models.
- Assessment of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and leukocytes.
- Intervention with a monoclonal antibody targeting the IFN-I receptor (IFNAR).
- Evaluation of tumor-specific T cell responses and therapeutic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic virus-induced IFN-I upregulated PD-L1 expression in a IFNAR-dependent manner.
- IFNAR blockade reduced IFN-I-induced PD-L1 expression and enhanced T cell effector functions.
- Combining IFNAR blockade with oncolytic virotherapy improved therapeutic response, comparable to PD-L1 blockade.
Conclusions:
- Type I interferon plays a critical immunosuppressive role in oncolytic virotherapy.
- Inhibiting IFN-I signaling is a viable strategy to overcome treatment resistance.
- Combination therapy of IFNAR blockade and oncolytic virotherapy shows significant promise for cancer treatment.
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