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Anticancer Activity of Measles-Mumps-Rubella MMR Vaccine Viruses against Glioblastoma
Zumama Khalid1, Simona Coco2, Nadir Ullah1
1Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
Background:
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been utilized since 1990s for targeted cancer treatment. Our study examined the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine's cancer-killing potency against Glioblastoma (GBM), a therapy-resistant, aggressive cancer type.
Methodology:
We used GBM cell lines, primary GBM cells, and normal mice microglial cells, to assess the MMR vaccine's efficacy through cell viability, cell cycle analysis, intracellular viral load via RT-PCR, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Results:
After 72 h of MMR treatment, GBM cell lines and primary GBM cells exhibited significant viability reduction compared to untreated cells. Conversely, normal microglial cells showed only minor changes in viability and morphology. Intracellular viral load tests indicated GBM cells' increased sensitivity to MMR viruses compared to normal cells. The cell cycle study also revealed measles and mumps viruses' crucial role in cytopathic effects, with the rubella virus causing cell cycle arrest.
Conclusion:
Herein the reported results demonstrate the anti-cancer activity of the MMR vaccine against GBM cells. Accordingly, the MMR vaccine warrants further study as a potential new tool for GBM therapy and relapse prevention. Therapeutic potential of the MMR vaccine has been found to be promising in earlier studies as well.
Insights
The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine shows anti-cancer effects against Glioblastoma (GBM). This study suggests MMR vaccine could be a potential therapy for GBM and prevent relapse.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are used for cancer treatment since the 1990s.
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive, therapy-resistant brain cancer.
- The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine's potential against GBM was investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-cancer potency of the MMR vaccine against Glioblastoma (GBM).
- To assess the selective toxicity of the MMR vaccine towards GBM cells compared to normal cells.
Main Methods:
- GBM cell lines and primary GBM cells were treated with the MMR vaccine.
- Cell viability, cell cycle, intracellular viral load (RT-PCR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were assessed.
- Normal microglial cells were used as a control.
Main Results:
- MMR vaccine significantly reduced GBM cell viability after 72 hours.
- Normal microglial cells showed minimal viability changes.
- GBM cells demonstrated increased sensitivity to MMR viruses, with measles and mumps viruses causing cytopathic effects and rubella virus inducing cell cycle arrest.
Conclusions:
- The MMR vaccine exhibits anti-cancer activity against GBM cells.
- The MMR vaccine is a promising candidate for GBM therapy and relapse prevention.
- Further research into the therapeutic potential of the MMR vaccine is warranted.
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