At CD BioSciences, we recognise the growing scientific and therapeutic promise of oncolytic virotherapy — in particular, for malignancies associated with human herpesviruses (HHVs) such as Kaposi's Sarcoma‑associated Herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) or Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV). Our dedicated service offering "In Vitro & In Vivo Oncolytic Activity Assessment" is designed to support research institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical clients in the pre-clinical phase (discovery through IND-enabling) looking to validate oncolytic virus (OV) candidates, combination strategies, or novel payloads in the context of HHV-driven cancers.
Below we outline how our service delivers rigorous, bespoke, HHV-centric oncolytic evaluation and why CD BioSciences is the trusted partner for these investigations.
Service Scope & Capabilities
In Vitro Assessment
Our in vitro workflows are constructed to mimic the multi-dimensional challenges of oncolytic virus activity in a controlled laboratory environment, with special relevance to HHV-associated malignancies. Key capabilities include:
- Cell line and primary culture testing: We can test your OV candidate in established tumour cell lines relevant to HHV‐associated diseases (e.g., PEL, Kaposi's-sarcoma derived lines) as well as in primary patient-derived tumour or tumour-infiltrated cells (subject to ethical approvals).
- Replication kinetics and viral spread: We measure viral infectivity, replication rate, burst size, viral progeny release and spread across monolayers and 3D spheroid/organotypic culture models — reflecting the fact that oncolytic virus propagation in 3D/solid-tissue models is less efficient than in 2D cultures.
- Cytopathic effect (CPE) / cell killing assays: Using live-cell imaging, flow cytometry, viability assays and caspase/necrosis markers to quantify tumour cell elimination over time, including MOI (multiplicity of infection) titration.
- Tumour microenvironment modelling: Where relevant, we incorporate co-culture models (tumour stromal cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts) or 3D spheroids to mimic the tissue architecture and barriers that impede OV spread. Indeed, simulation work shows that virus spread is significantly hampered in 3D architecture compared to 2D monolayers.
- Combination testing: We routinely include combinatorial evaluation of OVs with chemotherapeutics, targeted agents or immune-modulators (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors) in vitro to identify possible synergy, enhanced oncolysis or viral sensitisation effects.
- Mechanism and biomarker read-out: Our assays include quantifying viral gene expression, tumour cell receptor profiling, interferon response, apoptosis/autophagy induction and immunogenic cell death markers — all of which help you understand the mechanistic basis of oncolysis and guide translational decisions.
- Latency-targeting context: Given your HHV-focus, we offer optional modules to assess impact of OV activity in the context of latent HHV infection or re-activated states, including the use of HHV-infected cell models where feasible.
In Vivo Assessment
Translating in vitro success into meaningful in vivo results is a critical step, and CD BioSciences provides robust in vivo platforms tailored to HHV-related oncolytic development. Our in vivo services include:
- Rodent xenograft and syngeneic models: We support subcutaneous, orthotopic and disseminated tumour models, including human tumour cell lines bearing HHV infection where possible (e.g., PEL in immunodeficient mice) or murine surrogates if relevant.
- Dose-response and schedule optimisation: We implement single-dose and multiple-dose regimens, different routes of administration (intratumoural, intravenous, intraperitoneal) and varied timings relative to tumour burden, to define optimal therapeutic windows.
- Oncolytic virus biodistribution and shedding: A key regulatory and translational concern is viral dissemination and shedding; we perform detailed quantitative PCR and viral-plaque assays of tumour, blood and key organs to evaluate viral kinetics, off-target spread, and persistence.
- Tumour growth delay, survival, and immune-endpoint analysis: Our primary efficacy endpoints include tumour volume monitoring, survival curves, metastasis suppression and, where immune-competent models are used, immune cell infiltration (CD8+, NK, Tregs), cytokine profiling and abscopal effects. The literature shows mixed correlation between in vitro replication and in vivo antitumour activity for some OVs, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive in vivo data.
