Combat between Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Cancer Cells

Abstract

Vesicular stomatitis virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family that contains enveloped viruses with characteristic rod shapes. These viruses have the efficacy to infect cancer cells and lyse them, there they are called oncolytic viruses. Oncolytic viruses are a specific group of viruses that multiply only in malignant cells and are targeted towards them. The purpose of writing this review is to highlight the importance of the vesicular stomatitis virus as a candidate for oncolytic virus. Among all the viruses, the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been considered a potent oncolytic virus because it makes slow progression in diseased cells and does not affect normal functioning cells. Due to its remarkable ability to prompt intense antiviral and immune reactions, the compound is better suited as a therapeutic agent based on its natural characteristics. The current advancements in research involve the enhancement of the specificity and efficiency of the vesicular stomatitis virus in the treatment of different kinds of cancer. For example, making genetic modifications in the viral genome (altering of M and G protein) enables it to demolish tumor cells and preserve healthy body cells. This strategy relies on the vesicular stomatitis virus’s small size, replication competency, and the virus's competency to trigger anti-tumor immunities, which is why it may be effectively used to treat cancer. This review also guides the mechanism of how viral particles prey on cancer cells and induce apoptosis as well as the combination of vesicular stomatitis virus with other molecules to treat cancer.