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Review Article - (2023) Volume 14, Issue 5

Development of new anticancer virus-based treatments: A comprehensive review

Namra Ahmad1, Muhammad Hamza Ashraf1*, Nazim Hussain1*, Muhammad Ikram Ramzan2, Qandeel Bajwa3, Sidra Manawar4, Muhammad Rizwan Ali2, Muhammad Asif Muneer1, Muhammad Zafar Saleem1 and Syed Muhammad Asad Ali1
 
1Center for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
2National Centre of excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
3Department of Biotechnology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
4Department of Pathology, Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala, Pakistan
 
*Correspondence: Muhammad Hamza Ashraf, Center for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, Email: Nazim Hussain, Center for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, Email:

Received: 11-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. ipacm-23-14022; Editor assigned: 14-Aug-2023, Pre QC No. ipacm-23-14022 (PQ); Reviewed: 28-Aug-2023, QC No. ipacm-23-14022; , Manuscript No. ipacm-23-14022 (R); Published: 04-Dec-2023

Abstract

Oncolytic virotherapy has turned into a noteworthy cancer therapeutic approach, preferentially targeting and killing cancerous cells without affecting healthy cells. Oncolytic viruses' propensity to proliferate specifically in tumor cells results in rapid cell disruption and the development of an aggressive antitumor immune reaction. The advances in molecular biology and biotechnology approaches for genetic manipulation of recombinant viruses for clinical applications have made real progress. Modifications in the genetic sequence of oncolytic viruses can enhance cell-targeting efficacy. This evolving research has resulted in improvements in the efficacy and specificity of OVs as an alternative therapeutic approach for malignant tumours, albeit with significant methodological flaws. Nevertheless, it has become obvious that oncolytic viruses alone may not be able to offer a comprehensive response for cancer treatment, necessitating the use of combinatorial techniques. Emerging multimodality treatment strategies could include oncolytic virotherapy along with other anti-tumor therapies involving chemotherapy, CAR-T cell therapies, radiotherapy, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) and bi-specific T cell engagers. Various regulatory systems, like autophagy, assist in the anti-tumor capabilities of oncolytic viruses by boosting their anti-tumor activities through activation of oncolysis, immunogenicity and autophagic cell death. Such combinatorial therapies with oncolytic viruses could be useful for further enhancing treatment consequences as multiple component strategies can report the errors of every component. The intrinsic constraints of oncolytic viruses and other drugs against certain types of cancer can be mitigated by a sensible genetic design and a combination strategy.

Keywords

Oncolytic viruses; Cancer treatment; Autophagy; OVs; Antitumor response; Combinatorial therapy.

Keywords

Oncolytic viruses; Cancer treatment; Autophagy; OVs; Antitumor response; Combinatorial therapy.

Introduction

According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, cancer is currently second biggest cause of death globally, accounting for approximately one-sixth of all fatalities. In 2021, the United States is expected to see 1,898,160 new cases of cancer and 608,570 cancer deaths. Due to declines in smoking and advancements in early identification and treatment, the death rate from cancer has declined steadily from its high in 1991 to 2018, a total reduction of 31% [1]. Cancer treatment is difficult, and experts are exploring novel ways to combat the disease. Conventional targeted therapies such as surgeries, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have poor outcomes due to immunosuppression induced by tumor and multidrug resistance, which increased the risk of cancer spread and recurrence [2-4].

Viruses and virus inspired platforms have recently gained attention as a potential way to overcome the drawbacks of conventional cancer treatment. The deliberate use of viruses for cancer therapy has a lengthy history, extending back to the 1890’s at the very least. Following the success of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria in patients with severe bacterial infections, surgeon William Coley gave Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria to a patient with nonoperative bone carcinoma, resulting in tumor shrinkage [5]. Many incidences of tumor regression were recorded during the next several decades because of both viral and microbial infection. In 1904, for example, a cervical cancer patient was given a live attenuated rabies vaccine to treat a dog bite wound. The tumor mysteriously vanished, and the patient remained free from cancer for the following eight years, much to the surprise of the doctors. Soon after, the administration of rabies vaccine to eight more cervical cancer patients, some of whom observed their tumors decline [6]. However, considerations regarding viral pathogenicity and toxicity made SSS this strategy unfeasible. Oncolytic viruses are a new breed of viruses developed by recent developments in genetic engineering methods that assure their effectiveness and safety. Oncolytic viruses, which are replication competent viruses that specifically proliferate in tumor cells and kill them without harming healthy cells, are intriguing cancer candidate therapy. By lysing tumor cells and releasing DAMPs (Damage Associated Molecular Patterns), TAA (Tumor Associated Antigens) and PAMPs (Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns), oncolytic viruses can enhance anti tumor immune responses, resulting in the induction of Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs) and activation of adaptive immune responses.

Literature Review

Oncolytic viruses

Oncolytic virotherapy is based on the idea of treating cancer with oncolytic viruses that particularly replicate and induce cancer cells apoptosis while preventing healthy tissues [7]. OVs are an excellent platform for treating cancer. By modifying the viral genome to improve the selective replication of virus and lytic capacity, enhance viral tropism to neoplastic cells and boost the antitumor immunity of the host [8]. These characteristics are the basis for using OVs to treat cancer. OVs can modify virus to stimulate antitumor immunity, improve sensitivity of tumor towards radiation therapies or traditional treatments, and ensure patient safety [9].

