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Zhao J, Wen Y, Li Q, Wang Y, Wu H, Xu J, Chen X, Wu Y, Fan L, Yang H, Liu T, Ding Z, Du X, Diao P, Li J, Wu H, Kan B, Lei S, Deng H, Mao Y, Zhao X, Wei Y. A promising cancer gene therapy agent based on the matrix protein of vesicular stomatitis virus. FASEB J 2008; 22:4272-80. [PMID: 18716030 DOI: 10.1096/fj.08-110049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ju‐mei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Pharmacological Department of Medical CollegeYan'an UniversityYan'anshanxiChina
| | - Yan‐jun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yong‐sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Hong‐bo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jian‐rong Xu
- College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xian‐cheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ling‐yu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Han‐shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Zhen‐yu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xiao‐bo Du
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Peng Diao
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Hong‐bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Bing Kan
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Song Lei
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Hong‐xin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yong‐qiu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yu‐quan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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Noser JA, Mael AA, Sakuma R, Ohmine S, Marcato P, Lee PW, Ikeda Y. The RAS/Raf1/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway Facilitates VSV-mediated Oncolysis: Implication for the Defective Interferon Response in Cancer Cells. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1531-6. [PMID: 17505473 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) can replicate in malignant cells more efficiently than in normal cells. Although the selective replication appears to be caused by defects in the interferon (IFN) system in malignant cells, the mechanisms which render these cells less responsive to IFN remain poorly understood. Here we present evidence that an activated RAS/Raf1/MEK/ERK pathway plays a critical role in the defects. NIH 3T3 or human primary cells stably expressing active RAS or Raf1 were rapidly killed by VSV. Although IFNalpha treatment no longer protected the RAS- or Raf1-overexpressing cells from VSV infection, responsiveness to IFNalpha was restored following treatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126. Similarly, human cancer-derived cell lines became more responsive to IFNalpha in conjunction with U0126 treatment. Intriguingly, dual treatment with both IFNalpha and U0126 severely reduced the levels of viral RNAs in the infected cells. Moreover, cancer cells showed defects in inducing an IFNalpha-responsive factor, MxA, which is known to block VSV RNA synthesis, and U0126 restored the MxA expression. Our observations suggest that activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling leads to the defect in IFNalpha-mediated upregulation of MxA protein, which facilitates VSV oncolysis. In view of the fact that 30% of all cancers have constitutive activation of the RAS/Raf1/MEK/ERK pathway, VSV would be an ideal oncolytic virus for targeting such cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh A Noser
- Molecular Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Césaire R, Olière S, Sharif-Askari E, Loignon M, Lézin A, Olindo S, Panelatti G, Kazanji M, Aloyz R, Panasci L, Bell JC, Hiscott J. Oncolytic activity of vesicular stomatitis virus in primary adult T-cell leukemia. Oncogene 2006; 25:349-58. [PMID: 16186807 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Treatments for hematological malignancies have improved considerably over the past decade, but the growing therapeutic arsenal has not benefited adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patients. Oncolytic viruses such as vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) have recently emerged as a potential treatment of solid tumors and leukemias in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, we investigated the ability of VSV to lyse primary human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected T-lymphocytes from patients with ATL. Ex vivo primary ATL cells were permissive for VSV and underwent rapid oncolysis in a time-dependent manner. Importantly, VSV infection showed neither viral replication nor oncolysis in HTLV-1-infected, nonleukemic cells from patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), and in naive CD4(+) T-lymphocytes from normal individuals or in ex vivo cell samples from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Interestingly, activation of primary CD4(+) T-lymphocytes with anti-CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibody, and specifically with anti-CD3, was sufficient to induce limited viral replication and oncolysis. However, at a similar level of T-cell activation, VSV replication was increased fourfold in ATL cells compared to activated CD4(+) T-lymphocytes, emphasizing the concept that VSV targets genetic defects unique to tumor cells to facilitate its replication. In conclusion, our findings provide the first essential information for the development of a VSV-based treatment for ATL.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Césaire
- Laboratoire de Virologie-Immunologie and UMR433 INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Fort-de-France, Martinique, France
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Abstract
