Cytotoxic and Immunologic Effects of Measles Oncolytic Virus on Colon Cancer Cells

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the measles virus (MV) in combination with standard therapeutic agents cetuximab and chemotherapy on colon tumor cells.

Study Design: Descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Iraq from 1st December 2024 to 30th May 2025.

Methods: Cells were exposed to various doses of attenuated MV, cetuximab, 5-fluorouracil, and cisplatin. Viability, apoptosis (caspase-3 levels), and immune markers (IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α) were assessed using biochemical assays to identify optimal therapeutic ratios.

Results: Cetuximab alone increased caspase-3 levels, while combination therapies induced greater cell death through alternative mechanisms. MV markedly elevated IFN-γ (55.50±12.10 vs. 24.15±3.73, P < 0.001). Combination treatments suppressed immunosuppressive cytokines; TGF-β was significantly reduced in the measles virus cisplatin group (0.161±0.001 vs. 0.182±0.002, P = 0.005), and IL-10 and TNF-α levels were lowered dose-
dependently, with triple combinations achieving near-complete suppression (5.00±0.80 vs. 203.63±22.19, P <0.001).

Conclusion: Measles virus based combination therapy produces potent immunomodulatory effects, enhancing anti- tumor action beyond apoptosis by reducing immunosuppressive cytokines and controlling inflammation. Optimizing dose ratios and ensuring clinical safety remain crucial for future applications.