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Tadic S, Martínez A. Nucleic acid cancer vaccines targeting tumor related angiogenesis. Could mRNA vaccines constitute a game changer? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1433185. [PMID: 39081320 PMCID: PMC11286457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor related angiogenesis is an attractive target in cancer therapeutic research due to its crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Different agents were developed aiming to inhibit this process; however they had limited success. Cancer vaccines could be a promising tool in anti-cancer/anti-angiogenic therapy. Cancer vaccines aim to initiate an immune response against cancer cells upon presentation of tumor antigens which hopefully will result in the eradication of disease and prevention of its recurrence by inducing an efficient and long-lasting immune response. Different vaccine constructs have been developed to achieve this and they could include either protein-based or nucleic acid-based vaccines. Nucleic acid vaccines are simple and relatively easy to produce, with high efficiency and safety, thus prompting a high interest in the field. Different DNA vaccines have been developed to target crucial regulators of tumor angiogenesis. Most of them were successful in pre-clinical studies, mostly when used in combination with other therapeutics, but had limited success in the clinic. Apparently, different tumor evasion mechanisms and reduced immunogenicity still limit the potential of these vaccines and there is plenty of room for improvement. Nowadays, mRNA cancer vaccines are making remarkable progress due to improvements in the manufacturing technology and represent a powerful potential alternative. Apart from their efficiency, mRNA vaccines are simple and cheap to produce, can encompass multiple targets simultaneously, and can be quickly transferred from bench to bedside. mRNA vaccines have already accomplished amazing results in cancer clinical trials, thus ensuring a bright future in the field, although no anti-angiogenic mRNA vaccines have been described yet. This review aims to describe recent advances in anti-angiogenic DNA vaccine therapy and to provide perspectives for use of revolutionary approaches such are mRNA vaccines for anti-angiogenic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfredo Martínez
- Angiogenesis Unit, Oncology Area, Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, Spain
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2
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Tan Y, Chen H, Gou X, Fan Q, Chen J. Tumor vaccines: Toward multidimensional anti-tumor therapies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2271334. [PMID: 37905395 PMCID: PMC10760370 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2271334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades, immunotherapies have offered hope for patients with advanced cancer. However, they show distinct benefits and limited clinical effects. Tumor vaccines have the potential to prime tumor-antigen-specific T cells and induce broad subsets of immune responses, ultimately eradicating tumor cells. Here, we classify tumor vaccines by their anti-tumor mechanisms, which include boosting the immune system, overcoming tumor immunosuppression, and modulating tumor angiogenesis. We focus on multidimensional tumor vaccine strategies using combinations of two or three of the above mechanisms, as these are superior to single-dimensional treatments. This review offers a perspective on tumor vaccine strategies and the future role of vaccine therapies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Tan
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huiyuan Chen
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xi Gou
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiuying Fan
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Juanjuan Chen
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Malyško-Ptašinskė V, Staigvila G, Novickij V. Invasive and non-invasive electrodes for successful drug and gene delivery in electroporation-based treatments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1094968. [PMID: 36727038 PMCID: PMC9885012 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1094968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is an effective physical method for irreversible or reversible permeabilization of plasma membranes of biological cells and is typically used for tissue ablation or targeted drug/DNA delivery into living cells. In the context of cancer treatment, full recovery from an electroporation-based procedure is frequently dependent on the spatial distribution/homogeneity of the electric field in the tissue; therefore, the structure of electrodes/applicators plays an important role. This review focuses on the analysis of electrodes and in silico models used for electroporation in cancer treatment and gene therapy. We have reviewed various invasive and non-invasive electrodes; analyzed the spatial electric field distribution using finite element method analysis; evaluated parametric compatibility, and the pros and cons of application; and summarized options for improvement. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of tissue bioimpedance for accurate treatment planning using numerical modeling and the effects of pulse frequency on tissue conductivity and relative permittivity values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gediminas Staigvila
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
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4
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Moi D, Zeng B, Minnie SA, Bhatt R, Wood J, Sester DP, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R. Multiparametric flow cytometry to characterize vaccine-induced polyfunctional T cell responses and T cell/NK cell exhaustion and memory phenotypes in mouse immuno-oncology models. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1127896. [PMID: 37090730 PMCID: PMC10115975 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1127896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Suitable methods to assess in vivo immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of cancer vaccines in preclinical cancer models are critical to overcome current limitations of cancer vaccines and enhance the clinical applicability of this promising immunotherapeutic strategy. In particular, availability of methods allowing the characterization of T cell responses to endogenous tumor antigens is required to assess vaccine potency and improve the antigen formulation. Moreover, multiparametric assays to deeply characterize tumor-induced and therapy-induced immune modulation are relevant to design mechanism-based combination immunotherapies. Here we describe a versatile multiparametric flow cytometry method to assess the polyfunctionality of tumor antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses based on their production of multiple cytokines after short-term ex vivo restimulation with relevant tumor epitopes of the most common mouse strains. We also report the development and application of two 21-color flow cytometry panels allowing a comprehensive characterization of T cell and natural killer cell exhaustion and memory phenotypes in mice with a particular focus on preclinical cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Moi
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bijun Zeng
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Simone A. Minnie
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rituparna Bhatt
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Jack Wood
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - David P. Sester
- TRI Flow Cytometry Suite, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Dolcetti,
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Zahedipour F, Zamani P, Jamialahmadi K, Jaafari MR, Sahebkar A. Vaccines targeting angiogenesis in melanoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174565. [PMID: 34656608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis has a significant role in metastasis and progression of melanoma. Even small tumors may be susceptible to metastasis and hence lead to a worse outcome in patients with melanoma. One of the anti-angiogenic treatment approaches that is undergoing comprehensive study is specific immunotherapy. While tumor cells are challenging targets for immunotherapy due to their genetic instability and heterogeneity, endothelial cells (ECs) are genetically stable. Therefore, vaccines targeting angiogenesis in melanoma are appropriate choices that target both tumor cells and ECs while capable of inducing strong, anti-tumor immune responses with limited toxicity. The main targets of angiogenesis are VEGFs and their receptors but other potential targets have also been investigated, especially in preclinical studies. Various types of vaccines that target angiogenesis in melanoma have been studied including DNA, peptide, protein, dendritic cell-based, and endothelial cell vaccines. This review outlines a number of target antigens that are important for potential progress in developing vaccines for targeting angiogenesis in melanoma. We also discuss different types of vaccines that have been investigated, delivery mechanisms and popular adjuvants, and suggest ways to improve future clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvin Zamani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Jamialahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Rezaei T, Davoudian E, Khalili S, Amini M, Hejazi M, de la Guardia M, Mokhtarzadeh A. Strategies in DNA vaccine for melanoma cancer. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:869-891. [PMID: 33089665 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
