1
|
Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Zhang H, Wu Y, Wu K, Dai Z. Targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:176. [PMID: 39034318 PMCID: PMC11275440 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are critical in regulating immune responses and cellular behavior, playing dual roles in both normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer. These molecules, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, chemokines, and growth factors like TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF, can promote or inhibit tumor growth, influence the tumor microenvironment, and impact the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent advances in targeting these pathways have shown promising therapeutic potential, offering new strategies to modulate the immune system, inhibit tumor progression, and overcome resistance to conventional therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding and therapeutic implications of targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways in cancer. By exploring the roles of these molecules in tumor biology and the immune response, we highlighted the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at modulating these pathways to combat cancer. The review elaborated on the dual nature of cytokines as both promoters and suppressors of tumorigenesis, depending on the context, and discussed the challenges and opportunities this presents for therapeutic intervention. We also examined the latest advancements in targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, receptor inhibitors, fusion proteins, engineered cytokine variants, and their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of combining these targeted therapies with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. Besides, we also focused on the ongoing research and clinical trials that are pivotal in advancing our understanding and application of cytokine- and chemokine-targeted therapies for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kawakami H, Ijichi N, Obama Y, Matsuda E, Mitsui K, Nishikawaji Y, Watanabe M, Nagano S, Taniguchi N, Komiya S, Kosai KI. An optimal promoter regulating cytokine transgene expression is crucial for safe and effective oncolytic virus immunotherapy. Transl Res 2024; 273:32-45. [PMID: 38969167 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
In general, ensuring safety is the top priority of a new modality. Although oncolytic virus armed with an immune stimulatory transgene (OVI) showed some promise, the strategic concept of simultaneously achieving maximum effectiveness and minimizing side effects has not been fully explored. We generated a variety of survivin-responsive "conditionally replicating adenoviruses that can target and treat cancer cells with multiple factors (m-CRAs)" (Surv.m-CRAs) armed with the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) transgene downstream of various promoters using our m-CRA platform technology. We carefully analyzed both therapeutic and adverse effects of them in the in vivo syngeneic Syrian hamster cancer models. Surprisingly, an intratumor injection of a conventional OVI, which expresses the GM-CSF gene under the constitutively and strongly active "cytomegalovirus enhancer and β-actin promoter", provoked systemic and lethal GM-CSF circulation and shortened overall survival (OS). In contrast, a new conceptual type of OVI, which expressed GM-CSF under the cancer-predominant and mildly active E2F promoter or the moderately active "Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat", not only abolished lethal adverse events but also prolonged OS and systemic anti-cancer immunity. Our study revealed a novel concept that optimal expression levels of an immune stimulatory transgene regulated by a suitable upstream promoter is crucial for achieving high safety and maximal therapeutic effects simultaneously in OVI therapy. These results pave the way for successful development of the next-generation OVI and alert researchers about possible problems with ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Kawakami
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ijichi
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuki Obama
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Eriko Matsuda
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Kaoru Mitsui
- Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuya Nishikawaji
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Maki Watanabe
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagano
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Department of Clinical Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kagoshima University Hospital, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Noboru Taniguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Setsuro Komiya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kosai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; South Kyushu Center for Innovative Medical Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kagoshima University Hospital, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu Z, Peng Q, Duan X, Li J. Interleukin-12: Structure, Function, and Its Impact in Colorectal Cancer. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:158-169. [PMID: 38498032 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0190] [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: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a heterodimer consisting of 2 subunits, p35 and p40, with unique associations and interacting functions with its family members. IL-12 is one of the most important cytokines regulating the immune system response and is integral to adaptive immunity. IL-12 has shown marked therapeutic potential in a variety of tumor types. This review therefore summarizes the characteristics of IL-12 and its application in tumor treatment, focusing on its antitumor effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) and potential radiosensitization mechanisms. We aim to provide a current reference for IL-12 and other potential CRC treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of. China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Medicine, Southwest Medical University of China, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cirella A, Bolaños E, Luri-Rey C, Di Trani CA, Olivera I, Gomis G, Glez-Vaz J, Pinci B, Garasa S, Sánchez-Gregorio S, Azpilikueta A, Eguren-Santamaria I, Valencia K, Palencia B, Alvarez M, Ochoa MC, Teijeira Á, Berraondo P, Melero I. Intratumoral immunotherapy with mRNAs encoding chimeric protein constructs encompassing IL-12, CD137 agonists, and TGF-β antagonists. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:668-682. [PMID: 37650116 PMCID: PMC10462790 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Intratumoral immunotherapy strategies for cancer based on interleukin-12 (IL-12)-encoding cDNA and mRNA are under clinical development in combination with anti-PD-(L)1 monoclonal antibodies. To make the most of these approaches, we have constructed chimeric mRNAs encoding single-chain IL-12 fused to single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies that bind to transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and CD137 (4-1BB). Several neutralizing TGF-β agents and CD137 agonists are also undergoing early-phase clinical trials. To attain TGF-β and CD137 binding by the constructions, we used bispecific tandem scFv antibodies (taFvs) derived from the specific 1D11 and 1D8 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), respectively. Transfection of mRNAs encoding the chimeric constructs achieved functional expression of the proteins able to act on their targets. Upon mRNA intratumoral injections in the transplantable mouse cancer models CT26, MC38, and B16OVA, potent therapeutic effects were observed following repeated injections into the tumors. Efficacy was dependent on the number of CD8+ T cells able to recognize tumor antigens that infiltrated the malignant tissue. Although the abscopal effects on concomitant uninjected lesions were modest, such distant effects on untreated lesions were markedly increased when combined with systemic PD-1 blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gomis
