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Valdivia G, Alonso-Diez Á, Pérez-Alenza D, Peña L. From Conventional to Precision Therapy in Canine Mammary Cancer: A Comprehensive Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:623800. [PMID: 33681329 PMCID: PMC7925635 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.623800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are the most common neoplasm in intact female dogs. Canine mammary cancer (CMC) represents 50% of CMTs, and besides surgery, which is the elective treatment, additional targeted and non-targeted therapies could offer benefits in terms of survival to these patients. Also, CMC is considered a good spontaneous intermediate animal model for the research of human breast cancer (HBC), and therefore, the study of new treatments for CMC is a promising field in comparative oncology. Dogs with CMC have a comparable disease, an intact immune system, and a much shorter life span, which allows the achievement of results in a relatively short time. Besides conventional chemotherapy, innovative therapies have a large niche of opportunities. In this article, a comprehensive review of the current research in adjuvant therapies for CMC is conducted to gather available information and evaluate the perspectives. Firstly, updates are provided on the clinical-pathological approach and the use of conventional therapies, to delve later into precision therapies against therapeutic targets such as hormone receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, p53 tumor suppressor gene, cyclooxygenases, the signaling pathways involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and immunotherapy in different approaches. A comparison of the different investigations on targeted therapies in HBC is also carried out. In the last years, the increasing number of basic research studies of new promising therapeutic agents on CMC cell lines and CMC mouse xenografts is outstanding. As the main conclusion of this review, the lack of effort to bring the in vitro studies into the field of applied clinical research emerges. There is a great need for well-planned large prospective randomized clinical trials in dogs with CMC to obtain valid results for both species, humans and dogs, on the use of new therapies. Following the One Health concept, human and veterinary oncology will have to join forces to take advantage of both the economic and technological resources that are invested in HBC research, together with the innumerable advantages of dogs with CMC as a spontaneous animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Valdivia
- Department Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Mammary Oncology Unit, Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Alonso-Diez
- Department Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Mammary Oncology Unit, Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Pérez-Alenza
- Department Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Mammary Oncology Unit, Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Peña
- Department Animal Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Mammary Oncology Unit, Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Parizadeh SM, Jafarzadeh-Esfehani R, Ghandehari M, Rezaei-Kalat A, Parizadeh SMR, Javanbakht A, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Khazaei M, Avan A. Personalized Peptide-based Vaccination for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Rational and Progress. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1486-1495. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190619121658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers globally and is associated with
a high rate of morbidity and mortality. A large proportion of patients with early stage CRC, who undergo
conventional treatments develop local recurrence or distant metastasis and in this group of advanced
disease, the survival rate is low. Furthermore there is often a poor response and/or toxicity associated
with chemotherapy and chemo-resistance may limit continuing conventional treatment alone.
Choosing novel and targeted therapeutic approaches based on clinicopathological and molecular features
of tumors in combination with conventional therapeutic approach could be used to eradicate residual
micrometastasis and therefore improve patient prognosis and also be used preventively. Peptide-
based vaccination therapy is one class of cancer treatment that could be used to induce tumorspecific
immune responses, through the recognition of specific antigen-derived peptides in tumor
cells, and this has emerged as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. The aim of this review was
to summarize the main findings of recent studies in exciting field of peptide-based vaccination therapy
in CRC patients as a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Jafarzadeh-Esfehani
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghandehari
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Rezaei-Kalat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Afsane Javanbakht
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, United Kingdom
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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3
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Therapeutic cancer vaccines: From initial findings to prospects. Immunol Lett 2018; 196:11-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Taking a Stab at Cancer; Oncolytic Virus-Mediated Anti-Cancer Vaccination Strategies. Biomedicines 2017; 5:biomedicines5010003. [PMID: 28536346 PMCID: PMC5423491 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines5010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have classically been used for disease prevention. Modern clinical vaccines are continuously being developed for both traditional use as well as for new applications. Typically thought of in terms of infectious disease control, vaccination approaches can alternatively be adapted as a cancer therapy. Vaccines targeting cancer antigens can be used to induce anti-tumour immunity and have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy both pre-clinically and clinically. Various approaches now exist and further establish the tremendous potential and adaptability of anti-cancer vaccination. Classical strategies include ex vivo-loaded immune cells, RNA- or DNA-based vaccines and tumour cell lysates. Recent oncolytic virus development has resulted in a surge of novel viruses engineered to induce powerful tumour-specific immune responses. In addition to their use as cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses have the added benefit of being directly cytolytic to cancer cells and thus promote antigen recognition within a highly immune-stimulating tumour microenvironment. While oncolytic viruses are perfectly equipped for efficient immunization, this complicates their use upon previous exposure. Indeed, the host's anti-viral counter-attacks often impair multiple-dosing regimens. In this review we will focus on the use of oncolytic viruses for anti-tumour vaccination. We will explore different strategies as well as ways to circumvent some of their limitations.
