Newcastle disease virus: global distribution, molecular insights and implications for biotechnology and translational Research

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is the causative agent of Newcastle disease (ND), which is a highly contagious and economically significant poultry illness. High rates of morbidity and mortality characterize the ND disease, and it remains endemic in many developing regions. Despite its detrimental impact on poultry, genetically engineered attenuated forms of NDV show promise for biomedical research and therapy. NDV has been used as a vaccine viral vector to protect both humans and animals from various pathogen infections, and it is being explored for its oncolytic properties in cancer treatment. The therapeutic use of NDV as a vaccine vector is attributed to the feasibility of generating recombinant attenuated viruses using reverse genetics (RG) approaches. These recombinant NDV viruses have demonstrated safety, genetic stability, immunogenicity, and protection efficacy in both preclinical and clinical studies. Moreover, NDV can stimulate robust antitumor immune responses, further supporting its potential as an oncolytic therapy. This review aims to provide an overview of NDV, including its biology, global epidemiology, and recent developments in RG technologies. The discussion highlights the role of NDV in disease control and therapeutic innovation, emphasizing its potential as a versatile tool for combating infectious and noninfectious diseases in poultry, livestock, and humans.