Host antigen-presenting cells permissive to fowlpox infection (APCs (FPV-permissive))

Host antigen-presenting cells (APCs) permissive to fowlpox infection are primarily dendritic cells and macrophages that allow the entry and non-replicative expression of fowlpox virus (FPV) genetic material. FPV is an avipoxvirus that, while unable to complete its life cycle in mammalian hosts, can effectively drive the synthesis of encoded proteins within the host's immune cells (Skinner et al., 2005, J. Gen. Virol.). This biological characteristic is utilized in immunotherapy, where recombinant fowlpox vectors are engineered to deliver tumor-associated antigens or costimulatory molecules directly to APCs. Upon infection, these cells process the expressed proteins and present them via MHC Class I and II pathways to prime and activate T-cells against specific diseases, such as prostate cancer (Madunovic et al., 2017, Oncotarget). This mechanism bypasses the need for viral replication, enhancing the safety profile of the vaccine while maintaining high immunogenicity. Consequently, these permissive cells serve as the critical interface for translating viral-delivered genetic information into a robust systemic immune response.

Other names

Fowlpox-infected antigen-presenting cellsAvipoxvirus-permissive host cellsRecombinant fowlpox vector targetsFPV-permissive dendritic cells

Fowlpox virus (FPV) vectors infect host antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, where they undergo an abortive infection cycle. During this process, the virus expresses recombinant transgenes (e.g., tumor antigens) without producing infectious progeny. These expressed antigens are then processed and presented on MHC Class I and II molecules to stimulate a robust, antigen-specific T-cell mediated immune response (Kim et al., 2004, J. Clin. Oncol.; Skinner et al., 2005, J. Gen. Virol.).