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Komel T, Bosnjak M, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Expression of GFP and DsRed fluorescent proteins after gene electrotransfer of tumour cells in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 153:108490. [PMID: 37356264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108490] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter genes are widely used to study the transfection of various types of primary cells and cell lines. The aim of our research was to investigate the expression dynamics of GFP and DsRed reporter genes individually and combined after gene electrotransfer of plasmids with two different electroporation protocols in B16F10 and CT26 cells in vitro. The cytotoxicity after gene electrotransfer of both plasmids was first determined. Second, the intensity of fluorescence and the percentage of cells transfected with both plasmids individually and in combination were monitored in real time. The results show that the percentage of viability after gene electrotransfer of plasmids using the EP2 pulses was significantly higher compared to the EP1 pulses. In contrast, the percentage of transfected cells and fluorescence intensity were higher after gene electrotransfer with the EP1 pulse protocol. Moreover, the percentage of transfected cells was higher and started earlier in the B16F10 cell line than in the CT26 cell line. However, fluorescence intensity was higher in CT26 cells. Co-expression of fluorescent proteins was achieved only in a small number of cells. In conclusion, this study elucidated some of the dynamics of reporter gene expression in cancer cell lines after gene electrotransfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, SI - 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
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2
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Lampreht Tratar U, Milevoj N, Cemazar M, Znidar K, Ursic Valentinuzzi K, Brozic A, Tomsic K, Sersa G, Tozon N. Treatment of spontaneous canine mast cell tumors by electrochemotherapy combined with IL-12 gene electrotransfer: Comparison of intratumoral and peritumoral application of IL-12. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110274. [PMID: 37216797 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The combined treatment of electrochemotherapy (ECT) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene electrotransfer (GET) has already been used in clinical studies in dogs to treat various histological types of spontaneous tumors. The results of these studies show that the treatment is safe and effective. However, in these clinical studies, the routes of administration of IL-12 GET were either intratumoral (i.t.) or peritumoral (peri.t.). Therefore, the objective of this clinical trial was to compare the two IL-12 GET routes of administration in combination with ECT and their contribution to the enhanced ECT response. Seventy-seven dogs with spontaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) were divided into three groups: one treated with a combination of ECT + GET peri. t. (29 dogs), the second with the combination of ECT + GET i.t. (30 dogs), and the third with ECT alone (18 dogs). In addition, immunohistochemical studies of tumor samples before treatment and flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) before and after treatment were performed to determine any immunological aspects of the treatment. The results showed that local tumor control was significantly better in the ECT + GET i.t. group (p < 0.050) than in the ECT + GET peri.t. or ECT groups. In addition, disease-free interval (DFI) and progression-free survival (PFS) were significantly longer in the ECT + GET i.t. group than in the other two groups (p < 0.050). The data on local tumor response, DFI, and PFS were consistent with immunological tests, as we detected an increased percentage of antitumor immune cells in the blood after treatment in the ECT + GET i.t. group, which also indicated the induction of a systemic immune response. In addition, we did not observe any unwanted severe or long-lasting side effects. Finally, due to the more pronounced local response after ECT + GET i.t., we suggest that treatment response assessment should be performed at least two months after treatment, which meets the iRECIST criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Milevoj
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Ursic Valentinuzzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Brozic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katerina Tomsic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Tozon
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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3
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Maintenance and gene electrotransfer efficiency of antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmids encoding mouse, canine and human interleukin-12 orthologues. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08879. [PMID: 35265755 PMCID: PMC8899673 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a cytokine used as a therapeutic molecule in cancer immunotherapy. Gene electrotransfer mediated delivery of IL-12 gene has reached clinical evaluation in the USA using a plasmid that in addition to IL-12 gene also carry an antibiotic resistance gene needed for its production in bacteria. In Europe however, European Medicines Agency recommends against the use of antibiotics during the production of clinical grade plasmids. We have prepared several antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmids using an antibiotic-free selection strategy called operator-repressor titration, including plasmids encoding mouse, canine and human IL-12 orthologues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the maintenance of these plasmids in bacterial culture and test their transfection efficiency using gene electrotransfer. Plasmid maintenance was evaluated by determining plasmid yields and topologies after subculturing transformed bacteria. Transfection efficiency was evaluated by determining the plasmid copy number, expression and cytotoxicity after gene electrotransfer to mouse, canine and human melanoma cells. The results demonstrated that our IL-12 plasmids without an antibiotic resistance gene are stably maintained in bacteria and provide sufficient IL-12 expression after in vitro gene electrotransfer; therefore, they have the potential to proceed to further in vivo evaluation studies.
