1
|
Savar NS, Vallet T, Azizi M, Arashkia A, Lundstrom K, Vignuzzi M, Niknam HM. Quantitative evaluation of PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion gene expression following transfection with an alphavirus-derived self-amplifying mRNA and conventional DNA vaccine platforms. Mol Cell Probes 2021; 59:101749. [PMID: 34214632 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2021.101749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
New vaccine platforms are crucial to address complex parasitic infections such as cutaneous leishmaniasis. Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) based vaccines represent the next generation nucleic acid-based platform. In the present study, we compared the expression levels of PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion gene in BHK-21 cells following transfection with Semliki Forest virus (SFV)-derived SAM, SFV-derived plasmid DNA (pSFV-PD) and conventional plasmid DNA (pcDNA3.1+). PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion gene expression levels were evaluated at different time points, using quantitative Real-time PCR. All data were validated and normalized by two internal control genes. According to the results, mean values of relative expression were significantly higher for SFV-PD SAM/fusion than pcDNA/fusion and pSFV-PD/fusion at all concentrations and time points. Our results showed that higher levels of PpSp15-LmSTI1 antigen expression could be achieved using a SAM vector than pcDNA and pSFV-PD, making it a valuable and efficient alternative to conventional plasmid DNA-based vaccines against leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Vallet
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique UMR, 3569, Paris, France
| | - Masoumeh Azizi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Arashkia
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marco Vignuzzi
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique UMR, 3569, Paris, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kurena B, Müller E, Christopoulos PF, Johnsen IB, Stankovic B, Øynebråten I, Corthay A, Zajakina A. Generation and Functional In Vitro Analysis of Semliki Forest Virus Vectors Encoding TNF-α and IFN-γ. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1667. [PMID: 29276511 PMCID: PMC5727424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine gene delivery by viral vectors is a promising novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Semliki Forest virus (SFV) has many advantages as a delivery vector, including the ability to (i) induce p53-independent killing of tumor cells via apoptosis, (ii) elicit a type-I interferon (IFN) response, and (iii) express high levels of the transgene. SFV vectors encoding cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-12 have shown promising therapeutic responses in experimental tumor models. Here, we developed two new recombinant SFV vectors encoding either murine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or murine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), two cytokines with documented immunostimulatory and antitumor activity. The SFV vector showed high infection rate and cytotoxicity in mouse and human lung carcinoma cells in vitro. By contrast, mouse and human macrophages were resistant to infection with SFV. The recombinant SFV vectors directly inhibited mouse lung carcinoma cell growth in vitro, while exploiting the cancer cells for production of SFV vector-encoded cytokines. The functionality of SFV vector-derived TNF-α was confirmed through successful induction of cell death in TNF-α-sensitive fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent manner. SFV vector-derived IFN-γ activated macrophages toward a tumoricidal phenotype leading to suppressed Lewis lung carcinoma cell growth in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. The ability of SFV to provide functional cytokines and infect tumor cells but not macrophages suggests that SFV may be very useful for cancer immunotherapy employing tumor-infiltrating macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baiba Kurena
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Panagiotis F Christopoulos
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Bjellmo Johnsen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Branislava Stankovic
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Øynebråten
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexandre Corthay
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Zajakina
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Gene therapy based on viral vectors has demonstrated steady progress recently, not only in the area of cancers. A multitude of viral vectors has been engineered for both preventive and therapeutic applications. Two main approaches comprise of viral vector-based delivery of toxic or anticancer genes or immunization with anticancer antigens. Tumor growth inhibition and tumor regression have been observed, providing improved survival rates in animal tumor models. Furthermore, vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy has demonstrated both tumor regression and protection against challenges with lethal doses of tumor cells. Several clinical trials with viral vectors have also been conducted. Additionally, viral vector-based cancer drugs have been approved. This review gives an overview of different viral vector systems and their applications in cancer gene therapy.
Collapse
|
4
|
Oncolytic Alphaviruses in Cancer Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2017; 5:vaccines5020009. [PMID: 28417936 PMCID: PMC5492006 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines5020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses show specific targeting and killing of tumor cells and therefore provide attractive assets for cancer immunotherapy. In parallel to oncolytic viral vectors based on adenoviruses and herpes simplex viruses, oncolytic RNA viruses and particularly alphaviruses have been evaluated as delivery vehicles. Immunization studies in experimental rodent models for various cancers including glioblastoma, hematologic, hepatocellular, colon, cervix, and lung cancer as well as melanoma have been conducted with naturally occurring oncolytic alphavirus strains such as M1 and Sindbis AR339. Moreover, animals were vaccinated with engineered oncolytic replication-deficient and -competent Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vectors expressing various antigens. Vaccinations elicited strong antibody responses and resulted in tumor growth inhibition, tumor regression and even complete tumor eradication. Vaccination also led to prolonged survival in several animal models. Furthermore, preclinical evaluation demonstrated both prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic alphavirus administration. Clinical trials in humans have mainly been limited to safety studies so far.
Collapse
|
5
|
Replicon RNA Viral Vectors as Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4040039. [PMID: 27827980 PMCID: PMC5192359 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded RNA viruses of both positive and negative polarity have been used as vectors for vaccine development. In this context, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles virus and rhabdoviruses have been engineered for expression of surface protein genes and antigens. Administration of replicon RNA vectors has resulted in strong immune responses and generation of neutralizing antibodies in various animal models. Immunization of mice, chicken, pigs and primates with virus-like particles, naked RNA or layered DNA/RNA plasmids has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of infectious agents and administered tumor cells. Both prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy has been achieved in cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, recombinant particles and replicon RNAs have been encapsulated by liposomes to improve delivery and targeting. Replicon RNA vectors have also been subjected to clinical trials. Overall, immunization with self-replicating RNA viruses provides high transient expression levels of antigens resulting in generation of neutralizing antibody responses and protection against lethal challenges under safe conditions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Viral vectors have frequently been applied in gene therapy with the final goal of treating various diseases in the areas of neurology, neurodegeneration, metabolic disease, and cancer. Vectors have been engineered based on AAV, adenoviruses, alphaviruses, herpes simplex viruses, lentiviruses, and retroviruses. Some vectors are suitable for short-term episomal transgene expression, whereas others are integrated into the host cell genome to provide long-term expression. Additionally, hybrid vectors with favorable features from different viruses have been developed. Therapeutic genes of choice have typically been toxic genes such as thymidine kinase, pro-apoptotic genes like Bax, and immunostimulatory genes (for instance, interleukin-12). A large number of animal studies have demonstrated proof of concept of viral gene therapy. Many types of viral vectors have been employed in more than 700 clinical trials that have been carried out or are currently in progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Lundstrom
- Regulon Inc., Chemin des Croisettes 22, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
RNA viruses are characterized by their efficient capacity to replicate at high levels in mammalian cells leading to high expression of foreign genes and making them attractive candidates for vectors engineered for vaccine development and gene therapy. Particularly, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, rhabdoviruses and measles viruses have been applied for immunization against infectious agents and tumors. Application of replicon RNA, DNA/RNA-layered vectors and replication-deficient viral particles have provided strong immune responses and protection against challenges with lethal doses of viral pathogens or tumor cells. Moreover, tumor regression has been obtained when RNA replicons have been administered in the form of RNA, DNA and viral particles, including replication-proficient oncolytic particles.
