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Sanmartín I, Sendra L, Moret I, Herrero MJ, Aliño SF. Multicompartmental Lipopolyplex as Vehicle for Antigens and Genes Delivery in Vaccine Formulations. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020281. [PMID: 33669785 PMCID: PMC7922173 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector design and its characterization is an area of great interest in current vaccine research. In this article, we have formulated and characterized a multicompartmental lipopolyplex, which associates multiple liposomes and polyplexes in the same complex. These particles allow the simultaneous delivery of lipid or water-soluble antigens associated with genes to the same cell, in much higher amounts than conventional lipopolyplexes. The vector characterization and optimization were carried out using liposomes with entrapped carboxyfluorescein and adapted electrophoretic assays. Two types of lipopolyplexes (containing hydrophilic or lipophilic antigens) were employed to evaluate their interest in vaccination. The lipopolyplex loaded with an extract of water-soluble melanoma proteins proved to efficiently induce humoral response in murine melanoma model, increasing the levels of IgM and IgG. The specificity of the immune response induced by the lipopolyplex was demonstrated in mice with the lipopolyplex containing the GD3 ganglioside lipid antigen, abundant in melanoma cells. The levels of anti-GD3 IgG increased markedly without modifying the expression of humoral antibodies against other gangliosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaías Sanmartín
- Faculty of Veterinary and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (I.M.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Luis Sendra
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (I.M.); (M.J.H.)
- Pharmacogenetics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Inés Moret
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (I.M.); (M.J.H.)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Herrero
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (I.M.); (M.J.H.)
- Pharmacogenetics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador F. Aliño
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (I.M.); (M.J.H.)
- Pharmacogenetics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-963-864-972
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2
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Manrique-Rincón AJ, Beraldo CM, Toscaro JM, Bajgelman MC. Exploring Synergy in Combinations of Tumor-Derived Vaccines That Harbor 4-1BBL, OX40L, and GM-CSF. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1150. [PMID: 28974950 PMCID: PMC5610681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that combination of modulatory immune strategies may potentiate tumor cell elimination. Most strategies rely on the use of monoclonal antibodies that can block cell surface receptors to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression or acting as costimulatory ligands to boost activation of T cells. In this study, we evaluate the use of combinations of genetically modified tumor-derived cell lines that harbor the costimulatory T cell ligands 4-1BB ligand, OX40L, and the cytokine GM-CSF. The aim of these treatments is to boost the activation of T cells and the elimination of cancer cells. These tumor-derived cells are able to activate or reinforce T cell activation, thereby generating a potent and specific antitumor response. We developed a high-content in vitro imaging assay that allowed us to investigate synergies between different tumor-derived cells expressing modulatory immune molecules, as well as the influence on effector T cells to achieve tumor cell death. These results were then compared to the results of in vivo experiments in which we challenged immunocompetent animals using the B16F10 syngeneic model of melanoma in C57BL6 mice. Our results suggest that there is a substantial therapeutic benefit to using combinations of syngeneic tumor vaccines that express immune modulators. In addition, we observed that combinations of tumor-derived cells that expressed costimulatory ligands and GM-CSF induced a long-term protective effect by preventing cancer development in both cured and rechallenged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Manrique-Rincón
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Camila M Beraldo
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jessica M Toscaro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcio C Bajgelman
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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3
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Miguel A, Sendra L, Noé V, Ciudad CJ, Dasí F, Hervas D, Herrero MJ, Aliño SF. Silencing of Foxp3 enhances the antitumor efficacy of GM-CSF genetically modified tumor cell vaccine against B16 melanoma. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:503-514. [PMID: 28176947 PMCID: PMC5271385 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s104393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The antitumor response after therapeutic vaccination has a limited effect and seems to be related to the presence of T regulatory cells (Treg), which express the immunoregulatory molecules CTLA4 and Foxp3. The blockage of CTLA4 using antibodies has shown an effective antitumor response conducing to the approval of the human anti-CTLA4 antibody ipilimumab by the US Food and Drug Administration. On the other hand, Foxp3 is crucial for Treg development. For this reason, it is an attractive target for cancer treatment. This study aims to evaluate whether combining therapeutic vaccination with CTLA4 or Foxp3 gene silencing enhances the antitumor response. First, the "in vitro" cell entrance and gene silencing efficacy of two tools, 2'-O-methyl phosphorotioate-modified oligonucleotides (2'-OMe-PS-ASOs) and polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins (PPRHs), were evaluated in EL4 cells and cultured primary lymphocytes. Following B16 tumor transplant, C57BL6 mice were vaccinated with irradiated B16 tumor cells engineered to produce granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and were intraperitoneally treated with CTLA4 and Foxp3 2'-OMe-PS-ASO before and after vaccination. Tumor growth, mice survival, and CTLA4 and Foxp3 expression in blood cells were measured. The following results were obtained: 1) only 2'-OMe-PS-ASO reached gene silencing efficacy "in vitro"; 2) an improved survival effect was achieved combining both therapeutic vaccine and Foxp3 antisense or CTLA4 antisense oligonucleotides (50% and 20%, respectively); 3) The blood CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ (Treg) and CD4+CTLA4+ cell counts were higher in mice that developed tumor on the day of sacrifice. Our data showed that tumor cell vaccine combined with Foxp3 or CTLA4 gene silencing can increase the efficacy of therapeutic antitumor vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia
| | - Luis Sendra
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia
| | - Verónica Noé
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona
| | - Carles J Ciudad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona
| | - Francisco Dasí
- Research University Hospital of Valencia, INCLIVA Health Research Institute; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia Foundation
| | | | - María José Herrero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia; Pharmacogenetics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe)
| | - Salvador F Aliño
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia; Clinical Pharmacology Unit, ACM Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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4
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Derer A, Deloch L, Rubner Y, Fietkau R, Frey B, Gaipl US. Radio-Immunotherapy-Induced Immunogenic Cancer Cells as Basis for Induction of Systemic Anti-Tumor Immune Responses - Pre-Clinical Evidence and Ongoing Clinical Applications. Front Immunol 2015; 6:505. [PMID: 26500646 PMCID: PMC4597129 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) primarily aims to locally destroy the tumor via the induction of DNA damage in the tumor cells. However, the so-called abscopal, namely systemic and immune–mediated, effects of RT move over more and more in the focus of scientists and clinicians since combinations of local irradiation with immune therapy have been demonstrated to induce anti-tumor immunity. We here summarize changes of the phenotype and microenvironment of tumor cells after exposure to irradiation, chemotherapeutic agents, and immune modulating agents rendering the tumor more immunogenic. The impact of therapy-modified tumor cells and damage-associated molecular patterns on local and systemic control of the primary tumor, recurrent tumors, and metastases will be outlined. Finally, clinical studies affirming the bench-side findings of interactions and synergies of radiation therapy and immunotherapy will be discussed. Focus is set on combination of radio(chemo)therapy (RCT) with immune checkpoint inhibitors, growth factor inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Well-deliberated combination of RCT with selected immune therapies and growth factor inhibitors bear the great potential to further improve anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Derer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Lisa Deloch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Yvonne Rubner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Benjamin Frey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Udo S Gaipl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
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5
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A whole-cell tumor vaccine modified to express fibroblast activation protein induces antitumor immunity against both tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14421. [PMID: 26394925 PMCID: PMC4585784 DOI: 10.1038/srep14421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are common components of the tumor-suppressive microenvironment, and are a major determinant of the poor outcome of therapeutic vaccination. In this study, we modified tumor cells to express the fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is highly expressed by CAFs, to potentially improve whole-cell tumor vaccines by targeting both tumor cells and CAFs. Tumor cells were transfected with murine FAP plasmids bearing the cationic lipid DOTAP. Its antitumor effects were investigated in three established tumor models. Vaccination with tumor cells expressing FAP eliminated solid tumors and tumors resulting from hematogenous dissemination. This antitumor immune response was mediated by CD8+ T cells. Additionally, we found that CAFs were significantly reduced within the tumors. Furthermore, this vaccine enhanced the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, and suppressed the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. Our results indicated that the FAP-modified whole-cell tumor vaccine induced strong antitumor immunity against both tumor cells and CAFs and reversed the immunosuppressive effects of tumors by decreasing the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells and enhancing the recruitment of effector T cells. This conclusion may have important implications for the clinical use of genetically modified tumor cells as cancer vaccines.
