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Hewavisenti RV, Arena J, Ahlenstiel CL, Sasson SC. Human papillomavirus in the setting of immunodeficiency: Pathogenesis and the emergence of next-generation therapies to reduce the high associated cancer risk. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112513. [PMID: 36960048 PMCID: PMC10027931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus infecting mucosal or cutaneous stratified epithelia, is implicated in the rising of associated cancers worldwide. While HPV infection can be cleared by an adequate immune response, immunocompromised individuals can develop persistent, treatment-refractory, and progressive disease. Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) associated with HPV-related disease include inborn errors of GATA, EVER1/2, and CXCR4 mutations, resulting in defective cellular function. People living with secondary immunodeficiency (e.g. solid-organ transplants recipients of immunosuppression) and acquired immunodeficiency (e.g. concurrent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection) are also at significant risk of HPV-related disease. Immunocompromised people are highly susceptible to the development of cutaneous and mucosal warts, and cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal carcinomas. The specific mechanisms underlying high-risk HPV-driven cancer development in immunocompromised hosts are not well understood. Current treatments for HPV-related cancers include surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, with clinical trials underway to investigate the use of anti-PD-1 therapy. In the setting of HIV co-infection, persistent high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia can occur despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy, resulting in an ongoing risk for transformation to overt malignancy. Although therapeutic vaccines against HPV are under development, the efficacy of these in the setting of PID, secondary- or acquired- immunodeficiencies remains unclear. RNA-based therapeutic targeting of the HPV genome or mRNA transcript has become a promising next-generation therapeutic avenue. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of HPV pathogenesis, immune evasion, and malignant transformation, with a focus on key PIDs, secondary immunodeficiencies, and HIV infection. Current management and vaccine regimes are outlined in relation to HPV-driven cancer, and specifically, the need for more effective therapeutic strategies for immunocompromised hosts. The recent advances in RNA-based gene targeting including CRISPR and short interfering RNA (siRNA), and the potential application to HPV infection are of great interest. An increased understanding of both the dysregulated immune responses in immunocompromised hosts and of viral persistence is essential for the design of next-generation therapies to eliminate HPV persistence and cancer development in the most at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana V. Hewavisenti
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua Arena
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chantelle L. Ahlenstiel
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah C. Sasson
- Immunovirology and Pathogenesis Program, The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Sarah C. Sasson,
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2
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Zhang W, Shan H, Jiang K, Huang W, Li S. A novel intracellular nanobody against HPV16 E6 oncoprotein. Clin Immunol 2021; 225:108684. [PMID: 33549834 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer occurs as a result of the persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV16 oncoproteins E6 and E7 exert different and concerted pro-tumor actions in cell transformation and malignance maintenance in various m echanisms. Nanobody expressed as "intracellular antibodies" (intrabodies) can target intracellular antigens to hamper their function efficaciously and specifically. In this work, phage-display approach was employed to select the high affinity HPV16 E6-specific nanobody, nanobody Nb9 against HPV16 E6 was selected. Nb9 has high affinity (Kaff =6.3 × 108 M-) and can specifically bind endogenous HPV16 E6 protein in HPV16 positive CaSki and SiHa cells. In Nb9 overexpressed SiHa and CaSki cells, nucleus localization of HPV16 E6 was inhibited, p53 inactivation was prevented and increased apoptosis was observed. Moreover, tumor growth was inhibited in mouse xenograft model. Taken together, our results suggested that nanobody Nb9 could be a useful inhibitor for HPV16 E6 function and particularly appropriate for the treatment of HPV-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- The Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University Medical School, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haitao Shan
- The Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University Medical School, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kunpeng Jiang
- The Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University Medical School, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenbin Huang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Shufeng Li
- The Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University Medical School, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China.
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3
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González-Torres A, Bañuelos-Villegas EG, Martínez-Acuña N, Sulpice E, Gidrol X, Alvarez-Salas LM. MYPT1 is targeted by miR-145 inhibiting viability, migration and invasion in 2D and 3D HeLa cultures. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 507:348-354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Human Papillomavirus Vaccine. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2015; 101:231-322. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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5
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Manzo-Merino J, Thomas M, Fuentes-Gonzalez AM, Lizano M, Banks L. HPV E6 oncoprotein as a potential therapeutic target in HPV related cancers. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 17:1357-68. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.832204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Deoxyribozymes (DXZs) are catalytic oligodeoxynucleotides capable of performing diverse functions including the specific cleavage of a target RNA. These molecules represent a new type of therapeutic oligonucleotides combining the efficiency of ribozymes and the intracellular endurance and simplicity of modified antisense oligonucleotides. Commonly used DXZs include the 8-17 and 10-23 motifs, which have been engineered to destroy disease-associated genes with remarkable efficiency. Targeting DXZs to disease-associated transcripts requires extensive biochemical testing to establish target RNA accessibility, catalytic efficiency, and nuclease sensibility. The usage of modified nucleotides to render nuclease-resistance DXZs must be counterweighted against deleterious consequences on catalytic activity. Further intracellular testing is required to establish the effect of microenvironmental conditions on DXZ activity and off-target issues. Application of modified DXZs to cervical cancer results in specific growth inhibition, cell death, and apoptosis. Thus, DXZs represent a highly effective antisense moiety with minimal secondary effects.
