Telomerase-dependent conditionally replicating adenovirus (hTERT-Ad) expressing carex-PTDs displays enhanced oncolytic properties in nonpermissive tumors

Conditionally-replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) are challenging tools for therapy of solid tumors. However, adenoviruses do not efficiently spread within many tumors due to the downregulation of the coxsackievirus-adenovirus-receptor (CAR). Our aim was to establish telomerase-dependent conditionally replicating adenoviruses that express bispecific adapter proteins comprising the adenovirus-binding ectodomain of CAR fused to protein transduction domains (PTD) to allow efficient spread of infection in non-permissive tumors. Bispecific adapter proteins (CARex-PTDs) were generated by fusing the ectodomain of human CA…