Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.1
4.7
Journals
Viruses
Special Issues
Oncolytic Viruses
share announcement

Oncolytic Viruses

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2015) | Viewed by 200669

Special Issue Editors

Prof. E. Antonio Chiocca

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Neurological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street Boston, MA, 02115, USA
Interests: Oncolytic viruses, HSV-1, clinical trials, combination treatments, virus-induced immune response, tumor microenvironment
Dr. Martine L. M. Lamfers

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Interests: glioma; glioblastoma; malignant glioma; novel therapies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept that viruses can be employed as cancer therapeutics was already recognized in the early 1900s. Advances in our understanding of tumor and virus biology combined with developments in molecular techniques, led to a renewed interest in this field during the 1990’s. Oncolytic viruses based on engineered or naturally tumor-selective viral stains have now been the subject of a multitude of preclinical investigations and are making their way to clinical trials, with mounting evidence for safety and antitumor activity. Our understanding of their mechanism of action is rapidly growing and our view is shifting from viruses as direct tumor cell lysing agents to immune stimulating oncolytic vaccines.

This special issue of Viruses is dedicated to the use of these agents in cancer therapy. We hope to assemble a collection of research papers and reviews that together will offer a comprehensive view on this promising field, which reflects our current understanding and looks toward the future. Topics may include studies on improving oncolytic viral vectors, manipulating the virus induced immune response, role of the tumor microenvironment, mechanisms of virus-mediated cell death, viral delivery and imaging techniques, lessons from clinical trials and personalized viral therapy.

We hope this work will enrich our current understanding of oncolytic virus therapy and aid the research community in the development and clinical translation of effective virus-based anti-cancer therapies.

Prof. E. Antonio Chiocca
Dr. Martine L.M. Lamfers
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • virotherapy
  • oncolytic viruses
  • oncolytic vaccines
  • virus genetic engineering
  • oncolytic cell killing mechanisms
  • virus-microenvironment interaction
  • virus-induced immune response
  • viro-immunotherapy
  • virus delivery and imaging
  • combination therapy

Published Papers (21 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

4519 KiB  
Article
Pediatric and Adult High-Grade Glioma Stem Cell Culture Models Are Permissive to Lytic Infection with Parvovirus H-1
by Rafael Josupeit, Sebastian Bender, Sonja Kern, Barbara Leuchs, Thomas Hielscher, Christel Herold-Mende, Jörg R. Schlehofer, Christiane Dinsart, Olaf Witt, Jean Rommelaere and Jeannine Lacroix
Viruses 2016, 8(5), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8050138 - 19 May 2016
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6913
Abstract
Combining virus-induced cytotoxic and immunotherapeutic effects, oncolytic virotherapy represents a promising therapeutic approach for high-grade glioma (HGG). A clinical trial has recently provided evidence for the clinical safety of the oncolytic parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) in adult glioblastoma relapse patients. The present study assesses [...] Read more.
Combining virus-induced cytotoxic and immunotherapeutic effects, oncolytic virotherapy represents a promising therapeutic approach for high-grade glioma (HGG). A clinical trial has recently provided evidence for the clinical safety of the oncolytic parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) in adult glioblastoma relapse patients. The present study assesses the efficacy of H-1PV in eliminating HGG initiating cells. H-1PV was able to enter and to transduce all HGG neurosphere culture models (n = 6), including cultures derived from adult glioblastoma, pediatric glioblastoma, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Cytotoxic effects induced by the virus have been observed in all HGG neurospheres at half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) doses of input virus between 1 and 10 plaque forming units per cell. H-1PV infection at this dose range was able to prevent tumorigenicity of NCH421k glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) “stem-like” cells in NOD/SCID mice. Interestingly NCH421R, an isogenic subclone with equal capacity of xenograft formation, but resistant to H-1PV infection could be isolated from the parental NCH421k culture. To reveal changes in gene expression associated with H-1PV resistance we performed a comparative gene expression analysis in these subclones. Several dysregulated genes encoding receptor proteins, endocytosis factors or regulators innate antiviral responses were identified and represent intriguing candidates for to further study molecular mechanisms of H-1PV resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14701 KiB  
Article
Features of the Antitumor Effect of Vaccinia Virus Lister Strain
by Evgeniy Zonov, Galina Kochneva, Anastasiya Yunusova, Antonina Grazhdantseva, Vladimir Richter and Elena Ryabchikova
Viruses 2016, 8(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8010020 - 12 Jan 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6475
Abstract
Oncolytic abilities of vaccinia virus (VACV) served as a basis for the development of various recombinants for treating cancer; however, “natural” oncolytic properties of the virus are not examined in detail. Our study was conducted to know how the genetically unmodified L-IVP strain [...] Read more.
Oncolytic abilities of vaccinia virus (VACV) served as a basis for the development of various recombinants for treating cancer; however, “natural” oncolytic properties of the virus are not examined in detail. Our study was conducted to know how the genetically unmodified L-IVP strain of VACV produces its antitumor effect. Human A431 carcinoma xenografts in nude mice and murine Ehrlich carcinoma in C57Bl mice were used as targets for VACV, which was injected intratumorally. A set of virological methods, immunohistochemistry, light and electron microscopy was used in the study. We found that in mice bearing A431 carcinoma, the L-IVP strain was observed in visceral organs within two weeks, but rapidly disappeared from the blood. The L-IVP strain caused decrease of sizes in both tumors, however, in different ways. Direct cell destruction by replicating virus plays a main role in regression of A431 carcinoma xenografts, while in Ehrlich carcinoma, which poorly supported VACV replication, the virus induced decrease of mitoses by pushing tumor cells into S-phase of cell cycle. Our study showed that genetically unmodified VACV possesses at least two mechanisms of antitumor effect: direct destruction of tumor cells and suppression of mitoses in tumor cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