According to reports of the international agency for cancer on research, although malignant melanoma shows less prevalence than nonmelanoma skin cancers, it is the major cause of skin cancer mortality. Given that, the production of effective vaccines to control melanoma is eminently required. In this regard, DNA-based vaccines have been extensively investigated for melanoma therapy. DNA vaccines are capable of inducing both cellular and humoral branches of immune responses. These vaccines possess some valuable advantages such as lack of severe side effects and high stability compared to conventional vaccination methods. The ongoing studies are focused on novel strategies in the development of DNA vaccines encoding artificial polyepitope immunogens based on the multiple melanoma antigens, the inclusion of molecular adjuvants to increase the level of immune responses, and the improvement of delivery approaches. In this review, we have outlined the recent advances in the field of melanoma DNA vaccines and described their implications in clinical trials as a strong strategy in the prevention and control of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Rezaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Elham Davoudian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Hejazi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Yadav PK, Gupta SK, Kumar S, Ghosh M, Yadav BS, Kumar D, Kumar A, Saini M, Kataria M. MMP-7 derived peptides with MHC class-I binding motifs from canine mammary tumor tissue elicit strong antigen-specific T-cell responses in BALB/c mice. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 476:311-320. [PMID: 32970284 PMCID: PMC7511522 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)-induced altered proteolysis of extracellular matrix proteins and basement membrane holds the key for tumor progression and metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinases-7 (Matrilysin), the smallest member of the MMP family also performs quite alike; thus serves as a potential candidate for anti-tumor immunotherapy. Conversely, being an endogenous tumor-associated antigen (TAA), targeting MMP-7 for immunization is challenging. But MMP-7-based xenovaccine can surmount the obstacle of poor immunogenicity and immunological tolerance, often encountered in TAA-based conventional vaccine for anti-tumor immunotherapy. This paves the way for investigating the potential of MMP-7-derived major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-binding peptides to elicit precise epitope-specific T-cell responses towards their possible inclusion in anti-tumor vaccine formulations. Perhaps it also ushers the path of achieving multiple epitope-based broad and universal cellular immunity. In current experiment, an immunoinformatics approach has been employed to identify the putative canine matrix matelloproteinases-7 (cMMP-7)-derived peptides with MHC class-I-binding motifs which can elicit potent antigen-specific immune responses in BALB/c mice. Immunization with the cMMP-7 DNA vaccine induced a strong CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and Th1- type response, with high level of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production in BALB/c mice. The two identified putative MHC-I-binding nonameric peptides (Peptide32-40 and Peptide175-183) from cMMP-7 induced significant lymphocyte proliferation along with the production of IFN-γ from CD8+ T-cells in mice immunized with cMMP-7 DNA vaccine. The current observation has depicted the immunogenic potential of the two cMMP-7-derived nonapeptides for their possible exploitation in xenovaccine-mediated anti-tumor immunotherapy in mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Yadav
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India.
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, 231001, India.
| | - Shishir Kumar Gupta
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
- Laboratory Animal Facility, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Saroj Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, 231001, India
| | - Mayukh Ghosh
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, 231001, India
| | - Brijesh Singh Yadav
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
- University of Information Science & Technology St. Paul the apostle Partizanska bb., 6000, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
- College of Agriculture, Tikamgarh, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidylaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482004, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Mohini Saini
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Meena Kataria
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
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Shin AR, Lee SE, Choi H, Sohn HJ, Cho HI, Kim TG. An effective peptide vaccine strategy circumventing clonal MHC heterogeneity of murine myeloid leukaemia. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:919-931. [PMID: 32595211 PMCID: PMC7492404 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic cancer vaccines are an attractive approach for treating malignant tumours, and successful tumour eradication depends primarily on controlling tumour immunosuppression status as well as heterogeneity of tumour cells driven by epigenetic alterations. METHODS Peptide-loaded dendritic cell (DC) prime and non-infectious peptide booster heterologous immunisations were assessed for the immunogenicity of polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1)-derived peptides. Heterologous vaccination regimen targeting multiple shared tumour antigens simultaneously with PD-L1 blockade was assessed against murine myeloid leukaemia. RESULTS A synthetic PLK1122 (DSDFVFVVL)-based heterologous vaccination generated large numbers of long-lasting antigen-specific CD8 T-cells eliciting therapeutic effects against various established tumours. The therapeutic efficacy of single antigen-targeting PLK1122-based vaccine with sufficient endurance of PD-L1 blockade toward C1498 leukaemia relied on the heterogeneous clonal levels of MHC-I and PD-L1 expression. A novel multi-peptide-based vaccination targeting PLK1 and survivin simultaneously along with PD1 blockade led to complete tumour eradication and long-term survival in mice with clonally heterologous C1498 myeloid leukaemia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that PLK1 could be an attractive immunotherapeutic target antigen for cancer immunotherapy, and that similar strategies would be applicable for the optimisation of cancer vaccines for the treatment of numerous viral diseases and malignant tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Ri Shin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Haeyoun Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Sohn
- Translational and Clinical Division, ViGenCell Inc., Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Il Cho
- Translational and Clinical Division, ViGenCell Inc., Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
- Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
| | - Tai-Gyu Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
- Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
