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Goleij P, Babamohamadi M, Rezaee A, Sanaye PM, Tabari MAK, Sadreddini S, Arefnezhad R, Motedayyen H. Types of RNA therapeutics. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 203:41-63. [PMID: 38360005 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapy is one of the new treatments using small RNA molecules to target and regulate gene expression. It involves the application of synthetic or modified RNA molecules to inhibit the expression of disease-causing genes specifically. In other words, it silences genes and suppresses the transcription process. The main theory behind RNA therapy is that RNA molecules can prevent the translation into proteins by binding to specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. By targeting disease-related mRNA molecules, RNA therapy can effectively silence or reduce the development of harmful proteins. There are different types of RNA molecules used in therapy, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), aptamer, ribozyme, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). These molecules are designed to complement specific mRNA sequences, allowing them to bind and degrade the targeted mRNA or prevent its translation into protein. Nanotechnology is also highlighted to increase the efficacy of RNA-based drugs. In this chapter, while examining various methods of RNA therapy, we discuss the advantages and challenges of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Goleij
- Department of Genetics, Sana Institute of Higher Education, Sari, Iran; USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehregan Babamohamadi
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aryan Rezaee
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Amin Khazeei Tabari
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; USERN Office, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sarvin Sadreddini
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Arefnezhad
- Coenzyme R Research Institute, Tehran, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hossein Motedayyen
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Evaluating a Targeted Cancer Therapy Approach Mediated by RNA trans-Splicing In Vitro and in a Xenograft Model for Epidermolysis Bullosa-Associated Skin Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23010575. [PMID: 35008999 PMCID: PMC8745581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional anti-cancer therapies based on chemo- and/or radiotherapy represent highly effective means to kill cancer cells but lack tumor specificity and, therefore, result in a wide range of iatrogenic effects. A promising approach to overcome this obstacle is spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT), which can be leveraged to target tumor cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. Notably, a previously established RNA trans-splicing molecule (RTM44) showed efficacy and specificity in exchanging the coding sequence of a cancer target gene (Ct-SLCO1B3) with the suicide gene HSV1-thymidine kinase in a colorectal cancer model, thereby rendering tumor cells sensitive to the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV). In the present work, we expand the application of this approach, using the same RTM44 in aggressive skin cancer arising in the rare genetic skin disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Stable expression of RTM44, but not a splicing-deficient control (NC), in RDEB-SCC cells resulted in expression of the expected fusion product at the mRNA and protein level. Importantly, systemic GCV treatment of mice bearing RTM44-expressing cancer cells resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume and weight compared with controls. Thus, our results demonstrate the applicability of RTM44-mediated targeting of the cancer gene Ct-SLCO1B3 in a different malignancy.
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Saeb S, Assche JV, Loustau T, Rohr O, Wallet C, Schwartz C. Suicide gene therapy in cancer and HIV-1 infection: An alternative to conventional treatments. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114893. [PMID: 34968484 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Suicide Gene Therapy (SGT) aims to introduce a gene encoding either a toxin or an enzyme making the targeted cell more sensitive to chemotherapy. SGT represents an alternative approach to combat pathologies where conventional treatments fail such as pancreatic cancer or the high-grade glioblastoma which are still desperately lethal. We review the possibility to use SGT to treat these cancers which have shown promising results in vitro and in preclinical trials. However, SGT has so far failed in phase III clinical trials thus further improvements are awaited. We can now take advantages of the many advances made in SGT for treating cancer to combat other pathologies such as HIV-1 infection. In the review we also discuss the feasibility to add SGT to the therapeutic arsenal used to cure HIV-1-infected patients. Indeed, preliminary results suggest that both productive and latently infected cells are targeted by the SGT. In the last section, we address the limitations of this approach and how we might improve it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Saeb
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Jeanne Van Assche
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Thomas Loustau
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Olivier Rohr
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Clémentine Wallet
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Christian Schwartz
- University of Strasbourg, Research Unit 7292, DHPI, IUT Louis Pasteur, Schiltigheim, France.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA trans-splicing joins exons from different pre-mRNA transcripts to generate a chimeric product. Trans-splicing can also occur at the protein level, with split inteins mediating the ligation of separate gene products to generate a mature protein. SOURCES OF DATA Comprehensive literature search of published research papers and reviews using Pubmed. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Trans-splicing techniques have been used to target a wide range of diseases in both in vitro and in vivo models, resulting in RNA, protein and functional correction. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Off-target effects can lead to therapeutically undesirable consequences. In vivo efficacy is typically low, and delivery issues remain a challenge. GROWING POINTS Trans-splicing provides a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic approaches. However, much more research needs to be done before developing towards preclinical studies. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Increasing trans-splicing efficacy and specificity by rational design, screening and competitive inhibition of endogenous cis-splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Carin K Ingemarsdotter
