Integrating oncolytic viruses in combination cancer immunotherapy

Nat Rev Immunol. 2018 Aug;18(8):498-513. doi: 10.1038/s41577-018-0014-6.

Abstract

Oncolytic viruses can be usefully integrated into tumour immunotherapies, as they target multiple steps within the cancer-immunity cycle. Oncolytic viruses directly lyse tumour cells, leading to the release of soluble antigens, danger signals and type I interferons, which drive antitumour immunity. In addition, some oncolytic viruses can be engineered to express therapeutic genes or can functionally alter tumour-associated endothelial cells, further enhancing T cell recruitment into immune-excluded or immune-deserted tumour microenvironments. Oncolytic viruses can also utilize established tumours as an in situ source of neoantigen vaccination through cross-presentation, resulting in regression of distant, uninfected tumours. These features make oncolytic viruses attractive agents for combination strategies to optimize cancer immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Cell Death / immunology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Models, Immunological
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / immunology
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy / methods*
  • Oncolytic Viruses / genetics
  • Oncolytic Viruses / immunology*
  • Oncolytic Viruses / physiology
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology
  • Virus Replication / immunology

Substances

  • Biomarkers