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Hoang HD, Said A, Vaidya N, Gilchrist VH, Malone K, Kabilan U, Topshee S, Xiang X, Yang AD, Olagnier D, Mossman K, Beug ST, Jafarnejad SM, Workenhe ST, Graber TE, Alain T. Adaptation of transgene mRNA translation boosts the anticancer efficacy of oncolytic HSV1. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006408. [PMID: 36958764 PMCID: PMC10040010 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgenes deliver therapeutic payloads to improve oncolytic virus immunotherapy. Transgenes encoded within oncolytic viruses are designed to be highly transcribed, but protein synthesis is often negatively affected by viral infection, compromising the amount of therapeutic protein expressed. Studying the oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV1), we found standard transgene mRNAs to be suboptimally translated in infected cells. METHODS Using RNA-Seq reads, we determined the transcription start sites and 5'leaders of HSV1 genes and uncovered the US11 5'leader to confer superior activity in translation reporter assays. We then incorporated this 5'leader into GM-CSF expression cassette in oncolytic HSV1 and compared the translationally adapted oncolytic virus with the conventional, leaderless, virus in vitro and in mice. RESULTS Inclusion of the US11 5'leader in the GM-CSF transgene incorporated into HSV1 boosted translation in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, treatment with US11 5'leader-GM-CSF oncolytic HSV1 showed superior antitumor immune activity and improved survival in a syngeneic mouse model of colorectal cancer as compared with leaderless-GM-CSF HSV1. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the therapeutic value of identifying and integrating platform-specific cis-acting sequences that confer increased protein synthesis on transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy-Dung Hoang
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aida Said
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nasana Vaidya
- Department Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria H Gilchrist
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle Malone
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Usha Kabilan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Serena Topshee
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiao Xiang
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - An-Dao Yang
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Olagnier
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karen Mossman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn T Beug
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Samuel T Workenhe
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyson E Graber
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tommy Alain
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Li S, Li Q, Ren Y, Yi J, Guo J, Kong X. HSV: The scout and assault for digestive system tumors. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1142498. [PMID: 36926680 PMCID: PMC10011716 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1142498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 25% of all malignant tumors are digestive system tumors (DSTs), which mostly include esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. DSTs have emerged as one of the prominent reasons of morbidity and death in many nations and areas around the world, posing a serious threat to human life and health. General treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical resection can poorly cure the patients and have a bad prognosis. A type of immunotherapy known as oncolytic virus therapy, have recently shown extraordinary anti-tumor effectiveness. One of the viruses that has been the subject of the greatest research in this field, the herpes simplex virus (HSV), has shown excellent potential in DSTs. With a discussion of HSV-1 based on recent studies, we outline the therapeutic effects of HSV on a number of DSTs in this review. Additionally, the critical function of HSV in the detection of cancers is discussed, and some HSV future possibilities are shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Ren
- College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Yi
- College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinhe Guo
- College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianbin Kong
- College of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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3
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Shatnawi A, Abu Rabe DI, Frigo DE. Roles of the tumor suppressor inhibitor of growth family member 4 (ING4) in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2021; 152:225-262. [PMID: 34353439 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitor of growth family member 4 (ING4) is best known as a tumor suppressor that is frequently downregulated, deleted, or mutated in many cancers. ING4 regulates a broad array of tumor-related processes including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, autophagy, invasion, angiogenesis, DNA repair and chromatin remodeling. ING4 alters local chromatin structure by functioning as an epigenetic reader of H3K4 trimethylation histone marks (H3K4Me3) and regulating gene transcription through directing histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) protein complexes. ING4 may serve as a useful prognostic biomarker for many cancer types and help guide treatment decisions. This review provides an overview of ING4's central functions in gene expression and summarizes current literature on the role of ING4 in cancer and its possible use in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymen Shatnawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Charleston School of Pharmacy, Charleston, WV, United States.
| | - Dina I Abu Rabe
- Integrated Bioscience Program, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Daniel E Frigo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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4
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Kana SI, Essani K. Immuno-Oncolytic Viruses: Emerging Options in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:301-313. [PMID: 33713031 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most common neoplasm in the world and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA. A safer and more effective therapeutic intervention against this malignant carcinoma is called for given the limitations and toxicities associated with the currently available treatment modalities. Immuno-oncolytic or oncolytic virotherapy, the use of viruses to selectively or preferentially kill cancer cells, has emerged as a potential anticancer treatment modality. Oncolytic viruses act as double-edged swords against the tumors through the direct cytolysis of cancer cells and the induction of antitumor immunity. A number of such viruses have been tested against colorectal cancer, in both preclinical and clinical settings, and many have produced promising results. Oncolytic virotherapy has also shown synergistic antitumor efficacy in combination with conventional treatment regimens. In this review, we describe the status of this therapeutic approach against colorectal cancer at both preclinical and clinical levels. Successes with and the challenges of using oncolytic viruses, both as monotherapy and in combination therapy, are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Islam Kana
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5410, USA
| | - Karim Essani
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5410, USA.
