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Lai WH, Fang CY, Chou MC, Lin MC, Shen CH, Chao CN, Jou YC, Chang D, Wang M. Peptide-guided JC polyomavirus-like particles specifically target bladder cancer cells for gene therapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11889. [PMID: 34088940 PMCID: PMC8178405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of gene delivery vectors is to establish specific and effective treatments for human diseases. We previously demonstrated that human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) virus-like particles (VLPs) can package and deliver exogenous DNA into susceptible cells for gene expression. For tissue-specific targeting in this study, JCPyV VLPs were conjugated with a specific peptide for bladder cancer (SPB) that specifically binds to bladder cancer cells. The suicide gene thymidine kinase was packaged and delivered by SPB-conjugated VLPs (VLP-SPBs). Expression of the suicide gene was detected only in human bladder cancer cells and not in lung cancer or neuroblastoma cells susceptible to JCPyV VLP infection in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the target specificity of VLP-SPBs. The gene transduction efficiency of VLP-SPBs was approximately 100 times greater than that of VLPs without the conjugated peptide. JCPyV VLPs can be specifically guided to target particular cell types when tagged with a ligand molecule that binds to a cell surface marker, thereby improving gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hong Lai
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yao Fang
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chieh Chou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Rd., Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chun Lin
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Huang Shen
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nun Chao
- Department of Pediatrics, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Chin Jou
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Deching Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Rd., Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan.
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University and Clinical Laboratory, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan.
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Inhibition of human lung adenocarcinoma growth and metastasis by JC polyomavirus-like particles packaged with an SP-B promoter-driven CD59-specific shRNA. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 133:2159-2169. [PMID: 31693732 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer ranks first in both incidence and mortality and is a major health concern worldwide. Upon recognition of specific antigens on tumor cells, complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) is activated, arresting cell growth or inducing apoptosis. However, by overexpressing CD59, a membrane complement regulatory protein (mCRP), lung cancer cells develop resistance to CDC. We previously showed that virus-like particles (VLPs) of human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) could be used as a gene therapy vector to carry a suicide gene expression plasmid with a lung-specific promoter (SP-B (surfactant protein B)) for lung adenocarcinomas. Herein, we designed a CD59-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid driven by SP-B (pSPB-shCD59) to effectively and specifically inhibit CD59 overexpression in lung cancer cells. Treatment of lung cancer cells in vitro with JCPyV VLPs containing pSPB-shCD59 (pSPB-shCD59/VLPs) induces CDC and death of cancer cells. Mice that were subcutaneously injected with human lung cancer cells showed an 87% inhibition in tumor growth after tail vein injection of pSPB-shCD59/VLPs. Moreover, in a mouse model of lung cancer metastasis, a reduction in the lung weight by 39%, compared with the control group, was observed in mice treated with pSPB-shCD59/VLPs after tail vein injection of human lung cancer cells. Furthermore, tissue sectioning showed that the number and size of tumors produced was significantly reduced in the lungs of mice in the treatment group than those of the untreated group, indicating inhibition of metastasis by pSPB-shCD59/VLPs. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of pSPB-shCD59/VLPs as a therapeutic agent for CD59 overexpressed lung cancer.
