Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Molecular Circuits of Immune Sensing and Response to Oncolytic Virotherapy
Darshak K Bhatt1, Toos Daemen1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30 001, HPC EB88, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising immunotherapy approach for cancer treatment that utilizes viruses to preferentially infect and eliminate cancer cells while stimulating the immune response. In this review, we synthesize the current literature on the molecular circuits of immune sensing and response to oncolytic virotherapy, focusing on viral DNA or RNA sensing by infected cells, cytokine and danger-associated-signal sensing by neighboring cells, and the subsequent downstream activation of immune pathways. These sequential sense-and-response mechanisms involve the triggering of molecular sensors by viruses or infected cells to activate transcription factors and related genes for a breadth of immune responses. We describe how the molecular signals induced in the tumor upon virotherapy can trigger diverse immune signaling pathways, activating both antigen-presenting-cell-based innate and T cell-based adaptive immune responses. Insights into these complex mechanisms provide valuable knowledge for enhancing oncolytic virotherapy strategies.
Insights
Oncolytic virotherapy uses viruses to fight cancer by killing tumor cells and activating the immune system. Understanding immune sensing and response pathways is key to improving this cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Oncolytic virotherapy is an emerging immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
- It leverages viruses to selectively destroy cancer cells and elicit an anti-tumor immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of immune sensing and response to oncolytic virotherapy.
- To elucidate how viral components and cellular signals activate immune pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of current research on oncolytic virotherapy.
- Focus on viral nucleic acid sensing, danger signal detection, and immune pathway activation.
Main Results:
- Infected cells sense viral DNA/RNA, activating immune signaling.
- Neighboring cells detect cytokines and danger signals, further amplifying the immune response.
- These processes activate innate and adaptive immunity, including antigen-presenting cells and T cells.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these intricate immune sensing and response circuits is crucial.
- This knowledge can guide the development of enhanced oncolytic virotherapy strategies for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...