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7
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Abstract
Although p53 is a major cancer preventive factor, under certain extreme stress conditions it may induce severe pathologies. Analyses of animal models indicate that p53 is largely responsible for the toxicity of ionizing radiation or DNA damaging drugs contributing to hematopoietic component of acute radiation syndrome and largely determining severe adverse effects of cancer treatment. p53-mediated damage is strictly tissue specific and occurs in tissues prone to p53-dependent apoptosis (e.g., hematopoietic system and hair follicles); on the contrary, p53 can serve as a survival factor in tissues that respond to p53 activation by cell cycle arrest (e.g., endothelium of small intestine). There are multiple experimental indications that p53 contributes to pathogenicity of acute ischemic diseases. Temporary reversible suppression of p53 by small molecules can be an effective and safe approach to reduce severity of p53-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei V Gudkov
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263, USA.
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8
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Reyes-Gutiérrez P, Alvarez-Salas LM. Cleavage of HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA Mediated by Modified 10–23 Deoxyribozymes. Oligonucleotides 2009; 19:233-42. [DOI: 10.1089/oli.2009.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Reyes-Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, CINVESTAV, México City, México
| | - Luis M. Alvarez-Salas
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, CINVESTAV, México City, México
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9
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Márquez-Gutiérrez MA, Benítez-Hess ML, DiPaolo JA, Alvarez-Salas LM. Effect of combined antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against the human papillomavirus type 16 on cervical carcinoma cells. Arch Med Res 2007; 38:730-8. [PMID: 17845891 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2007.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is highly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 gene expression. We have previously reported two antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) directed against adjacent targets within the HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA (419 and 434), each able to downregulate HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA in vitro and in vivo and to specifically inhibit tumor cell growth in culture and animal models. METHODS Towards potential clinical application and improved in vivo performance, we analyzed the effect of the combined treatment of 419-434 AS-ODNs on the anchorage independent growth (AIG) of HPV-16-positive cervical carcinoma cell lines. RESULTS We found similar responses between combined 419-434 and individual AS-ODNs treatments in RNaseH assays, cell uptake, and in vivo degradation of HPV-16 E6/E7 transcripts. Moreover, the combined use of 419-434 AS-ODNs resulted in additive AIG inhibition of CaSki and SiHa cells, similar to that obtained with equivalent doses of the individual AS-ODNs. CONCLUSIONS By using a combined treatment, it may be possible to overcome the potential mutations frequently reported within HPV-16 genome, thus improving the potential application of 419 and 434 AS-ODNs as a therapeutic alternative for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Márquez-Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, CINVESTAV, México DF, México
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Lagrange M, Boulade-Ladame C, Mailly L, Weiss E, Orfanoudakis G, Deryckere F. Intracellular scFvs against the viral E6 oncoprotein provoke apoptosis in human papillomavirus-positive cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 361:487-92. [PMID: 17658466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 07/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The E6 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 (16E6) is involved in the tumorigenesis of human cervical cells by targeting numerous cellular proteins. We have designed a strategy for neutralizing 16E6 based on the intracellular expression of single-chain Fv antibodies (scFvs) specific to 16E6. Recombinant adenovirus vectors were constructed to allow expression of two 16E6-binding scFvs and one 16E6-non-binding scFv in HPV16-positive and -negative cells. Expression of the scFvs provoked two types of effects: (i) inhibition of proliferation of all cell lines tested, this aspecific toxicity being likely due to the aggregation of unfolded scFvs; and (ii) apoptosis observed only in HPV16-positive cervical cancer cell lines after expression of 16E6-binding scFvs, this specific effect being proportional to the intracellular solubility of the scFvs. These data demonstrate the feasibility of intracellular immunization with anti-16E6 scFvs and highlight the importance of the solubility of the intracellular antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Lagrange
- UMR 7175-LC1, CNRS, Université Louis Pasteur (Strasbourg I), ESBS, Boulevard Sébastien Brant, BP 10413, 67412 Illkirch Cedex, France
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11
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Yamayoshi A, Kato K, Suga S, Ichinoe A, Arima T, Matsuda T, Kato H, Murakami A, Wake N. Specific apoptosis induction in human papillomavirus-positive cervical carcinoma cells by photodynamic antisense regulation. Oligonucleotides 2007; 17:66-79. [PMID: 17461764 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2006.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) is frequently detected in cervical cancer cells. The viral proteins E6 and E7 are expressed consistently and have oncogenic activities. The E7 protein binds to a tumor suppressor, the retinoblastoma gene product (pRB), however, leading to the stabilization of tumor suppressor, p53 protein. On the other hand, another viral product, E6, forms complexes with p53 and abrogates its function, resulting in tumor progression. These facts imply that the E6 oncogene is one of the ideal targets for directed gene therapy in HPV-positive cervical cancer. In this study, we tried photodynamic antisense regulation of the antiapoptotic E6 expression using a photocross-linking reagent, 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen, conjugated oligo(nucleoside phosphorothioate) (Ps-S-Oligo). This photodynamic antisense strategy effectively elicited the apoptotic death of HPV18-positive cervical cancer cells through the selective repression of E6 mRNA and consequent stabilization of p53 protein. E7-mediated signals potentially activated the p53 function and mobilized the p53 pathway to deliver pro-apoptotic signals to the cancer cells, leading to the suppression of in vivo tumorigenesis. An extremely low concentration of cisplatin in addition to Ps-S-Oligos further up-regulated p53 activity, provoking massive apoptotic induction. These results suggest that the photodynamic antisense strategy has the great therapeutic potential in HPV-positive cervical cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Yamayoshi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Division of Molecular and Cell Therapeutics, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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12