Recent data has shown that viruses such as vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a relatively non-pathogenic, negative-stranded RNA virus, can preferentially replicate in malignant cells and less so in normal cells. VSV appears able to carry out this function in transformed cells since these hosts exhibit the hallmarks of flawed host defense, probably involving the interferon system, which is essential for preventing virus replication. The simple genetic constitution of VSV, lack of any known transforming, integrating or reassortment properties, extensive knowledge relating to its interaction with the immune system and the ability to genetically manipulate this agent affords an ideal opportunity to exploit the oncolytic and gene targeting potential of this innocuous virus. Thus, aside from preferentially targeting malignant cells VSV recombinants could be generated that could increase a tumor's susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agents and/ or importantly, the host immune response. Collectively, our data and others demonstrate that VSV as well as other RNA viruses could provide a promising and exciting approach to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen N Barber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
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Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Rasi G, Pierimarchi P, Bernard P, Guarino E, Guadagni F, Garaci E. Vaccination with a synthetic nonapeptide expressed in human tumors prevents colorectal cancer liver metastases in syngeneic rats. Int J Cancer 2004; 110:70-5. [PMID: 15054870 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.20063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In previous studies, the antigen CSH-275 (RTNKEASIC) was found expressed in tissue specimens from colorectal cancer but not in normal colonic mucosa. It was also naturally expressed in the DHD-K12 experimental colorectal cancer in BDIX rats. In this study, we describe the effect of vaccination with the synthetic nonapeptide CSH-275 in preventing tumor growth in a model closely mimicking the clinical situation of liver metastases, after surgical resection of primary colorectal cancer. A vaccination protocol using CSH-275, conjugated with complete or incomplete Freund's adjuvant, was carried out to determine the effect in preventing the progression of liver metastases induced by DHD-K12 cells injected in the splenic vein (preventive vaccine). An additional vaccination procedure was carried out to determine the effect on s.c. tumor growth (therapeutic vaccine). A significant improvement in survival along with the prevention of liver metastases formation and reduced growth of s.c. tumor were observed. CSH-275 vaccination resulted in a significant increase in CTL activity against autologous DHD-K12 cells in DHD-K12 tumor-bearing rats and the generation of a CTL response against DHD-K12 cells in DHD-K12 naive rats. Vaccination also induced massive infiltration of CD8(+) cells in tumor. These results demonstrate that CSH-275 is a new molecular target for colorectal cancer immunotherapy; it is also an excellent candidate for preclinical studies because it is naturally expressed on tumors in a fully competent syngeneic animal, which reproduces the clinical pattern of cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Obuchi M, Fernandez M, Barber GN. Development of recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses that exploit defects in host defense to augment specific oncolytic activity. J Virol 2003; 77:8843-56. [PMID: 12885903 PMCID: PMC167243 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.77.16.8843-8856.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2003] [Accepted: 05/28/2003] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a negative-stranded RNA virus normally sensitive to the antiviral actions of alpha/beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta). Recently, we reported that VSV replicates to high levels in many transformed cells due, in part, to susceptible cells harboring defects in the IFN system. These observations were exploited to demonstrate that VSV can be used as a viral oncolytic agent to eradicate malignant cells in vivo while leaving normal tissue relatively unaffected. To attempt to improve the specificity and efficacy of this system as a potential tool in gene therapy and against malignant disease, we have genetically engineered VSV that expresses the murine IFN-beta gene. The resultant virus (VSV-IFNbeta) was successfully propagated in cells not receptive to murine IFN-alpha/beta and expressed high levels of functional heterologous IFN-beta. In normal murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), the growth of VSV-IFNbeta was greatly reduced and diminished cytopathic effect was observed due to the production of recombinant IFN-beta, which by functioning in a manner involving autocrine and paracrine mechanisms induced an antiviral effect, preventing virus growth. However, VSV-IFNbeta grew to high levels and induced the rapid apoptosis of transformed cells due to defective IFN pathways being prevalent and thus unable to initiate proficient IFN-mediated host defense. Importantly, VSV expressing the human IFN-beta gene (VSV-hIFNbeta) behaved comparably and, while nonlytic to normal human cells, readily killed their malignant counterparts. Similar to our in vitro observations, following intravenous and intranasal inoculation in mice, recombinant VSV (rVSV)-IFNbeta was also significantly attenuated compared to wild-type VSV or rVSV expressing green fluorescent protein. However, VSV-IFNbeta retained propitious oncolytic activity against metastatic lung disease in immunocompetent animals and was able to generate robust antitumor T-cell responses. Our data indicate that rVSV designed to exploit defects in mechanisms of host defense can provide the basis for new generations of effective, specific, and safer viral vectors for the treatment of malignant and other disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatsugu Obuchi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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Fernandez M, Porosnicu M, Markovic D, Barber GN. Genetically engineered vesicular stomatitis virus in gene therapy: application for treatment of malignant disease. J Virol 2002; 76:895-904. [PMID: 11752178 PMCID: PMC136833 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.76.2.895-904.