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Wang Z, Sun P, Li Z, Xiao S. Clinical Advances and Future Directions of Oncolytic Virotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5291. [PMID: 37958464 PMCID: PMC10650136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs), without harming normal tissues, selectively infect and replicate within tumor cells, to release immune molecules and tumor antigens, achieving immune-mediated destruction of tumors and making them one of the most promising immunotherapies for cancer. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that OVs can provide clinical benefits for patients with different types of tumors, at various stages, including metastatic and previously untreatable cases. When OVs are used in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments, they can synergistically enhance the therapeutic effects. The concept of oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) was proposed in the early 20th century. With advancements in genetic engineering, genetically modified viruses can further enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, global research on OV treatment of malignant tumors has increased dramatically. This article comprehensively reviews the findings from relevant research and clinical trials, providing an overview of the development of OVT and its application in the clinical treatment of head and neck cancer. The aim is to offer insights for future clinical and fundamental research on OVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University Renji College, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Peng Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; (P.S.); (Z.L.)
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; (P.S.); (Z.L.)
- Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Shaowen Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
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2
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Ahmed T. Biomaterial-based in vitro 3D modeling of glioblastoma multiforme. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2023; 1:177-194. [PMID: 38327839 PMCID: PMC10846340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Adult-onset brain cancers, such as glioblastomas, are particularly lethal. People with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) do not anticipate living for more than 15 months if there is no cure. The results of conventional treatments over the past 20 years have been underwhelming. Tumor aggressiveness, location, and lack of systemic therapies that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier are all contributing factors. For GBM treatments that appear promising in preclinical studies, there is a considerable rate of failure in phase I and II clinical trials. Unfortunately, access becomes impossible due to the intricate architecture of tumors. In vitro, bioengineered cancer models are currently being used by researchers to study disease development, test novel therapies, and advance specialized medications. Many different techniques for creating in vitro systems have arisen over the past few decades due to developments in cellular and tissue engineering. Later-stage research may yield better results if in vitro models that resemble brain tissue and the blood-brain barrier are used. With the use of 3D preclinical models made available by biomaterials, researchers have discovered that it is possible to overcome these limitations. Innovative in vitro models for the treatment of GBM are possible using biomaterials and novel drug carriers. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 3D in vitro glioblastoma modeling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
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3
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Floerchinger A, Klein JE, Finkbeiner MSC, Schäfer TE, Fuchs G, Doerner J, Zirngibl H, Ackermann M, Kvasnicka HM, Chester KA, Jäger D, Ball CR, Ungerechts G, Engeland CE. A vector-encoded bispecific killer engager to harness virus-activated NK cells as anti-tumor effectors. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:104. [PMID: 36765035 PMCID: PMC9918448 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Treatment with oncolytic measles vaccines (MV) elicits activation of immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells. However, we found that MV-activated NK cells show only modest direct cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. To specifically direct NK cells towards tumor cells, we developed oncolytic measles vaccines encoding bispecific killer engagers (MV-BiKE) targeting CD16A on NK cells and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a model tumor antigen. MV-BiKE are only slightly attenuated compared to parental MV and mediate secretion of functional BiKE from infected tumor cells. We tested MV-BiKE activity in cocultures of colorectal or pancreatic cancer cells with primary human NK cells. MV-BiKE mediate expression of effector cytokines, degranulation and specific anti-tumor cytotoxicity by NK cells. Experiments with patient-derived pancreatic cancer cultures indicate that efficacy of MV-BiKE may vary between individual tumors with differential virus permissiveness. Remarkably, we confirmed MV-BiKE activity in primaryhuman colorectal carcinoma specimens with autochthonous tumor and NK cells.This study provides proof-of-concept for MV-BiKE as a novel immunovirotherapy to harness virus-activated NK cells as anti-tumor effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Floerchinger
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Jessica E Klein
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximiliane S C Finkbeiner
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Theresa E Schäfer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gwendolin Fuchs
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Johannes Doerner
- Department of Surgery, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hubert Zirngibl
