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Sittiju P, Wudtiwai B, Chongchai A, Hajitou A, Kongtawelert P, Pothacharoen P, Suwan K. Bacteriophage-based particles carrying the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) gene for targeted delivery in hepatocellular carcinoma. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:6603-6617. [PMID: 38470366 PMCID: PMC10977282 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05660k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The TRAIL (Tumour Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand) is a promising candidate for cancer treatment due to its unique ability to selectively induce programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. This selectivity arises from the preferential binding of the TRAIL to death receptors on cancer cells, triggering a cascade of events that lead to their demise. However, significant limitations in using the TRAIL for cancer treatment are the administration of the TRAIL protein that can potentially lead to tissue toxicity (off-target) and the short half-life of the TRAIL in the body which may necessitate frequent and sustained administration; these can pose logistical challenges for long-term treatment regimens. We have devised a novel approach for surmounting these limitations by introducing the TRAIL gene directly into cancer cells, enabling them to produce the TRAIL locally and subsequently trigger apoptosis. A novel gene delivery system such as a bacteriophage-based particle TPA (transmorphic phage/AAV) was utilized to address these limitations. TPA is a hybrid M13 filamentous bacteriophage particle encapsulating a therapeutic gene cassette with inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) from adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). The particle also showed a tumour targeting ligand, CDCRGDCFC (RGD4C), on its capsid (RGD4C.TPA) to target the particle to cancer cells. RGD4C selectively binds to αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins overexpressed on the surface of most of the cancer cells but is barely present on normal cells. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was chosen as a model because it has one of the lowest survival rates among cancers. We demonstrated that human HCC cell lines (Huh-7 and HepG2) express αvβ5 integrin receptors on their surface. These HCC cells also express death receptors and TRAIL-binding receptors. We showed that the targeted TPA particle carrying the transmembrane TRAIL gene (RGD4C.TPA-tmTRAIL) selectively and efficiently delivered the tmTRAIL gene to HCC cells resulting in the production of tmTRAIL from transduced cells and subsequently induced apoptotic death of HCC cells. This tumour-targeted particle can be an excellent candidate for the targeted gene therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattaralawan Sittiju
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Benjawan Wudtiwai
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Aitthiphon Chongchai
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Prachya Kongtawelert
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Peraphan Pothacharoen
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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2
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Al‐Bahrani M, Asavarut P, Waramit S, Suwan K, Hajitou A. Transmorphic phage-guided systemic delivery of TNFα gene for the treatment of human pediatric medulloblastoma. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23038. [PMID: 37331004 PMCID: PMC10947044 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300045r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common childhood brain tumor with an unfavorable prognosis and limited options of harmful treatments that are associated with devastating long-term side effects. Therefore, the development of safe, noninvasive, and effective therapeutic approaches is required to save the quality of life of young medulloblastoma survivors. We postulated that therapeutic targeting is a solution. Thus, we used a recently designed tumor-targeted bacteriophage (phage)-derived particle, named transmorphic phage/AAV, TPA, to deliver a transgene expressing the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) for targeted systemic therapy of medulloblastoma. This vector was engineered to display the double-cyclic RGD4C ligand to selectively target tumors after intravenous administration. Furthermore, the lack of native phage tropism in mammalian cells warrants safe and selective systemic delivery to the tumor microenvironment. In vitro RGD4C.TPA.TNFα treatment of human medulloblastoma cells generated efficient and selective TNFα expression, subsequently triggering cell death. Combination with the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin used clinically against medulloblastoma resulted in augmented effect through the enhancement of TNFα gene expression. Systemic administration of RGD4C.TPA.TNFα to mice-bearing subcutaneous medulloblastoma xenografts resulted in selective tumor homing of these particles and consequently, targeted tumor expression of TNFα, apoptosis, and destruction of the tumor vasculature. Thus, our RGD4C.TPA.TNFα particle provides selective and efficient systemic delivery of TNFα to medulloblastoma, yielding a potential TNFα anti-medulloblastoma therapy while sparing healthy tissues from the systemic toxicity of this cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Al‐Bahrani
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Present address:
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health SciencesKuwait UniversityKuwait CityKuwait
| | - Paladd Asavarut
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sajee Waramit
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
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3