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Impellizeri J, Aurisicchio L, Forde P, Soden DM. Electroporation in veterinary oncology. Vet J 2016; 217:18-25. [PMID: 27810205 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer treatments in veterinary medicine continue to evolve beyond the established standard therapies of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. New technologies in cancer therapy include a targeted mechanism to open the cell membrane based on electroporation, driving therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapy (electro-chemotherapy), for local control of cancer, or delivery of gene-based products (electro-gene therapy), directly into the cancer cell to achieve systemic control. This review examines electrochemotherapy and electro-gene therapy in veterinary medicine and considers future directions and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Impellizeri
- Veterinary Oncology Services, Hopewell Junction, New York 12533, USA
| | | | - P Forde
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - D M Soden
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, University College Cork, Ireland.
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Lee SH, Danishmalik SN, Sin JI. DNA vaccines, electroporation and their applications in cancer treatment. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1889-900. [PMID: 25984993 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1035502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous animal studies and recent clinical studies have shown that electroporation-delivered DNA vaccines can elicit robust Ag-specific CTL responses and reduce disease severity. However, cancer antigens are generally poorly immunogenic, requiring special conditions for immune response induction. To date, many different approaches have been used to elicit Ag-specific CTL and anti-neoplastic responses to DNA vaccines against cancer. In vivo electroporation is one example, whereas others include DNA manipulation, xenogeneic antigen use, immune stimulatory molecule and immune response regulator application, DNA prime-boost immunization strategy use and different DNA delivery methods. These strategies likely increase the immunogenicity of cancer DNA vaccines, thereby contributing to cancer eradication. However, cancer cells are heterogeneous and might become CTL-resistant. Thus, understanding the CTL resistance mechanism(s) employed by cancer cells is critical to develop counter-measures for this immune escape. In this review, the use of electroporation as a DNA delivery method, the strategies used to enhance the immune responses, the cancer antigens that have been tested, and the escape mechanism(s) used by tumor cells are discussed, with a focus on the progress of clinical trials using cancer DNA vaccines.
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Key Words
- AFP, α-fetoprotein
- APCs, antigen presenting cells
- CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4
- DCs, dendritic cells
- DNA vaccine
- EP, electroporation
- GITR, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related gene
- HPV, human papillomavirus
- HSP, heat shock protein
- HSV, herpes simplex virus
- ID, intradermal
- IM, intramuscular
- MAGE, melanoma-associated antigen
- MART, melanoma antigen recognized by T cells
- PAP, prostatic acid phosphatase
- PD, programmed death
- PRAME, preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma
- PSA, prostate-specific antigen
- PSMA, prostate-specific membrane antigen
- WT1, Wilm's tumor
- anti-tumor immunity
- cancer
- hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase
- tumor immune evasion
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Hyeong Lee
- a BK21 Plus Graduate Program; Department of Microbiology ; School of Medicine; Kangwon National University ; Chuncheon , Gangwon-do , Korea
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Aurisicchio L, Roscilli G, Marra E, Luberto L, Mancini R, La Monica N, Ciliberto G. Superior Immunologic and Therapeutic Efficacy of a Xenogeneic Genetic Cancer Vaccine Targeting Carcinoembryonic Human Antigen. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 26:386-98. [PMID: 25869226 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have generated a xenogeneic vaccine against human carcinoembryonic antigen (hCEACAM-5 or commonly hCEA) using as immunogen rhesus CEA (rhCEA). RhCEA cDNA was codon-usage optimized (rhCEAopt) and delivered by sequential DNA electro-gene-transfer (DNA-EGT) and adenoviral (Ad) vector. RhCEAopt was capable to break tolerance to CEA in hCEA transgenic mice and immune responses were detected against epitopes distributed over the entire length of the protein. Xenovaccination with rhCEA resulted in the activation of CD4+ T-cell responses in addition to self-reactive CD8+ T-cells, the development of high-titer antibodies against hCEA, and significant antitumor effects upon challenge with hCEA+ tumor cells. The superior activity of rhCEAopt compared with hCEAopt was confirmed in hCEA/HHD double-transgenic mice, where potent CD8+ T-cell responses against specific human HLA A*0201 hCEA epitopes were detected. Our data show that xenogeneic gene-based vaccination with rhCEA is a viable approach to break tolerance against CEA, thus suggesting further development in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura Luberto
- 1 Takis srl, 00128 Rome, Italy .,2 Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia ," Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- 3 Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza ," Rome, Italy .,4 Laboratory of Research and Diagnostics, Department of Surgery "P. Valdoni," University of Rome "La Sapienza ," Rome, Italy
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Riccardo F, Aurisicchio L, Impellizeri JA, Cavallo F. The importance of comparative oncology in translational medicine. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:137-48. [PMID: 25548094 PMCID: PMC11029667 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1645-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human cancer is so complex that in vivo preclinical models are needed if effective therapies are to be developed. Naturally occurring cancers in companion animals are therefore a great resource, as shown by the remarkable growth that comparative oncology has seen over the last 30 years. Cancer has become a leading cause of death in companion animals now that more pets are living long enough to develop the disease. Furthermore, more owners are seeking advanced and novel therapies for their pets as they are very much considered family members. Living in the same environments, pets and humans are often afflicted by the same types of cancer which show similar behavior and, in some species, express the same antigen molecules. The treatment of pet tumors using novel therapies is of compelling translational significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126 Turin, Italy
