Why recombinant Poliovirus possesses anticancer property?

Abstract

Genomic instability is a hallmark of tumorigenesis. Some viruses have been demonstrated to possess antineoplastic property. Viruses trigger immune responses upon infections, but not all viruses have been reported to boast robust anticancer effects. What molecular features can be found in these anti-neoplasm viral agents? These viruses may share characteristics with antimicrobial and anticancer peptides, such as content of particular amino acids, rendering viral protein fragments cytolytic or inhibitory to cell growth. The divalent cation-binding characteristic of valine and glycine can not only prompt cell death but also avert DNA damage, which ensured no cancer deterioration during tumor treatment. The moderate content of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors in the proteins of Poliovirus confers acid susceptibility of tumor but avoids DNA mutagenesis in the presence of cation-binding amino acid residues.