Advanced viral nanovaccine for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered a novel system to generate an artificially enveloped oncolytic adenovirus to direct the immune response against cancer.

Virus-based cancer vaccines are nowadays considered an interesting approach in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Targeting tumor-associated antigens is proven to be effective. However, the identification of these antigens remains challenging.

Researchers at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Manlio Fusciello, from the research group led by Professor Vincenzo Cerullo, and Dr. Flavia Fontana, from the research group led by Professor Hélder Santos, and their co-workers, have developed ExtraCRAd, a novel cancer vaccine platform, consisting of an oncolytic adenovirus wrapped in an artificial envelope made of cancer-cell membrane. Oncolytic virus therapy uses modified viruses that can infect and destroy tumor cells but don't harm normal cells.

"ExtraCRAd is a versatile and advanced technology for cancer treatment, a result of the synergetic effect between the oncolytic virus and the cancer-cell membranes," says Professor Santos.

Professor Cerullo continues, "Overall, ExtraCRAd might serve as the next generation of personalized cancer vaccines with enhanced features over standard oncolytic virus therapy, representing an alternative way to immunologically target cancer."