HSV-1 oncolytic virus

HSV-1 oncolytic viruses are genetically engineered variants of the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 designed to selectively infect, replicate within, and destroy malignant cells while inducing systemic anti-tumor immunity. These vectors typically exploit the expression of viral entry receptors such as nectin-1 and herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) on the surface of cancer cells, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. To enhance delivery and overcome challenges like pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and poor penetration into the bone marrow niche, researchers are investigating the use of autologous monocytes as carrier cells. This approach utilizes the natural tumor tropism of monocytes to transport the oncolytic payload directly to the tumor microenvironment, where the virus can induce immunogenic cell death and bridge cytotoxicity with immunotherapy.

Other names

oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus type 1oHSV-1oHSV1oHSV 1engineered HSV-1 oncolytic vector