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6
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de la Cruz-Merino L, Illescas-Vacas A, Grueso-López A, Barco-Sánchez A, Míguez-Sánchez C. Radiation for Awakening the Dormant Immune System, a Promising Challenge to be Explored. Front Immunol 2014. [PMID: 24672524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00102/abstract] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances that have been made in our understanding of cancer biology and immunology show that infiltrated immune cells and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment may play different functions that appear tightly related to clinical outcomes. Strategies aimed at interfering with the cross-talk between microenvironment tumor cells and their cellular partners have been considered for the development of new immunotherapies. These novel therapies target different cell components of the tumor microenvironment and importantly, they may be coupled and boosted with classical treatments, such as radiotherapy. In this work, we try to summarize recent data on the microenvironment impact of radiation therapy, from pre-clinical research to the clinic, while taking into account that this new knowledge will probably translate into indication and objective of radiation therapy changes in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Illescas-Vacas
- Radiotherapy Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital , Seville , Spain
| | - Ana Grueso-López
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital , Seville , Spain
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7
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de la Cruz-Merino L, Illescas-Vacas A, Grueso-López A, Barco-Sánchez A, Míguez-Sánchez C. Radiation for Awakening the Dormant Immune System, a Promising Challenge to be Explored. Front Immunol 2014; 5:102. [PMID: 24672524 PMCID: PMC3953712 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances that have been made in our understanding of cancer biology and immunology show that infiltrated immune cells and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment may play different functions that appear tightly related to clinical outcomes. Strategies aimed at interfering with the cross-talk between microenvironment tumor cells and their cellular partners have been considered for the development of new immunotherapies. These novel therapies target different cell components of the tumor microenvironment and importantly, they may be coupled and boosted with classical treatments, such as radiotherapy. In this work, we try to summarize recent data on the microenvironment impact of radiation therapy, from pre-clinical research to the clinic, while taking into account that this new knowledge will probably translate into indication and objective of radiation therapy changes in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Illescas-Vacas
- Radiotherapy Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital , Seville , Spain
| | - Ana Grueso-López
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital , Seville , Spain
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8
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Antitumor cell-complex vaccines employing genetically modified tumor cells and fibroblasts. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:636-49. [PMID: 24556729 PMCID: PMC3942756 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6020636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluates the immune response mediated by vaccination with cell complexes composed of irradiated B16 tumor cells and mouse fibroblasts genetically modified to produce GM-CSF. The animals were vaccinated with free B16 cells or cell complexes. We employed two gene plasmid constructions: one high producer (pMok) and a low producer (p2F). Tumor transplant was performed by injection of B16 tumor cells. Plasma levels of total IgG and its subtypes were measured by ELISA. Tumor volumes were measured and survival curves were obtained. The study resulted in a cell complex vaccine able to stimulate the immune system to produce specific anti-tumor membrane proteins (TMP) IgG. In the groups vaccinated with cells transfected with the low producer plasmid, IgG production was higher when we used free B16 cell rather than cell complexes. Nonspecific autoimmune response caused by cell complex was not greater than that induced by the tumor cells alone. Groups vaccinated with B16 transfected with low producer plasmid reached a tumor growth delay of 92% (p ≤ 0.01). When vaccinated with cell complex, the best group was that transfected with high producer plasmid, reaching a tumor growth inhibition of 56% (p ≤ 0.05). Significant survival (40%) was only observed in the groups vaccinated with free transfected B16 cells.