Collapse
|
8
|
Lundstrom K. Alphavirus vectors as tools in neuroscience and gene therapy. Virus Res 2015; 216:16-25. [PMID: 26307195 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alphavirus-based vectors have been engineered for in vitro and in vivo expression of heterelogous genes. The rapid and easy generation of replication-deficient recombinant particles and the broad range of host cell infection have made alphaviruses attractive vehicles for applications in neuroscience and gene therapy. Efficient delivery to primary neurons and hippocampal slices has allowed localization studies of gene expression and electrophysiological recordings of ion channels. Alphavirus vectors have also been applied for in vivo delivery to rodent brain. Due to the strong local transient expression provided by alphavirus vectors a number of immunization and gene therapy approaches have demonstrated both therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy in various animal models.
Collapse
|
9
|
Li J, Heinrichs J, Haarberg K, Semple K, Veerapathran A, Liu C, Anasetti C, Yu XZ. HY-Specific Induced Regulatory T Cells Display High Specificity and Efficacy in the Prevention of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:717-25. [PMID: 26048147 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Naturally derived regulatory T cells (Tregs) may prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) while preserving graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) activity. However, clinical application of naturally derived regulatory T cells has been severely hampered by their scarce availability and nonselectivity. To overcome these limitations, we took alternative approaches to generate Ag-specific induced Tregs (iTregs) and tested their efficacy and selectivity in the prevention of GVHD in preclinical models of bone marrow transplantation. We selected HY as a target Ag because it is a naturally processed, ubiquitously expressed minor histocompatibility Ag (miHAg) with a proven role in GVHD and GVL effect. We generated HY-specific iTregs (HY-iTregs) from resting CD4 T cells derived from TCR transgenic mice, in which CD4 cells specifically recognize HY peptide. We found that HY-iTregs were highly effective in preventing GVHD in male (HY(+)) but not female (HY(-)) recipients using MHC II-mismatched, parent→F1, and miHAg-mismatched murine bone marrow transplantation models. Interestingly, the expression of target Ag (HY) on the hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic compartment alone was sufficient for iTregs to prevent GVHD. Furthermore, treatment with HY-iTregs still preserved the GVL effect even against pre-established leukemia. We found that HY-iTregs were more stable in male than in female recipients. Furthermore, HY-iTregs expanded extensively in male but not female recipients, which in turn significantly reduced donor effector T cell expansion, activation, and migration into GVHD target organs, resulting in effective prevention of GVHD. This study demonstrates that iTregs specific for HY miHAgs are highly effective in controlling GVHD in an Ag-dependent manner while sparing the GVL effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Jessica Heinrichs
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; and
| | - Kelley Haarberg
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Kenrick Semple
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Anandharaman Veerapathran
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Claudio Anasetti
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
| | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; and
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alphaviruses in gene therapy. Viruses 2015; 7:2321-33. [PMID: 25961488 PMCID: PMC4452908 DOI: 10.3390/v7052321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphavirus vectors present an attractive approach for gene therapy applications due to the rapid and simple recombinant virus particle production and their broad range of mammalian host cell transduction. Mainly three types of alphavirus vectors, namely naked RNA, recombinant particles and DNA/RNA layered vectors, have been subjected to preclinical studies with the goal of achieving prophylactic or therapeutic efficacy, particularly in oncology. In this context, immunization with alphavirus vectors has provided protection against challenges with tumor cells. Moreover, alphavirus intratumoral and systemic delivery has demonstrated substantial tumor regression and significant prolonged survival rates in various animal tumor models. Recent discoveries of the strong association of RNA interference and disease have accelerated gene therapy based approaches, where alphavirus-based gene delivery can play an important role.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Recombinant nucleic acids are considered as promising next-generation vaccines. These vaccines express the native antigen upon delivery into tissue, thus mimicking live attenuated vaccines without having the risk of reversion to pathogenicity. They also stimulate the innate immune system, thus potentiating responses. Nucleic acid vaccines are easy to produce at reasonable cost and are stable. During the past years, focus has been on the use of plasmid DNA for vaccination. Now mRNA and replicon vaccines have come into focus as promising technology platforms for vaccine development. This review discusses self-replicating RNA vaccines developed from alphavirus expression vectors. These replicon vaccines can be delivered as RNA, DNA or as recombinant virus particles. All three platforms have been pre-clinically evaluated as vaccines against a number of infectious diseases and cancer. Results have been very encouraging and propelled the first human clinical trials, the results of which have been promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Ljungberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
RNA-based approaches have provided novel alternatives for modern drug discovery. The application of RNA as therapeutic agents has, until recently, been hampered by issues related to poor delivery and stability, but chemical modifications and new delivery approaches have increased progress. Moreover, the discovery of the importance of RNA in gene regulation and gene silencing has revealed new drug targets, especially related to treatment of cancer and other diseases. Recent engineering of small molecules designed from RNA sequences to target miRNAs opens up new possibilities in drug development. Furthermore, RNA-based vaccines have been engineered applying RNA virus vectors and non-viral delivery for vaccine development.
Collapse
|
13
|
Alphavirus-based vaccines. Viruses 2014; 6:2392-415. [PMID: 24937089 PMCID: PMC4074933 DOI: 10.3390/v6062392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphavirus vectors have demonstrated high levels of transient heterologous gene expression both in vitro and in vivo and, therefore, possess attractive features for vaccine development. The most commonly used delivery vectors are based on three single-stranded encapsulated alphaviruses, namely Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Alphavirus vectors have been applied as replication-deficient recombinant viral particles and, more recently, as replication-proficient particles. Moreover, in vitro transcribed RNA, as well as layered DNA vectors have been applied for immunization. A large number of highly immunogenic viral structural proteins expressed from alphavirus vectors have elicited strong neutralizing antibody responses in multispecies animal models. Furthermore, immunization studies have demonstrated robust protection against challenges with lethal doses of virus in rodents and primates. Similarly, vaccination with alphavirus vectors expressing tumor antigens resulted in prophylactic protection against challenges with tumor-inducing cancerous cells. As certain alphaviruses, such as Chikungunya virus, have been associated with epidemics in animals and humans, attention has also been paid to the development of vaccines against alphaviruses themselves. Recent progress in alphavirus vector development and vaccine technology has allowed conducting clinical trials in humans.