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Andrew M L Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
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ApoE-modified liposomes mediate the antitumour effect of survivin promoter-driven HSVtk in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 27:754-767. [DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0145-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Sun Y, Piñón Hofbauer J, Harada M, Wöss K, Koller U, Morio H, Stierschneider A, Kitamura K, Hashimoto M, Chiba K, Akita H, Anzai N, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Guttmann-Gruber C, Furihata T. Cancer-type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 is a target for cancer suicide gene therapy using RNA trans-splicing technology. Cancer Lett 2018; 433:107-116. [PMID: 29960051 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (Ct-OATP1B3) has been identified as a cancer-specific transcript in various solid cancers, including colorectal cancer. Given its excellent cancer-specific expression profile, we hypothesized that Ct-OATP1B3 could represent a promising target for cancer-specific expression of the suicide gene, herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase (HSV-tk), via a spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing (SMaRT) approach. SMaRT technology is used to recombine two RNA molecules to generate a chimeric transcript. In this study, we engineered an RNA trans-splicing molecule carrying a translation-defective HSV-tk sequence (RTM44), which was capable of inducing its own trans-splicing to the desired Ct-OATP1B3 pre-mRNA target. RTM44 expression in LS180 cells resulted in generation of Ct-OATP1B3/HSV-tk fusion mRNA. A functional translation start site contributed by the target pre-mRNA restored HSV-tk protein expression, rendering LS180 cells sensitive to ganciclovir treatment in vitro and in xenografted mice. The observed effects are ascribed to accurate and efficient trans-splicing, as they were absent in cells carrying a splicing-deficient mutant of RTM44. Collectively, our data highlights Ct-OATP1B3 as an ideal target for the HSV-tk SMaRT suicide system, which opens up new translational avenues for Ct-OATP1B3-targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Manami Harada
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Katharina Wöss
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Hanae Morio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Anna Stierschneider
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Keita Kitamura
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mari Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kan Chiba
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naohiko Anzai
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Julia Reichelt
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christina Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
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Sertznig H, Hillebrand F, Erkelenz S, Schaal H, Widera M. Behind the scenes of HIV-1 replication: Alternative splicing as the dependency factor on the quiet. Virology 2018; 516:176-188. [PMID: 29407375 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing plays a key role in the HIV-1 life cycle and is essential to maintain an equilibrium of mRNAs that encode viral proteins and polyprotein-isoforms. In particular, since all early HIV-1 proteins are expressed from spliced intronless and late enzymatic and structural proteins from intron containing, i.e. splicing repressed viral mRNAs, cellular splicing factors and splicing regulatory proteins are crucial for the replication capacity. In this review, we will describe the complex network of cis-acting splicing regulatory elements (SREs), which are mainly localized in the neighbourhoods of all HIV-1 splice sites and warrant the proper ratio of individual transcript isoforms. Since SREs represent binding sites for trans-acting cellular splicing factors interacting with the cellular spliceosomal apparatus we will review the current knowledge of interactions between viral RNA and cellular proteins as well as their impact on viral replication. Finally, we will discuss potential therapeutic approaches targeting HIV-1 alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Sertznig
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Hillebrand
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Steffen Erkelenz
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Achard C, Surendran A, Wedge ME, Ungerechts G, Bell J, Ilkow CS. Lighting a Fire in the Tumor Microenvironment Using Oncolytic Immunotherapy. EBioMedicine 2018; 31:17-24. [PMID: 29724655 PMCID: PMC6013846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy is potentially a game-changing cancer treatment that has garnered significant interest due to its versatility and multi-modal approaches towards tumor eradication. In the field of cancer immunotherapy, the immunological phenotype of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important determinant of disease prognosis and therapeutic success. There is accumulating data that OVs are capable of dramatically altering the TME immune landscape, leading to improved antitumor activity alone or in combination with assorted immune modulators. Herein, we review how OVs disrupt the immunosuppressive TME and can be used strategically to create a "pro-immune" microenvironment that enables and promotes potent, long-lasting host antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Achard
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Abera Surendran
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Wedge
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Guy Ungerechts
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology and Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John Bell
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Carolina S Ilkow
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada.
