The science
In this video for Imugene, we explain how tumors evade immune detection by exploiting immune checkpoint proteins like PD-L1, which signals immune cells not to attack. Imugene’s CF33, a next-generation oncolytic virus, is engineered from vaccinia poxvirus strains to target and destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Once inside the tumor, CF33 replicates, causing the cancer cell to rupture and release antigens, which further stimulate the immune system to seek out and eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Imugene’s advanced platform includes CHECKvacc, an enhanced CF33 variant that delivers an anti-PD-L1 antibody gene directly into cancer cells. This blocks PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, reactivating the immune response and making tumors vulnerable to immune attack. With the potential to shrink both primary and metastatic tumors, CHECKvacc represents a breakthrough in immuno-oncology, offering new hope for cancer patients.
Learn more at imugene.com.