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Gene therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer cells using JC polyomavirus-like particles packaged with a PSA promoter driven-suicide gene. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 26:208-215. [DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Korth J, Anastasiou OE, Verheyen J, Dickow J, Sertznig H, Frericks N, Bleekmann B, Kribben A, Brinkhoff A, Wilde B, Sutter K, Dittmer U, Ciesek S, Witzke O, Widera M. Impact of immune suppressive agents on the BK-Polyomavirus non coding control region. Antiviral Res 2018; 159:68-76. [PMID: 30268912 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactivation of the BK-Polyomavirus (BKPyV) can cause a polyomavirus associated nephropathy in approx. 10% of kidney transplant recipients. In these cases, current therapy is based on the reduction of immunosuppression. Since BKPyV-transcription is driven by the Non-Coding-Control-Region (NCCR) we were interested whether NCCR-activity is affected by immunosuppressive agents. METHODS Plasma samples from 45 BKPyV-positive patients after renal transplantation were subjected to PCR-analysis. NCCR-amplicons were cloned into a plasmid that allows the quantification of early and late NCCR-activity by tdTomato and eGFP expression, respectively. HEK293T-cells were transfected with the reporter-plasmids, treated with immunosuppressive agents, and subjected to FACS-analysis. In addition, H727-cells were infected with patient derived BKPyV, treated with mTOR-inhibitors, and NCCR activity was analysed using qRT-PCR. RESULTS While tacrolimus and cyclosporine-A did not affect NCCR-promoter-activity, treatment with mTOR1-inhibitor rapamycin resulted in the reduction of early, but not late-NCCR-promoter-activity. Treatment with dual mTOR1/2 inhibitors (INK128 or pp242) led to significant inhibition of early, however, concomitantly enhanced late-promoter-activity. In BKPyV infected cells both rapamycin and INK128 reduced early expression, however, INK128 resulted in higher late-mRNA levels when compared to rapamycin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that mTOR1-inhibitors are able to reduce early-expression of wildtype and rearranged NCCRs, which might contribute to previously described inhibition of BKPyV-replication. Dual mTOR1/2-inhibitors, however, additionally might shift viral early into late-expression promoting synthesis of viral structural proteins and particle production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Korth
- Department of Nephrology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany; Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Olympia E Anastasiou
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Jens Verheyen
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Dickow
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Helene Sertznig
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Nicola Frericks
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Barbara Bleekmann
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kribben
- Department of Nephrology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Brinkhoff
- Department of Nephrology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wilde
- Department of Nephrology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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Rhodiolae Kirliowii Radix et Rhizoma and Crataegus pinnatifida Fructus Extracts Effectively Inhibit BK Virus and JC Virus Infection of Host Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:5620867. [PMID: 28757888 PMCID: PMC5512047 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5620867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The human polyomaviruses BK (BKPyV) and JC (JCPyV) are ubiquitous pathogens long associated with severe disease in immunocompromised individuals. BKPyV causes polyomavirus-associated nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis, whereas JCPyV is the causative agent of the fatal demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. No effective therapies targeting these viruses are currently available. The goal of this study was to identify Chinese medicinal herbs with antiviral activity against BKPyV and JCPyV. We screened extracts of Chinese medicinal herbs for the ability to inhibit hemagglutination by BKPyV and JCPyV virus-like particles (VLPs) and the ability to inhibit BKPyV and JCPyV binding and infection of host cells. Two of the 40 herbal extracts screened, Rhodiolae Kirliowii Radix et Rhizoma and Crataegus pinnatifida Fructus, had hemagglutination inhibition activity on BKPyV and JCPyV VLPs and further inhibited infection of the cells by BKPyV and JCPyV, as evidenced by reduced expression of viral proteins in BKPyV-infected and JCPyV-infected cells after treatment with Rhodiolae Kirliowii Radix et Rhizoma or Crataegus pinnatifida Fructus extract. The results in this work show that both Rhodiolae Kirliowii Radix et Rhizoma and Crataegus pinnatifida Fructus may be sources of potential antiviral compounds for treating BKPyV and JCPyV infections.
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BK Polyomavirus and the Transplanted Kidney: Immunopathology and Therapeutic Approaches. Transplantation 2017; 100:2276-2287. [PMID: 27391196 PMCID: PMC5084638 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BK polyomavirus is ubiquitous, with a seropositivity rate of over 75% in the adult population. Primary infection is thought to occur in the respiratory tract, but asymptomatic BK virus latency is established in the urothelium. In immunocompromised host, the virus can reactivate but rarely compromises kidney function except in renal grafts, where it causes a tubulointerstitial inflammatory response similar to acute rejection. Restoring host immunity against the virus is the cornerstone of treatment. This review covers the virus-intrinsic features, the posttransplant microenvironment as well as the host immune factors that underlie the pathophysiology of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. Current and promising therapeutic approaches to treat or prevent this complication are discussed in relation to the complex immunopathology of this condition.
