Oncolytic Herpes Virus to Enhance Cellular therapy:IL15 Expressing Virus to Improve T and NK Cytotoxic Activity

This IP is an innovative approach to cancer treatment and involves genetically modified herpesviruses designed to selectively replicate within malignant cells, leading to their destruction. The virus expresses interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine that enhances the cytotoxic activity of T and NK cells, further boosting the anti-tumor immune response. This technology offers significant advantages over existing methods. By improving the cytotoxic activity of immune cells, particularly T and NK cells, it enhances the body’s natural ability to target and destroy cancer cells. This could lead to more effective treatment outcomes, especially in cancers resistant to conventional therapies. The ability of the virus to modulate the tumor microenvironment makes it applicable across various cancer types. Unlike previous attempts with IL-15 expression in oHSV, this C134-based virus shows efficacy in murine models, potentially due to its ability to evade PKR-mediated antiviral translational arrest. This standout feature allows sustained IL-15 production during treatment, enhancing its therapeutic effects. Pharmaceutical companies specializing in immunotherapy and cellular therapy, as well as those focused on oncolytic virus-based treatments, are likely to be interested in licensing this technology for further development and commercialization. There may be opportunities for collaborations with cancer research institutions and clinics looking to advance novel treatment options. Further development of this technology involves preclinical IND-enabling studies to assess its safety and efficacy in preparation for clinical trials. Ongoing research aims to identify other cancers susceptible to treatment with this virus, characterize its immune-stimulating effects, and optimize dosing strategies to maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing inflammatory responses.

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