Classification of oncolytic viruses

Reovirus: Reovirus is a double stranded and non-enveloped RNA virus which replicates selectively in transformed cells not in naive cells. It belongs to the Reoviridae family [10]. Upregulation of growth factor signals and RAS signaling pathway overexpression in target cells are both involved in reovirus oncolysis [11,12]. The activation of PKR is blocked by EGFR (activated epidermal growth factor receptor) and hyperactive RAS, permitting viral protein production and effective lytic infection that leads to cell lysis. Reolysin is an attenuated reovirus Type 3 Dearing (T3D) strain that has been extensively studied as an anticancer drug and is the only wild type strain now in clinical trials [13]. The first phase I clinical study for reovirus used intralesional monotherapy to treat 19 patients with advanced solid tumours. Treating with progressive doses up to 1010 PFU was shown to be well tolerated and safe, with no dose limiting toxicities [14]. Another phase I multicenter trial was conducted in 15 patients with recurrent malignant gliomas who received reovirus by intratumoral infusion for 72 hours at five distinct dose ranges varying from 1 £ 108 to 1 £ 1010 Tissue Culture Contagious Dose 50 percent (TCID50). The study found that reovirus administered intra tumorally was well accepted and tolerated as a monotherapy [15]. A phase II trial was also carried out in those patients with metastatic melanoma who were given reovirus intravenously at a dose of 3 $ 1010 TCID50 for every hour on days 15 and every four weeks. Although substantial tumor necrosis of 75 to 90 percent was documented in one patient having metastatic tumours surgically excised, no objective responses were detected [16].

Measles virus: Measles Virus (MV) is a negative stranded RNA (16 kb) and enveloped paramyxovirus that contains six genes encoding eight viral proteins. At both the entrance and post entry phases, MV strains conferred tumor selectivity. The virus enters the cell by interacting with the receptors of the host cell like Nectin-4, CD46 and SLAM (a Signaling Lymphocyte Activating Molecule) through its hemagglutinin H protein [17,18]. The wild type measles virus was more effective at entering cells via SLAM, but the Edmonston strain was more effective at entering cells via CD46 receptors [19]. CD46 is abundantly expressed in numerous cancer cells, allowing MV to enter and propagate more easily in tumor cells. In cancer cells, the type I IFN pathway, which makes them more favourable for viral replication, is one example of aberrations in the antiviral immune response at the post entry phase [20,21]. The C and V proteins encoded by MV prevent the production of IFN-a and b, allowing the replication of viruses in the host cell. Insertions of integrin binding peptides or receptors of single chain T-cells, envelope fusion protein modification, as well as tumor specific ligands, have all been reported to increase cancer specific tropism [22]. A recombinant Edmonston measles virus strain MV-NIS expresses the NIS (Sodium Iodide Symporter), enabling infected cell imaging and overseeing treatment development, as well as promoting I-131 uptake by infected cells [23]. MV-NIS is currently being tested in patients with ovarian and breast malignancies, mesothelioma and multiple myeloma in a number of clinical trials [24].

Enteroviruses: Picornaviruses are a single stranded, positive sense, large family of RNA viruses with icosahedral capsids of 30 nm. RNA viruses (non-enveloped) infect vertebrates, including birds and mammals and belong to this family. Over 300 different types of entero viruses have been identified, demonstrating heterogeneity and incredible diversity [25-28]. ECHO (Enteric Cytopathogenic Human Orphan) serotypes 1, 7 and 12, PVS-RIPO (modified poliovirus type 1 with human rhinovirus IRES region) and Coxsackievirus are among the most comprehensively studied in clinical studies [29-31]. Coxsackieviruses are classified as A or B, with serotype A21 being the most often utilised due to its cytotoxicity towards cancer cells [32]. Oncolytic activity of other serotypes, such as A13, A15 and A18, has also been investigated [33]. CVA21, a coxsackievirus, had significant oncolytic action against myeloma xenografts. Cavatak, a Coxsackievirus mutant, is being tested in conjunction with pembrolizumab and ipilimumab [34]. Poliovirus (Enterovirus genus), which causes paralytic poliomyelitis, is another member of this virus family that can be used in virotherapy. Within 6 hours of infection, the poliovirus produces roughly 10,000 mature virions per infected cell [35]. On the other hand, the use of wild type poliovirus has been linked to neurotoxicity. PVS-RIPO, a neuro attenuated poliovirus, was produced to reduce the risk. It was tested in grade IV malignant gliomas and found to have no neurotoxicity [36]. The oncolytic capability of entero viruses was initially discovered in the 1950’s [37]. The LEV-15L strain (Coxsackievirus B6) has been approved as a treatment for HPV-negative cervical cancer (RU 2496873). Coxsackievirus B5 and A7 have been employed to successfully kill glioblastoma stem cells and slow tumor growth [38,39]. A new delivery strategy using human NK-92 cells and dendritic cells (US2020/0352993) has been developed to decrease the immune response after oncolytic virus injection [40]. ECHO type 7 is another oncolytic enterovirus with prominent oncolytic activities [41]. After more directed development and selection, the oncolytic ECHO-7 virus was registered as Rigvir in Latvia in 2004. Glioblastoma, malignant glioma and melanoma are the most common cancers treated with enteroviruses [42].

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV): Newcastle disease virus has an RNA genome that is negative stranded as well as non-segmented. It is not harmful to people and has been found to destroy tumor cells selectively. Infected cells are not sensitive to insertional mutagenesis because NDV replicates in the cytoplasm [43]. Due to a failure in the IFN pathway in cancer cells, NDV indicated selective replication in tumor cells [44]. Tumour cells contain a defective type I IFN pathway, which seems to be a crucial hallmark of tumorigenesis, making them more vulnerable to NDV infection. NDV promotes cancer cell death (apoptosis) and can transform an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into a proinflammatory one that promotes antitumor immunity [45]. Live attenuated NDV strains have been studied for treating malignancies in humans, including nonlytic lentogenic NDVHUJ as well as lytic mesogenic NDV strains like MTH68/H and PV701 [46]. After conventional treatments failed, MTH68/H was given to patients with the most aggressive and severe glioblastomas. Four of the treated individuals had survival rates of 5 to 9 years [47]. PV701 trials have highlighted concerns that repeated NDV administrations may lead the human immune system to produce virus-neutralising antibodies [48,49]. It may be possible to create a more efficient recombinant NDV vaccination utilising reverse genetics techniques. To improve the anticancer effects and immunogenic potential of NDV-based vaccines, genetic engineering of the virus with transgenes encoding tumoricidal compounds or cytokines is being studied [50,51].