Collapse
|
14
|
Avogadri F, Zappasodi R, Yang A, Budhu S, Malandro N, Hirschhorn-Cymerman D, Tiwari S, Maughan MF, Olmsted R, Wolchok JD, Merghoub T. Combination of alphavirus replicon particle-based vaccination with immunomodulatory antibodies: therapeutic activity in the B16 melanoma mouse model and immune correlates. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 2:448-58. [PMID: 24795357 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-13-0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Induction of potent immune responses to self-antigens remains a major challenge in tumor immunology. We have shown that a vaccine based on alphavirus replicon particles (VRP) activates strong cellular and humoral immunity to tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2) melanoma antigen, providing prophylactic and therapeutic effects in stringent mouse models. Here, we report that the immunogenicity and efficacy of this vaccine is increased in combination with either antagonist anti-CTL antigen-4 (CTLA-4) or agonist anti-glucocorticoid-induced TNF family-related gene (GITR) immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAb). In the challenging therapeutic setting, VRP-TRP2 plus anti-GITR or anti-CTLA-4 mAb induced complete tumor regression in 90% and 50% of mice, respectively. These mAbs had similar adjuvant effects in priming an adaptive immune response against the vaccine-encoded antigen, augmenting, respectively, approximately 4- and 2-fold the TRP2-specific CD8(+) T-cell response and circulating Abs, compared with the vaccine alone. Furthermore, while both mAbs increased the frequency of tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells, anti-CTLA-4 mAb also increased the quantity of intratumor CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells expressing the negative costimulatory molecule programmed death-1 (PD-1). Concurrent GITR expression on these cells suggests that they might be controlled by anti-GITR mAbs, thus potentially explaining their differential accumulation under the two treatment conditions. These findings indicate that combining immunomodulatory mAbs with alphavirus-based anticancer vaccines can provide therapeutic antitumor immune responses in a stringent mouse model, suggesting potential utility in clinical trials. They also indicate that tumor-infiltrating CD4(+)Foxp3(-)PD-1(+) T cells may affect the outcome of immunomodulatory treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Avogadri
- Authors' Affiliations: AlphaVax, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wolf A, Hodneland K, Frost P, Hoeijmakers M, Rimstad E. Salmonid alphavirus-based replicon vaccine against infectious salmon anemia (ISA): impact of immunization route and interactions of the replicon vector. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 36:383-392. [PMID: 24374059 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A salmonid alphavirus (SAV)-based replicon encoding the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) hemagglutinin-esterase (HE), pSAV/HE, is an efficacious vaccine against infectious salmon anemia (ISA). Delivered intramuscularly (i.m.), the replicon vaccine provides high protection against subsequent ISAV challenge in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and induces a strong innate response locally at the injection site. This may be beneficial and could warrant reduced doses and improved efficacy compared to conventional DNA vaccines. In the present study, we found that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the pSAV/HE replicon vaccine did not induce protection, neither alone or in combination with a sub-potent, inactivated low-dose ISAV vaccine given i.p. No significant differences between the two immunization routes regarding systemic immune responses could be observed. I.m. injection of the replicon vector encoding a non-viral gene or the protective glycoprotein (G protein) from the heterologous viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) induced no protection against ISA. Although the replicons without the ISAV HE did induce IFN-signaling pathways at the muscle injection site similar to the pSAV/HE replicon they did not improve the efficacy of a sub-potent inactivated low-dose ISAV vaccine delivered i.p. Moreover, there was a tendency for reduced efficacy of the pSAV/HE replicon vaccine injected i.m. when co-injected with the replicon encoding the VHSV G protein, which previously, after DNA vaccination, have been reported to induce cross-protection against heterologous virus challenge in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Wolf
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kjartan Hodneland
- MSD Animal Health Innovation AS, Thormøhlensgate 55, N-5008 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Petter Frost
- MSD Animal Health Innovation AS, Thormøhlensgate 55, N-5008 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | - Espen Rimstad
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Choi Y, Chang J. Viral vectors for vaccine applications. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2013; 2:97-105. [PMID: 23858400 PMCID: PMC3710930 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2013.2.2.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional approach of inactivated or live-attenuated vaccine immunization has resulted in impressive success in the reduction and control of infectious disease outbreaks. However, many pathogens remain less amenable to deal with the traditional vaccine strategies, and more appropriate vaccine strategy is in need. Recent discoveries that led to increased understanding of viral molecular biology and genetics has rendered the used of viruses as vaccine platforms and as potential anti-cancer agents. Due to their ability to effectively induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, viral vectors are deemed as an attractive alternative to the traditional platforms to deliver vaccine antigens as well as to specifically target and kill tumor cells. With potential targets ranging from cancers to a vast number of infectious diseases, the benefits resulting from successful application of viral vectors to prevent and treat human diseases can be immense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youngjoo Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wolf A, Hodneland K, Frost P, Braaen S, Rimstad E. A hemagglutinin-esterase-expressing salmonid alphavirus replicon protects Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) against infectious salmon anemia (ISA). Vaccine 2012. [PMID: 23200939 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A replicon expression system based on the salmonid alphavirus (SAV) that encodes the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) was constructed and found to be an efficacious vaccine against infectious salmon anemia (ISA). Following a single intramuscular immunization, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were effectively protected against subsequent ISAV challenge. Additional replicons coding for the ISAV fusion glycoprotein (F) or the ISAV matrix protein (M) were created and tested in combination with the replicon that encodes the HE. The ISAV HE was confirmed as a potent antigen, but neither the F nor the M proteins were found to be essential for immunization-induced protection. Innate immune response induced at the site of vaccination illustrated the immunogenicity of the SAV-based replicon and its ability to activate antiviral responses in Atlantic salmon. The successful testing of the SAV-based replicon as a vaccine model against ISA showed that the replicon approach may represent a novel immunization technology for the aquaculture industry. It offers potential benefits in terms of safety, efficacy, flexibility, and vaccine production complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Wolf
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Alphavirus replicon particles expressing TRP-2 provide potent therapeutic effect on melanoma through activation of humoral and cellular immunity. PLoS One 2010; 5. [PMID: 20844763 PMCID: PMC2937034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is refractory to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore alternative approaches to treat this disease, such as immunotherapy, are needed. Melanoma vaccine design has mainly focused on targeting CD8+ T cells. Activation of effector CD8+ T cells has been achieved in patients, but provided limited clinical benefit, due to immune-escape mechanisms established by advanced tumors. We have previously shown that alphavirus-based virus-like replicon particles (VRP) simultaneously activate strong cellular and humoral immunity against the weakly immunogenic melanoma differentiation antigen (MDA) tyrosinase. Here we further investigate the antitumor effect and the immune mechanisms of VRP encoding different MDAs. Methodology/Principal Findings VRP encoding different MDAs were screened for their ability to prevent the growth of the B16 mouse transplantable melanoma. The immunologic mechanisms of efficacy were investigated for the most effective vaccine identified, focusing on CD8+ T cells and humoral responses. To this end, ex vivo immune assays and transgenic mice lacking specific immune effector functions were used. The studies identified a potent therapeutic VRP vaccine, encoding tyrosinase related protein 2 (TRP-2), which provided a durable anti-tumor effect. The efficacy of VRP-TRP2 relies on a novel immune mechanism of action requiring the activation of both IgG and CD8+ T cell effector responses, and depends on signaling through activating Fcγ receptors. Conclusions/Significance This study identifies a VRP-based vaccine able to elicit humoral immunity against TRP-2, which plays a role in melanoma immunotherapy and synergizes with tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses. These findings will aid in the rational design of future immunotherapy clinical trials.
Collapse
|
19
|
Alphavirus vectors for cancer therapy. Virus Res 2010; 153:179-96. [PMID: 20692305 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2010.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alphaviruses contain a single strand RNA genome that can be easily modified to express heterologous genes at very high levels in a broad variety of cells, including tumor cells. Alphavirus vectors can be used as viral particles containing a packaged vector RNA, or directly as nucleic acids in the form of RNA or DNA. In the latter case alphavirus RNA is cloned within a DNA vector downstream of a eukaryotic promoter. Expression mediated by these vectors is generally transient due to the induction of apoptosis. The high expression levels, induction of apoptosis, and activation of type I IFN response are the key features that have made alphavirus vectors very attractive for cancer treatment and vaccination. Alphavirus vectors have been successfully used as vaccines to induce protective and therapeutic immune responses against many tumor-associated antigens in animal models of mastocytoma, melanoma, mammary, prostate, and virally induced tumors. Alphavirus vectors have also shown a high antitumoral efficacy by expressing antitumoral molecules in tumor cells, which include cytokines, antiangiogenic factors or toxic proteins. In these studies induction of apoptosis in tumor cells contributed to the antitumoral efficacy by the release of tumor antigens that can be uptaken by antigen presenting cells, enhancing immune responses against tumors. The potential use of alphaviruses as oncolytic agents has also been evaluated for avirulent strains of Semliki Forest virus and Sindbis virus. The fact that this latter virus has a natural tropism for tumor cells has led to many studies in which this vector was able to reach metastatic tumors when administered systemically. Other "artificial" strategies to increase the tropism of alphavirus for tumors have also been evaluated and will be discussed.