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Slivac I, Guay D, Mangion M, Champeil J, Gaillet B. Non-viral nucleic acid delivery methods. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 17:105-118. [PMID: 27740858 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1248941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delivery of nucleic acid-based molecules in human cells is a highly studied approach for the treatment of several disorders including monogenic diseases and cancers. Non-viral vectors for DNA and RNA transfer, although in general less efficient than virus-based systems, are particularly well adapted mostly due to the absence of biosafety concerns. Non-viral methods could be classified in two main groups: physical and vector-assisted delivery systems. Both groups comprise several different methods, none of them universally applicable. The choice of the optimal method depends on the predefined objectives and the features of targeted micro-environment. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss non-viral techniques and present recent therapeutic achievements in ex vivo and in vivo nucleic acid delivery by most commonly used techniques while emphasizing the role of 'biological particles', namely peptide transduction domains, virus like particles, gesicles and exosomes. Expert opinion: The number of available non-viral transfection techniques used for human therapy increased rapidly, followed by still moderate success in efficacy. The prospects are to be found in design of multifunctional hybrid systems that reflect the viral efficiency. In this respect, biological particles are very promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Slivac
- a Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology , University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - David Guay
- b Feldan Therapeutics, Rideau , Quebec , Canada
| | - Mathias Mangion
- c Chemical engineering Department , Université Laval , Québec , Canada
| | - Juliette Champeil
- c Chemical engineering Department , Université Laval , Québec , Canada
| | - Bruno Gaillet
- c Chemical engineering Department , Université Laval , Québec , Canada
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Vigil D, Konstantinov NK, Barry M, Harford AM, Servilla KS, Kim YH, Sun Y, Ganta K, Tzamaloukas AH. BK nephropathy in the native kidneys of patients with organ transplants: Clinical spectrum of BK infection. World J Transplant 2016; 6:472-504. [PMID: 27683628 PMCID: PMC5036119 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v6.i3.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephropathy secondary to BK virus, a member of the Papoviridae family of viruses, has been recognized for some time as an important cause of allograft dysfunction in renal transplant recipients. In recent times, BK nephropathy (BKN) of the native kidneys has being increasingly recognized as a cause of chronic kidney disease in patients with solid organ transplants, bone marrow transplants and in patients with other clinical entities associated with immunosuppression. In such patients renal dysfunction is often attributed to other factors including nephrotoxicity of medications used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organs. Renal biopsy is required for the diagnosis of BKN. Quantitation of the BK viral load in blood and urine are surrogate diagnostic methods. The treatment of BKN is based on reduction of the immunosuppressive medications. Several compounds have shown antiviral activity, but have not consistently shown to have beneficial effects in BKN. In addition to BKN, BK viral infection can cause severe urinary bladder cystitis, ureteritis and urinary tract obstruction as well as manifestations in other organ systems including the central nervous system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the hematopoietic system. BK viral infection has also been implicated in tumorigenesis. The spectrum of clinical manifestations from BK infection and infection from other members of the Papoviridae family is widening. Prevention and treatment of BK infection and infections from other Papovaviruses are subjects of intense research.
