MV-h-uPA

MV-h-uPA is an engineered oncolytic measles virus (MV) specifically retargeted to infect cells expressing the human urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). uPAR is a cell-surface protein frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including metastatic breast cancer, where it plays a key role in tumor invasion and metastasis. By modifying the viral hemagglutinin (H) protein to display a targeting ligand, the virus is redirected from its natural receptors to uPAR. Once it enters the target cell, MV-h-uPA replicates, induces the formation of multinucleated syncytia, and causes oncolysis. This selective destruction of tumor cells also promotes the release of tumor-associated antigens, potentially triggering a systemic anti-tumor immune response. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that systemic administration of MV-h-uPA can significantly inhibit the progression of human breast cancer metastases in animal models.

Other names

uPAR-retargeted oncolytic measles virusMV-uPA