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9
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Gavazza A, Lubas G, Fridman A, Peruzzi D, Impellizeri JA, Luberto L, Marra E, Roscilli G, Ciliberto G, Aurisicchio L. Safety and efficacy of a genetic vaccine targeting telomerase plus chemotherapy for the therapy of canine B-cell lymphoma. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 24:728-38. [PMID: 23902422 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Client-owned pet dogs represent exceptional translational models for advancement of cancer research because they reflect the complex heterogeneity observed in human cancer. We have recently shown that a genetic vaccine targeting dog telomerase reverse transcriptase (dTERT) and based on adenovirus DNA electro-gene-transfer (Ad/DNA-EGT) technology can induce strong cell-mediated immune responses against this tumor antigen and increase overall survival of dogs affected by B-cell lymphosarcoma (LSA) in comparison with historical controls when combined with a cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) chemotherapy regimen. Here, we have conducted a double-arm clinical trial with an extended number of LSA patients, measured the antigen-specific immune response, and evaluated potential toxic effects of the immunotherapy along with a follow-up of patients survival for 3.5 years. The immune response was measured by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The expression of dTERT was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Changes in hematological parameters, local/systemic toxicity or organic dysfunction and fever were monitored over time during the treatment. dTERT-specific cell-mediated immune responses were induced in almost all treated animals. No adverse effects were observed in any dog patient that underwent treatment. The overall survival time of vaccine/COP-treated dogs was significantly increased over the COP-only cohort (>76.1 vs. 29.3 weeks, respectively, p<0.0001). There was a significant association between dTERT expression levels in LSA cells and overall survival among vaccinated patients. In conclusion, Ad/DNA-EGT-based cancer vaccine against dTERT in combination with COP chemotherapy is safe and significantly prolongs the survival of LSA canine patients. These data confirm the therapeutic efficacy of dTERT vaccine and support the evaluation of this approach for other cancer types as well as the translation of this approach to human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gavazza
- University of Pisa, Department of Veterinary Sciences, San Piero a Grado 56122, Pisa, Italy
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10
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Aurisicchio L, Fridman A, Bagchi A, Scarselli E, La Monica N, Ciliberto G. A novel minigene scaffold for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e27529. [PMID: 24790791 PMCID: PMC4002591 DOI: 10.4161/onci.27529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic vaccines are emerging as a powerful modality to induce T-cell responses to target tumor associated antigens (TAA). Viral or plasmid DNA or RNA vectors harbor an expression cassette encoding the antigen of choice delivered in vivo by vaccination. In this context, immunizations with minigenes containing selected, highly antigenic, T-cell epitopes of TAAs may have several advantages relative to full-length proteins. The objective of this study was to identify an optimal scaffold for minigene construction. We generated a number of minigenes containing epitopes from the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) model TAA and utilized muscle DNA electro-gene-transfer (DNA-EGT) to vaccinate HLA-A*0201 (HHD) and CEA/HHD double transgenic mice. The components utilized to construct the minigenes included CD8+ T cell epitopes and (or) anchor modified analogs that were selected on the basis of their predicted binding to HLA-*A0201, their uniqueness in the human proteome, and the likelihood of cancer cell natural processing and presentation via MHC-I. Other candidate components comparatively tested included: helper CD4+ T-cell epitopes, flanking regions for optimal epitope processing (including both proteasome-dependent and furin-dependent polypeptide processing mechanisms), and immunoenhancing moieties. Through a series of comparative studies and iterations we have identified an optimal minigene scaffold comprising the following elements: human tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) signal peptide, T-cell epitopes connected by furin sensitive linkers, and the E. Coli enterotoxin B subunit. The selected epitope modified minigenes (EMM) delivered by DNA-EGT were able to break immune tolerance in CEA/HHD mice and induce a strong immune response against all epitopes tested, independently of their relative positions within the scaffold. Furthermore, the optimized EMMs delivered via DNA-EGT were more immunogenic and exerted more powerful antitumor effects in a B16-CEA/HHD metastatic melanoma model than a DNA vector encoding the full-length protein or a mixture of the same peptides injected subcutaneously. Our data may shed light on the optimal design of a universal vehicle for epitope-targeted, genetic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale; Napoli, Italy
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Aurisicchio L, Mancini R, Ciliberto G. Cancer vaccination by electro-gene-transfer. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 12:1127-37. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2013.836903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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12
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Maraba virus as a potent oncolytic vaccine vector. Mol Ther 2013; 22:420-429. [PMID: 24322333 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rhabdovirus Maraba has recently been characterized as a potent oncolytic virus. In the present study, we engineered an attenuated Maraba strain, defined as MG1, to express a melanoma-associated tumor antigen. Its ability to mount an antitumor immunity was evaluated in tumor-free and melanoma tumor-bearing mice. Alone, the MG1 vaccine appeared insufficient to prime detectable adaptive immunity against the tumor antigen. However, when used as a boosting vector in a heterologous prime-boost regimen, MG1 vaccine rapidly generated strong antigen-specific T-cell immune responses. Once applied for treating syngeneic murine melanoma tumors, our oncolytic prime-boost vaccination protocol involving Maraba MG1 dramatically extended median survival and allowed complete remission in more than 20% of the animals treated. This work describes Maraba virus MG1 as a potent vaccine vector for cancer immunotherapy displaying both oncolytic activity and a remarkable ability to boost adaptive antitumor immunity.