Collapse
|
20
|
Lundstrom K. Alphaviruses in gene therapy. Viruses 2009; 1:13-25. [PMID: 21994535 PMCID: PMC3185459 DOI: 10.3390/v1010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2009] [Revised: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are enveloped single stranded RNA viruses, which as gene therapy vectors provide high-level transient gene expression. Semliki Forest virus (SFV), Sindbis virus (SIN) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus have been engineered as efficient replication-deficient and -competent expression vectors. Alphavirus vectors have frequently been used as vehicles for tumor vaccine generation. Moreover, SFV and SIN vectors have been applied for intratumoral injections in animals implanted with tumor xenografts. SIN vectors have demonstrated natural tumor targeting, which might permit systemic vector administration. Another approach for systemic delivery of SFV has been to encapsulate replication-deficient viral particles in liposomes, which can provide passive targeting to tumors and allow repeated administration without host immune responses. This approach has demonstrated safe delivery of encapsulated SFV particles to melanoma and kidney carcinoma patients in a phase I trial. Finally, the prominent neurotropism of alphaviruses make them attractive for the treatment of CNS-related diseases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The neuraminidase protein of influenza viruses is a surface glycoprotein that shows enzymatic activity to remove sialic acid, the viral receptor, from both viral and host proteins. The removal of sialic acid from viral proteins plays a key role in the release of the virus from the cell by preventing the aggregation of the virus by the hemagglutinin protein binding to other viral proteins. Antibodies to the neuraminidase protein can be protective alone in animal challenge studies, but the neuraminidase antibodies appear to provide protection in a different manner than antibodies to the hemagglutinin protein. Neutralizing antibodies to the hemagglutinin protein can directly block virus entry, but protective antibodies to the neuraminidase protein are thought to primarily aggregate virus on the cell surface, effectively reducing the amount of virus released from infected cells. The neuraminidase protein can be divided into nine distinct antigenic subtypes, where there is little cross-protection of antibodies between subtypes. All nine subtypes of neuraminidase protein are commonly found in avian influenza viruses, but only selected subtypes are routinely found in mammalian influenza viruses; for example, only the N1 and N2 subtypes are commonly found in both humans and swine. Even within a subtype, the neuraminidase protein can have a high level of antigenic drift, and vaccination has to specifically be targeted to the circulating strain to give optimal protection. The levels of neuraminidase antibody also appear to be critical for protection, and there is concern that human influenza vaccines do not include enough neuraminidase protein to induce a strong protective antibody response. The neuraminidase protein has also become an important target for antiviral drugs that target sialic acid binding which blocks neuraminidase enzyme activity. Two different antiviral drugs are available and are widely used for the treatment of seasonal influenza in humans, but antiviral resistance appears to be a growing concern for this class of antivirals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Sylte
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vissers YLJ, von Meyenfeldt MF, Luiking YC, Dejong CHC, Deutz NEP. Interorgan synthesis of arginine is down-regulated in tumor-bearing mice undergoing surgical trauma. Metabolism 2008; 57:896-902. [PMID: 18555829 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2008.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2006] [Accepted: 02/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Renal de novo arginine production has been suggested to be crucial for regulation of arginine production in disease. We investigated how the interorgan pathway for de novo arginine production is affected by the presence of malignant tumor and/or surgical trauma. Controls and methylcholanthrene-sarcoma-bearing mice were studied, both with and without undergoing laparotomy (n = 9-13 per group). One day after laparotomy, amino acid fluxes across the hindquarter, intestine, liver, and kidney were studied. In contrast to healthy mice, the liver of tumor-bearing mice took up citrulline (9 +/- 3 vs 1 +/- 2 nmol/[10 g min], P < .05), simultaneous with attenuated renal arginine output (4 +/- 3 vs 12 +/- 2 nmol/[10 g min], P < .05), despite increased intestinal conversion of glutamine to citrulline (15 +/- 3 vs 8 +/- 1 nmol/[10 g min], P < .05). In tumor-bearing mice undergoing surgery, intestinal citrulline output decreased (from 15 +/- 3 to 8 +/- 2 nmol/[10 g min], P < .05) and renal arginine output remained close to zero despite increased renal citrulline uptake (from 6 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 2 nmol/[10 g min], P < .05). In conclusion, the interorgan pathway for de novo arginine production was differently regulated depending on the pathophysiological situation. In methylcholanthrene-sarcoma-bearing mice, decreased de novo arginine production was accompanied by the presence of hepatic citrulline uptake, whereas tumor-bearing mice subjected to surgical trauma showed concomitant decreased intestinal citrulline output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L J Vissers
- Department of Surgery, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Näslund TI, Uyttenhove C, Nordström EKL, Colau D, Warnier G, Jondal M, Van den Eynde BJ, Liljeström P. Comparative prime-boost vaccinations using Semliki Forest virus, adenovirus, and ALVAC vectors demonstrate differences in the generation of a protective central memory CTL response against the P815 tumor. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:6761-9. [PMID: 17513723 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.11.6761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-specific Ags are potential target molecules in the therapeutic treatment of cancer. One way to elicit potent immune responses against these Ags is to use recombinant viruses, which activate both the innate and the adaptive arms of the immune system. In this study, we have compared Semliki Forest virus (SFV), adenovirus, and ALVAC (poxvirus) vectors for their capacity to induce CD8(+) T cell responses against the P1A tumor Ag and to elicit protection against subsequent challenge injection of P1A-expressing P815 tumor cells in DBA/2 mice. Both homologous and heterologous prime-boost regimens were studied. In most cases, both higher CD8(+) T cell responses and better tumor protections were observed in mice immunized with heterologous prime-boost regimens, suggesting that the combination of different viral vectors is beneficial for the induction of an effective immune response. However, homologous immunization with SFV provided potent tumor protection despite a rather moderate primary CD8(+) T cell response as compared with mice immunized with recombinant adenovirus. SFV-immunized mice showed a rapid and more extensive expansion of P1A-specific CD8(+) T cells in the tumor-draining lymph node after tumor challenge and had a higher frequency of CD62L(+) P1A-specific T cells in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes as compared with adenoimmunized mice. Our results indicate that not only the magnitude but in particular the quality of the CD8(+) T cell response correlates with tumor protection.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae/genetics
- Adenoviridae/immunology
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/administration & dosage
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Canarypox virus/genetics
- Canarypox virus/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/administration & dosage
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Female
- Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage
- Genetic Vectors/immunology
- Immunization, Secondary
- Immunologic Memory/genetics
- Leukemia L1210/immunology
- Leukemia L1210/mortality
- Leukemia L1210/prevention & control
- Mastocytoma/immunology
- Mastocytoma/mortality
- Mastocytoma/prevention & control
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Semliki forest virus/genetics
- Semliki forest virus/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/virology
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja I Näslund