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Beatrice Pinci
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Saray Garasa
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Gregorio
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Eguren-Santamaria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karmele Valencia
- Program of Solid Tumors, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Palencia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria C. Ochoa
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 28027 Madrid, Spain
- Centro Del Cancer de La Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chowdhary S, Deka R, Panda K, Kumar R, Solomon AD, Das J, Kanoujiya S, Gupta AK, Sinha S, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK, Gupta PK. Recent Updates on Viral Oncogenesis: Available Preventive and Therapeutic Entities. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:3698-3740. [PMID: 37486263 PMCID: PMC10410670 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Human viral oncogenesis is a complex phenomenon and a major contributor to the global cancer burden. Several recent findings revealed cellular and molecular pathways that promote the development and initiation of malignancy when viruses cause an infection. Even, antiviral treatment has become an approach to eliminate the viral infections and prevent the activation of oncogenesis. Therefore, for a better understanding, the molecular pathogenesis of various oncogenic viruses like, hepatitis virus, human immunodeficiency viral (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), could be explored, especially, to expand many potent antivirals that may escalate the apoptosis of infected malignant cells while sparing normal and healthy ones. Moreover, contemporary therapies, such as engineered antibodies antiviral agents targeting signaling pathways and cell biomarkers, could inhibit viral oncogenesis. This review elaborates the recent advancements in both natural and synthetic antivirals to control viral oncogenesis. The study also highlights the challenges and future perspectives of using antivirals in viral oncogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Chowdhary
- Department
of Industrial Microbiology, Sam Higginbottom
University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Rahul Deka
- Department
of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla
Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India
| | - Kingshuk Panda
- Department
of Applied Microbiology, Vellore Institute
of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rohit Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhishikt David Solomon
- Department
of Molecular & Cellular Engineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jimli Das
- Centre
for
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Dibrugarh
University, Assam 786004, India
| | - Supriya Kanoujiya
- School
of
Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Gupta
- Department
of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Somya Sinha
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to
Be University, Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
- Division
of Research and Development, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Department
of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to
Be University, Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
- Faculty
of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International
University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Novel strategies exploiting interleukin-12 in cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
7
|
Scanlan H, Coffman Z, Bettencourt J, Shipley T, Bramblett DE. Herpes simplex virus 1 as an oncolytic viral therapy for refractory cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:940019. [PMID: 35965554 PMCID: PMC9364694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.940019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for efficacious and non-toxic cancer therapies is paramount. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are showing great promise and are introducing new possibilities in cancer treatment with their ability to selectively infect tumor cells and trigger antitumor immune responses. Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) is a commonly selected OV candidate due to its large genome, relative safety profile, and ability to infect a variety of cell types. Talimogene laherparevec (T-VEC) is an HSV-1-derived OV variant and the first and only OV therapy currently approved for clinical use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This review provides a concise description of HSV-1 as an OV candidate and the genomic organization of T-VEC. Furthermore, this review focuses on the advantages and limitations in the use of T-VEC compared to other HSV-1 OV variants currently in clinical trials. In addition, approaches for future directions of HSV-1 OVs as cancer therapy is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayle Scanlan
- Rowan School of Medicine, RowanSOM-Jefferson Health-Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Stratford, NJ, United States
| | - Zachary Coffman
- Monroe Clinic Rural Family Medicine Program, The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, Monroe, WI, United States
| | - Jeffrey Bettencourt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Timothy Shipley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Mesa, AZ, United States
| | - Debra E. Bramblett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- *Correspondence: Debra E. Bramblett,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Viola NT, Glassbrook JE, Kalluri JR, Hackett JB, Wicker MN, Sternberg J, Gibson HM. Evaluation of an ImmunoPET Tracer for IL-12 in a Preclinical Model of Inflammatory Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870110. [PMID: 35634303 PMCID: PMC9130849 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12) is involved in cancer initiation and progression, autoimmunity, as well as graft versus host disease. The ability to monitor IL-12 via imaging may provide insight into various immune processes, including levels of antitumor immunity, inflammation, and infection due to its functions in immune signaling. Here, we report the development and preclinical evaluation of an antibody-based IL-12-specific positron emission tomography (PET) tracer. To mimic localized infection and stimulate IL-12 production, BALB/c mice were administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intramuscularly. