Spontaneous and Engineered Compensatory HSV Mutants that Counteract the Host Antiviral PKR Response
2009

Compensatory HSV Mutants Against Host Antiviral Response

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shah Amish C., Parker Jacqueline N., Shimamura Masako, Cassady Kevin A.

Primary Institution: University of Pennsylvania, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Hypothesis

Can engineered HSV mutants evade the host antiviral response to improve viral replication and efficacy as anti-tumor agents?

Conclusion

Newly developed HSV mutants show improved replication and anti-tumor properties by evading the host's antiviral response.

Supporting Evidence

  • HSV mutants lacking the γ134.5 gene have been studied for their safety and efficacy in humans.
  • Serial passage has been used to identify mutations that improve viral replication.
  • Compensatory mutations can restore protein synthesis in HSV mutants.

Takeaway

Scientists are making changes to a virus to help it fight cancer better by avoiding the body's defenses.

Methodology

The review discusses the development of HSV mutants through serial passage selection and viral genome engineering.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on laboratory findings, which may not fully translate to clinical outcomes.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/v1030510

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