- Combination therapy studies: Recognising the translational imperative of combining oncolytic viruses with standard-of-care or immunotherapy, we support in vivo studies combining your OV candidate with chemotherapeutics, radiation, immune checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell therapies.
- Tumour microenvironment and viral immune modulation: We incorporate immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, cytokine panels and systemic immune profiling to understand how the OV affects tumour-host interactions.
- Good-Practice Documentation & Data Package: All in vivo experiments are conducted under GLP-aligned processes (where applicable), with full study design protocols, raw data, statistical analyses, Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for reagents used, and a comprehensive report suitable for downstream regulatory/IND submissions.
Why Choose CD BioSciences for HHV-Associated Oncolytic Virus Assessment
HHV-Specialised Expertise
Our core focus at CD BioSciences is the human herpesvirus (HHV) family, and we bring deep domain experience in HHV biology, latency/reactivation, HHV-associated malignancies (such as PEL, Kaposi's sarcoma, EBV-associated lymphomas) and relevant pre-clinical models. This HHV-centric lens differentiates our oncolytic assessment services by enabling you to address unique challenges such as latent HHV presence, reactivation dynamics, immune evasion by HHV-infected tumour cells and viral vector design considerations specific to herpesvirus biology.
Integrated Translational Support
From target validation to candidate nomination, we deliver an integrated continuum of services—from early in vitro screens to full in vivo assessment—within a single partner. This allows cohesive data generation, streamlined project management and efficient knowledge transfer, accelerating your programme from discovery through preclinical candidate nomination.
Rigorous Quality & Documentation Standards
We understand the regulatory imperatives for reliability, reproducibility and transparency in preclinical data. Our oncolytic activity assessments are carried out under documented quality systems, with GLP-aware processes, traceable reagent sourcing, full statistical analysis and robust data archiving. We provide CoAs for critical reagents, detailed SOPs, raw data output, and comprehensive final reports to support IND-enabling decision-making.
Customisation & Flexibility
We recognise that oncolytic virus programmes are highly bespoke—payloads, cell models, tumour types, combination partners all vary. At CD BioSciences we customise study design to your vector/platform and project goals. Whether you require a focus on HHV-infected tumour lines, latency models, immune competent in vivo systems or a particular combination modality, we tailor our workflow, assay endpoints and report deliverables accordingly.
Strategic Partnering & Thought Leadership
Beyond executing experiments, we serve as a strategic partner, helping you interpret data, refine go/no-go criteria, benchmark against the literature, optimize vector constructs or study designs and advise on regulatory translation in the oncolytic virus space. Our domain-expert team—well-versed in HHV biology, oncolytic virotherapy, and translational oncology—ensures you receive more than a "black-box" experiment: you get insights and context. For example, current reviews highlight the complexity of translating OV replication in vitro into in vivo antitumour efficacy.
Typical Workflow & Engagement Phases
Phase I: Study Design & Alignment
- Kick-off meeting to align on your OV construct, tumour model(s), HHV-context (latent vs lytic), desired endpoints, MOI/dosing ranges, combinations and timelines.
- Generation of tailored protocol, including cell-line selection (with HHV status), 3D culture options, in vivo model choice (e.g., PEL xenograft, Kaposi's sarcoma model), dose/schedule grid, endpoints (viral spread, tumour volume, survival, immune read-outs).
- Deliverables: protocol draft, project timeline, milestone gating.
Phase II: In Vitro Execution
- Establishment of selected tumour cell lines and, if agreed, patient-derived material (e.g., HHV-infected tumour cells).
- MOI/kinetic titration of OV candidate. Quantification of viral replication (qPCR, plaque assays), spread kinetics, viability/cytotoxicity, marker analyses (apoptosis, autophagy, ICD).
- 3D spheroid/organotypic assays (optional) to model tumour architecture.
- Combination matrix studies (OV + chemo/immune agent) as required.
- Interim report summarising viral kinetics, cell-killing profile, combination synergy, mechanistic biomarker insights.
