Modified measles virus

Modified measles viruses are genetically engineered derivatives of the wild-type or vaccine strain of the measles virus. These viruses are typically altered to change their surface glycoproteins or other genetic elements to achieve specific therapeutic goals. The most prominent application is in oncolytic virotherapy, where modified (often Edmonston lineage) measles viruses are engineered to selectively infect and destroy tumor cells while sparing normal tissue. Modifications may include substituting viral envelope proteins (such as H and F glycoproteins) with those from related viruses like canine distemper virus and further engineering these proteins to target specific tumor-associated receptors such as Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or CD38 antigen. This retargeting allows the modified viruses to evade neutralization by pre-existing anti-measles antibodies in humans and enhances their ability to infect cancer cells[3]. Modified fusion proteins have also been studied for use in subunit vaccines for immunocompromised individuals[5]. These approaches remain experimental but have shown promise in early clinical trials for various cancers including nervous system tumors, hematological malignancies, gynecologic cancers, and urothelial malignancies[3].

Other names

engineered measles virusrecombinant measles virusretargeted measles virusoncolytic measles virus