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-αIL12 tracer was given one hour post LPS administration and PET images were taken after 5, 24, 48, and 72 hours. We observed significantly higher uptake in LPS-treated mice as compared to controls. Biodistribution of the tracer was evaluated in a separate cohort of mice, where tracer uptake was elevated in muscle, spleen, lymph nodes, and intestines after LPS administration. To evaluate the utility of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-αIL12 as an indicator of antigen presenting cell activation after cancer immunotherapy, we compared PET imaging with and without intratumoral delivery of oncolytic adenovirus expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Adv/GM-CSF), which we have shown promotes anti-tumor immunity. BALB/c mice were inoculated orthotopically with the mouse mammary carcinoma line TUBO. Once TUBO tumors reached a volume of ~50 mm3, mice were treated with either three intratumoral injections of 108 PFU Adv/GM-CSF or vehicle control, given every other day. Upon the last dose, [89Zr]Zr-DFO-αIL12 was injected intravenously and 72 hours later all mice were imaged via PET. Tumor-specific uptake of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-αIL12 was higher in Adv/GM-CSF treated mice versus controls. Tissues were harvested after imaging, and elevated levels of macrophages and CD8+ Tc cells were detected in Adv/GM-CSF treated tumors by immunohistochemistry. We validated that IL-12 expression was induced after Adv/GM-CSF by qRT-PCR. Importantly, expression of genes activated by IL-12 (IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-18) were unaffected after IL-12 imaging relative to mice receiving an IgG control tracer, suggesting the tracer antibody does not significantly disrupt signaling. Our results indicate that targeting soluble cytokines such as IL-12 by PET imaging with antibody tracers may serve as a noninvasive method to evaluate the function of the immune milieu in situ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerissa T Viola
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - James E Glassbrook
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jhansi R Kalluri
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Justin B Hackett
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Madison N Wicker
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Joshua Sternberg
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Heather M Gibson
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Holder PG, Lim SA, Huang CS, Sharma P, Dagdas YS, Bulutoglu B, Sockolosky JT. Engineering interferons and interleukins for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114112. [PMID: 35085624 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a class of potent immunoregulatory proteins that are secreted in response to various stimuli and act locally to regulate many aspects of human physiology and disease. Cytokines play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and elimination, and thus, there is a long clinical history associated with the use of recombinant cytokines to treat cancer. However, the use of cytokines as therapeutics has been limited by cytokine pleiotropy, complex biology, poor drug-like properties, and severe dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, cytokines are crucial mediators of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and have the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapies has reinvigorated interest in cytokines as therapeutics, and a variety of engineering approaches are emerging to improve the safety and effectiveness of cytokine immunotherapy. In this review we highlight recent advances in cytokine biology and engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
10
|
Watanabe M, Nishikawaji Y, Kawakami H, Kosai KI. Adenovirus Biology, Recombinant Adenovirus, and Adenovirus Usage in Gene Therapy. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122502. [PMID: 34960772 PMCID: PMC8706629 DOI: 10.3390/v13122502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is currently in the public spotlight. Several gene therapy products, including oncolytic virus (OV), which predominantly replicates in and kills cancer cells, and COVID-19 vaccines have recently been commercialized. Recombinant adenoviruses, including replication-defective adenoviral vector and conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRA; oncolytic adenovirus), have been extensively studied and used in clinical trials for cancer and vaccines. Here, we review the biology of wild-type adenoviruses, the methodological principle for constructing recombinant adenoviruses, therapeutic applications of recombinant adenoviruses, and new technologies in pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based regenerative medicine. Moreover, this article describes the technology platform for efficient construction of diverse "CRAs that can specifically target tumors with multiple factors" (m-CRAs). This technology allows for modification of four parts in the adenoviral E1 region and the subsequent insertion of a therapeutic gene and promoter to enhance cancer-specific viral replication (i.e., safety) as well as therapeutic effects. The screening study using the m-CRA technology successfully identified survivin-responsive m-CRA (Surv.m-CRA) as among the best m-CRAs, and clinical trials of Surv.m-CRA are underway for patients with cancer. This article also describes new recombinant adenovirus-based technologies for solving issues in PSC-based regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maki Watanabe
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuya Nishikawaji
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kawakami
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kosai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- South Kyushu Center for Innovative Medical Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Targeted Delivery of IL-12 Adjuvants Immunotherapy by Oncolytic Viruses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1290:67-80. [PMID: 33559855 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55617-4_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The great hopes raised by the discovery of the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin 12 (IL-12) as an anticancer agent were marred during early clinical experimentation because of severe adverse effects, which prompted a search for alternative formulations and routes of administration. Onco-immunotherapeutic viruses (OIVs) are wild-type or genetically engineered viruses that exert antitumor activity by causing death of the tumor cells they infect and by overcoming a variety of immunosuppressive mechanisms put in place by the tumors. OIVs have renewed the interest in IL-12, as they offer the opportunity to encode the cytokine transgenically from the viral genome and to produce it at high concentrations in the tumor bed. A large body of evidence indicates that IL-12 serves as a potent adjuvant for the immunotherapeutic response elicited by OIVs in murine tumor models. The list of OIVs includes onco-immunotherapeutic herpes simplex, adeno, measles, Newcastle disease, and Maraba viruses, among others. The large increase in IL-12-mediated adjuvanticity was invariably observed for all the OIVs analyzed. Indirect evidence suggests that locally delivered IL-12 may also increase tumor antigenicity. Importantly, the OIV/IL-12 treatment was not accompanied by adverse effects and elicited a long-lasting immune response capable of halting the growth of distant tumors. Thus, OIVs provide an avenue for reducing the clinical toxicity associated with systemic IL-12 therapy, by concentrating the cytokine at the site of disease. The changes to the tumor microenvironment induced by the IL-12-armed OIVs primed the tumors to an improved response to the checkpoint blockade therapy, suggesting that the triple combination is worth pursuing in the future. The highly encouraging results in preclinical models have prompted translation to the clinic. How well the IL-12-OIV-checkpoint inhibitors' combination will perform in humans remains to be fully investigated.
