Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Mechanisms of Oncolytic Virus-Induced Multi-Modal Cell Death and Therapeutic Prospects
Jinzhou Xu1, Chenqian Liu1, Ye An1
1Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
Abstract:
Cancer is a major challenge to global health, and its incidence rate and mortality are expected to continue to rise in the coming decades. Traditional treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have limitations, which has prompted people to explore new treatment strategies. As a promising therapeutic approach, oncolytic viruses can selectively target and lyse tumor cells while avoiding damage to normal tissues. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which oncolytic viruses induce various forms of cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. We explored the direct killing effect of oncolytic viruses and their ability to activate local and systemic antitumor immunity, with a focus on the latest developments in the clinical application of oncolytic viruses, such as the development of novel recombinant viruses. In addition, we also analyzed strategies to enhance the efficacy of oncolytic viruses through gene modification, combination therapy, and targeted delivery systems. A deeper understanding of the multiple mechanisms of action of oncolytic viruses can help us develop more effective and personalized cancer treatment plans. Future research should focus on optimizing oncolytic viruses to overcome tumor drug resistance and improve patient prognosis, making them an important pillar of cancer treatment.
Insights
Oncolytic viruses offer a promising cancer treatment by selectively destroying tumor cells and activating anti-cancer immunity. This review explores their mechanisms, clinical applications, and strategies to enhance their effectiveness for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global health challenge with rising incidence and mortality rates.
- Traditional cancer treatments have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Oncolytic viruses represent a promising approach, selectively targeting and destroying tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the mechanisms of oncolytic viruses in inducing various forms of cancer cell death.
- To explore the direct cytotoxic effects and immune-activating capabilities of oncolytic viruses.
- To summarize recent advancements in clinical applications and strategies for enhancing oncolytic virus efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of oncolytic virus mechanisms and applications.
- Analysis of direct tumor cell lysis and immune response activation.
- Evaluation of gene modification, combination therapy, and delivery systems for enhanced efficacy.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic viruses induce multiple cell death pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis.
- They exhibit direct tumor-killing effects and stimulate local and systemic antitumor immunity.
- Novel recombinant viruses and enhanced delivery systems show potential in clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the multifaceted mechanisms of oncolytic viruses is crucial for developing personalized cancer therapies.
- Strategies like gene modification and combination therapy can improve oncolytic virus efficacy.
- Further research is needed to optimize oncolytic viruses for overcoming drug resistance and improving patient prognosis, establishing them as a key cancer treatment modality.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer 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...
01:27Cytotoxic 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...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...