Exploring enterovirus pathogenesis and cancer therapy potential through reverse genetics

Abstract

Over the past decades, oncolytic viruses have emerged as prominent therapeutic agents with significant potential for anticancer treatment. Enteroviruses (EVs) have garnered particular attention due to their specific tropism for various types of tumor cells. The rapid advancement of reverse genetics has enabled its application in the genetic modification of enteroviruses and the investigation of viral infection mechanisms. The utilization of reverse genetics has significantly enhanced our understanding of the infection mechanisms and pathogenesis of enteroviruses, while concurrently facilitating the development of translational therapies related to these viruses. In this review, we summarize the progress in the application of reverse genetics to oncolytic enteroviruses and their potential clinical applications. Specifically, we discuss the characteristics of EVs and the applications of reverse genetics in EV research. We review the utilization of reverse genetics in mechanistic investigations of EVs and in exploring the oncolytic potential of EVs. Further, we discuss the oncolytic roles of specific EVs including EV-A71, coxsackievirus B3 (CV-B3), echovirus 7 (Echo-7), CV-A21, and poliovirus. Our review highlights the advances in oncolytic therapy utilizing EVs with specific tumor tropism, which holds significant potential for immunotherapy.