Evolution of oncolytic viruses

Curr Opin Virol. 2015 Aug:13:1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2015.01.014. Epub 2015 Feb 18.

Abstract

Owing to their replicative capacity, oncolytic viruses (OVs) can evolve under the action of natural selection. Reversion to virulence and recombination with wild-type strains may compromise OV safety, therefore requiring evolutionary risk assessment studies. On the other hand, evolution can be directed in the laboratory to create more potent and safer OVs. Previous work in the experimental evolution field provides a background for OV directed evolution, and has identified interesting exploitable features. While genetic engineering has greatly advanced the field of oncolytic virotherapy, this approach is sometimes curtailed by the complexity and diversity of virus-host interactions. Directed evolution provides an alternative approach that may help to obtain new OVs without prejudice toward the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasms / virology
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy
  • Oncolytic Viruses / genetics*
  • Oncolytic Viruses / physiology