1
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Xiao R, Jin H, Huang F, Huang B, Wang H, Wang YG. Oncolytic virotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A potent immunotherapeutic landscape. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2867-2876. [PMID: 39072175 PMCID: PMC11271782 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i7.2867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a systemic disease with augmented malignant degree, high mortality and poor prognosis. Since the establishment of the immune mechanism of tumor therapy, people have realized that immunotherapy is an effective means for improvement of HCC patient prognosis. Oncolytic virus is a novel immunotherapy drug, which kills tumor cells and exempts normal cells by directly lysing tumor and inducing anti-tumor immune response, and it has been extensively examined as an HCC therapy. This editorial discusses oncolytic viruses for the treatment of HCC, emphasizing viral immunotherapy strategies and clinical applications related to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hao Jin
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial Peoples’ Hospital, Peoples’ Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Biao Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi-Gang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
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2
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Nelson A, McMullen N, Gebremeskel S, De Antueno R, Mackenzie D, Duncan R, Johnston B. Fusogenic vesicular stomatitis virus combined with natural killer T cell immunotherapy controls metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:78. [PMID: 38750591 PMCID: PMC11094881 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01818-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in woman. Current treatment options are often associated with adverse side effects and poor outcomes, demonstrating the need for effective new treatments. Immunotherapies can provide durable outcomes in many cancers; however, limited success has been achieved in metastatic triple negative breast cancer. We tested whether combining different immunotherapies can target metastatic triple negative breast cancer in pre-clinical models. METHODS Using primary and metastatic 4T1 triple negative mammary carcinoma models, we examined the therapeutic effects of oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSVΔM51) engineered to express reovirus-derived fusion associated small transmembrane proteins p14 (VSV-p14) or p15 (VSV-p15). These viruses were delivered alone or in combination with natural killer T (NKT) cell activation therapy mediated by adoptive transfer of α-galactosylceramide-loaded dendritic cells. RESULTS Treatment of primary 4T1 tumors with VSV-p14 or VSV-p15 alone increased immunogenic tumor cell death, attenuated tumor growth, and enhanced immune cell infiltration and activation compared to control oncolytic virus (VSV-GFP) treatments and untreated mice. When combined with NKT cell activation therapy, oncolytic VSV-p14 and VSV-p15 reduced metastatic lung burden to undetectable levels in all mice and generated immune memory as evidenced by enhanced in vitro recall responses (tumor killing and cytokine production) and impaired tumor growth upon rechallenge. CONCLUSION Combining NKT cell immunotherapy with enhanced oncolytic virotherapy increased anti-tumor immune targeting of lung metastasis and presents a promising treatment strategy for metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Nelson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Nichole McMullen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Simon Gebremeskel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Roberto De Antueno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Duncan Mackenzie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Roy Duncan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Brent Johnston
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, B3H 4R2, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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3
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Lim Y, Park J, Lim JE, Park M, Koh SK, Lee M, Kim SK, Lee SH, Song KH, Park DG, Kim HY, Jeong BC, Cho D. Evaluating a combination treatment of NK cells and reovirus against bladder cancer cells using an in vitro assay to simulate intravesical therapy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7390. [PMID: 38548803 PMCID: PMC10979019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56297-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Intravesical treatment using either reovirus or natural killer (NK) cells serves as an efficient strategy for the treatment of bladder cancer cells (BCCs); however, corresponding monotherapies have often shown modest cytotoxicity. The potential of a locoregional combination using high-dose reovirus and NK cell therapy in an intravesical approach has not yet been studied. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of reoviruses and expanded NK cells (eNK) as potential strategies for the treatment of bladder cancer. The anti-tumor effects of mono-treatment with reovirus type 3 Dearing strain (RC402 and RP116) and in combination with interleukin (IL)-18/-21-pretreated eNK cells were investigated on BCC lines (5637, HT-1376, and 253J-BV) using intravesical therapy to simulate in vitro model. RP116 and IL-18/-21-pretreated eNK cells exhibited effective cytotoxicity against grade 1 carcinoma (5637 cells) when used alone, but not against HT-1376 (grade 2 carcinoma) and 253J-BV cells (derived from a metastatic site). Notably, combining RP116 with IL-18/-21-pretreated eNK cells displayed effective cytotoxicity against both HT-1376 and 253J-BV cells. Our findings underscore the potential of a combination therapy using reoviruses and NK cells as a promising strategy for treating bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuree Lim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Korea
| | - Jeehun Park
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Joung Eun Lim
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minji Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Kwon Koh
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mijeong Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Ki Kim
- Department of Companion & Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Dong Guk Park
- ViroCure Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Young Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Byong Chang Jeong
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Duck Cho
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81, Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Stites EC. The Abundance of KRAS and RAS Gene Mutations in Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2797:13-22. [PMID: 38570449 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3822-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Mutant forms of the RAS genes KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS are important and common drivers of cancer. Recently, two independent teams that integrated cancer genomics with cancer epidemiology estimated that approximately 15-20% of all human cancers harbor a mutation in one of these three RAS genes. These groups also estimate KRAS mutations occur in 11-14% of all human cancers. Although these estimates are lower than many commonly encountered values, these estimates continue to rank KRAS and the ensemble of RAS oncogenes among the most common genetic drivers of cancer across all forms of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Stites
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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5
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Cristi F, Walters M, Narayan N, Agopsowicz K, Hitt MM, Shmulevitz M. Improved oncolytic activity of a reovirus mutant that displays enhanced virus spread due to reduced cell attachment. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100743. [PMID: 38033400 PMCID: PMC10685048 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild-type reovirus serotype 3 Dearing (T3wt), a non-pathogenic intestinal virus, has shown promise as a cancer therapy in clinical trials, but it would benefit from an increased potency. Given that T3wt is naturally adapted to the intestinal environment (rather than tumors), we genetically modified reovirus to improve its infectivity in cancer cells. Various reovirus mutants were created, and their oncolytic potency was evaluated in vitro using plaque size as a measure of virus fitness in cancer cells. Notably, Super Virus 5 (SV5), carrying five oncolytic mutations, displayed the largest plaques in breast cancer cells among the mutants tested, indicating the potential for enhancing oncolytic potency through the combination of mutations. Furthermore, in a HER2+ murine breast cancer model, mice treated with SV5 exhibited superior tumor reduction and increased survival compared with those treated with PBS or T3wt. Intriguingly, SV5 did not replicate faster than T3wt in cultured cells but demonstrated a farther spread relative to T3wt, attributed to its reduced attachment to cancer cells. These findings highlight the significance of increased virus spread as a crucial mechanism for improving oncolytic virus activity. Thus, genetic modifications of reovirus hold the potential for augmenting its efficacy in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Cristi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Maiah Walters
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Nashae Narayan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Kate Agopsowicz
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Mary M. Hitt
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Maya Shmulevitz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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6
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Bourhill T, Rohani L, Kumar M, Bose P, Rancourt D, Johnston RN. Modulation of Reoviral Cytolysis (II): Cellular Stemness. Viruses 2023; 15:1473. [PMID: 37515162 PMCID: PMC10386201 DOI: 10.3390/v15071473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are an emerging cancer therapeutic that are intended to act by selectively targeting and lysing cancerous cells and by stimulating anti-tumour immune responses, while leaving normal cells mainly unaffected. Reovirus is a well-studied OV that is undergoing advanced clinical trials and has received FDA approval in selected circumstances. However, the mechanisms governing reoviral selectivity are not well characterised despite many years of effort, including those in our accompanying paper where we characterize pathways that do not consistently modulate reoviral cytolysis. We have earlier shown that reovirus is capable of infecting and lysing both certain types of cancer cells and also cancer stem cells, and here we demonstrate its ability to also infect and kill healthy pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). This led us to hypothesize that pathways responsible for stemness may constitute a novel route for the modulation of reoviral tropism. We find that reovirus is capable of killing both murine and human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. Differentiation of PSCs alters the cells' reoviral-permissive state to a resistant one. In a breast cancer cell line that was resistant to reoviral oncolysis, induction of pluripotency programming rendered the cells permissive to cytolysis. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that expression of the Yamanaka pluripotency factors may be associated with regulating reoviral selectivity. Mechanistic insights from these studies will be useful for the advancement of reoviral oncolytic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarryn Bourhill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Leili Rohani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Mehul Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Pinaki Bose
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Derrick Rancourt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Randal N Johnston
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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7
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Zhu X, Fan C, Xiong Z, Chen M, Li Z, Tao T, Liu X. Development and application of oncolytic viruses as the nemesis of tumor cells. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1188526. [PMID: 37440883 PMCID: PMC10335770 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1188526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses and tumors are two pathologies that negatively impact human health, but what occurs when a virus encounters a tumor? A global consensus among cancer patients suggests that surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other methods are the primary means to combat cancer. However, with the innovation and development of biomedical technology, tumor biotherapy (immunotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, gene therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, etc.) has emerged as an alternative treatment for malignant tumors. Oncolytic viruses possess numerous anti-tumor properties, such as directly lysing tumor cells, activating anti-tumor immune responses, and improving the tumor microenvironment. Compared to traditional immunotherapy, oncolytic virus therapy offers advantages including high killing efficiency, precise targeting, and minimal side effects. Although oncolytic virus (OV) therapy was introduced as a novel approach to tumor treatment in the 19th century, its efficacy was suboptimal, limiting its widespread application. However, since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first OV therapy drug, T-VEC, in 2015, interest in OV has grown significantly. In recent years, oncolytic virus therapy has shown increasingly promising application prospects and has become a major research focus in the field of cancer treatment. This article reviews the development, classification, and research progress of oncolytic viruses, as well as their mechanisms of action, therapeutic methods, and routes of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology—Manhattan Campus, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chenyang Fan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medicine and Technology, School of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhuolong Xiong
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingwei Chen
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zesong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital(Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Xiuqing Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Radiotherapy/Chemotherapy-Immunotherapy for Cancer Management: From Mechanisms to Clinical Implications. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:7530794. [PMID: 36778203 PMCID: PMC9911251 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7530794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has drawn much attention because it can restart the recognition and killing function of the immune system to normalize the antitumor immune response. However, the role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer treatment cannot be ignored. Due to cancer heterogeneity, combined therapy has become a new trend, and its efficacy has been confirmed in many studies. This review discussed the clinical implications and the underlying mechanisms of cancer immunotherapy in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, offering an outline for clinicians as well as inspiration for future research.