Adenoviruses: Adenoviruses are non-enveloped with a linear double stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome of approximately 36 kb that comprises early genes (E1–E4) and late genes (L1–L5) [52]. Fibre, penton base and hexon are three key proteins found in adenoviruses (ads) that are accountable for cell infection. The arginine glycine aspartic acid (RGD) motifs on the penton base of the Ad allow the fibre protein to engage with cellular integrins and infect host cells after initially binding to the Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) [53]. In 2005, China approved Oncorine (H101), an oncolytic adenovirus with four deletions in the E3 gene and one deletion in the E1B-55k gene, for the treatment of neck and head cancers [54]. Oncorine selectively replicates in p53-deficient tumor cells because E1B-55k is a potent p53 repressor [55]. Moreover, in Rp-deficient tumours, a 24 bp loss in the E1A gene's CR2 domain, which is responsible for binding to the Retino blastoma Protein (pRb) or its family members, restricts Ad replication [56,57]. For targeting tumor cells, several oncolytic ads have been produced with a deletion in the E1ACR2 region. For example, DNX-2401 (Delta-24-RGD) is armed with an RGD-4C integrin targeting sequence in addition to a deletion in the E1ACR2 region to target cancer cells [58]. ONCOS-102 (Ad5/3-D24-GM-CSF) is an Ad Delta-24 chimeric capsid equipped with granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) to boost immune stimulatory effects [59]. The Ad5 fibre knob domain has been substituted with an Ad3 fibre knob domain in the Ad5/3 chimeric capsid for improved cancer cell targeting due to CAR downregulation in advanced tumours [60].

Herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 (HSY type 1) is an enveloped dsDNA virus with a 152 kb genome. About 84 genes are encoded by the DNA genome, which is made up of /Late (L), /Early genes (E) and /Immediate-Early (IE) genes [61]. The only FDA approved oncolytic virus, T-VEC, is an engineered HSV-1 that enters tumor cells via nectins and replicates by tolerating distorted antiviral and oncogenic pathways, including the IFN (type I interferon) and PKR (protein kinase R) pathways [62]. The RL1 gene encodes a neuro virulence factor (ICP34.5) protein that is required for effective infection in healthy cells [63]. T-VEC has been further modified by removing the US12 gene, which produces the viral ICP47 protein, to improve antigen presentation and T-cell priming. By binding to TAP and blocking antigen loading of MHC-1 molecules, this protein decreases the immunological death of HSV-1-infected cells [64]. HF10 (Canerpaturev) is a naturally modified HSV-1 with oncolytic capabilities [65]. High viral multiplication, high tumor selectivity, powerful antitumor effects against tumor cells, the beginning of a cytopathic impact and the intermediation of the bystander effect are all caused by these natural genetic modifications in HF10 [66].

Vaccinia virus: Vaccinia viruses, which are double stranded DNA viruses with an envelope and belong to the Poxviridae family, were used as vaccinations to eradicate smallpox [67]. Numerous virulence genes are included in the vaccinia virus. Most of them operate in one of three ways: Intracellularly, primarily to inhibit apoptotic pathways; externally, primarily to activate or suppress cell signalling pathways; or thirdly, primarily by secreting decoy receptors that sequester cytokines and chemokines from the extracellular environment, to suppress the immune response to the virus. Many of these virulence characteristics also target the hallmarks of cancer, so their deletion will attenuate the virus primarily in non-tumor cells and produce an oncolytic drug with improved selectivity and stronger therapeutic index [68]. As a result, their functions are frequently redundant in cancer cells. The GM-CSF-expressing vaccinia strain JX-594 is currently in phase III clinical testing after demonstrating promising results in phase I studies for hepatocellular tumours [69]. One benefit of using vaccinia as an oncolytic agent in this field is that numerous immunomodulatory transgenes may be expressed from the same vector [70]. Because its absence leads in a virus that is dependent on cellular thymidine kinase, an enzyme that is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells, the viral thymidine kinase gene has been engineered the most frequently into oncolytic vaccinia strains [71]. Replication of this virus can be further restricted to cancer cells by combining viral growth factor gene deletion [72,73]. Although this virus has a potent oncolytic effect and is primarily restricted to reproducing in malignant cells, the ongoing expression of the virus' immunosuppressive virulence genes may reduce its potential for immunotherapy. In order to specifically target cancer cells and express the therapeutic transgene Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), which encourages antitumor immunity, Pexa-Vec is created from a strain of the vaccinia vaccine. The ability of the vaccinia virus to affect metastatic disease depends on the emergence of specific features that allow for effective systemic spread. In preclinical models and human patients, Pexa-Vec has been found to have a number of various Modes of Action (MOA), including tumour cell infection and lysis, antitumor immune response stimulation and tumour vascular disruption. Enzyme Linked Immuno Spot (ELISPOT) research revealed that Pexa Vec treated HCC patients had T cell responses to galactosidase peptides; this serves as proof of concept that T cell responses can be triggered to transgenes encoded by oncolytic vaccinia viruses [67].