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Marra E, Palombo F, Ciliberto G, Aurisicchio L. Kinesin spindle protein SiRNA slows tumor progression. J Cell Physiol 2012; 228:58-64. [PMID: 22552964 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The kinesin spindle protein (KSP), a member of the kinesin superfamily of microtubule-based motors, plays a critical role in mitosis as it mediates centrosome separation and bipolar spindle assembly and maintenance. Inhibition of KSP function leads to cell cycle arrest at mitosis with the formation of monoastral microtubule arrays, and ultimately, to cell death. Several KSP inhibitors are currently being studied in clinical trials and provide new opportunities for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics. RNA interference (RNAi) may represent a powerful strategy to interfere with key molecular pathways involved in cancer. In this study, we have established an efficient method for intratumoral delivery of siRNA. We evaluated short interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes targeting luciferase as surrogate marker or KSP sequence. To examine the potential feasibility of RNAi therapy, the siRNA was transfected into pre-established lesions by means of intratumor electro-transfer of RNA therapeutics (IERT). This technology allowed cell permeation of the nucleic acids and to efficiently knock down gene expression, albeit transiently. The KSP-specific siRNA drastically reduced outgrowth of subcutaneous melanoma and ovarian cancer lesions. Our results show that intratumoral electro-transfer of siRNA is feasible and KSP-specific siRNA may provide a novel strategy for therapeutic intervention.
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Impellizeri JA, Ciliberto G, Aurisicchio L. Electro-gene-transfer as a new tool for cancer immunotherapy in animals. Vet Comp Oncol 2012; 12:310-8. [PMID: 23095099 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concept of vaccines based on the direct inoculation of plasmid DNA gained initial proof-of-concept in small rodent species. Further development was hampered by the difficulty to confirm immunogenicity and efficacy in large animal species and, most importantly, in human clinical trials. These negative findings led to the search of complementary technologies which, in combination with intradermal or intramuscular plasmid DNA injection would result in more robust delivery, decreased interindividual variability, clear evidence of clinical efficacy and which would eventually lead to market approval of new vaccine products. The use of high-pressure, needleless devices as an enhancing tool for plasmid DNA delivery led to recent approval by USDA of Oncept™, a therapeutic cancer vaccine directed against tyrosinase for the therapy of melanoma in dogs. An alternative approach to improve plasmid DNA delivery is electro-gene-transfer (EGT). In this article, we briefly review the principles of DNA-EGT and the evidences for efficacy of a telomerase reverse transcriptase vaccine in a dog clinical trial, and provide perspectives for the use of this technology for broader applications in pet animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Impellizeri
- Department of Oncology, Veterinary Specialty Center of the Hudson Valley, Wappingers Falls, NY, USA
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15
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Aurisicchio L, Ciliberto G. Genetic cancer vaccines: current status and perspectives. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:1043-58. [PMID: 22577875 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.689279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The recent approval of the first therapeutic cancer vaccine by the US Regulatory Agency represents a breakthrough event in the history of cancer treatment. The past scepticism towards this type of therapeutic intervention is now replaced by great expectations. The field is now moving towards the development of alternative vaccination technologies, which are capable of generating stronger, more durable and efficient immune responses against specific tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) in combination with cheaper and more standardised manufacturing. AREAS COVERED In this context, genetic vaccines are emerging among the most promising methodologies. Several evidences point to combinations of different genetic immunisation modalities (heterologous prime/boost) as a powerful approach to induce superior immune responses and achieve greater clinical efficacy. In this review, we provide an overview of the current status of development of genetic cancer vaccines with particular emphasis on adenoviral vector prime/DNA boost vaccination schedules. EXPERT OPINION We believe that therapeutic genetic cancer vaccines have the strong potential to become an established therapeutic modality for cancer in next coming years, in a manner similar to what have now become monoclonal antibodies.
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Aurisicchio L, Ciliberto G. Emerging cancer vaccines: the promise of genetic vectors. Cancers (Basel) 2011; 3:3687-713. [PMID: 24212974 PMCID: PMC3759217 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3033687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination against cancer is an important approach which, when combined with other therapies, can improve long-term control of cancer. In fact, the induction of adaptive immune responses against Tumor Associated Antigens (TAAs) as well as innate immunity are important factors for tumor stabilization/eradication. A variety of immunization technologies have been explored in last decades and are currently under active evaluation, such as cell-based, protein, peptide and heat-shock protein-based cancer vaccines. Genetic vaccines are emerging as promising methodologies to elicit immune responses against a wide variety of antigens, including TAAs. Amongst these, Adenovirus (Ad)-based vectors show excellent immunogenicity profile and have achieved immunological proof of concept in humans. In vivo electroporation of plasmid DNA (DNA-EP) is also a desirable vaccine technology for cancer vaccines, as it is repeatable several times, a parameter required for the long-term maintenance of anti-tumor immunity. Recent findings show that combinations of different modalities of immunization (heterologous prime/boost) are able to induce superior immune reactions as compared to single-modality vaccines. In this review, we will discuss the challenges and requirements of emerging cancer vaccines, particularly focusing on the genetic cancer vaccines currently under active development and the promise shown by Ad and DNA-EP heterologous prime-boost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Aurisicchio
- Takis, via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy; E-Mail:
- BIOGEM scarl, via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Takis, via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy; E-Mail:
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli studi di Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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17
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A vaccine targeting telomerase enhances survival of dogs affected by B-cell lymphoma. Mol Ther 2010; 18:1559-67. [PMID: 20531395 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine cancers occur with an incidence similar to that of humans and share many features with human malignancies including histological appearance, tumor genetics, biological behavior, and response to conventional therapies. As observed in humans, the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activity is largely confined to tumor tissues and absent in the majority of normal dog tissues. Therefore, dog TERT (dTERT) can constitute a valid target for translational cancer immunotherapy. We have evaluated the ability of adenovirus serotype 6 (Ad6) and DNA electroporation (DNA-EP) to induce immune responses against dTERT in dogs affected by malignant lymphoma (ML). The vaccine was combined with standard chemotherapy regimen [cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone (COP)]. dTERT-specific immune response was induced in 13 out of 14 treated animals (93%) and remained detectable and long-lasting with the absence of autoimmunity or other side effects. Most interestingly, the survival time of vaccine/Chemo-treated dogs was significantly increased over historic controls of Chemo-treated animals (>97.8 versus 37 weeks, respectively, P = 0.001). Our results show that Ad6/DNA-EP-based cancer vaccine against dTERT overcomes host immune tolerance, should be combined with chemotherapy, induces long-lasting immune responses, and significantly prolongs the survival of ML canine patients. These data support further evaluation of this approach in human clinical trials.
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Conforti A, Cipriani B, Peruzzi D, Dharmapuri S, Kandimalla ER, Agrawal S, Mori F, Ciliberto G, La Monica N, Aurisicchio L. A TLR9 agonist enhances therapeutic effects of telomerase genetic vaccine. Vaccine 2010; 28:3522-30. [PMID: 20332048 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Revised: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is an attractive target for cancer vaccination because its expression is reactivated in most tumors. In this study, we have evaluated the ability of a genetic vaccine targeting murine TERT (mTERT) based on DNA electroporation (DNA-EP) and adenovirus serotype 6 (Ad6) to exert therapeutic effects in combination with a novel TLR9 agonist, referred to as immune modulatory oligonucleotide (IMO), as an adjuvant. IMO was administered to mice at the same time as vaccine. IMO induced dose-dependent cytokine secretion and activation of NK cells. Most importantly, vaccination of mice with IMO in combination with mTERT vaccine conferred therapeutic benefit in tumor bearing animals and this effect was associated with increased NK, DC and T cell tumor infiltration. These data show that appropriate combination of a DNA-EP/Ad6-based cancer vaccine against TERT with IMO induces multiple effects on innate and adaptive immune responses resulting in a significant antitumor efficacy.
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Peruzzi D, Mesiti G, Ciliberto G, La Monica N, Aurisicchio L. Telomerase and HER-2/neu as targets of genetic cancer vaccines in dogs. Vaccine 2010; 28:1201-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Draper SJ, Heeney JL. Viruses as vaccine vectors for infectious diseases and cancer. Nat Rev Microbiol 2010; 8:62-73. [PMID: 19966816 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro2240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in the use of viruses as vaccine vectors have been facilitated by a better understanding of viral biology. Advances occur as we gain greater insight into the interrelationship of viruses and the immune system. Viral-vector vaccines remain the best means to induce cellular immunity and are now showing promise for the induction of strong humoral responses. The potential benefits for global health that are offered by this field reflect the scope and utility of viruses as vaccine vectors for human and veterinary applications, with targets ranging from certain types of cancer to a vast array of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.