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Kari I, Syrjänen S, Johansson B, Peri P, He B, Roizman B, Hukkanen V. Antisense RNA directed to the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 mRNA from herpes simplex virus type 1 derived vectors is expressed in CaSki cells and downregulates E7 mRNA. Virol J 2007; 4:47. [PMID: 17547759 PMCID: PMC1892547 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-4-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2006] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is known to be the most important etiologic factor of cervical cancer. There is no HPV specific therapy available for treatment of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and its precursor lesions. The present study elucidates the potential to use herpes simplex virus (HSV) derived vectors for expression of antisense RNA to HPV -16 E7 oncogene. RESULTS We have constructed replication competent, nonneuroinvasive HSV-1 vectors, deleted of the gamma134.5 gene. The vectors express RNA antisense to the first 100 nucleotides of the HPV-16 E7 gene. We assayed the ability of the antisense E7 vectors R5225 (tk-) and R5226 (tk+), to produce antisense RNA, as well as the consequent effects on E7 mRNA and protein levels in HPV-16 positive CaSki cells. Anti-E7 RNA was expressed by both constructs in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of HPV-16 E7 mRNA was downregulated effectively in CaSki cells infected with the tk- recombinant R5225 or with R5226. The tk+ recombinant R5226 was effective in downregulating E7 protein expression. CONCLUSION We have shown that anti-E7 RNA expressed from an HSV vector could efficiently downregulate HPV-16 E7 mRNA and E7 protein expression in CaSki cells. We conclude that HSV vectors may become a useful tool for gene therapy of HPV infections.
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MESH Headings
- Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Down-Regulation
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Herpesvirus 1, Human/genetics
- Human papillomavirus 16/genetics
- Humans
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/biosynthesis
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/genetics
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins
- RNA, Antisense/biosynthesis
- RNA, Antisense/genetics
- RNA, Antisense/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Viral/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Viral/biosynthesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkka Kari
- Department of Virology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- MediCity Research Laboratory, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Stina Syrjänen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bo Johansson
- MediCity Research Laboratory, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Virology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Piritta Peri
- Department of Virology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bin He
- The Marjorie B. Kovler Viral Oncology Laboratories, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bernard Roizman
- The Marjorie B. Kovler Viral Oncology Laboratories, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Veijo Hukkanen
- Department of Virology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- MediCity Research Laboratory, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Microbiology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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13
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Doorbar J, Griffin H. Intrabody strategies for the treatment of human papillomavirus-associated disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2007; 7:677-89. [PMID: 17477805 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.7.5.677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with a variety of epithelial lesions, including benign genital warts and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Both cause significant morbidity in the general population, with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progressing to cervical cancer in a subset of women who cannot resolve their infection. At present, there are no antiviral agents for the treatment of genital HPV infections, with many lesions requiring surgical intervention. Although other approaches are available for the treatment of genital warts, HPV infection cannot usually be cured and lesion recurrence is often a problem. A growing understanding of the molecular biology of HPV infection has identified several viral protein functions that may serve as drug targets. Among these are the HPV E1 and E2 proteins, which are necessary for viral genome replication and partitioning, and the E6 and E7 proteins, which are necessary for cell proliferation and apoptotic inhibition. With the exception of E1, these proteins lack enzymatic activity and achieve their effects by interacting with cellular proteins. Protein-protein interactions are in general quite difficult to inhibit using conventional small molecule drugs, but are amenable to inhibition using intracellular antibodies or intrabodies, which bind the viral proteins and sterically inhibit their association with cellular partners. The lack of homology between viral and cellular proteins, and the fact that HPV infections can be treated topically, makes them particularly well suited to the intrabody approach. This review covers the various strategies that are being considered for the treatment of HPV infections and the different intrabody formats that have been used to inhibit HPV function in model systems. The clinical utility of the approach is considered alongside the general difficulties of using protein molecules as intracellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Doorbar
- National Institute for Medical Research, Division of Virology, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK.
