Oncolytic virus delivery modulated immune responses toward cancer therapy: Challenges and perspectives

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) harness the hallmarks of tumor cells and cancer-related immune responses for the lysis of malignant cells, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and exertion of vaccine-like activities. However, efficient clinical exploitation of these potent therapeutic modules requires their systematic administration, especially against metastatic and solid tumors. Therefore, developing methods for shielding a virus from the neutralizing environment of the bloodstream while departing toward tumor sites is a must. This paper reports the latest advancements in the employment of chemical and biological compounds aimed at safe and efficient delivery of OVs to target tissues or tumor deposits within the host.