title: Immunotherapeutic potential of oncolytic vaccinia virus.
abstract: There has recently been resurgence in interest for the use of replication-selective (oncolytic) viruses for the treatment of cancers. This has been fueled by positive clinical data and the promise provided by next-generation vectors that are better targeted and display enhanced therapeutic potential. One factor that has led to more effective oncolytic vectors has been a greater appreciation of their immunotherapeutic potential. This is especially true for strains of vaccinia virus, where the capability for rapid and destructive spread through a target tissue makes this virus the ideal backbone for an oncolytic agent, while its known ability to produce a potent immune response makes it a powerful immunotherapeutic. Approaches to developing next-generation vectors that are capable of effectively harnessing both of these mechanisms of action are discussed here.
authors: Department of Surgery and Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 1.46e, Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. ThorneSH@UPMC.edu
authors: Steve H
authors: SH
authors: Thorne
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D050130:Oncolytic Virotherapy; D050504:Oncolytic Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*