1
|
Validation of a cell-based colorimetric reporter gene assay for the evaluation of Type I Interferons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 22:e00331. [PMID: 31061815 PMCID: PMC6487280 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2019.e00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The biotherapeutic type I interferons (IFN-I) are indicated to treat several diseases. These products are regulated to guarantee safety and efficacy through critical quality attributes. For this purpose, the development of robust assays is required, followed by its validation to demonstrate their suitability for its intended purpose. Despite there are some commercial kits to evaluate IFN-I signaling, these are focused on measuring in vitro biological response instead of their validation, which is a pharmaceutical industry requirement. The aim of this work was to validate the HEK-Blue IFN-α/β system evaluating the biological activity of IFN-α/β under good laboratory practices, according to international standards. Our results demonstrated that HEK-Blue IFN-α/β system comply with accuracy (r2>0.95) precision (CV < 20%) and specificity for both IFN-α/β; confirming that this assay is robust for this biotherapeutics' evaluation. Thereby, this bioassay could be implemented as a complementary method to the classical anti-proliferative and anti-viral assays under quality control environments.
Collapse
|
2
|
Imamura Y, Tashiro H, Tsend-Ayush G, Haruta M, Dashdemberel N, Komohara Y, Tsuboki J, Takaishi K, Ohba T, Nishimura Y, Katabuchi H, Senju S. Novel therapeutic strategies for advanced ovarian cancer by using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myelomonocytic cells producing interferon beta. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3403-3410. [PMID: 30142694 PMCID: PMC6215869 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although first‐line chemotherapy has a high rate of complete responses in ovarian cancer patients, the vast majority of patients present with recurrent disease that has become refractory to conventional chemotherapy. Peritoneal dissemination and malignant ascites are the hallmarks of recurrent or advanced ovarian cancer and severely reduce quality of life. Development of therapeutic measures to treat such patients is eagerly anticipated. Macrophage infiltration is observed in various types of cancer including epithelial ovarian cancer. In addition, macrophages are involved in the formation of spheroids in the malignant ascites of ovarian cancer and promote cancer growth. iPS‐ML, macrophage‐like myelomonocytic cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, made close contacts with ovarian cancer cells in vitro. We hypothesized that, if we inoculate iPS‐ML‐producing IFN‐β (iPS‐ML/IFN‐β) into the peritoneal cavity of patients with ovarian cancer, IFN‐β produced by the iPS‐ML/IFN‐β would efficiently act on the cancer cells to suppress cancer growth. To evaluate this hypothesis, we injected iPS‐ML/IFN‐β into SCID mice bearing peritoneally disseminated human ovarian cancer cells, SKOV3. Immunohistochemical analysis of the intraperitoneal tumors detected iPS‐ML/IFN‐β infiltrating into the cancer tissues. Therapy with iPS‐ML/IFN‐β significantly suppressed tumor progression. In addition, dramatic reduction of cancer‐related ascites was observed. Collectively, it is suggested that iPS‐ML/IFN‐β therapy offers a new approach for the treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Imamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Department of Immunogenetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hironori Tashiro
- Department of Mother-Child Nursing, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Gandolgor Tsend-Ayush
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Miwa Haruta
- Department of Immunogenetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Narantuya Dashdemberel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Komohara
- Department of Cell Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Junko Tsuboki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Takaishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Nishimura
- Department of Immunogenetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Nishimura Project Laboratory, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Katabuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Senju
- Department of Immunogenetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Phase I Study of Intrapleural Gene-Mediated Cytotoxic Immunotherapy in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1198-1205. [PMID: 29550074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-mediated cytotoxic immunotherapy (GMCI) is an immune strategy implemented through local delivery of an adenovirus-based vector expressing the thymidine kinase gene (aglatimagene besadenovec, AdV-tk) followed by anti-herpetic prodrug valacyclovir. A phase I dose escalation trial of GMCI followed by chemotherapy was conducted in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). AdV-tk was administered intrapleurally (IP) in three cohorts at a dose of 1 × 1012 to 1013 vector particles. Primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Nineteen patients were enrolled: median age 67 years; 14 with malignant mesothelioma, 4 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and 1 breast cancer. There were no dose limiting toxicities. All 3 patients in cohort 2 experienced transient cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Addition of celecoxib in cohort 3 reduced the incidence and severity of CRS (none > grade 2). Three patients are alive (23-33 months after GMCI), and 3 of 4 NSCLC patients had prolonged disease stabilization; one is alive 29 months after GMCI, 3.6 years after initial diagnosis. GMCI was safe and well tolerated in combination with chemotherapy in patients with MPE and showed encouraging response. Further studies are warranted to determine efficacy.
