Oncolytic Virotherapy 2026
A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Viral Immunology, Vaccines, and Antivirals".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026
Special Issue Editor
2. Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
Interests: virology; gene therapy; vaccine; cancer immunotherapy
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Oncolytic virotherapy (OV) is rapidly emerging as one of the most innovative cancer treatment strategies. By exploiting viruses' biological preference to selectively infect, replicate in, and lyse cancerous (as opposed to normal) host cells, OVs possess the unique dual-action attributes against tumors: direct lysis of tumor cells and potent induction of systemic antitumor immunity. In the last 10 years, innovations in molecular engineering have shifted their focus toward immune-oncology, optimizing vector design for improved tumor-targeting capabilities and safety profiles, and combining them with current anticancer measures. The approval of T-VEC was a historic moment, catalyzing a new wave of clinical and translational research across diverse solid and hematologic malignancies.
This Special Issue includes cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews describing the current landscape and future directions of oncolytic virotherapy. Featured contributions explore novel vector platforms, mechanisms of tumor selectivity, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and synergistic strategies combining virotherapy with other immunotherapies and anti-cancer drugs. This issue aims to foster a deeper understanding of oncolytic virotherapy and promote the translation of next-generation biotherapeutics into impactful clinical applications.
Prof. Dr. Konstantin Gus Kousoulas
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- oncolytic viruses
- oncolytic virotherapy
- cancer immunotherapy
- tumor micro environment
- vector engineering
- clinical translation
- systemic antitumor immunity
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