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sylte MJ, Hubby B, Suarez DL. Influenza neuraminidase antibodies provide partial protection for chickens against high pathogenic avian influenza infection. Vaccine 2007; 25:3763-72. [PMID: 17350145 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2006] [Revised: 02/05/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Protection of chickens against avian influenza (AI) is mostly attributed to production of antibodies against the viral glycoprotein hemagglutinin, whereas less is known about the protective role of antibodies to the other surface glycoprotein neuraminidase (NA). Therefore, vaccines encoding NA antigen (e.g., DNA and alphavirus-based virus like replicon particles (VRP)) or baculovirus-expressed recombinant NA (rN2) were tested for their ability to protect against highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) in chickens. Vaccination with A/Pheasant/Maryland/4457/93 (Ph/MD) rN2 protein produced significantly higher levels of NA-inhibition (NI) activity and 88% protection from HPAI H5N2 challenge than vaccination with Ph/MD N2 DNA (25% protection). Vaccination with Ph/MD N2 VRP a minimum of two times also produced high levels of NI activity and protection against HPAI challenge (63% protection). Vaccination with VRP encoding an N2 gene that was genetically distant from the challenge virus N2 failed to protect chickens. Vaccines producing higher levels of NI activity conferred partial protection, but failed to affect viral shedding. Consideration of the homology between vaccine and challenge virus isolate NA genes may provide improved immunity if high levels of NI activity are obtained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Sylte
- Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lyons JA, Sheahan BJ, Galbraith SE, Mehra R, Atkins GJ, Fleeton MN. Inhibition of angiogenesis by a Semliki Forest virus vector expressing VEGFR-2 reduces tumour growth and metastasis in mice. Gene Ther 2006; 14:503-13. [PMID: 17167497 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of tumour angiogenesis has been shown to restrict primary tumour growth and metastatic spread. This study examines the active induction of immune responses against tumour endothelial cells following immunization with recombinant Semliki Forest virus (rSFV) particles encoding murine vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). This approach was tested in two murine tumour models, CT26 colon carcinoma and 4T1 metastasizing mammary carcinoma. Tumour growth and metastatic spread were shown to be significantly inhibited in mice that were prophylactically vaccinated or therapeutically treated with rSFV particles coding for VEGFR-2. Microvessel density analysis showed that immunization with rSFV led to significant inhibition of tumour angiogenesis. Therapeutic efficacy was found to be associated with the induction of an antibody response against VEGFR-2. Co-immunization of mice with rSFV particles encoding VEGFR-2 and interleukin (IL)-12 completely abrogated both the antibody response and the antitumour effect. However, co-immunization of mice with VEGFR-2 and IL-4 encoding particles was shown both to induce higher titres of anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies and lead to enhanced survival following tumour challenge when compared to mice vaccinated with VEGFR-2 particles alone. These findings indicate that active immunization with rSFV particles coding for VEGFR-2 can break immunological tolerance and could potentially be used as part of a novel treatment for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Lyons
- UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hess PR, Boczkowski D, Nair SK, Snyder D, Gilboa E. Vaccination with mRNAs encoding tumor-associated antigens and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor efficiently primes CTL responses, but is insufficient to overcome tolerance to a model tumor/self antigen. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2006; 55:672-83. [PMID: 16133108 PMCID: PMC11030883 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-005-0064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2004] [Accepted: 07/20/2005] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Immunization of mice with dendritic cells transfected ex vivo with tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-encoding mRNA primes cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) that mediate tumor rejection. Here we investigated whether direct injection of TAA mRNA, encapsulated in cationic liposomes, could function similarly as cancer immunotherapy. Intradermal and intravenous injection of ovalbumin (OVA) mRNA generated specific CTL activity and inhibited the growth of OVA-expressing tumors. Vaccination studies with DNA have demonstrated that co-administration of antigen (Ag)- and cytokine-encoding plasmids potentiate the T cell response; in analogous fashion, the inclusion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mRNA enhanced OVA-specific cytotoxicity. The ability of this GM-CSF-augmented mRNA vaccine to treat an established spontaneous tumor was evaluated in the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) mouse, using the SV40 large T Ag (TAg) as a model tumor/self Ag. Repeated vaccination elicited vigorous TAg-specific CTL activity in nontransgenic mice, but tumor-bearing TRAMP mice remained tolerant. Adoptive transfer of naïve splenocytes into TRAMP mice prior to the first vaccination restored TAg reactivity, and slowed tumor progression. The data from this study suggests that vaccination with TAA mRNA is a simple and effective means of priming antitumor CTL, and that immunogenicity of the vaccine can be augmented by co-delivery of GM-CSF mRNA. Nonetheless, limitations of such vaccines in overcoming tolerance to tumor/self Ag may mandate prior or simultaneous reconstitution of the autoreactive T cell repertoire for this form of immunization to be effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Hess
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27606, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rodriguez-Madoz JR, Prieto J, Smerdou C. Semliki forest virus vectors engineered to express higher IL-12 levels induce efficient elimination of murine colon adenocarcinomas. Mol Ther 2006; 12:153-63. [PMID: 15963931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2004] [Revised: 02/21/2005] [Accepted: 02/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the use of alphavirus vectors for tumor treatment we have constructed and compared two Semliki Forest virus (SFV) vectors expressing different levels of IL-12. SFV-IL-12 expresses both IL-12 subunits from a single subgenomic promoter, while in SFV-enhIL-12 each IL-12 subunit is expressed from an independent subgenomic promoter fused to the SFV capsid translation enhancer. This latter strategy provided an eightfold increase of IL-12 expression. We chose the poorly immunogenic MC38 colon adenocarcinoma model to evaluate the therapeutic potential of SFV vectors. A single intratumoral injection of 10(8) viral particles of SFV-IL-12 or SFV-enh-IL-12 induced>or=80% complete tumor regressions with long-term tumor-free survival. However, lower doses of SFV-enhIL-12 were more efficient than SFV-IL-12 in inducing antitumoral responses, indicating a positive correlation between the IL-12 expression level and the therapeutic effect. Moreover, repeated intratumoral injections of suboptimal doses of SFV-enhIL-12 increased the antitumoral response. In all cases SFV vectors were more efficient at eliminating tumors than a first-generation adenovirus vector expressing IL-12. In addition, the antitumoral effect of SFV vectors was only moderately affected by preimmunization of animals with high doses of SFV vectors. This antitumoral effect was produced, at least partially, by a potent CTL-mediated immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan R Rodriguez-Madoz
- Division of Gene Therapy, School of Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Avenida Pio XII 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chikkanna-Gowda CP, Sheahan BJ, Fleeton MN, Atkins GJ. Regression of mouse tumours and inhibition of metastases following administration of a Semliki Forest virus vector with enhanced expression of IL-12. Gene Ther 2006; 12:1253-63. [PMID: 15944731 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Semliki Forest virus (SFV) vector is an RNA-based suicide expression vector that has been used experimentally for tumour therapy. Recently, a new enhanced vector pSFV10-E has been developed that expresses foreign genes at levels up to 10 times higher than the original vector. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), an immunomodulatory cytokine, plays a key role in the induction of T-helper1 responses. The two IL-12 gene subunits were cloned from mouse splenocytes and inserted into the pSFV10-E and pSFV10 (non-enhanced) vectors. Both constructs expressed and secreted biologically active murine IL-12. Administration of high titre rSFV10-E-IL12 particles intratumourally to treat implanted K-BALB tumours in BALB/c mice demonstrated complete tumour regression in comparison to control or rSFV10-IL12 treated groups. High titre rSFV10-E-IL12 particles were also effective in the CT26 tumour model. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed tumour necrosis in addition to aggressive influx of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and other immune cells. Furthermore, inhibition of primary tumour growth and lung metastases of a metastatic (4T1) tumour model indicated the potential of high titres of rSFV10-E-IL12 particles as an efficient antitumour therapeutic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C P Chikkanna-Gowda
