Abstract

Next-Generation Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus for Cancer Immuno-Virotherapy

Takafumi Nakamura, Associate Professor, Division of Molecular Medicine, Tottori University

Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel approach for cancer therapy. Vaccinia virus (VV), once widely used for smallpox vaccine, has been genetically engineered and used as an oncolytic virus for cancer virotherapy. The therapeutic index was successfully enhanced by stricter tumor-specific viral replication, stronger oncolytic potency, reduced viral antigenicity and optimized induction of anti-tumor immunity. Thus, our results support the clinical development of the next-generation oncolytic vaccinia virus.