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Gujar S, Pol JG, Kumar V, Lizarralde-Guerrero M, Konda P, Kroemer G, Bell JC. Tutorial: design, production and testing of oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:2540-2570. [PMID: 38769145 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a novel class of cancer immunotherapy agents that preferentially infect and kill cancer cells and promote protective antitumor immunity. Furthermore, OVs can be used in combination with established or upcoming immunotherapeutic agents, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, to efficiently target a wide range of malignancies. The development of OV-based therapy involves three major steps before clinical evaluation: design, production and preclinical testing. OVs can be designed as natural or engineered strains and subsequently selected for their ability to kill a broad spectrum of cancer cells rather than normal, healthy cells. OV selection is further influenced by multiple factors, such as the availability of a specific viral platform, cancer cell permissivity, the need for genetic engineering to render the virus non-pathogenic and/or more effective and logistical considerations around the use of OVs within the laboratory or clinical setting. Selected OVs are then produced and tested for their anticancer potential by using syngeneic, xenograft or humanized preclinical models wherein immunocompromised and immunocompetent setups are used to elucidate their direct oncolytic ability as well as indirect immunotherapeutic potential in vivo. Finally, OVs demonstrating the desired anticancer potential progress toward translation in patients with cancer. This tutorial provides guidelines for the design, production and preclinical testing of OVs, emphasizing considerations specific to OV technology that determine their clinical utility as cancer immunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Gujar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jonathan G Pol
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Vishnupriyan Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Manuela Lizarralde-Guerrero
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Prathyusha Konda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guido Kroemer
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France.
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - John C Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Franks ML, An JH, Leavenworth JW. The Role of Natural Killer Cells in Oncolytic Virotherapy: Friends or Foes? Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:721. [PMID: 39066359 PMCID: PMC11281503 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) has emerged as a promising cancer immunotherapy, and is capable of potentiating other immunotherapies due to its capacity to increase tumor immunogenicity and to boost host antitumor immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical cellular component for mediating the antitumor response, but hold a mixed reputation for their role in mediating the therapeutic efficacy of OVT. This review will discuss the pros and cons of how NK cells impact OVT, and how to harness this knowledge for the development of effective strategies that could modulate NK cells to improve OVT-based therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Franks
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ju-Hyun An
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
| | - Jianmei W. Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
- The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Bernstock JD, Hoffman SE, Kappel AD, Valdes PA, Essayed WI, Klinger NV, Kang KD, Totsch SK, Olsen HE, Schlappi CW, Filipski K, Gessler FA, Baird L, Filbin MG, Hashizume R, Becher OJ, Friedman GK. Immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of diffuse midline gliomas. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2124058. [PMID: 36185807 PMCID: PMC9519005 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2124058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) are a highly aggressive and universally fatal subgroup of pediatric tumors responsible for the majority of childhood brain tumor deaths. Median overall survival is less than 12 months with a 90% mortality rate at 2 years from diagnosis. Research into the underlying tumor biology and numerous clinical trials have done little to change the invariably poor prognosis. Continued development of novel, efficacious therapeutic options for DMGs remains a critically important area of active investigation. Given that DMGs are not amenable to surgical resection, have only limited response to radiation, and are refractory to traditional chemotherapy, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative treatment modality. This review summarizes the various immunotherapy-based treatments for DMG as well as their specific limitations. We explore the use of cell-based therapies, oncolytic virotherapy or immunovirotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibition, and immunomodulatory vaccination strategies, and highlight the recent clinical success of anti-GD2 CAR-T therapy in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) patients. Finally, we address the challenges faced in translating preclinical and early phase clinical trial data into effective standardized treatment for DMG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA,CONTACT Joshua D. Bernstock Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Hale Building, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Samantha E. Hoffman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ari D. Kappel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pablo A. Valdes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walid Ibn Essayed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil V. Klinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyung-Don Kang
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stacie K. Totsch
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hannah E. Olsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles W. Schlappi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katharina Filipski
- Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), University Hospital, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany and German Cancer Research Center (DFKZ), Heidelberg, Germany,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt, Germany,University Cancer Center (UCT), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Florian A. Gessler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lissa Baird
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariella G. Filbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Oren J. Becher
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, the Mount Sinai Hospital, NY, NY, USA
| | - Gregory K. Friedman
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Gregory K. Friedman Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Avenue South, Lowder 512, Birmingham, AL35233, USA
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Qi Z, Long X, Liu J, Cheng P. Glioblastoma microenvironment and its reprogramming by oncolytic virotherapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:819363. [PMID: 36159398 PMCID: PMC9507431 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.819363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain tumor, responds poorly to current conventional therapies, including surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic chemotherapy. The reason is that the delicate location of the primary tumor and the existence of the blood-brain barrier limit the effectiveness of traditional local and systemic therapies. The immunosuppressive status and multiple carcinogenic pathways in the complex GBM microenvironment also pose challenges for immunotherapy and single-targeted therapy. With an improving understanding of the GBM microenvironment, it has become possible to consider the immunosuppressive and highly angiogenic GBM microenvironment as an excellent opportunity to improve the existing therapeutic efficacy. Oncolytic virus therapy can exert antitumor effects on various components of the GBM microenvironment. In this review, we have focused on the current status of oncolytic virus therapy for GBM and the related literature on antitumor mechanisms. Moreover, the limitations of oncolytic virus therapy as a monotherapy and future directions that may enhance the field have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbing Qi
- Department of State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangyu Long
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, West China Guang’an Hospital, Sichuan University, Guangan, China
| | - Jiyan Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Cheng Jiyan Liu
| | - Ping Cheng
- Department of State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Cheng Jiyan Liu
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Giotta Lucifero A, Luzzi S. Emerging immune-based technologies for high-grade gliomas. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:957-980. [PMID: 35924820 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2110072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The selection of a tailored and successful strategy for high-grade gliomas (HGGs) treatment is still a concern. The abundance of aberrant mutations within the heterogenic genetic landscape of glioblastoma strongly influences cell expansion, proliferation, and therapeutic resistance. Identification of immune evasion pathways opens the way to novel immune-based strategies. This review intends to explore the emerging immunotherapies for HGGs. The immunosuppressive mechanisms related to the tumor microenvironment and future perspectives to overcome glioma immunity barriers are also debated. AREAS COVERED An extensive literature review was performed on the PubMed/Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Only highly relevant articles in English and published in the last 20 years were selected. Data about immunotherapies coming from preclinical and clinical trials were summarized. EXPERT OPINION The overall level of evidence about the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies for HGGs is noteworthy. Monoclonal antibodies have been approved as second-line treatment, while peptide vaccines, viral gene strategies, and adoptive technologies proved to boost a vivid antitumor immunization. Malignant brain tumor-treating fields are ever-changing in the upcoming years. Constant refinements and development of new routes of drug administration will permit to design of novel immune-based treatment algorithms thus improving the overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Giotta Lucifero
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabino Luzzi
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Vorobyev PO, Babaeva FE, Panova AV, Shakiba J, Kravchenko SK, Soboleva AV, Lipatova AV. Oncolytic Viruses in the Therapy of Lymphoproliferative Diseases. Mol Biol 2022; 56:684-695. [PMID: 36217339 PMCID: PMC9534467 DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322050144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading causes of death. Despite significant success in the treatment of lymphatic system tumors, the problems of relapse, drug resistance and effectiveness of therapy remain relevant. Oncolytic viruses are able to replicate in tumor cells and destroy them without affecting normal, healthy tissues. By activating antitumor immunity, viruses are effective against malignant neoplasms of various nature. In lymphoproliferative diseases with a drug-resistant phenotype, many cases of remissions have been described after viral therapy. The current level of understanding of viral biology and the discovery of host cell interaction mechanisms made it possible to create unique strains with high oncoselectivity widely used in clinical practice in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. O. Vorobyev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - F. E. Babaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 125167 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. V. Panova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117971 Moscow, Russia
| | - J. Shakiba
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - S. K. Kravchenko
- National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 125167 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. V. Soboleva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. V. Lipatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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7
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Against the Resilience of High-Grade Gliomas: Gene Therapies (Part II). Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11080976. [PMID: 34439595 PMCID: PMC8393930 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11080976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: High-grade gliomas (HGGs) still have a high rate of recurrence and lethality. Gene therapies were projected to overcome the therapeutic resilience of HGGs, due to the intrinsic genetic heterogenicity and immune evasion pathways. The present literature review strives to provide an updated overview of the novel gene therapies for HGGs treatment, highlighting evidence from clinical trials, molecular mechanisms, and future perspectives. Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted through PubMed/Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, using the keywords “high-grade glioma,” “glioblastoma,” and “malignant brain tumor”, combined with “gene therapy,” “oncolytic viruses,” “suicide gene therapies,” “tumor suppressor genes,” “immunomodulatory genes,” and “gene target therapies”. Only articles in English and published in the last 15 years were chosen, further screened based on best relevance. Data were analyzed and described according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Viruses were the most vehicles employed for their feasibility and transduction efficiency. Apart from liposomes, other viral vehicles remain largely still experimental. Oncolytic viruses and suicide gene therapies proved great results in phase I, II preclinical, and clinical trials. Tumor suppressor, immunomodulatory, and target genes were widely tested, showing encouraging results especially for recurrent HGGs. Conclusions: Oncolytic virotherapy and suicide genes strategies are valuable second-line treatment options for relapsing HGGs. Immunomodulatory approaches, tumor suppressor, and target genes therapies may implement and upgrade standard chemoradiotherapy. Future research aims to improve safety profile and prolonging therapeutic effectiveness. Further clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of gene-based therapies.