Collapse
|
12
|
Nguyen KG, Vrabel MR, Mantooth SM, Hopkins JJ, Wagner ES, Gabaldon TA, Zaharoff DA. Localized Interleukin-12 for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575597. [PMID: 33178203 PMCID: PMC7593768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent, pro-inflammatory type 1 cytokine that has long been studied as a potential immunotherapy for cancer. Unfortunately, IL-12's remarkable antitumor efficacy in preclinical models has yet to be replicated in humans. Early clinical trials in the mid-1990's showed that systemic delivery of IL-12 incurred dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, IL-12's pleiotropic activity, i.e., its ability to engage multiple effector mechanisms and reverse tumor-induced immunosuppression, continues to entice cancer researchers. The development of strategies which maximize IL-12 delivery to the tumor microenvironment while minimizing systemic exposure are of increasing interest. Diverse IL-12 delivery systems, from immunocytokine fusions to polymeric nanoparticles, have demonstrated robust antitumor immunity with reduced adverse events in preclinical studies. Several localized IL-12 delivery approaches have recently reached the clinical stage with several more at the precipice of translation. Taken together, localized delivery systems are supporting an IL-12 renaissance which may finally allow this potent cytokine to fulfill its considerable clinical potential. This review begins with a brief historical account of cytokine monotherapies and describes how IL-12 went from promising new cure to ostracized black sheep following multiple on-study deaths. The bulk of this comprehensive review focuses on developments in diverse localized delivery strategies for IL-12-based cancer immunotherapies. Advantages and limitations of different delivery technologies are highlighted. Finally, perspectives on how IL-12-based immunotherapies may be utilized for widespread clinical application in the very near future are offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khue G Nguyen
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Maura R Vrabel
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Siena M Mantooth
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jared J Hopkins
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ethan S Wagner
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Taylor A Gabaldon
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - David A Zaharoff
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ji Y, Liu X, Huang M, Jiang J, Liao YP, Liu Q, Chang CH, Liao H, Lu J, Wang X, Spencer MJ, Meng H. Development of self-assembled multi-arm polyrotaxanes nanocarriers for systemic plasmid delivery in vivo. Biomaterials 2019; 192:416-428. [PMID: 30500723 PMCID: PMC6934403 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Polyrotaxane (PRX) is a promising supramolecular carrier for gene delivery. Classic PRX exhibits a linear structure in which the amine-functionalized α-cyclodextrin (CD) is threaded along the entire polyethylene glycol (PEG) backbone. While promising in vitro, the absence of free PEG moieties after CD threading compromised the in vivo implementation, due to the unfavorable pharmacokinetics (PK) and biodistribution profile. Herein, we developed a multi-arm PRX nanocarrier platform, which has been designed for protective nucleic acid encapsulation, augmented biodistribution and PK, and suitable for intravenous (IV) administration. A key design was to introduce cationic CD rings onto a multi-arm PEG backbone in a spatially selective fashion. The optimal structural design was obtained through iterative rounds of experimentation to determine the appropriate type and density of cationic charge on CD ring, the degree of PEGylation, the size and structure of polymer backbone, etc. This allowed us to effectively deliver large size reporter and therapeutic plasmids in cancer mouse models. Post IV injection, we demonstrated that our multi-arm polymer design significantly enhanced circulatory half-life and PK profile compared to the linear PRX. We continued to use the multi-arm PRX to formulate a therapeutic plasmid encoding an immunomodulatory cytokine, IL-12. When tested in a colon cancer syngeneic mouse model with same background, the IL-12 plasmid was protected by the multi-arm PRX and delivered through the tail vein to the tumor site, leading to a significant tumor inhibition effect. Moreover, our delivery system was devoid of major systemic toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ji
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiangsheng Liu
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Max Huang
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jinhong Jiang
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 90095 CA, USA
| | - Yu-Pei Liao
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 90095 CA, USA
| | - Chong Hyun Chang
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Han Liao
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jianqin Lu
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiang Wang
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 90095 CA, USA
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Huan Meng
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 90095 CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oncolytic adenovirus coexpressing interleukin-12 and decorin overcomes Treg-mediated immunosuppression inducing potent antitumor effects in a weakly immunogenic tumor model. Oncotarget 2018; 8:4730-4746. [PMID: 28002796 PMCID: PMC5354867 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-12 is a potent antitumor cytokine. However, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments containing transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) attenuate cytokine-mediated antitumor immune responses. To enhance the efficacy of IL-12-mediated cancer immunotherapy, decorin (DCN) was explored as an adjuvant for overcoming TGF-β-mediated immunosuppression. We designed and generated a novel oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) coexpressing IL-12 and DCN (RdB/IL12/DCN). RdB/IL12/DCN-treated tumors showed significantly greater levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and IFN-γ-secreting immune cells than tumors treated with cognate control oncolytic Ad expressing a single therapeutic gene (RdB/DCN or RdB/IL12). Moreover, RdB/IL12/DCN attenuated intratumoral TGF-β expression, which positively correlated with reduction of Treg cells in draining lymph nodes and tumor tissues. Furthermore, tumor tissue treated with RdB/IL12/DCN showed increases infiltration of CD8+ T cells and proficient viral spreading within tumor tissues. These results demonstrated that an oncolytic Ad co-expressing IL-12 and DCN induces a potent antitumor immune response via restoration of antitumor immune function in a weakly immunogenic murine 4T1 orthotopic breast cancer model. These findings provide new insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of IL-12 plus DCN, making it a promising cancer immunotherapeutic agent for overcoming tumor-induced immunosuppression.
Collapse
|
15
|
Patel DM, Foreman PM, Nabors LB, Riley KO, Gillespie GY, Markert JM. Design of a Phase I Clinical Trial to Evaluate M032, a Genetically Engineered HSV-1 Expressing IL-12, in Patients with Recurrent/Progressive Glioblastoma Multiforme, Anaplastic Astrocytoma, or Gliosarcoma. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2017; 27:69-78. [PMID: 27314913 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2016.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
M032 is a second-generation oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) that selectively replicates in tumor cells. M032 kills tumor cells directly through oncolytic replication and then proceeds to infect tumor cells in proximity, continuing the process of tumor destruction. In addition to this direct oncolytic activity, the virus carries a therapeutic payload-thus acting as a gene therapy vector-and causes the tumor cell to synthesize and secrete the immunity-stimulating protein interleukin-12 (IL-12) before cell death. (1) Human IL-12 is expressed and promotes an immune response against surviving tumor cells, increasing the antitumor effect of the therapy. IL-12 also produces an antiangiogenic effect, by interfering with the production of new tumor blood vessels necessary for tumor growth. Thus, M032 oHSV exerts antitumor effects through three distinct potential mechanisms. The virus has also been genetically engineered to minimize toxic effects for the patient. Preclinical animal models support the safety of intracranial inoculation with M032 in two relevant species (mouse and nonhuman primate). This clinical protocol outlines the dose-escalating phase I study for evaluation of M032 in patients with recurrent or progressive malignant glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daxa M Patel
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Paul M Foreman
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - L Burt Nabors
- 2 Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kristen O Riley
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - G Yancey Gillespie
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James M Markert
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sakamoto K, Khai NC, Wang Y, Irie R, Takamatsu H, Matsufuji H, Kosai KI. Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor inhibit cholestatic liver injury in mice through different mechanisms. Int J Mol Med 2016; 38:1673-1682. [PMID: 27779646 PMCID: PMC5117744 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the therapeutic potential and pathophysiologic roles of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in liver diseases remain relatively unknown. To address the lack of effective pharmacologic treatments for cholestatic liver injuries, as well as to clarify the biologic features of these growth factors, we explored the effects of HB-EGF and HGF in mice with cholestatic liver injury induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). The mice were assessed 3, 5 and/or 14 days after BDL (acute, subacute and/or chronic phases, respectively) and intravenous injection of adenoviral vector expressing LacZ (control), HB-EGF, HGF, or HB-EGF and HGF. HB-EGF, HGF, or a combination of the growth factors exerted potent antioncotic (antinecrotic), antiapoptotic, anticholestatic, and regenerative effects on hepatocytes in vivo, whereas no robust antiapoptotic or regenerative effects were detected in interlobular bile ducts. Based on serum transaminase levels, the acute protective effects of HB-EGF on hepatocytes were greater than those of HGF. On the other hand, liver fibrosis and cholestasis during the chronic phase were more potently inhibited by HGF compared with HB-EGF. Compared with either growth factor alone, combining HB-EGF and HGF produced greater anticholestatic and regenerative effects during the chronic phase. Taken together, these findings suggest that HB-EGF and HGF inhibited BDL-induced cholestatic liver injury, predominantly by exerting acute cytoprotective and chronic antifibrotic effects, respectively; combining the growth factors enhanced the anticholestatic effects and liver regeneration during the chronic phase. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiologic roles of HB-EGF and HGF, as well as to the development of novel effective therapies for cholestatic liver injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kouichi Sakamoto
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ngin Cin Khai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Rie Irie
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hideo Takamatsu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsufuji
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kosai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Of the numerous cytokines that have been isolated and characterized over the last several years, few have attracted as much attention as Interleukin-12 (IL-12). Since its discovery ten years ago, the intracellular signaling pathways activated by IL-12 have been identified, the individual components of the receptor cloned, and many of its effects on cellular immune function documented. Recombinant murine IL-12 has been subjected to extensive investigation in animal models of cancer and parasitic infection and shown great promise as an antitumor agent and a potential treatment for leishmaniasis. Preclinical data suggest that it may also be useful in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis and AIDS. Recombinant human IL-12 (rhIL-12) has recently entered Phase I and II clinical testing in cancer patients. The following is a brief review of the immunologic effects of IL-12, the results of animal studies, and data from recently completed clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James W. Mier
- Division of Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jared A. Gollob
- Division of Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael B. Atkins
- Division of Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Patel D, Foreman P, Nabors B, Riley K, Gillespie Y, Markert J. Design of a Phase I Clinical Trial to Evaluate M032, a Genetically Engineered HSV-1 Expressing IL-12, in Patients with Recurrent/Progressive Glioblastoma Multiforme, Anaplastic Astrocytoma, or Gliosarcoma. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
19
|
Hernandez-Alcoceba R, Poutou J, Ballesteros-Briones MC, Smerdou C. Gene therapy approaches against cancer using in vivo and ex vivo gene transfer of interleukin-12. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:179-98. [PMID: 26786809 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-12 is an immunostimulatory cytokine with strong antitumor properties. Systemic administration of IL-12 in cancer patients led to severe toxic effects, prompting the development of gene therapy vectors able to express this cytokine locally in tumors. Both nonviral and viral vectors have demonstrated a high antitumor efficacy in preclinical tumor models. Some of these vectors, including DNA electroporation, adenovirus and ex vivo transduced dendritic cells, were tested in patients, showing low toxicity and moderate antitumor efficacy. IL-12 activity can be potentiated by molecules with immunostimulatory, antiangiogenic or cytotoxic activity. These combination therapies are of clinical interest because they could lower the threshold for IL-12 efficacy, increasing the therapeutic potential of gene therapy and preventing the toxicity mediated by this cytokine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba
- Division of Gene Therapy, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008 Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 3, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Joanna Poutou
- Division of Gene Therapy, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008 Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 3, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - María Cristina Ballesteros-Briones
- Division of Gene Therapy, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008 Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 3, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008 Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 3, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lasek W, Zagożdżon R, Jakobisiak M. Interleukin 12: still a promising candidate for tumor immunotherapy? Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:419-35. [PMID: 24514955 PMCID: PMC3994286 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1523-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) seemed to represent the ideal candidate for tumor immunotherapy, due to its ability to activate both innate (NK cells) and adaptive (cytotoxic T lymphocytes) immunities. However, despite encouraging results in animal models, very modest antitumor effects of IL-12 in early clinical trials, often accompanied by unacceptable levels of adverse events, markedly dampened hopes of the successful use of this cytokine in cancer patients. Recently, several clinical studies have been initiated in which IL-12 is applied as an adjuvant in cancer vaccines, in gene therapy including locoregional injections of IL-12 plasmid and in the form of tumor-targeting immunocytokines (IL-12 fused to monoclonal antibodies). The near future will show whether this renewed interest in the use of IL-12 in oncology will result in meaningful therapeutic effects in a select group of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Witold Lasek
- Department of Immunology, Centre of Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, "F" Bldg, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rodriguez-Madoz JR, Zabala M, Alfaro M, Prieto J, Kramer MG, Smerdou C. Short-term intratumoral interleukin-12 expressed from an alphaviral vector is sufficient to induce an efficient antitumoral response against spontaneous hepatocellular carcinomas. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:132-43. [PMID: 24219025 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is an immunostimulatory cytokine that has shown strong antitumor effects in animal models of liver cancer. In order to overcome the severe toxicity associated with its systemic administration, we had previously tested different strategies based on IL-12 gene transfer to tumor cells or to the surrounding liver tissue. We obtained promising results both with a recombinant Semliki Forest virus (SFV) vector expressing high levels of IL-12 (SFV-IL-12) after intratumoral injection and with a plasmid vector [pTonL2(T)-mIL12] that allows liver-specific and inducible IL-12 expression. The aim of the present study was to compare the antitumor responses induced by both systems in a clinically relevant animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in L-PK/c-myc transgenic mice. These animals overexpress the c-myc oncogene in their livers, giving rise to spontaneous hepatic tumors with latency, histopathology, and genetic characteristics similar to human HCCs. We observed that intratumoral inoculation of SFV-IL-12 induced growth arrest in most tumors, providing 100% survival rate, in contrast to no survival in control animals. Similar results were obtained with hydrodynamic injection of pTonL2(T)-mIL12 after long-term induction of IL-12 expression in the liver. However, tumor arrest was less evident in plasmid-treated mice and the survival rate was slightly lower, despite higher and more sustained levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in serum. The fact that SFV-IL-12 was able to induce both apoptosis and a type-I IFN response specifically in the tumor could explain why short-term IL-12 expression from this vector was sufficient to mediate an antitumoral response comparable with long-term IL-12 expression driven by pTonL2(T)-mIL12. Since SFV-IL-12 could reduce the possible toxicity associated with long-term IL-12 expression, we believe that this vector could have a potential application for HCC gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan R Rodriguez-Madoz
- 1 Division of Gene Therapy, School of Medicine, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra , Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cao L, Zeng Q, Xu C, Shi S, Zhang Z, Sun X. Enhanced antitumor response mediated by the codelivery of paclitaxel and adenoviral vector expressing IL-12. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:1804-14. [PMID: 23534449 DOI: 10.1021/mp300602j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It has been well-established that chemo-immunotherapy using cytotoxic drugs and appropriate cytokines offers a promising approach for the treatment of neoplastic diseases. In view of this, to improve melanoma treatment effect, our study developed a new codelivery system (AL/Ad5/PTX) that paclitaxel (PTX) and adenovirus encoding for murine interleukin-12 (Ad5-mIL-12) were incorporated into anionic liposomes (AL). First, AL/Ad5/PTX complexes were prepared by incorporating Ad5 into anionic PTX liposomes using calcium-induced phase change. Second, the size distribution and zeta potential of AL/Ad5/PTX were investigated. Third, the results of in vitro transduction assays showed that PTX introduced into AL/Ad-luc or AL/Ad5-mIL-12 highly enhanced gene transduction efficiency in B16 cells than naked Ad5 or AL/Ad complexes while it had no comparability in A549 cells. Finally, a melanoma-bearing mouse model was established to assess the antitumor effect. Tumor growth inhibition and prolonged survival time, accompanied by increased mIL-12 or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression levels in serum or tumor sites, were observed in mice treated with AL/Ad5-mIL-12/PTX, as compared with those treated with either AL/Ad5-mIL-12 or AL/PTX. In conclusion, these results suggested that codelivery of Ad5-mIL-12 and PTX incorporated into AL could be a relatively efficient strategy for the treatment of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Eisenstein S, Coakley BA, Briley-Saebo K, Ma G, Chen HM, Meseck M, Ward S, Divino C, Woo S, Chen SH, Pan PY. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a vehicle for tumor-specific oncolytic viral therapy. Cancer Res 2013; 73:5003-15. [PMID: 23536556 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-1597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the several impediments to effective oncolytic virus therapy of cancer remains a lack of tumor-specific targeting. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are immature myeloid cells induced by tumor factors in tumor-bearing hosts. The biodistribution kinetics of MDSC and other immune cell types in a murine hepatic colon cancer model was investigated through the use of tracking markers and MRI. MDSCs were superior to other immune cell types in preferential migration to tumors in comparison with other tissues. On the basis of this observation, we engineered a strain of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), an oncolytic rhabdovirus that bound MDSCs and used them as a delivery vehicle. Improving VSV-binding efficiency to MDSCs extended the long-term survival of mice bearing metastatic colon tumors compared with systemic administration of wild-type VSV alone. Survival was further extended by multiple injections of the engineered virus without significant toxicity. Notably, direct tumor killing was accentuated by promoting MDSC differentiation towards the classically activated M1-like phenotype. Our results offer a preclinical proof-of-concept for using MDSCs to facilitate and enhance the tumor-killing activity of tumor-targeted oncolytic therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Eisenstein
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Malvicini M, Ingolotti M, Piccioni F, Garcia M, Bayo J, Atorrasagasti C, Alaniz L, Aquino JB, Espinoza JA, Gidekel M, Scharovsky OG, Matar P, Mazzolini G. Reversal of gastrointestinal carcinoma-induced immunosuppression and induction of antitumoural immunity by a combination of cyclophosphamide and gene transfer of IL-12. Mol Oncol 2011; 5:242-55. [PMID: 21515097 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2011.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy-based strategies for gastrointestinal carcinomas (GIC) have been exploited so far, but these approaches have to face strong mechanisms of immune escape induced by tumours. We previously demonstrated that sub-therapeutic doses of an adenovirus expressing IL-12 genes (AdIL-12) mediated a potent antitumour effect against subcutaneous (s.c.) colorectal carcinomas (CRC) in mice pre-treated with low doses of cyclophosphamide (Cy). In our study we used this combination to assess its impact on the immunosuppressive microenvironment. In s.c. CRC model we demonstrated that non-responder mice failed to decrease Tregs in tumour, spleen and peripheral blood. Reconstitution of Tregs into tumour-bearing mice treated with combined therapy abolished the antitumoural effect. In addition, Cy + AdIL-12 modified Tregs functionality by inhibiting the in vitro secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β and their ability to inhibit dendritic cells activation. Combined treatment decreased the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in comparison to non-treated mice and, interestingly, administration of Tregs restored splenic MDSCs population. Furthermore, combined therapy potently generated specific cytotoxic IFN-γ-secreting CD4+ T cells able to eradicate established CRC tumours after adoptive transfer. Finally, we evaluated the combination on disseminated CRC and pancreatic carcinoma (PC). Cy + AdIL-12 were able to eradicate liver metastatic CRC (47%) and PC tumour nodules (40%) and to prolong animal survival. The results of this study support the hypothesis that Cy + AdIL-12 might be a valid immunotherapeutic strategy for advanced GIC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Malvicini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Liver Unit, School of Medicine, Austral University, Derqui-Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Roche FP, Sheahan BJ, O'Mara SM, Atkins GJ. Semliki Forest virus-mediated gene therapy of the RG2 rat glioma. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2011; 36:648-60. [PMID: 20649937 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2010.01110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and most malignant adult brain tumour. Despite numerous advances in cancer therapy there has been little change in the prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme, which remains invariably fatal. We examined the Semliki Forest virus virus-like particle (SFV VLP) expression system encoding interleukin-12 (IL-12) as a therapeutic intervention against the syngeneic RG2 rat glioma model. METHODS Glioma-bearing rats were treated with IL-12-encoding SFV VLPs via an implanted cannula. Animals were treated with 5 × 10⁷ (low-dose) or 5 × 10⁸ (high-dose) VLPs per treatment and the effect on glioma growth and survival was assessed. RESULTS Low-dose treatment produced a 70% reduction in tumour volume, associated with a significant extension (20.45%) in survival that was dependent upon IL-12 expression. High-dose treatment resulted in an 87% reduction in tumour volume, related to the oncolytic capacity of the SFV VLP system. VLP delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) demonstrated the potential of the vector system to induce lethal pathology that was unrelated to replication-competent virus or high-level IL-12 expression. Treatment-related death was pronounced in high dose-treated animals and appeared to be the result of inflammation, necrosis and oedema at the inoculation site. CONCLUSION The efficacy of an IL-12 gene therapy approach for the treatment of the RG2 glioma model has been demonstrated in addition to the oncolytic capacity of the VLP vector system. Despite this, the broad tropism of the SFV-based expression vector may limit use as a CNS gene therapy vector unless this inherent limitation can be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F P Roche
- Microbiology Department, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Uemura A, Takehara T, Miyagi T, Suzuki T, Tatsumi T, Ohkawa K, Kanto T, Hiramatsu N, Hayashi N. Natural killer cell is a major producer of interferon gamma that is critical for the IL-12-induced anti-tumor effect in mice. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2010; 59:453-63. [PMID: 19756594 PMCID: PMC11030467 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-009-0764-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the anti-tumor effect of IL-12 is mediated mostly by IFNgamma, which cell types most efficiently produce IFNgamma and therefore initiate or promote the anti-tumor effect of IL-12 has not been clearly determined. In the present study, we demonstrated hydrodynamic injection of the IL-12 gene led to prolonged IFNgamma production, NK-cell activation and complete inhibition of liver metastasis of CT-26 colon cancer cells in wild-type mice, but not in IFNgamma knockout mice. NK cells expressed higher levels of STAT4 and upon IL-12 administration displayed stronger STAT4 phosphorylation and IFNgamma production than non-NK cells. Adoptive transfer of wild-type NK cells into IFNgamma knockout mice restored IL-12-induced IFNgamma production, NK-cell activation and anti-tumor effect, whereas transfer of the same number of wild-type non-NK cells did not. In conclusion, NK cells are predominant producers of IFNgamma that is critical for IL-12 anti-tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akio Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamada-oka, Suita, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tevz