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5
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Lee CL, Veeramani S, Molouki A, Lim SHE, Thomas W, Chia SL, Yusoff K. Virotherapy: Current Trends and Future Prospects for Treatment of Colon and Rectal Malignancies. Cancer Invest 2019; 37:393-414. [PMID: 31502477 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2019.1660887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies. In recent decades, early diagnosis and conventional therapies have resulted in a significant reduction in mortality. However, late stage metastatic disease still has very limited effective treatment options. There is a growing interest in using viruses to help target therapies to tumour sites. In recent years the evolution of immunotherapy has emphasised the importance of directing the immune system to eliminate tumour cells; we aim to give a state-of-the-art over-view of the diverse viruses that have been investigated as potential oncolytic agents for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Liang Lee
- Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine (PU-RCSI) , Serdang , Malaysia
| | - Sanggeetha Veeramani
- Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine (PU-RCSI) , Serdang , Malaysia
| | - Aidin Molouki
- Department of Avian Disease Research and Diagnostics, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) , Karaj , Iran
| | - Swee Hua Erin Lim
- Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine (PU-RCSI) , Serdang , Malaysia.,Health Sciences Division, Abu Dhabi Women's College, Higher Colleges of Technology , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
| | - Warren Thomas
- Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine (PU-RCSI) , Serdang , Malaysia
| | - Suet Lin Chia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universit Putra Malaysia , Serdang , Malaysia.,Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia , Serdang , Malaysia
| | - Khatijah Yusoff
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universit Putra Malaysia , Serdang , Malaysia.,Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia , Serdang , Malaysia
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6
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The essential role of tumor suppressor gene ING4 in various human cancers and non-neoplastic disorders. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20180773. [PMID: 30643005 PMCID: PMC6356015 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20180773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4), a member of the ING family discovered in 2003, has been shown to act as a tumor suppressor and is frequently down-regulated in various human cancers. Numerous published in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that ING4 is responsible for important cancer hallmarks such as pathologic cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, contact inhibition, and hypoxic adaptation, and also affects tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. These characteristics are typically associated with regulation through chromatin acetylation by binding histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and through transcriptional activity of transcription factor P53 and NF-κB. In addition, emerging evidence has indicated that abnormalities in ING4 expression and function play key roles in non-neoplastic disorders. Here, we provide an overview of ING4-modulated chromosome remodeling and transcriptional function, as well as the functional consequences of different genetic variants. We also present the current understanding concerning the role of ING4 in the development of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. These studies offer inspiration for pursuing novel therapeutics for various cancers.
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7
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The breast tumor microenvironment is immunosuppressive and is increasingly recognized to play a significant role in tumorigenesis. A deeper understanding of normal and aberrant interactions between malignant and immune cells has allowed researchers to harness the immune system with novel immunotherapy strategies, many of which have shown promise in breast cancer. This review discusses the application of immunotherapy to the treatment of breast cancer. Recent Findings Both basic science and clinical trial data are rapidly developing in the use of immunotherapy for breast cancer. The current clinical trial landscape includes therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint blockade, antibodies, cytokines, and adoptive cell therapy. Summary Despite early failures, the application of immunotherapeutic strategies to the treatment of breast cancer holds promise.
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8
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Zhang R, Jin J, Shi J, Hou Y. INGs are potential drug targets for cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 143:189-197. [PMID: 27544390 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The inhibitor of growth (ING) family consists of ING1, ING2, ING3, ING4 and ING5, which function as the type II tumor suppressors. INGs regulate cell proliferation, senescence, apoptosis, differentiation, angiogenesis, DNA repair, metastasis, and invasion by multiple pathways. In addition, INGs increase cancer cell sensitivity for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while clinical observations show that INGs are frequently lost in some types of cancers. The aim of the study was to summarize the recent progress regarding INGs regulating tumor progression. METHODS The literatures of INGs regulating tumor progression were searched and assayed. RESULTS The regulating signaling pathways of ING1, ING2, ING3 or ING4 on tumor progression were shown. The mechanisms of INGs on tumor suppression were also assayed. CONCLUSIONS This review better summarized the signaling mechanism of INGs on tumor suppression, which provides a candidate therapy strategy for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runyun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Wujin People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 212017, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Jin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Wujin People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 212017, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Shi
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongzhong Hou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Wujin People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 212017, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Yuan S, Jin J, Shi J, Hou Y. Inhibitor of growth-4 is a potential target for cancer therapy. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:4275-9. [PMID: 26803518 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitor of growth-4 (ING-4) belongs to the inhibitor of growth (ING) family that is a type II tumor suppressor gene including five members (ING1-5). As a tumor suppressor, ING4 inhibits tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis by multiple signaling pathways. In addition to that, ING4 can facilitate cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although ING4 loss is observed for many types of cancers, increasing evidences show that ING4 can be used for gene therapy. In this review, the recent progress of ING4 regulating tumorigenesis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Wujin People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 212017, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Jin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Wujin People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 212017, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Shi
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongzhong Hou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Wujin People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 212017, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Hammerich L, Binder A, Brody JD. In situ vaccination: Cancer immunotherapy both personalized and off-the-shelf. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1966-81. [PMID: 26632446 PMCID: PMC5528727 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As cancer immunotherapy continues to benefit from novel approaches which cut immune 'brake pedals' (e.g. anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies) and push immune cell gas pedals (e.g. IL2, and IFNα) there will be increasing need to develop immune 'steering wheels' such as vaccines to guide the immune system specifically toward tumor associated antigens. Two primary hurdles in cancer vaccines have been: identification of universal antigens to be used in 'off-the-shelf' vaccines for common cancers, and 2) logistical hurdles of ex vivo production of individualized whole tumor cell vaccines. Here we summarize approaches using 'in situ vaccination' in which intratumoral administration of off-the-shelf immunomodulators have been developed to specifically induce (or amplify) T cell responses to each patient's individual tumor. Clinical studies have confirmed the induction of systemic immune and clinical responses to such approaches and preclinical models have suggested ways to further potentiate the translation of in situ vaccine trials for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hammerich
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hess Center for Science and Medicine, United States
| | - Adam Binder
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hess Center for Science and Medicine, United States
| | - Joshua D Brody
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hess Center for Science and Medicine, United States.
