Oncolytic Adenoviruses for Cancer Therapy

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Mar 3;22(5):2517. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052517.

Abstract

Many immuno-therapeutic strategies are currently being developed to fight cancer. In this scenario, oncolytic adenoviruses (Onc.Ads) have an interesting role for their peculiar tumor selectivity, safety, and transgene-delivery capability. The major strength of the Onc.Ads is the extraordinary immunogenicity that leads to a strong T-cell response, which, together with the possibility of the delivery of a therapeutic transgene, could be more effective than current strategies. In this review, we travel in the adenovirus (Ads) and Onc.Ads world, focusing on a variety of strategies that can enhance Onc.Ads antitumoral efficacy, passing through tumor microenvironment modulation. Onc.Ads-based therapeutic strategies constitute additional weapons in the fight against cancer and appear to potentiate conventional and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-based therapies leading to a promising scenario.

Keywords: cancer; immunovirotherapy; oncolytic adenovirus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasms / virology*
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy / methods*
  • Oncolytic Viruses / genetics*
  • T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics