1
|
Kawakami H, Ijichi N, Obama Y, Matsuda E, Mitsui K, Nishikawaji Y, Watanabe M, Nagano S, Taniguchi N, Komiya S, Kosai KI. An optimal promoter regulating cytokine transgene expression is crucial for safe and effective oncolytic virus immunotherapy. Transl Res 2024; 273:32-45. [PMID: 38969167 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
In general, ensuring safety is the top priority of a new modality. Although oncolytic virus armed with an immune stimulatory transgene (OVI) showed some promise, the strategic concept of simultaneously achieving maximum effectiveness and minimizing side effects has not been fully explored. We generated a variety of survivin-responsive "conditionally replicating adenoviruses that can target and treat cancer cells with multiple factors (m-CRAs)" (Surv.m-CRAs) armed with the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) transgene downstream of various promoters using our m-CRA platform technology. We carefully analyzed both therapeutic and adverse effects of them in the in vivo syngeneic Syrian hamster cancer models. Surprisingly, an intratumor injection of a conventional OVI, which expresses the GM-CSF gene under the constitutively and strongly active "cytomegalovirus enhancer and β-actin promoter", provoked systemic and lethal GM-CSF circulation and shortened overall survival (OS). In contrast, a new conceptual type of OVI, which expressed GM-CSF under the cancer-predominant and mildly active E2F promoter or the moderately active "Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat", not only abolished lethal adverse events but also prolonged OS and systemic anti-cancer immunity. Our study revealed a novel concept that optimal expression levels of an immune stimulatory transgene regulated by a suitable upstream promoter is crucial for achieving high safety and maximal therapeutic effects simultaneously in OVI therapy. These results pave the way for successful development of the next-generation OVI and alert researchers about possible problems with ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Kawakami
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ijichi
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuki Obama
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Eriko Matsuda
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Kaoru Mitsui
- Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuya Nishikawaji
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Maki Watanabe
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagano
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Department of Clinical Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kagoshima University Hospital, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Noboru Taniguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Setsuro Komiya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kosai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; South Kyushu Center for Innovative Medical Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kagoshima University Hospital, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Krivec N, Ghosh MS, Spits C. Gains of 20q11.21 in human pluripotent stem cells: Insights from cancer research. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:11-27. [PMID: 38157850 PMCID: PMC10828824 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.013] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The genetic abnormalities observed in hPSC cultures worldwide have been suggested to pose an important hurdle in their safe use in regenerative medicine due to the possibility of oncogenic transformation by mutant cells in the patient posttransplantation. One of the best-characterized genetic lesions in hPSCs is the gain of 20q11.21, found in 20% of hPSC lines worldwide, and strikingly, also amplified in 20% of human cancers. In this review, we have curated the existing knowledge on the incidence of this mutation in hPSCs and cancer, explored the significance of chromosome 20q11.21 amplification in cancer progression, and reviewed the oncogenic role of the genes in the smallest common region of gain, to shed light on the significance of this mutation in hPSC-based cell therapy. Lastly, we discuss the state-of-the-art strategies devised to detect aneuploidies in hPSC cultures, avoid genetic changes in vitro cultures of hPSCs, and strategies to eliminate genetically abnormal cells from culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuša Krivec
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manjusha S Ghosh
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claudia Spits
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Watanabe M, Nishikawaji Y, Kawakami H, Kosai KI. Adenovirus Biology, Recombinant Adenovirus, and Adenovirus Usage in Gene Therapy. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122502. [PMID: 34960772 PMCID: PMC8706629 DOI: 10.3390/v13122502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is currently in the public spotlight. Several gene therapy products, including oncolytic virus (OV), which predominantly replicates in and kills cancer cells, and COVID-19 vaccines have recently been commercialized. Recombinant adenoviruses, including replication-defective adenoviral vector and conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRA; oncolytic adenovirus), have been extensively studied and used in clinical trials for cancer and vaccines. Here, we review the biology of wild-type adenoviruses, the methodological principle for constructing recombinant adenoviruses, therapeutic applications of recombinant adenoviruses, and new technologies in pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based regenerative medicine. Moreover, this article describes the technology platform for efficient construction of diverse "CRAs that can specifically target tumors with multiple factors" (m-CRAs). This technology allows for modification of four parts in the adenoviral E1 region and the subsequent insertion of a therapeutic gene and promoter to enhance cancer-specific viral replication (i.e., safety) as well as therapeutic effects. The screening study using the m-CRA technology successfully identified survivin-responsive m-CRA (Surv.m-CRA) as among the best m-CRAs, and clinical trials of Surv.m-CRA are underway for patients with cancer. This article also describes new recombinant adenovirus-based technologies for solving issues in PSC-based regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maki Watanabe
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuya Nishikawaji
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kawakami
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kosai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- South Kyushu Center for Innovative Medical Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mitsui K, Takahashi T, Ide K, Matsuda E, Kosai KI. Optimization of adenoviral gene transfer in human pluripotent stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 541:78-83. [PMID: 33482579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, have the potential to differentiate into a wide variety of cells in vitro and have applications in basic developmental biology research and regenerative medicine. To understand the process of differentiation from pluripotent stem cells to functional cells, it is necessary to efficiently and safely transfer and express exogenous genes. We attempted to optimize the efficient transfer of genes into pluripotent stem cells using adenoviral vectors. Comparative study of the activities of three representative ubiquitously active promoters revealed that only the CA promoter allowed robust transgene expression in human pluripotent stem cells. In addition, we established a protocol that allowed us to efficiently introduce target genes and ensure their expression even in small numbers of cells. Adenoviral vector infection of pluripotent stem cells in single-cell suspension culture yielded high gene transfer efficiency with low cytotoxicity, without losing the undifferentiated state of the pluripotent stem cells. This optimized system will facilitate developmental biology research and regenerative medicine using pluripotent stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Mitsui
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan; South Kyushu Center for Innovative Medical Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan; Cognitive and Molecular Research Institute of Brain Diseases, Kurume University, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kanako Ide
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Eriko Matsuda
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kosai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan; South Kyushu Center for Innovative Medical Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan; Translational Research Center, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|