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9
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Li X, Sun X, Wang B, Li Y, Tong J. Oncolytic virus-based hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: Current status, intravenous delivery strategies, and emerging combination therapeutic solutions. Asian J Pharm Sci 2023; 18:100771. [PMID: 36896445 PMCID: PMC9989663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.100771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have limited success in improving patients' quality of life and prolonging life expectancy. The clinical need for more efficient and safe therapies has contributed to the exploration of emerging strategies. Recently, there has been increased interest in oncolytic viruses (OVs) as a therapeutic modality for HCC. OVs undergo selective replication in cancerous tissues and kill tumor cells. Strikingly, pexastimogene devacirepvec (Pexa-Vec) was granted an orphan drug status in HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. Meanwhile, dozens of OVs are being tested in HCC-directed clinical and preclinical trials. In this review, the pathogenesis and current therapies of HCC are outlined. Next, we summarize multiple OVs as single therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCC, which have demonstrated certain efficacy and low toxicity. Emerging carrier cell-, bioengineered cell mimetic- or nonbiological vehicle-mediated OV intravenous delivery systems in HCC therapy are described. In addition, we highlight the combination treatments between oncolytic virotherapy and other modalities. Finally, the clinical challenges and prospects of OV-based biotherapy are discussed, with the aim of continuing to develop a fascinating approach in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinguo Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xiaonan Sun
- The 4th People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110031, China
| | - Bingyuan Wang
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Yiling Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Jing Tong
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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10
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Zhu Z, McGray AJR, Jiang W, Lu B, Kalinski P, Guo ZS. Improving cancer immunotherapy by rationally combining oncolytic virus with modulators targeting key signaling pathways. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:196. [PMID: 36221123 PMCID: PMC9554963 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a new class of multi-modal immunotherapies for cancer, with OV-elicited antitumor immunity being key to their overall therapeutic efficacy. Currently, the clinical effectiveness of OV as monotherapy remains limited, and thus investigators have been exploring various combinations with other anti-cancer agents and demonstrated improved therapeutic efficacy. As cancer cells have evolved to alter key signaling pathways for enhanced cell proliferation, cancer progression and metastasis, these cellular and molecular changes offer promising targets for rational cancer therapy design. In this regard, key molecules in relevant signaling pathways for cancer cells or/and immune cells, such as EGFR-KRAS (e.g., KRASG12C), PI3K-AKT-mTOR, ERK-MEK, JAK-STAT, p53, PD-1-PD-L1, and epigenetic, or immune pathways (e.g., histone deacetylases, cGAS-STING) are currently under investigation and have the potential to synergize with OV to modulate the immune milieu of the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby improving and sustaining antitumor immunity. As many small molecule modulators of these signaling pathways have been developed and have shown strong therapeutic potential, here we review key findings related to both OV-mediated immunotherapy and the utility of small molecule modulators of signaling pathways in immuno-oncology. Then, we focus on discussion of the rationales and potential strategies for combining OV with selected modulators targeting key cellular signaling pathways in cancer or/and immune cells to modulate the TME and enhance antitumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy. Finally, we provide perspectives and viewpoints on the application of novel experimental systems and technologies that can propel this exciting branch of medicine into a bright future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - A J Robert McGray
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Weijian Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Binfeng Lu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pawel Kalinski
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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11
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Reovirus uses temporospatial compartmentalization to orchestrate core versus outercapsid assembly. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010641. [PMID: 36099325 PMCID: PMC9514668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reoviridae virus family members, such as mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus), encounter a unique challenge during replication. To hide the dsRNA from host recognition, the genome remains encapsidated in transcriptionally active proteinaceous core capsids that transcribe and release +RNA. De novo +RNAs and core proteins must repeatedly assemble into new progeny cores in order to logarithmically amplify replication. Reoviruses also produce outercapsid (OC) proteins μ1, σ3 and σ1 that assemble onto cores to create highly stable infectious full virions. Current models of reovirus replication position amplification of transcriptionally-active cores and assembly of infectious virions in shared factories, but we hypothesized that since assembly of OC proteins would halt core amplification, OC assembly is somehow regulated. Kinetic analysis of virus +RNA production, core versus OC protein expression, and core particles versus whole virus particle accumulation, indicated that assembly of OC proteins onto core particles was temporally delayed. All viral RNAs and proteins were made simultaneously, eliminating the possibility that delayed OC RNAs or proteins account for delayed OC assembly. High resolution fluorescence and electron microscopy revealed that core amplification occurred early during infection at peripheral core-only factories, while all OC proteins associated with lipid droplets (LDs) that coalesced near the nucleus in a μ1–dependent manner. Core-only factories transitioned towards the nucleus despite cycloheximide-mediated halting of new protein expression, while new core-only factories developed in the periphery. As infection progressed, OC assembly occurred at LD-and nuclear-proximal factories. Silencing of OC μ1 expression with siRNAs led to large factories that remained further from the nucleus, implicating μ1 in the transition to perinuclear factories. Moreover, late during infection, +RNA pools largely contributed to the production of de-novo viral proteins and fully-assembled infectious viruses. Altogether the results suggest an advanced model of reovirus replication with spatiotemporal segregation of core amplification, OC complexes and fully assembled virions. It is important to understand how viruses replicate and assemble to discover antiviral therapies and to modify viruses for applications like gene therapy or cancer therapy. Reovirus is a harmless virus being tested as a cancer therapy. Reovirus has two coats of proteins, an inner coat and an outer coat. To replicate, reovirus particles need only the inner coat, but to become infectious they require the outer coat. Strangely, inner and outer coat proteins are all made by the virus at once, so it was unknown what determines whether newly made viruses will contain just the inner coat to continue to replicate, or both coats to transmit to new hosts. Our experiments reveal that the inner coat proteins are located in a different area of an infected cell versus the outer coat proteins. The location therefore determines if the newly made viruses contain just the inner coat versus both coats. Reoviruses have evolved extravagant mechanisms to be able to efficiently take on the best composition required for replication and transmission.