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Poddar S, Loh PS, Ooi ZH, Osman F, Eul J, Patzel V. RNA Structure Design Improves Activity and Specificity of trans-Splicing-Triggered Cell Death in a Suicide Gene Therapy Approach. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 11:41-56. [PMID: 29858076 PMCID: PMC5849863 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing enables correction or labeling of pre-mRNA, but therapeutic applications are hampered by issues related to the activity and target specificity of trans-splicing RNA (tsRNA). We employed computational RNA structure design to improve both on-target activity and specificity of tsRNA in a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir suicide gene therapy approach targeting alpha fetoprotein (AFP), a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) pre-mRNA. While unstructured, mismatched target binding domains significantly improved 3′ exon replacement (3’ER), 5′ exon replacement (5’ER) correlated with the thermodynamic stability of the tsRNA 3′ end. Alternative on-target trans-splicing was found to be a prevalent event. The specificity of trans-splicing with the intended target splice site was improved 10-fold by designing tsRNA that harbors secondary target binding domains shielding alternative on-target and blinding off-target splicing events. Such rationally designed suicide RNAs efficiently triggered death of HPV-16-transduced or hepatoblastoma-derived human tissue culture cells without evidence for off-target cell killing. Highest cell death activities were observed with novel dual-targeting tsRNAs programmed for trans-splicing toward AFP and a second HCC pre-mRNA biomarker. Our observations suggest trans-splicing represents a promising approach to suicide gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Poddar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Pei She Loh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Zi Hao Ooi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Farhana Osman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Joachim Eul
- INEIDFO GmbH, Weserstrasse 23, 12045 Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Patzel
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD4, Level 5, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117597, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 5, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Jayaraman D, Kenyon JC. New windows into retroviral RNA structures. Retrovirology 2018; 15:11. [PMID: 29368653 PMCID: PMC5784592 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The multiple roles of both viral and cellular RNAs have become increasingly apparent in recent years, and techniques to model them have become significantly more powerful, enabling faster and more accurate visualization of RNA structures. Main body Techniques such as SHAPE (selective 2’OH acylation analysed by primer extension) have revolutionized the field, and have been used to examine RNAs belonging to many and diverse retroviruses. Secondary structure probing reagents such as these have been aided by the development of faster methods of analysis either via capillary or next-generation sequencing, allowing the analysis of entire genomes, and of retroviral RNA structures within virions. Techniques to model the three-dimensional structures of these large RNAs have also recently developed. Conclusions The flexibility of retroviral RNAs, both structural and functional, is clear from the results of these new experimental techniques. Retroviral RNA structures and structural changes control many stages of the lifecycle, and both the RNA structures themselves and their interactions with ligands are potential new drug targets. In addition, our growing understanding of retroviral RNA structures is aiding our knowledge of cellular RNA form and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Jayaraman
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, MD 6, Level 15, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Julia Claire Kenyon
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Level 5 Addenbrookes Hospital Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2 Blk MD4, Level 3, Singapore, 117545, Singapore. .,Homerton College, University of Cambridge, Hills Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8PH, UK.
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Rangel-Sosa MM, Aguilar-Córdova E, Rojas-Martínez A. Immunotherapy and gene therapy as novel treatments for cancer. COLOMBIA MEDICA (CALI, COLOMBIA) 2017; 48:138-147. [PMID: 29213157 PMCID: PMC5687866 DOI: 10.25100/cm.v48i3.2997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The immune system interacts closely with tumors during the disease development and progression to metastasis. The complex communication between the immune system and the tumor cells can prevent or promote tumor growth. New therapeutic approaches harnessing protective immunological mechanisms have recently shown very promising results. This is performed by blocking inhibitory signals or by activating immunological effector cells directly. Immune checkpoint blockade with monoclonal antibodies directed against the inhibitory immune receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1 has emerged as a successful treatment approach for patients with advanced melanoma. Ipilimumab is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody which demonstrated good results when administered to patients with melanoma. Gene therapy has also shown promising results in clinical trials. Particularly, Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-mediated delivery of the HSV thymidine kinase (TK) gene to tumor cells in combination with ganciclovir (GCV) may provide an effective suicide gene therapy for destruction of glioblastomas, prostate tumors and other neoplasias by recruiting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes into the tumor. The development of new treatment strategies or combination of available innovative therapies to improve cell cytotoxic T lymphocytes trafficking into the tumor mass and the production of inhibitory molecules blocking tumor tissue immune-tolerance are crucial to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Montserrat Rangel-Sosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Nuevo León, México
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