Hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) envelope vector as a versatile gene delivery system

The immunostimulant effects of the rice ragged stunt virus genome on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer in mouse model

There are multiple treatment strategies that have been reported for breast cancer, while new and effective therapies against it are still necessary. Stimulating the immune system and its components against cancer cells is one of the unique treatment strategies of immunotherapy and long dsRNAs are immunostimulant in this regard. Based on bioinformatics approaches, a fragment of the Rice ragged stunt RNA virus genome was selected and synthesized according to its immunogenicity. Based on the in vitro transcription technique, dsRNA was synthesized and its binding ability to the PEI/PEI-Ac Polyethylenimine (PEI) or Acetylated polyethylenimine (PEI-Ac) was verified by the gel retardation assay. Then, the PEI-Ac was synthesized by adding acetyl groups to the PEI, and the results of the 1H NMR method indicated its successful synthesis. After cancer induction by 4 T1 cells in Balb/C mice, intraperitoneal (IP) and intratumoral (IT) treatment by the PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA were performed and the tumor growth inhibition was evaluated. Results demonstrated that PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA can lead to a decrease in tumor weight and volume in both the IP and IT routes. Also, by using macro-metastatic nodule counting and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining we showed that PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA can prevent micro and macro-metastasis in the lung. Therefore, the PEI/PEI-Ac-dsRNA acts as an effective inhibitor of growth and metastasis of the breast cancer models. We showed that viral dsRNA can exert its antitumor properties by stimulating TNF-α and IFN-γ. In general, our results revealed that dsRNA derived from the plant virus genome stimulates the intrinsic immune system and can be a potential immune stimulant drug for cancer treatment.

Role of kainate receptors in pruriceptive processing in the mouse spinal cord

Pruritus, including neuropathic and psychogenic pruritus, is an unpleasant feeling that causes a desire to scratch, which negatively impacts physical and psychological aspects of daily life. Nonetheless, little is known about the neural mechanisms involved in pruritus. Glutamate is a predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system and exerts its effects by binding to various glutamate receptors, including kainate (KA) receptors; however, the precise involvement of each glutamate receptor in pruriceptive processing remains unclear, particularly that of KA receptors. Therefore, the roles of KA receptors in histamine-dependent and -independent itch were investigated using CNQX, an AMPA/KA receptors antagonist, UBP310 and UBP302, antagonists of KA receptors, and small interfering (si)RNAs against KA receptor subunits in mice with acute and chronic pruritus. The effects of KA receptor antagonists on histamine-induced c-Fos expression in the spinal cord were also examined. The intrathecal administration of CNQX reduced the number of scratching events induced by histamine and chloroquine. On the other hand, UBP310 or UBP302 and the siRNAs of KA receptor subunits 1-3 significantly inhibited the induction of scratching events in mice treated with histamine, while no significant change was observed in the induction of spontaneous scratching events in mice with chronic pruritus. In addition, antagonists of KA receptors attenuated c-Fos expression in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn induced by histamine. These results indicate that KA receptors are involved in acute pruriceptive processing in the spinal cord induced by histamine, but not chloroquine or chronic itch.

Intracellular protein delivery: New insights into the therapeutic applications and emerging technologies

The inability to cross the plasma membranes traditionally limited the therapeutic use of recombinant proteins. However, in the last two decades, novel technologies made delivering proteins inside the cells possible. This allowed researchers to unlock intracellular targets, once considered 'undruggable', bringing a new research area to emerge. Protein transfection systems display a large potential in a plethora of applications. However, their modality of action is often unclear, and cytotoxic effects are elevated, whereas experimental conditions to increase transfection efficacy and cell viability still need to be identified. Furthermore, technical complexity often limits in vivo experimentation, while challenging industrial and clinical translation. This review highlights the applications of protein transfection technologies, and then critically discuss the current methodologies and their limitations. Physical membrane perforation systems are compared to systems exploiting cellular endocytosis. Research evidence of the existence of either extracellular vesicles (EVs) or cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs)- based systems, that circumvent the endosomal systems is critically analysed. Commercial systems, novel solid-phase reverse protein transfection systems, and engineered living intracellular bacteria-based mechanisms are finally described. This review ultimately aims at finding new methodologies and possible applications of protein transfection systems, while helping the development of an evidence-based research approach.

An In Vivo Screening Model for Investigation of Pathophysiology of Human Implantation Failure

To improve current infertility treatments, it is important to understand the pathophysiology of implantation failure. However, many molecules are involved in the normal biological process of implantation and the roles of each molecule and the molecular mechanism are not fully understood. This review highlights the hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ; Sendai virus) envelope (HVJ-E) vector, which uses inactivated viral particles as a local and transient gene transfer system to the murine uterus during the implantation period in order to investigate the molecular mechanism of implantation. In vivo screening in mice using the HVJ-E vector system suggests that signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat-3) could be a diagnostic and therapeutic target for women with a history of implantation failure. The HVJ-E vector system hardly induces complete defects in genes; however, it not only suppresses but also transiently overexpresses some genes in the murine uterus. These features may be useful in investigating the pathophysiology of implantation failure in women.

Sevoflurane reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and pulmonary fibrosis in the RAW264.7 cells and mice models to ameliorate acute lung injury by eliminating oxidative damages

Objectives

Sevoflurane is identified as an effective candidate drug for acute lung injury (ALI) treatment, but its curing effects and detailed mechanisms have not been fully disclosed. The present study was designed to resolve this academic issue.

Methods

The ALI mice models were established, and Hematoxylin-eosin staining assay was performed to examine tissue morphologies. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay, and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay was used to examine cell apoptosis. The expression levels of proteins were determined by performing Western Blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining assay. ROS levels were examined by using DCFH-DA staining assay.

Results

In this study, we investigated this issue and the ALI models were respectively established by treating the BALB/c mice and the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 with different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo and in vitro, which were subsequently subjected to sevoflurane co-treatment. The results showed that sevoflurane reduced LPS-induced ALI in mice and suppressed LPS-triggered oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in the RAW264.7 cells. Interestingly, we evidenced that the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) reversed LPS-induced cell apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells. Then, we verified that sevoflurane suppressed oxidative damages to restrain LPS-induced apoptotic cell death in the RAW264.7 cells through activating the anti-oxidant Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Mechanistically, sevoflurane down-regulated Keap1 and upregulated Nrf2 in nucleus to activate the downstream anti-oxidant signaling cascades, which further ameliorated LPS-induced cell apoptosis and lung injury by eliminating oxidative damages.

Discussion

Taken together, our study illustrated that the sevoflurane attenuates LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death and inflammation, and the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway played an important role in this process.

Photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer: Recent advances, challenges and opportunities

Over the past two decades, there has been a tendency toward early diagnosis of prostate cancer due to raised awareness among the general public and professionals, as well as the promotion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. As a result, patients with prostate cancer are detected at an earlier stage. Due to the risks of urine incontinence, erectile dysfunction, etc., surgery is not advised because the tumor is so small at this early stage. Doctors typically only advise active surveillance. However, it will bring negative psychological effects on patients, such as anxiety. And there is a higher chance of cancer progression. Focal therapy has received increasing attention as an alternative option between active monitoring and radical therapy. Due to its minimally invasive, oncological safety, low toxicity, minimal effects on functional outcomes and support by level 1 evidence from the only RCT within the focal therapy literature, photodynamic treatment (PDT) holds significant promise as the focal therapy of choice over other modalities for men with localized prostate cancer. However, there are still numerous obstacles that prevent further advancement. The review that follows provides an overview of the preclinical and clinical published research on PDT for prostate cancer from 1999 to the present. It focuses on clinical applications of PDT and innovative techniques and technologies that address current problems, especially the use of nanoparticle photosensitizers in PDT of prostate cancer.

