Sendai virus for cancer immunotherapy.

Dendritic cells (DCs) have a crucial role to play in fighting nonself organisms and cells, including tumors. Clinically, numerous DC vaccinations have been attempted for cancer immunotherapy since the first trial, published in 1995, but with limited success. We found that Sendai virus (SeV) vector infection induces maturation of DCs and produces more powerful antitumor immunity against DCs in mouse models. We used a SeV vector as an immune booster for tumors and believe that this novel therapy, designated as "immunostimulatory virotherapy," will offer potent treatment for tumors.