Boosting CAR T cell functionality with oncolytic viruses for the treatment of pediatric diffuse midline gliomas

Molecular Therapy Oncology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Konstantinos Vazaios, Antonio C. Tallon Cobos, Louisa P.J. van Oosterhout, Piotr Waranecki, Annelisa M. Cornel, Noël M M Dautzenberg, Marliek van Hoesel, Caitlyn Forbes, Stefan Nierkens, Vera Kemp, Rob C. Hoeben, Jasper van der Lugt
+2 more Friso G. Calkoen, Esther Hulleman
DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2026.201191
Cited by: 1
References: 57

Abstract

= 6 cultures), with minimal effect on the viability of B7H3- or GD2-targeted CAR T cells, even at high virus concentrations. In addition, RNA sequencing of infected tumor cells revealed altered gene expression in cell cycle and antiviral response pathways. Furthermore, co-cultures of CAR T cells with OV-infected DMGs enhanced CAR T-specific anti-tumor killing in 14 out of 24 cases. The successful combinations exhibited enhanced cytokine and chemokine release, coupled with an increased cytotoxic phenotype. These findings highlight the benefit of DMG pre-infection with OVs to boost CAR T cell activity and suggest that immune stimulation is a key driver of enhanced combination responses.

Fields of Study & Subjects

CAR-T cell therapy research Virus-based gene therapy research Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Molecular Therapy Oncology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
34
Issue
2
Pages
201191–201191
Publication date
31 March 2026
Language
EN