Oncolytic activity

Oncolytic activity refers to the capability of certain agents—most notably oncolytic viruses—to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells through direct lysis as well as by stimulating anti-tumor immune responses[1][2][3][4][5]. Oncolytic viruses exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells (e.g., defective antiviral pathways), replicate preferentially within tumors, and induce cancer cell death via direct virus-mediated lysis and apoptosis. This process also leads to the release of tumor antigens, promoting immune system activation against remaining malignant cells. The field of oncolytic virotherapy includes genetically engineered viruses to enhance both tumor-selectivity and immune stimulation[1][2][3]. Although "oncolytic activity" is a major functional goal in cancer therapy, it is not the name of a single receptor or molecular target. Summary: - "Oncolytic activity" is not a canonical therapeutic target but instead refers to a mechanism or property. - The correct method would be to specify the particular target (e.g., "HER2 receptor" or "Programmed cell death protein 1") or the particular oncolytic virus (e.g., "Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC)")[6]. - No standard abbreviation, molecular identity, or drug list applies to "oncolytic activity" as a target.

Other names

OncolysisOncolytic effect

Direct lysis of cancer cells by viral replication, stimulation of anti-tumor immune response, expression of transgenes (e.g., cytokines), and disruption of tumor vasculature.