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Riezebos-Brilman A, de Mare A, Bungener L, Huckriede A, Wilschut J, Daemen T. Recombinant alphaviruses as vectors for anti-tumour and anti-microbial immunotherapy. J Clin Virol 2006; 35:233-43. [PMID: 16448844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2005.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2005] [Accepted: 12/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vectors derived from alphaviruses are gaining interest for their high transfection potency and strong immunogenicity. OBJECTIVES After a brief introduction on alphaviruses and their vectors, an overview is given on current preclinical immunotherapy studies using vector systems based on alphaviruses. The efficacy of alphavirus vectors in inducing immune responses will be illustrated by a more detailed description of immunization studies using recombinant Semliki Forest virus for the treatment of human papilloma virus-induced cervical cancer. RESULTS Immunization with recombinant alphavirus results in the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses against microbes, infected cells and cancer cells. Preclinical studies demonstrate that infectious diseases and cancer can be treated prophylactically as well as therapeutically. CONCLUSIONS Alphavirus-based genetic immunization strategies are highly effective in animal model systems, comparing quite favourably with any other approach. Therefore, we hope and expect to see an efficient induction of tumour-or microbial immunity and a positive outcome in future clinical efficacy studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Riezebos-Brilman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Molecular Virology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ni B, Lin Z, Zhou L, Wang L, Jia Z, Zhou W, Diciommo DP, Zhao J, Bremner R, Wu Y. Induction of P815 tumor immunity by DNA-based recombinant Semliki Forest virus or replicon DNA expressing the P1A gene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 28:418-25. [PMID: 15582265 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdp.2004.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of alphaviruses in the same tumor model, we used a DNA-based approach to generate a replicon DNA and recombinant Semliki Forest virus (rSFV) particles expressing P1A, the P815 mastocytoma tumor associated antigen, and compared the immune effect of each vaccine. METHODS Six to eight-week-old female DBA/2 mice were inoculated with P1A plasmid or viral vaccines. Spleen cells were assayed for antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell activity. Tumor growth or survival rate was observed in preventive and therapeutic experiments, respectively. RESULTS We found that the rSFV particles prevented tumor growth when delivered prior to innoculation of mice with P815 cells, and more importantly, improved survival when delivered after the initiation of tumor growth. Naked P1A replicon DNA also functioned as a protective and therapeutic vaccine, although with less potency than rSFV particles. Virus particles also elicited a stronger cellular immune response as measured by target cell lysis. CONCLUSION rSFV particles have stronger specific prophylactic and therapeutic immune effects in mice than replicon DNA-based DNA vaccines, though the latter is more effective than traditional plasmid vectors (e.g. pCI-neo vector).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Ni
- Institute of Immunology PLA, Department of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Gaotanyan Street 30#, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rhême C, Ehrengruber MU, Grandgirard D. Alphaviral cytotoxicity and its implication in vector development. Exp Physiol 2004; 90:45-52. [PMID: 15542620 DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2004.028142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A great variety of viruses have been engineered to serve as expression vectors. Among them, the alphaviruses Semliki Forest virus and Sindbis virus represent promising tools for heterologous gene expression in a wide variety of host cells. Several applications have already been described in neurobiological studies, in gene therapy, for vaccine development and in cancer therapy. Both viruses trigger stress pathways in the cells they infect, sometimes culminating in the death of the host. This inherent property is either an advantage or a drawback, depending on the type of application. This review covers the development and applications of alphavirus vectors and, as our work has been mainly with Semliki Forest virus, we have focused on this virus with special emphasis on how the understanding of Semliki Forest virus cytotoxicity enables it to be manipulated and used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Rhême
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert Ludwigs University, Stephan-Meier Strasse 17, D-79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lundstrom K, Boulikas T. Viral and non-viral vectors in gene therapy: technology development and clinical trials. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2004; 2:471-86. [PMID: 14529313 DOI: 10.1177/153303460300200513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy as part of modern molecular medicine holds great promise for the treatment of both acute and chronic diseases and has the potential to bring a revolutionary era to cancer treatment. Gene therapy has been named the medicine of the future. For the past 10 years various viral and non-viral vectors have been engineered for improved gene and drug delivery. Although various diseases have been targeted, cancer therapy has been addressed to a large extent because of the straight forward approach. Delivery of toxic or immunostimulatory genes by viral and non-viral vectors has been investigated and encouraging results have been obtained in animal models. A large number of clinical trials have been conducted with some highly promising outcome. We propose that combinations of viruses with liposomes or polymers will solve the problem of systemic viral delivery and tumor targeting, bringing a revolution in molecular medicine and in applications of gene therapy in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Lundstrom
- Regulon Inc./BioXtal, Chemin des Croisettes 22, CH-1066, Epalinges, Swizerland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Affiliation(s)
- Freda K Stevenson
- Molecular Immunology Group, Tenovus Laboratory, Cancer Sciences Division Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ren H, Boulikas T, Lundstrom K, Söling A, Warnke PC, Rainov NG. Immunogene therapy of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme with a liposomally encapsulated replication-incompetent Semliki forest virus vector carrying the human interleukin-12 gene--a phase I/II clinical protocol. J Neurooncol 2003; 64:147-54. [PMID: 12952295 DOI: 10.1007/bf02700029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an incurable brain tumor resistant to standard treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Since recurrent GBM tends to develop predominantly within the infiltrative rim surrounding the primary tumor focus, novel therapy strategies need in addition to focal tumor destruction to target this somewhat diffuse area. This is a phase I/II clinical study in adult patients with recurrent GBM which is aimed at evaluating biological safety, maximum tolerated dose, and antitumor efficacy of a genetically modified replication-disabled Semliki forest virus vector (SFV) carrying the human interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene and encapsulated in cationic liposomes (LSFV-IL12). The vector will be administered in doses of 1 x 10(7)-1 x 10(9) infectious particles by continuous intratumoral infusion, thus exploiting the advantages of convection-enhanced drug delivery in the brain. The present protocol is also designed to investigate systemic and local immune response and to identify factors predicting tumor response to LSFV-IL12 therapy, such as volume of extracellular space of the tumor, volume of contrast enhancing lesion, and immune status of the patients. SFV, an insect alphavirus, infects mitotic and non-mitotic cells and triggers apoptosis in tumor cells within 48-72 h. Preclinical work with the LSFV-IL12 vector in breast and prostate cancer animal models demonstrated its biosafety and some antitumor efficacy. An ongoing phase I clinical study in patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma seems also to confirm the biosafety of intravenously administered vectors. This protocol will be the first study of SFV-IL12 therapy of human recurrent GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Ren
- Department of Neurological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Alphavirus vectors demonstrate high expression of heterologous proteins in a broad range of host cells. Replication-deficient as well as replication-competent variants exist. Systemic delivery of many viral antigens has elicited strong antibody responses in immunized mice and primates, and protection against challenges with lethal viruses was obtained. Similarly, prophylactic vaccination was established against tumor challenges. Attention has been paid to the engineering of improved targeting to immunologically active cells, such as dendritic cells. In the area of gene therapy, intratumoral injections of alphavirus vectors have resulted in potentially promising tumor rejection. Moreover, encapsulation of alphavirus particles into liposomes demonstrated efficient tumor targeting in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency, which permitted the initiation of clinical trials for patients with advanced kidney carcinoma and melanoma.
