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.

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 Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
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...
901
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
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...
776
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
518
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
5.1K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
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...
7.6K
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
1.4K