Myxoma virus expressing human interleukin-12 does not induce myxomatosis in European rabbits

J Virol. 2007 Nov;81(22):12704-8. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01483-07. Epub 2007 Aug 29.

Abstract

Myxoma virus (MV) is a candidate for oncolytic virotherapy due to its ability to selectively infect and kill tumor cells, yet MV is a species-specific pathogen that causes disease only in European rabbits. To assess the ability of MV to deliver cytokines to tumors, we created an MV (vMyxIL-12) that expresses human interleukin-12 (IL-12). vMyxIL-12 replicates similarly to wild-type MV, and virus-infected cells secrete bioactive IL-12. Yet, vMyxIL-12 does not cause myxomatosis, despite expressing the complete repertoire of MV proteins. Thus, vMyxIL-12 exhibits promise as an oncolytic candidate and is safe in all known vertebrate hosts, including lagomorphs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-12 / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Myxoma virus / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy*
  • Oncolytic Viruses / genetics*
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Interleukin-12