1
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Peterson K, Turos-Cabal M, Salvador AD, Palomo-Caturla I, Howell AJ, Vieira ME, Greiner SM, Barnoud T, Rodriguez-Blanco J. Mechanistic insights into medulloblastoma relapse. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 260:108673. [PMID: 38857789 PMCID: PMC11270902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children, with medulloblastoma (MB) being the most common type. A better understanding of these malignancies has led to their classification into four major molecular subgroups. This classification not only facilitates the stratification of clinical trials, but also the development of more effective therapies. Despite recent progress, approximately 30% of children diagnosed with MB experience tumor relapse. Recurrent disease in MB is often metastatic and responds poorly to current therapies. As a result, only a small subset of patients with recurrent MB survive beyond one year. Due to its dismal prognosis, novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or managing recurrent disease are urgently needed. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind treatment failure in MB, as well as those characterizing recurrent cases. We also propose avenues for how these findings can be used to better inform personalized medicine approaches for the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent MB. Lastly, we discuss the treatments currently being evaluated for MB patients, with special emphasis on those targeting MB by subgroup at diagnosis and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendell Peterson
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Maria Turos-Cabal
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - April D Salvador
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Ashley J Howell
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Megan E Vieira
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sean M Greiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thibaut Barnoud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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2
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Toropko M, Chuvpilo S, Karabelsky A. miRNA-Mediated Mechanisms in the Generation of Effective and Safe Oncolytic Viruses. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:986. [PMID: 39204331 PMCID: PMC11360794 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16080986] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting the translation of target transcripts. The expression profiles of miRNAs vary in different tissues and change with the development of diseases, including cancer. This feature has begun to be used for the modification of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in order to increase their selectivity and efficacy. OVs represent a relatively new class of anticancer drugs; they are designed to replicate in cancer tumors and destroy them. These can be natural viruses that can replicate within cancer tumor cells, or recombinant viruses created in laboratories. There are some concerns regarding OVs' toxicity, due to their ability to partially replicate in healthy tissues. In addition, lytic and immunological responses upon OV therapy are not always sufficient, so various OV editing methods are used. This review discusses the latest results of preclinical and clinical studies of OVs, modifications of which are associated with the miRNA-mediated mechanism of gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Toropko
- Gene Therapy Department, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Avenue, 1, 354340 Sochi, Russia; (S.C.); (A.K.)
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3
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Bahreyni A, Mohamud Y, Luo H. Oncolytic virus-based combination therapy in breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216634. [PMID: 38309616 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer continues to pose significant challenges in the field of oncology, necessitating innovative treatment approaches. Among these, oncolytic viruses have emerged as a promising frontier in the battle against various types of cancer, including breast cancer. These viruses, often genetically modified, have the unique ability to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Their efficacy in tumor eradication is not only owing to direct cell lysis but also relies on their capacity to activate the immune system, thereby eliciting a potent and sustained antitumor response. While oncolytic viruses represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment, the complexity and adaptability inherent to cancer require a diverse array of therapies. The concept of combining oncolytic viruses with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, has received significant attention. This synergistic approach capitalizes on the strengths of each therapy, thus creating a comprehensive strategy to tackle the heterogeneous and evolving nature of breast cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth discussion of preclinical and clinical viro-based combination therapy in the context of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yasir Mohamud
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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4
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Li K, Zhou Y, Zang M, Jin X, Li X. Therapeutic prospects of nectin-4 in cancer: applications and value. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1354543. [PMID: 38606099 PMCID: PMC11007101 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1354543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nectin-4 is a Ca2+-independent immunoglobulin-like protein that exhibits significantly elevated expression in malignant tumors while maintaining extremely low levels in healthy adult tissues. In recent years, overexpression of Nectin-4 has been implicated in tumor occurrence and development of various cancers, including breast cancer, urothelial cancer, and lung cancer. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved enfortumab vedotin, the first antibody-drug conjugate targeting Nectin-4, for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma. This has emphasized the value of Nectin-4 in tumor targeted therapy and promoted the implementation of more clinical trials of enfortumab vedotin. In addition, many new drugs targeting Nectin-4 for the treatment of malignant tumors have entered clinical trials, with the aim of exploring potential new indications. However, the exact mechanisms by which Nectin-4 affects tumorigenesis and progression are still unclear, and the emergence of drug resistance and treatment-related adverse reactions poses challenges. This article reviews the diagnostic potential, prognostic significance, and molecular role of Nectin-4 in tumors, with a focus on clinical trials in the field of Nectin-4-related tumor treatment and the development of new drugs targeting Nectin-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Maolin Zang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Imaging Center, Jinan Third People’s Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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5
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Ageenko A, Vasileva N, Richter V, Kuligina E. Combination of Oncolytic Virotherapy with Different Antitumor Approaches against Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2042. [PMID: 38396720 PMCID: PMC10889383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is one of the most malignant and aggressive tumors of the central nervous system. Despite the standard therapy consisting of maximal surgical resection and chemo- and radiotherapy, the median survival of patients with this diagnosis is about 15 months. Oncolytic virus therapy is one of the promising areas for the treatment of malignant neoplasms. In this review, we have focused on emphasizing recent achievements in virotherapy, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutic schemes to improve survival rate and quality of life among patients with glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Ageenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia Vasileva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- LLC "Oncostar", R&D Department, Ingenernaya Street 23, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Richter
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena Kuligina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- LLC "Oncostar", R&D Department, Ingenernaya Street 23, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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6
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Scheicher NV, Berchtold S, Beil J, Smirnow I, Schenk A, Lauer UM. In Vitro Sensitivity of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms to an Armed Oncolytic Measles Vaccine Virus. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:488. [PMID: 38339240 PMCID: PMC10854751 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030488] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms represent a heterogenous group of rare tumors whose current therapeutic options show only limited efficacy. Oncolytic viruses exert their mode of action through (onco-)lysis of infected tumor cells and the induction of a systemic antitumoral immune response in a virus-induced inflammatory micromilieu. Here, we investigated the potential of our well-established second-generation suicide-gene armed oncolytic measles vaccine virus (MeV-SCD) in five human NEN cell lines. First, (i) expression of the MeV receptor CD46 and (ii) its correlation with primary infection rates were analyzed. Next, (iii) promising combination partners for MeV-SCD were tested by employing either the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine, which is converted into the chemotherapeutic compound 5-fluorouracil, or the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus. As a result, MeV-SCD was found to kill all NEN tumor cell lines efficiently in a dose-dependent manner. This oncolytic effect was further enhanced by exploiting the prodrug-converting system, which was found to be highly instrumental in overcoming the partial resistance found in a single NEN cell line. Furthermore, viral replication was unaffected by everolimus, which is a basic requirement for combined use in NEN patients. These data suggest that MeV-SCD has profound potential for patients with NEN, thus paving the way for early clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai V. Scheicher
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.V.S.)
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Berchtold
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.V.S.)
| | - Julia Beil
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.V.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irina Smirnow
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.V.S.)
| | - Andrea Schenk
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.V.S.)
