recombinant vaccinia virus

**Recombinant vaccinia virus** refers to vaccinia virus (a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus) that has been genetically engineered by introducing foreign genes into its genome. This manipulation allows the virus to express transgenic proteins or therapeutic molecules, such as cytokines, tumor antigens, or other biologically active proteins. Recombinant vaccinia viruses are utilized primarily in three main contexts: - As **oncolytic virus therapies**, where viruses such as JX-594 (an engineered vaccinia expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF) are designed to directly lyse tumor cells and stimulate anti-tumor immunity. - As **vaccine vectors**, enabling delivery of antigens from pathogens or cancers, stimulating robust immune responses. - As laboratory tools for research into immunology, virology, and gene therapy. The mechanism of action of oncolytic recombinant vaccinia virus includes selective infection and lysis of tumor cells, expression of immunostimulatory proteins, and induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses against tumor or pathogen antigens. Replication-competent recombinant strains may still cause vaccinia virus symptoms and require precautions[4]. Notable agents in development or clinical use include JX-594 (pexastimogene devacirepvec, a GM-CSF expressing variant for cancer immunotherapy)[2].

Brand names

Pexa-Vec

Other names

recombinant vaccinia virusrecombinant vacciniagenetically engineered vaccinia virusgenetically modified vaccinia virus