4814 KiB  
Article
Newcastle Disease Virus: Potential Therapeutic Application for Human and Canine Lymphoma
by Diana Sánchez, Rosana Pelayo, Luis Alberto Medina, Eduardo Vadillo, Rogelio Sánchez, Luis Núñez, Gabriela Cesarman-Maus and Rosa Elena Sarmiento-Silva
Viruses 2016, 8(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8010003 - 23 Dec 2015
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8013
Abstract
Research on oncolytic viruses has mostly been directed towards the treatment of solid tumors, which has yielded limited information regarding their activity in hematological cancer. It has also been directed towards the treatment of humans, yet veterinary medicine may also benefit. Several strains [...] Read more.
Research on oncolytic viruses has mostly been directed towards the treatment of solid tumors, which has yielded limited information regarding their activity in hematological cancer. It has also been directed towards the treatment of humans, yet veterinary medicine may also benefit. Several strains of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) have been used as oncolytics in vitro and in a number of in vivo experiments. We studied the cytolytic effect of NDV-MLS, a low virulence attenuated lentogenic strain, on a human large B-cell lymphoma cell line (SU-DHL-4), as well as on primary canine-derived B-cell lymphoma cells, and compared them to healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both humans and dogs. NDV-MLS reduced cell survival in both human (42% ± 5%) and dog (34% ± 12%) lymphoma cells as compared to untreated controls. No significant effect on PBMC was seen. Cell death involved apoptosis as documented by flow-cytometry. NDV-MLS infections of malignant lymphoma tumors in vivo in dogs were confirmed by electron microscopy. Early (24 h) biodistribution of intravenous injection of 1 × 1012 TCID50 (tissue culture infective dose) in a dog with T-cell lymphoma showed viral localization only in the kidney, the salivary gland, the lung and the stomach by immunohistochemistry and/or endpoint PCR. We conclude that NDV-MLS may be a promising agent for the treatment of lymphomas. Future research is needed to elucidate the optimal therapeutic regimen and establish appropriate biosafety measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

2029 KiB  
Article
Entry of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus into Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Ultrasound
by Shusuke Okunaga, Ayako Takasu, Noritoshi Meshii, Tomoaki Imai, Masakagu Hamada, Soichi Iwai and Yoshiaki Yura
Viruses 2015, 7(10), 5610-5618; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7102890 - 26 Oct 2015
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6663
Abstract
Low-intensity ultrasound is a useful method to introduce materials into cells due to the transient formation of micropores, called sonoporations, on the cell membrane. Whether oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be introduced into oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells through [...] Read more.
Low-intensity ultrasound is a useful method to introduce materials into cells due to the transient formation of micropores, called sonoporations, on the cell membrane. Whether oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be introduced into oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells through membrane pores remains undetermined. Human SCC cell line SAS and oncolytic HSV-1 RH2, which was deficient in the 134.5 gene and fusogenic, were used. Cells were exposed to ultrasound in the presence or absence of microbubbles. The increase of virus entry was estimated by plaque numbers. Viral infection was hardly established without the adsorption step, but plaque number was increased by the exposure of HSV-1-inoculated cells to ultrasound. Plaque number was also increased even if SAS cells were exposed to ultrasound and inoculated with RH2 without the adsorption step. This effect was abolished when the interval from ultrasound exposure to virus inoculation was prolonged. Scanning electron microscopy revealed depressed spots on the cell surface after exposure to ultrasound. These results suggest that oncolytic HSV-1 RH2 can be introduced into SAS cells through ultrasound-mediated pores of the cell membrane that are resealed after an interval. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