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Ragothaman M, Yoo SY. Engineered Phage-Based Cancer Vaccines: Current Advances and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050919. [PMID: 37243023 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have emerged as versatile tools in the field of bioengineering, with enormous potential in tissue engineering, vaccine development, and immunotherapy. The genetic makeup of phages can be harnessed for the development of novel DNA vaccines and antigen display systems, as they can provide a highly organized and repetitive presentation of antigens to immune cells. Bacteriophages have opened new possibilities for the targeting of specific molecular determinants of cancer cells. Phages can be used as anticancer agents and carriers of imaging molecules and therapeutics. In this review, we explored the role of bacteriophages and bacteriophage engineering in targeted cancer therapy. The question of how the engineered bacteriophages can interact with the biological and immunological systems is emphasized to comprehend the underlying mechanism of phage use in cancer immunotherapy. The effectiveness of phage display technology in identifying high-affinity ligands for substrates, such as cancer cells and tumor-associated molecules, and the emerging field of phage engineering and its potential in the development of effective cancer treatments are discussed. We also highlight phage usage in clinical trials as well as the related patents. This review provides a new insight into engineered phage-based cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Ragothaman
- BIO-IT Foundry Technology Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Yoo
- BIO-IT Foundry Technology Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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4
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Bacteriophage-Mediated Cancer Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214245. [PMID: 36430720 PMCID: PMC9697857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have long been considered only as infectious agents that affect bacterial hosts. However, recent studies provide compelling evidence that these viruses are able to successfully interact with eukaryotic cells at the levels of the binding, entry and expression of their own genes. Currently, bacteriophages are widely used in various areas of biotechnology and medicine, but the most intriguing of them is cancer therapy. There are increasing studies confirming the efficacy and safety of using phage-based vectors as a systemic delivery vehicle of therapeutic genes and drugs in cancer therapy. Engineered bacteriophages, as well as eukaryotic viruses, demonstrate a much greater efficiency of transgene delivery and expression in cancer cells compared to non-viral gene transfer methods. At the same time, phage-based vectors, in contrast to eukaryotic viruses-based vectors, have no natural tropism to mammalian cells and, as a result, provide more selective delivery of therapeutic cargos to target cells. Moreover, numerous data indicate the presence of more complex molecular mechanisms of interaction between bacteriophages and eukaryotic cells, the further study of which is necessary both for the development of gene therapy methods and for understanding the cancer nature. In this review, we summarize the key results of research into aspects of phage-eukaryotic cell interaction and, in particular, the use of phage-based vectors for highly selective and effective systemic cancer gene therapy.
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Tsedev U, Lin CW, Hess GT, Sarkaria JN, Lam FC, Belcher AM. Phage Particles of Controlled Length and Genome for In Vivo Targeted Glioblastoma Imaging and Therapeutic Delivery. ACS NANO 2022; 16:11676-11691. [PMID: 35830573 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
M13 bacteriophage (phage) are versatile, genetically tunable nanocarriers that have been recently adapted for use as diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. Applying p3 capsid chlorotoxin fusion with the "inho" circular single-stranded DNA (cssDNA) gene packaging system, we produced miniature chlorotoxin inho (CTX-inho) phage particles with a minimum length of 50 nm that can target intracranial orthotopic patient-derived GBM22 glioblastoma tumors in the brains of mice. Systemically administered indocyanine green conjugated CTX-inho phage accumulated in brain tumors, facilitating shortwave infrared detection. Furthermore, we show that our inho phage can carry cssDNA that are transcriptionally active when delivered to GBM22 glioma cells in vitro. The ability to modulate the capsid display, surface loading, phage length, and cssDNA gene content makes the recombinant M13 phage particle an ideal delivery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uyanga Tsedev
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ching-Wei Lin
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Gaelen T Hess
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, Unites States
| | - Jann N Sarkaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, United States
| | - Fred C Lam
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Division of Neurosurgery, Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Brighton, Massachusetts 02135, United States
| | - Angela M Belcher
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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6
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Asavarut P, Waramit S, Suwan K, Marais GJK, Chongchai A, Benjathummarak S, Al‐Bahrani M, Vila‐Gomez P, Williams M, Kongtawelert P, Yata T, Hajitou A. Systemically targeted cancer immunotherapy and gene delivery using transmorphic particles. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15418. [PMID: 35758207 PMCID: PMC9358398 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a powerful tool for cancer treatment, but the pleiotropic nature of cytokines and immunological agents strongly limits clinical translation and safety. To address this unmet need, we designed and characterised a systemically targeted cytokine gene delivery system through transmorphic encapsidation of human recombinant adeno-associated virus DNA using coat proteins from a tumour-targeted bacteriophage (phage). We show that Transmorphic Phage/AAV (TPA) particles provide superior delivery of transgenes over current phage-derived vectors through greater diffusion across the extracellular space and improved intracellular trafficking. We used TPA to target the delivery of cytokine-encoding transgenes for interleukin-12 (IL12), and novel isoforms of IL15 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF α ) for tumour immunotherapy. Our results demonstrate selective and efficient gene delivery and immunotherapy against solid tumours in vivo, without harming healthy organs. Our transmorphic particle system provides a promising modality for safe and effective gene delivery, and cancer immunotherapies through cross-species complementation of two commonly used viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paladd Asavarut
