Efficacy of PVX and PEGylated PVX as intratumoral immunotherapy
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 8/14/2025
- View Source
Summary
Researchers developed an improved version of a plant virus particle called potato virus X (PVX) by coating it with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to use as a cancer treatment. When injected directly into tumors, these PVX-PEG particles stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. The PEG coating makes the treatment more stable, longer-lasting in tumors, and less likely to be rejected by antibodies from prior exposure to plant viruses, while maintaining its cancer-fighting effectiveness.
Background
Intratumoral immunotherapy delivers immunotherapeutic agents directly into tumors to enhance local immune responses while reducing systemic adverse effects. Plant virus nanoparticles have emerged as potent immunostimulatory agents for cancer treatment. Pre-existing immunity against plant viruses may limit clinical translation of native formulations.
Objective
To investigate the efficacy and improved formulation properties of PEGylated potato virus X (PVX-PEG) compared to native PVX as an intratumoral immunotherapy for B-cell lymphoma. To determine whether PEGylation enhances stability and reduces antibody recognition while maintaining antitumor efficacy.
Results
PEGylation successfully enhanced PVX stability, with thermal resistance increasing from 40°C to 60°C. PVX-PEG maintained comparable antitumor efficacy to native PVX, controlling tumor growth and prolonging survival. PVX-PEG exhibited prolonged retention in the tumor microenvironment 24 hours post-treatment. Antibody recognition of PVX-PEG was significantly reduced compared to native PVX.
Conclusion
PEGylated PVX (PVX-PEG) represents a promising intratumoral immunotherapy for B-cell lymphoma that retains the immunostimulatory benefits of native PVX while overcoming key formulation and immunogenicity challenges. The enhanced stability, prolonged tumor retention, and reduced antibody recognition support its advancement toward clinical translation. Further research is needed to optimize the formulation and investigate systemic antitumor immunity and abscopal effects.
- Published in:Materials Advances,
- Study Type:Experimental In Vivo Study,
- Source: PMID: 40822669, DOI: 10.1039/d5ma00215j