Cross-species oncolytic virotherapy in vitro: BoHV4EGFPΔTK as a novel candidate against canine osteosarcoma and histiocytic sarcoma
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Canine osteosarcoma (cOSA) and histiocytic sarcoma (cHS) are aggressive tumors characterized by poor prognoses and limited therapeutic options. Oncolytic viruses represent a promising treatment option for these tumors. Based on this hypothesis, this study aimed to evaluate direct and indirect oncolytic effects of Bovine Herpes virus type 1 (BoHV1) and a recombinant type 4 (BoHV4EGFPΔTK). Here we used cOSA, cHS and cutaneous fibroblast (FDOG) cell lines. BoHV1 and BoHV4EGFPΔTK can successfully infect cOSA and cHS cell lines with 1 multiplicity of infection (MOI). Notably, BoHV4EGFPΔTK displayed a less prominent ability to infect FDOG, whereas BoHV1 showed the highest percentage of infected cells in FDOG. Flow cytometry results showed that BoHV4EGFPΔTK, unlike BoHV1, induces a high percentage of dead and infected cells in all tumor cell lines. BoHV4EGFPΔTK infected FDOG showed over time a stable low percentage of dead and infected cells. Moreover, BoHV4EGFPΔTK infection of canine tumor cell lines triggered apoptosis and increased (Gasdermin-D) GSDM-D levels. Furthermore, both viruses exerted indirect oncolytic effects like influence on tumor cell motility. Efficacy varied by tumor cell line and time point. In conclusion, BoHV4EGFPΔTK compared to BoHV1, showed a prominent tropism for cancer cells and deserve future investigation to confirm its oncolytic potential.
Authors: Di Pentima Melania, Minesso Sergio, Franceschi Valentina, Di Lecce Rosanna, Corradi Attilio, Borghetti Paolo, Donofrio Gaetano, Razzuoli Elisabetta, Fruscione Floriana, Baumgärtner Wolfgang, Vescovini Rosanna, Andrani Melania, Basini Giuseppina, Bussolati Simona, Passeri Benedetta, Armando Federico
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,590
Award: G6481634778
OpenAlex ID: W7171428685