1
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Ding Y, Fan J, Deng L, Huang B, Zhou B. Antitumor efficacy of cytosine deaminase-armed vaccinia virus plus 5-fluorocytosine in colorectal cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:243. [PMID: 32549790 PMCID: PMC7296660 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccinia viruses have emerged as attractive therapeutic candidates for cancer treatment due to their inherent ability of tumor tropism and oncolytic property. Cytosine deaminase (CD), which is derived from bacteria or yeast, can convert a relatively nontoxic prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into the active anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Vaccinia virus armed with the prodrug-activator CD gene would result in augmented antitumor effects that combined the effect of vaccinia virus and 5-FU together, and particularly limited the anticancer drug to tumor regions. Methods The attenuated vaccinia Tian Tan strain Guang 9 (VG9), with active yeast CD expression and thymidine kinase (TK) deficiency, was successfully constructed. Then, in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy of vaccinia VG9-CD plus 5-FC administration was evaluated in colorectal cancer cells. Results Vaccinia viruses displayed different oncolytic potency in vitro cells, no relationship with whether they were cancer cells or normal cells. In colorectal tumor models, mice treated with vaccinia VG9-TK- showed better tumor remission ability and prolonged survival. Moreover, vaccinia VG9-CD in combination with gavage administration of 5-FC displayed the best antitumor efficacy, especially for the prolongation of survival. Conclusions Vaccinia VG9-CD in combination with 5-FC plays combined effect of vaccinia virus and chemotherapy, and becomes a promising virotherapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuedi Ding
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu China.,Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166 China
| | - Jun Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu China.,Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166 China
| | - Lili Deng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu China.,Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166 China
| | - Biao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu China
| | - Bin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu China.,Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166 China
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2
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Brachtlova T, van Beusechem VW. Unleashing the Full Potential of Oncolytic Adenoviruses against Cancer by Applying RNA Interference: The Force Awakens. Cells 2018; 7:cells7120228. [PMID: 30477117 PMCID: PMC6315459 DOI: 10.3390/cells7120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus therapy of cancer is an actively pursued field of research. Viruses that were once considered as pathogens threatening the wellbeing of humans and animals alike are with every passing decade more prominently regarded as vehicles for genetic and oncolytic therapies. Oncolytic viruses kill cancer cells, sparing healthy tissues, and provoke an anticancer immune response. Among these viruses, recombinant adenoviruses are particularly attractive agents for oncolytic immunotherapy of cancer. Different approaches are currently examined to maximize their therapeutic effect. Here, knowledge of virus–host interactions may lead the way. In this regard, viral and host microRNAs are of particular interest. In addition, cellular factors inhibiting viral replication or dampening immune responses are being discovered. Therefore, applying RNA interference is an attractive approach to strengthen the anticancer efficacy of oncolytic viruses gaining attention in recent years. RNA interference can be used to fortify the virus’ cancer cell-killing and immune-stimulating properties and to suppress cellular pathways to cripple the tumor. In this review, we discuss different ways of how RNA interference may be utilized to increase the efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses, to reveal their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Brachtlova
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Victor W van Beusechem
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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3
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White A, Koelper A, Russell A, Larsen EM, Kim C, Lavis LD, Hoops GC, Johnson RJ. Fluorogenic structure activity library pinpoints molecular variations in substrate specificity of structurally homologous esterases. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:13851-13862. [PMID: 30006352 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular esterases catalyze many essential biological functions by performing hydrolysis reactions on diverse substrates. The promiscuity of esterases complicates assignment of their substrate preferences and biological functions. To identify universal factors controlling esterase substrate recognition, we designed a 32-member structure-activity relationship (SAR) library of fluorogenic ester substrates and used this library to systematically interrogate esterase preference for chain length, branching patterns, and polarity to differentiate common classes of esterase substrates. Two structurally homologous bacterial esterases were screened against this library, refining their previously broad overlapping substrate specificity. Vibrio cholerae esterase ybfF displayed a preference for γ-position thioethers and ethers, whereas Rv0045c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis displayed a preference for branched substrates with and without thioethers. We determined that this substrate differentiation was partially controlled by individual substrate selectivity residues Tyr-119 in ybfF and His-187 in Rv0045c; reciprocal substitution of these residues shifted each esterase's substrate preference. This work demonstrates that the selectivity of esterases is tuned based on transition state stabilization, identifies thioethers as an underutilized functional group for esterase substrates, and provides a rapid method for differentiating structural isozymes. This SAR library could have multifaceted future applications, including in vivo imaging, biocatalyst screening, molecular fingerprinting, and inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex White
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3443 and
| | - Andrew Koelper
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3443 and
| | - Arielle Russell
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3443 and
| | - Erik M Larsen
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3443 and
| | - Charles Kim
- the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia 20147-2439
| | - Luke D Lavis
- the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia 20147-2439
| | - Geoffrey C Hoops
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3443 and
| | - R Jeremy Johnson
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3443 and
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4
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Pranjol MZI, Hajitou A. Bacteriophage-derived vectors for targeted cancer gene therapy. Viruses 2015; 7:268-84. [PMID: 25606974 PMCID: PMC4306838 DOI: 10.3390/v7010268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer gene therapy expanded and reached its pinnacle in research in the last decade. Both viral and non-viral vectors have entered clinical trials, and significant successes have been achieved. However, a systemic administration of a vector, illustrating safe, efficient, and targeted gene delivery to solid tumors has proven to be a major challenge. In this review, we summarize the current progress and challenges in the targeted gene therapy of cancer. Moreover, we highlight the recent developments of bacteriophage-derived vectors and their contributions in targeting cancer with therapeutic genes following systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zahidul Islam Pranjol
- Institute of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, Devon EX1 2LU, UK.
| | - Amin Hajitou
- Phage Therapy Group, Department of Medicine, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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5
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Belcaid Z, Lamfers MLM, van Beusechem VW, Hoeben RC. Changing faces in virology: the dutch shift from oncogenic to oncolytic viruses. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:875-84. [PMID: 25141764 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses have two opposing faces. On the one hand, they can cause harm and disease. A virus may manifest directly as a contagious disease with a clinical pathology of varying significance. A viral infection can also have delayed consequences, and in rare cases may cause cellular transformation and cancer. On the other hand, viruses may provide hope: hope for an efficacious treatment of serious disease. Examples of the latter are the use of viruses as a vaccine, as transfer vector for therapeutic genes in a gene therapy setting, or, more directly, as therapeutic anticancer agent in an oncolytic-virus therapy setting. Already there is evidence for antitumor activity of oncolytic viruses. The antitumor efficacy seems linked to their capacity to induce a tumor-directed immune response. Here, we will provide an overview on the development of oncolytic viruses and their clinical evaluation from the Dutch perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zineb Belcaid
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center, Erasmus Medical Center , 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Hunt MA, Li D, Hay MP, Currie MJ, Robinson BA, Patterson AV, Dachs GU. Characterisation of enzyme prodrug gene therapy combinations in coated spheroids and vascular networks in vitro. J Gene Med 2012; 14:62-74. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Hunt
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology; University of Otago; Christchurch; New Zealand
| | - Dan Li
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre; University of Auckland; Auckland; New Zealand
| | - Michael P. Hay
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre; University of Auckland; Auckland; New Zealand
| | - Margaret J. Currie
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology; University of Otago; Christchurch; New Zealand
| | - Bridget A. Robinson
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology; University of Otago; Christchurch; New Zealand
| | - Adam V. Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre; University of Auckland; Auckland; New Zealand
| | - Gabi U. Dachs