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Stifter K, Dekhtiarenko I, Krieger J, Tissot AC, Seufferlein T, Wagner M, Schirmbeck R. A tumor-specific neoepitope expressed in homologous/self or heterologous/viral antigens induced comparable effector CD8 + T-cell responses by DNA vaccination. Vaccine 2020; 38:3711-3719. [PMID: 32278524 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Somatic mutations in tumors often generate neoproteins that contain MHC-I-binding neoepitopes. Little is known if and how efficient tumor-specific neoantigens activate CD8+ T cells. Here, we asked whether a de novo generated neoepitope, encoded either within an otherwise conserved and ubiquitously expressed self-antigen or in a chimeric HBV core antigen expression platform, providing heterologous helper functions, induces CD8+ T cells in C57Bl/6J mice by DNA immunization. For it, we chose an established Db/Sp244-252/R251H neoepitope generated in the murine Endophilin-B2/SH3GLB2 (EndoB2-Sp) protein by a single amino acid exchange. We showed that a single injection of EndoB2-Sp expression vectors efficiently primed dimer/pentamer+, IFN-γ+ and cytolytic Db/Sp244-252/R251H-specific effector CD8+ T cells in C57Bl/6J mice. Priming of Db/Sp244-252/R251H-specific CD8+ T cells proceeded independent from CD4+ T-cell help in MHC-II-deficient Aα-/- mice. As compared to the homologous EndoB2-Sp vaccine, the selective expression of the Db/Sp244-252/R251H neoepitope in chimeric particle-forming and assembly-deficient HBV core antigens induced comparable frequencies Db/Sp244-252/R251H-specific CD8+ T cells with the same cytolytic effector phenotype. The homologous EndoB2 carrier, but not the nine-residue neoepitope presented on chimeric HBV core particles, induced EndoB2-specific IgG antibody responses. The HBV core expression platform is thus an attractive option to selectively induce neoepitope-specific effector CD8+ T cells by DNA vaccination. These novel findings have practical implications for the design of heterologous/self and heterologous/viral cancer vaccines that prime and/or activate neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Stifter
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Iryna Dekhtiarenko
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Jana Krieger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alain Charles Tissot
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH; Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Seufferlein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Reinhold Schirmbeck
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Albert Einstein Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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10
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Wolf Y, Bartok O, Patkar S, Eli GB, Cohen S, Litchfield K, Levy R, Jiménez-Sánchez A, Trabish S, Lee JS, Karathia H, Barnea E, Day CP, Cinnamon E, Stein I, Solomon A, Bitton L, Pérez-Guijarro E, Dubovik T, Shen-Orr SS, Miller ML, Merlino G, Levin Y, Pikarsky E, Eisenbach L, Admon A, Swanton C, Ruppin E, Samuels Y. UVB-Induced Tumor Heterogeneity Diminishes Immune Response in Melanoma. Cell 2019; 179:219-235.e21. [PMID: 31522890 PMCID: PMC6863386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although clonal neo-antigen burden is associated with improved response to immune therapy, the functional basis for this remains unclear. Here we study this question in a novel controlled mouse melanoma model that enables us to explore the effects of intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) on tumor aggressiveness and immunity independent of tumor mutational burden. Induction of UVB-derived mutations yields highly aggressive tumors with decreased anti-tumor activity. However, single-cell-derived tumors with reduced ITH are swiftly rejected. Their rejection is accompanied by increased T cell reactivity and a less suppressive microenvironment. Using phylogenetic analyses and mixing experiments of single-cell clones, we dissect two characteristics of ITH: the number of clones forming the tumor and their clonal diversity. Our analysis of melanoma patient tumor data recapitulates our results in terms of overall survival and response to immune checkpoint therapy. These findings highlight the importance of clonal mutations in robust immune surveillance and the need to quantify patient ITH to determine the response to checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yochai Wolf
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Osnat Bartok
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sushant Patkar
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gitit Bar Eli
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sapir Cohen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence London, University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Ronen Levy
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alejandro Jiménez-Sánchez
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Sophie Trabish
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Joo Sang Lee
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hiren Karathia
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eilon Barnea
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Chi-Ping Day
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Einat Cinnamon
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ilan Stein
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adam Solomon
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lital Bitton
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eva Pérez-Guijarro
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tania Dubovik
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shai S Shen-Orr
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Martin L Miller
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yishai Levin
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eli Pikarsky
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lea Eisenbach
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arie Admon
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence London, University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London NW1 2BU, UK
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Yardena Samuels
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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11
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The lytic activity of VSV-GP treatment dominates the therapeutic effects in a syngeneic model of lung cancer. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:647-658. [PMID: 31530903 PMCID: PMC6889376 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oncolytic virotherapy is thought to result in direct virus-induced lytic tumour killing and simultaneous activation of innate and tumour-specific adaptive immune responses. Using a chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus variant VSV-GP, we addressed the direct oncolytic effects and the role of anti-tumour immune induction in the syngeneic mouse lung cancer model LLC1. Methods To study a tumour system with limited antiviral effects, we generated interferon receptor-deficient cells (LLC1-IFNAR1−/−). Therapeutic efficacy of VSV-GP was assessed in vivo in syngeneic C57BL/6 and athymic nude mice bearing subcutaneous tumours. VSV-GP treatment effects were analysed using bioluminescent imaging (BLI), immunohistochemistry, ELISpot, flow cytometry, multiplex ELISA and Nanostring® assays. Results Interferon insensitivity correlated with VSV-GP replication and therapeutic outcome. BLI revealed tumour-to-tumour spread of viral progeny in bilateral tumours. Histological and gene expression analysis confirmed widespread and rapid infection and cell killing within the tumour with activation of innate and adaptive immune-response markers. However, treatment outcome was increased in the absence of CD8+ T cells and surviving mice showed little protection from tumour re-challenge, indicating limited therapeutic contribution by the activated immune system. Conclusion These studies present a case for a predominantly lytic treatment effect of VSV-GP in a syngeneic mouse lung cancer model.
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12
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Garg H, Hada RS, Gupta JC, Talwar GP, Dubey S. Combination immunotherapy with Survivin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone fusion protein in murine breast cancer model. World J Clin Oncol 2018; 9:188-199. [PMID: 30622927 PMCID: PMC6314864 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v9.i8.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential of two recombinant proteins, Survivin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) fusion protein [LHRH(6leu)-LTB] for immunotherapy of breast cancer.
METHODS Murine 4T-1 breast cancer model was used to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant proteins in vivo. Twenty four Balb/c mice were divided into 4 groups of 6 mice each. Recombinant Survivin and LHRH fusion protein, alone or in combination, were administered along with immunomodulator Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) in Balb/c mice. Unimmunized or control group mice were administered with phosphate buffer saline. Each group was then challenged with syngeneic 4T-1 cells to induce the growth of breast tumor. Tumor growth was monitored to evaluate the efficacy of immune-response in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
RESULTS Preventive immunization with 20 µg recombinant Survivin and MIP was effective in suppressing growth of 4T-1 mouse model of breast cancer (P = 0.04) but 50 µg dose was ineffective in suppressing tumor growth. However, combination of Survivin and LHRH fusion protein was more effective in suppressing tumor growth (P = 0.02) as well as metastasis in vivo in comparison to LHRH fusion protein as vaccine antigen alone.
