Enhanced tumor antigen response through oncolytic HSV virotherapy
This innovative approach leverages oncolytic HSV for tumor antigen expression to boost T and B cell responses against gliomas. By combining virotherapy with antigen-presenting cell loading, it aims to enhance durable immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Overview
This research introduces a novel therapeutic strategy that utilizes oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus (oHSV) to express tumor-associated antigens (TAA), thereby enhancing the immune system's response to gliomas. The approach involves a sequential prime boost strategy, combining direct oHSV tumor infection with dendritic cell (DC) loading to improve both T and B cell tumor antigen-specific responses. This method aims to provide a more durable and effective immune response against tumors, potentially extending patient survival and improving therapeutic outcomes.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes oncolytic HSV to induce tumor antigen expression, enhancing T and B cell responses.
- Sequential treatment strategy combining DC loading with virotherapy to improve therapeutic efficacy.
- Direct infection of dendritic cells by oHSV, leading to DC maturation and increased T cell activation markers (CD25, CD39, CD69).
- Evaluation through in vitro and in vivo studies, including ex vivo T cell co-culture with antigen-expressing and antigen-deleted glioma cells.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, with ongoing validation studies aimed at assessing immune-mediated responses and therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models. Future studies will further explore antigen-specific responses and potential for clinical translation.
About Nationwide Children's Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a major pediatric academic medical center in Columbus, Ohio, integrating a large clinical enterprise with a co‑located research institute. Industry partners engage through hospital‑embedded labs, dedicated clinical trials operations, and governed access to de‑identified real‑world data. A close affiliation with The Ohio State University and proximity to a growing regional biotech and gene‑therapy cluster enable rapid translational pathways and talent pipelines. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including NIH and other U.S. agencies, alongside foundation and industry sponsorship. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, and streamlines sponsored research and clinical collaboration agreements.
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