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology; University of Otago; Christchurch; New Zealand
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7
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Pesonen S, Kangasniemi L, Hemminki A. Oncolytic Adenoviruses for the Treatment of Human Cancer: Focus on Translational and Clinical Data. Mol Pharm 2010; 8:12-28. [PMID: 21126047 DOI: 10.1021/mp100219n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Pesonen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory & Haartman Institute & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, and Oncos Therapeutics Ltd., Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lotta Kangasniemi
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory & Haartman Institute & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, and Oncos Therapeutics Ltd., Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory & Haartman Institute & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, and Oncos Therapeutics Ltd., Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Abstract
Cancer treatments have improved steadily, but still only few metastatic solid tumors can be cured. Apoptosis-resistant clones frequently develop following standard treatments. Resistance factors are shared between different treatment regimens and, therefore, loss of response can occur rapidly, despite changing the drug, and there is a tendency for crossresistance between modalities. Therefore, new agents with novel mechanisms of action are desperately needed. Oncolytic adenoviruses, featuring cancer-selective cell lysis and spread, constitute an interesting drug platform aimed towards the goals of tumor specificity, and have been engineered in a variety of ways to improve their selectivity and efficacy. They allow rational drug development by the genetic incorporation of targeting mechanisms that can exert their function at different stages of the viral replication cycle. Owing to their immunogenicity, adenoviruses are particularly attractive for immunostimulatory purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland; Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Haartman Institute & Transplantation Laboratory & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, Biomedicum B506b, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Hajitou A. Targeted systemic gene therapy and molecular imaging of cancer contribution of the vascular-targeted AAVP vector. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2010; 69:65-82. [PMID: 20807602 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2660(10)69008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy and molecular-genetic imaging have faced a major problem: the lack of an efficient systemic gene delivery vector. Unquestionably, eukaryotic viruses have been the vectors of choice for gene delivery to mammalian cells; however, they have had limited success in systemic gene therapy. This is mainly due to undesired uptake by the liver and reticuloendothelial system, broad tropism for mammalian cells causing toxicity, and their immunogenicity. On the other hand, prokaryotic viruses such as bacteriophage (phage) have no tropism for mammalian cells, but can be engineered to deliver genes to these cells. However, phage-based vectors have inherently been considered poor vectors for mammalian cells. We have reported a new generation of vascular-targeted systemic hybrid prokaryotic-eukaryotic vectors as chimeras between an adeno-associated virus (AAV) and targeted bacteriophage (termed AAV/phage; AAVP). In this hybrid vector, the targeted bacteriophage serves as a shuttle to deliver the AAV transgene cassette inserted in an intergenomic region of the phage DNA genome. As a proof of concept, we assessed the in vivo efficacy of vector in animal models of cancer by displaying on the phage capsid the cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD-4C) ligand that binds to alphav integrin receptors specifically expressed on the angiogenic blood vessels of tumors. The ligand-directed vector was able to specifically deliver imaging and therapeutic transgenes to tumors in mice, rats, and dogs while sparing the normal organs. This chapter reviews some gene transfer strategies and the potential of the vascular-targeted AAVP vector for enhancing the effectiveness of existing systemic gene delivery and genetic-imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Hajitou
- Department of Gene Therapy, Section/ Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Wright-Fleming Institute, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Ying B, Toth K, Spencer JF, Meyer J, Tollefson AE, Patra D, Dhar D, Shashkova EV, Kuppuswamy M, Doronin K, Thomas MA, Zumstein LA, Wold WSM, Lichtenstein DL. INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus vector, replicates in Syrian hamsters but not mice: comparison of biodistribution studies. Cancer Gene Ther 2009; 16:625-37. [PMID: 19197322 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2009.