CONCLUSION Recombinant Survivin and MIP suppress tumor growth significantly. Combining LHRH fusion protein with Survivin and MIP enhances tumor suppressive effects marginally which provides evidence for recombinant Survivin and LHRH fusion protein as candidates for translating the combination cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himani Garg
- Talwar Research Foundation, Neb Sarai, New Delhi 110068, India
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Jagdish C Gupta
- Talwar Research Foundation, Neb Sarai, New Delhi 110068, India
| | - G P Talwar
- Talwar Research Foundation, Neb Sarai, New Delhi 110068, India
| | - Shweta Dubey
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
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13
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Zeng B, Middelberg AP, Gemiarto A, MacDonald K, Baxter AG, Talekar M, Moi D, Tullett KM, Caminschi I, Lahoud MH, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Thomas R. Self-adjuvanting nanoemulsion targeting dendritic cell receptor Clec9A enables antigen-specific immunotherapy. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:1971-1984. [PMID: 29485973 DOI: 10.1172/jci96791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-antigen-specific stimulatory cancer immunotherapies are commonly complicated by off-target effects. Antigen-specific immunotherapy, combining viral tumor antigen or personalized neoepitopes with immune targeting, offers a solution. However, the lack of flexible systems targeting tumor antigens to cross-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) limits clinical development. Although antigen-anti-Clec9A mAb conjugates target cross-presenting DCs, adjuvant must be codelivered for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) induction. We functionalized tailored nanoemulsions encapsulating tumor antigens to target Clec9A (Clec9A-TNE). Clec9A-TNE encapsulating OVA antigen targeted and activated cross-presenting DCs without additional adjuvant, promoting antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation and CTL and antibody responses. OVA-Clec9A-TNE-induced DC activation required CD4 and CD8 epitopes, CD40, and IFN-α. Clec9A-TNE encapsulating HPV E6/E7 significantly suppressed HPV-associated tumor growth, while E6/E7-CpG did not. Clec9A-TNE loaded with pooled B16-F10 melanoma neoepitopes induced epitope-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, permitting selection of immunogenic neoepitopes. Clec9A-TNE encapsulating 6 neoepitopes significantly suppressed B16-F10 melanoma growth in a CD4+ T cell-dependent manner. Thus, cross-presenting DCs targeted with antigen-Clec9A-TNE stimulate therapeutically effective tumor-specific immunity, dependent on T cell help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijun Zeng
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, and
| | - Anton Pj Middelberg
- Australia Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Alan G Baxter
- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Meghna Talekar
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, and
| | - Davide Moi
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, and
| | - Kirsteen M Tullett
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Irina Caminschi
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mireille H Lahoud
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, and.,Centro di Riferimento Oncologico -Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, and
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14
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Enhancement of fibroblast activation protein α-based vaccines and adenovirus boost immunity by cyclophosphamide through inhibiting IL-10 expression in 4T1 tumor bearing mice. Vaccine 2016; 34:4526-4535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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15
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Hoffmann PR, Panigada M, Soprana E, Terry F, Bandar IS, Napolitano A, Rose AH, Hoffmann FW, Ndhlovu LC, Belcaid M, Moise L, De Groot AS, Carbone M, Gaudino G, Matsui T, Siccardi A, Bertino P. Preclinical development of HIvax: Human survivin highly immunogenic vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1585-95. [PMID: 26042612 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1050572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous work involved the development of a recombinant fowlpox virus encoding survivin (FP-surv) vaccine that was evaluated for efficacy in mesothelioma mouse models. Results showed that FP-surv vaccination generated significant immune responses, which led to delayed tumor growth and improved animal survival. We have extended those previous findings in the current study, which involves the pre-clinical development of an optimized version of FP-surv designed for human immunization (HIvax). Survivin-derived peptides for the most common haplotypes in the human population were identified and their immunogenicity confirmed in co-culture experiments using dendritic cells and T cells isolated from healthy donors. Peptides confirmed to induce CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells activation in humans were then included in 2 transgenes optimized for presentation of processed peptides on MHC-I (HIvax1) and MHC-II (HIvax2). Fowlpox vectors expressing the HIvax transgenes were then generated and their efficacy was evaluated with subsequent co-culture experiments to measure interferon-γ and granzyme B secretion. In these experiments, both antigen specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were activated by HIvax vaccines with resultant cytotoxic activity against survivin-overexpressing mesothelioma cancer cells. These results provide a rationale for clinical testing of HIvax1 and HIvax2 vaccines in patients with survivin-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Hoffmann
- a Department of Cell and Molecular Biology; John A. Burns School of Medicine ; University of Hawai'i ; Honolulu , HI , USA
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16
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Xia Q, Zhang FF, Geng F, Liu CL, Xu P, Lu ZZ, Yu B, Wu H, Wu JX, Zhang HH, Kong W, Yu XH. Anti-tumor effects of DNA vaccine targeting human fibroblast activation protein α by producing specific immune responses and altering tumor microenvironment in the 4T1 murine breast cancer model. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:613-24. [PMID: 27020681 PMCID: PMC11028871 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) is a tumor stromal antigen overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are genetically more stable compared with the tumor cells and immunosuppressive components of the tumor microenvironment, rendering them excellent targets for cancer immunotherapy. DNA vaccines are widely applied due to their safety. To specifically destroy CAFs, we constructed and examined the immunogenicity and anti-tumor immune mechanism of a DNA vaccine expressing human FAPα. This vaccine successfully reduced 4T1 tumor growth through producing FAPα-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses which could kill CAFs, and the decrease in FAPα-expressing CAFs resulted in markedly attenuated expression of collagen I and other stromal factors that benefit the tumor progression. Based on these results, a DNA vaccine targeting human FAPα may be an attractive and effective cancer immunotherapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Xia
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang-Fang Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Geng
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Lu Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Hui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
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Ligtenberg MA, Witt K, Galvez-Cancino F, Sette A, Lundqvist A, Lladser A, Kiessling R. Cripto-1 vaccination elicits protective immunity against metastatic melanoma. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1128613. [PMID: 27467944 PMCID: PMC4910727 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1128613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a fatal disease that responds poorly to classical treatments but can be targeted by T cell-based immunotherapy. Cancer vaccines have the potential to generate long-lasting cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses able to eradicate established and disseminated tumors. Vaccination against antigens expressed by tumor cells with enhanced metastatic potential represents a highly attractive strategy to efficiently target deadly metastatic disease. Cripto-1 is frequently over-expressed in human carcinomas and melanomas, but is expressed only at low levels on normal differentiated tissues. Cripto-1 is particularly upregulated in cancer-initiating cells and is involved in cellular processes such as cell migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which are hallmarks of aggressive cancer cells able to initiate metastatic disease. Here, we explored the potential of Cripto-1 vaccination to target metastatic melanoma in a preclinical model. Cripto-1 was overexpressed in highly metastatic B16F10 cells as compared to poorly metastatic B16F1 cells. Moreover, B16F10 cells grown in sphere conditions to enrich for cancer stem cells (CSC) progressively upregulated cripto1 expression. Vaccination of C57Bl/6 mice with a DNA vaccine encoding mouse Cripto-1 elicited a readily detectable/strong cytotoxic CD8+ T cell response specific for a H-2 Kb-restricted epitope identified based on its ability to bind H-2b molecules. Remarkably, Cripto-1 vaccination elicited a protective response against lung metastasis and subcutaneous challenges with highly metastatic B16F10 melanoma cells. Our data indicate that vaccination against Cripto-1 represents a novel strategy to be tested in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Ligtenberg
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Witt
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - F Galvez-Cancino
- Laboratory of Gene Immunotherapy, Fundación Ciencia & Vida , Santiago, Chile
| | - A Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology , La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Lladser
- Laboratory of Gene Immunotherapy, Fundación Ciencia & Vida , Santiago, Chile
| | - R Kiessling
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Wagner SC, Ichim TE, Ma H, Szymanski J, Perez JA, Lopez J, Bogin V, Patel AN, Marincola FM, Kesari S. Cancer anti-angiogenesis vaccines: Is the tumor vasculature antigenically unique? J Transl Med 2015; 13:340. [PMID: 26510973 PMCID: PMC4625691 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. The tumor endothelium exists in a state of chronic activation and proliferation, fueled by the tumor milieu where angiogenic mediators are aberrantly over-expressed. Uncontrolled tumor growth, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance are all driven by the dysregulated and constitutive angiogenesis occurring in the vasculature. Accordingly, great efforts have been dedicated toward identifying molecular signatures of this pathological angiogenesis in order to devise selective tumor endothelium targeting therapies while minimizing potential autoimmunity against physiologically normal endothelium. Vaccination with angiogenic antigens to generate cellular and/or humoral immunity against the tumor endothelium has proven to be a promising strategy for inhibiting or normalizing tumor angiogenesis and reducing cancer growth. Here we review tumor endothelium vaccines developed to date including active immunization strategies using specific tumor endothelium-associated antigens and whole endothelial cell-based vaccines designed to elicit immune responses against diverse target antigens. Among the novel therapeutic options, we describe a placenta-derived endothelial cell vaccine, ValloVax™, a polyvalent vaccine that is antigenically similar to proliferating tumor endothelium and is supported by pre-clinical studies to be safe and efficacious against several tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Wagner
- Batu Biologics Inc., Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Thomas E Ichim
- Batu Biologics Inc., Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Hong Ma
- Batu Biologics Inc., Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Julia Szymanski
- Batu Biologics Inc., Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | | | - Javier Lopez
- Pan Am Cancer Treatment Center, Tijuana, Mexico.
