VirusDiseasePub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-06-15DOI: 10.1007/s13337-026-00966-w
Gulce Edis, Ergin Sahin, Emre Keskin, Ilgaz Akata
{"title":"Identification and complete genome characterization of two new partitiviruses hosted by the lichenized fungus <i>Calogaya decipiens</i>.","authors":"Gulce Edis, Ergin Sahin, Emre Keskin, Ilgaz Akata","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00966-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00966-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lichens represent complex symbiotic systems consisting of a fungal partner and photosynthetic microorganisms, and they could also harbor diverse associated microbiota including viruses. Despite increasing interest in mycoviruses from filamentous fungi, viruses infecting lichenized fungi remain poorly characterized. In this study, we identified and molecularly characterized two novel double-stranded RNA viruses infecting the lichenized fungus <i>Calogaya decipiens</i> (Arnold) Arup, Frödén & Søchting. Viral sequences were detected from dsRNA-enriched extracts of a surface-sterilized lichen thallus using random PCR amplification and high-throughput sequencing. Genome analyses revealed that both viruses possess bipartite genomes typical of members of the family <i>Partitiviridae</i>, each consisting of two dsRNA segments encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a capsid protein (CP). The genome segments of Calogaya decipiens partitivirus 1 (CdPV1) and Calogaya decipiens partitivirus 2 (CdPV2) range from 1861 to 2283 bp and contain single open reading frames. Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp amino acid sequences placed CdPV1 within the genus <i>Alphapartitivirus</i>, whereas CdPV2 clustered with members of the genus <i>Betapartitivirus</i>. Conserved catalytic motifs characteristic of dsRNA virus polymerases were identified in both RdRps. Sequence identity comparisons with related viruses supported the classification of CdPV1 and CdPV2 as representatives of two novel partitivirus species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of mycoviruses infecting the lichenized fungus <i>C. decipiens</i>.</p><p><strong>Supplementary information: </strong>The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-026-00966-w.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"213-219"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148841483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VirusDiseasePub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-04-30DOI: 10.1007/s13337-026-00961-1
U Venkatesh, Ashoo Grover, Varkey Nadakkavukaran Santhosh, Margubur Rahaman, Hari Shanker Joshi, Om Prakash Bera, R Durga
{"title":"Geographic heterogeneity and temporal trends in HIV prevalence, positivity, and burden in India using national surveillance data.","authors":"U Venkatesh, Ashoo Grover, Varkey Nadakkavukaran Santhosh, Margubur Rahaman, Hari Shanker Joshi, Om Prakash Bera, R Durga","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00961-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00961-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge in India. Given substantial heterogeneity across states and union territories (UTs) in India, understanding temporal and spatial patterns in the HIV epidemic is essential for monitoring the ongoing programs. However, recent scientific evidence on spatio-temporal dynamics in HIV epidemiological indicators remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to analyse spatio-temporal trends in HIV prevalence, positivity, and burden across Indian states and UTs. This study utilized data from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), India. Temporal and spatial variations in testing growth rate, positivity rate, prevalence, and burden were assessed, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between testing and positivity rate. The growth rate of HIV testing increased (+ 137.3%) in Jammu and Kashmir during 2017-2018, but declined to a negative growth rate (- 26%) during 2019-2020. During the same period, a negative growth rate was also observed in Chandigarh (- 53.7%) and Delhi (- 50.7%). Except for Tripura, the positivity rate declined across states and UTs over time. HIV prevalence declined from 0.24% to 0.21% during 2017-2021. High prevalence was observed in the north-eastern region, while the burden was predominantly concentrated in the Gangetic plain region. The correlation between testing and positivity rate was statistically weak (<i>r</i> = 0.149). The annual growth rate of HIV testing remained positive across most states, except during the COVID-19 period, reflecting pandemic-related service disruptions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"158-167"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148841495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Surveillance of respiratory pathogens: emerging seasonal patterns from western India.","authors":"Pratiksha Chheda, Rahul Bhalerao, Tavisha Dama, Neetu Biyani, Shashikala Shivaprakash","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00958-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00958-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B and RSV are critical for clinical management and public health planning, especially in tropical settings. We analysed data from a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, Western India over three years using the Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV multiplex assay. Upper respiratory specimens were tested between July 2022 and June 2025 and de-identified data was retrospectively reviewed. Overall and annual pathogen prevalence (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, RSV) rates were calculated, age and sex distributions, monthly seasonal trends, and co-infection patterns were reviewed. Ethics approval was obtained and patient consent waived. Among 2,860 specimens, 645 (22.55%) tested positive for influenza A, 96 (3.35%) for influenza B, 86 (3.0%) for RSV, and 199 (6.95%) for SARS-CoV-2; 1,852 (64.75%) were negative. Co-infections, though relatively uncommon, were observed in various combinations in a total of 18 cases over three years. Year-wise, influenza A remained most prevalent across the years, influenza B and RSV showed variable annual peaks with relatively higher frequencies in 2023-24, and SARS-CoV-2 showed a declining but persistent presence. Overall pathogen detection was higher in the paediatric group than in adults, with RSV positivity significantly greater in children (10.3% vs. 2.1%, <i>p</i> < 0.00001). A distinct seasonal pattern was evident, with the highest positivity observed during the monsoon and early post-monsoon period (June to September) each year, marking the peak transmission period in this region. Influenza A remains the dominant pathogen among respiratory virus-positive patients in Mumbai, with notable seasonality synchronous with monsoon/post-monsoon periods. RSV circulates mainly among young children, while SARS-CoV-2 persists at lower rates. Multiplex molecular surveillance provides actionable epidemiologic insights in high-burden tropical urban settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"207-212"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148840702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Functional characterization of post-transcriptional gene silencing suppressors and effects of mixed infection in okra enation leaf curl virus.","authors":"Aparna Chodon, Nithyasree Selvakumar, Saravana Kumar Thavamani, Sneka Ramesh, Gopal Pandi","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00965-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00965-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV) is a monopartite begomovirus, frequently detected in mixed infections in okra, together with bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) and/or its associated betasatellite. Such mixed infections often lead to synergistic relationships that can intensify disease severity and consequently reduce crop productivity. This study investigated the infectivity of OELCuV and its alphasatellite and evaluated their infection dynamics when co-inoculated with BYVMV and/or its betasatellite. Mixed infections resulted in higher virus accumulation compared to single infections, indicating potential synergism between the two okra-infecting begomoviruses. To identify RNA silencing suppressors of OELCuV, transient expression assays were carried out in 16c/GFPi transgenic line as well as using GFP as a reporter protein. The results revealed that multiple viral proteins, including Rep, C2, C4, C5, and V2, act as suppressors of post-transcriptional gene silencing. The presence of multiple suppressor proteins in OELCuV, together with those encoded by BYVMV, likely enhances the ability of the virus complex to counteract host antiviral defences mediated by RNA silencing. By combining symptom analysis, quantitative assessment of viral DNA accumulation, and functional characterization of viral silencing suppressors, this study provides novel insights into the mechanistic basis of OELCuV-associated disease development.</p><p><strong>Supplementary information: </strong>The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-026-00965-x.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"179-189"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518757/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148841524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VirusDiseasePub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-06-02DOI: 10.1007/s13337-026-00963-z
Sulaiman Khan, Arshad Mehmood, Nosheen Rehman, Umer Khitab, Xuemei Wang
{"title":"Recombinase polymerase amplification: transforming rapid detection of infectious diseases.","authors":"Sulaiman Khan, Arshad Mehmood, Nosheen Rehman, Umer Khitab, Xuemei Wang","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00963-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00963-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pathogens are the agents responsible for these infections, and they use various mechanisms to invade and evade host defenses, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have become the gold standard for detecting viral and bacterial pathogens due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and well-established validation. However, PCR requires thermal cycling equipment, a stable power supply, and trained personnel, which may limit its accessibility in resource-constrained settings. Isothermal amplification techniques are promising alternatives to PCR by providing simplicity, speed, and portability. Among these, recombinase polymerase amplification is particularly notable for its versatility, rapidity, and efficiency in amplifying nucleic acids at constant temperatures. This review discusses pathogen invasion mechanisms and recent advances in molecular diagnostics, with particular emphasis on RPA. The principles of RPA are compared with PCR, highlighting key advantages such as rapid amplification (typically within 20 min), low-temperature operation, minimal instrumentation, and compatibility with point-of-care (POC) platforms. At the same time, limitations of RPA, including primer design complexity, potential non-specific amplification, and current cost considerations, are addressed. RPA represents a versatile and promising tool that complements existing molecular methods and holds significant potential for expanding early infectious disease detection, particularly in decentralized and low-resource environments. By enabling timely and accessible diagnostics, RPA contributes substantially to improved disease surveillance, control, and patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Graphical abstract: </strong>Traditional detection methodologies, such as culturing, PCR, and isothermal amplification techniques, with a focus on RPA. Due to its simple procedure, short detection time, high sensitivity and specificity, and suitability for point-of-care testing in remote areas, RPA can be the best alternative for the detection of infectious diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"106-125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148840085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VirusDiseasePub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-04-30DOI: 10.1007/s13337-026-00960-2