A phase I dose-escalation, safety/tolerability, and preliminary efficacy study of the intratumoral administration of GEN0101 in patients with advanced melanoma

Despite recent advance in immunotherapy agents, safe new therapies that enhance the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors are still required to develop. We previously demonstrated that hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope (HVJ-E) induced not only direct tumor cell death but also antitumor immunity through the activation of T and natural killer (NK) cells, thereafter, developed a manufacturing process of HVJ-E (GEN0101) for clinical use. We here performed a phase Ia clinical trial of intratumoral GEN0101 administration in six patients with stage IIIC or IV malignant melanoma. The primary aim was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of GEN0101, and the secondary aim was to examine the objective tumor response. Patients were separated into two groups (n = 3 each) and received a low dose of 30,000 and high dose of 60,000 mNAU of GEN0101. All patients completed a two-week follow-up evaluation without severe adverse events. The overall response rate was 33% (2 of 6), with 2 partial responses in the high-dose group and 2 with stable disease, and 2 with progressive disease in the low-dose group. Local complete or partial responses were observed in 11 of 18 (61%) target lesions. One patient demonstrated shrinkage of lung metastases after the treatment. The activity of NK cells and interferon-γ levels were increased in the circulation, indicating augmentation of antitumor immunity by GEN0101. This trial showed not only the safety and tolerability but also the significant antitumor effect of GEN0101, suggesting that GEN0101 might be a promising new drug for patients with advanced melanoma.

Microfluidic Surgery in Single Cells and Multicellular Systems

Microscale surgery on single cells and small organisms has enabled major advances in fundamental biology and in engineering biological systems. Examples of applications range from wound healing and regeneration studies to the generation of hybridoma to produce monoclonal antibodies. Even today, these surgical operations are often performed manually, but they are labor intensive and lack reproducibility. Microfluidics has emerged as a powerful technology to control and manipulate cells and multicellular systems at the micro- and nanoscale with high precision. Here, we review the physical and chemical mechanisms of microscale surgery and the corresponding design principles, applications, and implementations in microfluidic systems. We consider four types of surgical operations: (1) sectioning, which splits a biological entity into multiple parts, (2) ablation, which destroys part of an entity, (3) biopsy, which extracts materials from within a living cell, and (4) fusion, which joins multiple entities into one. For each type of surgery, we summarize the motivating applications and the microfluidic devices developed. Throughout this review, we highlight existing challenges and opportunities. We hope that this review will inspire scientists and engineers to continue to explore and improve microfluidic surgical methods.

The Nanosystems Involved in Treating Lung Cancer

Even though there are various types of cancer, this pathology as a whole is considered the principal cause of death worldwide. Lung cancer is known as a heterogeneous condition, and it is apparent that genome modification presents a significant role in the occurrence of this disorder. There are conventional procedures that can be utilized against diverse cancer types, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but they are hampered by the numerous side effects. Owing to the many adverse events observed in these therapies, it is imperative to continuously develop new and improved strategies for managing individuals with cancer. Nanomedicine plays an important role in establishing new methods for detecting chromosomal rearrangements and mutations for targeted chemotherapeutics or the local delivery of drugs via different types of nano-particle carriers to the lungs or other organs or areas of interest. Because of the complex signaling pathways involved in developing different types of cancer, the need to discover new methods for prevention and detection is crucial in producing gene delivery materials that exhibit the desired roles. Scientists have confirmed that nanotechnology-based procedures are more effective than conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with minor side effects. Several nanoparticles, nanomaterials, and nanosystems have been studied, including liposomes, dendrimers, polymers, micelles, inorganic nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes, and even siRNA delivery systems. The cytotoxicity of such nanosystems is a debatable concern, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems must be improved to increase the bioavailability, biocompatibility, and safety profiles, since these nanosystems boast a remarkable potential in many biomedical applications, including anti-tumor activity or gene therapy. In this review, the nanosystems involved in treating lung cancer and its associated challenges are discussed.

Virosome-based nanovaccines; a promising bioinspiration and biomimetic approach for preventing viral diseases: A review

Vaccination is the most effective means of controlling infectious disease-related morbidity and mortality. However, due to low immunogenicity of viral antigens, nanomedicine as a new opportunity in new generation of vaccine advancement attracted researcher encouragement. Virosome is a lipidic nanomaterial emerging as FDA approved nanocarriers with promising bioinspiration and biomimetic potency against viral infections. Virosome surface modification with critical viral fusion proteins is the cornerstone of vaccine development. Surface antigens at virosomes innovatively interact with targeted receptors on host cells that evoke humoral or cellular immune responses through antibody-producing B cell and internalization by endocytosis-mediated pathways. To date, several nanovaccine based on virosome formulations have been commercialized against widespread and life-threatening infections. Recently, Great efforts were made to fabricate a virosome-based vaccine platform against a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Thus, this review provides a novel overview of the virosome based nanovaccine production, properties, and application on the viral disease, especially its importance in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine discovery.

Employing siRNA tool and its delivery platforms in suppressing cisplatin resistance: Approaching to a new era of cancer chemotherapy

Although chemotherapy is a first option in treatment of cancer patients, drug resistance has led to its failure, requiring strategies to overcome it. Cancer cells are capable of switching among molecular pathways to ensure their proliferation and metastasis, leading to their resistance to chemotherapy. The molecular pathways and mechanisms that are responsible for cancer progression and growth, can be negatively affected for providing chemosensitivity. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a powerful tool extensively applied in cancer therapy in both pre-clinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies because of its potential in suppressing tumor-promoting factors. As such oncogene pathways account for cisplatin (CP) resistance, their targeting by siRNA plays an important role in reversing chemoresistance. In the present review, application of siRNA for suppressing CP resistance is discussed. The first priority of using siRNA is sensitizing cancer cells to CP-mediated apoptosis via down-regulating survivin, ATG7, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and XIAP. The cancer stem cell properties and related molecular pathways including ID1, Oct-4 and nanog are inhibited by siRNA in CP sensitivity. Cell cycle arrest and enhanced accumulation of CP in cancer cells can be obtained using siRNA. In overcoming siRNA challenges such as off-targeting feature and degradation, carriers including nanoparticles and biological carriers have been applied. These carriers are important in enhancing cellular accumulation of siRNA, elevating gene silencing efficacy and reversing CP resistance.

Understanding In Vivo Fate of Nucleic Acid and Gene Medicines for the Rational Design of Drugs

Nucleic acid and genetic medicines are increasingly being developed, owing to their potential to treat a variety of intractable diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the in vivo fate of these agents is vital for the rational design, discovery, and fast and straightforward development of the drugs. In case of intravascular administration of nucleic acids and genetic medicines, interaction with blood components, especially plasma proteins, is unavoidable. However, on the flip side, such interaction can be utilized wisely to manipulate the pharmacokinetics of the agents. In other words, plasma protein binding can help in suppressing the elimination of nucleic acids from the blood stream and deliver naked oligonucleotides and gene carriers into target cells. To control the distribution of these agents in the body, the ligand conjugation method is widely applied. It is also important to understand intracellular localization. In this context, endocytosis pathway, endosomal escape, and nuclear transport should be considered and discussed. Encapsulated nucleic acids and genes must be dissociated from the carriers to exert their activity. In this review, we summarize the in vivo fate of nucleic acid and gene medicines and provide guidelines for the rational design of drugs.

Polymers and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT): a potent combination

This review describes the latest polymeric systems used as boron transporters for boron neutron capture therapy.