| | - Vladimir Bogin
- Batu Biologics Inc., Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Amit N Patel
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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19
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Ichim TE, Li S, Ma H, Yurova YV, Szymanski JS, Patel AN, Kesari S, Min WP, Wagner SC. Induction of tumor inhibitory anti-angiogenic response through immunization with interferon Gamma primed placental endothelial cells: ValloVax™. J Transl Med 2015; 13:90. [PMID: 25889119 PMCID: PMC4363400 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0441-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the concept of angiogenesis blockade as a therapeutic intervention for cancer has been repeatedly demonstrated, the full promise of this approach has yet to be realized. Specifically, drugs such as VEGF-blocking antibodies or kinase inhibitors suffer from the drawbacks of resistance development, as well as off-target toxicities. Previous studies have demonstrated feasibility of specifically inducing immunity towards tumor endothelium without consequences of systemic autoimmunity in both animal models and clinical settings. METHOD Placenta-derived endothelial cells were isolated and pretreated with interferon gamma to enhance immunogenicity. Syngeneic mice received subcutaneous administration of B16 melanoma, 4 T1 mammary carcinoma, and Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC), followed by administration of control saline, control placental endothelial cells, and interferon gamma primed endothelial cells (ValloVax™). Tumor volume was quantified. An LLC metastasis model was also established and treated under similar conditions. Furthermore, a safety analysis in non-tumor bearing mice bracketing the proposed clinical dose was conducted. RESULTS ValloVax™ immunization led to significant reduction of tumor growth and metastasis as compared to administration of non-treated placental endothelial cells. Mitotic inactivation by formalin fixation or irradiation preserved tumor inhibitory activity. Twenty-eight day evaluation of healthy male and female mice immunized with ValloVax™ resulted in no abnormalities or organ toxicities. CONCLUSION Given the established rationale behind the potential therapeutic benefit of inhibiting tumor angiogenesis as a treatment for cancer, immunization against a variety of endothelial cell antigens may produce the best clinical response, enhancing efficacy and reducing the likelihood of the development of treatment resistance. These data support the clinical evaluation of irradiated ValloVax™ as an anti-angiogenic cancer vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Ichim
- Batu Biologics Inc, San Diego, 9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 450, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, China.
| | - Hong Ma
- Batu Biologics Inc, San Diego, 9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 450, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Yuliya V Yurova
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
| | - Julia S Szymanski
- Batu Biologics Inc, San Diego, 9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 450, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Amit N Patel
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Santosh Kesari
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., MSC 0752, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093-0752, USA. .,Translational Neuro-Oncology Laboratories, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., MSC 0819, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093-0819, USA.
| | - Wei-Ping Min
- Department of Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Samuel C Wagner
- Batu Biologics Inc, San Diego, 9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 450, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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20
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Gaipl US, Multhoff G, Scheithauer H, Lauber K, Hehlgans S, Frey B, Rödel F. Kill and spread the word: stimulation of antitumor immune responses in the context of radiotherapy. Immunotherapy 2015; 6:597-610. [PMID: 24896628 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides the direct, targeted effects of ionizing irradiation (x-ray) on cancer cells, namely DNA damage and cell death induction, indirect, nontargeted ones exist, which are mediated in large part by the immune system. Immunogenic forms of tumor cell death induced by x-ray, including immune modulating danger signals like the heat shock protein 70, adenosine triphosphate, and high-mobility group box 1 protein are presented. Further, antitumor effects exerted by cells of the innate (natural killer cells) as well as adaptive immune system (T cells activated by dendritic cells) are outlined. Tumor cell death inhibiting molecules such as survivin are introduced as suitable target for molecularly tailored therapies in combination with x-ray. Finally, reasonable combinations of immune therapies with radiotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo S Gaipl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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21
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Wentink MQ, Huijbers EJM, de Gruijl TD, Verheul HMW, Olsson AK, Griffioen AW. Vaccination approach to anti-angiogenic treatment of cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1855:155-71. [PMID: 25641676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Improvement of patient survival by anti-angiogenic therapy has proven limited. A vaccination approach inducing an immune response against the tumor vasculature combines the benefits of immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis, and may overcome the limitations of current anti-angiogenic drugs. Strategies to use whole endothelial cell vaccines and DNA- or protein vaccines against key players in the VEGF signaling axis, as well as specific markers of tumor endothelial cells, have been tested in preclinical studies. Current clinical trials are now testing the promise of this specific anti-cancer vaccination approach. This review will highlight the state-of-the-art in this exciting field of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon Q Wentink
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth J M Huijbers
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk M W Verheul
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anna-Karin Olsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Tapping the Potential of DNA Delivery with Electroporation for Cancer Immunotherapy. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 405:55-78. [PMID: 25682101 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a worldwide leading cause of death, and current conventional therapies are limited. The search for alternative preventive or therapeutic solutions is critical if we are going to improve outcomes for patients. The potential for DNA vaccines in the treatment and prevention of cancer has gained great momentum since initial findings almost 2 decades ago that revealed that genetically engineered DNA can elicit an immune response. The combination of adjuvants and an effective delivery method such as electroporation is overcoming past setbacks for naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) as a potential preventive or therapeutic approach to cancer in large animals and humans. In this chapter, we aim to focus on the novel advances in recent years for DNA cancer vaccines, current preclinical data, and the importance of adjuvants and electroporation with emphasis on prostate, melanoma, and cervical cancer.
