Zika virus has oncolytic activity against glioblastoma stem cells

• DOI: 10.1084/jem.20171093
• Publication Date: 2017-09-06T21:25:14Z
• Authors: Zhe Zhu; Matthew J. Gorman; Lisa D. McKenzie; Jiani N. Chai; Christopher G. Hu...; Briana C. Prager; Estefania Fernandez; Justin M. Richner; Rong Zhang; Chao Shan; Eric Tycksen; Xiuxing Wang; Pei-Yong Shi; Michael S. Diamond; Jeremy N. Rich; Milan G. Chheda
• Keywords: Zika Virus

Glioblastoma is a highly lethal brain cancer that frequently recurs in proximity to the original resection cavity. We explored use of oncolytic virus therapy against glioblastoma with Zika (ZIKV), flavivirus induces cell death and differentiation neural precursor cells developing fetus. ZIKV preferentially infected killed stem (GSCs) relative differentiated tumor progeny or normal neuronal cells. The effects GSCs were not general property neurotropic flaviviruses, as West Nile indiscriminately both potently depleted patient-derived grown culture organoids. Moreover, mice survived substantially longer at greater rates when was inoculated mouse-adapted strain ZIKV. Our results suggest an can target GSCs; thus, genetically modified strains further optimize safety could have therapeutic efficacy for adult patients.