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Pleural malignancies remain a serious therapeutic challenge, and are frequently refractory to standard treatment; however, they have the advantage of occurring in an enclosed cavity readily accessible for examination, biopsy, and serial sampling. Novel therapeutics can be administered via intracavitary delivery to maximize efficacy by targeting the site of involvement and potentially mitigating the adverse effects of systemic therapies. The easy accessibility of the pleural space lends itself well to repeated sampling and analysis to determine efficacy and toxicity of a given treatment paradigm. These factors support the rationale for delivery of novel therapeutics directly into the pleural space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Murthy
- NYU PORT (Pulmonary Oncology Research Team), Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue Suite 5D, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Keshav Mangalick
- NYU PORT (Pulmonary Oncology Research Team), Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue Suite 5D, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel H Sterman
- NYU PORT (Pulmonary Oncology Research Team), Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue Suite 5D, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Medrano RFV, Hunger A, Mendonça SA, Barbuto JAM, Strauss BE. Immunomodulatory and antitumor effects of type I interferons and their application in cancer therapy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:71249-71284. [PMID: 29050360 PMCID: PMC5642635 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, the pleiotropic antitumor functions exerted by type I interferons (IFNs) have become universally acknowledged, especially their role in mediating interactions between the tumor and the immune system. Indeed, type I IFNs are now appreciated as a critical component of dendritic cell (DC) driven T cell responses to cancer. Here we focus on IFN-α and IFN-β, and their antitumor effects, impact on immune responses and their use as therapeutic agents. IFN-α/β share many properties, including activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and induction of a variety of cellular phenotypes. For example, type I IFNs drive not only the high maturation status of DCs, but also have a direct impact in cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cell activation, induction of tumor cell death and inhibition of angiogenesis. A variety of stimuli, including some standard cancer treatments, promote the expression of endogenous IFN-α/β, which then participates as a fundamental component of immunogenic cell death. Systemic treatment with recombinant protein has been used for the treatment of melanoma. The induction of endogenous IFN-α/β has been tested, including stimulation through pattern recognition receptors. Gene therapies involving IFN-α/β have also been described. Thus, harnessing type I IFNs as an effective tool for cancer therapy continues to be studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruan F V Medrano
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo/LIM 24, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Hunger
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo/LIM 24, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samir Andrade Mendonça
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo/LIM 24, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre M Barbuto
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Cell and Molecular Therapy Center, NUCEL-NETCEM, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bryan E Strauss
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo/LIM 24, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cerullo V, Koski A, Vähä-Koskela M, Hemminki A. Chapter eight--Oncolytic adenoviruses for cancer immunotherapy: data from mice, hamsters, and humans. Adv Cancer Res 2013; 115:265-318. [PMID: 23021247 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-398342-8.00008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adenovirus is one of the most commonly used vectors for gene therapy and two products have already been approved for treatment of cancer in China (Gendicine(R) and Oncorine(R)). An intriguing aspect of oncolytic adenoviruses is that by their very nature they potently stimulate multiple arms of the immune system. Thus, combined tumor killing via oncolysis and inherent immunostimulatory properties in fact make these viruses in situ tumor vaccines. When further engineered to express cytokines, chemokines, tumor-associated antigens, or other immunomodulatory elements, they have been shown in various preclinical models to induce antigen-specific effector and memory responses, resulting both in full therapeutic cures and even induction of life-long tumor immunity. Here, we review the state of the art of oncolytic adenovirus, in the context of their capability to stimulate innate and adaptive arms of the immune system and finally how we can modify these viruses to direct the immune response toward cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cerullo