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Estevez-Ordonez D, Chagoya G, Salehani A, Atchley TJ, Laskay NMB, Parr MS, Elsayed GA, Mahavadi AK, Rahm SP, Friedman GK, Markert JM. Immunovirotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma and Other Malignant Gliomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2021; 32:265-281. [PMID: 33781507 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents one of the most challenging malignancies due to many factors including invasiveness, heterogeneity, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Current treatment modalities have resulted in only modest effect on outcomes. The development of viral vectors for oncolytic immunovirotherapy and targeted drug delivery represents a promising therapeutic prospect for GBM and other brain tumors. A host of genetically engineered viruses, herpes simplex virus, poliovirus, measles, and others, have been described and are at various stages of clinical development. Herein we provide a review of the advances and current state of oncolytic virotherapy for the targeted treatment of GBM and malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagoberto Estevez-Ordonez
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gustavo Chagoya
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Arsalaan Salehani
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Travis J Atchley
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nicholas M B Laskay
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Matthew S Parr
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Galal A Elsayed
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Anil K Mahavadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sage P Rahm
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gregory K Friedman
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - James M Markert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, and Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1060 Faculty Office Tower 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Measles Virus as an Oncolytic Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030544. [PMID: 33535479 PMCID: PMC7867054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Measles virus (MeV) preferentially replicates in malignant cells, leading to tumor lysis and priming of antitumor immunity. Live attenuated MeV vaccine strains are therefore under investigation as cancer therapeutics. The versatile MeV reverse genetics systems allows for engineering of advanced targeted, armed, and shielded oncolytic viral vectors. Therapeutic efficacy can further be enhanced by combination treatments. An emerging focus in this regard is combination immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint blockade. Despite challenges arising from antiviral immunity, availability of preclinical models, and GMP production, early clinical trials have demonstrated safety of oncolytic MeV and yielded promising efficacy data. Future clinical trials with engineered viruses, rational combination regimens, and comprehensive translational research programs will realize the potential of oncolytic immunotherapy.
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Leber MF, Neault S, Jirovec E, Barkley R, Said A, Bell JC, Ungerechts G. Engineering and combining oncolytic measles virus for cancer therapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 56:39-48. [PMID: 32718830 PMCID: PMC7333629 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using tumor-selective, oncolytic viruses is an emerging therapeutic option for solid and hematologic malignancies. A considerable variety of viruses ranging from small picornaviruses to large poxviruses are currently being investigated as potential candidates. In the early days of virotherapy, non-engineered wild-type or vaccine-strain viruses were employed. However, these viruses often did not fully satisfy the major criteria of safety and efficacy. Since the advent of reverse genetics systems for manipulating various classes of viruses, the field has shifted to developing genetically engineered viruses with an improved therapeutic index. In this review, we will summarize the concepts and strategies of multi-level genetic engineering of oncolytic measles virus, a prime candidate for cancer immunovirotherapy. Furthermore, we will provide a brief overview of measles virus-based multimodal combination therapies for improved tumor control and clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias F Leber
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Medical Oncology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Serge Neault
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Elise Jirovec
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Russell Barkley
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Aida Said
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada; University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - John C Bell
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Guy Ungerechts
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Medical Oncology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
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11
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Mühlebach MD. Measles virus in cancer therapy. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 41:85-97. [PMID: 32861945 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last years, the development of viruses to treat cancer patients has re-gained considerable attention. A genetically modified herpesvirus, Talimogene laherparepvec, has already been authorized for the treatment of melanoma patients. Also recombinant measles virus (MeV) is developed as an oncolytic virus. Because of its high genetic flexibility, a number of different MeV strains have been the basis for the generation of targeted, armed, or shielded viruses that are highly specific for a given tumor target, more effective, or protected against serum neutralization. Such MeV have been extensively tested in vitro and in vivo, whereby remarkable oncolytic potency is accompanied by safety also in non-human primates. Therefore, MeV has been introduced into 19 different clinical trials and has reached phase II against two different tumor entities, multiple myeloma and ovarian carcinoma. Remarkably, one patient with advanced stage myeloma experienced long-term remission after treatment, visualizing the potency of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Mühlebach
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany.
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12
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Hanauer JRH, Koch V, Lauer UM, Mühlebach MD. High-Affinity DARPin Allows Targeting of MeV to Glioblastoma Multiforme in Combination with Protease Targeting without Loss of Potency. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2019; 15:186-200. [PMID: 31788553 PMCID: PMC6880102 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Measles virus (MeV) is naturally cytolytic by extensive cell-to-cell fusion. Vaccine-derived MeV is toxic for cancer cells and is clinically tested as oncolytic virus. To combine the potential of MeV with enhanced safety, different targeting strategies have been described. We generated a receptor-targeted MeV by using receptor-blind viral attachment protein genetically fused to designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) binding domains specific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). To reduce on-target toxicity for EGFR+ healthy cells, we used an engineered viral fusion protein activatable by tumor-associated matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) for additional protease targeting. The dual-targeted virus replicated exclusively on EGFR+/MMP+ tumor cells but was safe on healthy EGFR+ target cells, primary human keratinocytes. Nevertheless, glioblastoma and other tumor cells were efficiently killed by all targeted viruses, although replication and oncolysis were slower for protease-targeted MeV. In vivo, efficacy of EGFR-targeted MeV was virtually unimpaired, whereas also dual-targeted MeV showed significant intra-tumoral spread and efficacy and could be armed with a prodrug convertase. The use of DARPin-domains resulted in potent EGFR-targeted MeV and for the first time effective dual retargeting of an oncolytic virus, further enhancing tumor selectivity. Together with powerful cell-toxic genes, the application as highly tumor-specific platform is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R H Hanauer
- Oncolytic Measles Viruses and Vaccine Vectors, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.,Veterinary Medicine, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Vivian Koch
- Oncolytic Measles Viruses and Vaccine Vectors, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael D Mühlebach
- Oncolytic Measles Viruses and Vaccine Vectors, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.,Veterinary Medicine, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
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13
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Generation of recombinant measles virus containing the wild-type P gene to improve its oncolytic efficiency. Microb Pathog 2019; 135:103631. [PMID: 31381964 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Bhattacharjee S, Yadava PK. Measles virus: Background and oncolytic virotherapy. Biochem Biophys Rep 2018; 13:58-62. [PMID: 29326986 PMCID: PMC5758921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2017.12.004] [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: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Measles is a highly transmissible disease caused by measles virus and remains a major cause of child mortality in developing countries. Measles virus nucleoprotein (N) encapsidates the RNA genome of the virus for providing protection from host cell endonucleases and for specific recognition of viral RNA as template for transcription and replication. This protein is over-expressed at the time of viral replication. The C-terminal of N protein is intrinsically disordered, which enables this protein to interact with several host cell proteins. It was previously proved in our laboratory that N expressing human cancerous cells undergo programmed cell death because of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as well as Caspase 3 activation. The phosphoprotein (P) along with N protein enclosed viral genomic RNA forming a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). It also establishes interaction with the large protein (L) i.e. viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase to ensure viral replication within host cells. The host cell receptors of this virus are CD46, SLAM/CD150 and PVRL4. Measles virus is latently oncotropic in nature and possesses oncolytic property by syncytia formation. We try to highlight the application of this property in developing a virotherapeutic vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramod Kumar Yadava
- Applied Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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15
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Kamran N, Alghamri MS, Nunez FJ, Shah D, Asad AS, Candolfi M, Altshuler D, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Current state and future prospects of immunotherapy for glioma. Immunotherapy 2018; 10:317-339. [PMID: 29421984 PMCID: PMC5810852 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a large unmet need for effective therapeutic approaches for glioma, the most malignant brain tumor. Clinical and preclinical studies have enormously expanded our knowledge about the molecular aspects of this deadly disease and its interaction with the host immune system. In this review we highlight the wide array of immunotherapeutic interventions that are currently being tested in glioma patients. Given the molecular heterogeneity, tumor immunoediting and the profound immunosuppression that characterize glioma, it has become clear that combinatorial approaches targeting multiple pathways tailored to the genetic signature of the tumor will be required in order to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Kamran
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
| | - Mahmoud S Alghamri
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
| | - Felipe J Nunez
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
| | - Diana Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
| | - Antonela S Asad
