Tumor cell lysis by Sindbis virus

Sindbis virus (SV) is an alphavirus that can selectively infect and kill tumor cells—a process known as oncolysis—through direct viral replication and induction of apoptotic cell death[1][3]. The virus preferentially targets tumor cells in part due to the overexpression of the 67 kDa laminin receptor (LAMR) on many cancer cell types, which serves as a primary entry receptor for SV[1]. SV infection triggers rapid apoptosis in target cells via sphingomyelinase activation, ceramide release, and caspase activation, leading to efficient tumor cell lysis[2][3]. In addition to direct cytotoxicity, Sindbis virus vectors can be engineered to express tumor-associated antigens, cytokines, and immune checkpoint modulators, thereby stimulating anti-tumor immune responses and potentially providing long-term protection against tumor recurrence[1]. While preclinical studies in animal models show promising tumor suppression and immune activation, clinical translation is pending, and safety, dosing, and efficacy in humans remain to be fully evaluated[1]. No drugs specifically targeting "tumor cell lysis by Sindbis virus" are approved, but the approach represents an emerging experimental strategy in oncolytic virotherapy and cancer immunotherapy[1].

Other names

Sindbis virus oncolysisSV oncolysisalphavirus-mediated tumor lysis

Direct tumor cell lysis via viral infection and induction of apoptosis, Immunomodulation via expression of tumor-associated antigens and immune-stimulating molecules