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the generation of recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) able to produce the suicide gene product thymidine kinase (TK) or cytokine interleukin 4 (IL-4). In vitro cells infected with the engineered viruses expressed remarkably high levels of biologically active TK or IL-4 and showed no defects in replication compared to the wild-type virus. Recombinant viruses retained their ability to induce potent apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, while normal cells were evidently more resistant to infection and were completely protected by interferon. Significantly, following direct intratumoral inoculation, VSV expressing either TK or IL-4 exhibited considerably more oncolytic activity against syngeneic breast or melanoma tumors in murine models than did the wild-type virus or control recombinant viruses expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Complete regression of a number of tumors was achieved, and increased granulocyte-infiltrating activity with concomitant, antitumor cytotoxic T-cell responses was observed. Aside from discovering greater oncolytic activity following direct intratumoral inoculation, however, we also established that VSV expressing IL-4 or TK, but not GFP, was able to exert enhanced antitumor activity against metastatic disease. Following intravenous administration of the recombinant viruses, immunocompetent BALB/c mice inoculated with mammary adenocarcinoma exhibited prolonged survival against lethal lung metastasis. Our data demonstrate the validity of developing novel types of engineered VSV for recombinant protein production and as a gene therapy vector for the treatment of malignant and other disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Fernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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Balachandran S, Porosnicu M, Barber GN. Oncolytic activity of vesicular stomatitis virus is effective against tumors exhibiting aberrant p53, Ras, or myc function and involves the induction of apoptosis. J Virol 2001; 75:3474-9. [PMID: 11238874 PMCID: PMC114141 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.75.7.3474-3479.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) exhibits potent oncolytic activity both in vitro and in vivo (S. Balachandran and G. N. Barber, IUBMB Life 50:135-138, 2000). In this study, we further demonstrated, in vivo, the efficacy of VSV antitumor action by showing that tumors that are defective in p53 function or transformed with myc or activated ras are also susceptible to viral cytolysis. The mechanism of viral oncolytic activity involved the induction of multiple caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways was effective in the absence of any significant cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response, and occurred despite normal PKR activity and eIF2alpha phosphorylation. In addition, VSV caused significant inhibition of tumor growth when administered intravenously in immunocompetent hosts. Our data indicate that VSV shows significant promise as an effective oncolytic agent against a wide variety of malignant diseases that harbor a diversity of genetic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Balachandran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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Barber GN. Host defense, viruses and apoptosis. Cell Death Differ 2001; 8:113-26. [PMID: 11313713 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4400823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 432] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2000] [Accepted: 12/04/2000] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To thwart viral infection, the host has developed a formidable and integrated defense network that comprises our innate and adaptive immune response. In recent years, it has become clear that in an attempt to prevent viral replication, viral dissemination or persistent viral infection of the cell, many of these protective measures actually involve the induction of programmed cell death, or apoptosis. An initial response to viral infection primarily involves the innate arm of immunity and the killing of infected cells with cytotoxic lymphocytes such as natural killer (NK) cells through mechanisms that include the employment of perforin and granzymes. Once the virus has invaded the cell, however, a second host defense-mediated response is also triggered which involves the induction of a family of cytokines known as the interferons (IFNs). The IFNs, which are essential for initiating and coordinating a successful antiviral response, function by stimulating the adaptive arm of immunity involving cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), and by inducing a number of intracellular genes that directly prevent virus replication/cytolysis or that facilitate apoptosis. The IFN-induced gene family is now known to comprise the death ligand TRAIL, the dsRNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) and the promyelocytic leukemia gene (PML), all of which have been reported to be mediators of cell death. That DNA array analyses indicate that numerous cellular genes, many as yet uncharacterized, may similarly be induced by IFN, further emphasizes the likely importance that these cytokines have in the modulation of apoptosis. This likelihood is additionally underlined by the elaborate strategies developed by viruses to inhibit IFN-antiviral function and the mechanisms of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Barber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA.
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