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianela Candolfi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David Altshuler
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
| | - Pedro R Lowenstein
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
| | - Maria G Castro
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
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16
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Maxwell R, Luksik AS, Garzon-Muvdi T, Lim M. The Potential of Cellular- and Viral-Based Immunotherapies for Malignant Glioma-Dendritic Cell Vaccines, Adoptive Cell Transfer, and Oncolytic Viruses. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2017; 17:50. [PMID: 28488122 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-017-0754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, are the most frequent primary brain tumors and present with many treatment challenges. In this review, we discuss the potential of cellular- and viral-based immunotherapies in the treatment of malignant glioma, specifically focusing on dendritic cell vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and oncolytic viruses. RECENT FINDINGS Diverse cellular- and viral-based strategies have been engineered and optimized to generate either a specific or broad antitumor immune response in malignant glioma. Due to their successes in the preclinical arena, many of these therapies have undergone phase I and II clinical testing. These early clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of these immunotherapies. Dendritic cell vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, and oncolytic viruses may have a potential role in the treatment of malignant glioma. However, these modalities must be investigated in well-designed phase III trials to prove their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Maxwell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Neurosurgery - Phipps 123, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Andrew S Luksik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Neurosurgery - Phipps 123, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Tomas Garzon-Muvdi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Neurosurgery - Phipps 123, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Neurosurgery - Phipps 123, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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17
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Hardcastle J, Mills L, Malo CS, Jin F, Kurokawa C, Geekiyanage H, Schroeder M, Sarkaria J, Johnson AJ, Galanis E. Immunovirotherapy with measles virus strains in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody blockade enhances antitumor activity in glioblastoma treatment. Neuro Oncol 2017; 19:493-502. [PMID: 27663389 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/now179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor and has a dismal prognosis. Measles virus (MV) therapy of GBM is a promising strategy due to preclinical efficacy, excellent clinical safety, and its ability to evoke antitumor pro-inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that combining anti- programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) blockade and MV therapy can overcome immunosuppression and enhance immune effector cell responses against GBM, thus improving therapeutic outcome. Methods In vitro assays of MV infection of glioma cells and infected glioma cells with mouse microglia ± aPD-1 blockade were established to assess damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule production, migration, and pro-inflammatory effects. C57BL/6 or athymic mice bearing syngeneic orthotopic GL261 gliomas were treated with MV, aPD-1, and combination treatment. T2* weighted immune cell-specific MRI and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of treated mouse brains was used to examine adaptive immune responses following therapy. Results In vitro, MV infection induced human GBM cell secretion of DAMP (high-mobility group protein 1, heat shock protein 90) and upregulated programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). MV infection of GL261 murine glioma cells resulted in a pro-inflammatory response and increased migration of BV2 microglia. In vivo, MV+aPD-1 therapy synergistically enhanced survival of C57BL/6 mice bearing syngeneic orthotopic GL261 gliomas. MRI showed increased inflammatory cell influx into the brains of mice treated with MV+aPD-1; FACS analysis confirmed increased T-cell influx predominantly consisting of activated CD8+ T cells. Conclusions This report demonstrates that oncolytic measles virotherapy in combination with aPD-1 blockade significantly improves survival outcome in a syngeneic GBM model and supports the potential of clinical/translational strategies combining MV with αPD-1 therapy in GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayson Hardcastle
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lisa Mills
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Courtney S Malo
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Fang Jin
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cheyne Kurokawa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hirosha Geekiyanage
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mark Schroeder
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jann Sarkaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Aaron J Johnson
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Neurology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Evanthia Galanis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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18
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oncolytic viruses represent a novel treatment modality that is unencumbered by the standard resistance mechanisms limiting the therapeutic efficacy of conventional antineoplastic agents. Attenuated engineered measles virus strains derived from the Edmonston vaccine lineage have undergone extensive preclinical evaluation with significant antitumor activity observed in a broad range of preclinical tumoral models. These have laid the foundation for several clinical trials in both solid and hematologic malignancies, which have demonstrated safety, biologic activity and the ability to elicit antitumor immune responses. Areas covered: This review examines the published preclinical data which supported the clinical translation of this therapeutic platform, reviews the available clinical trial data and expands on ongoing phase II testing. It also looks at approaches to optimize clinical applicability and offers future perspectives. Expert opinion: Reverse genetic engineering has allowed the generation of oncolytic MV strains retargeted to increase viral tumor specificity, or armed with therapeutic and immunomodulatory genes in order to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Continuous efforts focusing on exploring methods to overcome resistance pathways and determining optimal combinatorial strategies will facilitate further development of this encouraging antitumor strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Robinson
- a Division of Medical Oncology , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Evanthia Galanis
- a Division of Medical Oncology , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA
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19
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Measles to the Rescue: A Review of Oncolytic Measles Virus. Viruses 2016; 8:v8100294. [PMID: 27782084 PMCID: PMC5086626 DOI: 10.3390/v8100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapeutic agents are likely to become serious contenders in cancer treatment. The vaccine strain of measles virus is an agent with an impressive range of oncolytic activity in pre-clinical trials with increasing evidence of safety and efficacy in early clinical trials. This paramyxovirus vaccine has a proven safety record and is amenable to careful genetic modification in the laboratory. Overexpression of the measles virus (MV) receptor CD46 in many tumour cells may direct the virus to preferentially enter transformed cells and there is increasing awareness of the importance of nectin-4 and signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) in oncolysis. Successful attempts to retarget MV by inserting genes for tumour-specific ligands to antigens such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CD20, CD38, and by engineering the virus to express synthetic microRNA targeting sequences, and "blinding" the virus to the natural viral receptors are exciting measures to increase viral specificity and enhance the oncolytic effect. Sodium iodine symporter (NIS) can also be expressed by MV, which enables in vivo tracking of MV infection. Radiovirotherapy using MV-NIS, chemo-virotherapy to convert prodrugs to their toxic metabolites, and immune-virotherapy including incorporating antibodies against immune checkpoint inhibitors can also increase the oncolytic potential. Anti-viral host immune responses are a recognized barrier to the success of MV, and approaches such as transporting MV to the tumour sites by carrier cells, are showing promise. MV Clinical trials are producing encouraging preliminary results in ovarian cancer, myeloma and cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and the outcome of currently open trials in glioblastoma multiforme, mesothelioma and squamous cell carcinoma are eagerly anticipated.
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20
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Lin LT, Richardson CD. The Host Cell Receptors for Measles Virus and Their Interaction with the Viral Hemagglutinin (H) Protein. Viruses 2016; 8:v8090250. [PMID: 27657109 PMCID: PMC5035964 DOI: 10.3390/v8090250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hemagglutinin (H) protein of measles virus (MeV) interacts with a cellular receptor which constitutes the initial stage of infection. Binding of H to this host cell receptor subsequently triggers the F protein to activate fusion between virus and host plasma membranes. The search for MeV receptors began with vaccine/laboratory virus strains and evolved to more relevant receptors used by wild-type MeV. Vaccine or laboratory strains of measles virus have been adapted to grow in common cell lines such as Vero and HeLa cells, and were found to use membrane cofactor protein (CD46) as a receptor. CD46 is a regulator that normally prevents cells from complement-mediated self-destruction, and is found on the surface of all human cells, with the exception of erythrocytes. Mutations in the H protein, which occur during adaptation and allow the virus to use CD46 as a receptor, have been identified. Wild-type isolates of measles virus cannot use the CD46 receptor. However, both vaccine/laboratory and wild-type strains can use an immune cell receptor called signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family member 1 (SLAMF1; also called CD150) and a recently discovered epithelial receptor known as Nectin-4. SLAMF1 is found on activated B, T, dendritic, and monocyte cells, and is the initial target for infections by measles virus. Nectin-4 is an adherens junction protein found at the basal surfaces of many polarized epithelial cells, including those of the airways. It is also over-expressed on the apical and basal surfaces of many adenocarcinomas, and is a cancer marker for metastasis and tumor survival. Nectin-4 is a secondary exit receptor which allows measles virus to replicate and amplify in the airways, where the virus is expelled from the body in aerosol droplets. The amino acid residues of H protein that are involved in binding to each of the receptors have been identified through X-ray crystallography and site-specific mutagenesis. Recombinant measles “blind” to each of these receptors have been constructed, allowing the virus to selectively infect receptor specific cell lines. Finally, the observations that SLAMF1 is found on lymphomas and that Nectin-4 is expressed on the cell surfaces of many adenocarcinomas highlight the potential of measles virus for oncolytic therapy. Although CD46 is also upregulated on many tumors, it is less useful as a target for cancer therapy, since normal human cells express this protein on their surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Christopher D Richardson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850 College St., Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics and Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada.