CXCL2 combined with HVJ-E suppresses tumor growth and lung metastasis in breast cancer and enhances anti-PD-1 antibody therapy

Breast cancer has a high risk of metastasis; however, no effective treatment has been established. We developed a novel immunotherapy for breast cancer to enhance cytotoxic T lymphocytes against cancer cells using N1-type neutrophils with anti-tumor properties. For this purpose, we combined CXCL2 (CXC chemokine ligand 2) plasmid DNA with inactivated Sendai virus (hemagglutinating virus of Japan)-envelope (HVJ-E). The combination of CXCL2 DNA and HVJ-E (C/H) suppressed the growth of murine breast cancers in orthotopic syngeneic models by enhancing cytotoxic T lymphocytes and inhibited lung metastasis of breast cancer from primary lesions. N1-type neutrophils (CD11b⁺ Ly6G⁺ FAS⁺) increased in the tumor microenvironment with C/H treatment, and tumor suppression and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation from C/H was blocked after administrating anti-neutrophil antibodies, which indicates the role of N1-type neutrophils in cancer immunotherapy. We also demonstrated that the anti-tumor activities of C/H treatment were enhanced by the administration of anti-PD-1 antibodies through neutrophil-mediated cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation. Thus, the triple combination of C/H and anti-PD-1 antibody C/H treatment may provide an improvement in cancer immunotherapy.

Phospholipase Cβ3 Expressed in Mouse DRGs is Involved in Inflammatory and Postoperative Pain

Background

Previous studies suggested that phospholipase Cβ3 (PLCβ3), which is a common downstream component in the signaling cascade, plays an important role in peripheral mechanisms of perception including nociception. However, detailed profiles of PLCβ3-expressing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and involvement of PLCβ3 in inflammatory and postoperative pain have not been fully investigated.

Purpose

We evaluated neurochemical char0acteristics of PLCβ3-expressing DRG neurons in mice and then we examined the effects of selective knockdown of PLCβ3 expression in DRGs on inflammatory and postoperative pain.

Methods

Male C57BL/6-strain mice were used. For the inflammatory model, each mouse received subcutaneous injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in the left hindpaw. For the postoperative pain model, a plantar incision was made in the left hindpaw. PLCβ3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide or PLCβ3 mismatch oligodeoxynucleotide was intrathecally administered once a day for three consecutive days in each model. The time courses of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical hyperalgesia were investigated. Changes in PLCβ3 protein levels in DRGs were evaluated by Western blotting.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis showed that high proportion of the PLCβ3-positive profiles were biotinylated isolectin B4-positive or transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1-positive. PLCβ3 protein level in DRGs during CFA-induced inflammation was comparable to that at baseline. Intrathecal administration of PLCβ3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, which significantly suppressed PLCβ3 expression in DRGs, did not affect pain thresholds in normal conditions but inhibited CFA-induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia both at the early and late phases compared to that in mismatch oligodeoxynucleotide-treated mice. Intrathecal administration of PLCβ3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide also inhibited surgical incision-induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia.

Conclusion

Our results uncover a unique role of PLCβ3 in the development and maintenance of inflammatory pain induced by CFA application and in those of surgical incision-induced pain, although PLCβ3 does not play a major role in thermal nociception or mechanical nociception in normal conditions.

Hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope containing programmed cell death-ligand 1 siRNA inhibits immunosuppressive activities and elicits antitumor immune responses in glioma

The programmed cell death‐1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) pathway is involved in preventing immune system‐mediated destruction of malignant tumors including glioblastoma. However, the therapeutic influence of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibition alone in glioblastoma is limited. To develop effective combination therapy involving PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibition, we used a non‐replicating virus‐derived vector, hemagglutinating virus of Japan‐envelope (HVJ‐E), to inhibit tumor cell PD‐L1 expression by delivering siRNA targeting PD‐L1. HVJ‐E is a promising vector for efficient delivery of enclosed substances to the target cells. Moreover, HVJ‐E provokes robust antitumoral immunity by activating natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and by suppressing regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). We hypothesized that we could efficiently deliver PD‐L1‐inhibiting siRNAs to tumor cells using HVJ‐E, and that synergistic activation of antitumoral immunity would occur due to the immunostimulating effects of HVJ‐E and PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibition. We used artificially induced murine glioma stem‐like cells, TS, to create mouse (C57BL/6N) glioblastoma models. Intratumoral injection of HVJ‐E containing siRNA targeting PD‐L1 (siPDL1/HVJ‐E) suppressed the expression of tumor cell PD‐L1 and significantly suppressed tumor growth in subcutaneous models and prolonged overall survival in brain tumor models. Flow cytometric analyses of brain tumor models showed that the proportions of brain‐infiltrating CTL and NK cells were significantly increased after giving siPDL1/HVJ‐E; in contrast, the rate of Treg/CD4⁺ cells was significantly decreased in HVJ‐E‐treated tumors. CD8 depletion abrogated the therapeutic effect of siPDL1/HVJ‐E, indicating that CD8⁺ T lymphocytes mainly mediated this therapeutic effect. We believe that this non‐replicating immunovirotherapy may be a novel therapeutic alternative to treat patients with glioblastoma.

Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan Envelope (HVJ-E)-Guided Gene Transfer to the Intestinal Epithelium

The rapidly self-renewing epithelium of the small intestine represents an exquisite model for the stem cell-driven tissue renewal and tumorigenesis. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are located in the crypt base, where they produce rapidly dividing progenitors that undergo cell-cycle arrest and terminal differentiation upon several rounds of cell division. So far, genetic studies in mice have played a central role in analyzing function of genes during the stem cell-driven renewal of the intestinal epithelium. However, generation and maintenance of genetically engineered mice are a time-consuming endeavor, which limits the progress in intestinal biology. Recently, we have established a novel method that serves as an alternative to mouse genetics in intestinal biology. The method, termed intestine-specific gene transfer (iGT), enables rapid and efficient delivery of small molecules, such as siRNAs and plasmids, into the intestinal epithelium of living mice by utilizing the hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E). Here, we describe a detailed protocol for iGT and discuss how this method can accelerate progress in intestinal biology and elucidate the mechanisms of intestinal epithelium self-renewal.

Efficient photodynamic therapy against drug-resistant prostate cancer using replication-deficient virus particles and talaporfin sodium

To enhance the potency of photosensitizer, we developed a novel photosensitizer, Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E (L-HVJ-E), by incorporating talaporfin sodium (Laserphyrin®, Meiji Seika Pharma) into hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E). In this study, we examined the optimal Laserphyrin® concentration for preparation of Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E which had photocytotoxicity and maintained direct cytotoxicity derived from HVJ-E. Then, potency of Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E and Laserphyrin® were compared in vitro using castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). A laser diode (L660P120, Thorlabs, USA) with a wavelength of 664 nm was used for light activation of Laserphyrin®, which corresponds to an absorption peak of Laserphyrin® and provides a high therapeutic efficiency. The photocytotoxicity and direct cytotoxicity of Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E prepared using various Laserphyrin® concentrations were evaluated using PC-3 cell in vitro. We categorized the treatment groups as Group 1: 50 μL of D-MEM treatment group, Group 2: HVJ-E treatment group, Group 3: Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E treatment group, and Group 4: Laserphyrin® treatment group. Group 3 was subjected to different concentrations of Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E suspension, and all groups were subjected to different incubation periods (24, 48 h), (30 min, 1 h, or 3 h,) respectively, without and after PDT. Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E prepared using 15 mM Laserphyrin® had high photocytotoxicity and maintained HVJ-E's ability to induce direct cytotoxicity. Therapeutic effect of Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E was substantially equivalent to that of Laserphyrin® alone even at half Laserphyrin® concentration. By utilizing Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E, PDT could be performed with lower Laserphyrin® concentration. In addition, Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E showed higher potency than Laserphyrin® by combining cytotoxicities of HVJ-E and PDT.