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Gene Therapy for Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Using a Suicide Gene Driven by a Lung-Specific Promoter Delivered by JC Virus-Like Particles. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157865. [PMID: 27322500 PMCID: PMC4913927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma, the most commonly diagnosed type of lung cancer, has a poor prognosis even with combined surgery, chemotherapy, or molecular targeted therapies. Most patients are diagnosed with an in-operable advanced or metastatic disease, both pointing to the necessity of developing effective therapies for lung adenocarcinoma. Surfactant protein B (SP-B) has been found to be overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, it has also been demonstrated that human lung adenocarcinoma cells are susceptible to the JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) infection. Therefore, we designed that the JCPyV virus-like particle (VLP) packaged with an SP-B promoter-driven thymidine kinase suicide gene (pSPB-tk) for possible gene therapy of human lung adenocarcinoma. Plasmids expressing the GFP (pSPB-gfp) or thymidine kinase gene (pSPB-tk) under the control of the human SP-B promoter were constructed. The promoter's tissue specificity was tested by transfection of pSPB-gfp into A549, CH27, and H460 human lung carcinoma cells and non-lung cells. The JCPyV VLP's gene transfer efficiency and the selective cytotoxicity of pSPB-tk combined with ganciclovir (GCV) were tested in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. In the current study, we found that SP-B promoter-driven GFP was specifically expressed in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and large cell carcinoma (H460) cells. JCPyV VLPs were able to deliver a GFP reporter gene into A549 cells for expression. Selective cytotoxicity was observed in A549 but not non-lung cells that were transfected with pSPB-tk or infected with pSPB-tk-carrying JCPyV VLPs. In mice injected with pSPB-tk-carrying JCPyV VLPs through the tail vein and treated with ganciclovir (GCV), a potent 80% inhibition of growth of human lung adenocarcinoma nodules resulted. The JCPyV VLPs combined with the use of SP-B promoter demonstrates effectiveness as a potential gene therapy against human lung adenocarcinoma.
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Hoffmann DB, Böker KO, Schneider S, Eckermann-Felkl E, Schuder A, Komrakova M, Sehmisch S, Gruber J. In Vivo siRNA Delivery Using JC Virus-like Particles Decreases the Expression of RANKL in Rats. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e298. [PMID: 27003757 PMCID: PMC5014456 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Bone remodeling requires a precise balance between formation and resorption. This complex process involves numerous factors that orchestrate a multitude of biochemical events. Among these factors are hormones, growth factors, vitamins, cytokines, and, most notably, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). Inflammatory cytokines play a major role in shifting the RANKL/OPG balance toward excessive RANKL, resulting in osteoclastogenesis, which in turn initiates bone resorption, which is frequently associated with osteoporosis. Rebalancing RANKL/OPG levels may be achieved through either upregulation of OPG or through transient silencing of RANKL by means of RNA interference. Here, we describe the utilization of a viral capsid-based delivery system for in vivo and in vitro RNAi using synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules in rat osteoblasts. Polyoma JC virus-derived virus-like particles are capable of delivering siRNAs to target RANKL in osteoblast cells both in vitro and in a rat in vivo system. Expression levels were monitored using quantitative real-time polymerase reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after single and repeated injections over a 14-day period. Our data indicate that this is an efficient and safe route for in vivo delivery of gene modulatory tools to study important molecular factors in a rat osteoporosis model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Hoffmann
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kai O Böker
- Primate Genetics Laboratory, Junior Research Group "Medical RNA Biology," German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schneider
- Primate Genetics Laboratory, Junior Research Group "Medical RNA Biology," German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Eckermann-Felkl
- Primate Genetics Laboratory, Junior Research Group "Medical RNA Biology," German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angelina Schuder
- Primate Genetics Laboratory, Junior Research Group "Medical RNA Biology," German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marina Komrakova
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Sehmisch
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Gruber
- Primate Genetics Laboratory, Junior Research Group "Medical RNA Biology," German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
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The application of virus-like particles as vaccines and biological vehicles. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:10415-32. [PMID: 26454868 PMCID: PMC7080154 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-7000-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be spontaneously self-assembled by viral structural proteins under appropriate conditions in vitro while excluding the genetic material and potential replication probability. In addition, VLPs possess several features including can be rapidly produced in large quantities through existing expression systems, highly resembling native viruses in terms of conformation and appearance, and displaying repeated cluster of epitopes. Their capsids can be modified via genetic insertion or chemical conjugation which facilitating the multivalent display of a homologous or heterogeneous epitope antigen. Therefore, VLPs are considered as a safe and effective candidate of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. VLPs, with a diameter of approximately 20 to 150 nm, also have the characteristics of nanometer materials, such as large surface area, surface-accessible amino acids with reactive moieties (e.g., lysine and glutamic acid residues), inerratic spatial structure, and good biocompatibility. Therefore, assembled VLPs have great potential as a delivery system for specifically carrying a variety of materials. This review summarized recent researches on VLP development as vaccines and biological vehicles, which demonstrated the advantages and potential of VLPs in disease control and prevention and diagnosis. Then, the prospect of VLP biology application in the future is discussed as well.