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Dharmapuri S, Peruzzi D, Aurisicchio L. Engineered adenovirus serotypes for overcoming anti-vector immunity. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:1279-87. [PMID: 19645630 DOI: 10.1517/14712590903187053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Adenovirus (Ad)-based gene transfer has been successfully utilised in gene therapy and vaccine applications. To date, an increasing number of human clinical trials utilise recombinant Ad-based vectors as a gene transfer platform. In particular, progress has been made recently in utilising Ad-based vectors as a vaccine platform in HIV, cancer immunotherapy approaches and in vaccination for other infections. Despite these successes, the scientific and bio-industrial communities have recently recognised that innate and pre-existing immunity against Ad vectors can constitute a serious obstacle to the development and application of this technology. It is essential to overcome vector-mediated immune responses, such as production of inflammatory cytokines and pre-existing immunity to Ad, because the induction of these responses not only shortens the period of gene expression but also leads to serious side effects. This review focuses on the biology of Ad infection and the approaches that are being adopted to overcome immunity against the Ad-based vectors.
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Zhao HP, Sun JF, Li N, Sun Y, Wang Y, Qiu HJ. Prime-boost immunization using alphavirus replicon and adenovirus vectored vaccines induces enhanced immune responses against classical swine fever virus in mice. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009; 131:158-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2009] [Revised: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Improved efficacy of a gene optimised adenovirus-based vaccine for venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Virol J 2009; 6:118. [PMID: 19646224 PMCID: PMC2732613 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-6-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Optimisation of genes has been shown to be beneficial for expression of proteins in a range of applications. Optimisation has increased protein expression levels through improved codon usage of the genes and an increase in levels of messenger RNA. We have applied this to an adenovirus (ad)-based vaccine encoding structural proteins (E3-E2-6K) of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Results Following administration of this vaccine to Balb/c mice, an approximately ten-fold increase in antibody response was elicited and increased protective efficacy compared to an ad-based vaccine containing non-optimised genes was observed after challenge. Conclusion This study, in which the utility of optimising genes encoding the structural proteins of VEEV is demonstrated for the first time, informs us that including optimised genes in gene-based vaccines for VEEV is essential to obtain maximum immunogenicity and protective efficacy.
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Coadministration of telomerase genetic vaccine and a novel TLR9 agonist in nonhuman primates. Mol Ther 2009; 17:1804-13. [PMID: 19623161 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is an attractive target for human cancer vaccination because its expression is reactivated in most human tumors. We have evaluated the ability of DNA electroporation (DNA-EP) and adenovirus serotype 6 (Ad6) to induce immune responses against hTERT in nonhuman primates (NHPs) (Macaca mulatta). Vaccination was effective in all treated animals, and the adaptive immune response remained detectable and long lasting without side effects. To further enhance the efficacy of the hTERT vaccine, we evaluated the combination of hTERT vaccine and a novel TLR9 agonist, referred to as immunomodulatory oligonucleotide (IMO). Monkeys were dosed weekly with IMO concurrently with the vaccine regimen and showed increases in cytokine secretion and activation of natural killer (NK) cells compared with the group that received vaccine alone. Using a peptide array, a specific profile of B-cell reactive epitopes was identified when hTERT vaccine was combined with IMO. The combination of IMO with hTERT genetic vaccine did not impact vaccine-induced TERT-specific cell-mediated immunity. Our results show that appropriate combination of a DNA-EP/Ad6-based cancer vaccine against hTERT with IMO induces multiple effects on innate and adaptive immune responses in NHPs.
