RNA viruses as virotherapy agents

Cancer Gene Ther. 2002 Dec;9(12):961-6. doi: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700535.

Abstract

RNA viruses are rapidly emerging as extraordinarily promising agents for oncolytic virotherapy. Integral to the lifecycles of all RNA viruses is the formation of double-stranded RNA, which activates a spectrum of cellular defense mechanisms including the activation of PKR and the release of interferon. Tumors are frequently defective in their PKR signaling and interferon response pathways, and therefore provide a relatively permissive substrate for the propagation of RNA viruses. For most of the oncolytic RNA viruses currently under study, tumor specificity is either a natural characteristic of the virus, or a serendipitous consequence of adapting the virus to propagate in human tumor cell lines. Further refinement and optimization of these oncolytic agents can be achieved through virus engineering. This article provides a summary of the current status of oncolytic virotherapy efforts for seven different RNA viruses, namely, mumps, Newcastle disease virus, measles virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, influenza, reovirus, and poliovirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasms / virology
  • RNA Viruses / genetics*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents