Tumor Cell (via Engineered Adenovirus Vector)

Engineered adenovirus vectors are used in cancer gene therapy to target tumor cells. These vectors can be replication-defective, delivering therapeutic genes, or replication-competent (oncolytic), selectively replicating within and lysing cancer cells. Selectivity is achieved by modifying viral capsid proteins or fiber domains to recognize receptors overexpressed on tumor cells, or by deleting viral genes required for replication in normal tissues. The mechanism of action involves gene delivery (e.g., tumor suppressors, cytokines, tumor-specific antigens), oncolysis, and immune activation. Clinical examples include Advexin, Gendicine (p53 gene therapy), and ETBX-011 (CEA-expressing adenovirus). They are being tested against solid tumors in monotherapy and combination regimens.

Other names

Adenovirus-mediated cancer gene therapyOncolytic adenovirus therapy

Engineered adenovirus vectors selectively infect and affect tumor cells either by delivering therapeutic genes (tumor suppressors, immunomodulatory molecules) leading to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or immune activation; or through oncolytic replication within tumor cells resulting in lysis and the release of tumor-associated antigens.