Cancer Immunotherapy perspectives: Can viruses be considered allies?

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594912414107

• Palavras-chave: Oncolytic viruses, immunotherapies, cancer, immunogenic cell death

• Keywords: Oncolytic viruses, immunotherapies, cancer, immunogenic cell death

• Abstract:

  Cancer, a non-infectious disease and one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is characterized by its ability to evade natural control mechanisms. The immune system plays a crucial role in the recognition and elimination of tumor cells; thus, immunotherapy emerges as a promising strategy. In particular, oncolytic viruses have stood out in this field for their ability to selectively replicate in tumor cells, leading to direct lysis and activation of an antitumor immune response. It is important to review their efficacy and safety to validate their therapeutic potential. In addition, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which they can induce the immune system to promote immunogenic cell death and thus exploit their advantage. This article reviews advances in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on oncolytic viruses as selective agents that act either directly or as inducers of an immune response.