Phase III: In Vivo Assessment
- Selection and establishment of in vivo model(s): e.g., subcutaneous human HHV-positive tumour xenograft in immunodeficient mice, or humanised/immune-competent model if applicable.
- Dose escalation/ optimisation: intratumoral vs systemic delivery, multiple administrations, combination arms.
- Tumour growth monitoring, survival analysis, viral biodistribution, shedding kinetics, organ viral-load analysis, immune read-out (where model permits).
- Data quality assurance: full documentation of animal welfare, dosing records, randomisation, blinding (where applicable), statistical power analysis.
- Final comprehensive report: study design, methods, raw & processed data, statistical analyses, graphs/figures, interpretation of results, translational insights and recommendations for next-step decision making.
Phase IV: Data Review & Strategic Advisory
- Joint data review meeting with your team to interpret results, discuss go/no-go gating, next-step optimisation (e.g., payload modifications, combination strategy refinements, regulatory translation readiness).
- Optional white paper or advisory slide deck summarising findings, competitive benchmarking and strategic recommendations for translational progression.
Why Focus on HHV-Associated Oncolytic Virus Solutions?
HHV-associated malignancies—such as KSHV/HHV-8-driven primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), Kaposi's sarcoma, EBV-associated lymphomas or nasopharyngeal carcinoma—present unique biological challenges. Latent viral genomes, immune evasion strategies, and viral-oncoprotein driven tumour survival pathways require a nuanced approach when applying oncolytic virotherapy. At CD BioSciences we leverage our HHV domain knowledge to:
- Select appropriate tumour models with HHV latency/reactivation features.
- Tailor viral payload and promoter design strategies to exploit HHV-infected tumour cell vulnerabilities.
- Monitor viral spread not only in tumour cells but in the viral latent reservoir context (if relevant).
- Design combination regimens (e.g., with HHV-targeted therapies, latency inhibitors, immune-modulators) that may uniquely apply to HHV-driven tumours.
- Provide translational advice on regulatory considerations specific to HHV-targeted oncolytic approaches (e.g., shedding risk in latent virus context, latent reservoir reactivation safety, immune-competent host modelling).
Typical Deliverables
- Detailed study protocol (in vitro + in vivo).
- Interim in vitro report with viral kinetics, viability/cytotoxicity, combination synergy data, mechanistic biomarker findings.
- Final in vivo report with tumour growth curves, survival data, biodistribution and viral shedding analyses, immune-endpoint findings, statistical summary and translational interpretation.
- Presentation slide deck summarising findings, interpretation and go/no-go decision support.
- Raw data files (Excel/CSV), graphs/figures (PDF) and where applicable, digital image files of histology/IHC or live-cell imaging.
- Optional add-on: white-paper summarising implications for IND enabling or next-step candidate design.
Summary
In summary, CD BioSciences offers a comprehensive, high-quality service to evaluate oncolytic virus candidates in both in vitro and in vivo settings—specifically tailored to the nuances of HHV-related malignancies. With our HHV-centric expertise, translational focus, rigorous documentation and adaptable workflow, we are uniquely positioned to support your development of oncolytic virus therapies from discovery through pre-clinical candidate nomination. We look forward to partnering with you in advancing next-generation oncolytic therapies.
References
- D. Lin et al., "Oncolytic virotherapy: basic principles, recent advances", Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2023.
- M. J. Ailia et al., "In Vivo Oncolytic Virotherapy in Murine Models of …", PMC, 2022.
- D. R. Berg et al., "In vitro and in silico multidimensional modeling of oncolytic tumour virotherapy dynamics", PLOS Computational Biology, 2019.
- D. A. Fergusson et al., "Assessing the Completeness of Reporting in Preclinical …", Molecular Therapy – Oncolytics, 2019.
- A. S. Mozaffari Nejad et al., "A bibliometric review of oncolytic virus research", Virology Journal, 2021.