Senecavirus is a genus of viruses in the order Picornavirales, in the family Picornaviridae. Pig and maybe also cow serve as natural hosts. There is only one species in this genus: Senecavirus A.[1][2] Senecavirus is a replication-competent oncolytic picornavirus. It has selective tropism for cancers with neuroendocrine features including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and several pediatric solid tumors including retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and medulloblastoma.[3] A Phase I clinical trial of Senecavirus in adults with neuroendocrine tumors showed that senecavirus is apparently safe to administer at doses up to 1E11 vp/kg.[4]It has potential antineoplastic activity.[5][6]
Viruses in Senecavirus are non-enveloped, with icosahedral, spherical, and round geometries, with T=pseudo3 symmetry. The diameter is around 30 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 7.3kb in length.[1]
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the virus to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by lysis, and viroporins. Pig and maybe also cow serve as the natural host.[1]
While the sequence of SVV's protein-coding genome is most similar to members in the Cardiovirus genus, the non-coding RNA internal ribosome entry site (IRES) is most similar to those of the Pestivirus genus, including classical swine fever virus, and Hepacivirus genus, including Hepatitis C virus.[12]
The SVV IRES RNA shares similarities in sequence, structure, and function with the hepatitis C virus IRES. Subdomain IIa of the SVV and HCV IRES shares a similar structure and ligand-binding function as seen in its crystal structure.[13] This subdomain IIa region is classified as a ligand-responsive RNA switch which adopts well-defined ligand-free and bound conformations without breaking or forming any base pairs in its secondary structure upon interconversion between the two states.[14] This RNA switch from the SVV IRES has been incorporated into triangular RNA nanostructures.[15]
The initial isolate is being developed as an anti-cancer therapeutic by virtual company Neotropix, Inc. under the name NTX-010.