Armed oncolytic viruses: A kick-start for anti-tumor immunity

• Published in: Cytokine & growth factor reviews Vol. 41; pp. 28 - 39
• Main Authors: de Graaf, J.F., de Vor, L., Fouchier, R.A.M., van den Hoogen, B.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2018; The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents - immunology; Humans; Immune therapy; Immunologic Factors - immunology; Neoplasms - immunology; Neoplasms - therapy; Oncolytic viruses; Oncolytic Viruses - immunology; Transgenes; Tumor Microenvironment - immunology; VV; MDSC; HPGD; MHC; HMGB1; TNF; MYXV; DAMPs; IFN; GM-CSF; IDO; LAG-3; CXCL/CCL; PD-L1; Immune therapy; CTLA-4; TIM-3; Transgenes; Oncolytic viruses; NDV; PGE2; IL; GITRL; OV; MV; HSV; TME; AdV; TGF; APC; TAA; VSV; CTL; ATP; NK; DC; IAV; hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase; T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3; lymphocyte-activation gene 3 protein; major histocompatibility complex; damage-associated molecular pattern molecules; myeloid derived suppressor cell; Herpes Simplex Virus; natural killer; oncolytic virus; adenovirus; measles virus; influenza A virus; myxoma virus; prostaglandin 2; glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein; cytotoxic T lymphocyte; granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; high-mobility group protein B1; dendritic cell; Newcastle diseases virus; vesicular stomatitis virus; vaccinia virus; interleukin; programmed death ligand 1; interferon; tumor necrosis factor; C-X-C motif ligands; adenosine triphosphate; cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4; tumor associated antigen; antigen presenting cell; indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase; tumor microenvironment; transforming growth factor
• ISSN: 1359-6101; 1879-0305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2018.03.006

[Display omitted] •Oncolytic viruses expressing immune modulators as transgene enhance the efficacy of anti-tumor therapies.•The enhanced efficacy is dependent on the combination of virus and immune modulator.•The localized expression of transgenic agonistic agents could reduce adverse effects in contrast to systemic administration.•Arming viruses with checkpoint inhibitors might not be the most effective combination strategy compared to agonistic agents. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), viruses that specifically result in killing tumor cells, represent a promising class of cancer therapy. Recently, the focus in the OV therapy field has shifted from their direct oncolytic effect to their immune stimulatory effect. OV therapy can function as a “kick start” for the antitumor immune response by releasing tumor associated antigens and release of inflammatory signals. Combining OVs with immune modulators could enhance the efficacy of both immune and OV therapies. Additionally, genetic engineering of OVs allows local expression of immune therapeutics, thereby reducing related toxicities. Different options to modify the tumor microenvironment in combination with OV therapy have been explored. The possibilities and obstacles of these combinations will be discussed in this review.