Purpose: We investigated whether an armed viral platform, where lytic property of a viral infection is coupled to viral-mediated delivery of therapeutic genes, could increase the therapeutic potential of a viral-based therapy. Experimental Design: We generated interleukin (IL)-12-expressing oncolytic adenovirus (YKL-IL-12) and IL-12-and B7-1-expressing (YKL-IL12/B7) oncolytic adenovirus. Therapeutic efficacy of these newly engineered adenoviruses was then evaluated in vivo using an

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... nt mouse bearing murine melanoma B16-F10 tumors. Overall survival was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method. The induction of immune cell cytotoxicity was assessed by CTL assay, IFN-g enzyme-linked immunospot assay, and immunohistochemical studies. Results: YKL-IL12/B7 oncolytic adenovirus, expressing both IL-12 and B7-1, showed a higher incidence of complete tumor regression compared with the analogous oncolytic adenovirus, YKL-1, or IL-12-expressing,YKL-IL12. Significant survival advantage was also seen in response to YKL-IL12/B7. Moreover, IL-12 and IFN-g levels produced in tumors treated with YKL-IL12/B7 was significantly greater than those treated with YKL-IL12. The enhanced survival advantage was mediated by the induction of immune cell cytotoxicity. In agreement with these results, massive infiltration of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells into tissues surrounding the necrotic area of the tumor was observed following in situ delivery of YKL-IL12/B7. Conclusion: Combination of oncolysis and the enhancement of antitumor immune response by oncolytic adenovirus expressing both IL-12 and B7-1 elicits potent antitumor effect and survival advantage.