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21
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Sosnovtceva A, Grinenko N, Lipatova A, Chumakov P, Chekhonin V. Oncolytic viruses for therapy of malignant glioma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 62:376-90. [DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20166204376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Effective treatment of malignant brain tumors is still an open problem. Location of tumor in vital areas of the brain significantly limits capasities of surgical treatment. The presence of tumor stem cells resistant to radiation and anticancer drugs in brain tumor complicates use of chemoradiotherapy and causes a high rate of disease recurrence. A technological improvement in bioselection and production of recombinant resulted in creation of viruses with potent oncolytic properties against glial tumors. Recent studies, including clinical trials, showed, that majority of oncolytic viruses are safe. Despite the impressive results of the viral therapy in some patients, the treatment of other patients is not effective; therefore, further improvement of the methods of oncolytic virotherapy is necessary. High genetic heterogeneity of glial tumor cells even within a single tumor determines differences in individual sensitivity of tumor cells to oncolytic viruses. This review analyses the most successful oncolytic virus strains, including those which had reached clinical trials, and discusses the prospects for new approaches to virotherapy of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.O. Sosnovtceva
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - N.F. Grinenko
- Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center for Narcology and Psychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A.V. Lipatova
- Engelhardt institute of molecular biology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - P.M. Chumakov
- Engelhardt institute of molecular biology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - V.P. Chekhonin
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center for Narcology and Psychiatry, Moscow, Russia
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22
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Hutzen B, Raffel C, Studebaker AW. Advances in the design and development of oncolytic measles viruses. Oncolytic Virother 2015; 4:109-18. [PMID: 27512675 PMCID: PMC4918395 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s66078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful oncolytic virus is one that selectively propagates and destroys cancerous tissue without causing excessive damage to the normal surrounding tissue. Oncolytic measles virus (MV) is one such virus that exhibits this characteristic and thus has rapidly emerged as a potentially useful anticancer modality. Derivatives of the Edmonston MV vaccine strain possess a remarkable safety record in humans. Promising results in preclinical animal models and evidence of biological activity in early phase trials contribute to the enthusiasm. Genetic modifications have enabled MV to evolve from a vaccine agent to a potential anticancer therapy. Specifically, alterations of the MV genome have led to improved tumor selectivity and delivery, therapeutic potency, and immune system modulation. In this article, we will review the advancements that have been made in the design and development of MV that have led to its use as a cancer therapy. In addition, we will discuss the evidence supporting its use, as well as the challenges associated with MV as a potential cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Hutzen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Corey Raffel
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam W Studebaker
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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23
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Matveeva OV, Guo ZS, Shabalina SA, Chumakov PM. Oncolysis by paramyxoviruses: multiple mechanisms contribute to therapeutic efficiency. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2015; 2:15011. [PMID: 26640816 PMCID: PMC4667958 DOI: 10.1038/mto.2015.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic paramyxoviruses include some strains of Measles, Mumps, Newcastle disease, and Sendai viruses. All these viruses are well equipped for promoting highly specific and efficient malignant cell death, which can be direct and/or immuno-mediated. A number of proteins that serve as natural receptors for oncolytic paramyxoviruses are frequently overexpressed in malignant cells. Therefore, the preferential interaction of paramyxoviruses with malignant cells rather than with normal cells is promoted. Due to specific genetic defects of cancer cells in the interferon (IFN) and apoptotic pathways, viral replication has the potential to be promoted specifically in tumors. Viral mediation of syncytium formation (a polykaryonic structure) promotes intratumoral paramyxo-virus replication and spreading, without exposure to host neutralizing antibodies. So, two related processes: efficient intratumoral infection spread as well as the consequent mass malignant cell death, both are enhanced. In general, the paramyxoviruses elicit strong anticancer innate and adaptive immune responses by triggering multiple danger signals. The paramyxoviruses are powerful inducers of IFN and other immuno-stimulating cytokines. These viruses efficiently promote anticancer activity of natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Moreover, a neuraminidase (sialidase), a component of the viral envelope of Newcastle Disease, Mumps, and Sendai viruses, can cleave sialic acids on the surface of malignant cells thereby unmasking cancer antigens and exposing them to the immune system. These multiple mechanisms contribute to therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic paramyxovi-ruses and are responsible for encouraging results in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Matveeva
- Biopolymer Design LLC, Acton, Massachusetts, USA
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Zong S Guo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Svetlana A Shabalina
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter M Chumakov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow, Russia
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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24
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Yata T, Lee ELQ, Suwan K, Syed N, Asavarut P, Hajitou A. Modulation of extracellular matrix in cancer is associated with enhanced tumor cell targeting by bacteriophage vectors. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:110. [PMID: 26037383 PMCID: PMC4451735 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0383-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gene therapy has been an attractive paradigm for cancer treatment. However, cancer gene therapy has been challenged by the inherent limitation of vectors that are able to deliver therapeutic genes to tumors specifically and efficiently following systemic administration. Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses that have shown promise for targeted systemic gene delivery. Yet, they are considered poor vectors for gene transfer. Recently, we generated a tumor-targeted phage named adeno-associated virus/phage (AAVP), which is a filamentous phage particle whose genome contains the adeno-associated virus genome. Its effectiveness in delivering therapeutic genes to tumors specifically both in vitro and in vivo has been shown in numerous studies. Despite being a clinically useful vector, a multitude of barriers impede gene transduction to tumor cells. We hypothesized that one such factor is the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). Methods We used a number of tumor cell lines from different species and histological types in 2D monolayers or 3D multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) models. To assess whether the ECM is a barrier to tumor cell targeting by AAVP, we depleted the ECM using collagenase, hyaluronidase, or combination of both. We employed multiple techniques to investigate and quantify the effect of ECM depletion on ECM composition (including collagen type I, hyaluronic acid, fibronectin and laminin), and how AAVP adsorption, internalisation, gene expression and therapeutic efficacy are subsequently affected. Data were analyzed using a student’s t test when comparing two groups or one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests when using more than two groups. Results We demonstrate that collagenase and hyaluronidase-mediated degradation of tumor ECM affects the composition of collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin. Consequently, AAVP diffusion, internalisation, gene expression and tumor cell killing were enhanced after enzymatic treatment. Our data suggest that enhancement of gene transfer by the AAVP is solely attributed to ECM depletion. We provide substantial evidence that ECM modulation is relevant in clinically applicable settings by using 3D MCTS, which simulates in vivo environments more accurately. Conclusion Our findings suggest that ECM depletion is an effective strategy to enhance the efficiency of viral vector-guided gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerapong Yata
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, London, W12 0NN, UK. .,National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 111 Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.
| | - Eugene L Q Lee
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Nelofer Syed
- The John Fulcher Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Division of Brain sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Paladd Asavarut
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, London, W12 0NN, UK. .,Amin Hajitou, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, 160 Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells constitute a subtype of lymphocytes that initiate innate immune responses against tumors and virus-infected cells. The ability of NK cells to kill target cells or to produce cytokines depends on the balance between signals from activating and inhibitory cell-surface receptors. Therapies with NK cells involve activation of endogenous NK cells and/or exogenous transfer by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation/adoptive cell therapy. To exploit the diverse functional abilities of NK cells for cancer immunotherapy, it is important to understand NK cell biology and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The state of immune suppression prevalent in malignancies creates the need for innovative therapies. Oncolytic viruses are novel anticancer agents showing selective tropism for tumor cells and lacking pathogenicity in humans, but the use of oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) presents multiple challenges. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the host immune response may critically influence the outcome of OVT. Classically, the immune system is thought to limit the efficacy of therapy through virus clearance mediated by innate immune effectors or through adaptive antiviral immune responses eliminating infected cells. Effective strategies do need to be designed in OVT to circumvent the early antiviral activity of NK cells and to augment late NK-cell-mediated antitumor responses. The intrinsic immunostimulating capacity of oncolytic viruses and the possibility of engineering them to express heterologous immunostimulatory molecules (eg, cytokines) support the use of these agents to enhance antitumor immune responses besides inducing direct oncolytic effects. OVT has indeed shown promising therapeutic outcomes in various clinical trials. Here, we review the biology of NK cells, strategies involving NK cells for achieving cancer therapy, and, more particularly, the emerging role of NK cells in OVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauf Bhat
- Division of Tumor Virology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jean Rommelaere
- Division of Tumor Virology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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Bose S, Jardetzky TS, Lamb RA. Timing is everything: Fine-tuned molecular machines orchestrate paramyxovirus entry. Virology 2015; 479-480:518-31. [PMID: 25771804 PMCID: PMC4424121 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Paramyxoviridae include some of the great and ubiquitous disease-causing viruses of humans and animals. In most paramyxoviruses, two viral membrane glycoproteins, fusion protein (F) and receptor binding protein (HN, H or G) mediate a concerted process of recognition of host cell surface molecules followed by fusion of viral and cellular membranes, resulting in viral nucleocapsid entry into the cytoplasm. The interactions between the F and HN, H or G viral glycoproteins and host molecules are critical in determining host range, virulence and spread of these viruses. Recently, atomic structures, together with biochemical and biophysical studies, have provided major insights into how these two viral glycoproteins successfully interact with host receptors on cellular membranes and initiate the membrane fusion process to gain entry into cells. These studies highlight the conserved core mechanisms of paramyxovirus entry that provide the fundamental basis for rational anti-viral drug design and vaccine development. New structural and functional insights into paramyxovirus entry mechanisms. Current data on paramyxovirus glycoproteins suggest a core conserved entry mechanism. Diverse mechanisms preventing premature fusion activation exist in these viruses. Precise spacio-temporal interplay between paramyxovirus glycoproteins initiate entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Bose
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3500, United States.