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14
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Koivusalo R, Mialon A, Pitkänen H, Westermarck J, Hietanen S. Activation of p53 in cervical cancer cells by human papillomavirus E6 RNA interference is transient, but can be sustained by inhibiting endogenous nuclear export-dependent p53 antagonists. Cancer Res 2007; 66:11817-24. [PMID: 17178878 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-2185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
p53 is degraded in cervical cancer cells by the human papillomavirus E6 and can be stabilized with short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules targeting E6 mRNA. In this in vitro study, we show that E6 siRNA-induced p53 activation is transient in HeLa cervical cancer cells despite continuous suppression of E6 mRNA; activation can be sustained if the endogenous p53 antagonists COP1, MDM2, Pirh2, and c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase are also targeted by siRNAs or by inhibiting the nuclear export of p53 with leptomycin B. The direct targeting of any one of these four cellular p53 antagonists had no effect on p53 activity when E6 was intact, but inhibited the fading off of E6 siRNA-induced p53 activation in nonstress conditions. The effect was additive when multiple cellular antagonists were concomitantly inhibited, indicating that all these proteins degrade p53 when E6 is inactivated. The antiproliferative effect induced by E6 silencing was enhanced when the endogenous p53 antagonists were additionally targeted. In conclusion, if human papillomavirus E6 is inhibited under nonstress conditions, the subsequent p53 activation is quickly reversed by the endogenous p53 degenerative machinery. The present results indicate that several cellular p53 antagonists must be inhibited for sustained p53 activity if E6 siRNA therapy is attempted and if no combined genotoxic therapy is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riku Koivusalo
- The Joint Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory of University of Turku, Turku University Central Hospital and Wallac Oy, Turku, Finland
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15
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Villanueva R, Morales-Peza N, Castelán-Sánchez I, García-Villa E, Tapia R, Cid-Arregui Á, García-Carrancá A, López-Bayghen E, Gariglio P. Heparin (GAG-hed) inhibits LCR activity of human papillomavirus type 18 by decreasing AP1 binding. BMC Cancer 2006; 6:218. [PMID: 16945153 PMCID: PMC1574339 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-6-218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2006] [Accepted: 08/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High risk HPVs are causative agents of anogenital cancers. Viral E6 and E7 genes are continuously expressed and are largely responsible for the oncogenic activity of these viruses. Transcription of the E6 and E7 genes is controlled by the viral Long Control Region (LCR), plus several cellular transcription factors including AP1 and the viral protein E2. Within the LCR, the binding and activity of the transcription factor AP1 represents a key regulatory event in maintaining E6/E7 gene expression and uncontrolled cell proliferation. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparin, can inhibit tumour growth; they have also shown antiviral effects and inhibition of AP1 transcriptional activity. The purpose of this study was to test the heparinoid GAG-hed, as a possible antiviral and antitumoral agent in an HPV18 positive HeLa cell line. METHODS Using in vivo and in vitro approaches we tested GAG-hed effects on HeLa tumour cell growth, cell proliferation and on the expression of HPV18 E6/E7 oncogenes. GAG-hed effects on AP1 binding to HPV18-LCR-DNA were tested by EMSA. RESULTS We were able to record the antitumoral effect of GAG-hed in vivo by using as a model tumours induced by injection of HeLa cells into athymic female mice. The antiviral effect of GAG-hed resulted in the inhibition of LCR activity and, consequently, the inhibition of E6 and E7 transcription. A specific diminishing of cell proliferation rates was observed in HeLa but not in HPV-free colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Treated HeLa cells did not undergo apoptosis but the percentage of cells in G2/M phase of the cell cycle was increased. We also detected that GAG-hed prevents the binding of the transcription factor AP1 to the LCR. CONCLUSION Direct interaction of GAG-hed with the components of the AP1 complex and subsequent interference with its ability to correctly bind specific sites within the viral LCR may contribute to the inhibition of E6/E7 transcription and cell proliferation. Our data suggest that GAG-hed could have antitumoral and antiviral activity mainly by inhibiting AP1 binding to the HPV18-LCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Villanueva
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Apartado Postal 14-740, México D.F. 07000, México
| | - Néstor Morales-Peza
- Unidad de Investigación Biomedica en Cáncer, UNAM- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, México D.F. 14000, México
| | - Irma Castelán-Sánchez
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Apartado Postal 14-740, México D.F. 07000, México
| | - Enrique García-Villa
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Apartado Postal 14-740, México D.F. 07000, México
| | - Rocio Tapia
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Apartado Postal 14-740, México D.F. 07000, México
| | - Ángel Cid-Arregui
- Tumor Gene Therapy German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 69120-Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alejandro García-Carrancá
- Unidad de Investigación Biomedica en Cáncer, UNAM- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, México D.F. 14000, México
| | - Esther López-Bayghen
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Apartado Postal 14-740, México D.F. 07000, México
| | - Patricio Gariglio
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Apartado Postal 14-740, México D.F. 07000, México
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16
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Guapillo MR, Márquez MA, Benítez-Hess ML, Alvarez-Salas LM. A bacterial reporter system for the evaluation of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16). Arch Med Res 2006; 37:584-92. [PMID: 16740427 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2005] [Accepted: 11/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) are a promising alternative for the cure of many diseases because of their in vivo specificity and stability. However, AS-ODNs have a strong dependence on the target mRNA structure making necessary extensive in vivo testing. There is, therefore, a need to develop assays to rapidly evaluate in vivo ODN performance. METHODS We report a simple and inexpensive bacterial reporter system for the rapid in vivo evaluation of AS-ODNs directed against human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) based on the destruction of a chimeric CFP mRNA using the reported HPV-16 nt 410-445 target. RESULTS In vitro RNaseH assays confirmed target RNA accessibility after AS-ODN treatment. Expression of CFP in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) with pGST-TSd2-CFP plasmid containing HPV-16 nt 410-445 target linked to CFP was blocked by transformed antisense PS-ODNs but not by two different scrambled ODN controls. CONCLUSIONS A correlation was observed between bacterial CFP downregulation with the HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA downregulation and the inhibition of anchorage-independent growth of HPV-16 containing cells suggesting that inhibition of HPV-16 E6/E7 expression by AS-ODNs directed against 410-445 target in cervical tumor cells can be tested in bacterial models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario R Guapillo