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23
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Human survivin and Trypanosoma cruzi calreticulin act in synergy against a murine melanoma in vivo. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95457. [PMID: 24755644 PMCID: PMC3995754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-based anti-tumor or anti-angiogenic therapies hold considerable promise for the treatment of cancer. The first approach seeks to activate tumor antigen-specific T lymphocytes while, the second, delays tumor growth by interfering with blood supply. Tumor Associated Antigens are often employed to target tumors with therapeutic drugs, but some are also essential for tumor viability. Survivin (Surv) is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family that is considered a Tumor Associated Antigen important for cancer cell viability and proliferation. On the other hand, Trypanosoma cruzi (the agent of Chagas’ disease) calreticulin (TcCRT) displays remarkable anti-angiogenic properties. Because these molecules are associated with different tumor targets, we reasoned that immunization with a Surv-encoding plasmid (pSurv) and concomitant TcCRT administration should generate a stronger anti-tumor response than application of either treatment separately. To evaluate this possibility, C57BL/6 mice were immunized with pSurv and challenged with an isogenic melanoma cell line that had been pre-incubated with recombinant TcCRT (rTcCRT). Following tumor cell inoculation, mice were injected with additional doses of rTcCRT. For the combined regimen we observed in mice that: i). Tumor growth was impaired, ii). Humoral anti-rTcCRT immunity was induced and, iii).In vitro rTcCRT bound to melanocytes, thereby promoting the incorporation of human C1q and subsequent macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells. These observations are interpreted to reflect the consequence of the following sequence of events: rTcCRT anti-angiogenic activity leads to stress in tumor cells. Murine CRT is then translocated to the external membrane where, together with rTcCRT, complement C1 is captured, thus promoting tumor phagocytosis. Presentation of the Tumor Associated Antigen Surv induces the adaptive anti-tumor immunity and, independently, mediates anti-endothelial cell immunity leading to an important delay in tumor growth.
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Short-fragment DNA-mediated in vivo DNA electroporation delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1121:61-7. [PMID: 24510812 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9632-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is an effective physical delivery method. A variety of factors have been shown to affect the electroporation-mediated gene delivery efficiency. Here we report the usefulness of noncoding short-fragment DNA (sf-DNA) for facilitating electroporation-mediated gene transfer. The plasmid pGL3-control encoding firefly luciferase was injected into tissue together with or without sf-DNA in different length or dose. Immediately after injection, the tissues were electroporated and the level of luciferase activity was assessed 24 h later. The results showed that plasmid DNA formulated with sf-DNA resulted in significant improvement in electroporation-mediated gene transfer efficiency. The effect is dose and length dependent, and also found in low-voltage electroporation. These results indicated that sf-DNA can be used as a helper molecule to improve the electroporation-mediated gene transfection efficiency.
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Wang YQ, Zhang HH, Liu CL, Wu H, Wang P, Xia Q, Zhang LX, Li B, Wu JX, Yu B, Gu TJ, Yu XH, Kong W. Enhancement of survivin-specific anti-tumor immunity by adenovirus prime protein-boost immunity strategy with DDA/MPL adjuvant in a murine melanoma model. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 17:9-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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DNA vaccine coding for the rhesus prostate specific antigen delivered by intradermal electroporation in patients with relapsed prostate cancer. Vaccine 2013; 31:3843-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Peng J, Zhao Y, Mai J, Guo W, Xu Y. Short noncoding DNA fragment improve efficiencies of in vivo electroporation-mediated gene transfer. J Gene Med 2013; 14:563-9. [PMID: 22930438 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A major obstacle to the application of gene therapy methods in experimental and clinical practice is the lack of safe and efficient gene delivery systems. Electroporation has been shown to an effective physical delivery method. A variety of factors have been shown to affect the electroporation-mediated gene delivery efficiency. In the present study, we assessed the usefulness of noncoding short-fragment DNA (sf-DNA) for facilitating electroporation-mediated gene transfer. METHODS The plasmid pGL3-control encoding firefly luciferase was injected into tissues together with or without sf-DNA. Immediately after injection, the tissues were electroporated and the level of luciferase activity was assessed 24 h later. Different types of DNA fragments with different molecular weights, structures and doses were compared. The transfection efficiencies of sf-DNA-mediated electroporation in different tissues or with different electric field strengths were examined. RESULTS Plasmid DNA formulated with 300-bp sf-DNA resulted in a significant improvement in electroporation-mediated gene transfer efficiency. The effect is dose-dependent and is also affected by DNA fragment length and structure. It was useful for intramuscular electroporation application, as well as intratumoral application with various pulse voltage parameters. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained in the present study indicate that sf-DNA can be used as a helper molecule to improve electroporation-mediated gene transfection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinliang Peng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Bertino P, Panigada M, Soprana E, Bianchi V, Bertilaccio S, Sanvito F, Rose AH, Yang H, Gaudino G, Hoffmann PR, Siccardi A, Carbone M. Fowlpox-based survivin vaccination for malignant mesothelioma therapy. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:612-23. [PMID: 23335100 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Survivin protein is an attractive candidate for cancer immunotherapy since it is abundantly expressed in most common human cancers and mostly absent in normal adult tissues. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a deadly cancer associated with asbestos or erionite exposure for which no successful therapies are currently available. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of a novel survivin-based vaccine by subcutaneous or intraperitoneum injection of BALB/c mice with murine fiber-induced MM tumor cells followed by vaccination with recombinant Fowlpox virus replicons encoding survivin. Vaccination generated significant immune responses in both models, leading to delayed tumor growth and improved animal survival. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analyses of tumors from vaccinated mice showed CD8(+) T-cell infiltration, and real-time PCR demonstrated increased mRNA and protein levels of immunostimulatory cytokines. Analyses of survivin peptide-pulsed spleen and lymph node cells from vaccinated mice using ELISPOT and intracellular cytokine staining confirmed antigen-specific, interferon-γ-producing CD8(+) T-cell responses. In addition pentamer-based flow cytometry showed that vaccination generated survivin-specific CD8(+) T cells. Importantly, vaccination did not affect fertility or induce autoimmune abnormalities in mice. Our results demonstrate that vaccination with recombinant Fowlpox expressing survivin improves T-cell responses against aggressive MM tumors and may form the basis for promising clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Bertino
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
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Herrada AA, Rojas-Colonelli N, González-Figueroa P, Roco J, Oyarce C, Ligtenberg MA, Lladser A. Harnessing DNA-induced immune responses for improving cancer vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 8:1682-93. [PMID: 23111166 DOI: 10.4161/hv.22345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines have emerged as an attractive strategy to promote protective cellular and humoral immunity against the encoded antigen. DNA vaccines are easy to generate, inexpensive to produce and purify at large-scale, highly stable and safe. In addition, plasmids used for DNA vaccines act as powerful "danger signals" by stimulating several DNA-sensing innate immune receptors that promote the induction of protective adaptive immunity. The induction of tumor-specific immune responses represents a major challenge for DNA vaccines because most of tumor-associated antigens are normal non-mutated self-antigens. As a consequence, induction of potentially self-reactive T cell responses against such poorly immunogenic antigens is controlled by mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance as well as tumor-induced immunosuppression. Although several DNA vaccines against cancer have reached clinical testing, disappointing results have been observed. Therefore, the development of new adjuvants that strongly stimulate the induction of antitumor T cell immunity and counteract immune-suppressive regulation is an attractive approach to enhance the potency of DNA vaccines and overcome tumor-associated tolerance. Understanding the DNA-sensing signaling pathways of innate immunity that mediate the induction of T cell responses elicited by DNA vaccines represents a unique opportunity to develop novel adjuvants that enhance vaccine potency. The advance of DNA adjuvants needs to be complemented with the development of potent delivery systems, in order to step toward successful clinical application. Here, we briefly discuss recent evidence showing how to harness DNA-induced immune response to improve the potency of cancer vaccines and counteract tumor-associated tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés A Herrada
