Adenovirus Release from the Infected Cell as a Key Factor for Adenovirus Oncolysis

Abstract

Adenovirus release is not triggered until late times after viral infection, when the adenovirus death protein (ADP) accumulates to induce viral egress. Thus, the natural rate of adenovirus release may hinder the spread of oncolytic adenoviruses. Several experimental approaches have provided evidence indicating that promoting adenovirus release can be used to enhance their therapeutic potential. This review briefly summarizes what is known about the mechanism of adenovirus release and describes three different strategies, ADP overexpression, apoptosis induction, and bioselection, which can be used to enhance adenovirus release. Finally we will discuss some of the future perspectives that will contribute to the better use of progeny release for the improvement of the antitumor activity of oncolytic adenoviruses.