A recombinant oncolytic influenza virus expressing a PD-L1 antibody induces CD8+ T-cell activation via the cGas-STING pathway in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma

•We have innovated a recombinant oncolytic influenza virus with better targeted killing effect and safety against HCC cells.•Incorporating a human anti-PD-L1 antibody into our recombinant oncolytic influenza virus has the following advantages. First, its efficacy in HCC treatment is improved, and drug resistance and immune escape are reduced. Secondly, it reduces the adverse reactions caused by ICI treatment and improves the response rate.•We explored the mechanism of action of recombinant oncolytic influenza virus and found that it activated CD8 + T cells through the cGas-STING pathway to exert immunotherapy effects.