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, Virotherapy Center Tübingen (VCT), Medical University Hospital, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.V.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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7
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Menotti L, Vannini A. Oncolytic Viruses in the Era of Omics, Computational Technologies, and Modeling: Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17378. [PMID: 38139207 PMCID: PMC10743452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are the frontier therapy for refractory cancers, especially in integration with immunomodulation strategies. In cancer immunovirotherapy, the many available "omics" and systems biology technologies generate at a fast pace a challenging huge amount of data, where apparently clashing information mirrors the complexity of individual clinical situations and OV used. In this review, we present and discuss how currently big data analysis, on one hand and, on the other, simulation, modeling, and computational technologies, provide invaluable support to interpret and integrate "omic" information and drive novel synthetic biology and personalized OV engineering approaches for effective immunovirotherapy. Altogether, these tools, possibly aided in the future by artificial intelligence as well, will allow for the blending of the information into OV recombinants able to achieve tumor clearance in a patient-tailored way. Various endeavors to the envisioned "synthesis" of turning OVs into personalized theranostic agents are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Menotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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8
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Yasinjan F, Xing Y, Geng H, Guo R, Yang L, Liu Z, Wang H. Immunotherapy: a promising approach for glioma treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1255611. [PMID: 37744349 PMCID: PMC10512462 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1255611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors worldwide, with glioblastoma (GBM) being the most common and aggressive type. Despite two decades of relentless pursuit in exploring novel therapeutic approaches for GBM, there is limited progress in improving patients' survival outcomes. Numerous obstacles impede the effective treatment of GBM, including the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), the blood-brain barrier, and extensive heterogeneity. Despite these challenges, immunotherapies are emerging as a promising avenue that may offer new hope for the treatment of gliomas. There are four main types of immunotherapies for gliomas, immune checkpoint blockades, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses. In addition, gene therapy, bispecific antibody therapy, and combine therapy are also briefly introduced in this review. The significant role of TME in the process of immunotherapies has been emphasized in many studies. Although immunotherapy is a promising treatment for gliomas, enormous effort is required to overcome the existing barriers to its success. Owing to the rapid development and increasing attention paid to immunotherapies for gliomas, this article aims to review the recent advances in immunotherapies for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feroza Yasinjan
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Xing
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huayue Geng
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziling Liu
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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9
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Battin C, De Sousa Linhares A, Leitner J, Grossmann A, Lupinek D, Izadi S, Castilho A, Waidhofer-Söllner P, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Stritzker J, Steinberger P. Engineered soluble, trimerized 4-1BBL variants as potent immunomodulatory agents. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3029-3043. [PMID: 37310433 PMCID: PMC10412504 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeting co-stimulatory receptors promotes the activation and effector functions of anti-tumor lymphocytes. 4-1BB (CD137/TNFSF9), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFR-SF), is a potent co-stimulatory receptor that plays a prominent role in augmenting effector functions of CD8+ T cells, but also CD4+ T cells and NK cells. Agonistic antibodies against 4-1BB have entered clinical trials and shown signs of therapeutic efficacy. Here, we have used a T cell reporter system to evaluate various formats of 4-1BBL regarding their capacity to functionally engage its receptor. We found that a secreted 4-1BBL ectodomain harboring a trimerization domain derived from human collagen (s4-1BBL-TriXVIII) is a strong inducer of 4-1BB co-stimulation. Similar to the 4-1BB agonistic antibody urelumab, s4-1BBL-TriXVIII is very potent in inducing CD8+ and CD4+ T cell proliferation. We provide first evidence that s4-1BBL-TriXVIII can be used as an effective immunomodulatory payload in therapeutic viral vectors. Oncolytic measles viruses encoding s4-1BBL-TriXVIII significantly reduced tumor burden in a CD34+ humanized mouse model, whereas measles viruses lacking s4-1BBL-TriXVIII were not effective. Natural soluble 4-1BB ligand harboring a trimerization domain might have utility in tumor therapy especially when delivered to tumor tissue as systemic administration might induce liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Battin
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika De Sousa Linhares
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Grossmann
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Lupinek
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shiva Izadi
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Waidhofer-Söllner
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jochen Stritzker
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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10
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Zhu X, Fan C, Xiong Z, Chen M, Li Z, Tao T, Liu X. Development and application of oncolytic viruses as the nemesis of tumor cells. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1188526. [PMID: 37440883 PMCID: PMC10335770 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1188526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses and tumors are two pathologies that negatively impact human health, but what occurs when a virus encounters a tumor? A global consensus among cancer patients suggests that surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other methods are the primary means to combat cancer. However, with the innovation and development of biomedical technology, tumor biotherapy (immunotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, gene therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, etc.) has emerged as an alternative treatment for malignant tumors. Oncolytic viruses possess numerous anti-tumor properties, such as directly lysing tumor cells, activating anti-tumor immune responses, and improving the tumor microenvironment. Compared to traditional immunotherapy, oncolytic virus therapy offers advantages including high killing efficiency, precise targeting, and minimal side effects. Although oncolytic virus (OV) therapy was introduced as a novel approach to tumor treatment in the 19th century, its efficacy was suboptimal, limiting its widespread application. However, since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first OV therapy drug, T-VEC, in 2015, interest in OV has grown significantly. In recent years, oncolytic virus therapy has shown increasingly promising application prospects and has become a major research focus in the field of cancer treatment. This article reviews the development, classification, and research progress of oncolytic viruses, as well as their mechanisms of action, therapeutic methods, and routes of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology—Manhattan Campus, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chenyang Fan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Technology, School of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhuolong Xiong
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingwei Chen
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zesong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital(Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Xiuqing Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Zolaly MA, Mahallawi W, Khawaji ZY, Alahmadi MA. The Clinical Advances of Oncolytic Viruses in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cureus 2023; 15:e40742. [PMID: 37485097 PMCID: PMC10361339 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising future for oncology treatment has been brought about by the emergence of a novel approach utilizing oncolytic viruses in cancer immunotherapy. Oncolytic viruses are viruses that have been exploited genetically to assault malignant cells and activate a robust immune response. Several techniques have been developed to endow viruses with an oncolytic activity through genetic engineering. For instance, redirection capsid modification, stimulation of anti-neoplastic immune response, and genetically arming viruses with cytokines such as IL-12. Oncolytic viral clinical outcomes are sought after, particularly in more advanced cancers. The effectiveness and safety profile of the oncolytic virus in clinical studies with or without the combination of standard treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or primary excision) has been assessed using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST). This review will comprehensively outline the most recent clinical applications and provide the results from various phases of clinical trials in a variety of cancers in the latest published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Zolaly
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Taibah University, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, SAU
| | - Waleed Mahallawi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, SAU
| | - Zakaria Y Khawaji
- Medicine and Surgery, Taibah University, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, SAU
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12
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Wu A, Li Z, Wang Y, Chen Y, Peng J, Zhu M, Li Y, Song H, Zhou D, Zhang C, Lv Y, Zhao Z. Recombinant measles virus vaccine rMV-Hu191 exerts an oncolytic effect on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:171. [PMID: 37202386 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01466-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses have recently been proven to be an effective and promising cancer therapeutic strategy, but there is rare data about oncolytic therapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), especially oncolytic measles virotherapy. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether the recombinant measles virus vaccine strain rMV-Hu191 has an oncolytic effect against ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that rMV-Hu191 could efficiently replicate in and kill ESCC cells through caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Mechanistically, rMV-Hu191 triggers mitochondrial dysfunction to induce pyroptosis, which is mediated by BAK (BCL2 antagonist/killer 1) or BAX (BCL2 associated X). Further analysis revealed that rMV-Hu191 activates inflammatory signaling in ESCC cells, which may enhance the oncolytic efficiency. Moreover, intratumoral injection of rMV-Hu191 induced dramatic tumor regression in an ESCC xenograft model. Collectively, these findings imply that rMV-Hu191 exhibits an antitumor effect through BAK/BAX-dependent caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and provides a potentially promising new therapy for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Wu
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhongyue Li
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yilong Wang
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinkai Peng
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengying Zhu
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yueyue Li
- Zhejiang Biosan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongming Zhou
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chudi Zhang
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Lv
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyan Zhao
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
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13
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Monaco ML, Idris OA, Essani K. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Basic Biology and Immuno-Oncolytic Viruses. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082393. [PMID: 37190321 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082393] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer. TNBC diagnoses account for approximately one-fifth of all breast cancer cases globally. The lack of receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2, CD340) results in a lack of available molecular-based therapeutics. This increases the difficulty of treatment and leaves more traditional as well as toxic therapies as the only available standards of care in many cases. Recurrence is an additional serious problem, contributing substantially to its higher mortality rate as compared to other breast cancers. Tumor heterogeneity also poses a large obstacle to treatment approaches. No driver of tumor development has been identified for TNBC, and large variations in mutational burden between tumors have been described previously. Here, we describe the biology of six different subtypes of TNBC, based on differential gene expression. Subtype differences can have a large impact on metastatic potential and resistance to treatment. Emerging antibody-based therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have available targets for small subsets of TNBC patients, leading to partial responses and relatively low overall efficacy. Immuno-oncolytic viruses (OVs) have recently become significant in the pursuit of effective treatments for TNBC. OVs generally share the ability to ignore the heterogeneous nature of TNBC cells and allow infection throughout a treated tumor. Recent genetic engineering has allowed for the enhancement of efficacy against certain tumor types while avoiding the most common side effects in non-cancerous tissues. In this review, TNBC is described in order to address the challenges it presents to potential treatments. The OVs currently described preclinically and in various stages of clinical trials are also summarized, as are their strategies to enhance therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Monaco