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sajee Waramit
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Gert J K Marais
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Aitthiphon Chongchai
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Faculty of MedicineChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
| | - Surachet Benjathummarak
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Center of Excellence for Antibody Research, Faculty of Tropical MedicineMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Mariam Al‐Bahrani
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Paula Vila‐Gomez
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Prachya Kongtawelert
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Faculty of MedicineChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
| | - Teerapong Yata
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Present address:
Department of PhysiologyChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Cancer Phagotherapy, Department of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
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7
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Brain Cancer Treatment; A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm-121473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Context: One of the most common aggressive and primary brain tumors is glioma. The majority of diagnoses are referred to high-grade malignant glioblastoma, which carries the worst prognosis. Still, treatment of brain tumors remains a big challenge for clinicians. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of gene therapy in the treatment of brain cancer. Methods: Studies use genes as a therapeutic agent in brain cancer treatment even alone or in combination with other treatment methods. Full-text papers, which met the inclusion criteria, were independently assessed by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by consultation with a third reviewer. Results: Statistical analysis showed that 50% of the papers used a virus, 36% used polymers, and 14% used cells as carriers to transfect the genes as a therapeutic agent in brain tumor models. Data showed that the estimated size of the brain tumor was reduced by using co-treatment of the gene with one of the conventional therapies. Conclusions: According to the results, co-treatment of the gene with conventional therapies could be more effective than the monotherapy methods.
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8
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Fakhiri J, Grimm D. Best of most possible worlds: Hybrid gene therapy vectors based on parvoviruses and heterologous viruses. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3359-3382. [PMID: 33831556 PMCID: PMC8636155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parvoviruses and especially the adeno-associated virus (AAV) species provide an exciting and versatile platform for the rational design or molecular evolution of human gene-therapy vectors, documented by literature from over half a century, hundreds of clinical trials, and the recent commercialization of multiple AAV gene therapeutics. For the last three decades, the power of these vectors has been further potentiated through various types of hybrid vectors created by intra- or inter-genus juxtaposition of viral DNA and protein cis elements or by synergistic complementation of parvoviral features with those of heterologous, prokaryotic, or eukaryotic viruses. Here, we provide an overview of the history and promise of this rapidly expanding field of hybrid parvoviral gene-therapy vectors, starting with early generations of chimeric particles composed of a recombinant AAV genome encapsidated in shells of synthetic AAVs or of adeno-, herpes-, baculo-, or protoparvoviruses. We then dedicate our attention to two newer, highly promising types of hybrid vectors created via (1) pseudotyping of AAV genomes with bocaviral serotypes and capsid mutants or (2) packaging of AAV DNA into, or tethering of entire vector particles to, bacteriophages. Finally, we conclude with an outlook summarizing critical requirements and improvements toward clinical translation of these original concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fakhiri
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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9
