CANCER-TARGETED VIRAL VECTORS

摘要

The present invention relates to viral vectors that are targeted to cancer cells. The viral vectors of the invention are adenoviruses having a PEG-3 promoter driving the expression of the viral genes ElA and ElB. The PEG-3 promoter exhibits increased activity in malignant cells. Adenoviruses of the invention show increased replication in malignant cells, thereby producing a cytopathic effect. The viral vectors of the invention may comprise additional genes of interest, and/or may have altered capsid proteins that may enhance infection of and/or target infection to cancer cells. Additional cell types derived from diseased states in which the PEG-3 promoter is selectively active are also therapeutic targets of the viral vectors of the instant invention including those generating allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory responses.