2646 KiB  
Article
Preclinical Testing Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Strain GLV-5b451 Expressing an Anti-VEGF Single-Chain Antibody for Canine Cancer Therapy
by Marion Adelfinger, Simon Bessler, Alexa Frentzen, Alexander Cecil, Johanna Langbein-Laugwitz, Ivaylo Gentschev and Aladar A. Szalay
Viruses 2015, 7(7), 4075-4092; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7072811 - 20 Jul 2015
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 8435
Abstract
Virotherapy on the basis of oncolytic vaccinia virus (VACV) strains is a novel approach for canine cancer therapy. Here we describe, for the first time, the characterization and the use of VACV strain GLV-5b451 expressing the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) single-chain antibody [...] Read more.
Virotherapy on the basis of oncolytic vaccinia virus (VACV) strains is a novel approach for canine cancer therapy. Here we describe, for the first time, the characterization and the use of VACV strain GLV-5b451 expressing the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) single-chain antibody (scAb) GLAF-2 as therapeutic agent against different canine cancers. Cell culture data demonstrated that GLV-5b451 efficiently infected and destroyed all four tested canine cancer cell lines including: mammary carcinoma (MTH52c), mammary adenoma (ZMTH3), prostate carcinoma (CT1258), and soft tissue sarcoma (STSA-1). The GLV-5b451 virus-mediated production of GLAF-2 antibody was observed in all four cancer cell lines. In addition, this antibody specifically recognized canine VEGF. Finally, in canine soft tissue sarcoma (CSTS) xenografted mice, a single systemic administration of GLV-5b451 was found to be safe and led to anti-tumor effects resulting in the significant reduction and substantial long-term inhibition of tumor growth. A CD31-based immuno-staining showed significantly decreased neo-angiogenesis in GLV-5b451-treated tumors compared to the controls. In summary, these findings indicate that GLV-5b451 has potential for use as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of CSTS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

980 KiB  
Article
Recombinant Immunomodulating Lentogenic or Mesogenic Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus for Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
by Pascal Buijs, Stefan Van Nieuwkoop, Vincent Vaes, Ron Fouchier, Casper Van Eijck and Bernadette Van den Hoogen
Viruses 2015, 7(6), 2980-2998; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7062756 - 11 Jun 2015
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8995
Abstract
Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) might be a promising new therapeutic agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We evaluated recombinant NDVs (rNDVs) expressing interferon (rNDV-hIFNβ-F\(_{\rm{0}}\)) or an IFN antagonistic protein (rNDV-NS1-F\(_{\rm{0}}\)), as well as rNDV with increased virulence (rNDV-F\(_{\rm{3aa}}\)) for oncolytic efficacy [...] Read more.
Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) might be a promising new therapeutic agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We evaluated recombinant NDVs (rNDVs) expressing interferon (rNDV-hIFNβ-F\(_{\rm{0}}\)) or an IFN antagonistic protein (rNDV-NS1-F\(_{\rm{0}}\)), as well as rNDV with increased virulence (rNDV-F\(_{\rm{3aa}}\)) for oncolytic efficacy in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Expression of additional proteins did not hamper virus replication or cytotoxic effects on itself. However, expression of interferon, but not NS1, resulted in loss of multicycle replication. Conversely, increasing the virulence (rNDV-F\(_{\rm{3aa}}\)) resulted in enhanced replication of the virus. Type I interferon was produced in high amounts by all tumor cells inoculated with rNDV-hIFNβ -F\(_{\rm{0}}\), while inoculation with rNDV-NS1-F\(_{\rm{0}}\) resulted in a complete block of interferon production in most cells. Inoculation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells with rNDV-F\(_{\rm{3aa}}\) caused markedly more cytotoxicity compared to rNDV-F\(_{\rm{0}}\), while inoculation with rNDV-hIFNβ -F\(_{\rm{0}}\) and rNDV-NS1-F\(_{\rm{0}}\) induced cytotoxic effects comparable to those induced by the parental rNDV-F\(_{\rm{0}}\). Evaluation in vivo using mice bearing subcutaneous pancreatic cancer xenografts revealed that only intratumoral injection with rNDV-F\(_{\rm{3aa}}\) resulted in regression of tumors. We conclude that although lentogenic rNDVs harboring proteins that modulate the type I interferon pathway proteins do have an oncolytic effect, a more virulent mesogenic rNDV might be needed to improve oncolytic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