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Omer A Idris
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Karim Essani
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
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14
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Bykov Y, Dawodu G, Javaheri A, Garcia-Sastre A, Cuadrado-Castano S. Immune responses elicited by ssRNA(-) oncolytic viruses in the host and in the tumor microenvironment. JOURNAL OF CANCER METASTASIS AND TREATMENT 2023; 9:10. [PMID: 37974615 PMCID: PMC10653360 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2022.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are at the forefront of biologicals for cancer treatment. They represent a diverse landscape of naturally occurring viral strains and genetically modified viruses that, either as single agents or as part of combination therapies, are being evaluated in preclinical and clinical settings. As the field gains momentum, the research on OVs has been shifting efforts to expand our understanding of the complex interplay between the virus, the tumor and the immune system, with the aim of rationally designing more efficient therapeutic interventions. Nowadays, the potential of an OV platform is no longer defined exclusively by the targeted replication and cancer cell killing capacities of the virus, but by its contribution as an immunostimulator, triggering the transformation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) into a place where innate and adaptive immunity players can efficiently engage and lead the development of tumor-specific long-term memory responses. Here we review the immune mechanisms and host responses induced by ssRNA(-) (negative-sense single-stranded RNA) viruses as OV platforms. We focus on two ssRNA(-) OV candidates: Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus with one of the longest histories of utilization as an OV, and influenza A (IAV) virus, a well-characterized human pathogen with extraordinary immunostimulatory capacities that is steadily advancing as an OV candidate through the development of recombinant IAV attenuated platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonina Bykov
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Gloria Dawodu
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aryana Javaheri
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sara Cuadrado-Castano
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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15
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Floerchinger A, Klein JE, Finkbeiner MSC, Schäfer TE, Fuchs G, Doerner J, Zirngibl H, Ackermann M, Kvasnicka HM, Chester KA, Jäger D, Ball CR, Ungerechts G, Engeland CE. A vector-encoded bispecific killer engager to harness virus-activated NK cells as anti-tumor effectors. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:104. [PMID: 36765035 PMCID: PMC9918448 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Treatment with oncolytic measles vaccines (MV) elicits activation of immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells. However, we found that MV-activated NK cells show only modest direct cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. To specifically direct NK cells towards tumor cells, we developed oncolytic measles vaccines encoding bispecific killer engagers (MV-BiKE) targeting CD16A on NK cells and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a model tumor antigen. MV-BiKE are only slightly attenuated compared to parental MV and mediate secretion of functional BiKE from infected tumor cells. We tested MV-BiKE activity in cocultures of colorectal or pancreatic cancer cells with primary human NK cells. MV-BiKE mediate expression of effector cytokines, degranulation and specific anti-tumor cytotoxicity by NK cells. Experiments with patient-derived pancreatic cancer cultures indicate that efficacy of MV-BiKE may vary between individual tumors with differential virus permissiveness. Remarkably, we confirmed MV-BiKE activity in primaryhuman colorectal carcinoma specimens with autochthonous tumor and NK cells.This study provides proof-of-concept for MV-BiKE as a novel immunovirotherapy to harness virus-activated NK cells as anti-tumor effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Floerchinger
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Jessica E Klein
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximiliane S C Finkbeiner
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Theresa E Schäfer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gwendolin Fuchs
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Johannes Doerner
- Department of Surgery, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hubert Zirngibl
- Department of Surgery, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Maximilian Ackermann
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Hans M Kvasnicka
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia R Ball
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- Translational Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Guy Ungerechts
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine E Engeland
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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16
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Zhou H, Astore C, Skolnick J. PHEVIR: an artificial intelligence algorithm that predicts the molecular role of pathogens in complex human diseases. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20889. [PMID: 36463386 PMCID: PMC9719543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25412-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are known to cause a wide variety of post-infection complications. However, it's been challenging to identify which diseases are most associated with a given pathogen infection. Using the recently developed LeMeDISCO approach that predicts comorbid diseases associated with a given set of putative mode of action (MOA) proteins and pathogen-human protein interactomes, we developed PHEVIR, an algorithm which predicts the corresponding human disease comorbidities of 312 viruses and 57 bacteria. These predictions provide an understanding of the molecular bases of complications and means of identifying appropriate drug targets to treat them. As an illustration of its power, PHEVIR is applied to identify putative driver pathogens and corresponding human MOA proteins for Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, we explore the origins of the oncogenicity/oncolyticity of certain pathogens and the relationship between heart disease and influenza. The full PHEVIR database is available at https://sites.gatech.edu/cssb/phevir/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Zhou
- grid.213917.f0000 0001 2097 4943Center for the Study of Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30332 USA
| | - Courtney Astore
- grid.213917.f0000 0001 2097 4943Center for the Study of Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30332 USA
| | - Jeffrey Skolnick
- grid.213917.f0000 0001 2097 4943Center for the Study of Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30332 USA
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17
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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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18
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Lundstrom K. Self-replicating vehicles based on negative strand RNA viruses. Cancer Gene Ther 2022:10.1038/s41417-022-00436-7. [PMID: 35169298 PMCID: PMC8853047 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Self-replicating RNA viruses have been engineered as efficient expression vectors for vaccine development for infectious diseases and cancers. Moreover, self-replicating RNA viral vectors, particularly oncolytic viruses, have been applied for cancer therapy and immunotherapy. Among negative strand RNA viruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses have been frequently applied for vaccine development against viruses such as Chikungunya virus, Lassa virus, Ebola virus, influenza virus, HIV, Zika virus, and coronaviruses. Immunization of rodents and primates has elicited strong neutralizing antibody responses and provided protection against lethal challenges with pathogenic viruses. Several clinical trials have been conducted. Ervebo, a vaccine based on a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector has been approved for immunization of humans against Ebola virus. Different types of cancers such as brain, breast, cervical, lung, leukemia/lymphoma, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and melanoma, have been the targets for cancer vaccine development, cancer gene therapy, and cancer immunotherapy. Administration of measles virus and VSV vectors have demonstrated immune responses, tumor regression, and tumor eradication in various animal models. A limited number of clinical trials have shown well-tolerated treatment, good safety profiles, and dose-dependent activity in cancer patients.
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19
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Carter ME, Hartkopf AD, Wagner A, Volmer LL, Brucker SY, Berchtold S, Lauer UM, Koch A. A Three-Dimensional Organoid Model of Primary Breast Cancer to Investigate the Effects of Oncolytic Virotherapy. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:826302. [PMID: 35223990 PMCID: PMC8874275 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.826302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although several oncolytic viruses have already been tested in early-stage clinical studies of breast cancer, there is still an urgent need to develop patient-derived experimental systems that mimic the response of breast cancer to oncolytic agents in preparation of testing different oncolytic viruses in clinical trials. We addressed this need by developing a protocol to study the effects of oncolytic viruses in stable organoid cell cultures derived from breast cancer tissue.Methods: We used an established three-dimensional organoid model derived from tissue of 10 patients with primary breast cancer. We developed an experimental protocol for infecting organoid cultures with oncolytic viruses and compared the oncolytic effects of a measles vaccine virus (MeV) and a vaccinia virus (GLV) genetically engineered to express either green fluorescent protein (MeV-GFP) and red fluorescent protein (GLV-0b347), respectively, or a suicide gene encoding a fusion of cytosine deaminase with uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (MeV-SCD and GLV-1h94, respectively), thereby enabling enzymatic conversion of the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into cytotoxic compounds 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-fluorouridine monophosphate (5-FUMP).Results: The method demonstrated that all oncolytic viruses significantly inhibited cell viability in organoid cultures derived from breast cancer tissue. The oncolytic effects of the oncolytic viruses expressing suicide genes (MeV-SCD and GLV-1h94) were further enhanced by virus-triggered conversion of the prodrug 5-FC to toxic 5-FU and toxic 5-FUMP.Conclusions: We were able to develop a protocol to assess the effects of two different types of oncolytic viruses in stable organoid cell cultures derived from breast cancer tissue. The greatest oncolytic effects were observed when the oncolytic viruses were engineered to express a suicide gene (MeV-SCD and GLV-1h94) in the presence of the prodrug 5-FC. The model therefore provides a promising in vitro method to help further testing and engineering of new generations of virotherapeutic vectors for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Carter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas D. Hartkopf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anna Wagner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Léa L. Volmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sara Y. Brucker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Berchtold
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - André Koch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: André Koch,
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20
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A Combined Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration Process for the Purification of Oncolytic Measles Virus. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020105. [PMID: 35207027 PMCID: PMC8880582 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Measles virus (MV) is an important representative of a new class of cancer therapeutics known as oncolytic viruses. However, process intensification for the downstream purification of this fragile product is challenging. We previously found that a mid-range molecular weight cut-off (300 kDa) is optimal for the concentration of MV. Here, we tested continuous and discontinuous diafiltration for the purification of MV prepared in two different media to determine the influence of high and low protein loads. We found that a concentration step before diafiltration improved process economy and MV yield when using either serum-containing or serum-free medium. We also found that discontinuous diafiltration conferred a slight benefit in terms of the permeate flow, reflecting the repetitive dilution steps and the ability to break down parts of the fouling layer on the membrane. In summary, the combined ultrafiltration/diafiltration process is suitable for the purification of MV, resulting in the recovery of ~50% infectious virus particles with a total concentration factor of 8 when using 5 diavolumes of buffer.