- Laboratory of Gene Immunotherapy, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Liu C, Zhang L, Xia Q, Zhang Y, Wu J, Jiang C, Chen Y, Wu Y, Zha X, Yu X, Kong W. DNA and adenovirus tumor vaccine expressing truncated survivin generates specific immune responses and anti-tumor effects in a murine melanoma model. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1857-67. [PMID: 22706381 PMCID: PMC11028718 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Survivin is overexpressed in major types of cancer and is considered an ideal "universal" tumor-associated antigen that can be targeted by immunotherapeutic vaccines. However, its anti-apoptosis function raises certain safety concerns. Here, a new truncated human survivin, devoid of the anti-apoptosis function, was generated as a candidate tumor vaccine. Interleukin 2 (IL-2) has been widely used as an adjuvant for vaccination against various diseases. Meanwhile, the DNA prime and recombinant adenovirus (rAd) boost heterologous immunization strategy has been proven to be highly effective in enhancing immune responses. Therefore, the efficacy of a new cancer vaccine based on a truncated form of survivin, combined with IL-2, DNA prime, and rAd boost, was tested. As prophylaxis, immunization with the DNA vaccine alone resulted in a weak immune response and modest anti-tumor effect, whereas the tumor inhibition ratio with the DNA vaccine administered with IL-2 increased to 89 % and was further increased to nearly 100 % by rAd boosting. Moreover, complete tumor rejection was observed in 5 of 15 mice. Efficacy of the vaccine administered therapeutically was enhanced by nearly 300 % when combined with carboplatin. These results indicated that vaccination with a truncated survivin vaccine using DNA prime-rAd boost combined with IL-2 adjuvant and carboplatin represents an attractive strategy to overcoming immune tolerance to tumors and has potential therapeutic benefits in melanoma cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae/genetics
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Carboplatin/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins/genetics
- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins/immunology
- Interleukin-2/therapeutic use
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mutation
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/therapy
- Survivin
- Treatment Outcome
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Chenlu Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Lixing Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Qiu Xia
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Chunlai Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Yan Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Yongge Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Xiao Zha
- Sichuan Tumor Hospital and Institute, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Xianghui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
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Rochard A, Scherman D, Bigey P. Genetic immunization with plasmid DNA mediated by electrotransfer. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:789-98. [PMID: 21631165 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of DNA immunization was first advanced in the early 1990s, but was not developed because of an initial lack of efficiency. Recent technical advances in plasmid design and gene delivery techniques have allowed renewed interest in the idea. Particularly, a better understanding of genetic immunization has led to construction of optimized plasmids and the use of efficient molecular adjuvants. The field also took great advantage of new delivery techniques such as electrotransfer. This is a simple physical technique consisting of injecting plasmid DNA into a target tissue and applying an electric field, allowing up to a thousandfold more expression of the transgene than naked DNA. DNA immunization mediated by electrotransfer is now effective in a variety of preclinical models against infectious or acquired diseases such as cancer or autoimmune diseases, and is making its way through the clinics in several ongoing phase I human clinical trials. This review will briefly describe genetic immunization mediated by electrotransfer and the main fields of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rochard
- Unité de Pharmacologie Chimique et Génétique et d'Imagerie, CNRS, UMR8151, Paris, F-75006 France
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Giansanti V, Tillhon M, Mazzini G, Prosperi E, Lombardi P, Scovassi AI. Killing of tumor cells: A drama in two acts. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:1304-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Widenmeyer M, Griesemann H, Stevanović S, Feyerabend S, Klein R, Attig S, Hennenlotter J, Wernet D, Kuprash DV, Sazykin AY, Pascolo S, Stenzl A, Gouttefangeas C, Rammensee HG. Promiscuous survivin peptide induces robust CD4+ T-cell responses in the majority of vaccinated cancer patients. Int J Cancer 2011; 131:140-9. [PMID: 21858810 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CD4(+) T cells have been shown to be crucial for the induction and maintenance of cytotoxic T cell responses and to be also capable of mediating direct tumor rejection. Therefore, the anticancer therapeutic efficacy of peptide-based vaccines may be improved by addition of HLA class II epitopes to stimulate T helper cells. Survivin is an apoptosis inhibiting protein frequently overexpressed in tumors. Here we describe the first immunological evaluation of a survivin-derived CD4(+) T cell epitope in a multipeptide immunotherapy trial for prostate carcinoma patients. The survivin peptide is promiscuously presented by several human HLA-DRB1 molecules and, most importantly, is naturally processed by dendritic cells. In vaccinated patients, it was able to induce frequent, robust and multifunctional CD4(+) T cell responses, as monitored by IFN-γ ELISPOT and intracellular cytokine staining. Thus, this HLA-DR restricted epitope is broadly immunogenic and should be valuable for stimulating T helper cells in patients suffering from a wide range of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Widenmeyer
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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Matejuk A, Leng Q, Chou ST, Mixson AJ. Vaccines targeting the neovasculature of tumors. Vasc Cell 2011; 3:7. [PMID: 21385454 PMCID: PMC3061948 DOI: 10.1186/2045-824x-3-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis has a critical role in physiologic and disease processes. For the growth of tumors, angiogenesis must occur to carry sufficient nutrients to the tumor. In addition to growth, development of new blood vessels is necessary for invasion and metastases of the tumor. A number of strategies have been developed to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and further understanding of the interplay between tumors and angiogenesis should allow new approaches and advances in angiogenic therapy. One such promising angiogenic approach is to target and inhibit angiogenesis with vaccines. This review will discuss recent advances and future prospects in vaccines targeting aberrant angiogenesis of tumors. The strategies utilized by investigators have included whole endothelial cell vaccines as well as vaccines with defined targets on endothelial cells and pericytes of the developing tumor endothelium. To date, several promising anti-angiogenic vaccine strategies have demonstrated marked inhibition of tumor growth in pre-clinical trials with some showing no observed interference with physiologic angiogenic processes such as wound healing and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Matejuk
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Baltimore, MSTF Building, 10 South Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Abstract
Survivin, the smallest member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), plays an important role in the control of apoptosis, cell division, and cell migration/metastasis. Survivin is expressed and required for normal fetal development but is then generally no longer present in most adult tissues. However, reexpression of survivin is observed in numerous human cancers where presence of the protein is associated with enhanced proliferation, metastasis, poor prognosis, and decreased patient survival. Given the relatively selective expression in cancer cells, but not in normal tissue (tumor-associated antigen), and its importance in tumor cell biology, survivin has emerged as an attractive target for cancer treatment. Here, we discuss some aspects of survivin biology by focusing on why the protein appears to be so important for cancer cells and then discuss strategies that harness this dependence to eradicate tumors and situate survivin as a potential Achilles' heel of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Lladser
- Laboratory of Gene Immunotherapy, Fundacion Ciencia para la Vida, Santiago, Chile
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DNA vaccination: using the patient's immune system to overcome cancer. Clin Dev Immunol 2010; 2010:169484. [PMID: 21197271 PMCID: PMC3010826 DOI: 10.1155/2010/169484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases of today. Optimization of standard treatment protocols consisting of the main columns of chemo- and radiotherapy followed or preceded by surgical intervention is often limited by toxic side effects and induction of concomitant malignancies and/or development of resistant mechanisms. This requires the development of therapeutic strategies which are as effective as standard therapies but permit the patients a life without severe negative side effects. Along this line, the development of immunotherapy in general and the innovative concept of DNA vaccination in particular may provide a venue to achieve this goal. Using the patient's own immune system by activation of humoral and cellular immune responses to target the cancer cells has shown first promising results in clinical trials and may allow reduced toxicity standard therapy regimen in the future. The main challenge of this concept is to transfer the plethora of convincing preclinical and early clinical results to an effective treatment of patients.
