This IP is a significant advancement in cancer therapy, specifically targeting neuroblastoma—a tumor commonly found in children. The innovative oncolytic virus has been engineered to improve immune recognition of neuroblastoma antigens while enhancing the body’s natural immune response. What sets this IP apart is its utilization of a chimeric HSV backbone, which allows for improved viral gene expression. By expressing the neuroblastoma antigen (Phox2B), the virus aims to improve native immune activity against the tumor, similar to its approach with EphA2 for other tumors. The virus is intended to work in tandem with an engineered CAR-T cell that recognizes the virus-expressed antigen, thereby increasing CAR-T and native T cell activity against the tumor. The potential applications of this technology are broad. As a standalone therapy, it offers a promising treatment option for patients with neuroblastoma. When used in combination with CAR-T therapy, it holds the potential to significantly enhance anti-tumor activity, addressing a critical need in pediatric oncology. The IP is entering proof of principle and pre-clinical testing stages at CHOP with collaborators.