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21
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Mahmoud AB, Ajina R, Aref S, Darwish M, Alsayb M, Taher M, AlSharif SA, Hashem AM, Alkayyal AA. Advances in immunotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme. Front Immunol 2022; 13:944452. [PMID: 36311781 PMCID: PMC9597698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.944452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor of the central nervous system and has a very poor prognosis. The current standard of care for patients with GBM involves surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, conventional therapies have not resulted in significant improvements in the survival outcomes of patients with GBM; therefore, the overall mortality rate remains high. Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system to fight cancer and has shown success in different types of aggressive cancers. Recently, healthcare providers have been actively investigating various immunotherapeutic approaches to treat GBM. We reviewed the most promising immunotherapy candidates for glioblastoma that have achieved encouraging results in clinical trials, focusing on immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, nonreplicating viral vectors, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud, ; Almohanad A. Alkayyal,
| | - Reham Ajina
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Aref
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Darwish
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Alsayb
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa Taher
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaker A. AlSharif
- King Fahad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Almadinah Almunwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center; King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almohanad A. Alkayyal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Research Program, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud, ; Almohanad A. Alkayyal,
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22
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Bhatt DK, Wekema L, Carvalho Barros LR, Chammas R, Daemen T. A systematic analysis on the clinical safety and efficacy of onco-virotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 23:239-253. [PMID: 34761104 PMCID: PMC8551473 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several onco-virotherapy candidates have been developed and clinically evaluated for the treatment of cancer, and several are approved for clinical use. In this systematic review we explored the clinical impact of onco-virotherapy compared to other cancer therapies by analyzing factors such as trial design, patient background, therapy design, delivery strategies, and study outcomes. For this purpose, we retrieved clinical studies from three platforms: ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and EMBASE. We found that most studies were performed in patients with advanced and metastatic tumors, using a broad range of genetically engineered vectors and mainly administered intratumorally. Therapeutic safety was the most frequently assessed outcome, while relatively few studies focused on immunological antitumor responses. Moreover, only 59 out of 896 clinical studies were randomized controlled trials reporting comparative data. This systemic review thus reveals the need of more, and better controlled, clinical studies to increase our understanding on the application of onco-virotherapy either as a single treatment or in combination with other cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshak K Bhatt
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands.,Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Instituto do Câncer do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Lieske Wekema
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Luciana Rodrigues Carvalho Barros
- Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Instituto do Câncer do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Roger Chammas
- Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Instituto do Câncer do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Toos Daemen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
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23
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Oncolytic viruses: A novel treatment strategy for breast cancer. Genes Dis 2021; 10:430-446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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The Communication between Ocular Surface and Nasal Epithelia in 3D Cell Culture Technology for Translational Research: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312994. [PMID: 34884799 PMCID: PMC8657734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge regarding the connection between the ocular and nasal epithelia. This narrative review focuses on conjunctival, corneal, ultrastructural corneal stroma, and nasal epithelia as well as an introduction into their interconnections. We describe in detail the morphology and physiology of the ocular surface, the nasolacrimal ducts, and the nasal cavity. This knowledge provides a basis for functional studies and the development of relevant cell culture models that can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of diseases related to these complex structures. Moreover, we also provide a state-of-the-art overview regarding the development of 3D culture models, which allow for addressing research questions in models resembling the in vivo situation. In particular, we give an overview of the current developments of corneal 3D and organoid models, as well as 3D cell culture models of epithelia with goblet cells (conjunctiva and nasal cavity). The benefits and shortcomings of these cell culture models are discussed. As examples for pathogens related to ocular and nasal epithelia, we discuss infections caused by adenovirus and measles virus. In addition to pathogens, also external triggers such as allergens can cause rhinoconjunctivitis. These diseases exemplify the interconnections between the ocular surface and nasal epithelia in a molecular and clinical context. With a final translational section on optical coherence tomography (OCT), we provide an overview about the applicability of this technique in basic research and clinical ophthalmology. The techniques presented herein will be instrumental in further elucidating the functional interrelations and crosstalk between ocular and nasal epithelia.
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Abd-Aziz N, Poh CL. Development of oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy. Transl Res 2021; 237:98-123. [PMID: 33905949 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses replication-competent viruses to kill cancers. The ability of oncolytic viruses to selectively replicate in cancer cells leads to direct cell lysis and induction of anticancer immune response. Like other anticancer therapies, oncolytic virotherapy has several limitations such as viral delivery to the target, penetration into the tumor mass, and antiviral immune responses. This review provides an insight into the different characteristics of oncolytic viruses (natural and genetically modified) that contribute to effective applications of oncolytic virotherapy in preclinical and clinical trials, and strategies to overcome the limitations. The potential of oncolytic virotherapy combining with other conventional treatments or cancer immunotherapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapy could form part of future multimodality treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Abd-Aziz
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research (CVVR), School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research (CVVR), School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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26
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Zeng J, Li X, Sander M, Zhang H, Yan G, Lin Y. Oncolytic Viro-Immunotherapy: An Emerging Option in the Treatment of Gliomas. Front Immunol 2021; 12:721830. [PMID: 34675919 PMCID: PMC8524046 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.721830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of malignant gliomas remains poor, with median survival fewer than 20 months and a 5-year survival rate merely 5%. Their primary location in the central nervous system (CNS) and its immunosuppressive environment with little T cell infiltration has rendered cancer therapies mostly ineffective, and breakthrough therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown limited benefit. However, tumor immunotherapy is developing rapidly and can help overcome these obstacles. But for now, malignant gliomas remain fatal with short survival and limited therapeutic options. Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) is a unique antitumor immunotherapy wherein viruses selectively or preferentially kill tumor cells, replicate and spread through tumors while inducing antitumor immune responses. OVTs can also recondition the tumor microenvironment and improve the efficacy of other immunotherapies by escalating the infiltration of immune cells into tumors. Some OVTs can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and possess tropism for the CNS, enabling intravenous delivery. Despite the therapeutic potential displayed by oncolytic viruses (OVs), optimizing OVT has proved challenging in clinical development, and marketing approvals for OVTs have been rare. In June 2021 however, as a genetically engineered OV based on herpes simplex virus-1 (G47Δ), teserpaturev got conditional and time-limited approval for the treatment of malignant gliomas in Japan. In this review, we summarize the current state of OVT, the synergistic effect of OVT in combination with other immunotherapies as well as the hurdles to successful clinical use. We also provide some suggestions to overcome the challenges in treating of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zeng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangxue Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Max Sander
- Department of International Cooperation, Guangzhou Virotech Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangmei Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Lundstrom K. Self-Replicating RNA Viruses for Vaccine Development against Infectious Diseases and Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1187. [PMID: 34696295 PMCID: PMC8541504 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses are enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses, which have been engineered for recombinant protein expression and vaccine development. Due to the presence of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, subgenomic RNA can replicate close to 106 copies per cell for translation in the cytoplasm providing extreme transgene expression levels, which is why they are named self-replicating RNA viruses. Expression of surface proteins of pathogens causing infectious disease and tumor antigens provide the basis for vaccine development against infectious diseases and cancer. Self-replicating RNA viral vectors can be administered as replicon RNA at significantly lower doses than conventional mRNA, recombinant particles, or DNA plasmids. Self-replicating RNA viral vectors have been applied for vaccine development against influenza virus, HIV, hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, Ebola virus, etc., showing robust immune response and protection in animal models. Recently, paramyxovirus and rhabdovirus vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as well as RNA vaccines based on self-amplifying alphaviruses have been evaluated in clinical settings. Vaccines against various cancers such as brain, breast, lung, ovarian, prostate cancer and melanoma have also been developed. Clinical trials have shown good safety and target-specific immune responses. Ervebo, the VSV-based vaccine against Ebola virus disease has been approved for human use.