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Peruzzi D, Mori F, Conforti A, Lazzaro D, De Rinaldis E, Ciliberto G, La Monica N, Aurisicchio L. MMP11: a novel target antigen for cancer immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:4104-13. [PMID: 19509157 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-3226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that mediate numerous physiologic and pathologic processes, including matrix degradation, tissue remodeling, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. To develop a vaccine targeting stromal antigens expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts, we focused on MMP11 (or stromelysin 3). MMP11 expression correlates with aggressive profile and invasiveness of different types of carcinoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To show the efficacy of a vaccine targeting MMP11, we constructed a series of plasmid DNA vectors expressing murine MMP11. Mice were vaccinated by i.m. injection followed by in vivo DNA electroporation. A chemically induced, MMP11-overexpressing colon cancer model was established and characterized. Antibody and T-cell responses were determined, and immunoreactive epitopes were characterized. To analyze the possible use of MMP11 as tumor-associated antigen in cancer patients, HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice (HHD) were used to identify reactive epitopes as tools to assess immunogenicity in humans. RESULTS Using microarray, we confirmed the overexpression of MMP11 mRNA in a large panel of human tumor samples. MMP11 vaccine induced cell mediated and antibody immune response and exerted significant antitumoral protection in mice with colon cancer in prophylactic and therapeutic settings. HHD transgenic mice were vaccinated with a plasmid encoding human MMP11, and a HLA-A2.1--restricted epitope (hMMP(237)) was identified. hMMP(237) was shown to be immunogenic in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by in vitro priming. CONCLUSION Our study describes the identification of MMP11 as a novel broadly expressed tumor associated antigen as target candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Peruzzi
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare-Merck Research Laboratories, Rome, Italy
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Dharmapuri S, Aurisicchio L, Biondo A, Welsh N, Ciliberto G, La Monica N. Antiapoptotic Small Interfering RNA as Potent Adjuvant of DNA Vaccination in a Mouse Mammary Tumor Model. Hum Gene Ther 2009; 20:589-97. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Dharmapuri
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti, 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Luigi Aurisicchio
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti, 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Antonella Biondo
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti, 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Natalie Welsh
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti, 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti, 00040 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Nicola La Monica
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti, 00040 Pomezia, Italy
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27
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Fattori E, Aurisicchio L, Zampaglione I, Arcuri M, Cappelletti M, Cipriani B, Mennuni C, Calvaruso F, Nuzzo M, Ciliberto G, Monaci P, La Monica N. ErbB2 Genetic Cancer Vaccine in Nonhuman Primates: Relevance of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Hum Gene Ther 2009; 20:253-65. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fattori
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | - Luigi Aurisicchio
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | | | - Mirko Arcuri
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Cipriani
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | - Carmela Mennuni
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Nuzzo
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | - Paolo Monaci
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
| | - Nicola La Monica
- Istituto di Ricerca di Biologia Molecolare (IRBM), Pomezia 00040, Italy
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Aurisicchio L, Peruzzi D, Conforti A, Dharmapuri S, Biondo A, Giampaoli S, Fridman A, Bagchi A, Winkelmann CT, Gibson R, Kandimalla ER, Agrawal S, Ciliberto G, La Monica N. Treatment of mammary carcinomas in HER-2 transgenic mice through combination of genetic vaccine and an agonist of Toll-like receptor 9. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:1575-84. [PMID: 19240169 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides induce innate and adaptive immunity through Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). In the present study, we have examined the ability of a novel agonist of TLR9, called immunomodulatory oligonucleotide (IMO), to enhance effects of a HER-2/neu plasmid DNA electroporation/adenovirus (DNA-EP/Ad) vaccine. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN BALB/NeuT mice were treated with DNA-EP vaccine alone, IMO alone, or the combination of two agents starting at week 13, when all mice showed mammary neoplasia. Tumor growth and survival were documented. Antibody and CD8+ T-cell responses were determined. Peptide microarray analysis of sera was carried out to identify immunoreactive epitopes. Additionally, microCT and microPET imaging was carried out in an advanced-stage tumor model starting treatment at week 17 in BALB/NeuT mice. RESULTS The combination of DNA-EP and IMO resulted in significant tumor regression or delay to tumor progression. 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose microPET and microCT imaging of mice showed reduced tumor size in the DNA-EP/IMO combination treatment group. Mice treated with the combination produced greater antibody titers with IgG2a isotype switch and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity than did mice treated with DNA-EP vaccine. An immunogenic B-cell linear epitope, r70, within the HER-2 dimerization domain was identified through microarray analysis. Heterologous DNA-EP/Ad vaccination combined with IMO increased mice survival. CONCLUSION The combination of HER-2/neu genetic vaccine and novel agonist of TLR9 had potent antitumor activity associated with antibody isotype switch and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activities. These results support possible clinical trials of the combination of DNA-EP/Ad-based cancer vaccines and IMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Aurisicchio
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Oncology/Functional Department, Merck Research Labs, Rome, Italy.