1015 KiB  
Review
Therapeutics for Graft-versus-Host Disease: From Conventional Therapies to Novel Virotherapeutic Strategies
by Nancy Y. Villa, Masmudur M. Rahman, Grant McFadden and Christopher R. Cogle
Viruses 2016, 8(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8030085 - 22 Mar 2016
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 13668
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has a curative potential for many hematologic malignancies and blood diseases. However, the success of allo-HSCT is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), an immunological syndrome that involves inflammation and tissue damage mediated by donor lymphocytes. [...] Read more.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has a curative potential for many hematologic malignancies and blood diseases. However, the success of allo-HSCT is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), an immunological syndrome that involves inflammation and tissue damage mediated by donor lymphocytes. Despite immune suppression, GVHD is highly incident even after allo-HSCT using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors. Therefore, alternative and more effective therapies are needed to prevent or control GVHD while preserving the beneficial graft-versus-cancer (GVC) effects against residual disease. Among novel therapeutics for GVHD, oncolytic viruses such as myxoma virus (MYXV) are receiving increased attention due to their dual role in controlling GVHD while preserving or augmenting GVC. This review focuses on the molecular basis of GVHD, as well as state-of-the-art advances in developing novel therapies to prevent or control GVHD while minimizing impact on GVC. Recent literature regarding conventional and the emerging therapies are summarized, with special emphasis on virotherapy to prevent GVHD. Recent advances using preclinical models with oncolytic viruses such as MYXV to ameliorate the deleterious consequences of GVHD, while maintaining or improving the anti-cancer benefits of GVC will be reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

1749 KiB  
Review
CRISPR-Cas9 as a Powerful Tool for Efficient Creation of Oncolytic Viruses
by Ming Yuan, Eika Webb, Nicholas Robert Lemoine and Yaohe Wang
Viruses 2016, 8(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8030072 - 07 Mar 2016
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 10809
Abstract
The development of oncolytic viruses has led to an emerging new class of cancer therapeutics. Although the safety profile has been encouraging, the transition of oncolytic viruses to the clinical setting has been a slow process due to modifications. Therefore, a new generation [...] Read more.
The development of oncolytic viruses has led to an emerging new class of cancer therapeutics. Although the safety profile has been encouraging, the transition of oncolytic viruses to the clinical setting has been a slow process due to modifications. Therefore, a new generation of more potent oncolytic viruses needs to be exploited, following our better understanding of the complex interactions between the tumor, its microenvironment, the virus, and the host immune response. The conventional method for creation of tumor-targeted oncolytic viruses is based on homologous recombination. However, the creation of new mutant oncolytic viruses with large genomes remains a challenge due to the multi-step process and low efficiency of homologous recombination. The CRISPR-associated endonuclease Cas9 has hugely advanced the potential to edit the genomes of various organisms due to the ability of Cas9 to target a specific genomic site by a single guide RNA. In this review, we discuss the CRISPR-Cas9 system as an efficient viral editing method for the creation of new oncolytic viruses, as well as its potential future applications in the development of oncolytic viruses. Further, this review discusses the potential of off-target effects as well as CRISPR-Cas9 as a tool for basic research into viral biology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

909 KiB  
Review
Retargeting Strategies for Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Viruses
by Gabriella Campadelli-Fiume, Biljana Petrovic, Valerio Leoni, Tatiana Gianni, Elisa Avitabile, Costanza Casiraghi and Valentina Gatta
Viruses 2016, 8(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8030063 - 26 Feb 2016
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 9662
Abstract
Most of the oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) exhibit a high safety profile achieved through attenuation. They carry defects in virulence proteins that antagonize host cell response to the virus, including innate response, apoptosis, authophagy, and depend on tumor cell proliferation. They grow [...] Read more.
Most of the oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) exhibit a high safety profile achieved through attenuation. They carry defects in virulence proteins that antagonize host cell response to the virus, including innate response, apoptosis, authophagy, and depend on tumor cell proliferation. They grow robustly in cancer cells, provided that these are deficient in host cell responses, which is often the case. To overcome the attenuation limits, a strategy is to render the virus highly cancer-specific, e.g., by retargeting their tropism to cancer-specific receptors, and detargeting from natural receptors. The target we selected is HER-2, overexpressed in breast, ovarian and other cancers. Entry of wt-HSV requires the essential glycoproteins gD, gH/gL and gB. Here, we reviewed that oncolytic HSV retargeting was achieved through modifications in gD: the addition of a single-chain antibody (scFv) to HER-2 coupled with appropriate deletions to remove part of the natural receptors’ binding sites. Recently, we showed that also gH/gL can be a retargeting tool. The insertion of an scFv to HER-2 at the gH N-terminus, coupled with deletions in gD, led to a recombinant capable to use HER-2 as the sole receptor. The retargeted oncolytic HSVs can be administered systemically by means of carrier cells-forcedly-infected mesenchymal stem cells. Altogether, the retargeted oncolytic HSVs are highly cancer-specific and their replication is not dependent on intrinsic defects of the tumor cells. They might be further modified to express immunomodulatory molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