Anti tumor mechanism of OVS

OVs reproduce selectively in tumor cells, damage them via direct cell lysis, and activate anticancer immunological responses in the host [74]. Some OVs replicate in the cytoplasm of the host cells. Other OVs, such as adenovirus and HSV (and most other DNA oncolytic viruses), are replicated in the nucleus. OVs infect tumor cells and reproduce before lysing the cell to release progeny virions that infect nearby cells and cause the death of cancer cells. A few factors influence tumor selectivity in oncolytic virotherapy, including the virus's entrance through pathways mediated by receptors. Cancer cells have been shown to have high levels of expression of several distinct receptors that the viruses utilise to preferentially bind and infect the cells. Decay-accelerating factor and ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1), for example, are highly expressed in many cancer cells infected by the coxsackievirus CV-A21 [75]. The measles virus was found to enter cells through overexpressed CD46 surface receptors in ovarian, colorectal and breast cancer cells [17,19]. HSV enters cells by nectin or herpesvirus entry mediator, although other viruses, like vaccinia and NDV, enter cells via endocytosis since they lack specialised receptors for attachment (Fig. 1). Tumour cells are targeted by OVs while protecting normal cells using a variety of strategies. Exploiting cancer cells abnormal signaling pathways could lead to the breakdown of viral defence mechanisms, allowing viral multiplication. Defects in the Retino Blastoma (Rb), p53 and Interferon (IFN) pathways, as well as stimulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathways, can cause changes in cancer cells [76,77]. For example, one of the basic mechanisms for viral replication (tumor-specific) in mostly OVs is impaired antiviral defence mechanisms in cancers, like IFN. By recognising viral components and activating toll like receptors, viral infection in normal cells stimulates the generation of type-1 interferon and the activation of various downstream pathways, including the stimulation of PKR (protein kinase R).

Archives-Microbiology

Fig 1. Role of OVs in the activation of antitumor immune response.

As a result, the phosphorylated PKR prevents the synthesis of viral proteins as well as replication in cells. Tumour cells, on the other hand, have aberrant PKR activity and the IFN pathway, which prevent virus clearance and increase vulnerability to virus reproduction [78]. Another typical hallmark of tumor cells is a fundamentally active RAS signaling pathway, which can prevent autophosphorylation of PKR and enable virus replication [79]. Natural selectivity for cancer cells is demonstrated by VV, HSY and reoviruses in the presence of an overactive RAS signaling pathway. Fig. 2 depicts the mechanisms of oncolysis of various OVs and tumor tropism. After viral replication, OVs cause cell death by releasing DAMP (Damage Associated Molecular Patterns), PAMP (Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns) and cytokines (for example, IL-1, IFN-a, IL-6, TNF-a and IFN-g) that drive innate immune responses. Furthermore, after the lysis of tumours, TAAs (Tumor Associated Antigens) are released and antigen presenting cells present tumor antigen, resulting in an adaptive immune response and the activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells for tumor cell destruction [80]. The stimulation of innate and adaptive immunological responses by OVs, on the other hand, might be a double-edged weapon. OVs penetrate cells by interacting with certain surface receptors that are abundant in tumor cells. Viruses employ aberrant ways to multiply after getting entry into the cell. IFN (interferon) synthesis caused by infected cells activates the kinase signal transducer and activator of the AK/STAT signalling pathway in healthy cells, resulting in PKR activation. It further causes the phosphorylation of α subunit of eIF2 which will in turn stop the viral replication by inhibiting the viral protein formation. In tumorous cells, this interferon pathway is not regulated and as a result viral replication will continue. Different viruses employ this characteristic for their inherent oncotropism. Furthermore, excessive RAS signalling, which itself is typically seen in cancer cells, prevents the protein kinase R pathway, allowing OVs including vaccinia virus, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and reovirus to replicate selectively. Certain viruses, like reovirus and adenovirus, choose to proliferate in p53-deficient tumor cells since normal cells with functional p53 die when they are infected. Due to abnormal signalling of the Retinoblastoma (Rb) route in cancerous cells, some OVs become able to multiply and destroy tumor cells that have uncontrolled E2F expression.

Archives-Microbiology

Fig 2. Mechanism of action of oncolytic viruses.

Approaches for the enhancement of therapeutic efficiency of OVs

To enhance the therapeutic efficiency of OVs, various effective methods have been used, primarily at two levels: By targeting entry, which helps to improve oncotropism; and by targeting postentry sites after virus uptake, which improves the detargeting of native tissue for the enhancement of virus multiplication and expansion, including lysis of tumor cells.

Targeting tumor specific entry sites: The selectivity of tumours is an important feature of oncolytic viruses. Some OVs, such as reovirus, NDV, VSV (Vesicular Stomatitis Virus), parvovirus and bovine HSV-1, naturally have features of oncotropism [81-87]. Genetic engineering can be used to do this with different viruses. In naked viruses, targeting and detargeting are normally accomplished by modifying the capsid and, in enveloped viruses, by modifying the outer membrane [88]. Adaptor molecules have been used to conceal the capsid's cell-binding region, ligands have been inserted and capsid proteins (the cellular receptor’s target) have been genetically modified or inserted [89,90]. Particularly in cancers with diverse populations of tumor cells, a complete strategy should target tumor associated stromal components and tumor cells. This approach should also detarget healthy native tissues. The use of a complex mosaic technique (for example, hybrid fibres in adenovirus vectors) is an effective technique for expanding tropism by targeting a diverse population of tumor cells [91]. One of the uses of targeting entry and modification of the capsid is the creation of a transport method in which immunogenic proteins of the virus nucleo capsid are protected. These coverings lower the immunogenicity and inhibit viral breakdown, increasing viral efficiency. Modifying the surface epitopes of the virus can protect it against neutralising antibodies [92,93]. The novel viruses are chimaeras with unidentifiable serotypes that could be utilised in patients who are immune to previous viruses for sequential treatment. New serotypes’ introduction can affect or change the epitopes [94]. The insertion of a new serotype is done with just a single serotype; for example, in the MV, the glycoproteins are exchanged with the glycoproteins of the canine distemper virus [95]. For the treatment of cancer, there are still few limits on entrance targeting in the genetic engineering of OVs. In most cancers, there is no specific target on the cell surface that can be taken as a specific entrance gate for viruses. The introduction of ligands in viral capsids is difficult to execute in some viruses, and when it is accomplished, it disrupts the fusion of cells in enveloped viruses. While efforts to maintain cell fusion by altering envelope fusion proteins were successful, the resultant viruses were unable to produce sufficient particles [96].