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9
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Miguel A, Herrero MJ, Sendra L, Botella R, Algás R, Sánchez M, Aliño SF. Comparative antitumor effect among GM-CSF, IL-12 and GM-CSF+IL-12 genetically modified tumor cell vaccines. Cancer Gene Ther 2013; 20:576-81. [PMID: 23969885 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2013.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified cells have been shown to be one of the most effective cancer vaccine strategies. An evaluation is made of the efficacy of both preventive and therapeutic antitumor vaccines against murine melanoma, using C57BL/6 mice and irradiated B16 tumor cells expressing granulocyte and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-12 (IL-12) or both. Tumor was transplanted by the injection of wild-type B16 cells. Tumor growth and survival were measured to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination. Specific humoral response and immunoglobulin G (IgG) switch were evaluated measuring total IgG and IgG1 and IgG2a subtypes against tumor membrane proteins of B16 cells. In preventive vaccination, all treated groups showed delayed tumor growth. In addition, the group vaccinated to express only GM-CSF achieved 100% animal survival (P<0.005). Vaccination with GM-CSF+IL-12-producing B16 cells yielded lesser results (60% survival, P<0.005). Furthermore, all surviving animals remained disease-free after second tumor implantation 1 year later. The therapeutic vaccination strategies resulted in significantly delayed tumor growth, mainly using B16 cells producing GM-CSF+IL-12 cytokines, with 70% tumor growth inhibition (P<0.001)-although none of the animals reached overall survival. The results obtained suggest that the GM-CSF+IL-12 combination only increases the efficacy of therapeutic vaccines. No differences in classical regulatory T cells were found among the different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Miguel
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Mohit E, Rafati S. Chemokine-based immunotherapy: delivery systems and combination therapies. Immunotherapy 2013; 4:807-40. [PMID: 22947009 DOI: 10.2217/imt.12.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A major role of chemokines is to mediate leukocyte migration through interaction with G-protein-coupled receptors. Various delivery systems have been developed to utilize the chemokine properties for combating disease. Viral and mutant viral vectors expressing chemokines, genetically modified dendritic cells with chemokine or chemokine receptors, engineered chemokine-expressing tumor cells and pDNA encoding chemokines are among these methods. Another approach for inducing a targeted immune response is fusion of a targeting antibody or antibody fragment to a chemokine. In addition, chemokines induce more effective antitumor immunity when used as adjuvants. In this regard, chemokines are codelivered along with antigens or fused as a targeting unit with antigenic moieties. In this review, several chemokines with their role in inducing immune response against different diseases are discussed, with a major emphasis on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Mohit
- Molecular Immunology & Vaccine Research Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
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11
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Comparative antitumor effect of preventive versus therapeutic vaccines employing B16 melanoma cells genetically modified to express GM-CSF and B7.2 in a murine model. Toxins (Basel) 2012. [PMID: 23202306 PMCID: PMC3509698 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines have always been a subject of gene therapy research. One of the most successful approaches has been working with genetically modified tumor cells. In this study, we describe our approach to achieving an immune response against a murine melanoma model, employing B16 tumor cells expressing GM-CSF and B7.2. Wild B16 cells were injected in C57BL6 mice to cause the tumor. Irradiated B16 cells transfected with GM-CSF, B7.2, or both, were processed as a preventive and therapeutic vaccination. Tumor volumes were measured and survival curves were obtained. Blood samples were taken from mice, and IgGs of each treatment group were also measured. The regulatory T cells (Treg) of selected groups were quantified using counts of images taken by confocal microscopy. Results: one hundred percent survival was achieved by preventive vaccination with the group of cells transfected with p2F_GM-CSF. Therapeutic vaccination achieved initial inhibition of tumor growth but did not secure overall survival of the animals. Classical Treg cells did not vary among the different groups in this therapeutic vaccination model.