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Chongchai A, Waramit S, Suwan K, Al-Bahrani M, Udomruk S, Phitak T, Kongtawelert P, Pothacharoen P, Hajitou A. Bacteriophage-mediated therapy of chondrosarcoma by selective delivery of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) gene. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21487. [PMID: 33811705 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002539r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chondrosarcoma is a cartilage-forming bone tumor, well known for intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We have designed a targeted chondrosarcoma gene therapy using a bacteriophage (phage) particle to deliver therapeutic genes. Phage has no tropism for mammalian cells, allowing engineered phage to be targeted to specific cell surface receptors in cancer. We modified the phage capsid to display the RGD4C ligand on the pIII minor coat proteins to specifically bind to αvβ3 or αvβ5 integrin receptors. The endosomal escape peptide, H5WYG, was also displayed on recombinant pVIII major coat proteins to enhance gene delivery. Finally, a human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) therapeutic transgene expression cassette was incorporated into the phage genome. First, we found that human chondrosarcoma cells (SW1353) have high expression of αvβ3, αvβ5 integrin receptors, and both TNFα receptors. Targeted particle encoding a luciferase reporter gene efficiently and selectively mediated gene delivery to these cells. When SW1353 cells were treated with the targeted particle encoding a TNFα transgene, significant cell killing was evident and was associated with high expression of TNFα and apoptosis-related genes. In vivo, mice with established human chondrosarcoma showed suppression of tumors upon repetitive intravenous administrations of the targeted phage. These data show that our phage-based particle is a promising, selective, and efficient tool for targeted chondrosarcoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitthiphon Chongchai
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sajee Waramit
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mariam Al-Bahrani
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sasimol Udomruk
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Thanyaluck Phitak
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Prachya Kongtawelert
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Peraphan Pothacharoen
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Cancer Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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10
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Bacteriophages as Therapeutic and Diagnostic Vehicles in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020161. [PMID: 33671476 PMCID: PMC7923149 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolution of nanomedicine is the re-design of synthetic and biological carriers to implement novel theranostic platforms. In recent years, bacteriophage research favors this process, which has opened up new roads in drug and gene delivery studies. By displaying antibodies, peptides, or proteins on the surface of different bacteriophages through the phage display technique, it is now possible to unravel specific molecular determinants of both cancer cells and tumor-associated microenvironmental molecules. Downstream applications are manifold, with peptides being employed most of the times to functionalize drug carriers and improve their therapeutic index. Bacteriophages themselves were proven, in this scenario, to be good carriers for imaging molecules and therapeutics as well. Moreover, manipulation of their genetic material to stably vehiculate suicide genes within cancer cells substantially changed perspectives in gene therapy. In this review, we provide examples of how amenable phages can be used as anticancer agents, especially because their systemic administration is possible. We also provide some insights into how their immunogenic profile can be modulated and exploited in immuno-oncology for vaccine production.
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11
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Tsafa E, Bentayebi K, Topanurak S, Yata T, Przystal J, Fongmoon D, Hajji N, Waramit S, Suwan K, Hajitou A. Doxorubicin Improves Cancer Cell Targeting by Filamentous Phage Gene Delivery Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7867. [PMID: 33114050 PMCID: PMC7660303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merging targeted systemic gene delivery and systemic chemotherapy against cancer, chemovirotherapy, has the potential to improve chemotherapy and gene therapy treatments and overcome cancer resistance. We introduced a bacteriophage (phage) vector, named human adeno-associated virus (AAV)/phage or AAVP, for the systemic targeting of therapeutic genes to cancer. The vector was designed as a hybrid between a recombinant adeno-associated virus genome (rAAV) and a filamentous phage capsid. To achieve tumor targeting, we displayed on the phage capsid the double-cyclic CDCRGDCFC (RGD4C) ligand that binds the alpha-V/beta-3 (αvβ3) integrin receptor. Here, we investigated a combination of doxorubicin chemotherapeutic drug and targeted gene delivery by the RGD4C/AAVP vector. Firstly, we showed that doxorubicin boosts transgene expression from the RGD4C/AAVP in two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheres established from human and murine cancer cells, while preserving selective gene delivery by RGD4C/AAVP. Next, we confirmed that doxorubicin does not increase vector attachment to cancer cells nor vector cell entry. In contrast, doxorubicin may alter the intracellular trafficking of the vector by facilitating nuclear accumulation of the RGD4C/AAVP genome through destabilization of the nuclear membrane. Finally, a combination of doxorubicin and RGD4C/AAVP-targeted suicide gene therapy exerts a synergistic effect to destroy human and murine tumor cells in 2D and 3D tumor sphere settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effrosyni Tsafa
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (E.T.); (K.B.); (T.Y.); (J.P.); (S.W.)
| | - Kaoutar Bentayebi
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (E.T.); (K.B.); (T.Y.); (J.P.); (S.W.)
| | - Supachai Topanurak
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Teerapong Yata
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (E.T.); (K.B.); (T.Y.); (J.P.); (S.W.)
| | - Justyna Przystal
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (E.T.); (K.B.); (T.Y.); (J.P.); (S.W.)
| | - Duriya Fongmoon
- Department of Medical Services, Lampang Cancer Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, Lampang 52000, Thailand;
| | - Nabil Hajji
- John Fulcher Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
| | - Sajee Waramit
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (E.T.); (K.B.); (T.Y.); (J.P.); (S.W.)
