Infection of non-cancer cells: A barrier or support for oncolytic virotherapy?

Oncolytic viruses are designed to specifically target cancer cells, sparing normal cells. Although numerous studies demonstrate the ability of oncolytic viruses to infect a wide range of non-tumor cells, the significance of this phenomenon for cancer viro- therapy is poorly understood. To fill the gap, we summarize the data on infection of non-cancer targets by oncolytic viruses with a special focus on tumor microenvironment and secondary lymphoid tissues. The review aims to address two major questions: how do attenuated viruses manage to infect normal cells, and whether it is of importance for oncolytic virotherapy.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the data on the infection of non-cancer cells by oncolytic viruses, with a focus on tumor microenvironment and secondary lymphoid tissues. The article aims to address two major questions: how attenuated viruses infect normal cells and whether it is important for oncolytic virotherapy.