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12
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Lortal B, Gross F, Peron JM, Pénary M, Berg D, Hennebelle I, Favre G, Couderc B. Preclinical study of an ex vivo gene therapy protocol for hepatocarcinoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2008; 16:329-37. [PMID: 18989351 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2008.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies in several animal models as well as clinical trials have shown a reduction in tumor growth following immunotherapy with interleukin-12 (IL-12). This cytokine is appropriate to test in therapeutic clinical trials to treat hepatocarcinoma (HC), a pathology often associated with hepatitis B or C-induced cirrhosis. The local delivery into the liver would be achieved through ex vivo gene transfer using retroviral (rv) vectors in autologous fibroblast carriers. In support of this clinical trial, a rv vector has been constructed to express coordinately both chains p35 and p40 of human IL-12. Here, we have tested good manufacturing practices (GMP) clinical lots of viral vectors derived from the transfected packaging cell line, PG13rvIL-12. We have also devised methods to facilitate the isolation of fibroblasts from freshly harvested skin specimens, enhance their outgrowth in large-scale cultures and assay IL-12 production following transduction, without any selection and irradiation. Twenty-four human skin specimens were processed to obtain fibroblast suspensions that were typically maintained for up to 8 or 12 passages. The mean +/-s.d. overall time for obtaining the required number of transduced cells for the highest IL-12 need was 40 days. The procedure, in accordance with the French medical agency for gene therapy clinical trials, is now ready to begin a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lortal
- INSERM U563, CPTP, Institut Claudius Regaud, Toulouse, France
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13
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14
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Abstract
Cancer vaccines have always been in the scope of gene therapy research. One of the most successful approaches has been working with genetically modified tumor cells. However, to become a clinical reality, tumor cells must suffer a long and risky process from the extraction from the patient to the reimplantation as a vaccine. In this work, we explain our group’s approach to reduce the cell number required to achieve an immune response against a melanoma murine model, employing bead-selected B16 tumor cells expressing GM-CSF and B7.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mj Herrero
- Gene Therapy Group, Dpto. Farmacologia, Fac. Medicina, Univ. Valencia, Valencia, España
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15
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Herrero MJ, Botella R, Dasí F, Algás R, Sánchez M, Aliño SF. Antigens and Cytokine Genes in Antitumor Vaccines. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1091:412-24. [PMID: 17341632 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1378.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies against cancer, including clinical trials, have shown that a correct activation of the immune system can lead to tumor rejection whereas incorrect signaling results in no positive effects or even anergy. We have worked assuming that two signals, GM-CSF (granulocyte and macrophage colony-stimulating factor) and tumor antigens are necessary to mediate an antitumor effective response. To study which is the ideal temporal sequence for their administration, we have used a murine model of antimelanoma vaccine employing whole B16 tumor cells or their membrane protein antigens (TMPs) in combination with gm-csf transfer before or after the antigen delivery. Our results show that: (i) When gm-csf tisular transfection is performed before TMP delivery, a tumor growth inhibition is observed, but with a limit effect when administering high antigen doses; in contrast, when signals are inverted, the limited effect is lost and greater antitumor efficacy is obtained. (ii) A similar behavior, but with stronger positive results, is observed employing gm-csf transfection and whole tumor cells as antigens. While negative results are obtained with gm-csf before cells, the best results (total survival of treated mice) are obtained when GM-CSF is administered in transfected cells. We conclude that optimal antitumoral response can be obtained when the antigen signal is given before (or simultaneous with) GM-CSF production, while the inversion of the signals could result in the undesired inhibition or anergy of the immune response.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/administration & dosage
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/physiology
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/genetics
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/administration & dosage
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/genetics
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/immunology
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/physiology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/prevention & control
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neoplasm Transplantation/immunology
