Herpes Simplex Virus

Abstract

OVs (oncolytic viruses) belong to different virus families and, consequently, exhibit different pros and cons. The advantages of herpes simplex virus (HSV) as an oncolytic agent are as follows: l A detailed knowledge of the genomic arrangement and of the function of the viral gene products. l A large genome (about 150 kbp) which enables the insertion of a number of foreign genes, up to three to four as of now. In principle, this number can be substantially further increased. l The viral genome does not integrate into the host genome.lThe technologies for the genetic engineering are well established.