Targeting post entry sites: An OV must have trait of tumor specific replication and must be unable to affect the normal cells. To achieve selective replication, various ways have been used. One method is to prevent the virus from reproducing in healthy cells by eliminating genes present in normal cells but deficient in tumor cells (like pathways for suppressing tumors); so, virus could only multiply in cells that have tumors. T-VEC, the only OV approved therapy of cancer yet, was found to have a therapeutic advantage in the phase III trial of OPTiM. The RL1 gene is removed in T-VEC (the backbone of HSV-1). Infected protein 34.5 is encoded by RL1. The interferon response suppresses viral replication in healthy cells, although protein 34.5 in infected cells acts as a viral replication rescuing mechanism. As a result, its absence prevents viral multiplication in normal cells. Tumor cells, on the other hand, are unaffected due to deficient response of interferon. ONYX015 is the 1st oncolytic adenovirus studied in medical testing. It is a virus in which the E1B55K gene, which typically binds and inactivates p53, was removed; consequently, the virus specifically duplicates in tumor cells with p53-mutations, ignoring healthy cells [97,98]. It was eventually reported that the mode of action was not always dependent on p53 and that the limitation of ONYX-015 in healthy cells was caused by the late export of viral RNA instead of the inactivation of p53 [99].

Another extensively employed therapeutic method is transcription targeting. The defined region of regulatory DNA that comprises a transcription start site is designed and assembled as a promoter segment for transcriptional targeting in viral cancer cell lysis. Regulatory components, including enhancers, binding sites of transcription factors, and rarely silencers, have also been coupled with the promoter fragment and substituted with viral promoter elements [100]. The very first research to reveal viral replication only in tumor cells after transcriptional targeting was the introduction of the prostate specific antigen promoter in the Ad E1A gene, which plays a significant role in Ad replication regulation. A follow up study found that adding an enhancer to the E1B gene increased specificity by 100-fold, demonstrating the efficiency of a multitarget strategy [101]. Tumour specific promoters are one of the most appealing classes of target for transcriptional targeting of different tumours, in contrast to promoters that are specific for tissues. The human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter is predominantly activated in a wide range of cancers and it is widely used to produce a genetically engineered virus with a limited expression of E1A in tumor cells that is efficient against different cancerous cells and in preclinical models [102-104]. For example, some promoters like cyclooxygenase-2, Ki67, and L-plastin can control the replication of viruses in numerous malignancies [105-108]. Double targeting with promoters from both groups has also been used to improve therapeutic value in heterogeneous tumor cell populations, with significant improvements [109]. Thus, transcriptional targeting is an effective strategy for achieving virus replication in tumor cells that is extremely selective. Antitumor chemicals will have a more targeted effect on tumor cells when they are conjugated with oncolytic viruses.

Another important aspect of viral oncolysis is viral transmission. The extracellular matrix (which is mostly made up of collagen and hyaluronic acid) is a stromal factor that restricts oncolytic viruses from entering and spreading evenly throughout the tumor tissue. Various ways have been developed to promote viral dissemination and bypass the stromal barrier. One strategy is to use extracellular matrix-degrading proteins like relaxin. Relaxin has the unique property of inhibiting collagen generation while having no effect on basal collagen concentrations. In pancreatic cancer, relaxin-expressing oncolytic adenoviruses were demonstrated to break down the fibrotic extracellular matrix and improve tumor penetration and gemcitabine clinical efficacy [110]. Decorin down regulates and destroys extracellular matrix components in different ways, like by lowering collagen fibril thickness, blocking TGF beta, and boosting MMP 1 (matrix metalloproteinase 1) activity. Decorin-expressing oncolytic adenoviruses were created based on these modulatory properties, and in vivo investigations showed better tissue penetration and enhanced toxicity in cells with destruction of the desmoplastic extracellular matrix and suppression of epithelial to mesenchymal transitions [111,112].

Challenges for OVs in cancer treatment

Although oncolytic viruses offer potent pharmacological uses in malignancies, they still have several flaws that must be taken into consideration to enhance their efficiency in viral therapy. Virus administration methodologies, viral toxicity, and antiviral immunity in the body are all factors to consider. In solid tumours, oncolytic viruses must overcome a few challenges to reach the tumour's core. The physical impediment could be a substantial impediment in the virus delivery process because the virus needs to cross the endothelium layer to get to its destination [113]. Aside from the endothelium layer barriers, excessive vascular permeability, an aberrant lymphatic system within tumours and interstitial hypertension generated by the extracellular matrix of solid tumours could all impede virus entry [114]. Another major impediment to oncolytic viruses is the huge number of single barriers found in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumours [115]. When tumor cells are attached to TME, they resist immune surveillance, multiply quickly and spread. Tumour Associated Macrophages (TAM), neutrophils, Tumor Infiltrating T Lymphocytes (TIL) and Tumor Associated Fibroblasts (TAF) are all recruited by solid tumours by secreting cytokines and chemokines [116]. These cells may be able to protect tumours from immune responses with properly functioning anticancer cells. In tumor infiltrating T cells, this causes overexpression of suppression signals and immune regulatory point receptors, leading to the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment [114-117]. Furthermore, low pH micro environmental therapy and post-local hypoxia can prevent tumor cell apoptosis, boost angiogenesis, increase factors that help in tumor growth, and turn cancer cells resilient to traditional treatments like chemotherapeutics and radiation [118,119]. As a result, once the oncolytic viruses enter the tumor area, they must continue to play a part in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Results and Discussion

Use of combinatorial therapy

Combinatorial therapy is a type of therapy that combines two or more therapies. With recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy methods, the concept of combinatorial therapy with immunotherapy and oncolytic viruses became an interesting option. Researchers have tried combining oncolytic virotherapy with other anti tumor therapies involving chemotherapy, CAR-T cell therapies, radiotherapy, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) and bi specific T cell engagers. Such combinatorial therapies with oncolytic viruses could be useful for further enhancing treatment consequences as multiple component strategies can report the errors of every component.