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génetica, Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, México, D.F., México
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17
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Wei Q. Pitx2a binds to human papillomavirus type 18 E6 protein and inhibits E6-mediated P53 degradation in HeLa cells. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:37790-7. [PMID: 16129685 PMCID: PMC1479768 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m502974200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein to E6-associated protein (E6AP), a cellular ubiquitin-protein ligase, enables E6AP to ubiquitinate p53, leading to p53 degradation in cervical cancer cells such as HeLa cells. Here we report that Pitx2a, a bicoid-type homeodomain transcription factor, can bind to HPV E6 protein and inhibit E6/E6AP-mediated p53 degradation. Deletion of the Pitx2a homeodomain abrogates its ability to bind to HPV E6 protein and to induce p53 accumulation in HeLa cells, suggesting that the homeodomain of Pitx2a is essential for inhibition of E6/E6AP-mediated p53 degradation. Recombinant Pitx2a can also block E6/E6AP-mediated p53 degradation in vitro, indicating that this function of Pitx2a is independent of its transcription activity. Pitx2a does not regulate Hdm2-mediated p53 degradation, because Pitx2a does not affect p53 protein levels in HPV-negative cells, such as HCT116, U2OS, and C33A cells. In addition, Pitx2a-induced p53 is transcriptionally active and maintains its specific DNA binding activity in HeLa cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that, by binding to E6, Pitx2a interferes with E6/E6AP-mediated p53 degradation, leading to the accumulation of functional p53 protein in HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qize Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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18
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DiPaolo JA, Alvarez-Salas LM. Advances in the development of therapeutic nucleic acids against cervical cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2005; 4:1251-64. [PMID: 15268660 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.4.8.1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second most common neoplastic disease affecting women worldwide. Basic, clinical and epidemiological analyses indicate that expression of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) E6/E7 genes is the primary cause of cervical cancer and represent ideal targets for the application of therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs). Antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (AS-ODNs) and ribozymes (RZs) are the most effective TNAs able to inhibit in vivo tumour growth by eliminating HPV-16 and HPV-18 E6/E7 transcripts. Expression of multiple RZs directed against alternative target sites by triplex expression systems may result in the abrogation of highly variable HPVs. More recently, RNA interference (RNAi) gene knockdown phenomenon, induced by small interfering RNA (siRNA), has demonstrated its potential value as an effective TNA for cervical cancer. siRNA and aptamers as TNAs will have a place in the armament for cervical cancer. TNAs against cervical cancer is in a dynamic state, and clinical trials will define the TNAs in preventive and therapeutic roles to control tumour growth, debulk tumour mass, prevent metastasis and facilitate immune interaction.
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MESH Headings
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
- Gene Targeting
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Nucleic Acids/administration & dosage
- Nucleic Acids/genetics
- Nucleic Acids/therapeutic use
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/antagonists & inhibitors
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/physiology
- Papillomaviridae/genetics
- Papillomaviridae/pathogenicity
- Papillomavirus Infections/genetics
- Papillomavirus Infections/therapy
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Catalytic/administration & dosage
- RNA, Catalytic/genetics
- RNA, Catalytic/therapeutic use
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/genetics
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A DiPaolo
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
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19
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Gudkov AV, Komarova EA. Prospective therapeutic applications of p53 inhibitors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 331:726-36. [PMID: 15865929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.03.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
p53, in addition to being a key cancer preventive factor, is also a determinant of cancer treatment side effects causing excessive apoptotic death in several normal tissues during cancer therapy. p53 inhibitory strategy has been suggested to protect normal tissues from chemo- and radiotherapy, and to treat other pathologies associated with stress-mediated activation of p53. This strategy was validated by isolation and testing of small molecule p53 inhibitor pifithrin-alpha that demonstrated broad tissue protecting capacity. However, in some normal tissues and tumors p53 plays protective role by inducing growth arrest and preventing cells from premature entrance into mitosis and death from mitotic catastrophe. Inhibition of this function of p53 can sensitize tumor cells to chemo- and radiotherapy, thus opening new potential application of p53 inhibitors and justifying the need in pharmacological agents targeting specifically either pro-apoptotic or growth arrest functions of p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei V Gudkov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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20
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Abstract
Cyclodextrins (CyDs) have traditionally been used for dissolving hydrophobic chemicals into aqueous media, and more recently, for inducing cholesterol efflux from lipid-laden cells as a proposed mechanism for reversal of cardiovascular disease. This review discusses the potential of delivering therapeutic oligonucleotides to solid tumours using CyD molecules. The physicochemical properties of these oligosaccharide molecules, and the barriers posed by the solid tumour itself, factors that affect may affect the uptake of oligonucleotides by CyDs, are the major foci of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crispin R Dass
- Genetic Technologies Pty. Ltd., Hanover St 3065 Fitzroy Australia.