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12
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Groeneveldt C, Kinderman P, van Stigt Thans JJC, Labrie C, Griffioen L, Sluijter M, van den Wollenberg DJM, Hoeben RC, den Haan JMM, van der Burg SH, van Hall T, van Montfoort N. Preinduced reovirus-specific T-cell immunity enhances the anticancer efficacy of reovirus therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004464. [PMID: 35853671 PMCID: PMC9301813 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many solid tumors do not respond to immunotherapy due to their immunologically cold tumor microenvironment (TME). We and others found that oncolytic viruses (OVs), including reovirus type 3 Dearing, can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy by recruiting CD8+ T cells to the TME. A significant part of the incoming CD8+ T cells is directed toward reovirus itself, which may be detrimental to the efficacy of OVs. However, here we aim to exploit these incoming virus-specific T cells as anticancer effector cells. METHODS We performed an in-depth characterization of the reovirus-induced T-cell response in immune-competent mice bearing pancreatic KPC3 tumors. The immunodominant CD8+ T-cell epitope of reovirus was identified using epitope prediction algorithms and peptide arrays, and the quantity and quality of reovirus-specific T cells after reovirus administration were assessed using high-dimensional flow cytometry. A synthetic long peptide (SLP)-based vaccination strategy was designed to enhance the intratumoral frequency of reovirus-specific CD8+ T cells. RESULTS Reovirus administration did not induce tumor-specific T cells but rather induced high frequencies of reovirus-specific CD8+ T cells directed to the immunodominant epitope. Priming of reovirus-specific T cells required a low-frequent population of cross-presenting dendritic cells which was absent in Batf3-/- mice. While intratumoral and intravenous reovirus administration induced equal systemic frequencies of reovirus-specific T cells, reovirus-specific T cells were highly enriched in the TME exclusively after intratumoral administration. Here, they displayed characteristics of potent effector cells with high expression of KLRG1, suggesting they may be responsive against local reovirus-infected cells. To exploit these reovirus-specific T cells as anticancer effector cells, we designed an SLP-based vaccination strategy to induce a strong T-cell response before virotherapy. These high frequencies of circulating reovirus-specific T cells were reactivated on intratumoral reovirus administration and significantly delayed tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide proof of concept that OV-specific T cells, despite not being tumor-specific, can be exploited as potent effector cells for anticancer treatment when primed before virotherapy. This is an attractive strategy for low-immunogenic tumors lacking tumor-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Groeneveldt
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Priscilla Kinderman
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Camilla Labrie
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Griffioen
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rob C Hoeben
- Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joke M M den Haan
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunlogy, Amsterdam UMC - Location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Cristi F, Gutiérrez T, Hitt MM, Shmulevitz M. Genetic Modifications That Expand Oncolytic Virus Potency. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:831091. [PMID: 35155581 PMCID: PMC8826539 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.831091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising type of cancer therapy since they selectively replicate in tumor cells without damaging healthy cells. Many oncolytic viruses have progressed to human clinical trials, however, their performance as monotherapy has not been as successful as expected. Importantly, recent literature suggests that the oncolytic potential of these viruses can be further increased by genetically modifying the viruses. In this review, we describe genetic modifications to OVs that improve their ability to kill tumor cells directly, to dismantle the tumor microenvironment, or to alter tumor cell signaling and enhance anti-tumor immunity. These advances are particularly important to increase virus spread and reduce metastasis, as demonstrated in animal models. Since metastasis is the principal cause of mortality in cancer patients, having OVs designed to target metastases could transform cancer therapy. The genetic alterations reported to date are only the beginning of all possible improvements to OVs. Modifications described here could be combined together, targeting multiple processes, or with other non-viral therapies with potential to provide a strong and lasting anti-tumor response in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Cristi
- Shmulevitz Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tomás Gutiérrez
- Goping Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mary M. Hitt
- Hitt Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Mary M. Hitt, ; Maya Shmulevitz,
| | - Maya Shmulevitz
- Shmulevitz Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Mary M. Hitt, ; Maya Shmulevitz,
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14
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Ban W, Guan J, Huang H, He Z, Sun M, Liu F, Sun J. Emerging systemic delivery strategies of oncolytic viruses: A key step toward cancer immunotherapy. NANO RESEARCH 2022; 15:4137-4153. [PMID: 35194488 PMCID: PMC8852960 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-021-4031-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) is a novel type of immunotherapy that induces anti-tumor responses through selective self-replication within cancer cells and oncolytic virus (OV)-mediated immunostimulation. Notably, talimogene laherparepvec (T-Vec) developed by the Amgen company in 2015, is the first FDA-approved OV product to be administered via intratumoral injection and has been the most successful OVT treatment. However, the systemic administration of OVs still faces huge challenges, including in vivo pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and poor targeting delivery efficacy. Recently, state-of-the-art progress has been made in the development of systemic delivery of OVs, which demonstrates a promising step toward broadening the scope of cancer immunotherapy and improving the clinical efficacy of OV delivery. Herein, this review describes the general characteristics of OVs, focusing on the action mechanisms of OVs as well as the advantages and disadvantages of OVT. The emerging multiple systemic administration approaches of OVs are summarized in the past five years. In addition, the combination treatments between OVT and traditional therapies (chemotherapy, thermotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, etc.) are highlighted. Last but not least, the future prospects and challenges of OVT are also discussed, with the aim of facilitating medical researchers to extensively apply the OVT in the cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyue Ban
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Jianhuan Guan
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Hanwei Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, China Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Zhonggui He
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Mengchi Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Funan Liu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, China Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Jin Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
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15
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Yang L, Gu X, Yu J, Ge S, Fan X. Oncolytic Virotherapy: From Bench to Bedside. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:790150. [PMID: 34901031 PMCID: PMC8662562 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.790150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are naturally occurring or genetically engineered viruses that can replicate preferentially in tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth. These viruses have been considered an effective anticancer strategy in recent years. They mainly function by direct oncolysis, inducing an anticancer immune response and expressing exogenous effector genes. Their multifunctional characteristics indicate good application prospects as cancer therapeutics, especially in combination with other therapies, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the utility of oncolytic viruses in cancer therapeutics. Here, we review the characteristics, antitumor mechanisms, clinical applications, deficiencies and associated solutions, and future prospects of oncolytic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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16
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Oosenbrug T, van den Wollenberg DJM, Duits EW, Hoeben RC, Ressing ME. Induction of Robust Type I Interferon Levels by Oncolytic Reovirus Requires Both Viral Replication and Interferon-α/β Receptor Signaling. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1171-1185. [PMID: 34405701 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are promising agents for cancer therapy because they selectively infect and kill tumor cells, and because they trigger immune responses that can boost anticancer immunity. Key to the latter process is the production of type I interferons (IFN-Is) that can turn noninflamed "cold" tumors into "hot" ones. Besides this desired anticancer effect, IFN-Is are antiviral and successful oncolytic virotherapy thus relies on tightly controlled IFN-I levels. This requires a profound understanding of when and how tumor cells induce IFN-I in response to specific viruses. In this study, we uncovered two key factors that augment IFN-I production in transformed human myeloid cells infected with a tumor-selective reovirus. Viral replication and IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) signaling progressively reinforced the levels of IFN-I expressed by infected cells. Mechanistically, both augmented the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3, a key transcription factor for IFNβ expression. Our findings imply that reovirus-permissive tumor cells themselves are a major source of IFN-I expression. As tumors can perturb the IFNAR pathway for their own survival, reovirus-exposed IFNAR-unresponsive tumors may need additional therapeutic intervention to promote the secretion of sufficient IFN-I into the tumor microenvironment. Our increased understanding of the parameters that affect reovirus-induced IFN-I levels could aid in the design of tailored virus-based cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Oosenbrug
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eline W Duits
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike E Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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Role of Myeloid Cells in Oncolytic Reovirus-Based Cancer Therapy. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040654. [PMID: 33920168 PMCID: PMC8070345 DOI: 10.3390/v13040654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic reovirus preferentially targets and kills cancer cells via the process of oncolysis, and additionally drives clinically favorable antitumor T cell responses that form protective immunological memory against cancer relapse. This two-prong attack by reovirus on cancers constitutes the foundation of its use as an anticancer oncolytic agent. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these reovirus-driven antitumor effects is influenced by the highly suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, the myeloid cell populations (e.g., myeloid-derived suppressive cells and tumor-associated macrophages) of highly immunosuppressive capacities within the TME not only affect oncolysis but also actively impair the functioning of reovirus-driven antitumor T cell immunity. Thus, myeloid cells within the TME play a critical role during the virotherapy, which, if properly understood, can identify novel therapeutic combination strategies potentiating the therapeutic efficacy of reovirus-based cancer therapy.
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18
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Gebremeskel S, Nelson A, Walker B, Oliphant T, Lobert L, Mahoney D, Johnston B. Natural killer T cell immunotherapy combined with oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus or reovirus treatments differentially increases survival in mouse models of ovarian and breast cancer metastasis. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002096. [PMID: 33722907 PMCID: PMC7970295 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncolytic viruses reduce tumor burden in animal models and have generated promising results in clinical trials. However, it is likely that oncolytic viruses will be more effective when used in combination with other therapies. Current therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapeutics, come with dose-limiting toxicities. Another option is to combine oncolytic viruses with immunotherapeutic approaches. METHODS Using experimental models of metastatic 4T1 breast cancer and ID8 ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis, we examined natural killer T (NKT) cell-based immunotherapy in combination with recombinant oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) or reovirus. 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells or ID8 ovarian cancer cells were injected into syngeneic mice. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with VSV or reovirus followed by activation of NKT cells via the intravenous administration of autologous dendritic cells loaded with the glycolipid antigen α-galactosylceramide. The effects of VSV and reovirus on immunogenic cell death (ICD), cell viability and immunogenicity were tested in vitro. RESULTS VSV or reovirus treatments followed by NKT cell activation mediated greater survival in the ID8 model than individual therapies. The regimen was less effective when the treatment order was reversed, delivering virus treatments after NKT cell activation. In the 4T1 model, VSV combined with NKT cell activation increased overall survival and decreased metastatic burden better than individual treatments. In contrast, reovirus was not effective on its own or in combination with NKT cell activation. In vitro, VSV killed a panel of tumor lines better than reovirus. VSV infection also elicited greater increases in mRNA transcripts for proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antigen presentation machinery compared with reovirus. Oncolytic VSV also induced the key hallmarks of ICD (calreticulin mobilization, plus release of ATP and HMGB1), while reovirus only mobilized calreticulin. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results demonstrate that oncolytic VSV and NKT cell immunotherapy can be effectively combined to decrease tumor burden in models of metastatic breast and ovarian cancers. Oncolytic VSV and reovirus induced differential responses in our models which may relate to differences in virus activity or tumor susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Gebremeskel
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Adam Nelson
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Brynn Walker
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tora Oliphant
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lynnea Lobert
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Douglas Mahoney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brent Johnston
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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19
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Glover KKM, Sutherland DM, Dermody TS, Coombs KM. A Single Point Mutation, Asn 16→Lys, Dictates the Temperature-Sensitivity of the Reovirus tsG453 Mutant. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020289. [PMID: 33673179 PMCID: PMC7917769 DOI: 10.3390/v13020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of conditionally lethal mutants can help delineate the structure-function relationships of biomolecules. Temperature-sensitive (ts) mammalian reovirus (MRV) mutants were isolated and characterized many years ago. Two of the most well-defined MRV ts mutants are tsC447, which contains mutations in the S2 gene encoding viral core protein σ2, and tsG453, which contains mutations in the S4 gene encoding major outer-capsid protein σ3. Because many MRV ts mutants, including both tsC447 and tsG453, encode multiple amino acid substitutions, the specific amino acid substitutions responsible for the ts phenotype are unknown. We used reverse genetics to recover recombinant reoviruses containing the single amino acid polymorphisms present in ts mutants tsC447 and tsG453 and assessed the recombinant viruses for temperature-sensitivity by efficiency-of-plating assays. Of the three amino acid substitutions in the tsG453 S4 gene, Asn16-Lys was solely responsible for the tsG453ts phenotype. Additionally, the mutant tsC447 Ala188-Val mutation did not induce a temperature-sensitive phenotype. This study is the first to employ reverse genetics to identify the dominant amino acid substitutions responsible for the tsC447 and tsG453 mutations and relate these substitutions to respective phenotypes. Further studies of other MRV ts mutants are warranted to define the sequence polymorphisms responsible for temperature sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen K. M. Glover
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E OJ9, Canada;
| | - Danica M. Sutherland
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; (D.M.S.); (T.S.D.)