OVs and chemotherapy/radiotherapy: For the treatment of cancer, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are being used either in combination or alone. For localised control of tumours, radiotherapy is used, and it results in various antitumor effects [120]. In preclinical models, radiotherapy and OVs are used in combination because OVs alone have limited success. When used in combination with radiotherapy, oncolytic VACV, VSV, adenovirus, and HSV show therapeutic benefits [121-123]. Strong anti tumor results are shown when radiotherapy is applied in conjunction with OV and this approach is effective against those tumours that are unable to be cured by other therapies [124]. In Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPGs) and pHGG (Paediatric High Grade Gliomas) models, OV Delta-24-RGD was tested along with radiotherapy [125]. Results indicated that OV reduced the repair proteins for DNA damage, enhanced immune cell trafficking, sensitised tumor cells to the consequences of radiotherapy and increased mouse survival. Therefore, OVmediated obstruction of pathways for cellular DNA repair can sensitise tumor cells to radiotherapy. In the same way, when oncolytic VSV expressing IFN (VSV-IFN) is used along with radiotherapy, the anticancer response of the immune system is enhanced and the tumor in syngeneic models is reduced [126].

At present, phase I trials in clinics for localised advancedstage rectal cancer with chimeric adenovirus type 11p and chemotherapy, radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy are in progress (NCT03916510). For enhancing OV therapeutic effects, OVs were tested in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics. The main objective was to decrease the toxic outcomes of drugs while increasing OVs efficiency in the TME (tumor microenvironment). But, in a few preclinical tumor models, certain drugs behaved as anti virals and decreased the replication of viruses in tumor beds depending on chemotherapeutic drug type and dose schedules [127,128]. The studies directed clinical trials on numerous aggressive tumor types like pancreatic, ovarian, breast, brain, melanoma and myeloma with OVs and standard chemotherapeutic drugs (cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, cisplatin, doxorubicin, doxycycline and temozolomide) [129].

OVs and immune checkpoint inhibitors: ICIs (Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors), which attack checkpoints like PDL1, PD-1, or CTLA-4 and damage the ability of cancer cells to elude the immune response of the host, have emerged as important cancer treatment options. Nonetheless, despite their many successes, ICIs have a few serious limitations:

• Even with tumours that are appropriately targeted, only a small percentage of patients (almost 20 percent) respond to ICI treatment.
• Some patients undergoing ICI therapy have experienced immune-related side effects.
• Immunologically "cold" tumours with a minimal TIL (tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte) count have a limited impact.

In this situation, oncolytic viruses, specifically genetically altered oncolytic viruses, can boost infiltration and activation of lymphocytes and disrupt cancer cells. To address the ineffectiveness of ICIs in many patients, oncolytic virotherapy coupled with ICIs has been performed in animal models and medical trials with encouraging results [130,131]. A lot of oncolytic viruses like VACV (Vaccinia virus), NDV (Newcastle disease virus), adenovirus, HSV (herpes simplex virus), and VSV (vesicular stomatitis virus) are now being tested in conjunction with ICIs in research trials. Recent research suggests that, in conjunction with ICIs, genetically altered OVs and OVs producing immune-activating cytokines with increased ability to change TME have shown improved efficiency. Immunotherapy, for instance, improved the antitumor action of a recombinant orthopoxvirus (CF33) and a live attenuated ZIKV vaccine candidate [132,133]. Ribas A et al reported a phase 1b clinical trial examining the effects of talimogene laherparepvec oncolytic virotherapy on cytotoxic T cell infiltration and the therapeutic potency of pembrolizumab, an anti PD-1 antibody. Twenty-one patients with metastatic melanoma received talimogene laherparepvec treatment before receiving pembrolizumab as part of a combo therapy. The majority of adverse effects were mild, with weariness, fevers and chills being the most frequent ones. No toxicities with dosage limitations happened. After receiving talimogene laherparepvec, patients who responded to combination therapy exhibited higher levels of CD8+ T cells, PD-L1 protein expression and IFN-gamma gene expression on a number of cell subsets in tumors. It didn't seem that the response to combination therapy was related to the baseline CD8+ T cell infiltration or the baseline IFN-gamma signature [134]. Chesney J, et al. evaluated the efficacy of talimogene laherparepvec and ipilimumab in combination vs. ipilimumab alone in patients with advanced melanoma in a phase II research. In order to evaluate the results of pairing a checkpoint inhibitor with an oncolytic virus, this was the first randomised experiment. Responses were not limited to injected lesions; 23% of patients receiving ipilimumab and 52% of individuals receiving the combination experienced decreases in visceral lesions. They arrived to the conclusion that the combination has better anticancer activity than ipilimumab without creating any additional safety concerns [135]. The novel class of immunotherapeutics known as Bispecific T Cell Engagers (BiTEs) directs T cells to tumor surface antigens. While effective against some haematological malignancies, widespread clinical application has been hindered thus far, particularly against solid tumours, by poor bioavailability and severe toxicities. Oncolytic Viruses (OVs) are a new type of cancer immunotherapy that selectively infect and proliferate in cancerous cells, mediating the effects of tumor vaccination. These oncotropic viruses can work in conjunction with other immunotherapies and act as carriers for tumor targeted immunomodulation. Heidbuechel and Engeland studied the design and properties of the OV-BiTE vector as well as the proof of immune stimulating and anti tumor activities. Additionally, they cover various CAR T cell and immune checkpoint inhibitor combo regimens as well as OV-BiTE based techniques for modulating the tumor microenvironment [136]. These innovative medicines' inherent complexity emphasises the value of translational research, which includes correlative investigations in early-stage clinical trials. Broadly speaking, OV-BiTEs can act as a model for various OV-based cancer immunotherapies.

