Tumor cell lysis via vaccinia virus replication

Tumor cell lysis via vaccinia virus (VACV) replication refers to the process by which oncolytic strains of the vaccinia virus selectively infect, replicate within, and destroy tumor cells. This mechanism is a cornerstone of oncolytic virotherapy, leveraging both direct viral cytolysis and subsequent immune activation to target cancer. Tumor selectivity arises from the downregulation or mutation of antiviral pathways and tumor suppressors in cancer cells, and/or genetic modifications to VACV that restrict replication to dividing/tumorous cells. The process culminates in cell lysis, release of progeny virions for further infection, and the release of tumor antigens that promote an anti-tumor immune response.

Selective infection of tumor cells, cytoplasmic replication of vaccinia virus, tumor cell lysis, and release of tumor antigens leading to an anti-tumor immune response.