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Cook J, Acosta-Medina AA, Peng KW, Lacy M, Russell S. Oncolytic virotherapy - Forging its place in the immunomodulatory paradigm for Multiple Myeloma. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2021; 29:100473. [PMID: 34673439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2021.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The treatment focus for multiple myeloma (MM) has recently pivoted towards immune modulating strategies, with T-cell redirection therapies currently at the forefront of drug development. Yet, despite this revolution in treatment, MM remains without a sustainable cure. At the same time, tremendous advancement has been made in recombinant and gene editing techniques for oncolytic viruses (OV), which have increased their tumor specificity, improved safety, and enhanced the oncolytic and immunostimulatory potential. These breakthrough developments in oncolytic virotherapy have opened new avenues for OVs to be used in combination with other immune-based therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) and bispecific T-cell engagers. In this review, the authors place the spotlight on systemic oncolytic virotherapy as an adaptable immunotherapeutic for MM, highlight the unique mechanism of OVs in activating the immune-suppressive marrow microenvironment, and lastly showcase the OV platforms and the promising combination strategies in the pipeline for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselle Cook
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States.
| | | | - Kah Whye Peng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN , United States
| | - Martha Lacy
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Stephen Russell
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States; Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN , United States
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Immunomodulatory Arming Factors-The Current Paradigm for Oncolytic Vectors Relies on Immune Stimulating Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169051. [PMID: 34445759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The dogma of engineering oncolytic viral vectors has shifted from emphasizing the viral lysis of individual cancer cells to the recruitment and coordination of the adaptive immune system to clear the tumor. To accomplish this, researchers have been adding several classes of transgenes to their preferred viral platforms. The most prevalent of these include antibodies and targeting moieties, interleukins and cytokines, and genes which rely on small molecule co-administration for tumor killing. Most current vectors rely exclusively on one of these types of transgenes to elicit the desired immune response to clear tumors, but are not mutually exclusive, with several larger OVs armed with several of these factors. The common theme of emerging armed vectors is to simply initiate or enhance infiltration of effector CD8+ T cells to clear the tumor locally at OV infection sites, and systemically throughout the body where the OV has not infected tumor cells. The precision of oncolytic vectors to target a cell type or tissue remains its key advantage over small-molecule drugs. Unlike chemo- and other drug therapies, viral vectors can be made to specifically infect and grow within tumor cells. This ensures localized expression of the therapeutic transgene to the diseased tissue, thereby limiting systemic toxicity. This review will examine the immunomodulating transgenes of current OVs, describe their general effect on the immune system, and provide the rationale for each vector's use in clearing its targeted tumor.
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Kuo YT, Liu CH, Wong SH, Pan YC, Lin LT. Small molecules baicalein and cinnamaldehyde are potentiators of measles virus-induced breast cancer oncolysis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 89:153611. [PMID: 34144429 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the breast cancer mortality has slowed down from 2008 to 2017, breast cancer incidence rate continues to rise and thus, new and/or improved treatments are highly needed. Among them, oncolytic virotherapy which has the ability of facilitating the antitumor adaptive immunity, appears as a promising anticancer therapy. Oncolytic measles virus (MV) is particularly suitable for targeting breast cancer due to the upregulation of MV's receptor nectin-4. Nonetheless, with limited clinical success currently, ways of boosting MV-induced breast cancer oncolysis are therefore necessary. Oncolytic virotherapy alone and combined with chemotherapeutic drugs are two strategic areas with intensive development for the search of anticancer drugs. Considering that baicalein (BAI) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) have demonstrated antitumor properties against multiple cancers including breast cancer, they could be good partners for MV-based oncolytic virotherapy. PURPOSE To assess the in vitro effect of BAI and CIN with MV and assess their combination effects. METHODS We examined the combinatorial cytotoxic effect of oncolytic MV and BAI or CIN on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Potential anti-MV activities of the phytochemicals were first investigated in vitro to determine the optimal combination model. Synergism of MV and BAI or CIN was then evaluated in vitro by calculating the combination indices. Finally, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays were performed to confirm the mechanism of synergism. RESULTS Overall, the viral sensitization combination modality using oncolytic MV to first infect MCF-7 breast cancer cells followed by drug treatment with BAI or CIN was found to produce significantly enhanced tumor killing. Further mechanistic studies showed that the combinations 'MV-BAI' and 'MV-CIN' display synergistic anti-breast cancer effect, mediated by elevated apoptosis. CONCLUSION We demonstrated, for the first time, effective combination of oncolytic MV with BAI or CIN that could be further explored and potentially developed into novel therapeutic strategies targeting nectin-4-marked breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Kuo
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Hsuan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Shu Hui Wong
- International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chi Pan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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Development of Group B Coxsackievirus as an Oncolytic Virus: Opportunities and Challenges. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061082. [PMID: 34198859 PMCID: PMC8227215 DOI: 10.3390/v13061082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses have emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy due to their dual ability to selectively infect and lyse tumor cells and to induce systemic anti-tumor immunity. Among various candidate viruses, coxsackievirus group B (CVBs) have attracted increasing attention in recent years. CVBs are a group of small, non-enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses, belonging to species human Enterovirus B in the genus Enterovirus of the family Picornaviridae. Preclinical studies have demonstrated potent anti-tumor activities for CVBs, particularly type 3, against multiple cancer types, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancer. Various approaches have been proposed or applied to enhance the safety and specificity of CVBs towards tumor cells and to further increase their anti-tumor efficacy. This review summarizes current knowledge and strategies for developing CVBs as oncolytic viruses for cancer virotherapy. The challenges arising from these studies and future prospects are also discussed in this review.
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Chianese A, Santella B, Ambrosino A, Stelitano D, Rinaldi L, Galdiero M, Zannella C, Franci G. Oncolytic Viruses in Combination Therapeutic Approaches with Epigenetic Modulators: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112761. [PMID: 34199429 PMCID: PMC8199618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer rates have been accelerating significantly in recent years. Despite notable advances having been made in cancer therapy, and numerous studies being currently conducted in clinical trials, research is always looking for new treatment. Novel and promising anticancer therapies comprise combinations of oncolytic viruses and epigenetic modulators, including chromatin modifiers, such as DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylases, and microRNA. Combinatorial treatments have several advantages: they enhance viral entry, replication, and spread between proximal cells and, moreover, they strengthen the immune response. In this review we summarize the main combination of therapeutic approaches, giving an insight into past, present, and future perspectives. Abstract According to the World Cancer Report, cancer rates have been increased by 50% with 15 million new cases in the year 2020. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the only one of the most common tumors to cause a huge increase in mortality with a survival rate between 40% and 70% at 5 years, due to the high relapse and limitations associated with current therapies. Despite great progress in medicine, oncological research is always looking for new therapies: different technologies have been evaluated in clinical trials and others have been already used in clinics. Among them, oncolytic virotherapy represents a therapeutic option with a widespread possibility of approaches and applications. Oncolytic viruses are naturally occurring, or are engineered, viruses characterized by the unique features of preferentially infecting, replicating, and lysing malignant tumor cells, as well as activating the immune response. The combination of oncolytic virotherapy and chemical drugs are arousing great interest in the tumor treatment. In this scenario, novel and promising anticancer therapies comprise combinations of oncolytic viruses and epigenetic modulators or inhibitors of the signalling pathways. Combination treatments are required to improve the immune response and allow viral entry, replication, and diffusion between proximal cells. In this review, we summarize all combination therapies associated with virotherapy, including co-administered inhibitors of chromatin modifiers (combination strategies) and inserted target sites for miRNAs (recombination or arming strategies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Biagio Santella
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Ambrosino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Debora Stelitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (D.S.); (M.G.)
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (D.S.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (C.Z.); (G.F.)
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.Z.); (G.F.)