Oncolytic virotherapy and cell therapy: Adoptive cell therapy (cellular immunotherapy) eliminates cancer cells by using modified copies of immune system cells. Cellular immunotherapies of different kinds have now been established, including TCR (engineered T Cell Receptor) therapy, NK (Natural Killer) cell therapy, CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T cell therapy and TIL (Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte) therapy. In all these treatments, CAR-T cell therapy has displayed extraordinary success for blood cancer as a promising immunotherapy. Moreover, due to a deficiency of infiltration and continuous presence in the tissues of the tumor, cell treatment has a low success rate, especially in solid tumours. Cell treatment in combination with oncolytic viruses has been explored to address these restrictions. In this scenario, the use of genetically altered oncolytic viruses exhibiting medicinal transgenes can improve the therapeutic efficacy of both therapeutic approaches. For instance, B7H3-targeted CAR-T used in conjunction with an oncolytic adenovirus expressing IL-7 demonstrated greater efficacy as compared to single therapy alone [137]. T cell expansion was increased, and T cell apoptosis was inhibited when combined with OV. Cell treatment could be used in conjunction with multi-armed OVs in the future. For instance, HER2-specific CAR T cells were employed along with adenovirus-based OVs expressing a BiTE molecule, checkpoint blocking and cytokines to greatly increase tumor control and survival [138].

OVs and bispecific T cell engagers: BiTEs (Bispecific T Cell Engagers) are bispecific antibodies that use a peptide linker to connect two scFvs (Single Chain Variable Fragments). BiTE single chain variable fragments have two arms: 1 arm binds with CD3 or activators of T cells that are present on their surface, while the second arm attaches with a target antigen that is present on the surfaces of cancer cells. The attachment of both arms with their respective target antigens activates T lymphocytes, which causes disruption of target tumor cells. In serum, the half-life of BiTE molecules is very short and shows poor tumor penetration. The BiTE molecule also exhibits dose limiting toxicities [139]. As a result, developing OVs that encode BiTEs is a useful technique for addressing these issues. The oncolytic vaccinia virus designed to target the EphA2-TEA-VV (Tumor Cell Surface Antigen Ephrin A2) was used to create the first OV containing BiTE. When applied in conjunction with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from humans, EphA2-TEA-VV has strong antitumor effects in a preclinical lung cancer xenograft model, according to Yu, et al. [140]. Fajardo, et al. created ICOVIR-15K-cBiTE by modifying an oncolytic adenovirus called ICOVIR-15K to produce an EGFR-targeting BiTE (cBiTE) antibody [141].

Activating T cell receptor signaling while targeting signaling antigens with bi and tri specific antibodies has also shown considerable potential in cancer immunotherapy. Researchers have developed a cutting-edge method for combining the two distinct anti-cancer techniques, turning them into OVs equipped with bi or tri specific T cell engagers (BiTE or TriTE) for tailored immunotherapy. This combinatorial approach has been investigated by numerous research teams since 2014 and it demonstrated significant efficacy in a range of tumor types. The development of T Cell Receptor Mimics (TCRm) into BiTEs is anticipated to significantly increase the use of BiTEs and BiTE-armed OVs for the efficient targeting of intracellular tumor antigens by Guo ZS, et al [142]. Clinical investigations are actively testing oncolytic vectors from various viral families. Majority of OV-BiTE papers examined adenovirus based oncolytics, which is in line with the present state of clinical virotherapy trials [143]. An interim futility analysis led to the early termination of enrollment in the phase III clinical study for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer for JX-594 or PexaVec, a VV encoding GM-CSF (NCT02562755). Systemic anti tumor immunity can be produced by polyclonal T cells through priming, activation, proliferation, trafficking, memory formation, cytokine release, and cytotoxic action as a result of OV-mediated APC maturation and antigen cross-presentation.

Oncolytic viruses and autophagy: Autophagy plays role in breakdown of cellular components. When autophagy interacts with immunological activities, it assists the body in fighting infection and removing foreign invaders [144]. Viruses engage with the autophagy apparatus of a host during their life span, with either a positive or harmful effect for themselves, according to mounting evidence [145,146]. In this context, oncolytic viral infection regulates autophagy, and the viruses' impacts on cellular autophagy are virus-specific and a little bit complicated. Interplay among autophagy and oncolytic viruses in cancer treatment is summarized in Fig. 3.

Archives-Microbiology

Fig 3. Oncolytic viruses induced regulation of autophagy for the treatment of cancer.