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The role of Merkel cell polyomavirus and other human polyomaviruses in emerging hallmarks of cancer. Viruses 2015; 7:1871-901. [PMID: 25866902 PMCID: PMC4411681 DOI: 10.3390/v7041871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are non-enveloped, dsDNA viruses that are common in mammals, including humans. All polyomaviruses encode the large T-antigen and small t-antigen proteins that share conserved functional domains, comprising binding motifs for the tumor suppressors pRb and p53, and for protein phosphatase 2A, respectively. At present, 13 different human polyomaviruses are known, and for some of them their large T-antigen and small t-antigen have been shown to possess oncogenic properties in cell culture and animal models, while similar functions are assumed for the large T- and small t-antigen of other human polyomaviruses. However, so far the Merkel cell polyomavirus seems to be the only human polyomavirus associated with cancer. The large T- and small t-antigen exert their tumorigenic effects through classical hallmarks of cancer: inhibiting tumor suppressors, activating tumor promoters, preventing apoptosis, inducing angiogenesis and stimulating metastasis. This review elaborates on the putative roles of human polyomaviruses in some of the emerging hallmarks of cancer. The reciprocal interactions between human polyomaviruses and the immune system response are discussed, a plausible role of polyomavirus-encoded and polyomavirus-induced microRNA in cancer is described, and the effect of polyomaviruses on energy homeostasis and exosomes is explored. Therapeutic strategies against these emerging hallmarks of cancer are also suggested.
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Chao CN, Huang YL, Lin MC, Fang CY, Shen CH, Chen PL, Wang M, Chang D, Tseng CE. Inhibition of human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma growth by JC polyomavirus-like particles delivering a suicide gene. J Transl Med 2015; 13:29. [PMID: 25623859 PMCID: PMC4312600 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common types of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. About one-third of patients are either refractory to the treatment or experience relapse afterwards, pointing to the necessity of developing other effective therapies for DLBCL. Human B-lymphocytes are susceptible to JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) infection, and JCPyV virus-like particles (VLPs) can effectively deliver exogenous genes to susceptible cells for expression, suggesting the feasibility of using JCPyV VLPs as gene therapy vectors for DLBCL. Methods The JCPyV VLPs packaged with a GFP reporter gene were used to infect human DLBCL cells for gene delivery assay. Furthermore, we packaged JCPyV VLPs with a suicide gene encoding thymidine kinase (TK) to inhibit the growth of DLBCL in vitro and in vivo. Results Here, we show that JCPyV VLPs effectively entered human germinal center B-cell-like (GCB-like) DLBCL and activated B-cell-like (ABC-like) DLBCL and expressed the packaged reporter gene in vitro. As measured by the MTT assay, treatment with tk-VLPs in combination with gancyclovir (GCV) reduced the viability of DLBCL cells by 60%. In the xenograft mouse model, injection of tk-VLPs through the tail vein in combination with GCV administration resulted in a potent 80% inhibition of DLBCL tumor nodule growth. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of JCPyV VLPs as gene therapy vectors for human DLBCL and provide a potential new strategy for the treatment of DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Nun Chao
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan. .,Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Yih-Leh Huang
- Department of Medical Research, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Mien-Chun Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan. .,Department of Urology, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Chiung-Yao Fang
- Department of Medical Research, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Huang Shen
- Department of Urology, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Lain Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Deching Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-En Tseng
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan. .,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
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