Intratumoral injection of hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope vector yielded an antitumor effect for advanced melanoma: a phase I/IIa clinical study

Hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ; Sendai virus) is an RNA virus that has cell fusion activity. HVJ-envelope (HVJ-E) is a UV-irradiated HVJ particle that loses viral replication and protein synthesis activity but retains cell fusion activity. We recently reported that HVJ-E has antitumor effects on several types of tumors. Here, we describe the results of a first-in-human phase I/IIa study in patients with advanced melanoma, receiving intratumoral administration of HVJ-E. The primary aim was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of HVJ-E, and the secondary aim was to examine the objective tumor response and antitumor immunity. Six patients with stage IIIC or IV progressive malignant melanoma with skin or lymph metastasis were enrolled. Patients were separated into two groups (n = 3 each) and received low and high doses of HVJ-E. Five of the six patients completed 4 weeks of follow-up evaluation; one patient discontinued treatment owing to progressive disease. Complete or partial responses were observed in 3 of 6 (50%) injected target lesions, 7 of 15 (47%) noninjected target lesions, and 10 of 21 (48%) target lesions. Induction of antitumor immunity was observed: activation of natural killer cells, a marked increase in interferon-γ levels in the peripheral blood, and infiltration of cytotoxic T cells into both injected and noninjected tumor lesions. Thus, intratumoral injection of HVJ-E in advanced melanoma patients showed safety and tolerability with local regression of the tumor mediated by antitumor immunity. The results suggest that HVJ-E might be a new treatment approach in patients with advanced melanoma.

Photodynamic therapy by lysosomal-targeted drug delivery using talaporfin sodium incorporated into inactivated virus particles

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a minimally invasive cancer treatment involving the activation of photosensitizer by a specific wavelength of light, is considered to be a promising treatment option for drug-resistant prostate cancer. Hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) has the potential to serve as a highly effective cancer therapy through selective drug delivery and enhancement of the anti-tumor immune response.

OBJECTIVES

To improve therapeutic efficacy and selective accumulation of photosensitizer into tumor cells, we developed a novel photosensitizer, Laserphyrin®-HVJ-E (L-HVJ-E), by incorporating talaporfin sodium (Laserphyrin®, Meiji Seika Pharma) into HVJ-E.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The therapeutic effect of PDT with Laserphyrin® or L-HVJ-E was evaluated in the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 in vitro. The subcellular localizations of Laserphyrin® and L-HVJ-E were observed by confocal microscopy. Apoptosis or necrosis following PDT was detected by annexin V-fluorescein/propidium iodide double staining.

RESULTS

The cytotoxic effect of Laserphyrin®- and L-HVJ-E-mediated PDT were determined by evaluating cell survival rate and production of reactive oxygen species. The cytotoxicity of L-HVJ-E-mediated PDT was dependent on drug concentration and light dose. Laserphyrin® and L-HVJ-E gradually entered cells as incubation time increased, and both agents tended to be distributed in lysosomes rather than mitochondria. Time and dose dependent increase in ROS production was observed, and induction of both apoptotic and necrotic cell death was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Laserphyrin® and L-HVJ-E were distributed mainly in lysosomes and induced cell death by both apoptosis and necrosis. Furthermore, L-HVJ-E-mediated PDT effectively killed cultured PC-3 cells and exerted higher photocytotoxicity than Laserphyrin®-mediated PDT.

The important role of connexin 43 in subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm

Background

Gap junctions are involved in the development of cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the specific roles and regulatory functions of related connexin isoforms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of connexin 43 (Cx43) in CVS and determine whether Cx43 alterations are modulated via the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling transduction pathway.

Methods

Oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb)-induced smooth muscle cells of basilar arterial and second-injection model in rat were used as CVS models in vitro and in vivo. In addition, dye transfer assays were used for gap junction-mediated intercellular communication (GJIC) observation in vitro and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) was observed in vivo by perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and intravital fluorescence microscopy.

Results

Increase in Cx43 mediated the development of SAH-induced CVS was found in both in vitro and in vivo CVS models. Enhanced GJIC was observed in vitro CVS model, this effect and increased Cx43 were reversed by preincubation with specific PKC inhibitors (chelerythrine or GF 109203X). DCI was observed in vivo on day 7 after SAH. However, DCI was attenuated by pretreatment with Cx43 siRNA or PKC inhibitors, and the increased Cx43 expression in vivo was also reversed by Cx43 siRNA or PKC inhibitors.

Conclusions

These data provide strong evidence that Cx43 plays an important role in CVS and indicate that changes in Cx43 expression may be mediated by the PKC pathway. The current findings suggest that Cx43 and the PKC pathway are novel targets for developing treatments for SAH-induced CVS.

In vivo uterine local gene delivery system using TAT-displaying bionanocapsules

BACKGROUND

The uterus is an organ that is directly accessible via the transvaginal route, whereas the drug delivery system and the gene delivery system (GDS) for the uterus are very limited, even in animal models. In the present study, we optimized a bionanocapsule (BNC) comprising a hepatitis B virus envelope L-protein particle, for which a structurally similar particle has been used as an immunogen of a conventional HB vaccine worldwide for more than 30 years, as a local uterine GDS using a mouse model.

METHODS

To display various antibodies for re-targeting to different cells other than hepatic cells, the pre-S1 region of BNC was replaced with a tandem form of the protein A-derived immunoglobulin G Fc-interacting region (Z domain, ZZ-BNC). To induce strong cell adhesion after local administration into the uterine cavity, ZZ-BNC was modified with a transactivator of transcription (TAT) peptide.

RESULTS

Gene transfer using TAT-modified ZZ-BNC is approximately 5000- or 18-fold more efficient than the introduction of the same dose of naked DNAs or the use of the cationic liposomes, respectively. TAT-modified ZZ-BNC was rapidly eliminated from the uterus and had no effect on the pregnancy rate, litter size or fetal growth.

CONCLUSIONS

TAT-modified ZZ-BNC could be a useful GDS for uterine endometrial therapy via local uterine injection.

Advances Towards Therapeutic Approaches for mtDNA Disease

Mitochondria maintain and express their own genome, referred to as mtDNA, which is required for proper mitochondrial function. While mutations in mtDNA can cause a heterogeneous array of disease phenotypes, there is currently no cure for this collection of diseases. Here, we will cover characteristics of the mitochondrial genome important for understanding the pathology associated with mtDNA mutations, and review recent approaches that are being developed to treat and prevent mtDNA disease. First, we will discuss mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), where mitochondria from a healthy donor replace maternal mitochondria harbouring mutant mtDNA. In addition to ethical concerns surrounding this procedure, MRT is only applicable in cases where the mother is known or suspected to carry mtDNA mutations. Thus, there remains a need for other strategies to treat patients with mtDNA disease. To this end, we will also discuss several alternative means to reduce the amount of mutant mtDNA present in cells. Such methods, referred to as heteroplasmy shifting, have proven successful in animal models. In particular, we will focus on the approach of targeting engineered endonucleases to specifically cleave mutant mtDNA. Together, these approaches offer hope to prevent the transmission of mtDNA disease and potentially reduce the impact of mtDNA mutations.

Cancer immunotherapy using the Fusion gene of Sendai virus

Inactivated Sendai virus particle (or hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope; HVJ-E) has been previously reported to possess antitumour properties that activate antitumour immunity. Two glycoproteins, fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), are present on the surface of HVJ-E. HN is necessary for binding to receptors such as acidic gangliosides, and F induces membrane fusion by associating with membrane lipids. We previously reported that liposomes reconstituted with F but not HN showed antitumour activity by inducing IL-6 secretion in dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting that F protein is capable of eliciting antitumour activity. Here, we attempted to deliver F gene into tumour tissue in mice by electroporation and demonstrated that F gene therapy retarded tumour growth, increased CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration into tumours and induced tumour-specific IFN-γ T-cell response. However, neutralisation of IL-6R signalling did not impact F plasmid-mediated antitumour effect. Instead, we found that F plasmid treatment resulted in a significant increase in the secretion of the chemokine RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) by tumour-infiltrating T cells. Neutralising antibody against RANTES abolished the antitumour effect of F plasmid treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, F gene therapy may show promise as a novel therapeutic for single or combined cancer immunotherapy.