Induction of autophagic cell death: Autophagic cell death is sort of controlled cell death which is dependent on autophagic apparatus [147]. Apart from its role in infectivity and replication of OVs, autophagy also plays an important role in oncolytic virus-induced cancer cell death. OBP-301, for instance, causes cell death induced by autophagy via the E2F1-miR-7-EGFR pathway. Cell survival is inhibited by upregulated miR7 and this miR7 initiates autophagy by negatively regulating the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) [147]. By arming oncolytic viruses with Beclin 1, one can improve their therapeutic effectiveness by eliciting autophagic cell death. A chimeric oncolytic Ad SG511-BECN (with Beclin 1) was engineered by Tong, et al. and they tested its efficacy against cancer. They discovered that therapy with SG511-BECN caused substantial cell death stimulated by autophagy in the cells of leukaemia, as well as increased survival and reduced tumor size in leukaemia bearing animals [148]. In addition, coupling SG511-BECN with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin can boost the virus's pathogenic capacity [149]. Squamous cell carcinoma, when infected with HSV-1 RH2 (deficient in 34.5 genes), causes LC3 accumulation in cytoplasm, transition of LC3-I to LC3-II, the production of autophagosomes, and autophagic cell death, according to Furukawa et al. Although inhibiting autophagy had no impact on virus multiplication, it significantly reduced RH2 cytotoxicity [150]. According to Zhang, et al., when a cell gets infected with an oncolytic virus, it induces autophagic cell death, which can ultimately prevent carcinogenesis [151].

Regulation of immunogenic cell death: Autophagy influences the survivability, multiplication, differentiation and stimulation of immune system components like T and B lymphocytes, NK (Natural Killer) cells, macrophages and DCs (dendritic cells), which can impact innate and adaptive immune reactions [152]. On the other side, some immune-related cells, immunoglobulins and cytokines have a significant impact on autophagy activity. TGF (Transforming Growth Factor), Interferon Gamma, Interleukin 12 (IL-12), IL-1 and IL-2 induce autophagy activity, whereas interleukin 4, interleukin-10 and interleukin-13 inhibit the function of autophagy in the body [153].

In oncolytic virotherapy, autophagy has been reported to induce Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD). Immunogenic cell death is described as the process in which intracellular components, including DAMPs, PAMPs, and TAAs, cause an antitumor immune response [154]. Such immunogenic substances can cause dendritic cells to become activated, and T-cells are then exposed to antigens via these cells. Liikanen, et al., for instance, examined the effectiveness of oncolytic adenovirus in conjunction with Temozolomide (TMZ), as well as the impact on autophagy and immunological reactions. Furthermore, they discovered that combining the therapeutic effect of temozolomide with oncolytic Ad5/3-D24-GM-CSF decreased tumor development, increased autophagy, triggered immunogenic cell death by increasing CRT (calreticulin), HMGB1 (High Mobility Group Box-1) expression and ATP secretion [155]. Calreticulin (an Endoplasmic Reticulum-linked chaperon) moves towards the plasma membrane's external layer in dying cells (ecto CRT) [156]. The representation of calreticulin on cancerous cells in the process of cell death leads to the ingestion of cancerous cell materials by dendritic cells in addition to the presentation of tumor-specific antigens. These antigens then promote CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocyte) specific responses in the body [157]. Moreover, ecto-calreticulin-positive cells increase the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF on DCs (dendritic cells), causing pro-inflammatory Th17 (T helper type 17) to become polarised [158]. Adenosine triphosphate that gets expelled by dead cells interacts with receptors like metabotropic (P2Y2) and ionotropic (P2X7), which are present on APC and increases their chemotactic attraction and maturation [159-161]. APCs triggered by ATP secrete IL-1, which increases the formation of IFN by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) [162]. After infection, cancerous cells passively secrete HMGB1 in the nucleus [163]. The release of HMGB1 has been linked to the activation of autophagy in anti tumor therapy [164]. In an extracellular environment, HMGB1 binds to TLR4 (Toll Like Receptor 4) and stimulates dendritic cells, which in turn activate CTLs [165]. According to another study, glioma cells were infected with an oncolytic NDV (New Castle disease virus), which stimulated autophagy and Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD). ICD induction was associated with increased cell surface CRT, PMEL17 and HMGB1 secretion. Intra tumoral delivery of NDV to glioma bearing mice causes high-level production of IFN-gama and CD8+/CD4+ T cells in microenvironment of tumor, as determined by in vivo characterization of immunogenic cell death. It also causes a decrease in the fraction of suppressor cells that were derived from myeloid cells [166]. After infecting with oncolytic NDV, autophagy-dependent immunogenic cell death was experiential in lungs cancerous cells, as evidenced by elevated levels of HSP70/90, HMGB1 and ATP, along with increased expression of calreticulin [167]. Ecto-HSP70 and 90 have been reported to bind with receptors present on APC surface to induce activation of CD8+ T-cell [168]. They could stimulate dendritic cells development activation of NK cells, generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines [169-171]. Conversely, NDV/FMW elevated the level of ICD markers in cancer cells, while autophagy suppression causes reduced FMW/NDV-induced ICD marker secretion, like HSP70/90 (heat shock proteins) and HMGB1. Furthermore, STAT3 inhibition also reduces the NDV/FMW-induced ICD within cancer cells [172]. FMW/NDV may promote immunogenic cell death independent of the autophagy process because cytoplasmic STAT3 inhibits eIF2A phosphorylation by interacting with the PKR kinase and inhibiting autophagy [173].

Conclusion

OVs specifically replicate in cancerous cells and destroy these defective cells. Their specificity and toxicity could be greatly increased by genetic engineering techniques. Oncolytic virotherapy, like some other cancer therapeutic medications, has various drawbacks, including antiviral immunological reactions, tumor mass invasion and virus delivery to the destination. In this article, we've covered several different combinatorial tactics with oncolytic viruses to increase anti tumor immunity and maintain their cytotoxic action against a tumor in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Most of the researchers have tried oncolytic virotherapy in conjunction with other standard treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc., or cancer immune therapies such as inhibitors for immune checkpoint and CAR-T therapy. Viruses interact with the autophagy apparatus of the host and assist the body in fighting infection. Other issues in oncolytic virotherapy include the duration and pattern of administration of autophagy enhancers, which can improve their anti tumor actions by activating oncolysis. Many more studies are required to entirely understand how they interact and how they can be used together in cancer treatment.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest in this review article.

Funding Agency

There is no funding agency for this study.

References