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Herrero
- Gene Therapy Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
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16
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Varghese S, Rabkin SD, Liu R, Nielsen PG, Ipe T, Martuza RL. Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of IL-12, but not GM-CSF, expressing oncolytic herpes simplex virus for transgenic mouse derived prostate cancers. Cancer Gene Ther 2006; 13:253-65. [PMID: 16179929 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Replication competent oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSV) with broad-spectrum activity against various cancers, including prostate cancer, exert a dual effect by their direct cytocidal action and by eliciting tumor-specific immunity. These viruses can deliver immunoregulatory molecules to tumors so as to enhance the cumulative antitumor response. This is particularly desirable for prostate cancers, which are usually poorly immunogenic. Initial studies described herein comparing the efficacy of three different oncolytic HSVs (G207, G47Delta, and NV1023) to inhibit the growth of the poorly immunogenic TRAMP-C2 mouse prostate tumors demonstrated that NV1023 was most effective in treating established tumors. The expression of IL-12 on an NV1023 background (NV1042), but not the expression of GM-CSF (NV1034), further enhanced the efficacy of NV1023 in two murine prostate cancer models with highly variable MHC class I levels, Pr14-2 with 91% and TRAMP-C2 with 2% of cells staining. NV1042 also inhibited the growth of distant noninoculated tumors in both prostate cancer models. NV1042 treated tumors exhibited increased immune cell infiltration and decreased levels of angiogenesis. Thus, an IL-12 expressing oncolytic herpes virus, which is capable of direct cytotoxicity and can modulate the otherwise suboptimal immune response through concomitant expression of the cytokine at the site of tumor destruction, could serve as a valuable clinical agent to seek out both overt and occult prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Varghese
- Department of Neurosurgery, Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, 02129, USA
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Moret-Tatay I, Sanmartín I, Marco FM, Díaz J, Aliño SF. Nonviral therapeutic cell vaccine mediates potent antitumor effects. Vaccine 2006; 24:3937-45. [PMID: 16530895 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2005] [Revised: 01/31/2006] [Accepted: 02/08/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination of mice bearing melanoma tumors with our genetically modified tumor cells, via DOTAP/GM-CSF lipoplexes, results in >85% tumor growth inhibition. These fresh transfected cells (irradiated, frozen and thawed) are able to produce high amounts of GM-CSF transgene (>200 ng/10(6) cells/24 h). After vaccination, significant increases (>eight-fold) in specific antitumor membrane protein IgG1 and IgG2a are obtained only in groups vaccinated with GM-CSF-producing cells, where also the highest rates of tumor inhibition, and significantly delayed mice death (P<0.05), are observed. The antitumor response obtained is long-lasting in survivors (GM-CSF-group) from 6 months after the first tumor challenge, and a full 100% of mice survived to a second tumor challenge. All these results suggest that antitumor cell vaccines engineered by nonviral procedures are suitable for use as therapeutic vaccines with potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Moret-Tatay
- Gene Therapy Group, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Avda. de Blasco Ibáñez 15, Valencia 46010, Spain
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18
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He X, Luo P, Tsang TC, Zhang T, Harris DT. Immuno-gene therapy of melanoma by tumor antigen epitope modified IFN-gamma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2005; 54:741-9. [PMID: 15726359 PMCID: PMC11034313 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-004-0634-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2004] [Accepted: 09/30/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine-based vaccines play a major part in tumor immuno-gene therapy. However, down-regulated antigen expression on tumor cells may diminish the immuno-potentiating aspects of cellular vaccines. In this study, we coexpressed a tumor antigen epitope with IFN-gamma in the same gene by replacing the IFN-gamma signal peptide with an antigen epitope-expressing signal peptide. We then investigated the effect of the antigen epitope-incorporated IFN-gamma on the immunotherapy of murine melanoma B16 tumors. Results showed that TRP-2 epitope-expressing IFN-gamma decreased B16 tumorigenicity and enhanced its immunogenicity after gene transfer. Protective immunity against wild type B16 tumors was induced by vaccination with IFN-gamma transiently gene-modified tumor cells. These data suggest that cellular vaccines engineered to express an antigen epitope within an immunostimulatory cytokine could potentiate the immunization effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghui He
- Gene Therapy Group, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, 245049, AZ 85724 USA
| | - Phoebe Luo
- Cardiovascular Research Department, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02135 USA