| | - Theodore S Jardetzky
- Department of Structural Biology and Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Robert A Lamb
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3500, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3500, United States.
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Pranjol MZI, Hajitou A. Bacteriophage-derived vectors for targeted cancer gene therapy. Viruses 2015; 7:268-84. [PMID: 25606974 PMCID: PMC4306838 DOI: 10.3390/v7010268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer gene therapy expanded and reached its pinnacle in research in the last decade. Both viral and non-viral vectors have entered clinical trials, and significant successes have been achieved. However, a systemic administration of a vector, illustrating safe, efficient, and targeted gene delivery to solid tumors has proven to be a major challenge. In this review, we summarize the current progress and challenges in the targeted gene therapy of cancer. Moreover, we highlight the recent developments of bacteriophage-derived vectors and their contributions in targeting cancer with therapeutic genes following systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zahidul Islam Pranjol
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, Devon EX1 2LU, UK.
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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28
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Saha D, Ahmed SS, Rabkin SD. EXPLORING THE ANTITUMOR EFFECT OF VIRUS IN MALIGNANT GLIOMA. DRUG FUTURE 2015; 40:739-749. [PMID: 26855472 DOI: 10.1358/dof.2015.040.11.2383070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor with no effective treatments. Current conventional therapies (surgical resection, radiation therapy, temozolomide (TMZ), and bevacizumab administration) typically fail to eradicate the tumors resulting in the recurrence of treatment-resistant tumors. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to improve therapeutic outcomes. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are excellent candidates as a more effective therapeutic strategy for aggressive cancers like malignant gliomas since OVs have a natural preference or have been genetically engineered to selectively replicate in and kill cancer cells. OVs have been used in numerous preclinical studies in malignant glioma, and a large number of clinical trials using OVs have been completed or are underway that have demonstrated safety, as well as provided indications of effective antiglioma activity. In this review, we will focus on those OVs that have been used in clinical trials for the treatment of malignant gliomas (herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, parvovirus, reovirus, poliovirus, Newcastle disease virus, measles virus, and retrovirus) and OVs examined preclinically (vesicular stomatitis virus and myxoma virus), and describe how these agents are being used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipongkor Saha
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Seemin S Ahmed
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Samuel D Rabkin
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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29
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In vivo anti-metastatic effects of uPAR retargeted measles virus in syngeneic and xenograft models of mammary cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 149:99-108. [PMID: 25519042 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-3236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The urokinase receptor (uPAR) plays a critical role in breast cancer (BC) progression and metastases and is a validated target for novel therapies. The current study investigates the effects of MV-uPA, an oncolytic measles virus fully retargeted against uPAR in syngeneic and xenograft BC metastases models. In vitro replication and cytotoxicity of MVs retargeted against human (MV-h-uPA) or mouse (MV-m-uPA) uPAR were assessed in human and murine cancer and non-cancer mammary epithelial cells. The in vivo effects of species-specific uPAR retargeted MVs were assessed in syngeneic and xenograft models of experimental metastases, established by intravenous administration of luciferase expressing 4T1 or MDA-MD-231 cells. Metastases progression was assessed by in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Tumor targeting was evaluated by qRT-PCR of MV-N, rescue of viable viral particles, and immunostaining of MV particles in lungs from tumor bearing mice. In vitro, MV-h-uPA and MV-m-uPA selectively infected, replicated, and induced cytotoxicity in cancer compared to non-cancer cells in a species-specific manner. In vivo, MV-m-uPA delayed 4T1 lung metastases progression and prolonged survival. These effects were associated with identification of viable viral particles, viral RNA, and detection of MV-N by immunostaining from lung tissues in treated mice. In the human MDA-MB-231 metastases model, intravenous administration of MV-h-uPA markedly inhibited metastases progression and significantly improved survival, compared to controls. No significant treatment-related toxicity was observed in treated mice. The above preclinical findings strongly suggest that uPAR retargeted measles virotherapy is a novel and feasible systemic therapy strategy against metastatic breast cancer.
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Zemp FJ, McKenzie BA, Lun X, Reilly KM, McFadden G, Yong VW, Forsyth PA. Cellular factors promoting resistance to effective treatment of glioma with oncolytic myxoma virus. Cancer Res 2014; 74:7260-73. [PMID: 25336188 PMCID: PMC4281961 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic virus therapy is being evaluated in clinical trials for human glioma. While it is widely assumed that the immune response of the patient to the virus infection limits the utility of the therapy, investigations into the specific cell type(s) involved in this response have been performed using nonspecific pharmacologic inhibitors or allogeneic models with compromised immunity. To identify the immune cells that participate in clearing an oncolytic infection in glioma, we used flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to immunophenotype an orthotopic glioma model in immunocompetent mice after Myxoma virus (MYXV) administration. These studies revealed a large resident microglia and macrophage population in untreated tumors, and robust monocyte, T-, and NK cell infiltration 3 days after MYXV infection. To determine the role on the clinical utility of MYXV therapy for glioma, we used a combination of knockout mouse strains and specific immunocyte ablation techniques. Collectively, our experiments identify an important role for tumor-resident myeloid cells and overlapping roles for recruited NK and T cells in the clearance and efficacy of oncolytic MYXV from gliomas. Using a cyclophosphamide regimen to achieve lymphoablation prior and during MYXV treatment, we prevented treatment-induced peripheral immunocyte recruitment and, surprisingly, largely ablated the tumor-resident macrophage population. Virotherapy of cyclophosphamide-treated animals resulted in sustained viral infection within the glioma as well as a substantial survival advantage. This study demonstrates that resistance to MYXV virotherapy in syngeneic glioma models involves a multifaceted cellular immune response that can be overcome with cyclophosphamide-mediated lymphoablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz J Zemp
- Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Clark H. Smith Brain Tumor Center, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brienne A McKenzie
- Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Clark H. Smith Brain Tumor Center, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xueqing Lun
- Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Clark H. Smith Brain Tumor Center, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Grant McFadden
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - V Wee Yong
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter A Forsyth
- Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Clark H. Smith Brain Tumor Center, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and University of Southern Florida, Tampa, Florida.
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31
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Measles Edmonston vaccine strain derivatives have potent oncolytic activity against osteosarcoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2014; 21:483-90. [PMID: 25394505 PMCID: PMC4337839 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2014.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor affecting children and young adults, and development of metastatic disease is associated with poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of virotherapy with engineered measles virus (MV) vaccine strains in the treatment of OS. Cell lines derived from pediatric patients with OS (HOS, MG63, 143B, KHOS-312H, U2-OS and SJSA1) were infected with MV expressing green fluorescent protein (MV-GFP) and MV-expressing sodium iodide symporter (MV-NIS) strains. Viral gene expression and cytotoxicity as defined by syncytial formation, cell death and eradication of cell monolayers were demonstrated. Findings were correlated with in vivo efficacy in subcutaneous, orthotopic (tibial bone) and lung metastatic OS xenografts treated with the MV derivative MV-NIS via the intratumoral or intravenous route. Following treatment, we observed decrease in tumor growth of subcutaneous xenografts (P=0.0374) and prolongation of survival in mice with orthotopic (P<0.0001) and pulmonary metastatic OS tumors (P=0.0207). Expression of the NIS transgene in MV-NIS infected tumors allowed for single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging of virus infected tumors in vivo. Our data support the translational potential of MV-based virotherapy approaches in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic OS.
