Pathogenic properties of picornaviruses are also determined by the expression of their cellular receptors. We are beginning to exploit the molecular determinants of picornaviral CNS infections by generating novel recombinant viruses for the treatment of brain tumors. Receptors mediate virus access to the cell interior and thus may be important determinants of pathogenesis. Whereas CD155 expression declines toward birth, high expression levels were found in CNS tumors. Expression of CD155 predisposes cancerous cells to lytic destruction by oncolytic viruses.
Brain tumors are resistant to currently available treatment and are associated with high mortality.
We have developed a novel class of anti-tumor agents that, albeit unable to replicate in neuronal cells, showed high lytic potential for cells derived from brain tumors and readily destroyed experimentally induced brain tumors. We will study the molecular basis of tumor-specific IRES function to devise novel expression systems with high potential as biotherapeutic agents directed against CNS tumors. My lab will focus on the analysis of CD155 expression during CNS embryogenesis and its association with cancer. We will continue our studies on oncolytic viruses to prepare these promising new agents for eventual clinical trials. Site credits and contacts.