Inhibition of Neointima Hyperplasia, Inflammation, and Reactive Oxygen Species in Balloon-Injured Arteries by HVJ Envelope Vector-Mediated Delivery of Superoxide Dismutase Gene

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) has been implicated in regulation of vascular function but its underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. These two-step experiments investigate whether hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) vector-mediated EC-SOD gene delivery might protect against neointima formation, vascular inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and also explore cell growth signaling pathways. The first in-vitro experiment was performed to assess the transfection efficacy and safety of HVJ-E compared to lipofectamine®. Results revealed that HVJ-E has higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity than those of lipofectamine®. Another in-vivo study initially used balloon denudation to rat carotid artery, then delivered EC-SOD cDNA through the vector of HVJ-E. Arterial section with H&E staining from the animals 14 days after balloon injury showed a significant reduction of intima-to-media area ratio in EC-SOD transfected arteries when compared with control (empty vector-transfected arteries) (p < 0.05). Arterial tissue with EC-SOD gene delivery also exhibited lower levels of ROS, as assessed by fluorescent microphotography with dihydroethidium staining. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that EC-SOD gene delivery significantly diminished mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β (p < 0.05 in all comparisons). An immunoblotting assay from vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) cultures showed that the EC-SOD transfected group attenuated the activation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and Akt signaling significantly. In conclusion, EC-SOD overexpression by HVJ-E vector inhibits neointima hyperplasia, inflammation, and ROS level triggered by balloon injury. The modulation of cell growth-signaling pathways by EC-SOD in VSMCs might play an important role in these inhibitory effects.

Boron-incorporating hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) nanomaterial in boron neutron capture therapy

Combining immunotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic technique has recently attracted much attention for advancing cancer treatment. If boron-incorporated hemagglutinating virus of Japan-envelope (HVJ-E) having high membrane fusion ability can be used as a boron delivery agent in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a radical synergistic improvement of boron accumulation efficiency into tumor cells and antitumor immunity may be induced. In this study, we aimed to develop novel boron-containing biocompatible polymers modified onto HVJ-E surfaces. The copolymer consisting of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and methacrylamide benzoxaborole (MAAmBO), poly[MPC-co-MAAmBO], was successfully synthesized by using a simple free radical polymerization. The molecular structures and molecular weight of the poly[MPC-co-MAAmBO] copolymer were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, respectively. The poly[MPC-co-MAAmBO] was coated onto the HVJ-E surface via the chemical bonding between the MAAmBO moiety and the sugar moiety of HVJ-E. DLS, AFM, UV-Vis, and fluorescence measurements clarified that the size of the poly[MPC-co-MAAmBO]-coated HVJ-E, HVJ-E/p[MPC-MAAmBO], to be about 130 ~ 150 nm in diameter, and that the polymer having 9.82 × 106 ~ 7 boron atoms was steadily coated on a single HVJ-E particle. Moreover, cellular uptake of poly[MPC-co-MAAmBO] could be demonstrated without cytotoxicity, and the hemolysis could be successfully suppressed by 20%. These results indicate that the HVJ-E/p[MPC-MAAmBO] may be used as boron nanocarriers in a combination of immunotherapy with BNCT.

Plasmid DNA vaccine coding eight repeats of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone induced atrophy of prostate in male mice

Background

Prostate hyperplasia and neoplasia are major illness of men and elderly dogs. Treatment of prostate cancer requires androgen deprivation surgery or therapy to prevent metastases and alleviate pain. Recently, six DNA vaccines have entered clinical trials against prostate cancer in humans with limited success. There is a need for new therapies that delay the establishment of malignancy and prolong survival.

Materials and methods

A plasmid DNA vaccine coding for eight gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH-I) interspersed in eight T-helper epitopes was used. Sexually mature male mice were immunized with the vaccine in hemagglutinating virus of Japanese envelope vector and boosted in nonionized surfactant vesicles in study weeks 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Plasma anti-GnRH-I antibody response, serum testosterone concentration, and effect on prostate were evaluated.

Results

Results of an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed anti-GnRH-I antibody response (OD value) detected in the study week 3 (0.613 ± 0.179) with a highest response in the week 12 (1.205 ± 0.219). Serum testosterone concentration (ng/ml) in vaccinated mice was significantly reduced (P > 0.000, 0.761 ± 0.531) in the study week 24 in contrast to control serum (7.583 ± 1.251). Group average gross combined weight of prostate and seminal vesicles of vaccinated mice was significantly (P < 0.000) reduced in the study week 24 (319.75 ± 89.19 mg) in contrast to control weight (563.25 ± 108.60 mg). Sections of prostate stained with Goldner's trichrome showed profuse pink color secretion in control tubules, which however was absent in the vaccinated prostate. The lining epithelium of the vaccinated prostate was atrophied and did not enfold in its lumen.

Conclusions

Immunization strategy designed with the plasmid DNA vaccine in hemagglutinating virus of Japanese envelope and nonionized surfactant vesicles can be the genetic immunization platform. This vaccine bears potentials in terms of reducing serum testosterone concentration and induction of atrophy of prostate. Targeted ablation of native GnRH-I by genetic immunization could offer leverage to vaccinologists, seeking therapeutic target to control and prevent malignancy of prostate.

Inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin induces apoptosis and autophagy through reactive oxygen species production in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells

Sendai virus strain Tianjin, a novel genotype of Sendai virus, has been proven to possess potent antitumor effect on certain cancer cell types although inactivated by ultraviolet (UV). This study was carried out to investigate the in vitro anticancer properties of UV-inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin (UV-Tianjin) on human osteosarcoma cells and the underlying molecular mechanism. Our studies demonstrated UV-Tianjin significantly inhibited the viability of human osteosarcoma cell lines and triggered apoptosis through activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in MG-63 cells. Meanwhile, autophagy occurred in UV-Tianjin-treated cells. Blockade of autophagy with 3-methyladenine remarkably attenuated the inhibition of cell proliferation by UV-Tianjin, suggesting that UV-Tianjin-induced autophagy may be contributing to cell death. Furthermore, UV-Tianjin induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which was involved in the execution of MG-63 cell apoptosis and autophagy, as evidenced by the result that treatment of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a ROS scavenger, attenuated both apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, inhibition of apoptosis promoted autophagy, whereas suppression of autophagy attenuated apoptosis. Our results suggest that UV-Tianjin triggers apoptosis and autophagic cell death via generation of the ROS in MG-63 cells, which might provide important insights into the effectiveness of novel strategies for osteosarcoma therapy.

Cyclic peptide-poly(HPMA) nanotubes as drug delivery vectors: In vitro assessment, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution

Size and shape have progressively appeared as some of the key factors influencing the properties of nanosized drug delivery systems. In particular, elongated materials are thought to interact differently with cells and therefore may allow alterations of in vivo fate without changes in chemical composition. A challenge, however, remains the creation of stable self-assembled materials with anisotropic shape for delivery applications that still feature the ability to disassemble, avoiding organ accumulation and facilitating clearance from the system. In this context, we report on cyclic peptide-polymer conjugates that self-assemble into supramolecular nanotubes, as confirmed by SANS and SLS. Their behaviour ex and in vivo was studied: the nanostructures are non-toxic up to a concentration of 0.5 g L^-1 and cell uptake studies revealed that the pathway of entry was energy-dependent. Pharmacokinetic studies following intravenous injection of the peptide-polymer conjugates and a control polymer to rats showed that the larger size of the nanotubes formed by the conjugates reduced renal clearance and elongated systemic circulation. Importantly, the ability to slowly disassemble into small units allowed effective clearance of the conjugates and reduced organ accumulation, making these materials interesting candidates in the search for effective drug carriers.