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32
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Okura H, Smith CA, Rutka JT. Gene therapy for malignant glioma. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2014; 2:21. [PMID: 26056588 PMCID: PMC4451964 DOI: 10.1186/2052-8426-2-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and devastating primary brain tumor in adults. Despite current treatment modalities, such as surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, only modest improvements in median survival have been achieved. Frequent recurrence and invasiveness of GBM are likely due to the resistance of glioma stem cells to conventional treatments; therefore, novel alternative treatment strategies are desperately needed. Recent advancements in molecular biology and gene technology have provided attractive novel treatment possibilities for patients with GBM. Gene therapy is defined as a technology that aims to modify the genetic complement of cells to obtain therapeutic benefit. To date, gene therapy for the treatment of GBM has demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy in pre-clinical studies and promising safety profiles in clinical studies. However, while this approach is obviously promising, concerns still exist regarding issues associated with transduction efficiency, viral delivery, the pathologic response of the brain, and treatment efficacy. Tumor development and progression involve alterations in a wide spectrum of genes, therefore a variety of gene therapy approaches for GBM have been proposed. Improved viral vectors are being evaluated, and the potential use of gene therapy alone or in synergy with other treatments against GBM are being studied. In this review, we will discuss the most commonly studied gene therapy approaches for the treatment of GBM in preclinical and clinical studies including: prodrug/suicide gene therapy; oncolytic gene therapy; cytokine mediated gene therapy; and tumor suppressor gene therapy. In addition, we review the principles and mechanisms of current gene therapy strategies as well as advantages and disadvantages of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiro Okura
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, 17th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4 Canada ; Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan
| | - Christian A Smith
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, 17th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4 Canada
| | - James T Rutka
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, 17th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4 Canada ; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1P5 Canada ; Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Suite 1503, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8 Canada
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33
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Viral oncolysis - can insights from measles be transferred to canine distemper virus? Viruses 2014; 6:2340-75. [PMID: 24921409 PMCID: PMC4074931 DOI: 10.3390/v6062340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic diseases represent one of the most common causes of death among humans and animals. Currently available and applied therapeutic options often remain insufficient and unsatisfactory, therefore new and innovative strategies and approaches are highly needed. Periodically, oncolytic viruses have been in the center of interest since the first anecdotal description of their potential usefulness as an anti-tumor treatment concept. Though first reports referred to an incidental measles virus infection causing tumor regression in a patient suffering from lymphoma several decades ago, no final treatment concept has been developed since then. However, numerous viruses, such as herpes-, adeno- and paramyxoviruses, have been investigated, characterized, and modified with the aim to generate a new anti-cancer treatment option. Among the different viruses, measles virus still represents a highly interesting candidate for such an approach. Numerous different tumors of humans including malignant lymphoma, lung and colorectal adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer, have been studied in vitro and in vivo as potential targets. Moreover, several concepts using different virus preparations are now in clinical trials in humans and may proceed to a new treatment option. Surprisingly, only few studies have investigated viral oncolysis in veterinary medicine. The close relationship between measles virus (MV) and canine distemper virus (CDV), both are morbilliviruses, and the fact that numerous tumors in dogs exhibit similarities to their human counterpart, indicates that both the virus and species dog represent a highly interesting translational model for future research in viral oncolysis. Several recent studies support such an assumption. It is therefore the aim of the present communication to outline the mechanisms of morbillivirus-mediated oncolysis and to stimulate further research in this potentially expanding field of viral oncolysis in a highly suitable translational animal model for the benefit of humans and dogs.
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Antibody neutralization of retargeted measles viruses. Virology 2014; 454-455:237-46. [PMID: 24725950 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The measles virus (MV) vaccine lineage is a promising oncolytic but prior exposure to the measles vaccine or wild-type MV strains limits treatment utility due to the presence of anti-measles antibodies. MV entry can be redirected by displaying a polypeptide ligand on the Hemagglutinin (H) C-terminus. We hypothesized that retargeted MV would escape neutralization by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing the H receptor-binding surface and be less susceptible to neutralization by human antisera. Using chimeric H proteins, with and without mutations that ablate MV receptor binding, we show that retargeted MVs escape mAbs that target the H receptor-binding surface by virtue of mutations that ablate infection via SLAM and CD46. However, C-terminally displayed domains do not mediate virus entry in the presence of human antibodies that bind to the underlying H domain. In conclusion, utility of retargeted oncolytic measles viruses does not extend to evasion of human serum neutralization.
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35
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Activation of paramyxovirus membrane fusion and virus entry. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 5:24-33. [PMID: 24530984 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The paramyxoviruses represent a diverse virus family responsible for a wide range of human and animal diseases. In contrast to other viruses, such as HIV and influenza virus, which use a single glycoprotein to mediate host receptor binding and virus entry, the paramyxoviruses require two distinct proteins. One of these is an attachment glycoprotein that binds receptor, while the second is a fusion glycoprotein, which undergoes conformational changes that drive virus-cell membrane fusion and virus entry. The details of how receptor binding by one protein activates the second to undergo conformational changes have been poorly understood until recently. Over the past couple of years, structural and functional data have accumulated on representative members of this family, including parainfluenza virus 5, Newcastle disease virus, measles virus, Nipah virus and others, which suggest a mechanistic convergence of activation models. Here we review the data indicating that paramyxovirus attachment glycoproteins shield activating residues within their N-terminal stalk domains, which are then exposed upon receptor binding, leading to the activation of the fusion protein by a 'provocateur' mechanism.
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36
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Fusion activation through attachment protein stalk domains indicates a conserved core mechanism of paramyxovirus entry into cells. J Virol 2014; 88:3925-41. [PMID: 24453369 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03741-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Paramyxoviruses are a large family of membrane-enveloped negative-stranded RNA viruses causing important diseases in humans and animals. Two viral integral membrane glycoproteins (fusion [F] and attachment [HN, H, or G]) mediate a concerted process of host receptor recognition, followed by the fusion of viral and cellular membranes, resulting in viral nucleocapsid entry into the cytoplasm. However, the sequence of events that closely links the timing of receptor recognition by HN, H, or G and the "triggering" interaction of the attachment protein with F is unclear. F activation results in F undergoing a series of irreversible conformational rearrangements to bring about membrane merger and virus entry. By extensive study of properties of multiple paramyxovirus HN proteins, we show that key features of F activation, including the F-activating regions of HN proteins, flexibility within this F-activating region, and changes in globular head-stalk interactions are highly conserved. These results, together with functionally active "headless" mumps and Newcastle disease virus HN proteins, provide insights into the F-triggering process. Based on these data and very recently published data for morbillivirus H and henipavirus G proteins, we extend our recently proposed "stalk exposure model" to other paramyxoviruses and propose an "induced fit" hypothesis for F-HN/H/G interactions as conserved core mechanisms of paramyxovirus-mediated membrane fusion. IMPORTANCE Paramyxoviruses are a large family of membrane-enveloped negative-stranded RNA viruses causing important diseases in humans and animals. Two viral integral membrane glycoproteins (fusion [F] and attachment [HN, H, or G]) mediate a concerted process of host receptor recognition, followed by the fusion of viral and cellular membranes. We describe here the molecular mechanism by which HN activates the F protein such that virus-cell fusion is controlled and occurs at the right time and the right place. We extend our recently proposed "stalk exposure model" first proposed for parainfluenza virus 5 to other paramyxoviruses and propose an "induced fit" hypothesis for F-HN/H/G interactions as conserved core mechanisms of paramyxovirus-mediated membrane fusion.
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37
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In vivo safety, biodistribution and antitumor effects of uPAR retargeted oncolytic measles virus in syngeneic cancer models. Gene Ther 2014; 21:289-97. [PMID: 24430235 PMCID: PMC3949200 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The urokinase receptor (uPAR) is a clinically relevant target for novel biological therapies. We have previously rescued oncolytic measles viruses fully retargeted against human (MV-h-uPA) or murine (MV-m-uPA) uPAR. Here, we investigated the in vivo effects of systemic administration of MV-m-uPA in immunocompetent cancer models. MV-m-uPA induced in vitro cytotoxicity and replicated in a receptor dependent manner in murine mammary (4T1), and colon (MC-38 and CT-26) cancer cells. Intravenous administration of MV-m-uPA to 4T1 tumor bearing mice was not associated with significant clinical or laboratory toxicity. Higher MV-N RNA copy numbers were detected in primary tumors, and viable viral particles were recovered from tumor bearing tissues only. Non-tumor bearing organs did not show histological signs of viral induced toxicity. Serum anti-MV antibodies were detected at day 14 of treatment. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies confirmed successful tumor targeting and demonstrated enhanced MV-m-uPA induced tumor cell apoptosis in treated, compared to control mice. Significant antitumor effects and prolonged survival were observed after systemic administration of MV-m-uPA in colon (CT-26) and mammary (4T1) cancer models. The above results demonstrate safety and feasibility of uPAR targeting by an oncolytic virus, and confirm significant antitumor effects in highly aggressive syngeneic immunocompetent cancer models.