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical biodistribution studies with INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) vector, supporting an early stage clinical trial were conducted in Syrian hamsters, which are permissive for Ad replication, and mice, which are a standard model for assessing toxicity and biodistribution of replication-defective (RD) Ad vectors. Vector dissemination and pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration were examined by real-time PCR in nine tissues and blood at five time points spanning 1 year. Select organs were also examined for the presence of infectious vector/virus. INGN 007 (VRX-007), wild-type Ad5 and AdCMVpA (an RD vector) were compared in the hamster model, whereas only INGN 007 was examined in mice. DNA of all vectors was widely disseminated early after injection, but decayed rapidly in most organs. In the hamster model, DNA of INGN 007 and Ad5 was more abundant than that of the RD vector AdCMVpA at early times after injection, but similar levels were seen later. An increased level of INGN 007 and Ad5 DNA but not AdCMVpA DNA in certain organs early after injection, and the presence of infectious INGN 007 and Ad5 in lung and liver samples at early times after injection, strongly suggests that replication of INGN 007 and Ad5 occurred in several Syrian hamster organs. There was no evidence of INGN 007 replication in mice. In addition to providing important information about INGN 007, the results underscore the utility of the Syrian hamster as a permissive immunocompetent model for Ad5 pathogenesis and oncolytic Ad vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ying
- VirRx Inc., St Louis, MO 63108, USA
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11
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Abstract
Conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) have many advantages as agents for cancer virotherapy and have been safely used in human clinical trials. However, replicating adenoviruses have been limited in their ability to eliminate tumors by oncolysis. Thus, the efficacy of these agents must be improved. To this end, CRAds have been engineered to express therapeutic transgenes that exert antitumor effects independent of direct viral oncolysis. These transgenes can be expressed under native gene control elements, in which case placement within the genome determines the expression profile, or they can be controlled by exogenous promoters. The therapeutic transgenes used to arm replicating adenoviruses can be broadly classified into three groups. There are those that mediate killing of the infected cell, those that modulate the tumor microenvironment and those with immunomodulatory functions. Overall, the studies to date in animal models have shown that arming a CRAd with a rationally chosen therapeutic transgene can improve its antitumor efficacy over that of an unarmed CRAd. However, a number of obstacles must be overcome before the full potential of armed CRAds can be realized in the human clinical context. Hence, strategies are being developed to permit intravenous delivery to disseminated cancer cells, overcome the immune response and enable in vivo monitoring of the biodistribution and activity of armed CRAds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Cody
- Division of Human Gene Therapy, Department of Medicine, Gene Therapy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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12
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Hatfield JM, Wierdl M, Wadkins RM, Potter PM. Modifications of human carboxylesterase for improved prodrug activation. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2008; 4:1153-65. [PMID: 18721110 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.4.9.1153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carboxylesterases (CEs) are ubiquitous enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of numerous clinically useful drugs. As ester moieties are frequently included in molecules to improve their water solubility and bioavailability, de facto they become substrates for CEs. OBJECTIVE In this review, we describe the properties of human CEs with regard to their ability to activate anticancer prodrugs and demonstrate how structure-based design can be used to modulate substrate specificity and to increase efficiency of hydrolysis. METHODS A specific example using CPT-11 and a human liver CE is discussed. However, these techniques can be applied to other enzymes and their associated prodrugs. RESULTS Structure-guided mutagenesis of CEs can be employed to alter substrate specificity and generate novel enzymes that are efficacious at anticancer prodrug activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Hatfield
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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13
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Wierdl M, Tsurkan L, Hyatt JL, Edwards CC, Hatfield MJ, Morton CL, Houghton PJ, Danks MK, Redinbo MR, Potter PM. An improved human carboxylesterase for enzyme/prodrug therapy with CPT-11. Cancer Gene Ther 2008; 15:183-92. [PMID: 18188187 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7701112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CPT-11 is a potent antitumor agent that is activated by carboxylesterases (CE) and intracellular expression of CEs that can activate the drug results in increased cytotoxicity to the drug. As activation of CPT-11 (irinotecan-7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxycamptothecin) by human CEs is relatively inefficient, we have developed enzyme/prodrug therapy approaches based on the CE/CPT-11 combination using a rabbit liver CE (rCE). However, the in vivo application of this technology may be hampered by the development of an immune