Replication-competent herpes simplex virus mediates destruction of neoplastic cells
AssigneeGeorgetown University
InventorsRobert L. Martuza, Samuel D. Rabkin, Toshihiro Mineta
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Abstract
A method for killing malignant brain tumor cells in vivo entails providing replication competent herpes simplex virus vectors to tumor cells. A replication competent herpes simplex virus vector, with defective expression of the γ34.5 gene and the ribonucleotide reductase gene, specifically destroys tumor cells, is hypersensitive to anti-viral agents, and yet is not neurovirulent.
Claims9
A herpes simplex virus with a genome that comprises (i) an expressible non-herpes simplex virus nucleotide sequence encoding a cytokine capable of eliciting an immune response against a tumor cell, and (ii) an alteration in the γ34.5 gene such that no functional γ34.5 gene product is made, wherein the neurovirulence of said herpes simplex virus is attenuated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.