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Zhang Y, Li Y, Chen K, Qian L, Wang P. Oncolytic virotherapy reverses the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and its potential in combination with immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:262. [PMID: 33985527 PMCID: PMC8120729 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been intensively reported that the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) results in tumor resistance to immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric T cell antigen therapy. As an emerging therapeutic agent, oncolytic viruses (OVs) can specifically kill malignant cells and modify immune and non-immune TME components through their intrinsic properties or genetically incorporated with TME regulators. Strategies of manipulating OVs against the immunosuppressive TME include serving as a cancer vaccine, expressing proinflammatory factors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and regulating nonimmune stromal constituents. In this review, we summarized the mechanisms and applications of OVs against the immunosuppressive TME, and strategies of OVs in combination with immunotherapy. We also introduced future directions to achieve efficient clinical translation including optimization of preclinical models that simulate the human TME and achieving systemic delivery of OVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Qian
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Vandeborne L, Pantziarka P, Van Nuffel AMT, Bouche G. Repurposing Infectious Diseases Vaccines Against Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:688755. [PMID: 34055652 PMCID: PMC8155725 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.688755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines used to prevent infections have long been known to stimulate immune responses to cancer as illustrated by the approval of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to treat bladder cancer since the 1970s. The recent approval of immunotherapies has rejuvenated this research area with reports of anti-tumor responses with existing infectious diseases vaccines used as such, either alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we have reviewed and summarized research activities using approved vaccines to treat cancer. Data supporting a cancer therapeutic use was found for 16 vaccines. For 10 (BCG, diphtheria, tetanus, human papillomavirus, influenza, measles, pneumococcus, smallpox, typhoid and varicella-zoster), clinical trials have been conducted or are ongoing. Within the remaining 6, preclinical evidence supports further evaluation of the rotavirus, yellow fever and pertussis vaccine in carefully designed clinical trials. The mechanistic evidence for the cholera vaccine, combined with the observational data in colorectal cancer, is also supportive of clinical translation. There is limited data for the hepatitis B and mumps vaccine (without measles vaccine). Four findings are worth highlighting: the superiority of intravesical typhoid vaccine instillations over BCG in a preclinical bladder cancer model, which is now the subject of a phase I trial; the perioperative use of the influenza vaccine to limit and prevent the natural killer cell dysfunction induced by cancer surgery; objective responses following intratumoral injections of measles vaccine in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; objective responses induced by human papillomavirus vaccine in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. All vaccines are intended to induce or improve an anti-tumor (immune) response. In addition to the biological and immunological mechanisms that vary between vaccines, the mode of administration and sequence with other (immuno-)therapies warrant more attention in future research.
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Heidbuechel JPW, Engeland CE. Oncolytic viruses encoding bispecific T cell engagers: a blueprint for emerging immunovirotherapies. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:63. [PMID: 33863363 PMCID: PMC8052795 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs) are an innovative class of immunotherapeutics that redirect T cells to tumor surface antigens. While efficacious against certain hematological malignancies, limited bioavailability and severe toxicities have so far hampered broader clinical application, especially against solid tumors. Another emerging cancer immunotherapy are oncolytic viruses (OVs) which selectively infect and replicate in malignant cells, thereby mediating tumor vaccination effects. These oncotropic viruses can serve as vectors for tumor-targeted immunomodulation and synergize with other immunotherapies. In this article, we discuss the use of OVs to overcome challenges in BiTE therapy. We review the current state of the field, covering published preclinical studies as well as ongoing clinical investigations. We systematically introduce OV-BiTE vector design and characteristics as well as evidence for immune-stimulating and anti-tumor effects. Moreover, we address additional combination regimens, including CAR T cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and further strategies to modulate the tumor microenvironment using OV-BiTEs. The inherent complexity of these novel therapeutics highlights the importance of translational research including correlative studies in early-phase clinical trials. More broadly, OV-BiTEs can serve as a blueprint for diverse OV-based cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P W Heidbuechel
- Research Group Mechanisms of Oncolytic Immunotherapy, Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine E Engeland
- Research Group Mechanisms of Oncolytic Immunotherapy, Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Center for Biomedical Research and Education (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
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36
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Zhang CD, Wang YL, Zhou DM, Zhu MY, Lv Y, Hao XQ, Qu CF, Chen Y, Gu WZ, Wu BQ, Chen PC, Zhao ZY. A recombinant Chinese measles virus vaccine strain rMV-Hu191 inhibits human colorectal cancer growth through inducing autophagy and apoptosis regulating by PI3K/AKT pathway. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101091. [PMID: 33848808 PMCID: PMC8063909 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recombinant Chinese measles virus vaccine strain rMV-Hu191 induced efficient infection and oncolytic effects in human CRC both in vitro and in vivo. rMV-Hu191 induced the caspase-dependent apoptosis and complete autophagy in CRC cells. Autophagy served as a protective role in human CRC cells’ apoptosis induced by rMV-Hu191. rMV-Hu191-induced autophagy and apoptosis were regulated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in human CRC.
The potential therapeutic effects of oncolytic measles virotherapy have been verified against plenty of malignancies. However, the oncolytic effects and underlying mechanisms of the recombinant Chinese measles virus vaccine strain Hu191 (rMV-Hu191) against human colorectal cancer (CRC) remain elusive. In this study, the antitumor effects of rMV-Hu191 were evaluated in CRC both in vitro and in vivo. From our data, rMV-Hu191 induced remarkably caspase-dependent apoptosis and complete autophagy in vitro. In mice bearing CRC xenografts, tumor volume was remarkably suppressed and median survival was prolonged significantly with intratumoral treatment of rMV-Hu191. To gain further insight into the relationship of rMV-Hu191-induced apoptosis and autophagy, we utilized Rapa and shATG7 to regulate autophagy. Our data suggested that autophagy was served as a protective role in rMV-Hu191-induced apoptosis in CRC. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as one of the common upstream pathways of apoptosis and autophagy was activated in CRC after treatment with rMV-Hu191. And inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway using LY294002 was accompanied by enhanced apoptosis and decreased autophagy which suggested that PI3K/AKT pathway promoted rMV-Hu191-induced autophagy and inhibited rMV-Hu191-induced apoptosis. This is the first study to demonstrate that rMV-Hu191 could be used as a potentially effective therapeutic agent in CRC treatment. As part of the underlying cellular mechanisms, apoptosis and autophagy were involved in the oncolytic effects generated by rMV-Hu191. And the cross-talk between these two processes and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was well identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-di Zhang
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Yi-Long Wang
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Dong-Ming Zhou
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Meng-Ying Zhu
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Yao Lv
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Xiao-Qiang Hao
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Chu-Fan Qu
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Yi Chen
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Wei-Zhong Gu
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China.
| | - Ben-Qing Wu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Pei-Chun Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Zheng-Yan Zhao
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, Zhejiang. China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang. China.
