Oncolytic viruses and histone deacetylase inhibitors--a multi-pronged strategy to target tumor cells

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2010 Apr-Jun;21(2-3):153-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2010.03.002. Epub 2010 Apr 14.

Abstract

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have shown promise as cancer therapeutics in pre-clinical and clinical testing; however, it is unlikely that OVs will constitute a stand-alone treatment. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) represent a class of anticancer agents known to influence epigenetic modifications of chromatin, alter gene expression and manipulate a variety of signaling pathways, in some cases blunting the cellular antiviral response. Recent studies have shown that combining OV therapy with HDI treatment enhances viral replication and synergistically induces the killing of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, an effect that has now been demonstrated in variety of virus/HDI combinations. This review discusses the results obtained with the different OV/HDI combinations, the rationale supporting these combinations and the advantages for oncolytic virus therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Adenoviridae / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy / methods*
  • Oncolytic Viruses*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors