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Gujar S, Pol JG, Kumar V, Lizarralde-Guerrero M, Konda P, Kroemer G, Bell JC. Tutorial: design, production and testing of oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-00985-1. [PMID: 38769145 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a novel class of cancer immunotherapy agents that preferentially infect and kill cancer cells and promote protective antitumor immunity. Furthermore, OVs can be used in combination with established or upcoming immunotherapeutic agents, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, to efficiently target a wide range of malignancies. The development of OV-based therapy involves three major steps before clinical evaluation: design, production and preclinical testing. OVs can be designed as natural or engineered strains and subsequently selected for their ability to kill a broad spectrum of cancer cells rather than normal, healthy cells. OV selection is further influenced by multiple factors, such as the availability of a specific viral platform, cancer cell permissivity, the need for genetic engineering to render the virus non-pathogenic and/or more effective and logistical considerations around the use of OVs within the laboratory or clinical setting. Selected OVs are then produced and tested for their anticancer potential by using syngeneic, xenograft or humanized preclinical models wherein immunocompromised and immunocompetent setups are used to elucidate their direct oncolytic ability as well as indirect immunotherapeutic potential in vivo. Finally, OVs demonstrating the desired anticancer potential progress toward translation in patients with cancer. This tutorial provides guidelines for the design, production and preclinical testing of OVs, emphasizing considerations specific to OV technology that determine their clinical utility as cancer immunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Gujar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jonathan G Pol
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Vishnupriyan Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Manuela Lizarralde-Guerrero
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Prathyusha Konda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guido Kroemer
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France.
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - John C Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Pampeno C, Opp S, Hurtado A, Meruelo D. Sindbis Virus Vaccine Platform: A Promising Oncolytic Virus-Mediated Approach for Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2925. [PMID: 38474178 PMCID: PMC10932354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052925] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of a novel Sindbis virus vaccine platform as potential immunotherapy for ovarian cancer patients. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecological malignancies. The majority of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Current treatment options are very aggressive and limited, resulting in tumor recurrences and 50-60% patient mortality within 5 years. The unique properties of armed oncolytic Sindbis virus vectors (SV) in vivo have garnered significant interest in recent years to potently target and treat ovarian cancer. We discuss the molecular biology of Sindbis virus, its mechanisms of action against ovarian cancer cells, preclinical in vivo studies, and future perspectives. The potential of Sindbis virus-based therapies for ovarian cancer treatment holds great promise and warrants further investigation. Investigations using other oncolytic viruses in preclinical studies and clinical trials are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pampeno
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Alicia Hurtado
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel Meruelo
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
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3
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Yan J, Yang Y, Lu J, Yuan Y, Wu X, Huang J, Zhang S. Identification of TMEM178 as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Breast Cancer. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:2427-2439. [PMID: 38106832 PMCID: PMC10719715 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i11.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background The transmembrane protein (TMEM) family plays important roles in cancer. However, the expression pattern and biological roles of TMEM178, a member of TMEM family, remains unclear in breast cancer (BRCA). Methods Methylation and RNA-seq data were obtained to explore methylation level. Expression of TMEM178, methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-CdR was used to verify the effect of methylation status on the expression of TMEM178. We comprehensively investigated the prognostic outcomes, biological functions and effects on immune cell infiltration of the TMEM178 in BRCA using multiple bioinformatics methods. Results The expression of TMEM178 was downregulated and negatively correlated with the level of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) in BRCA. Consistently, TMEM178 mRNA were confirmed to be downregulated, while upregulated in response to treatment with methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-CdR by RT-qPCR. Patients with high expression of TMEM178 have better prognosis and are more sensitive to targeted drug Pazopanib. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the infiltration levels of CD4+ T cell subsets were reduced in BRAC tissues with high TMEM178 expression, and immunosuppressive molecules of T-cell exhaustion were lower expression level. Conclusion Hypermethylation of the TMEM178 promoter region was a contributing factor to the downregulation of its expression, and TMEM178 may reflect a prognostic and immunosuppressive situation in BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyan Yan
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Jingrun Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Xiangyi Wu
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Basic Clinical Laboratory Medicine, School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
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4
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Pampeno C, Hurtado A, Opp S, Meruelo D. Channeling the Natural Properties of Sindbis Alphavirus for Targeted Tumor Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14948. [PMID: 37834397 PMCID: PMC10573789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914948] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sindbis alphavirus vectors offer a promising platform for cancer therapy, serving as valuable models for alphavirus-based treatment. This review emphasizes key studies that support the targeted delivery of Sindbis vectors to tumor cells, highlighting their effectiveness in expressing tumor-associated antigens and immunomodulating proteins. Among the various alphavirus vectors developed for cancer therapy, Sindbis-vector-based imaging studies have been particularly extensive. Imaging modalities that enable the in vivo localization of Sindbis vectors within lymph nodes and tumors are discussed. The correlation between laminin receptor expression, tumorigenesis, and Sindbis virus infection is examined. Additionally, we present alternative entry receptors for Sindbis and related alphaviruses, such as Semliki Forest virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. The review also discusses cancer treatments that are based on the alphavirus vector expression of anti-tumor agents, including tumor-associated antigens, cytokines, checkpoint inhibitors, and costimulatory immune molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Meruelo
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
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5
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Potent and Targeted Sindbis Virus Platform for Immunotherapy of Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010077. [PMID: 36611875 PMCID: PMC9818975 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Our laboratory has been developing a Sindbis viral (SV) vector platform for treatments of ovarian and other types of cancers. In this study we show that SV.IL-12 combined with an agonistic OX40 antibody can eliminate ovarian cancer in a Mouse Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cell Line (MOSEC) model and further prevent tumors in mice rechallenged with tumor cells after approximately 5 months. Treatment efficacy is shown to be dependent upon T-cells that are transcriptionally and metabolically reprogramed. An influx of immune cells to the tumor microenvironment occurs. Combination of sequences encoding both IL-12 and anti-OX40 into a single SV vector, SV.IgGOX40.IL-12, facilitates the local delivery of immunoregulatory agents to tumors enhancing the anti-tumor response. We promote SV.IgGOX40.IL-12 as a safe and effective therapy for multiple types of cancer.
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Davis EJ, Martin-Liberal J, Kristeleit R, Cho DC, Blagden SP, Berthold D, Cardin DB, Vieito M, Miller RE, Hari Dass P, Orcurto A, Spencer K, Janik JE, Clark J, Condamine T, Pulini J, Chen X, Mehnert JM. First-in-human phase I/II, open-label study of the anti-OX40 agonist INCAGN01949 in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004235. [PMID: 36316061 PMCID: PMC9628691 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OX40 is a costimulatory receptor upregulated on antigen-activated T cells and constitutively expressed on regulatory T cells (Tregs). INCAGN01949, a fully human immunoglobulin G1κ anti-OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody, was designed to promote tumor-specific immunity by effector T-cell activation and Fcγ receptor-mediated Treg depletion. This first-in-human study was conducted to determine the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of INCAGN01949. METHODS Phase I/II, open-label, non-randomized, dose-escalation and dose-expansion study conducted in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Patients received INCAGN01949 monotherapy (7-1400 mg) in 14-day cycles while deriving benefit. Safety measures, clinical activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic effects were assessed and summarized with descriptive statistics. RESULTS Eighty-seven patients were enrolled; most common tumor types were colorectal (17.2%), ovarian (8.0%), and non-small cell lung (6.9%) cancers. Patients received a median three (range 1-9) prior therapies, including immunotherapy in 24 patients (27.6%). Maximum tolerated dose was not reached; one patient (1.1%) receiving 350 mg dose reported dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 colitis. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 45 patients (51.7%), with fatigue (16 (18.4%)), rash (6 (6.9%)), and diarrhea (6 (6.9%)) being most frequent. One patient (1.1%) with metastatic gallbladder cancer achieved a partial response (duration of 6.3 months), and 23 patients (26.4%) achieved stable disease (lasting >6 months in one patient). OX40 receptor occupancy was maintained over 90% among all patients receiving doses of ≥200 mg, while no treatment-emergent antidrug antibodies were detected across all dose levels. Pharmacodynamic results demonstrated that treatment with INCAGN01949 did not enhance proliferation or activation of T cells in peripheral blood or reduce circulating Tregs, and analyses of tumor biopsies did not demonstrate any consistent increase in effector T-cell infiltration or function, or decrease in infiltrating Tregs. CONCLUSION No safety concerns were observed with INCAGN01949 monotherapy in patients with metastatic or advanced solid tumors. However, tumor responses and pharmacodynamic effects on T cells in peripheral blood and post-therapy tumor biopsies were limited. Studies evaluating INCAGN01949 in combination with other therapies are needed to further evaluate the potential of OX40 agonism as a therapeutic approach in patients with advanced solid tumors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02923349.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel C Cho
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Dominik Berthold
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dana B Cardin
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maria Vieito
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Prashanth Hari Dass
- Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela Orcurto
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Jason Clark
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | | | | | - Xuejun Chen
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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7
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Lin Y, Zhou X, Ni Y, Zhao X, Liang X. Metabolic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer: A novel orientation for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1030831. [PMID: 36311734 PMCID: PMC9613923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1030831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic tumor, with the highest mortality rate. Numerous studies have been conducted on the treatment of ovarian cancer in the hopes of improving therapeutic outcomes. Immune cells have been revealed to play a dual function in the development of ovarian cancer, acting as both tumor promoters and tumor suppressors. Increasingly, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been proposed and confirmed to play a unique role in tumor development and treatment by altering immunosuppressive and cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of tumor cells through metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, studies of immunometabolism have provided new insights into the understanding of the TIME. Targeting or activating metabolic processes of the TIME has the potential to be an antitumor therapy modality. In this review, we summarize the composition of the TIME of ovarian cancer and its metabolic reprogramming, its relationship with drug resistance in ovarian cancer, and recent research advances in immunotherapy.
