ONCOLYTIC ADENOVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Oncolytic adenovirus refers to a genetically modified virus that specifically targets and destroys cancer cells. Adenoviruses are a type of virus that commonly cause respiratory illnesses, but they can also be engineered to selectively infect and replicate within cancer cells, leading to their destruction. The term "oncolytic" means having the ability to induce the death of tumor cells.
This specialized adenovirus is designed to exploit the unique characteristics of cancer cells, such as their altered signaling pathways and weakened antiviral responses. It is equipped with modifications to its genetic material, which prevent it from replicating in healthy cells but allow it to replicate within cancer cells. As the oncolytic adenovirus replicates, it causes cancer cell lysis or breakdown, thereby releasing new virus particles into the neighboring cancer cells. This process creates a chain reaction, efficiently spreading the virus throughout the tumor.
In addition to directly killing cancer cells, oncolytic adenoviruses can also induce an immune response against the tumor. When cancer cells are destroyed, they release certain molecules that alert the immune system to the presence of the tumor. Consequently, the immune system can mount a targeted attack against the remaining cancer cells, enhancing the therapeutic effect.
Oncolytic adenoviruses offer a promising approach in the field of cancer therapy due to their tumor-specific targeting abilities and their ability to stimulate antitumor immune responses. Ongoing research aims to further optimize the design and delivery of oncolytic adenoviruses for better clinical outcomes in the treatment of various types of cancer.
Etymology of ONCOLYTIC ADENOVIRUS
The word "oncolytic" is derived from the Greek words "onkos" meaning "mass" or "tumor" and "lysis" meaning "breakdown" or "destruction". It refers to the ability of a virus or other agent to selectively infect and destroy tumor cells.
"Adenovirus" is a term that comes from the Latin word "adeno" meaning "gland", and "virus". It refers to a type of virus that primarily infects cells lining the respiratory system, eyes, and intestines, often causing respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Adenoviruses have been extensively studied and modified for various medical uses, including as a vector for gene therapy and in the treatment of cancer.
