oncolytic herpes simplex virus (luciferase)

Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (luciferase) refers to a genetically modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) designed to selectively infect, replicate within, and lyse neoplastic cells while expressing the luciferase reporter gene. These viruses are typically attenuated by the deletion of neurovirulence genes, such as **ICP34.5**, to prevent replication in post-mitotic neurons and ensure safety in healthy tissues. The incorporation of the luciferase gene (often firefly or Renilla luciferase) allows researchers to monitor viral distribution, replication kinetics, and persistence in vivo using non-invasive bioluminescence imaging (BLI). While primarily utilized as a preclinical research tool to optimize delivery strategies and evaluate therapeutic efficacy in various cancer models (including glioblastoma and prostate cancer), it represents a critical platform for developing next-generation oncolytic virotherapies.

Other names

Luciferase-expressing oncolytic herpes simplex virusBioluminescent oncolytic HSV