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8
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Priceman SJ, Cheema W, Adusumilli PS. Advancing together and moving forward: Combination gene and cellular immunotherapies. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 25:330-334. [PMID: 35694448 PMCID: PMC9160651 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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9
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El Sayed R, Blais N. Immunotherapy in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:4093-4108. [PMID: 34677265 PMCID: PMC8534845 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28050347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains a poorly understood disease with aggressive features, high relapse rates, and significant morbidity as well as mortality, yet persistently limited treatment options. For three decades, the treatment algorithm of SCLC has been stagnant despite multiple attempts to find alternative therapeutic options that could improve responses and increase survival rates. On the other hand, immunotherapy has been a thriving concept that revolutionized treatment options in multiple malignancies, rendering previously untreatable diseases potentially curable. In extensive stage SCLC, immunotherapy significantly altered the course of disease and is now part of the treatment algorithm in the first-line setting. Nevertheless, the important questions that arise are how best to implement immunotherapy, who would benefit the most, and finally, how to enhance responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Normand Blais
- Centre Hospitalier de Université de Montreal, Montreal, QC H2X 0C1, Canada;
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10
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Scaglione A, Opp S, Hurtado A, Lin Z, Pampeno C, Noval MG, Thannickal SA, Stapleford KA, Meruelo D. Combination of a Sindbis-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Vaccine and αOX40 Antibody Elicits Protective Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2 Induced Disease and Potentiates Long-Term SARS-CoV-2-Specific Humoral and T-Cell Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:719077. [PMID: 34394127 PMCID: PMC8359677 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.719077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a major global public threat. Currently, a worldwide effort has been mounted to generate billions of effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses to immunize the world's population at record speeds. However, there is still a demand for alternative effective vaccines that rapidly confer long-term protection and rely upon cost-effective, easily scaled-up manufacturing. Here, we present a Sindbis alphavirus vector (SV), transiently expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SV.Spike), combined with the OX40 immunostimulatory antibody (αOX40) as a novel, highly effective vaccine approach. We show that SV.Spike plus αOX40 elicits long-lasting neutralizing antibodies and a vigorous T-cell response in mice. Protein binding, immunohistochemical, and cellular infection assays all show that vaccinated mice sera inhibits spike functions. Immunophenotyping, RNA Seq transcriptome profiles, and metabolic analysis indicate a reprogramming of T cells in vaccinated mice. Activated T cells were found to mobilize to lung tissue. Most importantly, SV.Spike plus αOX40 provided robust immune protection against infection with authentic coronavirus in transgenic mice expressing the human ACE2 receptor (hACE2-Tg). Finally, our immunization strategy induced strong effector memory response, potentiating protective immunity against re-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Our results show the potential of a new Sindbis virus-based vaccine platform to counteract waning immune response, which can be used as a new candidate to combat SARS-CoV-2. Given the T-cell responses elicited, our vaccine is likely to be effective against variants that are proving challenging, as well as serve as a platform to develop a broader spectrum pancoronavirus vaccine. Similarly, the vaccine approach is likely to be applicable to other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Scaglione
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silvana Opp
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alicia Hurtado
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ziyan Lin
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christine Pampeno
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maria G. Noval
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara A. Thannickal
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Stapleford
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Daniel Meruelo
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Zhou Z, Lin L, An Y, Zhan M, Chen Y, Cai M, Zhu X, Lu L, Zhu K. The Combination Immunotherapy of TLR9 Agonist and OX40 Agonist via Intratumoural Injection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:529-543. [PMID: 34136421 PMCID: PMC8197594 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s301375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The response rate of immunotherapy via immune checkpoint blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited due to multiple immune evasion mechanisms. OX40 is a T cell co-stimulating molecule which suppresses the cancer immune evasion by activating effector T cells (Teffs) and counteracting regulatory T cells (Tregs). TLR9 belongs to the toll-like receptor superfamily which promotes tumour antigen presentation by stimulating the maturation of dendritic cells. Though the combination immunotherapy of TLR9 agonist (CpG) and OX40 agonist (anti-OX40 antibody) has shown encouraging efficacy in various tumours, its effect on HCC remains unknown. Materials and Methods Orthotopic and ectopic HCC models were constructed by implanting Hepa1-6 cells at different body sites of the mice. Immune agents were administrated via three ways, including intratumoural injection into one site of the tumour, intraperitoneal injection, and subcutaneous injection. The anti-tumour immune response was evaluated by the regression of both the local treated tumour and distant untreated tumour. The ratio and function of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results CpG via intratumoural injection remarkably upregulated the weakly expressed OX40 of intratumoural T cells. The combination immunotherapy of CpG and anti-OX40 antibody via intratumoural injection significantly inhibited the growth of local and distant tumours, and also effectively prevented their recurrence. Excitingly, drug administration via intratumoural injection, rather than via intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections, induced potent anti-tumour immune response. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the combination immunotherapy promoted CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and inhibited Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, contributing to the effective inhibition on HCC. Noteworthily, the combination immunotherapy also induced an immune memory response. Conclusion The intratumoural administration of combined CpG and anti-OX40 antibody serves as a promising immunotherapy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimei Zhou
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Liteng Lin
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongcheng An
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Chen
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyue Cai
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Zhu
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, 519000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangshun Zhu
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
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12
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Scaglione A, Opp S, Hurtado A, Lin Z, Pampeno C, Noval MG, Thannickal SA, Stapleford KA, Meruelo D. Combination of a Sindbis-SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine and αOX40 antibody elicits protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 induced disease and potentiates long-term SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and T-cell immunity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.05.28.446009. [PMID: 34075383 PMCID: PMC8168399 DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.28.446009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a major global public threat. Currently, a worldwide effort has been mounted to generate billions of effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses to immunize the world's population at record speeds. However, there is still demand for alternative effective vaccines that rapidly confer long-term protection and rely upon cost-effective, easily scaled-up manufacturing. Here, we present a Sindbis alphavirus vector (SV), transiently expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SV.Spike), combined with the OX40 immunostimulatory antibody (αOX40) as a novel, highly effective vaccine approach. We show that SV.Spike plus αOX40 elicits long-lasting neutralizing antibodies and a vigorous T-cell response in mice. Protein binding, immunohistochemical and cellular infection assays all show that vaccinated mice sera inhibits spike functions. Immunophenotyping, RNA Seq transcriptome profiles and metabolic analysis indicate a reprogramming of T-cells in vaccinated mice. Activated T-cells were found to mobilize to lung tissue. Most importantly, SV.Spike plus αOX40 provided robust immune protection against infection with authentic coronavirus in transgenic mice expressing the human ACE2 receptor (hACE2-Tg). Finally, our immunization strategy induced strong effector memory response, potentiating protective immunity against re-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Our results show the potential of a new Sindbis virus-based vaccine platform to counteract waning immune response that can be used as a new candidate to combat SARS-CoV-2. Given the strong T-cell responses elicited, our vaccine is likely to be effective against variants that are proving challenging, as well as, serve as a platform to develop a broader spectrum pancoronavirus vaccine. Similarly, the vaccine approach is likely to be applicable to other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Scaglione
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Silvana Opp
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alicia Hurtado
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ziyan Lin
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Christine Pampeno
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Maria G Noval
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sara A. Thannickal
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kenneth A. Stapleford
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel Meruelo
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Guo H, Zhang H, Sheng N, Wang J, Chen J, Dai J. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure induces splenic atrophy via overactivation of macrophages in male mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124862. [PMID: 33360190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a synthetic and widely used chemical, has aroused wide public concern due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. To investigate splenic atrophy induced by PFOA, male mice were exposed to 0, 0.4, 2, or 10 mg/kg/d PFOA for 28 d. Results demonstrated that spleen weight and relative spleen weight (RSW) decreased in the 2 and 10 mg/kg/d PFOA exposure groups. Iron levels in the spleen and serum were also reduced in all PFOA exposure groups. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of 7 043 genes highlighted enrichment in cell cycle, autoimmunity, and anemia in the spleen. In addition, changes in the levels of hemoglobin, platelets, bilirubin, and heme oxygenase-1 were consistent with anemia. The ratio of total macrophages to M1 macrophages in the spleen, phagocytic ability of macrophages, and levels of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 all increased, thus suggesting the occurrence of autoimmune disorder. Therefore, we concluded that overactivation of macrophages may be an important reason for splenic atrophy induced by PFOA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jinghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiamiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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