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Kos S, Bosnjak M, Jesenko T, Markelc B, Kamensek U, Znidar K, Matkovic U, Rencelj A, Sersa G, Hudej R, Tuljak A, Peterka M, Cemazar M. Non-Clinical In Vitro Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance Gene-Free Plasmids Encoding Human or Murine IL-12 Intended for First-in-Human Clinical Study. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101739. [PMID: 34684032 PMCID: PMC8539770 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a key cytokine that mediates antitumor activity of immune cells. To fulfill its clinical potential, the development is focused on localized delivery systems, such as gene electrotransfer, which can provide localized delivery of IL-12 to the tumor microenvironment. Gene electrotransfer of the plasmid encoding human IL-12 is already in clinical trials in USA, demonstrating positive results in the treatment of melanoma patients. To comply with EU regulatory requirements for clinical application, which recommend the use of antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmids, we constructed and developed the production process for the clinical grade quality antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmid encoding human IL-12 (p21-hIL-12-ORT) and its ortholog encoding murine IL-12 (p21-mIL-12-ORT). To demonstrate the suitability of the p21-hIL-12-ORT or p21-mIL-12-ORT plasmid for the first-in-human clinical trial, the biological activity of the expressed transgene, its level of expression and plasmid copy number were determined in vitro in the human squamous cell carcinoma cell line FaDu and the murine colon carcinoma cell line CT26. The results of the non-clinical evaluation in vitro set the basis for further in vivo testing and evaluation of antitumor activity of therapeutic molecules in murine models as well as provide crucial data for further clinical trials of the constructed antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmid in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerceva ulica 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Urska Matkovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Andrej Rencelj
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rosana Hudej
- Center Odličnosti za Biosenzoriko, Instrumentacijo in Procesno Kontrolo, Mirce 21, SI-5270 Ajdovscina, Slovenia; (R.H.); (A.T.); (M.P.)
| | - Aneja Tuljak
- Center Odličnosti za Biosenzoriko, Instrumentacijo in Procesno Kontrolo, Mirce 21, SI-5270 Ajdovscina, Slovenia; (R.H.); (A.T.); (M.P.)
| | - Matjaz Peterka
- Center Odličnosti za Biosenzoriko, Instrumentacijo in Procesno Kontrolo, Mirce 21, SI-5270 Ajdovscina, Slovenia; (R.H.); (A.T.); (M.P.)
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.); (M.B.); (T.J.); (B.M.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.M.); (A.R.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-5879-544
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5
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Nemec A, Milevoj N, Lampreht Tratar U, Serša G, Čemažar M, Tozon N. Electroporation-Based Treatments in Small Animal Veterinary Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:575911. [PMID: 33134356 PMCID: PMC7550461 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.575911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is a method of inducing an increase in permeability of the cell membrane through the application of an electric field and can be used as a delivery method for introducing molecules of interest (e.g., chemotherapeutics or plasmid DNA) into cells. Electroporation-based treatments (i.e., electrochemotherapy, gene electrotransfer, and their combinations) have been shown to be safe and effective in veterinary oncology, but they are currently mostly recommended for the treatment of those solid tumors for which clients have declined surgery and/or radiotherapy. Published data show that electroporation-based treatments are also safe, simple, fast and cost-effective treatment alternatives for selected oral and maxillofacial tumors, especially small squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma tumors not involving the bone in dogs. In these patients, a good local response to treatment is expected to result in increased survival time with good quality of life. Despite emerging evidence of the clinical efficacy of electroporation-based treatments for oral and maxillofacial tumors, further investigation is needed to optimize treatment protocols, improve clinical data reporting and better understand the mechanisms of patients' response to the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nemec
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Milevoj
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Tozon
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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6
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Mochel JP, Ekker SC, Johannes CM, Jergens AE, Allenspach K, Bourgois-Mochel A, Knouse M, Benzekry S, Wierson W, LeBlanc AK, Kenderian SS. CAR T Cell Immunotherapy in Human and Veterinary Oncology: Changing the Odds Against Hematological Malignancies. AAPS JOURNAL 2019; 21:50. [PMID: 30963322 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-019-0322-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The advent of the genome editing era brings forth the promise of adoptive cell transfer using engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for targeted cancer therapy. CAR T cell immunotherapy is probably one of the most encouraging developments for the treatment of hematological malignancies. In 2017, two CAR T cell therapies were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration: one for the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the other for adult patients with advanced lymphomas. However, despite significant progress in the area, CAR T cell therapy is still in its early days and faces significant challenges, including the complexity and costs associated with the technology. B cell lymphoma is the most common hematopoietic cancer in dogs, with an incidence approaching 0.1% and a total of 20-100 cases per 100,000 individuals. It is a widely accepted naturally occurring model for human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Current treatment is with combination chemotherapy protocols, which prolong life for less than a year in canines and are associated with severe dose-limiting side effects, such as gastrointestinal and bone marrow toxicity. To date, one canine study generated CAR T cells by transfection of mRNA for CAR domain expression. While this was shown to provide a transient anti-tumor activity, results were modest, indicating that stable, genomic integration of CAR modules is required in order to achieve lasting therapeutic benefit. This commentary summarizes the current state of knowledge on CAR T cell immunotherapy in human medicine and its potential applications in animal health, while discussing the potential of the canine model as a translational system for immuno-oncology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Mochel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA. .,Iowa State University College of Vet. Medicine, 2448 Lloyd, 1809 S Riverside Dr., Ames, Iowa, 50011-1250, USA.
