Sirius University of Science and Technology has begun developing viruses that can multiply inside cancer cells and destroy them, helping to fight cancer. This was reported to “RG” in the press service of “Sirius” with reference to the scientific director of the direction “Gene therapy” of the University, Alexander Karabelsky.
According to him, scientists are developing viruses that can fight melanoma and glioblastoma cells. By multiplying inside cancer cells, viruses will provoke their death. At the same time, they will contribute to the development of a large number of cancer and viral antigens, which will allow killing not only cells in which viruses directly multiply, but also distant foci of oncology.
“For each type of cancer, there are several cell models in operation, on which oncolytic viruses are tested, as well as the activity of immunostimulating molecules, with which these viruses are additionally enhanced,” said Alexander Karabelsky.
The basis for the development of a virus that is supposed to kill cancer cells is the vesicular stomatitis virus, which does not pose a threat to humans.
“First of all, we are focused on the practical application of this virus against cancer,” said Alexander Malogolovkin, a leading researcher in the “Gene therapy” direction. modified properties for a specific type of tumor. We will also actively work on the possibilities of personifying virotherapy for a specific clinical case, “he said.
Preclinical testing of a new “weapon” against oncology at the Sirius University of Science and Technology is scheduled to begin in 2022.
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