1860 KiB  
Review
Big Data Offers Novel Insights for Oncolytic Virus Immunotherapy
by Stephanie L. Swift and David F. Stojdl
Viruses 2016, 8(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8020045 - 05 Feb 2016
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7618
Abstract
Large-scale assays, such as microarrays, next-generation sequencing and various “omics” technologies, have explored multiple aspects of the immune response following virus infection, often from a public health perspective. Yet a lack of similar data exists for monitoring immune engagement during oncolytic virus immunotherapy [...] Read more.
Large-scale assays, such as microarrays, next-generation sequencing and various “omics” technologies, have explored multiple aspects of the immune response following virus infection, often from a public health perspective. Yet a lack of similar data exists for monitoring immune engagement during oncolytic virus immunotherapy (OVIT) in the cancer setting. Tracking immune signatures at the tumour site can create a snapshot or longitudinally analyse immune cell activation, infiltration and functionality within global populations or individual cells. Mapping immune changes over the course of oncolytic biotherapy—from initial infection to tumour stabilisation/regression through to long-term cure or escape/relapse—has the potential to generate important therapeutic insights around virus-host interactions. Further, correlating such immune signatures with specific tumour outcomes has significant value for guiding the development of novel oncolytic virus immunotherapy strategies. Here, we provide insights for OVIT from large-scale analyses of immune populations in the infection, vaccination and immunotherapy setting. We analyse several approaches to manipulating immune engagement during OVIT. We further explore immunocentric changes in the tumour tissue following immunotherapy, and compile several immune signatures of therapeutic success. Ultimately, we highlight clinically relevant large-scale approaches with the potential to strengthen future oncolytic strategies to optimally engage the immune system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

3349 KiB  
Review
To Infection and Beyond: The Multi-Pronged Anti-Cancer Mechanisms of Oncolytic Viruses
by Kevin A. Cassady, Kellie B. Haworth, Josh Jackson, James M. Markert and Timothy P. Cripe
Viruses 2016, 8(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8020043 - 04 Feb 2016
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9685
Abstract
Over the past 1–2 decades we have witnessed a resurgence of efforts to therapeutically exploit the attributes of lytic viruses to infect and kill tumor cells while sparing normal cells. We now appreciate that the utility of viruses for treating cancer extends far [...] Read more.
Over the past 1–2 decades we have witnessed a resurgence of efforts to therapeutically exploit the attributes of lytic viruses to infect and kill tumor cells while sparing normal cells. We now appreciate that the utility of viruses for treating cancer extends far beyond lytic cell death. Viruses are also capable of eliciting humoral and cellular innate and adaptive immune responses that may be directed not only at virus-infected cells but also at uninfected cancer cells. Here we review our current understanding of this bystander effect, and divide the mechanisms into lytic, cytokine, innate cellular, and adaptive phases. Knowing the key pathways and molecular players during virus infection in the context of the cancer microenvironment will be critical to devise strategies to maximize the therapeutic effects of oncolytic viroimmunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10855 KiB  
Review
Overcoming Barriers in Oncolytic Virotherapy with HDAC Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Blockade
by Antonio Marchini, Eleanor M. Scott and Jean Rommelaere
Viruses 2016, 8(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8010009 - 06 Jan 2016
Cited by 75 | Viewed by 14346
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) target and destroy cancer cells while sparing their normal counterparts. These viruses have been evaluated in numerous studies at both pre-clinical and clinical levels and the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of an oncolytic herpesvirus-based treatment raises optimism [...] Read more.
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) target and destroy cancer cells while sparing their normal counterparts. These viruses have been evaluated in numerous studies at both pre-clinical and clinical levels and the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of an oncolytic herpesvirus-based treatment raises optimism that OVs will become a therapeutic option for cancer patients. However, to improve clinical outcome, there is a need to increase OV efficacy. In addition to killing cancer cells directly through lysis, OVs can stimulate the induction of anti-tumour immune responses. The host immune system thus represents a “double-edged sword” for oncolytic virotherapy: on the one hand, a robust anti-viral response will limit OV replication and spread; on the other hand, the immune-mediated component of OV therapy may be its most important anti-cancer mechanism. Although the relative contribution of direct viral oncolysis and indirect, immune-mediated oncosuppression to overall OV efficacy is unclear, it is likely that an initial period of vigorous OV multiplication and lytic activity will most optimally set the stage for subsequent adaptive anti-tumour immunity. In this review, we consider the use of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as a means of boosting virus replication and lessening the negative impact of innate immunity on the direct oncolytic effect. We also discuss an alternative approach, aimed at potentiating OV-elicited anti-tumour immunity through the blockade of immune checkpoints. We conclude by proposing a two-phase combinatorial strategy in which initial OV replication and spread is maximised through transient HDAC inhibition, with anti-tumour immune responses subsequently enhanced by immune checkpoint blockade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

