Definition

A recombinant, live-attenuated, oncolytic chimeric virus derived from the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a single-stranded RNA virus, and containing a genetically modified glycoprotein (GP), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, VSV-GP BI 1831169 preferentially replicates in tumor cells. Due to defective antiviral host defense mechanisms in tumor cells, VSV-GP BI 1831169 is able to replicate in tumor cells without interference. This induces VSV-mediated cytolytic activity towards the tumor cells. In addition, viral infection stimulates the immune system to recognize these same tumor cells, leading to immune-mediated killing of both infected and non-infected tumor cells, thereby further killing tumor cells. In VSV-GP BI 1831169, the VSV-G glycoprotein is replaced with the Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus glycoprotein in order to minimize the potential of neurotoxicity.