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21
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Clawson GA, Miranda GQ, Sivarajah A, Xin P, Pan W, Thiboutot D, Christensen ND. Inhibition of papilloma progression by antisense oligonucleotides targeted to HPV11 E6/E7 RNA. Gene Ther 2004; 11:1331-41. [PMID: 15229628 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are recognized as important human pathogens, causing a spectrum of hyperproliferative lesions from benign warts to cervical dysplasias/carcinomas. HPV-associated lesions require continued production of the oncogenic E6/E7 proteins, which are encoded by either bicistronic or overlapping mRNAs. Here we targeted the E6/E7 mRNA of HPV11, a type implicated in causation of genital warts, using molecular reagents. Accessible sites in the HPV11(E6/E7) RNA were identified using library selection protocols, and nucleic acids (DNAzymes, antisense oligonucleotides) targeted to these sites were constructed, and tested in cell culture and on human foreskin grafts. While DNAzymes were at least equally effective in cell culture, antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the region surrounding one of the library-selected sites (ASO(407)) proved most effective in blocking progression of HPV11-induced papillomas in human foreskin grafts on immunodeficient mice. In total, 11 papillomas were treated with ASO(407). Of these, four of seven small papillomas treated with ASO(407) showed loss of detectable virus by in situ hybridization (ISH), and in all four of these, papillomas were no longer evident grossly or histologically after treatment. When larger papillomas were treated, one of four showed loss of virus by ISH, associated with a minor decrease in papilloma size. Considering all 11 papillomas treated with ASO(407), loss of viral staining by ISH was significantly different from that observed in controls (P<0.016), as was true for the seven small treated papillomas (P<0.012). DNAzymes targeted to the same site (or other library selected sites) did not produce statistically significant differences in ISH staining (P<0.15). Our results with ASO(407) appear to represent the first specific molecular therapy against a bona fide HPV infection, and provide a rational proof-of-principle strategy for development of molecular therapeutics targeting other HPV-associated lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Clawson
- Gittlen Cancer Research Institute, Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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22
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Neuman BW, Stein DA, Kroeker AD, Paulino AD, Moulton HM, Iversen PL, Buchmeier MJ. Antisense morpholino-oligomers directed against the 5' end of the genome inhibit coronavirus proliferation and growth. J Virol 2004; 78:5891-9. [PMID: 15140987 PMCID: PMC415795 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.11.5891-5899.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugation of a peptide related to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat represents a novel method for delivery of antisense morpholino-oligomers. Conjugated and unconjugated oligomers were tested to determine sequence-specific antiviral efficacy against a member of the Coronaviridae, Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV). Specific antisense activity designed to block translation of the viral replicase polyprotein was first confirmed by reduction of luciferase expression from a target sequence-containing reporter construct in both cell-free and transfected cell culture assays. Peptide-conjugated morpholino-oligomers exhibited low toxicity in DBT astrocytoma cells used for culturing MHV. Oligomer administered at micromolar concentrations was delivered to >80% of cells and inhibited virus titers 10- to 100-fold in a sequence-specific and dose-responsive manner. In addition, targeted viral protein synthesis, plaque diameter, and cytopathic effect were significantly reduced. Inhibition of virus infectivity by peptide-conjugated morpholino was comparable to the antiviral activity of the aminoglycoside hygromycin B used at a concentration fivefold higher than the oligomer. These results suggest that this composition of antisense compound has therapeutic potential for control of coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W Neuman
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Neuropharmacology, Division of Virology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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23
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Alvarez-Salas LM, Benítez-Hess ML, DiPaolo JA. Advances in the Development of Ribozymes and Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides as Antiviral Agents for Human Papillomaviruses. Antivir Ther 2003. [DOI: 10.1177/135965350300800402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Urogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the most common viral sexually transmitted disease in women. On a worldwide basis cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer of women. Although HPV infection is not sufficient to induce cancer, the causal relation between high-risk HPV infection and cervical cancer is well established. Over 99% of cervical cancers are positive for high-risk HPV. Therefore, there is a need for newer approaches to treat HPV infection. Two novel approaches for inactivating gene expression involve ribozymes and oligonucleotides. Methods for identification of target genes involved in neoplastic transformation and tumour growth have been established, and these will lead to therapeutic approaches without any damage to normal cellular RNA molecules, which is often associated with conventional therapeutics. Ribozymes and oligonucleotides represent rational antiviral approaches for inhibiting the growth of