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Briolay T, Petithomme T, Fouet M, Nguyen-Pham N, Blanquart C, Boisgerault N. Delivery of cancer therapies by synthetic and bio-inspired nanovectors. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:55. [PMID: 33761944 PMCID: PMC7987750 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a complement to the clinical development of new anticancer molecules, innovations in therapeutic vectorization aim at solving issues related to tumor specificity and associated toxicities. Nanomedicine is a rapidly evolving field that offers various solutions to increase clinical efficacy and safety. MAIN: Here are presented the recent advances for different types of nanovectors of chemical and biological nature, to identify the best suited for translational research projects. These nanovectors include different types of chemically engineered nanoparticles that now come in many different flavors of 'smart' drug delivery systems. Alternatives with enhanced biocompatibility and a better adaptability to new types of therapeutic molecules are the cell-derived extracellular vesicles and micro-organism-derived oncolytic viruses, virus-like particles and bacterial minicells. In the first part of the review, we describe their main physical, chemical and biological properties and their potential for personalized modifications. The second part focuses on presenting the recent literature on the use of the different families of nanovectors to deliver anticancer molecules for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, nucleic acid-based therapy, modulation of the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. CONCLUSION This review will help the readers to better appreciate the complexity of available nanovectors and to identify the most fitting "type" for efficient and specific delivery of diverse anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Briolay
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | | | - Morgane Fouet
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000, Nantes, France
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Dailey KM, Allgood JE, Johnson PR, Ostlie MA, Schaner KC, Brooks BD, Brooks AE. The next frontier of oncotherapy: accomplishing clinical translation of oncolytic bacteria through genetic engineering. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:341-368. [PMID: 33754804 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a 'smart' drug capable of distinguishing tumor from host cells has been sought for centuries, but the microenvironment of solid tumors continues to confound therapeutics. Solid tumors present several challenges for current oncotherapeutics, including aberrant vascularization, hypoxia, necrosis, abnormally high pH and local immune suppression. While traditional chemotherapeutics are limited by such an environment, oncolytic microbes are drawn to it - having an innate ability to selectively infect, colonize and eradicate solid tumors. Development of an oncolytic species would represent a shift in the cancer therapeutic paradigm, with ramifications reaching from the medical into the socio-economic. Modern genetic engineering techniques could be implemented to customize 'Frankenstein' bacteria with advantageous characteristics from several species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M Dailey
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58103, USA.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
| | - JuliAnne E Allgood
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Paige R Johnson
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
| | - Mackenzie A Ostlie
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
| | - Kambri C Schaner
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
| | | | - Amanda E Brooks
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58103, USA.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58103, USA.,Office of Research & Scholarly Activity. Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT 84738, 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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40
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Oncolytic virotherapy: Challenges and solutions. Curr Probl Cancer 2021; 45:100639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2020.100639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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41
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Wang H, Song L, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhou X. Bluetongue Viruses Act as Novel Oncolytic Viruses to Effectively Inhibit Human Renal Cancer Cell Growth In Vitro and In Vivo. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e930634. [PMID: 33507885 PMCID: PMC7852039 DOI: 10.12659/msm.930634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The bluetongue virus (BTV) is the prototype virus in the genus Orbivirus within the family Reoviridae. Recent studies indicate that BTVs are capable of infecting and selectively lysing human hepatic carcinoma cells (Hep-3B) and prostate carcinoma cells (pc-3). This study was designed to evaluate the oncolytic potential of BTV in experimental models of human renal cancer in vitro and in vivo. Material/Methods Five human renal cancer cell lines, ACHN, CAKI-1, OS-RC-2, 786-O, and A498, were used in this study to analyze BTV replication. These cells were lysed by oncolysis compared to normal control. Xenograft models were used to assess the efficacy and toxicity of BTVs in vivo. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA or two-sided unpaired t tests. Results The results showed HPTEC cells to be relatively resistant to cytotoxic effects of BTVs and exhibited normal growth rate even at high dose of BTVs. Nonetheless, the renal cancer cells showed a remarkably higher sensitivity to BTVs. Moreover, the ultramicroscopic subcellular changes were also detected in the renal cells. The viral particles were observed in all the RCC cell lines, but not in HPTEC cells. Intratumoral injections of BTVs significantly decreased the tumor volume as compared to animals that received no virus treatment. Infection with BTVs significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic renal cancer cells but not the HPTEC cells. Moreover, BTV triggered apoptosis in renal cancer cells via a mitochondria-mediated pathway. Conclusions This study for the first time demonstrated the oncolytic potential of BTV in experimental models of human renal cancer. BTV exhibits the potential to inhibit human renal cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhou Wang
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Liming Song
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoguang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (mainland)
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42
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Liu CH, Wong SH, Tai CJ, Tai CJ, Pan YC, Hsu HY, Richardson CD, Lin LT. Ursolic Acid and Its Nanoparticles Are Potentiators of Oncolytic Measles Virotherapy against Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010136. [PMID: 33406633 PMCID: PMC7795983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the advancing treatments, female breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and a leading cause of cancer deaths in women. To help broaden the therapeutic spectrum of breast cancer, we identified the natural compound ursolic acid (UA) as a potentiator that enhances the oncolytic activity of measles virus (MV) against breast cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis. In addition, to increase clinical applicability, we further generated UA nanoparticles that achieved improved solubility. UA nanoparticles similarly synergized with MV in killing breast cancer cells by triggering apoptosis, and this synergistic anticancer effect was also observed in various breast cancer cell types. This study demonstrates for the first time that UA and its nanoparticles enhance MV’s oncolytic activity in breast cancer cells, suggesting that such combinations may be worth further exploring as an anticancer strategy against breast cancer. Abstract Oncolytic viruses (OVs) and phytochemical ursolic acid (UA) are two efficacious therapeutic candidates in development against breast cancer, the deadliest women’s cancer worldwide. However, as single agents, OVs and UA have limited clinical efficacies. As a common strategy of enhancing monotherapeutic anticancer efficacy, we explored the combinatorial chemovirotherapeutic approach of combining oncolytic measles virus (MV), which targets the breast tumor marker Nectin-4, and the anticancer UA against breast adenocarcinoma. Our findings revealed that in vitro co-treatment with UA synergistically potentiated the killing of human breast cancer cells by oncolytic MV, without UA interfering the various steps of the viral infection. Mechanistic studies revealed that the synergistic outcome from the combined treatment was mediated through UA’s potentiation of apoptotic killing by MV. To circumvent UA’s poor solubility and bioavailability and strengthen its clinical applicability, we further developed UA nanoparticles (UA-NP) by nanoemulsification. Compared to the non-formulated UA, UA-NP exhibited improved drug dissolution property and similarly synergized with oncolytic MV in inducing apoptotic breast cancer cell death. This oncolytic potentiation was partly attributed to the enhanced autophagic flux induced by the UA-NP and MV combined treatment. Finally, the synergistic effect from the UA-NP and MV combination was also observed in BT-474 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. Our study thus highlights the potential value of oncolytic MV and UA-based chemovirotherapy for further development as a treatment strategy against breast cancer, and the feasibility of employing nanoformulation to enhance UA’s applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hsuan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Shu Hui Wong
- International M.Sc. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Jeng Tai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Pan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Hsue-Yin Hsu
- Department of Life Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan;
| | - Christopher D. Richardson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
- Department of Pediatrics and Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3911)
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Jin KT, Tao XH, Fan YB, Wang SB. Crosstalk between oncolytic viruses and autophagy in cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 134:110932. [PMID: 33370632 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses have attracted attention as a promising strategy in cancer therapy owing to their ability to selectively infect and kill tumor cells, without affecting healthy cells. They also exert their anti-tumor effects by releasing immunostimulatory molecules from dying cancer cells. Several regulatory mechanisms, such as autophagy, contribute to the anti-tumor properties of oncolytic viruses. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process in responses to various stresses, such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and infection that produces energy by lysosomal degradation of intracellular contents. Autophagy can support infectivity and replication of the oncolytic virus and enhance their anti-tumor effects via mediating oncolysis, autophagic cell death, and immunogenic cell death. On the other hand, autophagy can reduce the cytotoxicity of oncolytic viruses by providing survival nutrients for tumor cells. In his review, we summarize various types of oncolytic viruses in clinical trials, their mechanism of action, and autophagy machinery. Furthermore, we precisely discuss the interaction between oncolytic viruses and autophagy in cancer therapy and their combinational effects on tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Tao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hua Tao
- Department of Dermatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yi-Bin Fan
- Department of Dermatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
| | - Shi-Bing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
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Leroy H, Han M, Woottum M, Bracq L, Bouchet J, Xie M, Benichou S. Virus-Mediated Cell-Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9644. [PMID: 33348900 PMCID: PMC7767094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion between eukaryotic cells is a general process involved in many physiological and pathological conditions, including infections by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. As obligate intracellular pathogens, viruses use intracellular machineries and pathways for efficient replication in their host target cells. Interestingly, certain viruses, and, more especially, enveloped viruses belonging to different viral families and including human pathogens, can mediate cell-cell fusion between infected cells and neighboring non-infected cells. Depending of the cellular environment and tissue organization, this virus-mediated cell-cell fusion leads to the merge of membrane and cytoplasm contents and formation of multinucleated cells, also called syncytia, that can express high amount of viral antigens in tissues and organs of infected hosts. This ability of some viruses to trigger cell-cell fusion between infected cells as virus-donor cells and surrounding non-infected target cells is mainly related to virus-encoded fusion proteins, known as viral fusogens displaying high fusogenic properties, and expressed at the cell surface of the virus-donor cells. Virus-induced cell-cell fusion is then mediated by interactions of these viral fusion proteins with surface molecules or receptors involved in virus entry and expressed on neighboring non-infected cells. Thus, the goal of this review is to give an overview of the different animal virus families, with a more special focus on human pathogens, that can trigger cell-cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Leroy