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (E.T.); (K.B.); (T.Y.); (J.P.); (S.W.)
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (E.T.); (K.B.); (T.Y.); (J.P.); (S.W.)
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12
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Yang Zhou J, Suwan K, Hajitou A. Initial Steps for the Development of a Phage-Mediated Gene Replacement Therapy Using CRISPR-Cas9 Technology. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1498. [PMID: 32429407 PMCID: PMC7290871 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
p53 gene (TP53) replacement therapy has shown promising results in cancer gene therapy. However, it has been hampered, mostly because of the gene delivery vector of choice. CRISPR-Cas9 technology (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9) can knock out the mutated TP53 (mutTP53), but due to its large size, many viral vectors are not suitable or require implemented strategies that lower the therapeutic efficiency. Here, we introduced a bacteriophage or phage-based vector with the ability to target cancer cells and aimed to investigate the feasibility of using this vector to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 transgene in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. First, we produced a tumour-targeted bacteriophage carrying a CRISPR-Cas9 transgene cassette. Next, we investigated any negative impact on vector titers via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and colony-forming agar plate. Last, we combined Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining to prove cell transduction in vitro. We showed that the tumour-targeted bacteriophage can package a large-size vector genome, ~10 kb, containing the CRISPR-Cas9 sequence without any negative impact on the active or total number of bacteriophage particles. Then, we detected expression of the Cas9 in human lung adenocarcinoma cells in a targeted and efficient manner. Finally, we proved loss of p53 protein expression when a p53 gRNA was incorporated into the CRISPR-Cas9 phage DNA construct. These proof-of-concept findings support the use of engineered bacteriophage for TP53 replacement therapy in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
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13
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Staquicini FI, Smith TL, Tang FHF, Gelovani JG, Giordano RJ, Libutti SK, Sidman RL, Cavenee WK, Arap W, Pasqualini R. Targeted AAVP-based therapy in a mouse model of human glioblastoma: a comparison of cytotoxic versus suicide gene delivery strategies. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 27:301-310. [PMID: 31130731 PMCID: PMC6879804 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0101-2] [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: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma persists as a uniformly deadly diagnosis for patients and effective therapeutic options are gravely needed. Recently, targeted gene therapy approaches are reemerging as attractive experimental clinical agents. Our ligand-directed hybrid virus of adeno-associated virus and phage (AAVP) is a targeted gene delivery vector that has been used in several formulations displaying targeting ligand peptides to deliver clinically applicable transgenes. Here we compared different constructs side-by-side in a tumor model, an orthotopic model of xenograft human glioblastoma cells stereotactically implanted in immunodeficient mice. We have used divergent therapeutic strategies for two AAVP constructs, both displaying a double-cyclic RGD4C motif ligand specific for alpha V integrins expressed in tumor vascular endothelium, but carrying different genes of interest for the treatment of intracranial xenografted tumors. One construct delivered tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a purely cytotoxic gene for antitumor activity (RGD4C-AAVP-TNF); in the other construct, we delivered Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) for in tandem molecular-genetic imaging and targeted therapy (RGD4C-AAVP-HSVtk) utilizing ganciclovir (GCV) for a suicide gene therapy. Both AAVP constructs demonstrated antitumor activity, with damage to the tumor-associated neovasculature and induction of cell death evident after treatment. In addition, the ability to monitor transgene expression with a radiolabeled HSVtk substrate pre and post GCV treatment demonstrated the theranostic potential of RGD4C-AAVP-HSVtk. We conclude that targeted AAVP constructs delivering either cytotoxic TNF or theranostic HSVtk followed by suicide gene therapy with GCV have comparable preclinical efficacy, at least in this standard experimental model. The results presented here provide a blueprint for future studies of targeted gene delivery against human glioblastomas and other brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda I Staquicini
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Tracey L Smith
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Fenny H F Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juri G Gelovani
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ricardo J Giordano
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Steven K Libutti
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Richard L Sidman
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Webster K Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wadih Arap
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
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14