Kabita Dhami, Ramachandra S Hooli
{"title":"Quality of life and its determinants among people living with HIV in Nepal: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Kabita Dhami, Ramachandra S Hooli","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00960-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00960-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV/AIDS is a significant health issue on the global stage and has impacted more than 38 million individuals. Despite the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART), socioeconomic barriers and stigma and discrimination can result in lower quality of life (QoL) in many people living with HIV (PLHIV). There is limited evidence on the determinants of QoL in PLHIV in Nepal. The purpose of the study was to evaluate QoL and its correlates among PLHIV who receive tertiary care services at hospitals in eastern Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 972 PLHIV aged 18 years and older who had been receiving ART for at least 6 months. A structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables was used to collect data. The CES-D scale was used to measure depression, and the WHOQOL-HIV BREF tool was used to measure QoL. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze data, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The mean age of the participants amounted to 41.6 ± 10.6; 59.6% were men. The predictors of QoL (<i>p</i> < 0.001) were education and employment in all domains. The QoL scores were positively correlated with urban residence and early clinical stage (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Physician disclosure positively influenced all domains of QoL (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and family disclosure negatively affected QoL (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Physical and overall QoL had a positive correlation with comorbidities (<i>p</i> = 0.039 and <i>p</i> = 0.001). Socioeconomic, psychosocial, and clinical factors affect the QoL of PLHIV in Nepal. The stigma, encouraging positive disclosure, and enhancing socioeconomic stability are essential in helping to improve the welfare of PLHIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"151-157"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148840127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VirusDiseasePub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-06-15DOI: 10.1007/s13337-026-00967-9
Mesele Tilahun Belete, Seong-Jin Lee, Seungmo Lim
{"title":"First report of citrus leaf blotch virus infecting <i>Broussonetia papyrifera</i> (paper mulberry) in South Korea.","authors":"Mesele Tilahun Belete, Seong-Jin Lee, Seungmo Lim","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00967-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00967-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Broussonetia papyrifera</i> (paper mulberry) is an economically important species in East Asia used for fiber production, traditional medicine, and ecological restoration. During a field survey, virus-like symptoms, including chlorotic mottling and mosaic were observed in <i>B. papyrifera</i> leaves. High-throughput sequencing of total RNA identified citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV), a member of the genus <i>Citrivirus</i> within the family <i>Betaflexiviridae</i>. <i>De novo</i> assembly generated an 8698-nt contig showing 86% nt identity with CLBV isolate Ac-MX. The genome contained three open reading frames encoding a replication-associated polyprotein, a movement protein, and a coat protein. RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of CLBV. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends validated the genome termini and completed the viral genome sequence, which was deposited in GenBank under accession number PX939710. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete genome sequences placed the <i>B. papyrifera</i> isolate within a clade of CLBV isolates previously reported from <i>Actinidia</i> species. This study represents the first report of CLBV infecting <i>B. papyrifera</i> in South Korea.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"220-223"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148841479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VirusDiseasePub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-04-22DOI: 10.1007/s13337-026-00959-9
Rabindra Prasad Singh, Jajati Keshari Mohapatra
{"title":"Review and evaluation of data defining FMD vaccine potency standards for endemic countries.","authors":"Rabindra Prasad Singh, Jajati Keshari Mohapatra","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00959-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00959-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>FMD vaccine is a complex conventional veterinary vaccine. Animal experiments within BSL3 facilities pose additional challenges. Therefore, alternative to cattle challenge for vaccine potency is always needed. The SN<sub>50</sub> antibody titre seems a good option as an alternative to cattle challenge. Both SN<sub>50</sub> and cattle challenge are subjected to variations. However, the variations in SN<sub>50</sub> could be reduced using a narrower acceptable range of virus inoculum (56-133 TCID<sub>50</sub>/well). Unlike the SN<sub>50</sub> thresholds log10, 1.75 as observed by reference laboratories in FMD-free countries, the data for a similar level of protection (75%-80%) from endemic countries is about log10, 1.5. Looking into the possible variations, in potency assessment, vaccine manufacturers have to prepare a vaccine with double the potency (at least 6 PD<sub>50</sub>) to avoid failure during stringent quality testing for potency assessment. In general, log10, SN<sub>50</sub> from 1.26 to 1.64 were considered to correlate with 75-80% protection, while values between 1.50 and 2.12 were expected to achieve protection between 95% and 100% for FMD endemic countries. The protective SN<sub>50</sub> values for other viral vaccines inducing virus neutralizing antibodies may be in a similar range as FMD. For the endemic countries like India, the standards seem to be more appropriate as defined in disease-endemic countries like Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Argentina, and the Republic of Korea, etc.