Oncolytic viral therapy with Zika: a promising alternative for glioblastoma treatment

Keywords

oncology - Zika virus - Glioblastoma

Introduction: The glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and contains cancer stem cells (GSCs), which are resistant to conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, contributing to its recurrence. Therefore, new methods such as immunotherapy with oncolytic viruses are being investigated. The Zika virus (ZIKV) has demonstrated oncolytic potential against GSCs by infecting them and inducing an antitumor response. Studies indicate that ZIKV can lyse GBM cells, promoting tumor cell death without damaging healthy cells, and also activate the patient's immune system, offering a promising and less toxic approach for treatment.

Objectives: Evaluate viral therapy with ZIKV as a promising alternative for the treatment of glioblastoma and the remaining challenges in the use of this new approach.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted in the PUBMED database, focusing on articles about oncolytic viral therapy with ZIKV for glioblastoma treatment. The descriptors “oncolytic viral therapy”, “Zika virus” and “glioblastoma” were used, including publications from 2017 onwards.

Results: The inoculation of ZIKV strains in animal models with glioblastoma resulted in delayed tumor growth. Intracerebral administration is a ZIKV vaccine in mice inhibited glioblastoma progression without severe effects; the treatment enhanced the efficacy of anti-ligand immunotherapy. ZIKV infected GBM stem cells and inhibits in vitro proliferation, with 60% strain infection post-inoculation. Among the infected cells, 90% expressed the GSC marker (SOX2).

Conclusion: Research in mice shows that ZIKV is promising as an oncolytic virus for the treatment of glioblastoma. ZIKV exhibits high selectivity for GBM stem cells and their markers SOX2 and integrin αvβ5, with low toxicity to non-tumor cells. Additionally, it increases the recruitment of T and myeloid cells, promoting a better immune response against the tumor and potentially be used in combination with chemotherapy. Future studies should evaluate clinical challenges, such as possible adverse effects in humans and the need for tests to determine previous exposure to ZIKV and the expression of SOX2 in tumor cells.

Corresponding author: Larissa Maria Moraes Rodrigues De Souza (e-mail: [e-mail]).

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
06 May 2025