Herpes simplex virus-based vectors for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative disease

Vectors based on herpes simplex virus (HSV) are being developed for use in human neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In neurodegenerative disease, this involves the use of highly disabled, non-replicating HSV vectors engineered to carry a therapeutic gene. In contrast, the use of HSV vectors in cancer involves partially disabled viruses that can replicate in dividing cells but not in non-dividing cells and therefore have an oncolytic effect. Both these approaches have produced promising results in cell culture and animal models. Moreover, phase I clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of HSV vectors and their possible efficacy in otherwise untreatable cancers.