684 KiB  
Review
Exploring Reovirus Plasticity for Improving Its Use as Oncolytic Virus
by Vera Kemp, Rob C. Hoeben and Diana J. M. Van den Wollenberg
Viruses 2016, 8(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/v8010004 - 24 Dec 2015
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6924
Abstract
Reoviruses are non-enveloped viruses with a segmented double stranded RNA genome. In humans, they are not associated with serious disease. Human reoviruses exhibit an inherent preference to replicate in tumor cells, which makes them ideally suited for use in oncolytic virotherapies. Their use [...] Read more.
Reoviruses are non-enveloped viruses with a segmented double stranded RNA genome. In humans, they are not associated with serious disease. Human reoviruses exhibit an inherent preference to replicate in tumor cells, which makes them ideally suited for use in oncolytic virotherapies. Their use as anti-cancer agent has been evaluated in several clinical trials, which revealed that intra-tumoral and systemic delivery of reoviruses are well tolerated. Despite evidence of anti-tumor effects, the efficacy of reovirus in anti-cancer monotherapy needs to be further enhanced. The opportunity to treat both the primary tumor as well as metastases makes systemic delivery a preferred administration route. Several pre-clinical studies have been conducted to address the various hurdles connected to systemic delivery of reoviruses. The majority of those studies have been done in tumor-bearing immune-deficient murine models. This thwarts studies on the impact of the contribution of the immune system to the tumor cell eradication. This review focuses on key aspects of the reovirus/host-cell interactions and the methods that are available to modify the virus to alter these interactions. These aspects are discussed with a focus on improving the reovirus’ antitumor efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

951 KiB  
Review
Dendritic Cells in Oncolytic Virus-Based Anti-Cancer Therapy
by Youra Kim, Derek R. Clements, Andra M. Sterea, Hyun Woo Jang, Shashi A. Gujar and Patrick W. K. Lee
Viruses 2015, 7(12), 6506-6525; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7122953 - 09 Dec 2015
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 13143
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that have a notable role in the initiation and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the context of cancer, appropriately activated DCs can induce anti-tumor immunity by activating innate immune cells and tumor-specific lymphocytes [...] Read more.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that have a notable role in the initiation and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the context of cancer, appropriately activated DCs can induce anti-tumor immunity by activating innate immune cells and tumor-specific lymphocytes that target cancer cells. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) imposes different mechanisms that facilitate the impairment of DC functions, such as inefficient antigen presentation or polarization into immunosuppressive DCs. These tumor-associated DCs thus fail to initiate tumor-specific immunity, and indirectly support tumor progression. Hence, there is increasing interest in identifying interventions that can overturn DC impairment within the TME. Many reports thus far have studied oncolytic viruses (OVs), viruses that preferentially target and kill cancer cells, for their capacity to enhance DC-mediated anti-tumor effects. Herein, we describe the general characteristics of DCs, focusing on their role in innate and adaptive immunity in the context of the TME. We also examine how DC-OV interaction affects DC recruitment, OV delivery, and anti-tumor immunity activation. Understanding these roles of DCs in the TME and OV infection is critical in devising strategies to further harness the anti-tumor effects of both DCs and OVs, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of OV-based oncotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

263 KiB  
Review
Evidence for Oncolytic Virotherapy: Where Have We Got to and Where Are We Going?
by Samantha Turnbull, Emma J. West, Karen J. Scott, Elizabeth Appleton, Alan Melcher and Christy Ralph
Viruses 2015, 7(12), 6291-6312; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7122938 - 02 Dec 2015
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 9413
Abstract
The last few years have seen an increased interest in immunotherapy in the treatment of malignant disease. In particular, there has been significant enthusiasm for oncolytic virotherapy, with a large amount of pre-clinical data showing promise in animal models in a wide range [...] Read more.
The last few years have seen an increased interest in immunotherapy in the treatment of malignant disease. In particular, there has been significant enthusiasm for oncolytic virotherapy, with a large amount of pre-clinical data showing promise in animal models in a wide range of tumour types. How do we move forward into the clinical setting and translate something which has such potential into meaningful clinical outcomes? Here, we review how the field of oncolytic virotherapy has developed thus far and what the future may hold. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
4161 KiB  
Review
Potential for Improving Potency and Specificity of Reovirus Oncolysis with Next-Generation Reovirus Variants
by Adil Mohamed, Randal N. Johnston and Maya Shmulevitz
Viruses 2015, 7(12), 6251-6278; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7122936 - 01 Dec 2015
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9188
Abstract
Viruses that specifically replicate in tumor over normal cells offer promising cancer therapies. Oncolytic viruses (OV) not only kill the tumor cells directly; they also promote anti-tumor immunotherapeutic responses. Other major advantages of OVs are that they dose-escalate in tumors and can be [...] Read more.
Viruses that specifically replicate in tumor over normal cells offer promising cancer therapies. Oncolytic viruses (OV) not only kill the tumor cells directly; they also promote anti-tumor immunotherapeutic responses. Other major advantages of OVs are that they dose-escalate in tumors and can be genetically engineered to enhance potency and specificity. Unmodified wild type reovirus is a propitious OV currently in phase I–III clinical trials. This review summarizes modifications to reovirus that may improve potency and/or specificity during oncolysis. Classical genetics approaches have revealed reovirus variants with improved adaptation towards tumors or with enhanced ability to establish specific steps of virus replication and cell killing among transformed cells. The recent emergence of a reverse genetics system for reovirus has provided novel strategies to fine-tune reovirus proteins or introduce exogenous genes that could promote oncolytic activity. Over the next decade, these findings are likely to generate better-optimized second-generation reovirus vectors and improve the efficacy of oncolytic reotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