Collapse
|
36
|
Virus-based vectors for gene expression in mammalian cells: Semliki Forest virus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-7306(03)38013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
|
37
|
Bilsborough J, Uyttenhove C, Colau D, Bousso P, Libert C, Weynand B, Boon T, van den Eynde BJ. TNF-mediated toxicity after massive induction of specific CD8+ T cells following immunization of mice with a tumor-specific peptide. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2002; 169:3053-60. [PMID: 12218121 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.169.6.3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We immunized mice with antigenic peptide P815E, which is presented by H-2K(d) and recognized by tumor-specific CTL raised against P815 tumor cells. This peptide is encoded by the ubiquitously expressed gene MsrA and carries a mutated residue conferring tumor specificity. Unexpectedly, we observed a severe toxicity occurring in the early hours after the third injection, resulting in the death of most mice within 24 h. The toxic syndrome was reminiscent of TNF-induced shock, and the sera of ill mice contained high levels of TNF. Toxicity was prevented by injection of neutralizing anti-TNF Abs, confirming the involvement of TNF. Depletion of CD8+ T cells could also prevent toxicity, and ex vivo experiments confirmed that CD8+ lymphocytes were the major cellular source of TNF in immunized mice. Tetramer analysis of the lymphocytes of immunized mice indicated a massive expansion of P815E-specific T cells, up to >60% of circulating CD8+ lymphocytes. A similar toxicity was observed after massive expansion of specific CD8+ T cells following immunization with another P815 peptide, which is encoded by gene P1A and was injected in a form covalently linked to an immunostimulatory peptide derived from IL-1. We conclude that the toxicity is caused by specific CD8+ lymphocytes, which are extensively amplified by peptide immunization in a QS21-based adjuvant and produce toxic levels of TNF upon further stimulation with the peptide. Our results suggest that immunotherapy trials involving new peptides should be pursued with caution and should include a careful monitoring of the T cell response.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/administration & dosage
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/toxicity
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Mast-Cell Sarcoma/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Peptides/administration & dosage
- Peptides/immunology
- Peptides/toxicity
- Shock, Septic/immunology
- Shock, Septic/mortality
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/physiology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/toxicity
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Bilsborough
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Cellular Genetics Unit, Université de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Alphaviruses are positive-stranded RNA viruses that have a broad host range and therefore are capable of replicating in many vertebrate and invertebrate cells. The single-stranded alphavirus genome is divided into two ORFs. The first ORF encodes the nonstructural proteins that are translated upon entry of the virus into the cytoplasm and are responsible for transcription and replication of viral RNA. The second ORF is under the control of a subgenomic promoter and normally encodes the structural proteins, which are responsible for encapsidation of viral RNA and final assembly into enveloped particles. Expression vectors have been engineered from at least three alphaviruses in which the structural protein gene region has been replaced by heterologous genes and have been shown to express high levels of the heterologous protein in cultured cells. These RNA vectors, known as replicons, are capable of replicating on their own but are not packaged into virus-like particles unless the structural proteins are provided in trans. Thus, replicons are single cycle vectors incapable of spreading from infected to noninfected cells. Because of these features, alphavirus replicon vectors are being developed as a platform vaccine technology for numerous viral, bacterial, protozoan and tumour antigens where they have been shown to be efficient inducers of both humoral and T cell responses. In addition, as the alphavirus structural proteins are not expressed in vaccine recipients, antivector immune responses are generally minimal, allowing for multiple effective immunisations of the same individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan O Rayner
- AlphaVax, Inc., P.O. Box 110307, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-0307, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Colmenero P, Chen M, Castaños-Velez E, Liljeström P, Jondal M. Immunotherapy with recombinant SFV-replicons expressing the P815A tumor antigen or IL-12 induces tumor regression. Int J Cancer 2002; 98:554-60. [PMID: 11920615 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Replicons based on alphaviruses are emerging as candidate vectors for vaccination and gene therapy purposes. We have reported previously that mice vaccinated with a recombinant Semliki Forest virus (a member of the alphavirus genus) carrying the gene encoding the P815A tumor antigen (rSFV/E-P1A) were protected against a lethal challenge with the P815 tumor. In this study we investigated the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy of rSFV/E-P1A or rSFV expressing the cytokine interleukin 12 (rSFV/IL12) on Day 5-established tumors. The results show that both antigen-specific and cytokine-mediated rSFV treatments exhibited a significant effect on P815 tumor growth, by delaying tumor progression and even inducing complete tumor regressions in several mice. The therapeutic potency of these vectors was dependent on the size of the treated tumor, as treatment of mice bearing larger tumors showed lower efficacy. In addition, rSFV treatment resulted in long-term immunity as observed by the lack of tumor recurrence in the majority of tumor-regressing mice after rechallenge with the tumor. Furthermore, the anti-tumor therapeutic effect was only achieved by local intratumoral injection of rSFV, as treatment by injection in the contralateral site resulted in tumor progression comparable to control-untreated mice. Accordingly, expression of a rSFV-RNA was localized to the tumor and draining lymph node. These results further demonstrate the potential of rSFV replicons as tumor therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Colmenero
- Microbiology and Tumorbiology Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Brinster C, Chen M, Boucreux D, Paranhos-Baccala G, Liljeström P, Lemmonier F, Inchauspé G. Hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 3-specific cellular immune responses following single or combined immunization with DNA or recombinant Semliki Forest virus particles. J Gen Virol 2002; 83:369-381. [PMID: 11807230 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-83-2-369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of recombinant Semliki Forest virus particles (rSFV) expressing the hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 3 (NS3) to induce, in comparison or in combination with an NS3-expressing plasmid, specific cellular and humoral immune responses in murine models was evaluated. In vitro studies indicated that both types of vaccine expressed the expected size protein, albeit with different efficacies. The use of mice transgenic for the human HLA-A2.1 molecule indicated that the rSFV-expressed NS3 protein induces, as shown previously for an NS3 DNA vaccine, NS3-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) targeted at one dominant HLA-A2 epitope described in infected patients. All DNA/rSFV vaccine combinations evaluated induced specific CTLs, which were detectable for up to 31 weeks after the first injection. Overall, less than 1 log difference was observed in terms of the vigour of the bulk CTL response induced and the CTL precursor frequency between all vaccines (ranging from 1:2.6x10(5) to 1:1x10(6)). Anti-NS3 antibodies could only be detected following a combined vaccine regimen in non-transgenic BALB/c mice. In conclusion, rSFV particles expressing NS3 are capable of inducing NS3-specific cellular immune responses targeted at a major HLA-A2 epitope. Such responses were comparable to those obtained with a DNA-based NS3 vaccine, whether in the context of single or combined regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Brinster
- Unité Mixte CNRS/BioMérieux UMR 2142, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cédex 07, France1
| | - M Chen
- Microbiology and Tumorbiology Center, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden2
| | - D Boucreux
- Unité Mixte CNRS/BioMérieux UMR 2142, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cédex 07, France1
| | - G Paranhos-Baccala
- Centre Européen de Recherche en Virologie et en Immunologie, CNRS/BioMérieux UMR 2142, 21 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France3
| | - P Liljeström
- Microbiology and Tumorbiology Center, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden2
| | - F Lemmonier
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Immunité Cellulaire Antivirale, Département SIDA-Rétrovirus, 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris, France4
| | - G Inchauspé
- Unité Mixte CNRS/BioMérieux UMR 2142, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 46 Allée d'Italie, 69364 Lyon Cédex 07, France1
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Alphavirus vectors, particularly those based on the replicon of Semliki Forest virus, have shown great potential as gene delivery vehicles for various applications in cancer gene therapy. The rapid production of high-titer recombinant SFV particles, which show impressive transduction rates in various mammalian cell lines, primary cultures and in vivo, results in high levels of transgene expression. Additionally, SFV vectors induce apoptosis in transduced host cells, which can further increase their efficiency in tumor therapy. Because of the broad host range some attempts to target the gene delivery have been engineered for Sindbis virus vectors, where IgG binding domains of protein A have been introduced into the envelope structure of the recombinant particles to allow attachment of virus to host cells through the interaction of protein A with monoclonal antibodies. SFV vectors have also been employed for the production of retrovirus-like particles for establishment of long-term gene expression. Tumor vaccine approaches have been taken by injection of SFV vectors as naked RNA molecules, DNA plasmids or recombinant particles to achieve both therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy. The continuous improvement of alphavirus vectors will further expand the application range in the future.