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Terence S. Dermody
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; (D.M.S.); (T.S.D.)
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Kevin M. Coombs
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E OJ9, Canada;
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, 715 McDermot Avenue, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-204-789-3976
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20
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Hwang JK, Hong J, Yun CO. Oncolytic Viruses and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Preclinical Developments to Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8627. [PMID: 33207653 PMCID: PMC7697902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immuno-oncology (IO) has been an active area of oncology research. Following US FDA approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), ipilimumab (human IgG1 k anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody), in 2011, and of the first oncolytic virus, Imlygic (talimogene laherparepvec), in 2015, there has been renewed interest in IO. In the past decade, ICIs have changed the treatment paradigm for many cancers by enabling better therapeutic control, resuming immune surveillance, suppressing tumor immunosuppression, and restoring antitumor immune function. However, ICI therapies are effective only in a small subset of patients and show limited therapeutic potential due to their inability to demonstrate efficacy in 'cold' or unresponsive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Relatedly, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been shown to induce antitumor immune responses, augment the efficacy of existing cancer treatments, and reform unresponsive TME to turn 'cold' tumors 'hot,' increasing their susceptibility to checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. For this reason, OVs serve as ideal complements to ICIs, and multiple preclinical studies and clinical trials are demonstrating their combined therapeutic efficacy. This review will discuss the merits and limitations of OVs and ICIs as monotherapy then progress onto the preclinical rationale and the results of clinical trials of key combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- June Kyu Hwang
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea; (J.K.H.); (J.H.)
| | - JinWoo Hong
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea; (J.K.H.); (J.H.)
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea; (J.K.H.); (J.H.)
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
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21
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Müller L, Berkeley R, Barr T, Ilett E, Errington-Mais F. Past, Present and Future of Oncolytic Reovirus. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3219. [PMID: 33142841 PMCID: PMC7693452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) has received significant attention in recent years, especially since the approval of talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC) in 2015 by the Food and Drug administration (FDA). Mechanistic studies of oncolytic viruses (OVs) have revealed that most, if not all, OVs induce direct oncolysis and stimulate innate and adaptive anti-tumour immunity. With the advancement of tumour modelling, allowing characterisation of the effects of tumour microenvironment (TME) components and identification of the cellular mechanisms required for cell death (both direct oncolysis and anti-tumour immune responses), it is clear that a "one size fits all" approach is not applicable to all OVs, or indeed the same OV across different tumour types and disease locations. This article will provide an unbiased review of oncolytic reovirus (clinically formulated as pelareorep), including the molecular and cellular requirements for reovirus oncolysis and anti-tumour immunity, reports of pre-clinical efficacy and its overall clinical trajectory. Moreover, as it is now abundantly clear that the true potential of all OVs, including reovirus, will only be reached upon the development of synergistic combination strategies, reovirus combination therapeutics will be discussed, including the limitations and challenges that remain to harness the full potential of this promising therapeutic agent.
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22
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Groeneveldt C, Kinderman P, van den Wollenberg DJM, van den Oever RL, Middelburg J, Mustafa DAM, Hoeben RC, van der Burg SH, van Hall T, van Montfoort N. Preconditioning of the tumor microenvironment with oncolytic reovirus converts CD3-bispecific antibody treatment into effective immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001191. [PMID: 33082167 PMCID: PMC7577070 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background T-cell-engaging CD3-bispecific antibodies (CD3-bsAbs) are promising modalities for cancer immunotherapy. Although this therapy has reached clinical practice for hematological malignancies, the absence of sufficient infiltrating T cells is a major barrier for efficacy in solid tumors. In this study, we exploited oncolytic reovirus as a strategy to enhance the efficacy of CD3-bsAbs in immune-silent solid tumors. Methods The mutant p53 and K-ras induced murine pancreatic cancer model KPC3 resembles human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas with a desmoplastic tumor microenvironment, low T-cell density and resistance to immunotherapy. Immune-competent KPC3 tumor-bearing mice were intratumorally injected with reovirus type 3 Dearing strain and the reovirus-induced changes in the tumor microenvironment and spleen were analyzed over time by NanoString analysis, quantitative RT-PCR and multicolor flow cytometry. The efficacy of reovirus in combination with systemically injected CD3-bsAbs was evaluated in immune-competent mice with established KPC3 or B16.F10 tumors, and in the close-to-patient human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer model BT474 engrafted in immunocompromised mice with human T cells as effector cells. Results Replication-competent reovirus induced an early interferon signature, followed by a strong influx of natural killer cells and CD8+ T cells, at the cost of FoxP3+ Tregs. Viral replication declined after 7 days and was associated with a systemic activation of lymphocytes and the emergence of intratumoral reovirus-specific CD8+ T cells. Although tumor-infiltrating T cells were mostly reovirus-specific and not tumor-specific, they served as non-exhausted effector cells for the subsequently systemically administered CD3-bsAbs. Combination treatment of reovirus and CD3-bsAbs led to the regression of large, established KPC3, B16.F10 and BT474 tumors. Reovirus as a preconditioning regimen performed significantly better than simultaneous or early administration of CD3-bsAbs. This combination treatment induced regressions of distant lesions that were not injected with reovirus, and systemic administration of both reovirus and CD3-bsAbs also led to tumor control. This suggests that this therapy might also be effective for metastatic disease. Conclusions Oncolytic reovirus administration represents an effective strategy to induce a local interferon response and strong T-cell influx, thereby sensitizing the tumor microenvironment for subsequent CD3-bsAb therapy. This combination therapy warrants further investigation in patients with non-inflamed solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Groeneveldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Priscilla Kinderman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ruben L van den Oever
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dana A M Mustafa
- Department of Pathology, Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Closely related reovirus lab strains induce opposite expression of RIG-I/IFN-dependent versus -independent host genes, via mechanisms of slow replication versus polymorphisms in dsRNA binding σ3 respectively. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008803. [PMID: 32956403 PMCID: PMC7529228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dearing isolate of Mammalian orthoreovirus (T3D) is a prominent model of virus-host relationships and a candidate oncolytic virotherapy. Closely related laboratory strains of T3D, originating from the same ancestral T3D isolate, were recently found to exhibit significantly different oncolytic properties. Specifically, the T3DPL strain had faster replication kinetics in a panel of cancer cells and improved tumor regression in an in vivo melanoma model, relative to T3DTD. In this study, we discover that T3DPL and T3DTD also differentially activate host signalling pathways and downstream gene transcription. At equivalent infectious dose, T3DTD induces higher IRF3 phosphorylation and expression of type I IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) than T3DPL. Using mono-reassortants with intermediate replication kinetics and pharmacological inhibitors of reovirus replication, IFN responses were found to inversely correlate with kinetics of virus replication. In other words, slow-replicating T3D strains induce more IFN signalling than fast-replicating T3D strains. Paradoxically, during co-infections by T3DPL and T3DTD, there was still high IRF3 phosphorylation indicating a phenodominant effect by the slow-replicating T3DTD. Using silencing and knock-out of RIG-I to impede IFN, we found that IFN induction does not affect the first round of reovirus replication but does prevent cell-cell spread in a paracrine fashion. Accordingly, during co-infections, T3DPL continues to replicate robustly despite activation of IFN by T3DTD. Using gene expression analysis, we discovered that reovirus can also induce a subset of genes in a RIG-I and IFN-independent manner; these genes were induced more by T3DPL than T3DTD. Polymorphisms in reovirus σ3 viral protein were found to control activation of RIG-I/ IFN-independent genes. Altogether, the study reveals that single amino acid polymorphisms in reovirus genomes can have large impact on host gene expression, by both changing replication kinetics and by modifying viral protein activity, such that two closely related T3D strains can induce opposite cytokine landscapes.