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Abstract
New therapies for metastatic breast cancer patients are urgently needed. The long-term survival rates remain unacceptably low for patients with recurrent disease or disseminated metastases. In addition, existing therapies often cause a variety of debilitating side effects that severely impact quality of life. Oncolytic viruses constitute a developing therapeutic modality in which interest continues to build due to their ability to spare normal tissue while selectively destroying tumor cells. A number of different viruses have been used to develop oncolytic agents for breast cancer, including herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, vaccinia virus, measles virus, reovirus, and others. In general, clinical trials for several cancers have demonstrated excellent safety records and evidence of efficacy. However, the impressive tumor responses often observed in preclinical studies have yet to be realized in the clinic. In order for the promise of oncolytic virotherapy to be fully realized for breast cancer patients, effectiveness must be demonstrated in metastatic disease. This review provides a summary of oncolytic virotherapy strategies being developed to target metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas R Hurst
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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12
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Braidwood L, Learmonth K, Graham A, Conner J. Potent efficacy signals from systemically administered oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV1716) in hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft models. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2014; 1:149-61. [PMID: 27508184 PMCID: PMC4918275 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s71019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV1716), lacking the neurovirulence factor ICP34.5, has highly selective replication competence for cancer cells and has been used in clinical studies of glioma, melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, pediatric non-central nervous system solid tumors, and malignant pleural mesothelioma. To date, 88 patients have received HSV1716 and the virus is well tolerated, with selective replication in tumor cells and no spread to surrounding normal tissue. We assessed the potential value of HSV1716 in preclinical studies with two human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, HuH7 and HepG2-luc. HSV1716 displayed excellent replication kinetics in vitro in HepG2-luc cells, a cell line engineered to express luciferase, and virus-mediated cell killing correlated with loss of light emissions from the cells. In vivo, the HepG2-luc cells readily formed light-emitting xenografts that were easily visualized by an in vivo imaging system and efficiently eliminated by HSV1716 oncolysis after intratumoral injection. HSV1716 also demonstrated strong efficacy signals in subcutaneous HuH7 xenografts in nude mice after intravenous administration of virus. In the HuH7 model, the intravenously injected virus replicated prolifically immediately after efficient tumor localization, resulting in highly significant reductions in tumor growth and enhanced survival. Our preclinical results demonstrate excellent tumor uptake of HSV1716, with prolific replication and potent oncolysis. These observations warrant a clinical study of HSV1716 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Braidwood
- Virttu Biologics Ltd, Department of Neurology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kirsty Learmonth
- Virttu Biologics Ltd, Department of Neurology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alex Graham
- Virttu Biologics Ltd, Department of Neurology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joe Conner
- Virttu Biologics Ltd, Department of Neurology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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13
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Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is a new strategy to reduce tumor burden through selective virus replication in rapidly proliferating cells. Oncolytic viruses are members of at least ten virus families, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here, I briefly review the recent advances and key challenges, as exemplified by the best-studied platforms. Recent advances include preclinical proof of feasibility, clinical evidence of tolerability and effectiveness, and the development of new strategies to improve efficacy. These include engineered tumor selectivity and expression of antitumorigenic genes that could function independently of virus replication, identification of combinatorial therapies that accelerate intratumoral virus propagation, and modification of immune responses and vascular delivery for treatment of metastatic disease. Key challenges are to select "winners" from the distinct oncolytic platforms that can stimulate anti-cancer immunity without affecting virus replication and can lyse cancer stem cells, which are most likely responsible for tumor maintenance, aggressiveness, and recurrence. Preventing the emergence of resistant tumor cells during virotherapy through the activation of multiple death pathways, the development of a better understanding of the mechanisms of cancer stem-cell lysis, and the development of more meaningful preclinical animal models are additional challenges for the next-generation of engineered viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Aurelian
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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