Russian scientists have developed a virus capable of selectively destroying cancer cells, virtually without affecting healthy ones. This technology could be a new step in the fight against tumors. Details were revealed at Novosibirsk State University (NSU).
Researchers studied an oncolytic virus with an embedded immunostimulatory gene and an additional mutation.
The oncolytic virus works due to the specific characteristics of tumor cells themselves. It "recognizes" them by specific surface markers, penetrates inside, and begins to use the cell for its own reproduction. As a result, the cell membrane is destroyed, and the cell dies.
As Anastasia Pak, an NSU master's student, explained, such a virus cannot be found in nature – it can only be created in a laboratory.
Scientists compared two variants of adenovirus – a regular one and a genetically modified one – on healthy and cancerous cells. It was found that the modified variant barely damages healthy cells, while the regular one has a greater impact on them. At the same time, both viruses equally effectively destroy cancer cells.
Further, scientists plan to test the virus's action in combination with chemotherapy, also on cell lines.
At the same time, as Pak notes, the action of oncolytic viruses is not limited to direct tumor destruction. During the death of cancer cells, tumor antigens are released, and danger signals are activated, which triggers the immune system.
As a result, the body begins to attack the tumor on its own. Moreover, additional molecules, including anti-inflammatory cytokines, are activated, which enhances the anti-tumor response.
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