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38
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Human mesenchymal stromal cells deliver systemic oncolytic measles virus to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the presence of humoral immunity. Blood 2013; 123:1327-35. [PMID: 24345754 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-09-528851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials of oncolytic attenuated measles virus (MV) are ongoing, but successful systemic delivery in immune individuals remains a major challenge. We demonstrated high-titer anti-MV antibody in 16 adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) following treatments including numerous immunosuppressive drugs. To resolve this challenge, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) were used to efficiently deliver MV in a systemic xenograft model of precursor B-lineage-ALL. BM-MSCs were successfully loaded with MV ex vivo, and MV was amplified intracellularly, without toxicity. Live cell confocal imaging demonstrated a viral hand-off between BM-MSCs and ALL targets in the presence of antibody. In a murine model of disseminated ALL, successful MV treatment (judged by bioluminescence quantification and survival) was completely abrogated by passive immunization with high-titer human anti-MV antibody. Importantly, no such abrogation was seen in immunized mice receiving MV delivered by BM-MSCs. These data support the use of BM-MSCs as cellular carriers for MV in patients with ALL.
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Opyrchal M, Allen C, Msaouel P, Iankov I, Galanis E. Inhibition of Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming kinase increases efficacy of measles virotherapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2013; 20:630-7. [PMID: 24157925 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2013.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RhoA and its downstream effector Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming kinase (ROCK) are known regulators of the formation of actin cytoskeleton in cells. Actin cytoskeleton is involved in paramyxovirus infection; we, therefore, examined the effect of ROCK inhibition on measles virus (MV) cytopathic effect and replication. Treatment with the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, significantly increased syncytia size in tumor cell lines following MV infection, associated with cytoskeleton disruption as demonstrated by actin staining. Treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer and glioblastoma tumor cell lines with Y27632 following MV infection resulted in increased cytopathic effect, as assessed by trypan blue exclusion assays. In addition, there was a significant increase in viral proliferation by at least one log or more as tested in one-step viral growth curves. Increased viral replication was also observed in athymic nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 xenografts following combination treatment with MV and Y27632. In summary, inhibition of the ROCK kinase by Y27632 enhanced the oncolytic effect of MV and viral proliferation; this approach merits further translational investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Opyrchal
- 1] Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA [2] Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Kwiatkowska A, Nandhu MS, Behera P, Chiocca EA, Viapiano MS. Strategies in gene therapy for glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2013; 5:1271-305. [PMID: 24202446 PMCID: PMC3875940 DOI: 10.3390/cancers5041271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, with a dismal prognosis and extremely low percentage of survivors. Novel therapies are in dire need to improve the clinical management of these tumors and extend patient survival. Genetic therapies for GBM have been postulated and attempted for the past twenty years, with variable degrees of success in pre-clinical models and clinical trials. Here we review the most common approaches to treat GBM by gene therapy, including strategies to deliver tumor-suppressor genes, suicide genes, immunomodulatory cytokines to improve immune response, and conditionally-replicating oncolytic viruses. The review focuses on the strategies used for gene delivery, including the most common and widely used vehicles (i.e., replicating and non-replicating viruses) as well as novel therapeutic approaches such as stem cell-mediated therapy and nanotechnologies used for gene delivery. We present an overview of these strategies, their targets, different advantages, and challenges for success. Finally, we discuss the potential of gene therapy-based strategies to effectively attack such a complex genetic target as GBM, alone or in combination with conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Kwiatkowska
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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41
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Gan HK, Cvrljevic AN, Johns TG. The epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII): where wild things are altered. FEBS J 2013; 280:5350-70. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui K. Gan
- Tumour Targeting Program; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Anna N. Cvrljevic
- Oncogenic Signaling Laboratory; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Terrance G. Johns
- Oncogenic Signaling Laboratory; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
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42
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Msaouel P, Iankov ID, Dispenzieri A, Galanis E. Attenuated oncolytic measles virus strains as cancer therapeutics. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2013; 13:1732-41. [PMID: 21740361 DOI: 10.2174/138920112800958896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Attenuated measles virus vaccine strains have emerged as a promising oncolytic vector platform, having shown significant anti-tumor activity against a broad range of malignant neoplasms. Measles virus strains derived from the attenuated Edmonston-B (MV-Edm) vaccine lineage have been shown to selectively infect, replicate in and lyse cancer cells while causing minimal cytopathic effect on normal tissues. This review summarizes the preclinical data that led to the rapid clinical translation of oncolytic measles vaccine strains and provides an overview of early clinical data using this oncolytic platform. Furthermore, novel approaches currently under development to further enhance the oncolytic efficacy of MV-Edm strains, including strategies to circumvent immunity or modulate immune system responses, combinatorial approaches with standard treatment modalities, virus retargeting as well as strategies for in vivo monitoring of viral replication are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Msaouel
- Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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43
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Verreault M, Weppler SA, Stegeman A, Warburton C, Strutt D, Masin D, Bally MB. Combined RNAi-mediated suppression of Rictor and EGFR resulted in complete tumor regression in an orthotopic glioblastoma tumor model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59597. [PMID: 23555046 PMCID: PMC3598699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is commonly over activated in glioblastoma (GBM), and Rictor was shown to be an important regulator downstream of this pathway. EGFR overexpression is also frequently found in GBM tumors, and both EGFR and Rictor are associated with increased proliferation, invasion, metastasis and poor prognosis. This research evaluated in vitro and in vivo whether the combined silencing of EGFR and Rictor would result in therapeutic benefits. The therapeutic potential of targeting these proteins in combination with conventional agents with proven activity in GBM patients was also assessed. In vitro validation studies were carried out using siRNA-based gene silencing methods in a panel of three commercially available human GBM cell lines, including two PTEN mutant lines (U251MG and U118MG) and one PTEN-wild type line (LN229). The impact of EGFR and/or Rictor silencing on cell migration and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro was determined. In vivo validation of these studies was focused on EGFR and/or Rictor silencing achieved using doxycycline-inducible shRNA-expressing U251MG cells implanted orthotopically in Rag2M mice brains. Target silencing, tumor size and tumor cell proliferation were assessed by quantification of immunohistofluorescence-stained markers. siRNA-mediated silencing of EGFR and Rictor reduced U251MG cell migration and increased sensitivity of the cells to irinotecan, temozolomide and vincristine. In LN229, co-silencing of EGFR and Rictor resulted in reduced cell migration, and increased sensitivity to vincristine and temozolomide. In U118MG, silencing of Rictor alone was sufficient to increase this line’s sensitivity to vincristine and temozolomide. In vivo, while the silencing of EGFR or Rictor alone had no significant effect on U251MG tumor growth, silencing of EGFR and Rictor together resulted in a complete eradication of tumors. These data suggest that the combined silencing of EGFR and Rictor should be an effective means of treating GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Verreault
- Experimental Neurooncology, Brain and Bone Marrow Institute Research Center, Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (MV); (MBB)
| | - Sherry A. Weppler
- Experimental Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amelia Stegeman
- Experimental Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Corinna Warburton
- Experimental Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dita Strutt
- Experimental Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dana Masin
- Experimental Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marcel B. Bally
- Experimental Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail: (MV); (MBB)
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44
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Przystal JM, Umukoro E, Stoneham CA, Yata T, O'Neill K, Syed N, Hajitou A. Proteasome inhibition in cancer is associated with enhanced tumor targeting by the adeno-associated virus/phage. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:55-66. [PMID: 22951279 PMCID: PMC3553581 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage), which are viruses that infect bacteria only, have shown promise as vehicles for targeted cancer gene therapy, albeit with poor efficiency. Recently, we generated an improved version of phage vectors by incorporating cis genetic elements of adeno-associated virus (AAV). This novel AAV/phage hybrid (AAVP) efficiently delivered systemically administered therapeutic genes to various tumor targets by displaying an integrin tumor-targeting ligand on the phage capsid. However, inherent limitations in bacteriophage mean that these AAVP vectors still need to be improved. One of the limitations of AAVP in mammalian cells may be its susceptibility to proteasomal degradation. The proteasome is upregulated in cancer and it is known that it constitutes a barrier to gene delivery by certain eukaryotic viruses. We report here that inhibition of proteasome improved targeted reporter gene delivery by AAVP in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo after intravenous vector administration to tumor-bearing mice. We also show enhanced targeted tumor cell killing by AAVP upon proteasome inhibition. The AAVP particles persisted significantly in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo after systemic administration, and accumulated polyubiquitinated coat proteins. Our results suggest that the proteasome is indeed a barrier to tumor targeting by AAVP and indicate that a combination of proteasome-inhibiting drugs and AAVP should be considered for clinical anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna M. Przystal
