HSV-1 as a gene delivery platform for cancer gene therapy.

Trends Pharmacol Sci

Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China. Electronic address:

Published: March 2025

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a DNA virus with strong replication capabilities, a large genomic payload (≥30 kb), and low toxicity, making it a prominent vector in cancer gene therapy. Clinically approved oncolytic HSV-1 (oHSV-1) variants, such as T-VEC and G47Δ, demonstrate safety and efficacy in localized tumors, but face challenges in treating metastatic disease. To address this issue, next-generation oHSV-1 designs focus on precision targeting and immune remodeling through the delivery of multiple exogenous genes. In this review, we provide an overview of the inherent characteristics of oHSV-1 as a gene delivery platform, focusing on its genetic modification strategies, safety challenges in clinical applications, and future directions to maximize its therapeutic potential.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.02.006DOI Listing

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