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Link AJ, Niu X, Weaver CM, Jennings JL, Duncan DT, McAfee KJ, Sammons M, Gerbasi VR, Farley AR, Fleischer TC, Browne CM, Samir P, Galassie A, Boone B. Targeted Identification of Protein Interactions in Eukaryotic mRNA Translation. Proteomics 2020; 20:e1900177. [PMID: 32027465 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To identify protein-protein interactions and phosphorylated amino acid sites in eukaryotic mRNA translation, replicate TAP-MudPIT and control experiments are performed targeting Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes previously implicated in eukaryotic mRNA translation by their genetic and/or functional roles in translation initiation, elongation, termination, or interactions with ribosomal complexes. Replicate tandem affinity purifications of each targeted yeast TAP-tagged mRNA translation protein coupled with multidimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis are used to identify and quantify copurifying proteins. To improve sensitivity and minimize spurious, nonspecific interactions, a novel cross-validation approach is employed to identify the most statistically significant protein-protein interactions. Using experimental and computational strategies discussed herein, the previously described protein composition of the canonical eukaryotic mRNA translation initiation, elongation, and termination complexes is calculated. In addition, statistically significant unpublished protein interactions and phosphorylation sites for S. cerevisiae's mRNA translation proteins and complexes are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Link
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Xinnan Niu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Connie M Weaver
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jennifer L Jennings
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Dexter T Duncan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - K Jill McAfee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Morgan Sammons
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Vince R Gerbasi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Adam R Farley
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Tracey C Fleischer
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Parimal Samir
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Allison Galassie
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Braden Boone
- Department of Bioinformatics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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25
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Single Amino Acid Differences between Closely Related Reovirus T3D Lab Strains Alter Oncolytic Potency In Vitro and In Vivo. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01688-19. [PMID: 31748391 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01688-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about how genetic variations in viruses affect their success as therapeutic agents. The type 3 Dearing strain of Mammalian orthoreovirus (T3D) is undergoing clinical trials as an oncolytic virotherapy. Worldwide, studies on reovirus oncolysis use T3D stocks propagated in different laboratories. Here, we report that genetic diversification among T3D stocks from various sources extensively impacts oncolytic activity. The T3D strain from the Patrick Lee laboratory strain (TD3PL) showed significantly stronger oncolytic activities in a murine model of melanoma than the strain from the Terence Dermody laboratory (T3DTD). Overall in vitro replication and cytolytic properties of T3D laboratory strains were assessed by measuring virus plaque size on a panel of human and mouse tumor cells, and results were found to correlate with in vivo oncolytic potency in a melanoma model. T3DPL produced larger plaques than T3DTD and than the T3D strain from the ATCC (T3DATCC) and from the Kevin Coombs laboratory (T3DKC). Reassortant and reverse genetics analyses were used to decipher key genes and polymorphisms that govern enhanced plaque size of T3DPL Five single amino acid changes in the S4, M1, and L3 genome segments of reovirus were each partially correlated with plaque size and when combined were able to fully account for differences between T3DPL and T3DTD Moreover, polymorphisms were discovered in T3DTD that promoted virus replication and spread in tumors, and a new T3DPL/T3DTD hybrid was generated with enhanced plaque size compared to that of T3DPL Altogether, single amino acid changes acquired during laboratory virus propagation can have a large impact on reovirus therapeutic potency and warrant consideration as possible confounding variables between studies.IMPORTANCE The reovirus serotype 3 Dearing (T3D) strain is in clinical trials for cancer therapy. We find that closely related laboratory strains of T3D exhibit large differences in their abilities to replicate in cancer cells in vitro, which correlates with oncolytic activity in a in a murine model of melanoma. The study reveals that five single amino acid changes among three reovirus genes strongly impact reovirus therapeutic potency. In general, the findings suggest that attention should be given to genomic divergence of virus strains during research and optimization for cancer therapy.
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Davola ME, Mossman KL. Oncolytic viruses: how "lytic" must they be for therapeutic efficacy? Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1581528. [PMID: 31069150 PMCID: PMC6492965 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1596006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) preferentially target and kill cancer cells without affecting healthy cells through a multi-modal mechanism of action. While historically the direct killing activity of OVs was considered the primary mode of action, initiation or augmentation of a host antitumor immune response is now considered an essential aspect of oncolytic virotherapy. To improve oncolytic virotherapy, many studies focus on increasing virus replication and spread. In this article, we open for discussion the traditional dogma that correlates replication with the efficacy of OVs, pointing out several examples that oppose this principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Davola
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Louise Mossman
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
The clinical effectiveness of immunotherapies for prostate cancer remains subpar compared with that for other cancers. The goal of most immunotherapies is the activation of immune effectors, such as T cells and natural killer cells, as the presence of these activated mediators positively correlates with patient outcomes. Clinical evidence shows that prostate cancer is immunogenic, accessible to the immune system, and can be targeted by antitumour immune responses. However, owing to the detrimental effects of prostate-cancer-associated immunosuppression, even the newest immunotherapeutic approaches fail to initiate the clinically desired antitumour immune reaction. Oncolytic viruses, originally used for their preferential cancer-killing activity, are now being recognized for their ability to overturn cancer-associated immune evasion and promote otherwise absent antitumour immunity. This oncolytic-virus-induced subversion of tumour-associated immunosuppression can potentiate the effectiveness of current immunotherapeutics, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (for example, antibodies against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4)) and chemotherapeutics that induce immunogenic cell death (for example, doxorubicin and oxaliplatin). Importantly, oncolytic-virus-induced antitumour immunity targets existing prostate cancer cells and also establishes long-term protection against future relapse. Hence, the strategic use of oncolytic viruses as monotherapies or in combination with current immunotherapies might result in the next breakthrough in prostate cancer immunotherapy.
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28
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Danziger O, Shai B, Sabo Y, Bacharach E, Ehrlich M. Combined genetic and epigenetic interferences with interferon signaling expose prostate cancer cells to viral infection. Oncotarget 2018; 7:52115-52134. [PMID: 27366948 PMCID: PMC5239539 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) induce anti-viral programs, regulate immune responses, and exert anti-proliferative effects. To escape anti-tumorigenic effects of IFNs, malignant cells attenuate JAK/STAT signaling and expression of IFN stimulated genes (ISGs). Such attenuation may enhance the susceptibility of tumor cells to oncolytic virotherapy. Here we studied genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of interference with JAK/STAT signaling and their contribution to susceptibility of prostate cancer cells to viral infection. Bioinformatics analysis of gene-expression in cohorts of prostate cancer patients revealed genetic and epigenetic interference with the IFN program. To correlate lack of IFN signaling and susceptibility to viral infection and oncolysis; we employed LNCaP prostate cancer cells as cellular model, and the human metapneumovirus and the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus as infectious agents. In LNCaP cells, JAK1 is silenced by bi-allelic inactivating mutations and epigenetic silencing, which also silences ISGs. Chemical inhibition of epigenetic silencing partially restored IFN-sensitivity, induced low levels of expression of selected ISGs and attenuated, but failed to block, viral infection and oncolysis. Since viral infection was not blocked by epigenetic modifiers, and these compounds may independently-induce anti-tumor effects, we propose that epigenetic modifiers and virotherapy are compatible in treatment of prostate tumors defective in JAK1 expression and IFN signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oded Danziger
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben Shai
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yosef Sabo
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Bacharach
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marcelo Ehrlich
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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29
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Gujar S, Pol JG, Kim Y, Lee PW, Kroemer G. Antitumor Benefits of Antiviral Immunity: An Underappreciated Aspect of Oncolytic Virotherapies. Trends Immunol 2017; 39:209-221. [PMID: 29275092 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a new class of cancer immunotherapeutics. Administration of OVs to cancer-bearing hosts induces two distinct immunities: antiviral and antitumor. While antitumor immunity is beneficial, antiviral immune responses are often considered detrimental for the efficacy of OV-based therapy. The existing dogma postulates that anti-OV immune responses restrict viral replication and spread, and thus reduce direct OV-mediated killing of cancer cells. Accordingly, a myriad of therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating anti-OV immune responses is presently being tested. Here, we advocate that OV-induced antiviral immune responses hold intrinsic anticancer benefits and are essential for establishing clinically desired antitumor immunity. Thus, to achieve the optimal efficacy of OV-based cancer immunotherapies, strategic management of anti-OV immune responses is of critical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Gujar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada; Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada; Centre for Innovative and Collaborative Health Sciences Research, Quality and System Performance, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jonathan G Pol
- Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France; INSERM, U1138, Paris, France; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris, France; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Youra Kim
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Patrick W Lee
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada; Share senior co-authorship.
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France; INSERM, U1138, Paris, France; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Share senior co-authorship.
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30
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Oncolytic reovirus inhibits angiogenesis through induction of CXCL10/IP-10 and abrogation of HIF activity in soft tissue sarcomas. Oncotarget 2017; 8:86769-86783. [PMID: 29156834 PMCID: PMC5689724 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21423] [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: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-selective viral replication capacity and pro-apoptotic effects of oncolytic reovirus have been reported to be dependent on the presence of an activated RAS pathway in several solid tumor types. However, the mechanisms of selective anticancer efficacy of the reovirus-based formulation for cancer therapy (Reolysin, pelareorep) have not been rigorously studied in soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Here we report that Reolysin triggered a striking induction of the anti-angiogenic chemokine interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10)/CXCL10 (CXC chemokine ligand 10) in both wild type and RAS mutant STS cells. Further analysis determined that Reolysin treatment possessed significant anti-angiogenic activity irrespective of RAS status. In addition to CXCL10 induction, Reolysin dramatically downregulated the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, HIF-2α and inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. CXCL10 antagonism significantly diminished the anti-angiogenic effects of Reolysin indicating that it is a key driver of this phenomenon. Xenograft studies demonstrated that Reolysin significantly improved the anticancer activity of the anti-angiogenic agents sunitinib, temsirolimus, and bevacizumab in a manner that was associated with increased CXCL10 levels. This effect was most pronounced following treatment with Reolysin in combination with temsirolimus. Further analysis in additional sarcoma xenograft models confirmed the significant increase in CXCL10 and increased anticancer activity of this combination. Our collective results demonstrate that Reolysin possesses CXCL10-driven anti-angiogenic activity in sarcoma models, which can be harnessed to enhance the anticancer activity of temsirolimus and other agents that target the tumor vasculature.