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Przystal JM, Waramit S, Pranjol MZI, Yan W, Chu G, Chongchai A, Samarth G, Olaciregui NG, Tabatabai G, Carcaboso AM, Aboagye EO, Suwan K, Hajitou A. Efficacy of systemic temozolomide-activated phage-targeted gene therapy in human glioblastoma. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e8492. [PMID: 30808679 PMCID: PMC6460351 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal primary intracranial malignant neoplasm in adults and most resistant to treatment. Integration of gene therapy and chemotherapy, chemovirotherapy, has the potential to improve treatment. We have introduced an intravenous bacteriophage (phage) vector for dual targeting of therapeutic genes to glioblastoma. It is a hybrid AAV/phage, AAVP, designed to deliver a recombinant adeno-associated virus genome (rAAV) by the capsid of M13 phage. In this vector, dual tumor targeting is first achieved by phage capsid display of the RGD4C ligand that binds the αvβ3 integrin receptor. Second, genes are expressed from a tumor-activated and temozolomide (TMZ)-induced promoter of the glucose-regulated protein, Grp78 Here, we investigated systemic combination therapy using TMZ and targeted suicide gene therapy by the RGD4C/AAVP-Grp78 Firstly, in vitro we showed that TMZ increases endogenous Grp78 gene expression and boosts transgene expression from the RGD4C/AAVP-Grp78 in human GBM cells. Next, RGD4C/AAVP-Grp78 targets intracranial tumors in mice following intravenous administration. Finally, combination of TMZ and RGD4C/AAVP-Grp78 targeted gene therapy exerts a synergistic effect to suppress growth of orthotopic glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Magdalena Przystal
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sajee Waramit
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Md Zahidul Islam Pranjol
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wenqing Yan
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Grace Chu
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Aitthiphon Chongchai
- Thailand Excellence Centre for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Gargi Samarth
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nagore Gene Olaciregui
- Institute de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for CNS Tumors, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Angel Montero Carcaboso
- Institute de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric Ofori Aboagye
- Comprehensive Cancer Imaging Centre, Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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15
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16
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Tsafa E, Al-Bahrani M, Bentayebi K, Przystal J, Suwan K, Hajitou A. The natural dietary genistein boosts bacteriophage-mediated cancer cell killing by improving phage-targeted tumor cell transduction. Oncotarget 2018; 7:52135-52149. [PMID: 27437775 PMCID: PMC5239540 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has long been regarded as a promising treatment for cancer. However, cancer gene therapy is still facing the challenge of targeting gene delivery vectors specifically to tumors when administered via clinically acceptable non-invasive systemic routes (i.e. intravenous). The bacteria virus, bacteriophage (phage), represents a new generation of promising vectors in systemic gene delivery since their targeting can be achieved through phage capsid display ligands, which enable them to home to specific tumor receptors without the need to ablate any native eukaryotic tropism. We have previously reported a tumor specific bacteriophage vector named adeno-associated virus/phage, or AAVP, in which gene expression is under a recombinant human rAAV2 virus genome targeted to tumors via a ligand-directed phage capsid. However, cancer gene therapy with this tumor-targeted vector achieved variable outcomes ranging from tumor regression to no effect in both experimental and natural preclinical models. Herein, we hypothesized that combining the natural dietary genistein, with proven anticancer activity, would improve bacteriophage anticancer safe therapy. We show that combination treatment with genistein and AAVP increased targeted cancer cell killing by AAVP carrying the gene for Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) in 2D tissue cultures and 3D tumor spheroids. We found this increased tumor cell killing was associated with enhanced AAVP-mediated gene expression. Next, we established that genistein protects AAVP against proteasome degradation and enhances vector genome accumulation in the nucleus. Combination of genistein and phage-guided virotherapy is a safe and promising strategy that should be considered in anticancer therapy with AAVP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effrosyni Tsafa
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariam Al-Bahrani
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kaoutar Bentayebi
- Biotechnology Laboratory (Medbiotech), Medical and Pharmacy School, University Mohammed V de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Justyna Przystal
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keittisak Suwan
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Jafari B, Hamzeh-Mivehroud M, Moosavi-Movahedi AA, Dastmalchi S. Identification of Novel Single-Domain Antibodies against FGF7 Using Phage Display Technology. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 23:193-201. [DOI: 10.1177/2472555217728520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of proteins. FGF7 is of stromal origin and produces a paracrine effect on epithelial cells. In the current investigation, we aimed to identify new single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) against FGF7 using phage display technology. The vector harboring the codon-optimized DNA sequence for FGF7 protein was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS, and then the protein was expressed at the optimized condition. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, circular dichroism spectropolarimetry, and in vitro scratch assay experiments were used to confirm the proper folding and functionality of the purified FGF7 protein. The purity of the produced FGF7 was 92%, with production yield of 3.5 mg/L of culture. Panning against the purified FGF7 was performed, and the identified single-domain antibodies showed significant affinity. Further investigation on one of the selected sdAb displaying phage clones showed concentration-dependent binding to FGF7. The selected sdAb can be used for developing novel tumor-suppressing agents where inhibition of FGF7 is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Jafari