Virus-stimulated neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity

The tumor microenvironment (TME) fosters tumors by attenuating anti-tumor immunity, reinforcing tumor cell survival and increasing angiogenesis. Among the constituents of the TME, here, we focused on tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). First, we found that the combination of poly I:C and inactivated Sendai virus particles (hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope; HVJ-E) synergistically suppressed tumor growth in the B16-F10 melanoma mouse model. In this model, poly I:C contributed to the recruitment of CD11b⁺Ly6G⁺ neutrophils to the TME, and co-injection of poly I:C and HVJ-E increased CD11b⁺Ly6G⁺FAS⁺ TAN in the TME. Depletion of neutrophils abolished the synergistic anti-tumor effect of HVJ-E and poly I:C in B16-F10 tumors. We revealed that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) is produced in the TME by poly I:C, but HVJ-E enhanced neutrophil infiltration of the TME does not occur. An anti-CXCL2 antibody inhibited the tumor suppression by HVJ-E+poly I:C. HVJ-E in combination with recombinant CXCL2 protein or CXCL2 pDNA suppressed mouse melanoma by increasing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against B16-F10 melanoma, which was abolished by an anti-Ly6G antibody. HVJ-E directly and indirectly increased FAS and ICAM-1 expression in cultured bone marrow-derived naïve neutrophils. Thus, HVJ-E activates anti-tumor immunity via anti-tumorigenic neutrophils in the TME. An HVJ-E vector containing the CXCL2 gene may be applicable as a novel cancer gene therapy strategy.

Cytoplasmic calcium increase via fusion with inactivated Sendai virus induces apoptosis in human multiple myeloma cells by downregulation of c-Myc oncogene

Because the emergence of drug resistance is a major limitation of current treatments for multiple myeloma (MM), it is necessary to continuously develop novel anticancer strategies. Here, using an inactivated Sendai virus (Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan; HVJ) envelope (HVJ-E), we discovered that increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ by virus-cell fusion significantly induced apoptosis against human MM cells but not peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Interaction of F protein of HVJ-E with MM cells increased intracellular Ca2+ level of MMs by the induction of Ca2+ efflux from endoplasmic reticulum but not influx from extracellular region. The elevation of the Ca2+ cytoplasmic level induced SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus, and SMAD1/5/8 and SMAD4 complex suppressed c-Myc transcription. Meanwhile, HVJ-E decreases S62 phosphorylation of c-Myc and promotes c-Myc protein degradation. Thus, HVJ-E-induced cell death of MM resulted from suppression of c-Myc by both destabilization of c-Myc protein and downregulation of c-Myc transcription. This study indicates that HVJ-E will be a promising tool for MM therapy.

Current Progress of Virus-mimicking Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery

Nanomedicines often involve the use of nanocarriers as a delivery system for drugs or genes for maximizing the therapeutic effect and/or minimizing the adverse effect. From drug administration to therapeutic activity, nanocarriers must evade the host's immune system, specifically and efficiently target and enter the cell, and release their payload into the cell cytoplasm by endosomal escape. These processes constitute the early infection stage of viruses. Viruses are a powerful natural nanomaterial for the efficient delivery of genetic information by sophisticated mechanisms. Over the past two decades, many virus-inspired nanocarriers have been generated to permit successful drug and gene delivery. In this review, we summarize the early infection machineries of viruses, of which the part has so far been utilized for delivery systems. Furthermore, we describe basics and applications of the bio-nanocapsule, which is a hepatitis B virus-mimicking nanoparticle harboring nearly all activities involved in the early infection machineries (i.e., stealth activity, targeting activity, cell entry activity, endosomal escaping activity).

Inactivated Sendai virus particle upregulates cancer cell expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and enhances natural killer cell sensitivity on cancer cells

We have already reported that the inactivated Sendai virus (hemagglutinating virus of Japan; HVJ) envelope (HVJ‐E) has multiple anticancer effects, including induction of cancer‐selective cell death and activation of anticancer immunity. The HVJ‐E stimulates dendritic cells to produce cytokines and chemokines such as β‐interferon, interleukin‐6, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5, and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 10, which activate both CD8⁺ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and recruit them to the tumor microenvironment. However, the effect of HVJ‐E on modulating the sensitivity of cancer cells to immune cell attack has yet to be investigated. In this study, we found that HVJ‐E induced the production of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1, CD54), a ligand of lymphocyte function‐associated antigen 1, in several cancer cell lines through the activation of nuclear factor‐κB downstream of retinoic acid‐inducible gene I and the mitochondrial antiviral signaling pathway. The upregulation of ICAM‐1 on the surface of cancer cells increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to NK cells. Knocking out expression of ICAM‐1 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 method significantly reduced the killing effect of NK cells on ICAM‐1‐depleted MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In addition, HVJ‐E suppressed tumor growth in MDA‐MB‐231 tumor‐bearing SCID mice, and the HVJ‐E antitumor effect was impaired when NK cells were depleted by treatment with the anti‐asialo GM1 antibody. Our findings suggest that HVJ‐E enhances NK cell sensitivity against cancer cells by increasing ICAM‐1 expression on the cancer cell surface.

Encapsulation of Inorganic Nanomaterials inside Virus-Based Nanoparticles for Bioimaging

Virus-based nanoparticles (VNPs) can serve as containers for inorganic nanomaterials with excellent physical and chemical properties. Incorporation of nanomaterials inside the inner cavity of VNPs has opened up lots of possibilities for imaging applications in the field of biology and medicine. Encapsulation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) in VNPs can achieve the labeling of VNPs with nanoprobes and maintain the original outer surface features of VNPs at the same time. In return, VNPs enhance the stability and biocompatibility of the inorganic cargoes. This review briefly summarizes the current typical strategies to encapsulate inorganic nanomaterials in VNPs, i.e. mineralization and self-assembly, as well as the applications of these hybrid nanostructures in the field of bioimaging, including in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and theranostics. Nanophotonic studies based on the VNP platform are also discussed. We anticipate that this field will continue to flourish, with new exciting opportunities stemming from advancements in the rational design of VNPs, the development of excellent inorganic nanomaterials, the integration of multiple functionalities, and the regulation of nano-bio interfacial interactions.

Preclinical study and clinical trial of a novel therapeutic vaccine against multi-drug resistant tuberculosis

[Purpose] Multi-drug resistant (MDR), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is a big problem in the world. We have developed novel TB therapeutic vaccine (HVJ-E/HSP65 DNA +IL-12 DNA). [Methods and Results] DNA vaccine expressing TB heat shock protein 65 and IL-12 was delivered by the hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-envelope. This vaccine provided remarkable protective efficacy and strong therapeutic efficacy against MDR-TB and XDR-TB in murine models. Furthermore, this vaccine provided therapeutic efficacy of prolongation of survival time of TB infected monkeys and augmented the immune responses. Therefore, the preclinical tests were studied for clinical trial. The injection of 100 μg of the vaccine /mouse i.m. three times in two weeks induced significantly strong production of IFN-γ and IL-2. 100 μg and 200 μg DNA vaccine/mouse i.m. augmented the production of these cytokines compared with 25 μg DNA vaccine/mouse i.m.. The ratio of 100 μg pDNA to 1AU HVJ-E enhanced the production of IFN-γ and IL-2. The decrease in the number of M. tuberculosis in liver of mice was observed by the vaccination of 100μg pDNA. By using these conditions, safety pharmacology study and toxicology test is being studied in monkeys administered by GMP level DNA vaccines. By the toxicology test using monkeys, high dose GMP level vaccine/ monkey is administrated. Safety pharmacological study of repeated administration is also being investigated in GLP level. Furthermore, we have planned to do clinical phase I trial. Targets are human patients with MDR-TB. The safety and tolerability of the vaccine will be evaluated. [Conclusion and recommendations] These data indicate that our novel vaccine might be useful against tuberculosis including XDR-TB and MDR-TB for human therapeutic clinical applications.