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NKp46 Recognizes the Sigma1 Protein of Reovirus: Implications for Reovirus-Based Cancer Therapy. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.01045-17. [PMID: 28724773 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01045-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent approval of oncolytic virus for therapy of melanoma patients has increased the need for precise evaluation of the mechanisms by which oncolytic viruses affect tumor growth. Here we show that the human NK cell-activating receptor NKp46 and the orthologous mouse protein NCR1 recognize the reovirus sigma1 protein in a sialic-acid-dependent manner. We identify sites of NKp46/NCR1 binding to sigma1 and show that sigma1 binding by NKp46/NCR1 leads to NK cell activation in vitro Finally, we demonstrate that NCR1 activation is essential for reovirus-based therapy in vivo Collectively, we have identified sigma1 as a novel ligand for NKp46/NCR1 and demonstrated that NKp46/NCR1 is needed both for clearance of reovirus infection and for reovirus-based tumor therapy.IMPORTANCE Reovirus infects much of the population during childhood, causing mild disease, and hence is considered to be efficiently controlled by the immune system. Reovirus also specifically infects tumor cells, leading to tumor death, and is currently being tested in human clinical trials for cancer therapy. The mechanisms by which our immune system controls reovirus infection and tumor killing are not well understood. We report here that natural killer (NK) cells recognize a viral protein named sigma1 through the NK cell-activating receptor NKp46. Using several mouse tumor models, we demonstrate the importance of NK cells in protection from reovirus infection and in reovirus killing of tumors in vivo Collectively, we identify a new ligand for the NKp46 receptor and provide evidence for the importance of NKp46 in the control of reovirus infections and in reovirus-based cancer therapy.
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Parker Kerrigan BC, Shimizu Y, Andreeff M, Lang FF. Mesenchymal stromal cells for the delivery of oncolytic viruses in gliomas. Cytotherapy 2017; 19:445-457. [PMID: 28233640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell that has been exploited for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer. In particular, MSCs have been studied extensively for their ability to treat glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and deadly form of brain cancer in adults. MSCs are attractive therapeutics because they can be obtained relatively easily from patients, are capable of being expanded numerically in vitro, can be easily engineered and are inherently capable of homing to tumors, making them ideal vehicles for delivering biological antitumoral agents. Oncolytic viruses are promising biological therapeutic agents that have been used in the treatment of GBMs, and MSCs are currently being explored as a means of delivering these viruses. Here we review the role of MSCs in the treatment of GBMs, focusing on the intersection of MSCs and oncolytic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C Parker Kerrigan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; The Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuzaburo Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; The Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frederick F Lang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; The Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is a cancer treatment in which replication-competent viruses are used that specifically infect, replicate in and lyse malignant tumour cells, while minimizing harm to normal cells. Anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of this strategy has existed since the late nineteenth century, but advances and innovations in biotechnological methods in the 1980s and 1990s led to a renewed interest in this type of therapy. Multiple clinical trials investigating the use of agents constructed from a wide range of viruses have since been performed, and several of these enrolled patients with urological malignancies. Data from these clinical trials and from preclinical studies revealed a number of challenges to the effectiveness of oncolytic virotherapy that have prompted the development of further sophisticated strategies. Urological cancers have a range of distinctive features, such as specific genetic mutations and cell surface markers, which enable improving both effectiveness and safety of oncolytic virus treatments. The strategies employed in creating advanced oncolytic agents include alteration of the virus tropism, regulating transcription and translation of viral genes, combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or gene therapy, arming viruses with factors that stimulate the immune response against tumour cells and delivery technologies to ensure that the viral agent reaches its target tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Delwar
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- Department of Urology, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Prostate Research Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - William Jia
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
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34
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Buijs PRA, Verhagen JHE, van Eijck CHJ, van den Hoogen BG. Oncolytic viruses: From bench to bedside with a focus on safety. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1573-84. [PMID: 25996182 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1037058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are a relatively new class of anti-cancer immunotherapy agents. Several viruses have undergone evaluation in clinical trials in the last decades, and the first agent is about to be approved to be used as a novel cancer therapy modality. In the current review, an overview is presented on recent (pre)clinical developments in the field of oncolytic viruses that have previously been or currently are being evaluated in clinical trials. Special attention is given to possible safety issues like toxicity, environmental shedding, mutation and reversion to wildtype virus.
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Key Words
- CAR, Coxsackie Adenovirus receptor
- CD, cytosine deaminase
- CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen
- CVA, Coxsackievirus type A
- DAF, decay accelerating factor
- DNA, DNA
- EEV, extracellular enveloped virus
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- EGF-R, EGF receptor
- EMA, European Medicines Agency
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- GBM, glioblastoma multiforme
- GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
- HA, hemagglutinin
- HAdV, Human (mast)adenovirus
- HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- HSV, herpes simplex virus
- ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1
- IFN, interferon
- IRES, internal ribosome entry site
- KRAS, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog
- Kb, kilobase pairs
- MeV, Measles virus
- MuLV, Murine leukemia virus
- NDV, Newcastle disease virus
- NIS, sodium/iodide symporter
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung carcinoma
- OV, oncolytic virus
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PKR, protein kinase R
- PV, Polio virus
- RCR, replication competent retrovirus
- RCT, randomized controlled trial
- RGD, arginylglycylaspartic acid (Arg-Gly-Asp)
- RNA, ribonucleic acid
- Rb, retinoblastoma
- SVV, Seneca Valley virus
- TGFα, transforming growth factor α
- VGF, Vaccinia growth factor
- VSV, Vesicular stomatitis virus
- VV, Vaccinia virus
- cancer
- crHAdV, conditionally replicating HAdV
- dsDNA, double stranded DNA
- dsRNA, double stranded RNA
- environment
- hIFNβ, human IFN β
- immunotherapy
- mORV, Mammalian orthoreovirus
- mORV-T3D, mORV type 3 Dearing
- oHSV, oncolytic HSV
- oncolytic virotherapy
- oncolytic virus
- rdHAdV, replication-deficient HAdV
- review
- safety
- shedding
- ssRNA, single stranded RNA
- tk, thymidine kinase
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal R A Buijs
- a Department of Surgery; Erasmus MC; University Medical Center ; Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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35
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Zhao X, Chester C, Rajasekaran N, He Z, Kohrt HE. Strategic Combinations: The Future of Oncolytic Virotherapy with Reovirus. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:767-73. [PMID: 27197256 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The dominant cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and even targeted kinase inhibitors and mAbs are limited by low efficacy, toxicity, and treatment-resistant tumor subclones. Oncolytic viral therapy offers a novel therapeutic strategy that has the potential to dramatically improve clinical outcomes. Reovirus, a double-stranded benign human RNA virus, is a leading candidate for therapeutic development and currently in phase III trials. Reovirus selectively targets transformed cells with activated Ras signaling pathways; Ras genes are some of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer and it is estimated that at least 30% of all human tumors exhibit aberrant Ras signaling. By targeting Ras-activated cells, reovirus can directly lyse cancer cells, disrupt tumor immunosuppressive mechanisms, reestablish multicellular immune surveillance, and generate robust antitumor responses. Reovirus therapy is currently being tested in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. In this review, we discuss the current successes of these combinatorial therapeutic strategies and emphasize the importance of prioritizing combination oncolytic viral therapy as reovirus-based treatments progress in clinical development. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 767-73. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Research Center, Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Cariad Chester
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | | | - ZhiXu He
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Research Center, Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
| | - Holbrook E Kohrt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Gong J, Sachdev E, Mita AC, Mita MM. Clinical development of reovirus for cancer therapy: An oncolytic virus with immune-mediated antitumor activity. World J Methodol 2016; 6:25-42. [PMID: 27019795 PMCID: PMC4804250 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v6.i1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reovirus is a double-stranded RNA virus with demonstrated oncolysis or preferential replication in cancer cells. The oncolytic properties of reovirus appear to be dependent, in part, on activated Ras signaling. In addition, Ras-transformation promotes reovirus oncolysis by affecting several steps of the viral life cycle. Reovirus-mediated immune responses can present barriers to tumor targeting, serve protective functions against reovirus systemic toxicity, and contribute to therapeutic efficacy through antitumor immune-mediated effects via innate and adaptive responses. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the broad anticancer activity of wild-type, unmodified type 3 Dearing strain reovirus (Reolysin®) across a spectrum of malignancies. The development of reovirus as an anticancer agent and available clinical data reported from 22 clinical trials will be reviewed.
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Kim Y, Clements DR, Sterea AM, Jang HW, Gujar SA, Lee PWK. Dendritic Cells in Oncolytic Virus-Based Anti-Cancer Therapy. Viruses 2015; 7:6506-25. [PMID: 26690204 PMCID: PMC4690876 DOI: 10.3390/v7122953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that have a notable role in the initiation and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the context of cancer, appropriately activated DCs can induce anti-tumor immunity by activating innate immune cells and tumor-specific lymphocytes that target cancer cells. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) imposes different mechanisms that facilitate the impairment of DC functions, such as inefficient antigen presentation or polarization into immunosuppressive DCs. These tumor-associated DCs thus fail to initiate tumor-specific immunity, and indirectly support tumor progression. Hence, there is increasing interest in identifying interventions that can overturn DC impairment within the TME. Many reports thus far have studied oncolytic viruses (OVs), viruses that preferentially target and kill cancer cells, for their capacity to enhance DC-mediated anti-tumor effects. Herein, we describe the general characteristics of DCs, focusing on their role in innate and adaptive immunity in the context of the TME. We also examine how DC-OV interaction affects DC recruitment, OV delivery, and anti-tumor immunity activation. Understanding these roles of DCs in the TME and OV infection is critical in devising strategies to further harness the anti-tumor effects of both DCs and OVs, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of OV-based oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youra Kim
- Departments of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
| | - Derek R Clements
- Departments of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
| | - Andra M Sterea
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
| | - Hyun Woo Jang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
| | - Shashi A Gujar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
- Department of Strategy and Organizational Performance, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada.
