Scientists Unveil Novel Virus Designed to Destroy Cancerous Cells Specifically
In the rapidly evolving field of oncolytic virus therapies, a team of researchers from Barcelona has made a significant breakthrough. They have engineered a new oncolytic virus that selectively targets cancer cells, sparing healthy tissues.
The virus's specificity is achieved by inserting sequences into the genome of an adenovirus that recognize CPEB proteins. CPEB is a family of four RNA binding proteins that can control the expression of hundreds of genes by binding to their RNA. In cancer, the balance of different CPEB proteins is often disturbed, contributing to malignant gene expression of these cells. Many cancer cells overexpress CPEB4, which seems to be necessary for tumor growth.
This virus can selectively infect and kill tumor cells without affecting healthy tissues. In normal cells, viral activity is attenuated, while in tumor cells, the virus potency is maintained or increased. This selective targeting makes the new virus a very promising addition to the young and developing market of oncolytic viruses.
Oncolytic viruses are a very promising therapeutic strategy, and several biotechs are developing such viruses for cancer therapy. One such biotech is PsiOxus, a company that has recently signed a €850M ($886M) deal with Brystol-Myers Squibb for the exclusive worldwide rights of NG-348, a next-generation oncolytic virus. PsiOxus' lead viral candidate, Enadenotucirev, is already in Phase I clinical trials and selectively kills cancer cells while triggering the immune system.
The new cancer therapy approach is based on oncolytic viruses. These viruses can differentiate between cancer cells and normal cells based on the expression of CPEB proteins. Oncolytic viruses can enhance safety, tumor targeting, and immune stimulation by arming viruses with immune-boosting genes. They can also be paired with immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells, chemotherapies, and radiotherapy to overcome resistance and improve systemic anti-cancer immune responses.
While specific information about Spanish research institutions and companies in the current literature is limited, it is known that Spain has active biomedical research in virotherapy and immuno-oncology through academic centers and biotech startups. These entities often collaborate internationally but may not be leading global filings or large trial initiations detailed in this summary.
In summary, the field of oncolytic virus therapies is advancing rapidly, with encouraging clinical results. The new virus developed by the researchers in Barcelona is a promising addition to this field. For precise updates on Spanish institutions, targeted searches into national cancer research networks, specific company pipelines, or clinical trial registries might be necessary.
[1] Reference for broader knowledge about Spanish research in virotherapy and immuno-oncology [2] Reference for PsiOxus' deal with Brystol-Myers Squibb [3] Reference for Enadenotucirev's Phase I clinical trials [4] Reference for the latest developments in oncolytic virus-based cancer therapies [5] Reference for clinical trials demonstrating promising results with genetically engineered HSV-1 combined with Opdivo (nivolumab)
The article includes images from shutterstock.com and Amgen.
- The Barcelona research team's engineered oncolytic virus, targeting cancer cells by recognizing CPEB proteins, is a significant advancement in medical research, particularly in the field of immunotherapy.
- Oncolytic viruses, like the one developed by PsiOxus, offer a promising strategy in the biotech industry for cancer therapy due to their ability to enhance safety, tumor targeting, and immune stimulation.
- Collaborative efforts between academic centers, biotech startups, and international partners are key aspects of Spain's ongoing biomedical research in virotherapy and immuno-oncology.
- Clinical trials are underway for innovative oncolytic virus-based cancer therapies, such as Enadenotucirev, showcasing encouraging results and the potential for overcoming resistance.
