interleukin-2 gene therapy (herpes simplex virus amplicon vector)

Interleukin-2 gene therapy (herpes simplex virus amplicon vector) is an experimental gene therapy approach that utilizes a replication-incompetent (defective) herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicon vector to deliver the human interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene directly into tumor cells. This modality leverages the high packaging capacity and efficient transduction capabilities of HSV amplicons to achieve robust, localized expression of IL-2 within the tumor microenvironment. Once expressed, the secreted IL-2 acts as a potent immunomodulator, stimulating the activation and proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor immune response. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant tumor growth suppression and improved survival in models of hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Despite promising experimental results in animal models, the therapy has primarily remained in the research phase and has not transitioned into formal clinical development or commercialization.

Other names

HSV-IL-2 ampliconHSV-IL2 ampliconHSV-IL 2 amplicondefective HSV-IL-2 vectorIL-2 gene therapy (HSV amplicon)