| | - Patrick W K Lee
- Departments of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
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Rajasekaran N, Chester C, Yonezawa A, Zhao X, Kohrt HE. Enhancement of antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity: a new era in cancer treatment. Immunotargets Ther 2015; 4:91-100. [PMID: 27471715 PMCID: PMC4918249 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s61292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of some anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) depends on the capacity of the mAb to recognize the tumor-associated antigen and induce cytotoxicity via a network of immune effector cells. This process of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumor cells is triggered by the interaction of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) portion of the mAb with the Fc receptors on effector cells like natural killer cells, macrophages, γδ T cells, and dendritic cells. By augmenting ADCC, the antitumor activity of mAbs can be significantly increased. Currently, identifying and developing therapeutic agents that enhance ADCC is a growing area of research. Combining existing tumor-targeting mAbs and ADCC-promoting agents that stimulate effector cells will translate to greater clinical responses. In this review, we discuss strategies for enhancing ADCC and emphasize the potential of combination treatments that include US Food and Drug Administration-approved mAbs and immunostimulatory therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendiran Rajasekaran
- Division of Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cariad Chester
- Division of Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Atsushi Yonezawa
- Division of Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Xing Zhao
- Division of Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Research Center, Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Holbrook E Kohrt
- Division of Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Cooper T, Biron VL, Fast D, Tam R, Carey T, Shmulevitz M, Seikaly H. Oncolytic activity of reovirus in HPV positive and negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2015; 44:8. [PMID: 25890191 PMCID: PMC4348167 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-015-0062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of patients with advanced stages of head and neck cancer requires a multidisciplinary and multimodality treatment approach which includes a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. These toxic treatment protocols have significantly improved survival outcomes in a distinct population of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancer. HPV negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a challenge to treat because there is only a modest improvement in survival with the present treatment regimens, requiring innovative and new treatment approaches. Oncolytic viruses used as low toxicity adjunct cancer therapies are novel, potentially effective treatments for HNSCC. One such oncolytic virus is Respiratory Orphan Enteric virus or reovirus. Susceptibility of HNSCC cells towards reovirus infection and reovirus-induced cell death has been previously demonstrated but has not been compared in HPV positive and negative HNSCC cell lines. OBJECTIVES To compare the infectivity and oncolytic activity of reovirus in HPV positive and negative HNSCC cell lines. METHODS Seven HNSCC cell lines were infected with serial dilutions of reovirus. Two cell lines (UM-SCC-47 and UM-SCC-104) were positive for type 16 HPV. Infectivity was measured using a cell-based ELISA assay 18 h after infection. Oncolytic activity was determined using an alamar blue viability assay 96 h after infection. Non-linear regression models were used to calculate the amounts of virus required to infect and to cause cell death in 50% of a given cell line (EC50). EC50 values were compared. RESULTS HPV negative cells were more susceptible to viral infection and oncolysis compared to HPV positive cell lines. EC50 for infectivity at 18 h ranged from multiplicity of infection (MOI) values (PFU/cell) of 18.6 (SCC-9) to 3133 (UM-SCC 104). EC50 for cell death at 96 h ranged from a MOI (PFU/cell) of 1.02×10(2) (UM-SCC-14A) to 3.19×10(8) (UM-SCC-47). There was a 3×10(6) fold difference between the least susceptible cell line (UM-SCC-47) and the most susceptible line (UM-SCC 14A) EC50 for cell death at 96 h. CONCLUSIONS HPV negative HNSCC cell lines appear to demonstrate greater reovirus infectivity and virus-mediated oncolysis compared to HPV positive HNSCC. Reovirus shows promise as a novel therapy in HNSCC, and may be of particular benefit in HPV negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Cooper
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 University of Alberta Hospital, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St., Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
| | - Vincent L Biron
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 University of Alberta Hospital, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St., Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
| | - David Fast
- Faculty of Science 1-001 CCIS, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Raymond Tam
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 2J2 WC Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R7, Canada.
| | - Thomas Carey
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, 5311B Med Sci I, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5616, USA.
| | - Maya Shmulevitz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, 6-142 J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy & Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Hadi Seikaly
- Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4 University of Alberta Hospital, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Center, 8440 112 St., Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
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Chakrabarty R, Tran H, Selvaggi G, Hagerman A, Thompson B, Coffey M. The oncolytic virus, pelareorep, as a novel anticancer agent: a review. Invest New Drugs 2015; 33:761-74. [PMID: 25693885 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-015-0216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pelareorep (REOLYSIN®) is an investigational new drug, a proprietary formulation consisting of a live, replication-competent, naturally occurring Reovirus Type 3 Dearing strain. Through several preclinical studies it was determined that reovirus can exhibit profound cytotoxic effects on cancer cells predominantly with an activated RAS-signalling pathway. Moreover, it was discovered that reoviruses can "hitchhike" on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and dendritic cells, thereby evading neutralizing antibodies of the host immune system. Cell carriage, targeted delivery, triggering host immune response and other inherent characteristics of the reovirus led to its further advancement into cancer therapy. When injected into Sprague-Dawley rats, the viral routes of clearance, predominantly through the spleen and liver, remained consistent with earlier studies. Toxicology findings were considered incidental and not associated with pelareorep when tested in animal models. Pelareorep demonstrated a high level of homogeneity at the amino acid level and genetic stability when compared to the master and working virus banks. The drug is manufactured in a 100 L bioreactor after which it is purified and formulated for use in pre-clinical, clinical and research studies. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed a paradigm shift from conventional therapy to the conceivable use of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer. This review will detail pre-clinical evidence of anticancer activity of pelareorep that has led to extensive clinical development. Several Phase I-II clinical trials have been completed or are ongoing in cancer patients on a broad spectrum of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romit Chakrabarty
- Oncolytics Biotech Inc., 210, 1167 Kensington Cr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1X7, Canada
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Maitra R, Seetharam R, Tesfa L, Augustine TA, Klampfer L, Coffey MC, Mariadason JM, Goel S. Oncolytic reovirus preferentially induces apoptosis in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer cells, and synergizes with irinotecan. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2807-19. [PMID: 24798549 PMCID: PMC4058046 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reovirus is a double stranded RNA virus, with an intrinsic preference for replication in KRAS mutant cells. As 45% of human colorectal cancers (CRC) harbor KRAS mutations, we sought to investigate its efficacy in KRAS mutant CRC cells, and examine its impact in combination with the topoisimerase-1 inhibitor, irinotecan. Reovirus efficacy was examined in the KRAS mutant HCT116, and the isogenic KRAS WT Hke3 cell line, and in the non-malignant rat intestinal epithelial cell line. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Combination treatment with reovirus and irintoecan was investigated in 15 CRC cell lines, including the HCT116 p21 isogenic cell lines. Reovirus preferentially induced apoptosis in KRAS mutant HCT116 cells compared to its isogenic KRAS WT derivative, and in KRAS mutant IEC cells. Reovirus showed a greater degree of caspase 3 activation with PARP 1 cleavage, and preferential inhibition of p21 protein expression in KRAS mutant cells. Reovirus synergistically induced growth inhibition when combined with irinotecan. This synergy was lost upon p21 gene knock out. Reovirus preferentially induces apoptosis in KRAS mutant colon cancer cells. Reovirus and irinotecan combination therapy is synergistic, p21 mediated, and represents a novel potential treatment for patients with CRC.
