Application of Oncolytic Adenoviruses and their immunotherapies in tumor immunotherapy

The development of safe and efficient biotherapies has become a central focus in the field of cancer treatment. Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) represent a promising class of anti-cancer therapeutics, recognized for their ability to selectively replicate within and lyse tumor cells. This unique oncolytic activity, coupled with their efficient and safe gene delivery capabilities, has made OAds a focal point in both preclinical research and clinical applications. Their ability to specifically target and eradicate tumor cells while sparing normal tissue makes them an attractive approach in the evolving landscape of cancer therapy. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor-specific targeting of OAds, their tumor immunomodulatory effects and their advancements in combination with immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and cancer vaccines. This work aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for advancing the research and clinical translation of OAds in cancer immunotherapy.