response to rCE. Therefore, we have developed a mutant human CE (hCE1m6), based on the human liver CE hCE1, that can activate CPT-11 approximately 70-fold more efficiently than the wild-type protein and can be expressed at high levels in mammalian cells. Indeed, adenoviral-mediated delivery of hCE1m6 with human tumor cells resulted in up to a 670-fold reduction in the IC(50) value for CPT-11, as compared to cells transduced with vector control virus. Furthermore, xenograft studies with human tumors expressing hCE1m6 confirm the ability of this enzyme to activate CPT-11 in vivo and induce antitumor activity. We propose that this enzyme should likely be less immunogenic than rCE and would be suitable for the in vivo application of CE/CPT-11 enzyme/prodrug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wierdl
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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14
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Raki M, Hakkarainen T, Bauerschmitz GJ, Särkioja M, Desmond RA, Kanerva A, Hemminki A. Utility of TK/GCV in the context of highly effective oncolysis mediated by a serotype 3 receptor targeted oncolytic adenovirus. Gene Ther 2007; 14:1380-8. [PMID: 17611584 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Arming oncolytic adenoviruses with therapeutic transgenes and enhancing transduction of tumor cells are useful strategies for eradication of advanced tumor masses. Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) together with ganciclovir (GCV) has been promising when coupled with viruses featuring low oncolytic potential, but their utility is unknown in the context of highly effective infectivity-enhanced viruses. We constructed Ad5/3-Delta24-TK-GFP, a serotype 3 receptor-targeted, Rb/p16 pathway-selective oncolytic adenovirus, where a fusion gene encoding TK and green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted into 6.7K/gp19K-deleted E3 region. Ad5/3-Delta24-TK-GFP killed ovarian cancer cells effectively, which correlated with GFP expression. Delivery of GCV immediately after infection abrogated viral replication, which might have utility as a safety switch. Due to the bystander effect, killing of some cell lines in vitro was enhanced by GCV regardless of timing. In murine models of metastatic ovarian cancer, Ad5/3-Delta24-TK-GFP improved antitumor efficacy over the respective replication-deficient virus with GCV. However, GCV did not further enhance efficacy of Ad5/3-Delta24-TK-GFP in vivo. Simultaneous detection of tumor load and virus replication with bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging provided insight into the in vivo kinetics of oncolysis. In summary, TK/GCV may not add antitumor activity in the context of highly potent oncolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Raki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program and Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Cascallo M, Alonso MM, Rojas JJ, Perez-Gimenez A, Fueyo J, Alemany R. Systemic toxicity-efficacy profile of ICOVIR-5, a potent and selective oncolytic adenovirus based on the pRB pathway. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1607-15. [PMID: 17579575 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
E2F acts as a transcriptional repressor when bound to unphosphorylated RB during the G(1) or G(0) phase. Upon phosphorylation, E2F is released from the E2F-RB complexes to activate transcription. Tumor cells are characterized by an increase in the level of "free" E2F as a consequence of the absence or hyperphosphorylation of RB. The E2F-1 promoter is a well-characterized E2F-responsive promoter, and it can be used to control adenovirus E1a gene expression as a strategy to achieve tumor-selective expression and replication of an adenovirus. ICOVIR-5 (Ad-DM-E2F-K-Delta24RGD) is an optimized oncolytic adenovirus that combines E1a transcriptional control by an insulated form of the E2F promoter with the Delta24 mutation of E1a to improve the therapeutic index of AdDelta24RGD. ICOVIR-5 also contains the Kozak sequence at the E1a start codon, which is important to restore E1a expression and viral replication to AdwtRGD levels in tumor cells. The unique combination of genetic elements in ICOVIR-5 allows the selectivity for cells with a deregulated E2F-RB pathway to be increased and potent anti-tumoral activity to be maintained. Dose-response toxicological and efficacy studies after a single systemic administration in pre-clinical models in mice are presented to demonstrate that this virus holds promise for treatment of disseminated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Cascallo
- Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge-Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Witlox M, Lamfers M, Wuisman P, Curiel D, Siegal G. Evolving gene therapy approaches for osteosarcoma using viral vectors: review. Bone 2007; 40:797-812. [PMID: 17189720 PMCID: PMC2731716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2006.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2006] [Revised: 10/25/2006] [Accepted: 10/26/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review begins with an introduction to the malignant bone tumor, osteosarcoma [OS] and then moves to a discussion of the commonly used vectors for gene transfer. We first briefly highlight non-viral vectors including polymeric and liposomal delivery systems but concentrate predominantly on the 5 leading viral vectors used in cancer gene therapy, specifically retroviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses and lentiviruses with the most detailed analysis reserved for adenoviruses. The 3 main strategies for gene therapy in osteosarcoma are next summarized. As part of this review, the several prodrug-converting enzymes utilized in OS suicide gene therapy are examined. The text then turns to a discussion of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer and the need for tumor targeting via transductional or transcriptional approaches. Because of practical problems with use of replication-incompetent viruses in achieving complete tumor kill in vivo, virotherapy utilizing replication competent viruses has come to the fore. This topic is, thus, next reviewed which allows for a natural transition to a discussion of armed therapeutic viruses many of which are conditionally replicating adenoviruses carrying transgenes with established anti-tumor efficacy. We recognize that several other issues have arisen which hamper progress in the field of cancer gene therapy. We, therefore, review viral-induced toxicity in the host and vector delivery issues which have been found to potentially influence safety. We end with a brief perspective including commenting on animal models used in examining delivery strategies for osteosarcoma gene therapy. The challenges remaining are touched upon most especially the need to deal with pulmonary metastatic disease from OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.A. Witlox
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, NL, ,
- Divison of Gene Therapy, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, NL
| | - M.L. Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, NL,
| | - P.I.J.M. Wuisman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, NL, ,
| | - D.T. Curiel
- Division of Human Gene Therapy, Depts. Of Medicine, Surgery, Pathology & Ob/Gyn and the Gene Therapy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,
| | - G.P. Siegal
- Departments of Pathology, Cell Biology, and Surgery, and the Gene Therapy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,
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17
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Lamfers MLM, Fulci G, Gianni D, Tang Y, Kurozumi K, Kaur B, Moeniralm S, Saeki Y, Carette JE, Weissleder R, Vandertop WP, van Beusechem VW, Dirven CMF, Chiocca EA. Cyclophosphamide increases transgene expression mediated by an oncolytic adenovirus in glioma-bearing mice monitored by bioluminescence imaging. Mol Ther 2006; 14:779-88. [PMID: 16996314 PMCID: PMC2819149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2006.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2005] [Revised: 08/07/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Approaches to improve the oncolytic potency of replication-competent adenoviruses include the insertion of therapeutic transgenes into the viral genome. Little is known about the levels and duration of in vivo transgene expression by cells infected with such "armed" viruses. Using a tumor-selective adenovirus encoding firefly luciferase (AdDelta24CMV-Luc) we investigated these questions in an intracranial mouse model for malignant glioma. Luciferase expression was detected by bioluminescence imaging, and the effect of the immunosuppressive agent cyclophosphamide (CPA) on transgene expression was assessed. Intratumoral AdDelta24CMV-Luc injection led to a localized dose-dependent expression of luciferase. Surprisingly, this expression decreased rapidly during the course of 14 days. In contrast, mice injected with nonreplicating Ad.CMV-Luc demonstrated stable transgene expression. Treatment of mice with CPA in combination with AdDelta24CMV-Luc retarded the loss of transgene expression. Staining of mouse brains for inflammatory cells demonstrated decreased tumor infiltration by immune cells in CPA-treated mice. Moreover, in immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice loss of transgene expression was less rapid and not prevented by CPA treatment. Together, our data demonstrate that transgene expression and viral replication decrease rapidly after intratumoral injection of oncolytic adenovirus in mouse brains and that treatment with the immunomodulator CPA prolongs viral-mediated gene expression.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae/genetics
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/analysis
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/analysis
- Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/pharmacology
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cyclophosphamide/administration & dosage
- Cyclophosphamide/pharmacology
- Female
- Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Glioma/genetics
- Glioma/metabolism
- Glioma/pathology
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Leukocyte Common Antigens/analysis
- Luciferases/genetics
- Luciferases/metabolism
- Luminescent Measurements/methods
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Nude
- Mice, SCID
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Oncolytic Viruses/genetics
- Transgenes/genetics
- Transplantation, Heterologous
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine L M Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 1007 MB, The Netherlands.
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