Collapse
|
42
|
Daemen T, Regts J, Holtrop M, Wilschut J. Immunization strategy against cervical cancer involving an alphavirus vector expressing high levels of a stable fusion protein of human papillomavirus 16 E6 and E7. Gene Ther 2002; 9:85-94. [PMID: 11857066 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2001] [Accepted: 11/30/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We are developing immunization strategies against cervical carcinoma and premalignant disease, based on the use of recombinant Semliki Forest virus (SFV) encoding the oncoproteins E6 and E7 from high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPV). Thus far, protein-based, as well as genetic immunization studies have demonstrated low to moderate cellular immune responses against E6 and E7. To improve these responses, we modified the structure and expression level of the E6 and E7 proteins produced by the SFV vector. Specifically, a construct was generated encoding a fusion protein of E6 and E7, while furthermore a translational enhancer was included (enhE6,7). Infection of cells with recombinant SFV-enhE6,7 resulted in the production of large amounts of the E6,7 fusion protein. The fusion protein was more stable than either one of the separate proteins. Immunization of mice with SFV-enhE6,7 resulted in strong, long-lasting HPV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. Tumor challenge experiments in mice demonstrated that immunization with SFV-enhE6,7 resulted in prevention of tumor outgrowth and subsequent protection against tumor re-challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Daemen
- University of Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology, Molecular Virology Section, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Withoff S, Glazenburg KL, van Veen ML, Kraak MM, Hospers GA, Störkel S, de Vries EG, Wilschut J, Daemen T. Replication-defective recombinant Semliki Forest virus encoding GM-CSF as a vector system for rapid and facile generation of autologous human tumor cell vaccines. Gene Ther 2001; 8:1515-23. [PMID: 11704811 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2001] [Accepted: 07/18/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the production of recombinant Semliki Forest virus encoding murine or human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and the capacity of these vectors to transduce murine and human tumor cells ex vivo. High-titer stocks (up to 3 x 10(9) particles/ml) of conditionally infective, replication-defective, recombinant SFV particles were generated using the SFV Helper-2 system. It is shown that the recombinant SFV/GM-CSF virus, as well as recombinant SFV carrying the beta-galactosidase reporter gene, efficiently transduce both murine tumor cell lines as well as primary human renal carcinoma cells. Using ELISA's specific for GM-CSF, levels of GM-CSF production by the cells were determined. Levels of murine GM-CSF (mGM-CSF) produced by SFV/mGM-CSF transduced renal cell cancer cultures were equal to or higher than corresponding levels reported in the literature after transduction of similar renal carcinoma cell cultures using a retroviral vector system. The biological activity of GM-CSF was demonstrated by using cells which are dependent on GM-CSF for growth and by using primary bone marrow cells. All the transduced cell cultures (including the human renal cell carcinoma samples) produced GM-CSF for up to at least 4 days after transduction. The results imply that the recombinant SFV system can be used for rapid and facile preparation of autologous cancer cell vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Withoff
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Molecular Virology Section, University of Groningen and Academic Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zheng H, Garcı́a-Sastre A. Potential applications of influenza A virus vectors as tumor vaccines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0531-5131(01)00662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
45
|
Colmenero P, Berglund P, Kambayashi T, Biberfeld P, Liljeström P, Jondal M. Recombinant Semliki Forest virus vaccine vectors: the route of injection determines the localization of vector RNA and subsequent T cell response. Gene Ther 2001; 8:1307-14. [PMID: 11571567 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2001] [Accepted: 03/12/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Vectors based on Semliki Forest virus (SFV) have been widely used in vitro and in vivo to express heterologous genes in animal cells. In particular, the ability of recombinant SFV (rSFV) to elicit specific, protective immune responses in animal models suggests that rSFV may be used as a vaccine vehicle. In this study, we examined the distribution of rSFV in vivo by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous injection of rSFV particles and related this to the degree of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and frequency of specific T cells detected by MHC-I tetramers. We found that after i.v. injection, rSFV-RNA was distributed to a variety of different tissues, whereas it was confined locally after i.m. and s.c. injections. The persistence of the rSFV vector was transient, and no viral RNA could be detected 10 days after inoculation. All tested routes of immunization generated significant levels of antigen-specific CTL responses and increased numbers of specific CD8+ T cells, as detected by tetramer binding. The distribution of antigen-specific CTLs correlated with the in vivo distribution pattern of rSFV, with a highest frequency in the spleen or local lymph node, depending on the injection route.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Colmenero
- Microbiology and Tumorbiology Center, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Boorsma M, Koller D, Renner WA, Bachmann MF. New applications of alphavirus-based expression vectors. Cytotechnology 2001; 35:203-12. [PMID: 22358860 PMCID: PMC3449701 DOI: 10.1023/a:1013192017048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are positive stranded RNA viruses that replicate to extremely high titers. Sindbis and Semliki Forest viral vectors are widely used tools for high-level production of recombinant proteins. Recent studies have broadened their scope to vaccine production, gene therapy, and analysis of cell function. Here we discuss the development of non-cytopathic and inducible expression vectors which can be applied to bioprocess development strategies. Furthermore, a Sindbis-based expression cloning system has been developed that allows for the rapid identification of genes encoding proteins with a selected functional activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Boorsma
- Cytos Biotechnology AG, Wagistrasse 21, CH-8952 Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
- Institute for Biotechnology, ETH-Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Koller
- Cytos Biotechnology AG, Wagistrasse 21, CH-8952 Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang A. Renner
- Cytos Biotechnology AG, Wagistrasse 21, CH-8952 Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- Cytos Biotechnology AG, Wagistrasse 21, CH-8952 Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Murphy AM, Morris-Downes MM, Sheahan BJ, Atkins GJ. Inhibition of human lung carcinoma cell growth by apoptosis induction using Semliki Forest virus recombinant particles. Gene Ther 2000; 7:1477-82. [PMID: 11001367 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We have utilised cell cultures and growth of tumours in nude mice to assess further the potential of the Semliki Forest virus (SFV) vector as a cancer therapy agent. This vector is a transient RNA-based expression vector, and we have previously shown that SFV and its derived vector can induce p53-independent apoptosis by expression of the nonstructural region of the virus genome. Apoptosis induction is therefore an inherent property of the vector and is not dependent on heterologous gene expression. SFV recombinant suicide particles (rSFV) were shown to induce apoptosis in H358a cells, which are human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells deleted in p53. EGFP-expressing rSFV also inhibited the growth of developing H358a spheroids. Direct injection of rSFV into H358a tumours subcutaneously implanted as xenografts in nu/nu mice inhibited tumour growth, and in some cases caused complete regression. It is concluded that tumour growth suppression induced by rSFV was due to apoptosis induction and that the vector has an inherent cell death-promoting and antitumour activity. These results, as well as previous work by other authors on targeting and immune stimulation using alphavirus vectors, indicate that SFV recombinant particles in particular have considerable potential for further exploitation as a cancer therapy agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Murphy
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Strong TV. Gene therapy for carcinoma of the breast: Genetic immunotherapy. Breast Cancer Res 2000; 2:15-21. [PMID: 11250688 PMCID: PMC521209 DOI: 10.1186/bcr24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/1999] [Accepted: 11/18/1999] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in gene transfer technology have greatly expanded the opportunities for developing immunotherapy strategies for breast carcinoma. Genetic immunotherapy approaches include the transfer of genes encoding cytokines and costimulatory molecules to modulate immune function, as well as genetic immunization strategies which rely on the delivery of cloned tumor antigens. Improved gene transfer vectors, coupled with a better understanding of the processes that are necessary to elicit an immune response and an expanding number of target breast tumor antigens, have led to renewed enthusiasm that effective immunotherapy may be achieved. It is likely that immunotherapeutic interventions will find their greatest clinical application as adjuvants to traditional first-line therapies, targeting micrometastatic disease and thereby reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T V Strong
- Gene Therapy Cewnter, Division of Heamtology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3300, USA.
| |
Collapse
|