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Division of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vonderheide RH, Bayne LJ. Inflammatory networks and immune surveillance of pancreatic carcinoma. Curr Opin Immunol 2013; 25:200-5. [PMID: 23422836 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated inflammation plays an important role in restraining anti-tumor immunity, particularly in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) for which a massive infiltration of immunosuppressive leukocytes into the tumor stroma is an early and consistent event in oncogenesis. Intratumoral effector T cells are rare. This pathophysiology is in contrast to many other solid tumors for which infiltration of effector T cells is often prominent, associated with improved clinical outcomes, and mechanistically contributes to tumor immunoediting that ultimately can mediate immune escape. In PDA, increasing evidence suggests that the ras oncogene drives an inflammatory program that establishes immune privilege in the tumor microenvironment. Indeed, PDA cells might remain intrinsically sensitive to T cell killing because they have never been exposed to T cell selective pressure in vivo. In support of this hypothesis, recent studies demonstrate that derailing immune suppressive pathways in the PDA microenvironment, such as tumor derived GM-CSF, facilitates T-cell mediated tumor rejection. These findings carry major implications for the development of novel, combination immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Vonderheide
- 8-121 Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang LCS, Lynn RC, Cheng G, Alexander E, Kapoor V, Moon EK, Sun J, Fridlender ZG, Isaacs SN, Thorne SH, Albelda SM. Treating tumors with a vaccinia virus expressing IFNβ illustrates the complex relationships between oncolytic ability and immunogenicity. Mol Ther 2012; 20:736-48. [PMID: 22008913 PMCID: PMC3321606 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since previous work using a nonreplicating adenovirus-expressing mouse interferon-β (Ad.mIFNβ) showed promising preclinical activity, we postulated that a vector-expressing IFNβ at high levels that could also replicate would be even more beneficial. Accordingly a replication competent, recombinant vaccinia viral vector-expressing mIFNβ (VV.mIFNβ) was tested. VV.mIFNβ-induced antitumor responses in two syngeneic mouse flank models of lung cancer. Although VV.mIFNβ had equivalent in vivo efficacy in both murine tumor models, the mechanisms of tumor killing were completely different. In LKRM2 tumors, viral replication was minimal and the tumor killing mechanism was due to activation of immune responses through induction of a local inflammatory response and production of antitumor CD8 T-cells. In contrast, in TC-1 tumors, the vector replicated well, induced an innate immune response, but antitumor activity was primarily due to a direct oncolytic effect. However, the VV.mIFNβ vector was able to augment the efficacy of an antitumor vaccine in the TC-1 tumor model in association with increased numbers of infiltrating CD8 T-cells. These data show the complex relationships between oncolytic viruses and the immune system which, if understood and harnessed correctly, could potentially be used to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Chuan S Wang
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rachel C Lynn
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guanjun Cheng
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward Alexander
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Veena Kapoor
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edmund K Moon
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jing Sun
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zvi G Fridlender
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stuart N Isaacs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephen H Thorne
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Division of Pulmonary, Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Both advanced-stage lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma are associated with a poor prognosis. Advances in treatment regimens for both diseases have had only a modest effect on their progressive course. Gene therapy for thoracic malignancies represents a novel therapeutic approach and has been evaluated in several clinical trials. Strategies have included induction of apoptosis, tumor suppressor gene replacement, suicide gene expression, cytokine-based therapy, various vaccination approaches, and adoptive transfer of modified immune cells. This review considers the clinical results, limitations, and future directions of gene therapy trials for thoracic malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Vachani
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Mesothelioma represents an especially good target for gene therapy since few effective therapies exist, the disease remained relatively localized until late in its course, the tumor can be accessed relatively easily through the chest wall, and the thin layer of mesothelial cells offers a large surface area for efficient, rapid, and diffuse gene transfer. Gene therapy trials in mesothelioma have shown safety, and some limited evidence of efficacy. We present a review of clinical trials that have been performed in mesothelioma and describe several new approaches currently being pursued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Vachani
- Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, 1016E Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sterman DH, Haas A, Moon E, Recio A, Schwed D, Vachani A, Katz SI, Gillespie CT, Cheng G, Sun J, Papasavvas E, Montaner LJ, Heitjan DF, Litzky L, Friedberg J, Culligan M, June CH, Carroll RG, Albelda SM. A trial of intrapleural adenoviral-mediated Interferon-α2b gene transfer for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 184:1395-9. [PMID: 21642245 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201103-0554cr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapeutic strategies are needed for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We conducted a single-center, open-label, nonrandomized, pilot and feasibility trial using two intrapleural doses of an adenoviral vector encoding human IFN-α (Ad.IFN-α2b). Nine subjects were enrolled at two dose levels. The first three subjects had very high pleural and systemic IFN-α concentrations resulting in severe "flu-like" symptoms necessitating dose de-escalation. The next six patients had reduced (but still significant) pleural and serum IFN-α levels, but with tolerable symptoms. Repeated vector administration appeared to prolong IFN-α expression levels. Anti-tumor humoral immune responses against mesothelioma cell lines were seen in seven of the eight subjects evaluated. No clinical responses were seen in the four subjects with advanced disease. However, evidence of disease stability or tumor regression was seen in the remaining five patients, including one dramatic example of partial tumor regression at sites not in contiguity with vector infusion. These data show that Ad.IFN-α2b has potential therapeutic benefit in MPM and that it generates anti-tumor immune responses that may induce anatomic and/or metabolic reductions in distant tumor. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01212367).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Sterman
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, 19104-4283, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Saloura V, Wang LCS, Fridlender ZG, Sun J, Cheng G, Kapoor V, Sterman DH, Harty RN, Okumura A, Barber GN, Vile RG, Federspiel MJ, Russell SJ, Litzky L, Albelda SM. Evaluation of an attenuated vesicular stomatitis virus vector expressing interferon-beta for use in malignant pleural mesothelioma: heterogeneity in interferon responsiveness defines potential efficacy. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 21:51-64. [PMID: 19715403 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has shown promise as an oncolytic agent, although unmodified VSV can be neurotoxic. To avoid toxicity, a vector was created by introducing the interferon-beta (IFN-beta) gene (VSV.IFN-beta). We conducted this study to determine the ability of VSV.IFN-beta to lyse human cancer (mesothelioma) cells and to evaluate the potential of this recombinant virus for clinical translation. Four normal human mesothelial and 12 mesothelioma cell lines were tested for their susceptibility to VSV vectors in vitro. VSV.hIFN-beta did not cause cytotoxicity in any normal lines. Only 4 of 12 lines were effectively lysed by VSV.hIFN-beta. In the eight resistant lines, pretreatment with IFN-beta prevented lysis of cells by VSV.GFP, and VSV infection or addition of IFN-beta protein resulted in the upregulation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), myxovirus resistance A (MxA), and 2',5'-oligo-adenylate-synthetase (2'5'-OAS) mRNA. In the susceptible lines, there was no protection by pretreatment with IFN-beta protein and no IFN- or VSV-induced changes in PKR, MxA, and 2'5'-OAS mRNA. This complete lack of IFN responsiveness could be explained by marked downregulation of interferon alpha receptors (IFNARs), p48, and PKR in both the mesothelioma cell lines and primary tumor biopsies screened. Presence of p48 in three tumor samples predicted responsiveness to IFN. Our data indicate that many mesothelioma tumors have partially intact IFN pathways that may affect the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy. However, it may be feasible to prescreen individual susceptibility to VSV.IFN-beta by immunostaining for the presence of p48 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki Saloura
- Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center , Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vachani A, Moon E, Wakeam E, Albelda SM. Gene therapy for mesothelioma and lung cancer. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2010; 42:385-93. [PMID: 20160042 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2010-0026rt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Both malignant pleural mesothelioma and advanced stage lung cancer are associated with a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, current treatment regimens have had only a modest effect on their progressive course. Gene therapy for thoracic malignancies represents a novel therapeutic approach and has been evaluated in a number of clinical trials over the last two decades. Using viral vectors or anti-sense RNA, strategies have included induction of apoptosis, tumor suppressor gene replacement, suicide gene expression, cytokine-based therapy, various vaccination approaches, and adoptive transfer of modified immune cells. This review will consider the clinical results, limitations, and future directions of gene therapy trials for thoracic malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Vachani
- University of Pennsylvania, 1016B Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
A phase I trial of repeated intrapleural adenoviral-mediated interferon-beta gene transfer for mesothelioma and metastatic pleural effusions. Mol Ther 2010; 18:852-60. [PMID: 20068553 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that a single intrapleural dose of an adenoviral vector expressing interferon-beta (Ad.IFN-beta) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) or malignant pleural effusions (MPE) resulted in gene transfer, humoral antitumor immune responses, and anecdotal clinical responses manifested by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) disease stability in 3 of 10 patients at 2 months and an additional patient with significant metabolic response on positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This phase I trial was conducted to determine whether using two doses of Ad.IFN-beta vector would be superior. Ten patients with MPM and seven with MPE received two doses of Ad.IFN-beta through an indwelling pleural catheter. Repeated