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Hamzeh-Mivehroud
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Siavoush Dastmalchi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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18
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Chira S, Jackson CS, Oprea I, Ozturk F, Pepper MS, Diaconu I, Braicu C, Raduly LZ, Calin GA, Berindan-Neagoe I. Progresses towards safe and efficient gene therapy vectors. Oncotarget 2016; 6:30675-703. [PMID: 26362400 PMCID: PMC4741561 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of genetic engineering at the beginning of the 1970′s opened the era of biomedical technologies, which aims to improve human health using genetic manipulation techniques in a clinical context. Gene therapy represents an innovating and appealing strategy for treatment of human diseases, which utilizes vehicles or vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into the patients' body. However, a few past unsuccessful events that negatively marked the beginning of gene therapy resulted in the need for further studies regarding the design and biology of gene therapy vectors, so that this innovating treatment approach can successfully move from bench to bedside. In this paper, we review the major gene delivery vectors and recent improvements made in their design meant to overcome the issues that commonly arise with the use of gene therapy vectors. At the end of the manuscript, we summarized the main advantages and disadvantages of common gene therapy vectors and we discuss possible future directions for potential therapeutic vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Carlo S Jackson
- Department of Immunology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Iulian Oprea
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ferhat Ozturk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Canik Başari University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Department of Immunology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos-Zsolt Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, Oncological Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuţă", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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Chimeric adeno-associated virus and bacteriophage: a potential targeted gene therapy vector for malignant glioma. Ther Deliv 2016; 5:975-90. [PMID: 25375341 DOI: 10.4155/tde.14.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The incipient development of gene therapy for cancer has fuelled its progression from bench to bedside in mere decades. Of all malignancies that exist, gliomas are the largest class of brain tumors, and are renowned for their aggressiveness and resistance to therapy. In order for gene therapy to achieve clinical success, a multitude of barriers ranging from glioma tumor physiology to vector biology must be overcome. Many viral gene delivery systems have been subjected to clinical investigation; however, with highly limited success. In this review, the current progress and challenges of gene therapy for malignant glioma are discussed. Moreover, we highlight the hybrid adeno-associated virus and bacteriophage vector as a potential candidate for targeted gene delivery to brain tumors.
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20
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Yata T, Lee KY, Dharakul T, Songsivilai S, Bismarck A, Mintz PJ, Hajitou A. Hybrid Nanomaterial Complexes for Advanced Phage-guided Gene Delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e185. [PMID: 25118171 PMCID: PMC4221597 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Developing nanomaterials that are effective, safe, and selective for gene transfer applications is challenging. Bacteriophages (phage), viruses that infect bacteria only, have shown promise for targeted gene transfer applications. Unfortunately, limited progress has been achieved in improving their potential to overcome mammalian cellular barriers. We hypothesized that chemical modification of the bacteriophage capsid could be applied to improve targeted gene delivery by phage vectors into mammalian cells. Here, we introduce a novel hybrid system consisting of two classes of nanomaterial systems, cationic polymers and M13 bacteriophage virus particles genetically engineered to display a tumor-targeting ligand and carry a transgene cassette. We demonstrate that the phage complex with cationic polymers generates positively charged phage and large aggregates that show enhanced cell surface attachment, buffering capacity, and improved transgene expression while retaining cell type specificity. Moreover, phage/polymer complexes carrying a therapeutic gene achieve greater cancer cell killing than phage alone. This new class of hybrid nanomaterial platform can advance targeted gene delivery applications by bacteriophage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerapong Yata
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Koon-Yang Lee
- Polymers and Composites Engineering (PaCE) Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tararaj Dharakul
- National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Sirirurg Songsivilai
- National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Khlong Luang Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Alexander Bismarck
- Polymers and Composites Engineering (PaCE) Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul J Mintz
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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21
