How ONCOS-102 works
ONCOS-102 was engineered to replicate inside cancer cells only, leaving healthy cells unharmed. In addition, Targovax also inserted into the virus genome a gene coding for GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor) that will be made during the replication of the virus inside the tumor cells. GM-CSF is a protein that stimulates the immune system.
When administered, ONCOS-102 particles bind and enter to tumor cells specifically, resulting in their death. When the tumor cells die, they release tumor antigens or molecules that are capable of inducing an immune response, as well as new ONCOS-102 particles. This, together with the production of the co-stimulatory molecule GM-CSF, functions as a danger signal that is recognized by the immune system and leads to the death of more tumor cells.
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