oncolytic Zika virus

Oncolytic Zika virus is an experimental viral therapy designed to treat glioblastoma (GBM) by selectively targeting and destroying glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Texas Medical Branch, the therapy leverages the natural tropism of the Zika virus (ZIKV) for neural progenitor cells, a lineage shared by GSCs. Beyond direct viral-mediated lysis of tumor cells, the infection triggers an inflammatory response that promotes the recruitment and activation of CD8+ T cells, effectively turning 'cold' tumors 'hot.' Preclinical studies have demonstrated that ZIKV therapy can significantly improve survival in mouse models of GBM, particularly when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 or anti-Siglec-15 antibodies to overcome myeloid-driven immunosuppression.

Other names

Zika virus