OVV-mIL21

OVV-mIL21 is an oncolytic virus therapy using a genetically modified vaccinia virus (OVV) engineered to express mouse interleukin-21 (mIL-21) for cancer immunotherapy. The construct is designed to selectively infect and lyse tumor cells while delivering mIL-21 into the tumor microenvironment, thereby augmenting immune responses. The presence of IL-21 enhances cytotoxic lymphocyte function (e.g., NK cells, CD8+ T cells), supports T cell memory, and reshapes the immune landscape to favor antitumor immunity. Preclinical studies have shown robust tumor regression and improved survival in various mouse models, including colon cancer, melanoma, glioma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. OVV-mIL21 has also been combined with other immunotherapies (such as anti-TGFβ antibodies and CAR T cells) for enhanced efficacy against refractory solid tumors[1][3][5].