Evaluation of modified vaccinia virus Ankara based locoregional immunotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis models

Abstract

The peritoneum is a serous membrane of mesodermal origin that coats the abdominal wall and forms a lining on most abdominal organs. It consists of a thin layer of mesothelial cells over a basal lamina and is divided into the parietal peritoneum, which covers the abdominal and pelvic walls and the visceral peritoneum which surrounds the visceral organs (stomach, spleen, liver and some parts of the intestine) (1–3). The space found between the parietal and visceral peritoneum is called the peritoneal cavity and, in physiological conditions, contains between 50-100 mL of peritoneal fluid that serves as lubricant reducing friction among intraperitoneal organs during peristalsis and is provided with nutrients, growth factors, cytokines and chemokines as well as immune cells (1, 2). Thus, the peritoneum plays a crucial role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the peritoneal cavity mediating antigen presentation, inflammatory responses, fibrosis and tissue repair (1).