doses were generally well tolerated. High levels of IFN-beta were detected in pleural fluid after the first dose; however, only minimal levels were seen after the second dose of vector. Lack of expression correlated with the rapid induction of neutralizing Ad antibodies (Nabs). Antibody responses against tumor antigens were induced in most patients. At 2 months, modified RECIST responses were as follows: one partial response, two stable disease, nine progressive disease, and two nonmeasurable disease. One patient died after 1 month. By PET scanning, 2 patients had mixed responses and 11 had stable disease. There were seven patients with survival times longer than 18 months. This approach was safe, induced immune responses and disease stability. However, rapid development of Nabs prevented effective gene transfer after the second dose, even with a dose interval as short as 7 days.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kandalaft LE, Singh N, Liao JB, Facciabene A, Berek JS, Powell DJ, Coukos G. The emergence of immunomodulation: combinatorial immunochemotherapy opportunities for the next decade. Gynecol Oncol 2009; 116:222-33. [PMID: 19959212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade we have witnessed important advances in the treatment of gynecological cancers and have recognized their potential immunogenicity. This has opened the door to explore immune therapy not only in HPV-induced cancers but also in ovarian and endometrial cancers. Here we will review the off-target immune effects of select chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat gynecologic cancers and novel tools that can stimulate both the adaptive and innate immune mechanisms such as novel pleiotropic cytokines, Toll-like receptors, and powerful antibodies that can target inhibitory checkpoints, thereby activating effector cellular immune mechanisms and neutralizing suppressor cells. We will also review how existing drugs can be used for combinatorial tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lana E Kandalaft
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chu CS, Kim SH, June CH, Coukos G. Immunotherapy opportunities in ovarian cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2008; 8:243-57. [PMID: 18279065 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.8.2.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is responsible for the majority of gynecologic cancer deaths and despite the highest standard of multimodality therapy with surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy, long-term survival remains low. With compelling evidence that epithelial ovarian cancer is an immunogenic tumor capable of stimulating an antitumor immune response, renewed efforts to develop immune therapies to augment the efficacy of traditional therapies are underway. Current immunotherapies focus on varied modes of antitumor vaccine development, particularly with the use of dendritic cell vaccines, effective methods for adoptive T-cell transfer and combinatorial approaches with immune modulatory therapy subverting natural tolerance mechanisms or boosting effector mechanisms. Additional combinatorial approaches include the use of cytokines and/or chemotherapy with immune therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Chu
- University of Pennsylvania, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Center for Research on Ovarian Cancer, PA, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chiocca EA, Smith KM, McKinney B, Palmer CA, Rosenfeld S, Lillehei K, Hamilton A, DeMasters BK, Judy K, Kirn D. A phase I trial of Ad.hIFN-beta gene therapy for glioma. Mol Ther 2008; 16:618-626. [PMID: 18180770 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2007] [Accepted: 10/24/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) is a pleiotropic cytokine with antitumoral activity. In an effort to improve the therapeutic index of IFN-beta by providing local, sustained delivery of IFN-beta to gliomas, the safety and biological activity of a human IFN-beta (hIFN-beta)-expressing adenovirus vector (Ad.hIFN-beta) was evaluated in patients with malignant glioma by stereotactic injection, followed 4-8 days later by surgical removal of tumor with additional injections of Ad.hIFN-beta into the tumor bed. Eleven patients received Ad.hIFN-beta in cohorts of 2 x 10(10), 6 x 10(10), or 2 x 10(11) vector particles (vp). The most common adverse events were considered by the investigator as being unrelated to treatment. One patient, who was enrolled in the cohort with the highest dose levels, experienced dose-limiting, treatment-related Grade 4 confusion following the post-operative injection. Ad.hIFN-beta DNA was detected within the tumor, blood, and nasal swabs in a dose-dependent fashion and hIFN-beta protein was detectable within the tumor. At the highest doses tested, a reproducible increase in tumor cell apoptosis in post-treatment versus pre-treatment biopsies with associated tumor necrosis was observed. Direct Ad.hIFN-beta injection into the tumor and the surrounding normal brain areas after surgical removal was feasible and associated with apoptosis induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Antonio Chiocca
