Cancer viroimmunotherapy platforms based on varicella-zoster virus and cytomegalovirus

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based oncolytic virotherapy has shown efficacy against various cancers.
• Current HSV applications are limited, presenting challenges for broader cancer treatment.
• Emerging herpesviruses, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), are being explored for oncolytic virotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of VZV and CMV in oncolytic virotherapy.
• To explore the cross-reactivity of T cell and natural killer (NK) cell responses activated by VZV and CMV against tumors.
• To summarize advancements in VZV and CMV vector development for cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical observations and experimental findings on VZV and CMV immune responses.
• Analysis of virus engineering, production, and delivery strategies for oncolytic VZV and CMV.
• Assessment of the feasibility of redirecting virus-driven immune responses for tumor control.

Main Results:

• VZV and CMV can activate and amplify T cell and NK cell responses with potential tumor cross-reactivity.
• Clinical and experimental data support the use of VZV and CMV for harnessing anti-tumor immunity.
• Progress has been made in engineering, producing, and delivering oncolytic VZV and CMV vectors.

Conclusions:

• VZV and CMV represent promising platforms for developing novel cancer viroimmunotherapy.
• Harnessing virus-driven immune responses offers a strategy for effective tumor control.
• Key challenges remain in establishing robust VZV- and CMV-based cancer viroimmunotherapy platforms.