| | - Tom C Tsang
- Gene Therapy Group, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, 245049, AZ 85724 USA
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Medical School, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03766 USA
| | - David T Harris
- Gene Therapy Group, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, 245049, AZ 85724 USA
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19
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Wojewodzka J, Pazdzior G, Langner M. A method to evaluate the effect of liposome lipid composition on its interaction with the erythrocyte plasma membrane. Chem Phys Lipids 2005; 135:181-7. [PMID: 15921977 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2005.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2004] [Revised: 01/10/2005] [Accepted: 02/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipid aggregates are considered promising carriers for macromolecules and toxic drugs. In order to fulfill this function, aggregates should have properties that ensure the efficient delivery of their cargo to the desired location. One of these properties is their stability in blood when accumulating in the targeted tissue. This stability may be affected by a number of factors, including enzymatic activity, protein adsorption, and non-specific lipid exchange between the aggregate and morphological blood components. Since blood cells in the majority consist of erythrocytes, their interaction with aggregates should be carefully analyzed. In this paper, we present a method that allows the exchange of lipid between liposomes and the erythrocyte plasma membrane to be evaluated. The extent of this exchange was measured in terms of the toxicity of a cationic lipid (DOTAP) incorporated into the liposome lipid bilayer, evaluated by plasma membrane mechanical properties. After liposomes were formed from DOTAP/PC or DOTAP/PE mixtures, erythrocyte plasma membranes were destabilized in a manner dependent on DOTAP concentration. A constant quantity of DOTAP mixed with various proportions of SM caused no such effect, indicating very limited lipid exchange with the cell membrane for such liposome formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wojewodzka
- Institute of Physics, Wroclaw University of Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
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20
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Sakakima Y, Hayashi S, Yagi Y, Hayakawa A, Tachibana K, Nakao A. Gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma using sonoporation enhanced by contrast agents. Cancer Gene Ther 2005; 12:884-9. [PMID: 15891773 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether sonoporation enhanced by a contrast agent (BR14) was effective in gene therapy for hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC). Human hepatic cancer cells (SK-Hep1) and plasmid cDNAs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), interferonbeta (IFNbeta), and LacZ were used. In vitro, SK-Hep1 cell suspensions with DNA and BR14 were sonoporated. Expressions of every plasmid cDNA and the antitumor effect of IFNbeta were analyzed. In vivo, GFP and IFNbeta genes with BR14 were directly injected into subcutaneous tumors using SK-Hep1 in nude mice, and transcutaneous sonoporation of the tumors was performed. GFP gene transfections and tumor diameters after IFNbeta gene transfection were examined. In vitro, no SK-Hep1 cells were transfected without sonication, whereas transfections were successful after sonication with BR14. Antitumor effect of IFNbeta gene transfection by ultrasound (US) and with BR14 was revealed. In vivo, the SK-Hep1 cells expressed GFP, and the IFNbeta gene transfection by US with BR14 reduced tumor size significantly. In conclusion, gene therapy with sonoporation enhanced by a contrast agent may become a new treatment option for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Sakakima
- Department of Surgery II, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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21
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Kaminski JM, Shinohara E, Summers JB, Niermann KJ, Morimoto A, Brousal J. The controversial abscopal effect. Cancer Treat Rev 2005; 31:159-72. [PMID: 15923088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2005.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The abscopal effect is potentially important for tumor control and is mediated through cytokines and/or the immune system, mainly cell-mediated immunity. It results from loss of growth stimulatory and/or immunosuppressive factors from the tumor. Until recently, the abscopal effect referred to the distant effects seen after local radiation therapy. However, the term should now be used interchangeably with distant bystander effect. Through analysis of distant bystander effects of other local therapies, we discuss the poorly understood and researched radiation-induced abscopal effect. Although the abscopal effect has been described in various malignancies, it is a rarely recognized clinical event. The abscopal effect is still extremely controversial with known data that both support and refute the concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Kaminski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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