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
| | - Chad M Johannes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Albert E Jergens
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Karin Allenspach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Agnes Bourgois-Mochel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Michael Knouse
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Sebastien Benzekry
- Team MONC, Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Wesley Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Amy K LeBlanc
- Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Saad S Kenderian
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Division of Hematology, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA.,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
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7
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Milevoj N, Tratar UL, Nemec A, Brožič A, Žnidar K, Serša G, Čemažar M, Tozon N. A combination of electrochemotherapy, gene electrotransfer of plasmid encoding canine IL-12 and cytoreductive surgery in the treatment of canine oral malignant melanoma. Res Vet Sci 2019; 122:40-49. [PMID: 30453179 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of electrochemotherapy (ECT) with bleomycin and gene electrotransfer (GET) of plasmid encoding canine interleukin 12 (IL-12) for the treatment of canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM). Our focus was to determine the effect of the treatment on achieving local tumor control and stimulation of an antitumor immune response. Nine dogs with histologically confirmed OMM stage I to III were included in a prospective, non-randomized study. The dogs were treated with a combination of cytoreductive surgery, ECT and IL-12 GET, which was repeated up to five times, depending on the clinical response to the treatment, evaluated according to the follow-up protocol (7, 14 and 28 days after, the last treatment). One month after treatment, the objective response (OR) rate was 67% (6/9). Median survival time (MST) was 6 months and, even though the disease progressed in 8/9 patients at the end of the observation period (2 to 22 months), four animals were euthanized due to tumor-unrelated reasons. In addition, we observed a decline in the percentage of regulatory T cells (Treg) in the peripheral blood in the course of the treatment, which could be attributed to a systemic antitumor response to IL-12 GET. The results of this study suggest that a combination of ECT and IL-12 GET may be beneficial for dogs with OMM, especially when other treatment approaches are not acceptable due to their invasiveness or cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Milevoj
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Cesta v Mestni log 47, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Ana Nemec
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Cesta v Mestni log 47, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Brožič
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Žnidar
- University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, 6310 Isola, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, 6310 Isola, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Tozon
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Cesta v Mestni log 47, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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8
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Li T, Kang G, Wang T, Huang H. Tumor angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic gene therapy for cancer. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:687-702. [PMID: 29963134 PMCID: PMC6019900 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
When Folkman first suggested a theory about the association between angiogenesis and tumor growth in 1971, the hypothesis of targeting angiogenesis to treat cancer was formed. Since then, various studies conducted across the world have additionally confirmed the theory of Folkman, and numerous efforts have been made to explore the possibilities of curing cancer by targeting angiogenesis. Among them, anti-angiogenic gene therapy has received attention due to its apparent advantages. Although specific problems remain prior to cancer being fully curable using anti-angiogenic gene therapy, several methods have been explored, and progress has been made in pre-clinical and clinical settings over previous decades. The present review aimed to provide up-to-date information concerning tumor angiogenesis and gene delivery systems in anti-angiogenic gene therapy, with a focus on recent developments in the study and application of the most commonly studied and newly identified anti-angiogenic candidates for anti-angiogenesis gene therapy, including interleukin-12, angiostatin, endostatin, tumstatin, anti-angiogenic metargidin peptide and endoglin silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinglu Li
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
| | - Guangbo Kang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
| | - Tingyue Wang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
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9
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Lampreht Tratar U, Kos S, Kamensek U, Ota M, Tozon N, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Antitumor effect of antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmids encoding interleukin-12 in canine melanoma model. Cancer Gene Ther 2018; 25:260-273. [PMID: 29593358 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-018-0014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The electrotransfer of interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been demonstrated as an efficient and safe treatment for tumors in veterinary oncology. However, the plasmids used encode human or feline IL-12 and harbor the gene for antibiotic resistance. Therefore, our aim was to construct plasmids encoding canine IL-12 without the antibiotic resistance genes driven by two different promoters: constitutive and fibroblast-specific. The results obtained in vitro in different cell lines showed that following gene electrotransfer, the newly constructed plasmids had cytotoxicity and expression profiles comparable to plasmids with antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, in vivo studies showed a statistically significant prolonged tumor growth delay of CMeC-1 tumors compared to control vehicle-treated mice after intratumoral gene electrotransfer. Besides the higher gene expression obtained by plasmids with constitutive promoters, the main difference between both plasmids was in the distribution of the transgene expression. Namely, after gene electrotransfer, plasmids with constitutive promoters showed an increase of serum IL-12, whereas the gene expression of IL-12, encoded by plasmids with fibroblast-specific promoters, was restricted to the tumor. Furthermore, after the gene electrotransfer of plasmids with constitutive promoters, granzyme B-positive cells were detected in the tumor and spleen, indicating a systemic effect of the therapy. Therefore, plasmids with different promoters present valuable tools for focused therapy with local or systemic effects. The results of the present study demonstrated that plasmids encoding canine IL-12 under constitutive and fibroblast-specific promoters without the gene for antibiotic resistance provide feasible tools for controlled gene delivery that could be used for the treatment of client-owned dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Ota
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Tozon
- Clinic for Surgery and Small Animals, University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Cesta v mestni log 47, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, Izola, 6310, Slovenia.