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Eloho Umukoro
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A. Stoneham
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Teerapong Yata
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin O'Neill
- Division of Brain Sciences, Charing Cross Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nelofer Syed
- Division of Brain Sciences, Charing Cross Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
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Msaouel P, Opyrchal M, Domingo Musibay E, Galanis E. Oncolytic measles virus strains as novel anticancer agents. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2013; 13:483-502. [PMID: 23289598 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2013.749851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Replication-competent oncolytic measles virus (MV) strains preferentially infect and destroy a wide variety of cancer tissues. Clinical translation of engineered attenuated MV vaccine derivatives is demonstrating the therapeutic potential and negligible pathogenicity of these strains in humans. AREAS COVERED The present review summarizes the mechanisms of MV tumor selectivity and cytopathic activity as well as the current data on the oncolytic efficacy and preclinical testing of MV strains. Investigational strategies to reprogram MV selectivity, escape antiviral immunity and modulate the immune system to enhance viral delivery and tumor oncolysis are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Clinical viral kinetic data derived from noninvasive monitoring of reporter transgene expression will guide future protocols to enhance oncolytic MV efficacy. Anti-measles immunity is a major challenge of measles-based therapeutics and various strategies are being investigated to modulate immunity. These include the combination of MV therapy with immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, the use of cell carriers and the introduction of immunomodulatory transgenes and wild-type virulence genes. Available MV retargeting technologies can address safety considerations that may arise as more potent oncolytic MV vectors are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Msaouel
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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46
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Kia A, Przystal JM, Nianiaris N, Mazarakis ND, Mintz PJ, Hajitou A. Dual systemic tumor targeting with ligand-directed phage and Grp78 promoter induces tumor regression. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:2566-77. [PMID: 23053496 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-specific Grp78 promoter is overexpressed in aggressive tumors. Cancer patients would benefit greatly from application of this promoter in gene therapy and molecular imaging; however, clinical benefit is limited by lack of strategies to target the systemic delivery of Grp78-driven transgenes to tumors. This study aims to assess the systemic efficacy of Grp78-guided expression of therapeutic and imaging transgenes relative to the standard cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Combination of ligand and Grp78 transcriptional targeting into a single vector would facilitate systemic applications of the Grp78 promoter. We generated a dual tumor-targeted phage containing the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid tumor homing ligand and Grp78 promoter. Next, we combined flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, bioluminescence imaging of luciferase, and HSVtk/ganciclovir gene therapy and compared efficacy to conventional phage carrying the CMV promoter in vitro and in vivo in subcutaneous models of rat and human glioblastoma. We show that double-targeted phage provides persistent transgene expression in vitro and in tumors in vivo after systemic administration compared with conventional phage. Next, we showed significant tumor killing in vivo using the HSVtk/ganciclovir gene therapy and found a systemic antitumor effect of Grp78-driven HSVtk against therapy-resistant tumors. Finally, we uncovered a novel mechanism of Grp78 promoter activation whereby HSVtk/ganciclovir therapy upregulates Grp78 and transgene expression via the conserved unfolded protein response signaling cascade. These data validate the potential of Grp78 promoter in systemic cancer gene therapy and report the efficacy of a dual tumor targeting phage that may prove useful for translation into gene therapy and molecular imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Kia
- Centre for Neuroinflammation and Degeneration, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, United Kingdom
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Patel M, Vogelbaum MA, Barnett GH, Jalali R, Ahluwalia MS. Molecular targeted therapy in recurrent glioblastoma: current challenges and future directions. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:1247-66. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.703177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mital Patel
- Cleveland Clinic, Department of Hospital Medicine, 9500 Euclid Ave, M2 Annex, Cleveland, USA
| | - Michael A Vogelbaum
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, The Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, 9500 Euclid Avenue, S73, Cleveland, USA
| | - Gene H Barnett
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, The Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, 9500 Euclid Avenue, S73, Cleveland, USA
| | - Rakesh Jalali
- Tata Memorial Hospital, NeuroOncology Group, TMC, Dr. E Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Manmeet S Ahluwalia
- Neuro-Oncology Outcomes, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, The Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, 9500 Euclid Ave, S73, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA ;
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48
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Sugiyama T, Yoneda M, Kuraishi T, Hattori S, Inoue Y, Sato H, Kai C. Measles virus selectively blind to signaling lymphocyte activation molecule as a novel oncolytic virus for breast cancer treatment. Gene Ther 2012; 20:338-47. [PMID: 22717740 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2012.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses hold much promise as novel therapeutic agents that can be combined with conventional therapeutic modalities. Measles virus (MV) is known to enter cells using the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM), which is expressed on cells of the immune system. Although human breast cancer cell lines do not express SLAM, we found that a wild-type MV (HL strain) efficiently infected various breast cancer cell lines, causing cell death. Based on this finding, we used reverse genetics to generate a recombinant MV selectively unable to use SLAM (rMV-SLAMblind). The rMV-SLAMblind lacked infectivity for SLAM-positive lymphoid cells, while retaining oncolytic activity against breast cancer cells. We showed that, unlike the MV vaccine strains, rMV-SLAMblind used PVRL4 (polio virus receptor-related 4) as a receptor to infect breast cancer cells and not the ubiquitously expressed CD46. Consistent with this, rMV-SLAMblind infected CD46-positive primary normal human cells at a much-reduced level, whereas a vaccine strain of the Edmonston lineage (rMV-Edmonston) efficiently infected and killed them. The rMV-SLAMblind showed antitumor activity against human breast cancer xenografts in immunodeficient mice. The oncolytic activity of rMV-SLAMblind was significantly greater than that of rMV-Edmonston. To assess the in vivo safety, three monkeys seronegative for MV were inoculated with rMV-SLAMblind, and no clinical symptoms were documented. On the basis of these results, rMV-SLAMblind could be a promising candidate as a novel oncolytic virus for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sugiyama
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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49
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Nedergaard MK, Hedegaard CJ, Poulsen HS. Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor in solid tumor malignancies. BioDrugs 2012; 26:83-99. [PMID: 22385404 DOI: 10.2165/11599760-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed, as well as mutated, in many types of cancers. In particular, the EGFR variant type III mutant (EGFRvIII) has attracted much attention as it is frequently and exclusively found on many tumor cells, and hence both EGFR and EGFRvIII have been proposed as valid targets in many cancer therapy settings. Different strategies have been developed in order to either inhibit EGFR/EGFRvIII activity or to ablate EGFR/EGFRvIII-positive tumor cells. Drugs that inhibit these receptors include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to the extracellular part of EGFR, blocking the binding sites for the EGFR ligands, and intracellular tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that block the ATP binding site of the tyrosine kinase domain. Besides an EGFRvIII-targeted vaccine, conjugated anti-EGFR mAbs have been used in different settings to deliver lethal agents to the EGFR/EGFRvIII-positive cells; among these are radio-labelled mAbs and immunotoxins. This article reviews the current status and efficacy of EGFR/EGFRvIII-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette K Nedergaard
- Department of Radiation Biology, Finsencenter, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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50
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Abstract
Twenty years of oncolytic virus development have created a field that is driven by the potential promise of lasting impact on our cancer treatment repertoire. With the field constantly expanding-more than 20 viruses have been recognized as potential oncolytic viruses-new virus candidates continue to emerge even as established viruses reach clinical trials. They all share the defining commonalities of selective replication in tumors, subsequent tumor cell lysis, and dispersion within the tumor. Members from diverse virus classes with distinctly different biologies and host species have been identified. Of these viruses, 15 have been tested on human glioblastoma multiforme. So far, 20 clinical trials have been conducted or initiated using attenuated strains of 7 different oncolytic viruses against glioblastoma multiforme. In this review, we present an overview of viruses that have been developed or considered for glioblastoma multiforme treatment. We outline the principles of tumor targeting and selective viral replication, which include mechanisms of tumor-selective binding, and molecular elements usurping cellular biosynthetic machinery in transformed cells. Results from clinical trials have clearly established the proof of concept and have confirmed the general safety of oncolytic virus application in the brain. The moderate clinical efficacy has not yet matched the promising preclinical lab results; next-generation oncolytic viruses that are either "armed" with therapeutic genes or embedded in a multimodality treatment regimen should enhance the clinical results.
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