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, 75014 Paris, France; (H.L.); (M.H.); (M.W.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, UMR8104, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculty of Health, University of Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Mingyu Han
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, 75014 Paris, France; (H.L.); (M.H.); (M.W.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, UMR8104, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculty of Health, University of Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Marie Woottum
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, 75014 Paris, France; (H.L.); (M.H.); (M.W.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, UMR8104, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculty of Health, University of Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Lucie Bracq
- Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Jérôme Bouchet
- Laboratory Orofacial Pathologies, Imaging and Biotherapies UR2496, University of Paris, 92120 Montrouge, France;
| | - Maorong Xie
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Serge Benichou
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, 75014 Paris, France; (H.L.); (M.H.); (M.W.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, UMR8104, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculty of Health, University of Paris, 75014 Paris, France
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Zhang S, Rabkin SD. The discovery and development of oncolytic viruses: are they the future of cancer immunotherapy? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:391-410. [PMID: 33232188 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1850689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite diverse treatment modalities and novel therapies, many cancers and patients are not effectively treated. Cancer immunotherapy has recently achieved breakthrough status yet is not effective in all cancer types or patients and can generate serious adverse effects. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising new therapeutic modality that harnesses virus biology and host interactions to treat cancer. OVs, genetically engineered or natural, preferentially replicate in and kill cancer cells, sparing normal cells/tissues, and mediating anti-tumor immunity.Areas covered: This review focuses on OVs as cancer therapeutic agents from a historical perspective, especially strategies to boost their immunotherapeutic activities. OVs offer a multifaceted platform, whose activities are modulated based on the parental virus and genetic alterations. In addition to direct viral effects, many OVs can be armed with therapeutic transgenes to also act as gene therapy vectors, and/or combined with other drugs or therapies.Expert opinion: OVs are an amazingly versatile and malleable class of cancer therapies. They tend to target cellular and host physiology as opposed to specific genetic alterations, which potentially enables broad responsiveness. The biological complexity of OVs have hindered their translation; however, the recent approval of talimogene laherparepvec (T-Vec) has invigorated the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunchuan Zhang
- Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory and the Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel D Rabkin
- Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory and the Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Matveeva OV, Shabalina SA. Prospects for Using Expression Patterns of Paramyxovirus Receptors as Biomarkers for Oncolytic Virotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123659. [PMID: 33291506 PMCID: PMC7762160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Some non-pathogenic viruses that do not cause serious illness in humans can efficiently target and kill cancer cells and may be considered candidates for cancer treatment with virotherapy. However, many cancer cells are protected from viruses. An important goal of personalized cancer treatment is to identify viruses that can kill a certain type of cancer cells. To this end, researchers investigate expression patterns of cell entry receptors, which viruses use to bind to and enter host cells. We summarized and analyzed the receptor expression patterns of two paramyxoviruses: The non-pathogenic measles and the Sendai viruses. The receptors for these viruses are different and can be proteins or lipids with attached carbohydrates. This review discusses the prospects for using these paramyxovirus receptors as biomarkers for successful personalized virotherapy for certain types of cancer. Abstract The effectiveness of oncolytic virotherapy in cancer treatment depends on several factors, including successful virus delivery to the tumor, ability of the virus to enter the target malignant cell, virus replication, and the release of progeny virions from infected cells. The multi-stage process is influenced by the efficiency with which the virus enters host cells via specific receptors. This review describes natural and artificial receptors for two oncolytic paramyxoviruses, nonpathogenic measles, and Sendai viruses. Cell entry receptors are proteins for measles virus (MV) and sialylated glycans (sialylated glycoproteins or glycolipids/gangliosides) for Sendai virus (SeV). Accumulated published data reviewed here show different levels of expression of cell surface receptors for both viruses in different malignancies. Patients whose tumor cells have low or no expression of receptors for a specific oncolytic virus cannot be successfully treated with the virus. Recent published studies have revealed that an expression signature for immune genes is another important factor that determines the vulnerability of tumor cells to viral infection. In the future, a combination of expression signatures of immune and receptor genes could be used to find a set of oncolytic viruses that are more effective for specific malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Matveeva
- Sendai Viralytics LLC, 23 Nylander Way, Acton, MA 01720, USA
- Correspondence: (O.V.M.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Svetlana A. Shabalina
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
- Correspondence: (O.V.M.); (S.A.S.)
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Perrone MG, Luisi O, De Grassi A, Ferorelli S, Cormio G, Scilimati A. Translational Theragnosis of Ovarian Cancer: where do we stand? Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5675-5715. [PMID: 31419925 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190816232330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy, accounting for approximately 220,000 deaths annually worldwide. Despite radical surgery and initial high response rates to platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy, most patients experience a relapse, with a median progression-free survival of only 18 months. Overall survival is approximately 30% at 5 years from the diagnosis. In comparison, patients out from breast cancer are more than 80 % after ten years from the disease discovery. In spite of a large number of published fundamental and applied research, and clinical trials, novel therapies are urgently needed to improve outcomes of the ovarian cancer. The success of new drugs development in ovarian cancer will strongly depend on both fully genomic disease characterization and, then, availability of biomarkers able to identify women likely to benefit from a given new therapy. METHODS In this review, the focus is given to describe how complex is the diseases under the simple name of ovarian cancer, in terms of cell tumor types, histotypes, subtypes, and specific gene mutation or differently expressed in the tumor with respect the healthy ovary. The first- and second-line pharmacological treatment clinically used over the last fifty years are also described. Noteworthy achievements in vitro and in vivo tested new drugs are also summarized. Recent literature related to up to date ovarian cancer knowledge, its detection by biomarkers and chemotherapy was searched from several articles on Pubmed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and various Governmental Agencies till April 2019. RESULTS The papers referenced by this review allow a deep analysis of status of the art in the classification of the several types of ovarian cancer, the present knowledge of diagnosis based on biomarkers and imaging techniques, and the therapies developed over the past five decades. CONCLUSION This review aims at stimulating more multi-disciplinary efforts to identify a panel of novel and more specific biomarkers to be used to screen patients for a very early diagnosis, to have prognosis and therapy efficacy indications. The desired final goal would be to have available tools allowing to reduce the recurrence rate, increase both the disease progression free interval and of course the overall survival at five years from the diagnosis that today is still very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Perrone
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "A. Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Oreste Luisi
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "A. Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna De Grassi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "A. Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Savina Ferorelli
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "A. Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Oncologico "Giovanni Paolo II" Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scilimati
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "A. Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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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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49
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Menyhárt O, Győrffy B. Molecular stratifications, biomarker candidates and new therapeutic options in current medulloblastoma treatment approaches. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:211-233. [PMID: 31970590 PMCID: PMC7098941 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09854-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood tumor of the brain. Multimodal treatment consisting of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy reduced cumulative incidence of late mortality but increased the incidence of subsequent neoplasms and severe, incapacitating chronic health conditions. Present treatment strategies fail to recognize heterogeneity within patients despite wide divergence in individual responses. The persistent mortality rates and serious side effects of non-targeted cytotoxic therapies indicate a need for more refined therapeutic approaches. Advanced genomic research has led to the accumulation of an enormous amount of genetic information and resulted in a consensus distinguishing four molecular subgroups, WNT-activated, SHH-activated, and Group 3 and 4 medulloblastomas. These have distinct origin, demographics, molecular alterations, and clinical outcomes. Although subgroup affiliation does not predict response to therapy, new subgroup-specific markers of prognosis can enable a more layered risk stratification with additional subtypes within each primary subgroup. Here, we summarize subgroup-specific genetic alterations and their utility in current treatment strategies. The transition toward molecularly targeted interventions for newly diagnosed MBs remains slow, and prospective trials are needed to confirm stratifications based on molecular alterations. At the same time, numerous studies focus at fine-tuning the intensity of invasive radio- and chemotherapies to reduce intervention-related long-term morbidity. There are an increasing number of immunotherapy-based treatment strategies including immune checkpoint-inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, CAR-T therapy, and NK cells in recurrent and refractory MBs. Although most trials are in early phase, there is hope for therapeutic breakthroughs for advanced MBs within the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otília Menyhárt
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics and Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics and Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Budapest, H-1117, Hungary.
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50
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Abstract
Therapeutic viral gene delivery is an emerging technology which aims to correct genetic mutations by introducing new genetic information to cells either to correct a faulty gene or to initiate cell death in oncolytic treatments. In recent years, significant scientific progress has led to several clinical trials resulting in the approval of gene therapies for human treatment. However, successful therapies remain limited due to a number of challenges such as inefficient cell uptake, low transduction efficiency (TE), limited tropism, liver toxicity and immune response. To adress these issues and increase the number of available therapies, additives from a broad range of materials like polymers, peptides, lipids, nanoparticles, and small molecules have been applied so far. The scope of this review is to highlight these selected delivery systems from a materials perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Kaygisiz
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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