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"141-150"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518619/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148840149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
VirusDiseasePub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-07-06DOI: 10.1007/s13337-026-00969-7
Shubani Kumari, Vinita Sharma
{"title":"Exploring hotspots for foot and mouth disease transmission at wildlife-livestock interfaces in Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, India.","authors":"Shubani Kumari, Vinita Sharma","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00969-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00969-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Overlapping wildlife habitats and pastoralist movement routes are plausible sites for transmission of diseases between wildlife and livestock. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is extremely contagious and known for its high rate of spread. Pastoral communities like the Gujjar and Bakarwal show seasonal migration in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir since time immemorial. Using geospatial tools in R Studio, we mapped protected areas and pastoral routes across geographical region of UT of Jammu and Kashmir. On the basis of distance outside the boundary of protected areas overlap with the pastoral migratory routes, three distinct zones were demarcated namely high-risk zones falls (up to 5 km), buffer zone - 1 (5.1 km-10 km) and buffer zone-2 (10.1 km-15 km). In the present, 34 risk zones were identified. The closest interaction points with only 370 mts apart between Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary and Baramulla. These wildlife-livestock interfaces are plausible hotspots for FMD transmission in the study area. Considering the severe contagious nature of FMD Virus, seasonal vaccinations and community-led monitoring are strongly recommended in high-risk areas identified in the study area. The findings of the study directly support veterinarians, conservationists, and policymakers in managing the deadly FMD transmission while protecting both livestock and wildlife in Jammu & Kashmir, and thus aid in achieving the target of One Health.</p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"190-200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148841566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Oncolytic viruses in cancer therapy development: the evolution of cell culture models in preclinical research.","authors":"Sneh Bhalani, Prashant Parmar, Ishita Modasiya, Abhishek Padhi, Ashwini Agarwal","doi":"10.1007/s13337-026-00964-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13337-026-00964-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer immunotherapy has transformed oncology; however, its efficacy remains limited in immunologically \"cold\" tumors with poor immune infiltration. Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) offers a promising solution through dual mechanisms of selective tumor lysis and immune activation, with advances in genetic engineering further enhancing specificity and therapeutic potency. Despite encouraging clinical progress, the translation of OVT remains constrained by the limited predictive capacity of preclinical models. The concept of translational fidelity refers to the extent to which preclinical models accurately replicate human tumor biology and reliably predict clinical therapeutic responses. This review provides a systematic evaluation of OVT through a four-dimensional framework encompassing structural complexity, immune representation, microenvironmental gradients, and translational predictivity. Using this framework as an integrative lens, we compare conventional and advanced platforms, including three-dimensional organoids, hydrogels, and patient-derived xenografts, highlighting their ability to recapitulate tumor architecture and heterogeneity. However, persistent limitations such as incomplete immune integration, inadequate characterization of physicochemical gradients, and species-specific discrepancies continue to hinder reliable clinical translation and may lead to overestimation of therapeutic efficacy. We further examine emerging engineering strategies in oncolytic viruses and emphasize the need to incorporate immune dynamics, delivery constraints, and patient-specific variability into model design. Future directions focus on developing humanized, multi-dimensional platforms integrating bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and real-time microenvironmental monitoring. Collectively, this review underscores that improving translational fidelity through integrative modeling frameworks is critical for bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical outcomes, thereby advancing OVT as a reliable modality in cancer immunotherapy.</p><p><strong>Graphical abstract: </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":23708,"journal":{"name":"VirusDisease","volume":"37 2","pages":"126-140"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13518708/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148841530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}