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Kia A, Yata T, Hajji N, Hajitou A. Inhibition of histone deacetylation and DNA methylation improves gene expression mediated by the adeno-associated virus/phage in cancer cells. Viruses 2013; 5:2561-72. [PMID: 24153059 PMCID: PMC3814604 DOI: 10.3390/v5102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage), viruses that infect bacteria only, have become promising vectors for targeted systemic delivery of genes to cancer, although, with poor efficiency. We previously designed an improved phage vector by incorporating cis genetic elements of adeno-associated virus (AAV). This novel AAV/phage hybrid (AAVP) specifically targeted systemic delivery of therapeutic genes into tumors. To advance the AAVP vector, we recently introduced the stress-inducible Grp78 tumor specific promoter and found that this dual tumor-targeted AAVP provides persistent gene expression, over time, in cancer cells compared to silenced gene expression from the CMV promoter in the parental AAVP. Herein, we investigated the effect of histone deacetylation and DNA methylation on AAVP-mediated gene expression in cancer cells and explored the effect of cell confluence state on AAVP gene expression efficacy. Using a combination of AAVP expressing the GFP reporter gene, flow cytometry, inhibitors of histone deacetylation, and DNA methylation, we have demonstrated that histone deacetylation and DNA methylation are associated with silencing of gene expression from the CMV promoter in the parental AAVP. Importantly, inhibitors of histone deacetylases boost gene expression in cancer cells from the Grp78 promoter in the dual tumor-targeted AAVP. However, cell confluence had no effect on AAVP-guided gene expression. Our findings prove that combination of histone deacetylase inhibitor drugs with the Grp78 promoter is an effective approach to improve AAVP-mediated gene expression in cancer cells and should be considered for AAVP-based clinical cancer gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Kia
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK; E-Mails: (A.K.); (T.Y.)
| | - Teerapong Yata
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK; E-Mails: (A.K.); (T.Y.)
| | - Nabil Hajji
- Epigenetic Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK; E-Mail:
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK; E-Mails: (A.K.); (T.Y.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +44-207-594-6546; Fax: +44-207-549-6548
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22
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The functions and applications of RGD in tumor therapy and tissue engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:13447-62. [PMID: 23807504 PMCID: PMC3742196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140713447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic (RGD), is the specific recognition site of integrins with theirs ligands, and regulates cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. The RGD motif can be combined with integrins overexpressed on the tumor neovasculature and tumor cells with a certain affinity, becoming the new target for imaging agents, and drugs, and gene delivery for tumor treatment. Further, RGD as a biomimetic peptide can also promote cell adherence to the matrix, prevent cell apoptosis and accelerate new tissue regeneration. Functionalizing material surfaces with RGD can improve cell/biomaterial interactions, which facilitates the generation of tissue-engineered constructs. This paper reviews the main functions and advantages of RGD, describes the applications of RGD in imaging agents, drugs, gene delivery for tumor therapy, and highlights the role of RGD in promoting the development of tissue engineering (bone regeneration, cornea repair, artificial neovascularization) in recent years.
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23
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Przystal JM, Umukoro E, Stoneham CA, Yata T, O'Neill K, Syed N, Hajitou A. Proteasome inhibition in cancer is associated with enhanced tumor targeting by the adeno-associated virus/phage. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:55-66. [PMID: 22951279 PMCID: PMC3553581 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage), which are viruses that infect bacteria only, have shown promise as vehicles for targeted cancer gene therapy, albeit with poor efficiency. Recently, we generated an improved version of phage vectors by incorporating cis genetic elements of adeno-associated virus (AAV). This novel AAV/phage hybrid (AAVP) efficiently delivered systemically administered therapeutic genes to various tumor targets by displaying an integrin tumor-targeting ligand on the phage capsid. However, inherent limitations in bacteriophage mean that these AAVP vectors still need to be improved. One of the limitations of AAVP in mammalian cells may be its susceptibility to proteasomal degradation. The proteasome is upregulated in cancer and it is known that it constitutes a barrier to gene delivery by certain eukaryotic viruses. We report here that inhibition of proteasome improved targeted reporter gene delivery by AAVP in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo after intravenous vector administration to tumor-bearing mice. We also show enhanced targeted tumor cell killing by AAVP upon proteasome inhibition. The AAVP particles persisted significantly in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo after systemic administration, and accumulated polyubiquitinated coat proteins. Our results suggest that the proteasome is indeed a barrier to tumor targeting by AAVP and indicate that a combination of proteasome-inhibiting drugs and AAVP should be considered for clinical anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna M. Przystal
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Eloho Umukoro
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A. Stoneham
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Teerapong Yata
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin O'Neill
- Division of Brain Sciences, Charing Cross Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nelofer Syed
- Division of Brain Sciences, Charing Cross Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Division of Brain Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, 160 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
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