Down-regulation of zinc transporter-1 in astrocytes induces neuropathic pain via the brain-derived neurotrophic factor - K+-Cl- co-transporter-2 signaling pathway in the mouse spinal cord

We previously demonstrated, using a DNA microarray analysis, the down-regulated expression of the slc30a1 gene (zinc transporter 1, ZnT1) in a neuropathic pain model induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays important roles in physiological functions, and ZnT1 modulates intracellular zinc levels. In the present study, we examined the effects of the down-regulation of the ZnT1 gene in the spinal cord on tactile allodynia. The knockdown (KD) of ZnT1 by the intrathecal administration of siRNA against ZnT1 to mice induced allodynia, a characteristic syndrome of neuropathic pain, which persisted for at least one month. ZnT1 KD increased intracellular zinc concentrations in primary astrocyte cultures, and this was followed by enhanced PKCα membrane translocation and NFκB nuclear translocation as well as increases in the levels of IL-6 and BDNF expressed and the phosphorylation of CREB in vitro. Neuropathic pain induced by ZnT1 KD was inhibited by an IL-6, BDNF, and TrkB siRNA injection. The down-regulated expression of KCC2 in spinal cord was induced by ZnT1 KD and prevented by an intrathecal injection of IL-6, BDNF, and TrkB siRNA. These results indicate that PSNL via the down-regulated expression of ZnT1 increases intracellular zinc concentrations, enhances PKCα membrane translocation and NFκB nuclear translocation, up-regulates the expression of IL-6, increases the phosphorylation of CREB, and promotes the BDNF cascade reaction in astrocytes, thereby down-regulating the expression of KCC2 and inducing neuropathic pain in vivo. This mechanism is considered to be responsible for the activation of TrkB in neurons through the release of BDNF from astrocytes. The results of the present study also indicate that zinc signaling in astrocytes occurs upstream of the BDNF-TrkB-KCC2 cascade reaction.

High-efficiency generation of induced pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells from human dermal fibroblasts using recombinant proteins

Background

Induced pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (iPMSCs) are novel candidates for drug screening, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. However, introduction of transcription factor encoding genes for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation which could be used to generate mesenchymal stem cells is accompanied by the risk of insertional mutations in the target cell genome.

Methods

We demonstrate a novel method using an inactivated viral particle to package and deliver four purified recombinant Yamanaka transcription factors (Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, and c-Myc) resulting in reprogramming of human primary fibroblasts. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to analyze genome-wide CpG methylation of human iPMSCs. Western blot, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and in-vitro differentiation were used to assess the pluripotency of iPMSCs.

Results

The resulting reprogrammed fibroblasts show high-level expression of stem cell markers. The human fibroblast-derived iPMSC genome showed gains in DNA methylation in low to medium methylated regions and concurrent loss of methylation in previously hypermethylated regions. Most of the differentially methylated regions are close to transcription start sites and many of these genes are pluripotent pathway associated. We found that DNA methylation of these genes is regulated by the four iPSC transcription factors, which functions as an epigenetic switch during somatic reprogramming as reported previously. These iPMSCs successfully differentiate into three embryonic germ layer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Following multipotency induction in our study, the delivered transcription factors were degraded, leading to an improved efficiency of subsequent programmed differentiation.

Conclusion

Recombinant transcription factor based reprogramming and derivatization of iPMSC offers a novel high-efficiency approach for regenerative medicine from patient-derived cells.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-016-0358-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sendai Virus Induces Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction in a Murine Model of PVOD via Effects on Apoptosis, Cell Proliferation, and Response to Odorants

Background

Viral infection is a common cause of olfactory dysfunction. The complexities of studying post-viral olfactory loss in humans have impaired further progress in understanding the underlying mechanism. Recently, evidence from clinical studies has implicated Parainfluenza virus 3 as a causal agent. An animal model of post viral olfactory disorders (PVOD) would allow better understanding of disease pathogenesis and represent a major advance in the field.

Objective

To develop a mouse model of PVOD by evaluating the effects of Sendai virus (SeV), the murine counterpart of Parainfluenza virus, on olfactory function and regenerative ability of the olfactory epithelium.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice (6–8 months old) were inoculated intranasally with SeV or ultraviolet (UV)-inactivated virus (UV-SeV). On days 3, 10, 15, 30 and 60 post-infection, olfactory epithelium was harvested and analyzed by histopathology and immunohistochemical detection of S-phase nuclei. We also measured apoptosis by TUNEL assay and viral load by real-time PCR. The buried food test (BFT) was used to measure olfactory function of mice at day 60. In parallel, cultured murine olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) infected with SeV or UV-SeV were tested for odorant-mixture response by measuring changes in intracellular calcium concentrations indicated by fura-4 AM assay.

Results

Mice infected with SeV suffered from olfactory dysfunction, peaking on day 15, with no loss observed with UV-SeV. At 60 days, four out of 12 mice infected with SeV still had not recovered, with continued normal function in controls. Viral copies of SeV persisted in both the olfactory epithelium (OE) and the olfactory bulb (OB) for at least 60 days. At day 10 and after, both unit length labeling index (ULLI) of apoptosis and ULLI of proliferation in the SeV group was markedly less than the UV-SeV group. In primary cultured OSNs infected by SeV, the percentage of cells responding to mixed odors was markedly lower in the SeV group compared to UV-SeV (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that SeV impairs olfaction, persists in OE and OB tissue, reduces their regenerative ability, and impairs the normal physiological function of OSNs without gross cytopathology. This mouse model shares key features of human post-viral olfactory loss, supporting its future use in studies of PVOD. Further testing and development of this model should allow us to clarify the pathophysiology of PVOD.

Inactivated Tianjin strain, a novel genotype of Sendai virus, induces apoptosis in HeLa, NCI-H446 and Hep3B cells

The Sendai virus strain Tianjin is a novel genotype of the Sendai virus. In previous studies, ultraviolet-inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin (UV-Tianjin) demonstrated antitumor effects on human breast cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antitumor effects of UV-Tianjin on the human cervical carcinoma HeLa, human small cell lung cancer NCI-H446 and human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep 3B cell lines, and the possible underlying mechanisms of these antitumor effects. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay revealed that UV-Tianjin treatment inhibited the proliferation of HeLa, NCI-H446 and Hep 3B cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Hoechst and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining indicated that UV-Tianjin induced dose-dependent apoptosis in all three cell lines with the most significant effect observed in the HeLa cell line. In the HeLa cell line, UV-Tianjin-induced apoptosis was further confirmed by the disruption of the mitochondria membrane potential and the activation of caspases, as demonstrated by fluorescent cationic dye and colorimetric assays, respectively. In addition, western blot analysis revealed that UV-Tianjin treatment resulted in significant upregulation of cytochrome c, apoptosis protease activating factor-1, Fas, Fas ligand and Fas-associated protein with death domain, and activated caspase-9, −8 and −3 in HeLa cells. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that UV-Tianjin exhibits anticancer activity in HeLa, NCI-H446 and Hep 3B cell lines via the induction of apoptosis. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that in the HeLa cell line, intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways may be involved in UV-Tianjin-induced apoptosis.

Hippo signalling directs intestinal fate

Hippo signalling has been associated with many important tissue functions including the regulation of organ size. In the intestinal epithelium differing functions have been proposed for the effectors of Hippo signalling, YAP and TAZ1. These are now shown to have a dual role in the intestinal epithelium, regulating both stem cell proliferation and differentiation along a specific secretory lineage.

Effective photodynamic therapy in drug-resistant prostate cancer cells utilizing a non-viral antitumor vector (a secondary publication)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is an urgent need to develop an efficient strategy for the treatment of drug-resistant prostate cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), in which low incident levels of laser energy are used to activate a photosensitizer taken up by tumor cells, is expected as a novel therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer because of the minimal invasive nature of PDT. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of a novel vector approach combined with a conventional porphyrin-based photosensitizer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our group focused on a non-viral vector (hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope; HVJ-E) combined with protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) lipid, termed the porphyrus envelope (PE). It has been previously confirmed that HVJ-E has drug-delivering properties and can induce cancer-specific cell death. The PE (HVJ-E contained in PpIX lipid) was developed as a novel photosensitizer. In this study, the antitumor and PDT efficacy of the PE against hormone-antagonistic human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) were evaluated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that, under specific circumstances, PDT using the PE was very effective against PC-3 cells. A novel therapy for drug-resistant prostate cancer based on this vector approach is eagerly anticipated.

