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Viral warriors: Unlocking the immune system's potential with oncolytic viruses in cancer immunotherapy

Reza Ghavimi1,2, Leila Rahimian1,2, Mohsen Mohammadi3

  • 1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.

Molecular Therapy. Oncology
|December 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are engineered to destroy cancer cells, releasing tumor antigens to stimulate an immune response. These viruses can convert "cold" tumors into "hot" ones, enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising cancer immunotherapy approach.
  • OVs selectively infect and lyse tumor cells, stimulating anti-tumor immune responses.
  • They can be engineered to enhance immune-boosting factor secretion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the history, mechanisms, and combinatorial strategies of OVs in cancer therapy.
  • To highlight the potential of OVs in transforming the tumor microenvironment (TME).
  • To discuss challenges and clinical trials involving OVs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of OV research, mechanisms, and clinical applications.
  • Analysis of OV-mediated tumor cell lysis and antigen presentation.
  • Examination of OV effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune cell infiltration.

Main Results:

  • OV-induced tumor cell lysis releases tumor-specific antigens (TAAs), acting as an in situ vaccine.
  • OVs stimulate both innate and adaptive immunity, enhancing anti-tumor responses.
  • OVs can convert immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors, improving immunotherapy efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • OVs offer a versatile platform for cancer immunotherapy, with potential for synergistic effects with other treatments.
  • Reprogramming the TME from "cold" to "hot" is a key mechanism for OV success.
  • Further research and clinical trials are crucial to fully realize the therapeutic potential of OVs.
Keywords:
MT: Regular Issueantitumor immunitycancercombination immunotherapyimmuno-oncologyoncolytic virustargeted therapytumor

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