Engineering antibody-armed oncolytic viruses may enhance tumor-specific delivery and immune effects

This systematic review explores the biological properties of oncolytic viruses (OVs) and strategies for engineering them to carry antibody payloads. It investigates the mechanistic interplay between OV-induced oncolysis and immune modulation, focusing on the potential for localized antibody expression within the tumor microenvironment. The review outlines current challenges and opportunities for clinical translation of this platform.

The central premise is that engineering OVs to express exogenous antibodies may enhance therapeutic specificity by concentrating the payload at the tumor site. This approach is proposed to synergize the direct oncolytic effect of the virus with immune-mediated anti-tumor activity. The rationale is to overcome limitations of systemic antibody administration, which can lead to off-target effects when targets are expressed in normal tissues, limiting intratumoral drug concentration and potentially causing adverse events.

No specific study population, sample size, comparator, primary outcomes, or follow-up duration are reported. The main results, safety profile (including adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, and tolerability), and specific limitations of the included evidence are not detailed. Funding sources and conflicts of interest are also not reported.

The review describes a conceptual framework and preclinical engineering strategies. The practice relevance is not specified, as the evidence presented is foundational and not directly tied to clinical trial outcomes. The findings represent a theoretical advancement in platform technology rather than evidence of clinical benefit or safety.