cervical lesions and carcinomas by interfering with E6/E7 RNA production. The E6 and E7 genes of high-risk HPVs cooperate to immortalize primary epithelial cells and because they are found in cervical cancer are considered the hallmark of cervical cancer. The use and modification of ribozymes and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides can inhibit the growth of HPV-16 and HPV-18 immortalized cells, and tumour cells by eliminating E6/E7 transcript. Hammerhead and hairpin ribozymes have been widely studied because of their potential use for gene therapy and their place as therapeutic tools for cervical cancer is being evaluated. Although antiviral ribozymes and anti-sense molecules have been effective as in vitro or in vivo inhibitors of high-risk HPV-positive cells, none is currently in clinical trial. There are, however, a number of other antisense therapies in Phase I–III clinical trial for several oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph A DiPaolo
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., USA
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24
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Khleif SN. Human papillomavirus therapy for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2003; 4:111-9. [PMID: 12594937 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-003-0012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cervical carcinoma is associated with human papillomavirus infection. Proliferation of cancer cells depends on the continual expression of the E6 and E7 viral oncogenes. This article includes treatment strategies that can interfere with expression or function of the proteins and immunotherapeutic approaches that can eliminate cells that express E6 and E7 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir N Khleif
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Naval Medical Center, Building 8, Room 4137, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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25
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Dass CR, Saravolac EG, Li Y, Sun LQ. Cellular uptake, distribution, and stability of 10-23 deoxyribozymes. ANTISENSE & NUCLEIC ACID DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2002; 12:289-99. [PMID: 12477279 DOI: 10.1089/108729002761381276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The cellular uptake, intracellular distribution, and stability of 33-mer deoxyribozyme oligonucleotides (DNAzymes) were examined in several cell lines. PAGE analysis revealed that there was a weak association between the DNAzyme and DOTAP or Superfect transfection reagents at charge ratios that were minimally toxic to cultured cells. Cellular uptake was analyzed by cell fractionation of radiolabeled DNAzyme, by FACS, and by fluorescent microscopic analysis of FITC-labeled and TAMRA-labeled DNAzyme. Altering DNAzyme size and chemistry did not significantly affect uptake into cells. Inspection of paraformaldehyde-fixed cells by fluorescence microscopy revealed that DNAzyme was distributed primarily in punctate structures surrounding the nucleus and that substantial delivery to the nucleus was not observed up to 24 hours after initiation of transfection. Incubation in human serum or plasma demonstrated that a 3'-inversion modification greatly increased DNAzyme stability (t(1/2) approximately 22 hours) in comparison to the unmodified form (t(1/2) approximately 70 minute). The 3'-inversion-modified DNAzymes remained stable during cellular uptake, and catalytically active oligonucleotide could be extracted from the cells 24 hours posttransfection. In smooth muscle cell proliferation assay, the modified DNAzyme targeting the c-myc gene showed a much stronger inhibitory effect than did the unmodified version. The present study demonstrates that DNAzymes with a 3'-inversion are readily delivered into cultured cells and are functionally stable for several hours in serum and within cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crispin R Dass
- Johnson and Johnson Research Laboratories, Eveleigh, Australia
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26
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Abstract
The vasculature of a tumour provides the most effective route by which neoplastic cells may be reached and eradicated by drugs. The fact that a tumour's vasculature is relatively more permeable than healthy host tissue should enable selective delivery of drugs to tumour tissue. Such delivery is relevant to carrier-mediated delivery of genetic medicine to tumours. This review discusses the potential of delivering therapeutic oligonucleotides (ONs) to tumours using cationic liposomes and cyclodextrins (CyDs), and the major hindrances posed by the tumour itself on such delivery. Cationic liposomes are generally 100-200 nm in diameter, whereas CyDs typically span 1.5 nm across. Cationic liposomes have been used for the introduction of nucleic acids into mammalian cells for more than a decade. CyD molecules are routinely used as agents that engender cholesterol efflux from lipid-laden cells, thus having an efficacious potential in the management of atherosclerosis. A recent trend is to employ these oligosaccharide molecules for delivering nucleic acids in cells both in-vitro and in-vivo. Comparisons are made with other ON delivery agents, such as porphyrin derivatives (< 1 nm), branched chain dendrimers (approximately 10 nm), polyethylenimine polymers (approximately 10 nm), nanoparticles (20-1,000 nm) and microspheres (> 1 microm), in the context of delivery to solid tumours. A discourse on how the chemical and physical properties of these carriers may affect the uptake of ONs into cells, particularly in-vivo, forms a major basis of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crispin R Dass
- Johnson & Johnson Research, Strawberry Hills, Australia.
