The present invention provides a herpes virus in which a non-essential
gene for replication is inactivated More particularly, the present
invention provides a herpes virus in which a non-essential gene for
replication present in a UL or US region is inactivated. More preferably,
the non-essential gene for replication contains US3 or UL56. The herpes
virus may be preferably a herpes simplex virus, and more preferably
herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2. The present invention
provides a method, composition and use for treating various diseases or
disorders including tumor and infectious diseases. The present invention
also provides a method, composition and use for activating a prodrug.