VSV(AV3)

VSV(AV3) is an engineered, interferon-sensitive strain of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) developed as an oncolytic virotherapy. It is specifically designed to exploit the defective interferon (IFN) antiviral signaling pathways common in many cancer cells, such as those with PTEN deletions. While healthy cells produce IFN and successfully inhibit viral replication, cancer cells with impaired IFN responses allow VSV(AV3) to selectively replicate within and destroy them through apoptotic oncolysis. Preclinical studies, particularly in prostate cancer models, have demonstrated that VSV(AV3) can be safely administered via intraprostatic injection, where it selectively infects malignant cells while sparing normal tissue. The virus is often modified to express reporter genes like luciferase to facilitate real-time monitoring of viral replication and spread within the tumor microenvironment.

Other names

VSV-AV3VSV-AV-3VSV-AV 3AV3-VSVAV-3-VSVAV 3-VSVInterferon-sensitive VSV(AV3 strain)