OncoVEXmGM-CSF

OncoVEXmGM-CSF is a preclinical oncolytic immunotherapy and a murine surrogate for talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC). It consists of a modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) engineered to selectively replicate within and lyse neoplastic cells. The virus is modified by the deletion of the ICP34.5 and ICP47 genes to enhance tumor selectivity and promote antigen presentation. Crucially, OncoVEXmGM-CSF expresses murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (mGM-CSF) instead of the human version found in the clinical product, allowing for the study of the drug's mechanism of action and systemic anti-tumor immune response in syngeneic mouse melanoma models. It is primarily used in research to evaluate local and abscopal effects, often in combination with checkpoint inhibitors such as CTLA-4 or PD-1 blockades.

Other names

OncoVEX-mGM-CSF