999 KiB  
Review
Stem Cell-Based Cell Carrier for Targeted Oncolytic Virotherapy: Translational Opportunity and Open Questions
by Janice Kim, Robert R. Hall, Maciej S. Lesniak and Atique U. Ahmed
Viruses 2015, 7(12), 6200-6217; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7122921 - 27 Nov 2015
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 9263
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy for cancer is an innovative therapeutic option where the ability of a virus to promote cell lysis is harnessed and reprogrammed to selectively destroy cancer cells. Such treatment modalities exhibited antitumor activity in preclinical and clinical settings and appear to be [...] Read more.
Oncolytic virotherapy for cancer is an innovative therapeutic option where the ability of a virus to promote cell lysis is harnessed and reprogrammed to selectively destroy cancer cells. Such treatment modalities exhibited antitumor activity in preclinical and clinical settings and appear to be well tolerated when tested in clinical trials. However, the clinical success of oncolytic virotherapy has been significantly hampered due to the inability to target systematic metastasis. This is partly due to the inability of the therapeutic virus to survive in the patient circulation, in order to target tumors at distant sites. An early study from various laboratories demonstrated that cells infected with oncolytic virus can protect the therapeutic payload form the host immune system as well as function as factories for virus production and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic virus. While a variety of cell lineages possessed potential as cell carriers, copious investigation has established stem cells as a very attractive cell carrier system in oncolytic virotherapy. The ideal cell carrier desire to be susceptible to viral infection as well as support viral infection, maintain immunosuppressive properties to shield the loaded viruses from the host immune system, and most importantly possess an intrinsic tumor homing ability to deliver loaded viruses directly to the site of the metastasis—all qualities stem cells exhibit. In this review, we summarize the recent work in the development of stem cell-based carrier for oncolytic virotherapy, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of cell carriers, especially focusing on why stem cells have emerged as the leading candidate, and finally propose a future direction for stem cell-based targeted oncolytic virotherapy that involves its establishment as a viable treatment option for cancer patients in the clinical setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

2195 KiB  
Review
Oncolytic Adenovirus: Strategies and Insights for Vector Design and Immuno-Oncolytic Applications
by Hanni Uusi-Kerttula, Sarah Hulin-Curtis, James Davies and Alan L. Parker
Viruses 2015, 7(11), 6009-6042; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7112923 - 24 Nov 2015
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 12005
Abstract
Adenoviruses (Ad) are commonly used both experimentally and clinically, including oncolytic virotherapy applications. In the clinical area, efficacy is frequently hampered by the high rates of neutralizing immunity, estimated as high as 90% in some populations that promote vector clearance and limit bioavailability [...] Read more.
Adenoviruses (Ad) are commonly used both experimentally and clinically, including oncolytic virotherapy applications. In the clinical area, efficacy is frequently hampered by the high rates of neutralizing immunity, estimated as high as 90% in some populations that promote vector clearance and limit bioavailability for tumor targeting following systemic delivery. Active tumor targeting is also hampered by the ubiquitous nature of the Ad5 receptor, hCAR, as well as the lack of highly tumor-selective targeting ligands and suitable targeting strategies. Furthermore, significant off-target interactions between the viral vector and cellular and proteinaceous components of the bloodstream have been documented that promote uptake into non-target cells and determine dose-limiting toxicities. Novel strategies are therefore needed to overcome the obstacles that prevent efficacious Ad deployment for wider clinical applications. The use of less seroprevalent Ad serotypes, non-human serotypes, capsid pseudotyping, chemical shielding and genetic masking by heterologous peptide incorporation are all potential strategies to achieve efficient vector escape from humoral immune recognition. Conversely, selective vector arming with immunostimulatory agents can be utilized to enhance their oncolytic potential by activation of cancer-specific immune responses against the malignant tissues. This review presents recent advantages and pitfalls occurring in the field of adenoviral oncolytic therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

