OZIKV_2k

OZIKV_2k is a first-in-class, microRNA-sensitive oncolytic Zika virus (ZIKV) engineered for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, including glioblastoma and metastatic brain cancers. It is a synthetic, genetically modified strain of ZIKV designed to exploit the natural brain tropism of the virus while ensuring safety in healthy neural tissues. The virus incorporates microRNA-targeting sequences in two distinct sites: the 3'UTR region and the viral protein-coding sequence. This dual-targeting approach allows the virus to be selectively inhibited by microRNAs present in normal cells (such as neural stem cells), preventing replication and neurotoxicity, while allowing it to replicate and induce oncolysis in tumor cells where these specific microRNAs are downregulated. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that intraventricular and systemic administration of OZIKV_2k can lead to total tumor remission in mouse models bearing human CNS tumors.

Other names

microRNA-sensitive oncolytic Zika virusmodified Zika virus