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42
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Igase M, Hwang CC, Coffey M, Okuda M, Noguchi S, Mizuno T. The oncolytic effects of reovirus in canine solid tumor cell lines. J Vet Med Sci 2015; 77:541-8. [PMID: 25648933 PMCID: PMC4478733 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.14-0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is a new strategy for cancer treatment for humans and
dogs. Reovirus has been proven to be a potent oncolytic virus in human medicine. Our
laboratory has previously reported that canine mast cell tumor and canine lymphoma were
susceptible to reovirus. In this study, canine solid tumor cell lines (mammary gland
tumor, osteosarcoma and malignant melanoma) were tested to determine their susceptibility
towards reovirus. We demonstrated that reovirus induces more than 50% cell death in three
canine mammary gland tumors and one canine malignant melanoma cell line. The
reovirus-induced cell death occurred via the activation of caspase 3. Ras activation has
been shown to be one of the important mechanisms of reovirus-susceptibility in human
cancers. However, Ras activation was not related to the reovirus-susceptibility in canine
solid tumor cell lines, which was similar to reports in canine mast cell tumor and canine
lymphoma. The results of this study highly suggest that canine mammary gland tumor and
canine malignant melanoma are also potential candidates for reovirus therapy in veterinary
oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Igase
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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Asynchronous leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from pancreatic cancer: a case report and review of the literature. Clin J Gastroenterol 2014; 7:434-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s12328-014-0518-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Clements D, Helson E, Gujar SA, Lee PW. Reovirus in cancer therapy: an evidence-based review. Oncolytic Virother 2014; 3:69-82. [PMID: 27512664 PMCID: PMC4918368 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s51321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reovirus, a double-stranded ribonucleic acid virus and benign human pathogen, preferentially infects and kills cancer cells in its unmodified form, and is one of the leading oncolytic viruses currently undergoing clinical trials internationally. With 32 clinical trials completed or ongoing thus far, reovirus has demonstrated clinical therapeutic applicability against a multitude of cancers, including but not limited to breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, malignant gliomas, advanced head and neck cancers, and metastatic ovarian cancers. Phase I trials have demonstrated that reovirus is safe to use via both intralesional/intratumoral and systemic routes of administration, with the most common adverse reactions being grade I/II toxicities, such as flu-like illness (fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever/chills, dizziness), diarrhea, and lymphopenia. In subsequent Phase II trials, reovirus administration was demonstrated to successfully decrease tumor size and promote tumor necrosis, thereby complementing compelling preclinical evidence of tumor destruction by the virus. Importantly, reovirus has been shown to be effective as a monotherapy, as well as in combination with other anticancer options, including radiation and chemotherapeutic agents, such as gemcitabine, docetaxel, paclitaxel, and carboplatin. Of note, the first Phase III clinical trial using reovirus in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin for the treatment of head and neck cancers is under way. Based on the evidence from clinical trials, we comprehensively review the use of reovirus as an anticancer agent, acknowledge key obstacles, and suggest future directions to ultimately potentiate the efficacy of reovirus oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Clements
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Erin Helson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shashi A Gujar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Strategy and Organizational Performance, IWK Health Center, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Patrick Wk Lee
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Gong J, Mita MM. Activated ras signaling pathways and reovirus oncolysis: an update on the mechanism of preferential reovirus replication in cancer cells. Front Oncol 2014; 4:167. [PMID: 25019061 PMCID: PMC4071564 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of wild-type, unmodified Type 3 Dearing strain reovirus as an anticancer agent has currently expanded to 32 clinical trials (both completed and ongoing) involving reovirus in the treatment of cancer. It has been more than 30 years since the potential of reovirus as an anticancer agent was first identified in studies that demonstrated the preferential replication of reovirus in transformed cell lines but not in normal cells. Later investigations have revealed the involvement of activated Ras signaling pathways (both upstream and downstream) and key steps of the reovirus infectious cycle in promoting preferential replication in cancer cells with reovirus-induced cancer cell death occurring through necrotic, apoptotic, and autophagic pathways. There is increasing evidence that reovirus-induced antitumor immunity involving both innate and adaptive responses also contributes to therapeutic efficacy though this discussion is beyond the scope of this article. Here, we review our current understanding of the mechanism of oncolysis contributing to the broad anticancer activity of reovirus. Further understanding of reovirus oncolysis is critical in enhancing the clinical development and efficacy of reovirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gong
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , Los Angeles, CA , USA
| | - Monica M Mita
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , Los Angeles, CA , USA
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Khan ML, Halfdanarson TR, Borad MJ. Immunotherapeutic and oncolytic viral therapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer. Future Oncol 2014; 10:1255-75. [PMID: 24947264 DOI: 10.2217/fon.13.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease with dismal outcomes despite recent advances using combination chemotherapeutic regimens. The lack of an adequate immune response to malignant cells has been identified as a factor associated with tumor aggressiveness and refractoriness to systemic treatment. Preclinical and early clinical studies have identified numerous immunotherapeutic and oncolytic viral therapeutic strategies aimed towards amplifying the immune reaction to pancreatic cancer and have established encouraging results. Promising antitumor efficacy has been observed both in vitro and in vivo with many of these approaches. These novel applications have also led to improved understanding of the process of pancreatic tumor growth and invasion, knowledge of the tumor microenvironment and have pioneered further investigations of similar therapies. Here we review both immunotherapeutic and oncolytic viral therapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan L Khan
- Mayo Clinic Arizona Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, 13400 E Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
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47
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Permissiveness of human cancer cells to oncolytic bovine herpesvirus 1 is mediated in part by KRAS activity. J Virol 2014; 88:6885-95. [PMID: 24696490 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00849-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are attractive avenues of cancer therapy due to the absence of toxic side effects often seen with current treatment modalities. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) is a species-specific virus that does not induce cytotoxicity in normal primary human cells but can infect and kill various human immortalized and transformed cell lines. To gain a better understanding of the oncolytic breadth of BHV-1, the NCI panel of established human tumor cell lines was screened for sensitivity to the virus. Overall, 72% of the panel is permissive to BHV-1 infection, with corresponding decreases in cellular viability. This sensitivity is in comparison to a sensitivity of only 32% for a herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)-based oncolytic vector. Strikingly, while 35% of the panel supports minimal or no BHV-1 replication, significant decreases in cellular viability still occur. These data suggest that BHV-1 is an OV with tropism for multiple tumor types and is able to induce cytotoxicity independent of significant virus replication. In contrast to other species-specific OVs, cellular sensitivity to BHV-1 does not correlate with type I interferon (IFN) signaling; however, mutations in KRAS were found to correlate with high levels of virus replication. The knockdown or overexpression of KRAS in human tumor cell lines yields modest changes in viral titers; however, overexpression of KRAS in normal primary cells elicits permissivity to BHV-1 infection. Together, these data suggest that BHV-1 is a broad-spectrum OV with a distinct mechanism of tumor targeting. IMPORTANCE Cancer remains a significant health issue, and novel treatments are required, particularly for tumors that are refractory to conventional therapies. Oncolytic viruses are a novel platform given their ability to specifically target tumor cells while leaving healthy cells intact. For this strategy to be successful, a fundamental understanding of virus-host interactions is required. We previously identified bovine herpesvirus 1 as a novel oncolytic virus with many unique and clinically relevant features. Here, we show that BHV-1 can target a wide range of human cancer types, most potently lung cancer. In addition, we show that enhanced KRAS activity, a hallmark of many cancers, is one of the factors that increases BHV-1 oncolytic capacity. These findings hold potential for future treatments, particularly in the context of lung cancer, where KRAS mutations are a negative predictor of treatment efficacy.
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48
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Forbes NE, Abdelbary H, Lupien M, Bell JC, Diallo JS. Exploiting tumor epigenetics to improve oncolytic virotherapy. Front Genet 2013; 4:184. [PMID: 24062768 PMCID: PMC3778850 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) comprise a versatile and multi-mechanistic therapeutic platform in the growing arsenal of anticancer biologics. These replicating therapeutics find favorable conditions in the tumor niche, characterized among others by increased metabolism, reduced anti-tumor/antiviral immunity, and disorganized vasculature. Through a self-amplification that is dependent on multiple cancer-specific defects, these agents exhibit remarkable tumor selectivity. With several OVs completing or entering Phase III clinical evaluation, their therapeutic potential as well as the challenges ahead are increasingly clear. One key hurdle is tumor heterogeneity, which results in variations in the ability of tumors to support productive infection by OVs and to induce adaptive anti-tumor immunity. To this end, mounting evidence suggests tumor epigenetics may play a key role. This review will focus on the epigenetic landscape of tumors and how it relates to OV infection. Therapeutic strategies aiming to exploit the epigenetic identity of tumors in order to improve OV therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Forbes
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hesham Abdelbary
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Center/University Health NetworkToronto, ON, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer ResearchToronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
| | - John C. Bell
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Center for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
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Carew JS, Espitia CM, Zhao W, Kelly KR, Coffey M, Freeman JW, Nawrocki ST. Reolysin is a novel reovirus-based agent that induces endoplasmic reticular stress-mediated apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e728. [PMID: 23868061 PMCID: PMC3730429 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutation of KRas is a genetic alteration that occurs in the majority of pancreatic tumors and is therefore an ideal therapeutic target. The ability of reoviruses to preferentially replicate and induce cell death in transformed cells that express activated Ras prompted the development of a reovirus-based formulation for cancer therapy called Reolysin. We hypothesized that Reolysin exposure would trigger heavy production of viral products leading to endoplasmic reticular (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis. Here, we report that Reolysin treatment stimulated selective reovirus replication and decreased cell viability in KRas-transformed immortalized human pancreatic duct epithelial cells and pancreatic cancer cell lines. These effects were associated with increased expression of ER stress-related genes, ER swelling, cleavage of caspase-4, and splicing of XBP-1. Treatment with ER stress stimuli including tunicamycin, brefeldin A, and bortezomib (BZ) augmented the anticancer activity of Reolysin. Cotreatment with BZ and Reolysin induced the simultaneous accumulation of ubiquitinated and viral proteins, resulting in enhanced levels of ER stress and apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer. Our collective results demonstrate that the abnormal protein accumulation induced by the combination of Reolysin and BZ promotes heightened ER stress and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells and provides the rationale for a phase I clinical trial further investigating the safety and efficacy of this novel strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Carew
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Institute for Drug Development, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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50
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Engineering recombinant reoviruses with tandem repeats and a tetravirus 2A-like element for exogenous polypeptide expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E1867-76. [PMID: 23630248 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1220107110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested a strategy for engineering recombinant mammalian reoviruses (rMRVs) to express exogenous polypeptides. One important feature is that these rMRVs are designed to propagate autonomously and can therefore be tested in animals as potential vaccine vectors. The strategy has been applied so far to three of the 10 MRV genome segments: S3, M1, and L1. To engineer the modified segments, a 5' or 3' region of the essential, long ORF in each was duplicated, and then exogenous sequences were inserted between the repeats. The inner repeat and exogenous insert were positioned in frame with the native protein-encoding sequences but were separated from them by an in-frame "2A-like" sequence element that specifies a cotranslational "stop/continue" event releasing the exogenous polypeptide from the essential MRV protein. This design preserves a terminal region of the MRV genome segment with essential activities in RNA packaging, assortment, replication, transcription, and/or translation and alters the encoded MRV protein to a limited degree. Recovery of rMRVs with longer inserts was made more efficient by wobble-mutagenizing both the inner repeat and the exogenous insert, which possibly helped via respective reductions in homologous recombination and RNA structure. Immunogenicity of a 300-aa portion of the simian immunodeficiency virus Gag protein expressed in mice by an L1-modified rMRV was confirmed by detection of Gag-specific T-cell responses. The engineering strategy was further used for mapping the minimal 5'-terminal region essential to MRV genome segment S3.
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