- Department of Surgery, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Maximilian Ackermann
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Hans M Kvasnicka
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia R Ball
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- Translational Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Guy Ungerechts
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine E Engeland
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Institute of Virology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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4
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Omole RK, Oluwatola O, Akere MT, Eniafe J, Agboluaje EO, Daramola OB, Ayantunji YJ, Omotade TI, Torimiro N, Ayilara MS, Adeyemi OI, Salinsile OS. Comprehensive assessment on the applications of oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1082797. [PMID: 36569326 PMCID: PMC9772532 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1082797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide burden of cancers is increasing at a very high rate, including the aggressive and resistant forms of cancers. Certain levels of breakthrough have been achieved with the conventional treatment methods being used to treat different forms of cancers, but with some limitations. These limitations include hazardous side effects, destruction of non-tumor healthy cells that are rapidly dividing and developing, tumor resistance to anti-cancer drugs, damage to tissues and organs, and so on. However, oncolytic viruses have emerged as a worthwhile immunotherapeutic option for the treatment of different types of cancers. In this treatment approach, oncolytic viruses are being modeled to target cancer cells with optimum cytotoxicity and spare normal cells with optimal safety, without the oncolytic viruses themselves being killed by the host immune defense system. Oncolytic viral infection of the cancer cells are also being genetically manipulated (either by removal or addition of certain genes into the oncolytic virus genome) to make the tumor more visible and available for attack by the host immune cells. Hence, different variants of these viruses are being developed to optimize their antitumor effects. In this review, we examined how grave the burden of cancer is on a global level, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, major conventional therapeutic approaches to the treatment of cancer and their individual drawbacks. We discussed the mechanisms of action employed by these oncolytic viruses and different viruses that have found their relevance in the fight against various forms of cancers. Some pre-clinical and clinical trials that involve oncolytic viruses in cancer management were reported. This review also examined the toxicity and safety concerns surrounding the adoption of oncolytic viro-immunotherapy for the treatment of cancers and the likely future directions for researchers and general audience who wants updated information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kolade Omole
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria,Microbiology Unit, Department of Applied Sciences, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Nigeria,*Correspondence: Richard Kolade Omole,
| | - Oluwaseyi Oluwatola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States,Department of Immunology, Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Millicent Tambari Akere
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Joseph Eniafe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | | | | | - Yemisi Juliet Ayantunji
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria,Advanced Space Technology Applications Laboratory, Cooperative Information Network, National Space Research and Development Agency, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Nkem Torimiro
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Modupe Stella Ayilara
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Oluwole Isaac Adeyemi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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5
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Ravirala D, Pei G, Zhao Z, Zhang X. Comprehensive characterization of tumor immune landscape following oncolytic virotherapy by single-cell RNA sequencing. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:1479-1495. [PMID: 34716463 PMCID: PMC10992051 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03084-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
An important mechanism of oncolytic virotherapy in ameliorating cancer immunotherapy is by inducing significant changes in the immune landscape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite this notion and the potential therapeutic implications, a comprehensive analysis of the immune changes in carcinomas induced by virotherapy has not yet been elucidated. We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on carcinomas treated with an HSV-2-based oncolytic virus to characterize the immunogenic changes in the TME. We specifically analyzed and compared the immune cell composition between viral treated and untreated tumors. We also applied CellChat to analyze the complex interactions among the infiltrated immune cells. Our data revealed significant infiltration of B cells in addition to other important immune cells, including CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells following virotherapy. Further analysis identified distinct subset compositions of the infiltrated immune cells and their activation status upon virotherapy. The intensive interactions among the infiltrated immune cells as revealed by CellChat analysis may further shape the immune landscape in favor of generating antitumor immunity. Our findings will facilitate the design of new strategies in incorporating immunotherapy into virotherapy for clinical translation. Moreover, the significant infiltration of B cells makes it suitable for combining virotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ravirala