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DAI (DLM-1/ZBP1) as a genetic adjuvant for DNA vaccines that promotes effective antitumor CTL immunity. Mol Ther 2010; 19:594-601. [PMID: 21157438 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination is an attractive approach to induce antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T lymphocytes (CTLs), which can mediate protective antitumor immunity. The potency of DNA vaccines encoding weakly immunogenic tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) can be enhanced by codelivering gene-encoded adjuvants. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that sense intracellular DNA could potentially be used to harness intrinsic immune-stimulating properties of plasmid DNA vaccines. Consequently, the cytosolic DNA sensor, DNA-dependent activator of interferon (IFN) regulatory factors (DAI), was used as a genetic adjuvant. In vivo electroporation (EP) of mice with a DAI-encoding plasmid (pDAI) promoted transcription of genes encoding type I IFNs, proinflammatory cytokines, and costimulatory molecules. Coimmunization with pDAI and antigen-encoding plasmids enhanced in vivo antigen-specific proliferation, and induction of effector and memory CTLs. Moreover, codelivery of pDAI effectively promoted CTL and CD4(+) Th1 responses to the TAA survivin. The DAI-enhanced CTL induction required nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and type I IFN signaling, but did not involve the IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Codelivery of pDAI also increased CTL responses to the melanoma-associated antigen tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2), enhanced tumor rejection and conferred long-term protection against B16 melanoma challenge. This study constitutes "proof-of-principle" validating the use of intracellular PRRs as genetic adjuvants to enhance DNA vaccine potency.
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Beebe SJ, Schoenbach KH, Heller R. Bioelectric applications for treatment of melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:1731-70. [PMID: 24281185 PMCID: PMC3837335 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2031731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Two new cancer therapies apply bioelectric principles. These methods target tumor structures locally and function by applying millisecond electric fields to deliver plasmid DNA encoding cytokines using electrogene transfer (EGT) or by applying rapid rise-time nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs). EGT has been used to locally deliver cytokines such as IL-12 to activate an immune response, resulting in bystander effects. NsPEFs locally induce apoptosis-like effects and affect vascular networks, both promoting tumor demise and restoration of normal vascular homeostasis. EGT with IL-12 is in melanoma clinical trials and nsPEFs are used in models with B16F10 melanoma in vitro and in mice. Applications of bioelectrics, using conventional electroporation and extensions of it, provide effective alternative therapies for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Beebe
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics/Old Dominion University 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, Virginia 23508, USA.
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Abstract
Prostate cancer is a significant public health problem, and the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the USA. The long natural history of prostate cancer, the presence of a serum biomarker that can be used to detect very early recurrences, and the previous identification of multiple potential tissue-specific target antigens are all features that make this disease suitable for the development of anti-tumor vaccines. To date, many anti-tumor vaccines have entered clinical testing for patients with prostate cancer, and some have demonstrated clinical benefit. DNA vaccines represent one vaccine approach that has been evaluated in multiple preclinical models and clinical trials. The safety, specificity for the target antigen, ease of manufacturing and ease of incorporating other immune-modulating approaches make DNA vaccines particularly relevant for future development. This article focuses on DNA vaccines specifically in the context of prostate cancer treatment, focusing on antigens targeted in preclinical models, recent clinical trials and efforts to improve the potency of these vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeba Alam
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
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Xiong G, Husseiny MI, Song L, Erdreich-Epstein A, Shackleford GM, Seeger RC, Jäckel D, Hensel M, Metelitsa LS. Novel cancer vaccine based on genes of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2. Int J Cancer 2010; 126:2622-34. [PMID: 19824039 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although tumors express potentially immunogenic tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), cancer vaccines often fail because of inadequate antigen delivery and/or insufficient activation of innate immunity. Engineering nonpathogenic bacterial vectors to deliver TAAs of choice may provide an efficient way of presenting TAAs in an immunogenic form. In this study, we used genes of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI2) to construct a novel cancer vaccine in which a TAA, survivin, was fused to SseF effector protein and placed under control of SsrB, the central regulator of SPI2 gene expression. This construct uses the type III secretion system (T3SS) of Salmonella and allows preferential delivery of tumor antigen into the cytosol of antigen-presenting cells for optimal immunogenicity. In a screen of a panel of attenuated strains of Salmonella, we found that a double attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium, MvP728 (purD/htrA), was not toxic to mice and effectively expressed and translocated survivin protein inside the cytosol of murine macrophages. We also found that a ligand for CD1d-reactive natural killer T (NKT) cells, alpha-glucuronosylceramide (GSL1), enhanced MvP728-induced interleukin-12 production in human dendritic cells and that in vivo coadministration of a NKT ligand with MvP728-Llo or MvP728-survivin enhanced effector-memory cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Furthermore, combined use of MvP728-survivin with GSL1 produced antitumor activity in mouse models of CT26 colon carcinoma and orthotopic DBT glioblastoma. Therefore, the use of TAA delivery via SPI-2-regulated T3SS of Salmonella and NKT ligands as adjuvants may provide a foundation for new cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosheng Xiong
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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