Vaccinia viruses are versatile therapeutic tools used in various biomedical applications, depending on their susceptibility characteristics. One strain, MVA, is unable to replicate in mammalian cells but triggers a potent immune system response, making it ideal for developing vaccines against viruses like COVID-19 or AIDS. On the other hand, strains like Western Reserve and Copenhagen can efficiently replicate in tumour cells, leading to the development of cancer treatments known as immune-oncolytic viruses.
Although these viral strains have been successful in targeting tumour cells, they have reduced immunogenicity, which limits their effectiveness in activating patients’ immune responses against cancer. To address this issue, a recent study led by the University of Barcelona, the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, and the University of Munich has developed a new strain of vaccinia virus that can replicate in tumour cells while maintaining increased immunogenicity. This new virus is capable of inducing immunogenic cell death in tumour cells, making it a promising tool for cancer therapy.
Published in the journal Molecular Therapy, the study has demonstrated the efficacy of this new viral strain in mouse models, showing reduced toxicity and a high capacity to activate immune responses against tumours. The virus has shown effectiveness in treating various types of cancer, including melanoma, colon, and kidney cancer. Additionally, researchers observed significant tumour regression and even total disappearance when the virus was administered repeatedly.
Juan J. Rojas, the first author of the study and principal investigator of the Immunity, Inflammation, and Cancer group at the University of Barcelona and IBIDELL, highlights the promising results of this new viral strain in activating immune responses against tumours. The discovery of this strain represents a significant advancement in viral immunotherapy research and holds potential for improving cancer treatment outcomes for patients. Supported by the Spanish Association Against Cancer and the State Research Agency, this study opens up new possibilities for utilizing vaccinia viruses in cancer therapy.
Overall, the development of a new vaccinia virus strain with enhanced immunogenicity and tumour-targeting capabilities represents a significant breakthrough in viral immunotherapy. With the potential to induce immunogenic cell death in tumour cells and stimulate robust immune responses against cancer, this new virus has demonstrated promising results in preclinical studies. As researchers continue to explore the therapeutic potential of this viral strain in different cancer types, there is hope for more effective and targeted treatments for cancer patients in the future.