Oncolytic Viral Therapy Development

Oncolytic viral therapy leverages viruses to specifically target and kill tumor cells while simultaneously activating the immune system to enhance the overall anti-tumor response. At Alfa Cytology, we have many years of extensive experience researching oncolytic viral therapy for ovarian cancer and are committed to advancing the progress and development of this promising treatment modality.

Introduction to Oncolytic Viral Therapy

Oncolytic viral therapy (OVT) uses genetically altered or natural viruses to target and destroy cancer cells. Besides directly breaking down tumor cells, OVT boosts the immune response against tumors, providing a dual approach for more effective treatment. Mechanisms of lysosomal virus therapy include virus-induced autophagy, lysosomal destabilization, and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which further activate immune responses and promote tumor cell elimination.

Fig 1. Armed oncolytic viruses offer a robust dual mechanism for treating ovarian cancer. (PAMPENO C, et al., 2024)

Mechanisms of Oncolytic Viral Therapy

Selective Infection of Cancer Cells

Oncolytic viral therapy exploits the natural ability of certain viruses to selectively infect and replicate within cancer cells. These viruses preferentially target tumor cells due to their altered surface receptors and defective antiviral responses.

Direct Oncolysis

Once inside the cancer cells, oncolytic viruses replicate and cause the destruction (lysis) of the host cell. This process leads to a reduction in tumor mass as infected cancer cells burst and die.

Immune System Activation

The lysis of cancer cells by the virus releases tumor antigens into the surrounding environment, which can stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and attack remaining cancer cells. This creates a secondary anti-tumor immune response.

Modification of Tumor Microenvironment

Oncolytic viruses can modify the tumor microenvironment to make it more hostile to cancer growth by breaking down the physical barriers that protect tumors and by promoting inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of the tumor.

Our Services

Alfa Cytology, supported by its exceptional research team, is dedicated to advancing oncolytic viral therapy programs for ovarian cancer. Our efforts encompass extensive exploration and optimization of lysosomal viruses, with the goal of enhancing therapeutic efficacy and broadening their scope of applicability.

DNA Viruses

Adenovirus (Ad)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Poxvirus

RNA Viruses

Echovirus
Measles Virus (MeV)
Coxsackievirus

Other Viruses

Myxoma Virus (Mucovirus)
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)

Workflow of Oncolytic Viral Therapy Development

Viral Vector Selection

Selection of an appropriate viral vector. This involves choosing viruses that can selectively infect ovarian cancer cells without affecting normal tissues. Common choices might include adenoviruses or oncolytic herpes simplex viruses.

Genetic Engineering

Genetic modification of the virus to enhance its selectivity and safety. This might involve attenuating the virus so it cannot cause disease in humans but retains its ability to kill cancer cells or trigger an immune response against them.

In Vitro Testing

Laboratory testing using ovarian cancer cell lines. This stage assesses whether the engineered virus can effectively infect and kill ovarian cancer cells in a controlled environment.

In Vivo Testing

Animal studies, usually in rodent models, to evaluate the therapy's efficacy and safety in a living organism. This helps determine the appropriate dosage and identifies any potential side effects.

Alfa Cytology's oncolytic viral therapies leverage cutting-edge research and advanced technology to develop treatments that not only inhibit tumor growth but also stimulate the immune system to produce a more robust anti-tumor response. If you have any questions about our services, ongoing research, or partnership opportunities, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

PAMPENO C, OPP S, HURTADO A, et al. Sindbis Virus Vaccine Platform: A Promising Oncolytic Virus-Mediated Approach for Ovarian Cancer Treatment [J]. Int J Mol Sci, 2024, 25(5).

! For research use only.