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Guangsheng Pei
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoliu Zhang
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
- University of Houston, SERC 3004, 3517 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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Boagni DA, Ravirala D, Zhang SX. Current strategies in engaging oncolytic viruses with antitumor immunity. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 22:98-113. [PMID: 34514092 PMCID: PMC8411207 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy has produced promising yet limited results in preclinical and clinical studies. Besides direct oncolytic activity, a significant therapeutic mechanism of oncolytic virotherapy is the induction of tumor-specific immunity. Consequently, the efficacy of oncolytic viruses can be improved by the insertion of immune stimulator genes and rational combinatorial therapy with other immunotherapies. This article reviews recent efforts on arming oncolytic viruses with a variety of immune stimulator molecules, immune cell engagers, and other immune potentiating molecules. We outline what is known about the mechanisms of action and the corresponding results. The review also discusses recent preclinical and clinical studies of combining oncolytic virotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors and the role of oncolytic virotherapy in changing the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Ashton Boagni
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Divya Ravirala
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaun Xiaoliu Zhang
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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Di Somma S, Napolitano F, Portella G, Malfitano AM. Cross Talk of Macrophages with Tumor Microenvironment Cells and Modulation of Macrophages in Cancer by Virotherapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101309. [PMID: 34680425 PMCID: PMC8533595 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular compartments constituting the tumor microenvironment including immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stromal/stem cells communicate with malignant cells to orchestrate a series of signals that contribute to the evolution of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we will focus on the interplay in tumor microenvironment between macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages and fibroblasts. In particular, cell–cell interaction and mediators secreted by these cells will be examined to explain pro/anti-tumor phenotypes induced in macrophages. Nonetheless, in the context of virotherapy, the response of macrophages as a consequence of treatment with oncolytic viruses will be analyzed regarding their polarization status and their pro/anti-tumor response.
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8
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Jahan N, Ghouse SM, Martuza RL, Rabkin SD. In Situ Cancer Vaccination and Immunovirotherapy Using Oncolytic HSV. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091740. [PMID: 34578321 PMCID: PMC8473045 DOI: 10.3390/v13091740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be genetically altered to acquire oncolytic properties so that oncolytic HSV (oHSV) preferentially replicates in and kills cancer cells, while sparing normal cells, and inducing anti-tumor immune responses. Over the last three decades, a better understanding of HSV genes and functions, and improved genetic-engineering techniques led to the development of oHSV as a novel immunovirotherapy. The concept of in situ cancer vaccination (ISCV) was first introduced when oHSV was found to induce a specific systemic anti-tumor immune response with an abscopal effect on non-injected tumors, in the process of directly killing tumor cells. Thus, the use of oHSV for tumor vaccination in situ is antigen-agnostic. The research and development of oHSVs have moved rapidly, with the field of oncolytic viruses invigorated by the FDA/EMA approval of oHSV talimogene laherparepvec in 2015 for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Immunovirotherapy can be enhanced by arming oHSV with immunomodulatory transgenes and/or using them in combination with other chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents. This review offers an overview of the development of oHSV as an agent for ISCV against solid tumors, describing the multitude of different oHSVs and their efficacy in immunocompetent mouse models and in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Jahan
- Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory and Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (N.J.); (S.M.G.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Shanawaz M. Ghouse
- Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory and Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (N.J.); (S.M.G.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Robert L. Martuza
- Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory and Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (N.J.); (S.M.G.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Samuel D. Rabkin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN-3800, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence:
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Leung EYL, McNeish IA. Strategies to Optimise Oncolytic Viral Therapies: The Role of Natural Killer Cells. Viruses 2021; 13:1450. [PMID: 34452316 PMCID: PMC8402671 DOI: 10.3390/v13081450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are an emerging class of anti-cancer agents that replicate selectively within malignant cells and generate potent immune responses. Their potential efficacy has been shown in clinical trials, with talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC or IMLYGIC®) now approved both in the United States and Europe. In healthy individuals, NK cells provide effective surveillance against cancer and viral infections. In oncolytic viral therapy, NK cells may render OV ineffective by rapid elimination of the propagating virus but could also improve therapeutic efficacy by preferential killing of OV-infected malignant cells. Existing evidence suggests that the overall effect of NK cells against OV is context dependent. In the past decade, the understanding of cancer and OV biology has improved significantly, which helped refine this class of treatments in early-phase clinical trials. In this review, we summarised different strategies that have been evaluated to modulate NK activities for improving OV therapeutic benefits. Further development of OVs will require a systematic approach to overcome the challenges of the production and delivery of complex gene and cell-based therapies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Y. L. Leung
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Iain A. McNeish
- Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Department of Surgery and Cancer, IRDB Building, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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10
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Ravirala D, Mistretta B, Gunaratne PH, Pei G, Zhao Z, Zhang X. Co-delivery of novel bispecific and trispecific engagers by an amplicon vector augments the therapeutic effect of an HSV-based oncolytic virotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002454. [PMID: 34230110 PMCID: PMC8261877 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although oncolytic virotherapy has shown substantial promises as a new treatment modality for many malignancies, further improvement on its therapeutic efficacy will likely bring more clinical benefits. One plausible way of enhancing the therapeutic effect of virotherapy is to enable it with the ability to concurrently engage the infiltrating immune cells to provide additional antitumor mechanisms. Here, we report the construction and evaluation of two novel chimeric molecules (bispecific chimeric engager proteins, BiCEP and trispecific chimeric engager protein, TriCEP) that can engage both natural killer (NK) and T cells with tumor cells for enhanced antitumor activities. METHODS BiCEP was constructed by linking orthopoxvirus major histocompatibility complex class I-like protein, which can selectively bind to NKG2D with a high affinity to a mutant form of epidermal growth factor (EGF) that can strongly bind to EGF receptor. TriCEP is similarly constructed except that it also contains a modified form of interleukin-2 that can only function as a tethered form. As NKG2D is expressed on both NK and CD8+ T cells, both of which can thus be engaged by BiCEP and TriCEP. RESULTS Both BiCEP and TriCEP showed the ability to engage NK and T cells to kill tumor cells in vitro. Coadministration of BiCEP and TriCEP with an oncolytic herpes simplex virus enhanced the overall antitumor effect. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that TriCEP not only engaged NK and T cells to kill tumor cells, it also promotes the infiltration and activation of these important immune cells. CONCLUSIONS These novel chimeric molecules exploit the ability of the oncolytic virotherapy in altering the tumor microenvironment with increased infiltration of important immune cells such as NK and T cells for cancer immunotherapy. The ability of BiCEP and TriCEP to engage both NK and T cells makes them an ideal choice for arming an oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ravirala
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brandon Mistretta
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,UH Seq-N-Edit Core, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Preethi H Gunaratne
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,UH Seq-N-Edit Core, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Guangsheng Pei
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoliu Zhang
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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11
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Lu T, Xu R, Li Q, Zhao JY, Peng B, Zhang H, Guo JD, Zhang SQ, Li HW, Wang J, Zhang LY. Systematic profiling of ferroptosis gene signatures predicts prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 21:134-143. [PMID: 33981829 PMCID: PMC8080401 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We developed a predictive model associated with ferroptosis to provide a more comprehensive view of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) immunotherapy. Gene expression data and corresponding clinical outcomes were obtained from the GEO and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, and a ferroptosis-related gene set was obtained from the FerrDb database. We identified 45 ferroptosis-related genes that were differentially expressed, including enrichment in genes involved in the immune system process. We established a ferroptosis-related gene-based prognostic model based on the results of univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76 (3 years). We found that the patients with low-risk scores showed a higher proportion of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ memory activated T cells, etc. Finally, a predictive ferroptosis-related prognostic nomogram, which included the predictive values of age, gender, grade, TNM stage, and risk score, was established to predict overall survival. In sum, we developed a ferroptosis-related gene-based prognostic model that provides novel insights into the prediction of ESCC prognosis and identifies the relevance of the immune microenvironment for patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jia-Ying Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Ji-da Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hua-Wei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Lin-You Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
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