A group of biotechnologists from the University of California is exploring a method based on a plant virus that represents an effective treatment option against malignant cells in mice. The plant virus, Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CPMV), causes infection in the black-eyed pea plant.
Within the host cell, the tumor cell creates a microhabitat amongst the immune cells within the body and prevents them from killing the cancer cells, a phenomenon known as tumor-induced immunosuppression. At the very initial stage, CPMV recognizes this habitat and activates the innate immune system. Further, it goes well and powers into acquired immunity that leads to systemic and durable anti-tumor immunity. This generation of the immune system not only destroys tumor cells but also recognizes distant cancer cells. CPMV boosts the immune system to fight against cancer cells and also prevents them from further spreading and recurrence.
This method has been developed as an intratumoral immunotherapy drug substance. This virus activates innate immune cells, including phagocyte cells (neutrophils and macrophages) in the body, and eases the tumor-generated environment. This research shows improved survival rates in various cancer models, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.
This study also shows that CPMV is not causing any infection in the mammal’s body. It is only known that CPMV interacts with mammalian cells and responds to their growth towards antigen-presenting cells, similar to animal viruses at the cellular level. Under in vitro conditions, the CPMV even shows compatibility with human blood and its derivatives. As a result, CPMV does not cause any hemolysis, plasma coagulation, or clotting in human blood.
Through this proven evidence, it has been concluded that CPMV is an effective tumor-suppressing immunotherapeutic agent. The future aim is to know the efficiency of this treatment option after the surgical procedure. Scientists are also researching how it improves the survival rates and decreases the reoccurrence of tumor cells. Still, the current research is on clinical trials and focusing on immune-boosting properties of the virus.
