Definition

An inactivated, non-replicating particle of hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ), an oncolytic virus of the paramyxovirus family, with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon intracutaneous administration, GEN0101 targets and binds to the cytosolic nucleic acid receptor retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I). This induces RIG-I-mediated signaling and a potent innate immune response against tumor cells, leading to the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and apoptosis in tumor cells. GEN0101 also activates dendritic cells (DCs) to produce cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), suppressing the function of regulatory T cells (Treg), a negative regulator of immune responses. The suppression of Treg activity helps maintain the induced immune responses.