208 KiB  
Review
Harnessing the Power of Onco-Immunotherapy with Checkpoint Inhibitors
by Karishma R. Rajani and Richard G. Vile
Viruses 2015, 7(11), 5889-5901; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7112914 - 13 Nov 2015
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8680
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses represent a diverse class of replication competent viruses that curtail tumor growth. These viruses, through their natural ability or through genetic modifications, can selectively replicate within tumor cells and induce cell death while leaving normal cells intact. Apart from the direct [...] Read more.
Oncolytic viruses represent a diverse class of replication competent viruses that curtail tumor growth. These viruses, through their natural ability or through genetic modifications, can selectively replicate within tumor cells and induce cell death while leaving normal cells intact. Apart from the direct oncolytic activity, these viruses mediate tumor cell death via the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses. The field of oncolytic viruses has seen substantial advancement with the progression of numerous oncolytic viruses in various phases of clinical trials. Tumors employ a plethora of mechanisms to establish growth and subsequently metastasize. These include evasion of immune surveillance by inducing up-regulation of checkpoint proteins which function to abrogate T cell effector functions. Currently, antibodies blocking checkpoint proteins such as anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) have been approved to treat cancer and shown to impart durable clinical responses. These antibodies typically need pre-existing active immune tumor microenvironment to establish durable clinical outcomes and not every patient responds to these therapies. This review provides an overview of published pre-clinical studies demonstrating superior therapeutic efficacy of combining oncolytic viruses with checkpoint blockade compared to monotherapies. These studies provide compelling evidence that oncolytic therapy can be potentiated by coupling it with checkpoint therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

1526 KiB  
Review
Immunostimulatory Gene Therapy Using Oncolytic Viruses as Vehicles
by Angelica Loskog
Viruses 2015, 7(11), 5780-5791; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7112899 - 06 Nov 2015
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 9548
Abstract
Immunostimulatory gene therapy has been developed during the past twenty years. The aim of immunostimulatory gene therapy is to tilt the suppressive tumor microenvironment to promote anti-tumor immunity. Hence, like a Trojan horse, the gene vehicle can carry warriors and weapons into enemy [...] Read more.
Immunostimulatory gene therapy has been developed during the past twenty years. The aim of immunostimulatory gene therapy is to tilt the suppressive tumor microenvironment to promote anti-tumor immunity. Hence, like a Trojan horse, the gene vehicle can carry warriors and weapons into enemy territory to combat the tumor from within. The most promising immune stimulators are those activating and sustaining Th1 responses, but even if potent effects were seen in preclinical models, many clinical trials failed to show objective responses in cancer patients. However, with new tools to control ongoing immunosuppression in cancer patients, immunostimulatory gene therapy is now emerging as an interesting option. In parallel, oncolytic viruses have been shown to be safe in patients. To prolong immune stimulation and to increase efficacy, these two fields are now merging and oncolytic viruses are armed with immunostimulatory transgenes. These novel agents are racing towards approval as established cancer immunotherapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

838 KiB  
Review
Oncolytic Replication of E1b-Deleted Adenoviruses
by Pei-Hsin Cheng, Stephen L. Wechman, Kelly M. McMasters and Heshan Sam Zhou
Viruses 2015, 7(11), 5767-5779; https://doi.org/10.3390/v7112905 - 06 Nov 2015
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 9052
Abstract
Various viruses have been studied and developed for oncolytic virotherapies. In virotherapy, a relatively small amount of viruses used in an intratumoral injection preferentially replicate in and lyse cancer cells, leading to the release of amplified viral particles that spread the infection to [...] Read more.
Various viruses have been studied and developed for oncolytic virotherapies. In virotherapy, a relatively small amount of viruses used in an intratumoral injection preferentially replicate in and lyse cancer cells, leading to the release of amplified viral particles that spread the infection to the surrounding tumor cells and reduce the tumor mass. Adenoviruses (Ads) are most commonly used for oncolytic virotherapy due to their infection efficacy, high titer production, safety, easy genetic modification, and well-studied replication characteristics. Ads with deletion of E1b55K preferentially replicate in and destroy cancer cells and have been used in multiple clinical trials. H101, one of the E1b55K-deleted Ads, has been used for the treatment of late-stage cancers as the first approved virotherapy agent. However, the mechanism of selective replication of E1b-deleted Ads in cancer cells is still not well characterized. This review will focus on three potential molecular mechanisms of oncolytic replication of E1b55K-deleted Ads. These mechanisms are based upon the functions of the viral E1B55K protein that are associated with p53 inhibition, late viralmRNAexport, and cell cycle disruption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncolytic Viruses)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-21
Back to TopTop