Computational approaches to study oncolytic virus therapy: insights and challenges

The paper reviews computational models for analyzing the use of replicating oncolytic viruses as therapeutic agents against cancers. The paper highlights viral and host paramters which are crucial for success, and discusses how virus strains can be optimized in order to achieve maximial remission of cancers. The models consider three mechansisms by which oncolytic virus therapy could work: (i) virus-mediated killing of tumor cells. (ii) Induction of immune responses against the virus which can kill infected tumor cells. (iii) Induction of tumor specific immune responses following the release of stimulatory signals as a result of the virus infection. The models further give rise to insights into how virus variants should be tested in vitro in order to determine their therapeutic potential.