MVA-survivin

MVA-survivin is a therapeutic cancer vaccine candidate that utilizes a highly attenuated strain of vaccinia virus, Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA), as a viral vector to deliver the gene for the tumor-associated antigen survivin (BIRC5). Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family that is overexpressed in a wide range of human malignancies, including pancreatic, colorectal, and melanoma cancers, while being largely absent in normal adult tissues. This differential expression makes it an attractive target for immunotherapy. The vaccine is designed to stimulate the host's immune system, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), to recognize and eliminate survivin-expressing tumor cells. Developed primarily at the City of Hope National Medical Center, MVA-survivin has been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials both as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy (such as gemcitabine) to enhance antitumor efficacy and overcome tumor-induced immune suppression.

Other names

Modified vaccinia Ankara expressing survivinMVA-survivin vaccine