A biomimetic approach to hormone resistant prostate cancer cell isolation using inactivated Sendai virus (HVJ-E)

A versatile immobilization method of inactivated Sendai virus (HVJ-E) for metastatic prostate cancer cell isolation.

Inactivated Sendai Virus (HVJ-E) Immobilized Electrospun Nanofiber for Cancer Therapy

Inactivated Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan Envelope (HVJ-E) was immobilized on electrospun nanofibers of poly(ε-caprolactone) by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. The precursor LbL film was first constructed with poly-L-lysine and alginic acid via electrostatic interaction. Then the HVJ-E particles were immobilized on the cationic PLL outermost surface. The HVJ-E adsorption was confirmed by surface wettability test, scanning laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser microscopy. The immobilized HVJ-E particles were released from the nanofibers under physiological condition. In vitro cytotoxic assay demonstrated that the released HVJ-E from nanofibers induced cancer cell deaths. This surface immobilization technique is possible to perform on anti-cancer drug incorporated nanofibers that enables the fibers to show chemotherapy and immunotherapy simultaneously for an effective eradication of tumor cells in vivo.

An RNA Molecule Derived From Sendai Virus DI Particles Induces Antitumor Immunity and Cancer Cell-selective Apoptosis

Inactivated Sendai virus (hemagglutinating virus of Japan; HVJ) envelope (HVJ-E) induces anticancer immunity and cancer cell-selective apoptosis through the recognition of viral RNA genome fragments by retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I). Here, we discovered that the "copy-back" type of defective-interfering (DI) particles that exist in the Cantell strain of HVJ induced the human PC3 prostate cancer cell death more effectively than the Sendai/52 strain or Cantell strain, which contain fewer DI particles. DI particle genomic RNA (~550 bases) activated proapoptotic genes such as Noxa and/or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in human prostate cancer cells to induce cancer cell-selective apoptosis. DI particle-derived RNA was synthesized by in vitro transcription (in vitro transcribed (IVT)-B2). IVT-B2 RNA, which has a double-stranded region in its secondary structure, promoted a stronger anticancer effect than IVT-HN RNA, which does not have a double-stranded region in its secondary structure. The intratumoral transfection of IVT-B2 significantly reduced the volume of a human prostate tumor and induced tumor cell apoptosis in the xenograft mouse model. Moreover, the involvement of natural killer (NK) cells in IVT-B2-RNA-induced anticancer effects was also suggested. These findings provide a novel nucleic acid medicine for the treatment of cancer.

Oncolytic Sendai virus-based virotherapy for cancer: recent advances

Many drugs have been developed and optimized for the treatment of cancer; however, it is difficult to completely cure cancer with anticancer drugs alone. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic technologies, in addition to new anticancer drugs, is necessary for more effective oncotherapy. Oncolytic viruses are one potential new anticancer strategy. Various oncolytic viruses have been developed for safe and effective oncotherapy. Recently, Sendai virus-based oncotherapy has been reported by several groups, and attention has been drawn to its unique anticancer mechanisms, which are different from those of the conventional oncolytic viruses that kill cancer cells by cancer cell-selective replication. Here, we introduce Sendai virus-based virotherapy and its anticancer mechanisms.

Tumor necrosis factor-mediated downregulation of spinal astrocytic connexin43 leads to increased glutamatergic neurotransmission and neuropathic pain in mice

Spinal cord astrocytes are critical in the maintenance of neuropathic pain. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expressed on spinal dorsal horn astrocytes modulates synaptic neurotransmission, but its role in nociceptive transduction has yet to be fully elaborated. In mice, Cx43 is mainly expressed in astrocytes, not neurons or microglia, in the spinal dorsal horn. Hind paw mechanical hypersensitivity was observed beginning 3days after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL), but a persistent downregulation of astrocytic Cx43 in ipsilateral lumbar spinal dorsal horn was not observed until 7days post-PSNL, suggesting that Cx43 downregulation mediates the maintenance and not the initiation of nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity. Downregulation of Cx43 expression by intrathecal treatment with Cx43 siRNA also induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Conversely, restoring Cx43 by an adenovirus vector expressing Cx43 (Ad-Cx43) ameliorated PSNL-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. The sensitized state following PSNL is likely maintained by dysfunctional glutamatergic neurotransmission, as Cx43 siRNA-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was attenuated with intrathecal treatment of glutamate receptor antagonists MK801 and CNQX, but not neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist CP96345 or the Ca(2+) channel subunit α2δ1 blocker gabapentin. The source of this dysfunctional glutamatergic neurotransmission is likely decreased clearance of glutamate from the synapse rather than increased glutamate release into the synapse. Astrocytic expression of glutamate transporter GLT-1, but not GLAST, and activity of glutamate transport were markedly decreased in mice intrathecally injected with Cx43-targeting siRNA but not non-targeting siRNA. Glutamate release from spinal synaptosomes prepared from mice treated with either Cx43-targeting siRNA or non-targeting siRNA was unchanged. Intrathecal injection of Ad-Cx43 in PSNL mice restored astrocytic GLT-1 expression. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been implicated in the induction of central sensitization, particularly through its actions on astrocytes, in the spinal cord following peripheral injury. Intrathecal injection of TNF in naïve mice induced the downregulation of both Cx43 and GLT-1 in spinal dorsal horn, as well as hind paw mechanical hypersensitivity, as observed in PSNL mice. Conversely, intrathecal treatment of PSNL mice with the TNF inhibitor etanercept prevented not only mechanical hypersensitivity but also the downregulation of Cx43 and GLT-1 expression in astrocytes. The current findings indicate that spinal astrocytic Cx43 are essential for the maintenance of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury and suggest modulation of Cx43 as a novel target for developing analgesics for neuropathic pain.

Inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin induces apoptosis in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Sendai virus strain Tianjin is a novel genotype. Here, we investigate the antitumor and proapoptotic effects of ultraviolet-inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin (UV-Tianjin) on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro, as well as the involvement of the apoptotic pathway in the mechanism of UV-Tianjin-induced antitumor effects. MTT assays showed that treatment with UV-Tianjin dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of MDA- MB-231 cells but not normal MCF 10A breast epithelium cells. Hoechst staining and flow cytometric analysis revealed that UV-Tianjin induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, UV-Tianjin treatment resulted in reduction in the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and release of cytochrome complex (cyt c) via regulation of Bax and Bcl-2, as well as activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, Fas, FasL and caspase-8 in MDA-MB-231 cells. In summary, our study suggests that UV-Tianjin exhibits anticancer activity in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells through inducing apoptosis, which may involve both the endogenous mitochondrial and exogenous death receptor pathways.

Inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin induces apoptosis in breast cancer MCF-7 cells by promoting caspase activation and Fas/FasL expression

Virotherapy represents a promising new approach for treating cancer. Here the authors have analyzed the effect of ultraviolet-inactivated Sendai virus strain Tianjin (UV-Tianjin) on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, UV-Tianjin inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and T47D breast cancer cell lines, although MCF-7 cells were most susceptible to UV-Tianjin treatment. Hoechst staining and flow cytometric analysis of UV-Tianjin-treated MCF-7 cells revealed that UV-Tianjin induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, UV-Tianjin treatment resulted in reductions in the mitochondria membrane potential of MCF-7 cells and regulated the levels and activities of Bcl-2, Bax, cyt c, caspases, Fas, and Fas ligand (FasL). In vivo, UV-Tianjin inhibited the growth of MCF-7 tumors in nude mice and increased tumor cell apoptosis compared with saline-treated controls. In addition, the percentage of tumor cells positive for cleaved versions of caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-9 was higher in UV-Tianjin-treated tumors than in saline-treated controls. In summary, UV-Tianjin exhibited the antitumor activity in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells both in vitro and in vivo. The UV-Tianjin treatment seemed to induce apoptosis by activating both the mitochondrial and death receptor apoptotic pathways.