oncolytic bovine herpesvirus type 1

oBHV (oncolytic bovine herpesvirus type 1) is an investigational oncolytic virus therapy derived from a bovine herpesvirus. It is engineered or naturally selected to selectively infect, replicate within, and lyse neoplastic cells while sparing healthy tissue. The primary mechanism of action involves the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD), which triggers the release of tumor-associated antigens and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), effectively converting immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. This process promotes the recruitment and activation of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and reduces the infiltration of immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) within the tumor microenvironment. Research, primarily conducted at the University of Saskatchewan, suggests that oBHV synergizes with low-dose chemotherapy (such as mitomycin C) and immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance anti-tumor immunity in models of melanoma and other solid tumors.

Other names

oncolytic BHV-1