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27
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Stein DA, Skilling DE, Iversen PL, Smith AW. Inhibition of Vesivirus infections in mammalian tissue culture with antisense morpholino oligomers. ANTISENSE & NUCLEIC ACID DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2001; 11:317-25. [PMID: 11763348 DOI: 10.1089/108729001753231696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Caliciviruses infect and cause disease in animals and humans. They are nonenveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses with a genome of approximately 7.5 kb that encodes viral proteins in three open reading frames (ORF). Antisense oligomers targeting one of the three ORF of caliciviruses of the genus Vesivirus significantly inhibit viral replication in tissue culture. Porcine kidney and African green monkey kidney cells were infected with Vesivirus isolates SMSV-13 and PCV Pan-1. Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) with sequence complementary to the AUG translation start site regions of ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3 were evaluated for their effect on viral titer. Scrape-loading delivered PMO to 50%-70% of the cells of the two cell lines, as measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. A PMO targeting ORF3 caused a significant increase in viral titer. A PMO targeting ORF2, a scrambled PMO control sequence, and an unrelated PMO antisense sequence did not alter viral titer. Various PMO sequences antisense to an upstream region of ORF1 were effective in reducing viral titer up to 80% in a dose-dependent and sequence-specific manner. The extent of viral titer reduction was proportional to the delivery of PMO to cells. These observations demonstrate that antisense PMO can disrupt caliciviral gene function in a nucleic acid sequence-specific manner and are potentially effective antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Stein
- AVI BioPharma, Inc., Corvallis, OR 97333, USA.
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28
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Haensgen G, Krause U, Becker A, Stadler P, Lautenschlaeger C, Wohlrab W, Rath FW, Molls M, Dunst J. Tumor hypoxia, p53, and prognosis in cervical cancers. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2001; 50:865-72. [PMID: 11429213 DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(01)01523-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The p53 protein is involved in the regulation of initiation of apoptosis. In vitro, p53-deficient cells do not respond to hypoxia with apoptosis as do p53-normal cells, and this may lead to a relative growth advantage of cells without a functioning p53 under hypoxia. On the basis of this hypothesis, a selection of cells with a functionally inactive p53 may occur in hypoxic tumors. The development of uterine cervical carcinomas is closely associated with infections of human papilloma viruses, which may cause a degradation of the tumor suppressor gene p53, resulting in a restriction of apoptosis. Thus, cervical cancers have often a functionally inactive p53. The purpose of our clinical study was therefore to investigate the association between p53, hypoxia, and prognosis in cervical cancers in which the oxygenation status can be determined by clinical methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy patients with locally advanced squamous cell cervical cancer Stages IIB (n = 14), IIIB (n = 49), and IVA (n = 7) were investigated in the period from 1996 through 1999. All were treated with definitive radiotherapy with curative intent by a combination of external radiotherapy plus high-dose-rate afterloading. Before therapy, tumor oxygenation was measured with a needle probe polarographically using the Eppendorf histograph. Hypoxic tumors were defined as those with pO(2) measurements below 5 mm Hg (HF5). Pretreatment biopsies were taken and analyzed immunohistologically for p53 protein expression with the DO-7 antibody. The DNA index was measured by flow cytometry. The statistical data analysis was done with SPSS 9.0 for Windows. RESULTS The 3-year overall survival was 55% for the whole group of patients. Clinical prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis were pretreatment hemoglobin level (3-year survival 62% for patients with a pretreatment hemoglobin > or =11 g/dl vs. 27% for hemoglobin <11 g/dl, p = 0.006) and FIGO stage (Stage IIB: 65%; Stage IIIB: 60%; Stage IVA: 29%, p = 0.01). Sixty of the 70 tumors showed positive immunohistologic staining for p53 protein (transformed p53 = tp53), and 10/70 were negative (wild-type p53 = wtp53); p53 expression had no significant impact on survival (50% for tp53 vs. 79% for wtp53, p = 0.11). FIGO stage and anemia had no impact on p53 expression. Forty-nine of 70 tumors were hypoxic (HF5+), and 21 showed no hypoxia (HF5-). Hypoxic carcinomas were more frequently positive for p53 as compared to nonhypoxic tumors (27% vs. 13%, p = 0.011) and showed a trend toward a lower survival (48% vs. 70%, p = 0.07). In a further multivariate analysis, the impact of a combination of p53 expression and hypoxia on survival was examined. After adjusting for FIGO stage and pretreatment anemia, patients with wtp53 tumors had the best prognosis (3-year survival 79%) followed by tp53-HF5(-) patients (57%), and the most unfavorable prognosis was observed for tp53-HF5(+) patients (47%). The DNA index was higher in tp53 carcinomas compared to wtp53 tumors, 1.97 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.67 +/- 0.1, p = 0.05. The highest DNA index was found in hypoxic tumors with transformed p53 (2.2 +/- 3.1). CONCLUSIONS Advanced stage and pretreatment hemoglobin level are independent prognostic factors in cervical carcinomas. The immunohistologic detection of (a functionally inactive) p53 and the presence of hypoxia had no prognostic impact, if analyzed as single parameters. However, the combination of both parameters was able to discriminate different prognostic subgroups. Moreover, hypoxic cancers were more often immunohistologically positive for tp53 protein and had a higher DNA index with the highest DNA index in tumors with both hypoxia and tp53 protein expression. These findings in summary support the theory that the tumor's microenvironment may influence the biologic behavior via hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Haensgen
- Departments of Radiotherapy, Pathology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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