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10
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Schneider B, Balbas-Martinez V, Jergens AE, Troconiz IF, Allenspach K, Mochel JP. Model-Based Reverse Translation Between Veterinary and Human Medicine: The One Health Initiative. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 7:65-68. [PMID: 29178333 PMCID: PMC5824107 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern about the limitations of rodent models with regard to recapitulation of human disease pathogenesis. Computational modeling of data from humans and animals sharing similar diseases provides an opportunity for parallel drug development in human and veterinary medicine. This “reverse translational” approach needs to be supported by continuing efforts to refine the in silico tools that allow extrapolation of results between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Schneider
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Violeta Balbas-Martinez
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Albert E Jergens
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Inaki F Troconiz
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karin Allenspach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Jonathan P Mochel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
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11
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Canton DA, Shirley S, Wright J, Connolly R, Burkart C, Mukhopadhyay A, Twitty C, Qattan KE, Campbell JS, Le MH, Pierce RH, Gargosky S, Daud A, Algazi A. Melanoma treatment with intratumoral electroporation of tavokinogene telseplasmid (pIL-12, tavokinogene telseplasmid). Immunotherapy 2017; 9:1309-1321. [PMID: 29064334 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors evade detection and/or clearance by the immune system via multiple mechanisms. IL-12 is a potent immunomodulatory cytokine that plays a central role in immune priming. However, systemic delivery of IL-12 can result in life-threatening toxicity and therefore has shown limited efficacy at doses that can be safely administered. We developed an electroporation technique to produce highly localized IL-12 expression within tumors leading to regression of both treated and untreated lesions in animal models and in patients with a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, intratumoral tavokinogene telseplasmid electroporation can drive cellular immune responses, converting 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine whether intratumoral tavokinogene telseplasmid electroporation synergizes with checkpoint blockade therapy in immunologically cold tumors predicted not to respond to PD-1 antibody monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Canton
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Shawna Shirley
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jocelyn Wright
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Richard Connolly
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Christoph Burkart
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Chris Twitty
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Kristen E Qattan
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jean S Campbell
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Mai H Le
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Robert H Pierce
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sharron Gargosky
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, 5820 Nancy Ridge Dr, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Adil Daud
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Alain Algazi
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
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12
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Prevc A, Bedina Zavec A, Cemazar M, Kloboves-Prevodnik V, Stimac M, Todorovic V, Strojan P, Sersa G. Bystander Effect Induced by Electroporation is Possibly Mediated by Microvesicles and Dependent on Pulse Amplitude, Repetition Frequency and Cell Type. J Membr Biol 2016; 249:703-711. [PMID: 27371159 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-016-9915-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bystander effect, a known phenomenon in radiation biology, where irradiated cells release signals which cause damage to nearby, unirradiated cells, has not been explored in electroporated cells yet. Therefore, our aim was to determine whether bystander effect is present in electroporated melanoma cells in vitro, by determining viability of non-electroporated cells exposed to medium from electroporated cells and by the release of microvesicles as potential indicators of the bystander effect. Here, we demonstrated that electroporation of cells induces bystander effect: Cells exposed to electric pulses mediated their damage to the non-electroporated cells, thus decreasing cell viability. We have shown that shedding microvesicles may be one of the ways used by the cells to mediate the death signals to the neighboring cells. The murine melanoma B16F1 cell line was found to be more electrosensitive and thus more prone to bystander effect than the canine melanoma CMeC-1 cell line. In B16F1 cell line, bystander effect was present above the level of electropermeabilization of the cells, with the threshold at 800 V/cm. Furthermore, with increasing electric field intensities and the number of pulses, the bystander effect also increased. In conclusion, electroporation can induce bystander effect which may be mediated by microvesicles, and depends on pulse amplitude, repetition frequency and cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajda Prevc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska ulica 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska ulica 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310, Izola, Slovenia
| | | | - Monika Stimac
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska ulica 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Todorovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska ulica 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primoz Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska ulica 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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