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dardinger Neuro-oncology Center, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1240, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sterman DH, Recio A, Carroll RG, Gillespie CT, Haas A, Vachani A, Kapoor V, Sun J, Hodinka R, Brown JL, Corbley MJ, Parr M, Ho M, Pastan I, Machuzak M, Benedict W, Zhang XQ, Lord EM, Litzky LA, Heitjan DF, June CH, Kaiser LR, Vonderheide RH, Albelda SM, Kanther M. A phase I clinical trial of single-dose intrapleural IFN-beta gene transfer for malignant pleural mesothelioma and metastatic pleural effusions: high rate of antitumor immune responses. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:4456-66. [PMID: 17671130 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This phase 1 dose escalation study evaluated the safety and feasibility of single-dose intrapleural IFN-beta gene transfer using an adenoviral vector (Ad.IFN-beta) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and metastatic pleural effusions (MPE). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Ad.IFN-beta was administered through an indwelling pleural catheter in doses ranging from 9 x 10(11) to 3 x 10(12) viral particles (vp) in two cohorts of patients with MPM (7 patients) and MPE (3 patients). Subjects were evaluated for (a) toxicity, (b) gene transfer, (c) humoral, cellular, and cytokine-mediated immune responses, and (d) tumor responses via 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scans and chest computed tomography scans. RESULTS Intrapleural Ad.IFN-beta was generally well tolerated with transient lymphopenia as the most common side effect. The maximally tolerated dose achieved was 9 x 10(11) vp secondary to idiosyncratic dose-limiting toxicities (hypoxia and liver function abnormalities) in two patients treated at 3 x 10(12) vp. The presence of the vector did not elicit a marked cellular infiltrate in the pleural space. Intrapleural levels of cytokines were highly variable at baseline and after response to gene transfer. Gene transfer was documented in 7 of the 10 patients by demonstration of IFN-beta message or protein. Antitumor immune responses were elicited in 7 of the 10 patients and included the detection of cytotoxic T cells (1 patient), activation of circulating natural killer cells (2 patients), and humoral responses to known (Simian virus 40 large T antigen and mesothelin) and unknown tumor antigens (7 patients). Four of 10 patients showed meaningful clinical responses defined as disease stability and/or regression on 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans at day 60 after vector infusion. CONCLUSIONS Intrapleural instillation of Ad.IFN-beta is a potentially useful approach for the generation of antitumor immune responses in MPM and MPE patients and should be investigated further for overall clinical efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Sterman
- Thoracic Oncology Gene Therapy Program and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Gene therapy represents a potentially useful approach for the treatment of diseases refractory to conventional therapies. Various preclinical and clinical strategies have been explored for treatment of gynaecological diseases. Given the most severe unmet clinical need, much of the work has been performed with gynaecological cancers and ovarian cancer in particular. Although the safety of many treatment strategies has been demonstrated in early phase clinical trials, efficacy has been mostly limited heretofore. Major challenges include improving the vectors used with the aim of more effective and selective delivery. In addition, effective penetration into and spreading within advanced and complex tumour masses and metastases remains challenging. This review focuses on existing and developmental gene transfer applications for gynaecological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kanerva
- University of Helsinki, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Transplantation Laboratory and Haartman Institute, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki), Biomedicum, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dunn IS, Haggerty TJ, Kono M, Durda PJ, Butera D, Macdonald DB, Benson EM, Rose LB, Kurnick JT. Enhancement of Human Melanoma Antigen Expression by IFN-β. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:2134-42. [PMID: 17675472 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.4.2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Although many immunotherapeutic investigations have focused on improving the effector limb of the antitumor response, few studies have addressed preventing the loss of tumor-associated Ag (TAA) expression, associated with immune escape by tumors. We found that TAA loss from human melanomas usually results from reversible gene down-regulation, rather than gene deletion or mutation. Previously, we showed that inhibitors of MAPK-signaling pathways up-regulate TAA expression in melanoma cell lines. We have now identified IFN-beta as an additional stimulus to TAA expression, including Melan-A/MART-1, gp100, and MAGE-A1. IFN-beta (but neither IFN-alpha nor IFN-gamma) augmented both protein and mRNA expression of melanocytic TAA in 15 melanoma lines (irrespective of initial Ag-expression levels). Treatment of low Ag melanoma lines with IFN-beta increased expression of melanocyte-lineage Ags, inducing susceptibility to lysis by specific CTLs. Treatment with IFN-beta also enhances expression of class I HLA molecules, thereby inducing both nominal TAA and the presenting HLA molecule. Data from fluorescent cellular reporter systems demonstrated that IFN-beta triggers promoter activation, resulting in augmentation of Ag expression. In addition to enhancing TAA expression in melanomas, IFN-beta also stimulated expression of the melanocytic Ag gp100 in cells of other neural crest-derived tumor lines (gliomas) and certain unrelated tumors. Because IFN-beta is already approved for human clinical use in other contexts, it may prove useful as a cotreatment for augmenting tumor Ag expression during immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
21
|
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Vachani
- Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|