Rejuvenating endogenous antitumor immunity via a chimeric receptor-engineered oncolytic virus targeting tumor-associated macrophages

Reeducating TAMs to enhance their antitumor capabilities through phenotypic remodeling remains challenging. Here, we report a modular oncolytic herpesvirus platform, engineered with a PD-L1–specific chimeric receptor integrated into the viral envelope protein (CAR-oHSV).

This design endows the virus with dual tropism, enabling it to target both tumor cells and TAMs within the tumor microenvironment. In virus-resistant tumor models, CAR-oHSV preferentially targets PD-L1⁺ TAMs and triggers a STING-dependent reprogramming into a CXCL9⁺ phenotype, enhancing their tumor antigen cross-presentation capability and inducing an endogenous antitumor T cell response. Furthermore, this platform can synergize with adoptive T cell therapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy to overcome immunotherapy resistance.