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Peruzzi D, Dharmapuri S, Cirillo A, Bruni BE, Nicosia A, Cortese R, Colloca S, Ciliberto G, La Monica N, Aurisicchio L. A novel chimpanzee serotype-based adenoviral vector as delivery tool for cancer vaccines. Vaccine 2009; 27:1293-300. [PMID: 19162112 PMCID: PMC7115565 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 12/28/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of adenovirus (Ad) as vaccine vectors is hindered by pre-existing immunity to human Ads in most of the human population. In order to overcome this limitation, uncommon alternative Ad serotypes need to be utilized. In this study, an E1-E3 deleted recombinant Ad based on the chimpanzee serotype 3 (ChAd3) was engineered to express human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) protein or rat neu extracellular/transmembrane domains (ECD.TM). ChAd3 vectors were tested in CEA transgenic (CEA.Tg) and BALB/NeuT mice, which show immunologic tolerance to these antigens. ChAd3 is capable of inducing an immune response comparable to that of hAd5 serotype-based vectors, thus breaking tolerance to tumor associated antigens (TAAs) and achieving anti-tumor effects. Of importance is that ChAd3 can overcome hAd5 pre-existing immunity and work in conjunction with DNA electroporation (DNA-EP) and other Ad vaccines based on common human serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Peruzzi
- Oncology/Functional Department, IRBM-Merck Research Labs-via Pontina Km30.6, 00040 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
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Fattori E, Aurisicchio L, Zampaglione I, Arcuri M, Cappelletti M, Cipriani B, Mennuni C, Calvaruso F, Nuzzo M, Ciliberto G, Monaci P, La Monica N. Her2/neu genetic cancer vaccine in non human primates: relevance of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Hum Gene Ther 2008. [DOI: 10.1089/hgt.2008.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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An oral TLR7 agonist is a potent adjuvant of DNA vaccination in transgenic mouse tumor models. Cancer Gene Ther 2008; 16:462-72. [PMID: 18989354 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2008.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In vivo electroporation of plasmid DNA (DNA-EP) is an efficient and safe method for vaccines resulting in increased DNA uptake, enhanced protein expression and increased immune responses to the target antigen in a variety of species. To further enhance the efficacy of DNA-EP, we have evaluated the toll-like receptor7 (TLR7) agonist-2, 9, substituted 8-hydroxyadenosine derivative or SM360320--as an adjuvant to vaccines against HER2/neu and CEA in BALB-neuT and CEA transgenic mice (CEA.Tg), respectively. SM360320 induced in vivo secretion of interferon alpha (IFNalpha) and exerted a significant antitumor effect in CEA.Tg mice challenged with a syngenic tumor cell line expressing CEA and an additive effect with a CEA vaccine. Additionally, combination of SM360320 with plasmid encoding the extracellular and transmembrane domain of ratHER2/neu affected the spontaneous tumor progression in BALB-neuT mice treated in an advanced disease setting. The antitumor effect in mice treated with DNA-EP and SM360320 was associated with an anti-CEA and anti-p185(neu) antibody isotype switch from IgG1 to IgG2a. These data demonstrate that SM360320 exerts significant antitumor effects and can act in association with DNA-EP for CEA-positive colon cancer and HER2-positive mammary carcinoma. These observations therefore emphasize the potential of SM360320 as immunological adjuvant for therapeutic DNA vaccines.
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Cipriani B, Fridman A, Bendtsen C, Dharmapuri S, Mennuni C, Pak I, Mesiti G, Forni G, Monaci P, Bagchi A, Ciliberto G, Monica NL, Scarselli E. Therapeutic Vaccination Halts Disease Progression in BALB-neuT Mice: The Amplitude of Elicited Immune Response Is Predictive of Vaccine Efficacy. Hum Gene Ther 2008; 19:670-80. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2007.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cipriani
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Arthur Fridman
- Department of Applied Computer Science and Mathematics, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, 07065-0900, NJ
| | - Claus Bendtsen
- Department of Applied Computer Science and Mathematics, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, 07065-0900, NJ
| | - Shridar Dharmapuri
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Mennuni
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Pak
- Department of Applied Computer Science and Mathematics, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, 07065-0900, NJ
| | - Giuseppe Mesiti
- Department of Comparative Medicine and Laboratory Animal Resource, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Forni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Monaci
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Ansu Bagchi
- Department of Applied Computer Science and Mathematics, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, 07065-0900, NJ
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola La Monica
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Scarselli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, Merck Research Laboratories, 00040 Rome, Italy
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Ko HJ, Kim YJ, Kim YS, Kim JM, Ho SH, Jeong JG, Oh SM, Chae JA, Kim CY, Lee PS, Kang CY. Immunogenicity and safety profiles of genetic vaccines against human Her-2/neu in cynomolgus monkeys. Gene Ther 2008; 15:1351-60. [PMID: 18480847 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2008.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Her-2/neu is a well-characterized tumor-associated antigen, the overexpression of which in human carcinomas correlates with a poor prognosis. Here, we evaluated Her-2/neu-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in immunized monkeys after immunization with nonreplicating adenovirus (AdHM) expressing the extracellular and transmembrane domain of human Her-2/neu (HM) and/or naked DNA vaccine (pHM-hGM-CSF) expressing human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor together with HM. Priming of monkeys with AdHM generated Her-2/neu-specific long-lasting antibody production. Furthermore, these Her-2/neu-specific antibodies produced by AdHM immunization, some of which shared epitope specificity with Herceptin, were able to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against Her-2-expressing target cells. Cellular immune responses were elicited in all monkeys immunized with Her-2/neu-expressing vaccine; interferon-gamma was secreted when these splenocytes were restimulated with Her-2/neu-expressing autologous cells, and immunization with AdHM induced Her-2/neu-specific lymphoproliferative responses. Further, immunization with pHM-hGM-CSF before AdHM immunization noticeably enhanced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity. In addition, we observed no abnormalities that would indicate that the genetic vaccines had toxic effects in the immunized monkeys. Thus, we can conclude that our genetic vaccines efficiently elicited Her-2/neu-specific humoral and cellular immune responses without causing severe adverse effects in nonhuman primates and that as such they warrant further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-J Ko
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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