Tumor cells permissive for Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 replication (oHSV-1 permissive tumor cells)

Tumor cells permissive for HSV-1 replication represent the cellular target for oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) therapies, such as Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) (FDA, 2015). These cells are characterized by a lack of robust antiviral defenses, such as impaired Type I interferon signaling or dysfunctional protein kinase R (PKR) pathways, which allow the virus to replicate selectively within the malignant tissue while sparing healthy cells (Kaufman et al., 2015). Upon entry—often mediated by receptors like Nectin-1 or HVEM—the engineered virus hijacks the cellular machinery to produce viral progeny, eventually causing the cell to burst, a process known as oncolysis (Campadelli-Fiume et al., 2011). This process releases tumor-associated antigens and often therapeutic transgenes like GM-CSF, which recruit and activate the host's immune system against the cancer (Andtbacka et al., 2015). Consequently, the target is not a single molecule but a specific physiological state of the tumor microenvironment that facilitates viral-mediated destruction and immune stimulation. This approach is currently utilized in the treatment of advanced melanoma and is being investigated for various other solid tumors.

Other names

Oncolytic HSV-1 targetsHSV-1 susceptible cancer cellsoHSV-permissive cellsTumor cells susceptible to oHSV-1

Selective replication of engineered HSV-1 within tumor cells leading to direct oncolysis and the release of tumor-derived antigens and GM-CSF to stimulate a systemic anti-tumor immune response.