G, Kranjc S, Cemazar M, Kamensek U, Coer A, Krzan M, Vidic S, Pavlin D, Sersa G. Controlled systemic release of interleukin-12 after gene electrotransfer to muscle for cancer gene therapy alone or in combination with ionizing radiation in murine sarcomas. J Gene Med 2010; 11:1125-37. [PMID: 19777440 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to evaluate the antitumor effectiveness of systemic interleukin (IL)-12 gene therapy in murine sarcoma models, and to evaluate its interaction with the irradiation of tumors and metastases. To avoid toxic side-effects of IL-12 gene therapy, the objective was to achieve the controlled release of IL-12 after intramuscular gene electrotransfer. METHODS Gene electrotransfer of the plasmid pORF-mIL12 was performed into the tibialis cranialis in A/J and C57BL/6 mice. Systemic release of the IL-12 was monitored in the serum of mice after carrying out two sets of intramuscular IL-12 gene electrotransfer of two different doses of plasmid DNA. The antitumor effectiveness of IL-12 gene electrotransfer alone or in combination with local tumor or lung irradiation with X-rays, was evaluated on subcutaneous SA-1 and LPB tumors, as well as on lung metastases. RESULTS A synergistic antitumor effect of intramuscular gene electrotransfer combined with local tumor irradiation was observed as a result of the systemic distribution of IL-12. The gene electrotransfer resulted in up to 28% of complete responses of tumors. In combination with local tumor irradiation, the curability was increased by up to 100%. The same effect was observed for lung metastases, where a potentiating factor of 1.3-fold was determined. The amount of circulating IL-12 was controlled by the number of repeats of gene electrotransfer and by the amount of the injected plasmid. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates the feasibility of treatment by IL-12 gene electrotransfer combined with local tumor or lung metastases irradiation on sarcoma tumors for translation into the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Tevz
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pan PY, Ma G, Weber KJ, Ozao-Choy J, Wang G, Yin B, Divino CM, Chen SH. Immune stimulatory receptor CD40 is required for T-cell suppression and T regulatory cell activation mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer. Cancer Res 2009; 70:99-108. [PMID: 19996287 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-1882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 352] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune tolerance to tumors is often associated with accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and an increase in the number of T-regulatory cells (Treg). In tumor-bearing mice, MDSCs can themselves facilitate the generation of tumor-specific Tregs. In this study, we demonstrate that expression of the immune stimulatory receptor CD40 on MDSCs is required to induce T-cell tolerance and Treg accumulation. In an immune reconstitution model, adoptive transfer of Gr-1+CD115+ monocytic MDSCs derived from CD40-deficient mice failed to recapitulate the ability of wild-type MDSCs to induce tolerance and Treg development in vivo. Agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies phenocopied the effect of CD40 deficiency and also improved the therapeutic efficacy of IL-12 and 4-1BB immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced tumors. Our findings suggest that CD40 is essential not only for MDSC-mediated immune suppression but also for tumor-specific Treg expansion. Blockade of CD40-CD40L interaction between MDSC and Treg may provide a new strategy to ablate tumoral immune suppression and thereby heighten responses to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ying Pan
- Department of Gene and Cell Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Malvicini M, Rizzo M, Alaniz L, Piñero F, García M, Atorrasagasti C, Aquino JB, Rozados V, Scharovsky OG, Matar P, Mazzolini G. A novel synergistic combination of cyclophosphamide and gene transfer of interleukin-12 eradicates colorectal carcinoma in mice. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:7256-65. [PMID: 19920110 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-1861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is an immunostimulatory cytokine with potent antitumor effects in several animal models. However, serious toxicity has been associated with its systemic application in humans. Gene transfer has emerged as a tool to specifically express therapeutic genes into the tumor/peritumoral milieu, thus avoiding systemic toxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze whether subtherapeutic doses of an adenovirus encoding IL-12 (AdIL-12) might synergize with low immunopotentiating doses of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The antitumor effect of combining a single low dose of cyclophosphamide with an intratumoral injection of AdIL-12 was evaluated in an in vivo murine colorectal carcinoma model. The immune responses achieved with different treatments were monitored, comparing the effect of combining both therapies with individual treatments. RESULTS The combined therapy induced a complete tumor regression in >50% of mice in a synergistic fashion, and it significantly prolonged their survival. This strategy was superior to each single treatment in reducing both peripheral and splenic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, increasing the number of activated dendritic cells, and inducing IFN-gamma-secreting CD4-positive T lymphocytes. Importantly, the combined treatment generated a powerful tumor-specific CTL response. Consistently, a significant reduction in IL-10 levels was found. Our data suggest that the combination of nontoxic doses of cyclophosphamide with AdIL-12 allows the generation of good antitumoral responses, thus avoiding undesired side effects of both agents. CONCLUSIONS Our data strongly support the use of a combination of cyclophosphamide and AdIL-12 as a novel therapeutic strategy against colorectal carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Malvicini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Liver Unit, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Therapeutic and tumor-specific immunity induced by combination of dendritic cells and oncolytic adenovirus expressing IL-12 and 4-1BBL. Mol Ther 2009; 18:264-74. [PMID: 19738604 PMCID: PMC2839296 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, gene-based cytokine treatment has been actively pursued as a new promising approach in treating cancer. In an effort to augment the efficiency of antitumor effect by cytokine-mediated immunotherapy, we selected both interleukin (IL)-12 and 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) as suitable cytokines to fully activate the type-1 immune response. Coexpression of IL-12 and 4-1BBL mediated by oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) greatly enhanced the antitumor effect. Further, synergistic enhancement in interferon (IFN)-gamma levels were seen in mice treated with oncolytic Ad expressing both IL-12 and 4-1BBL. Next, to improve the overall antitumor immune response, we coadministered IL-12- and 4-1BBL-coexpressing oncolytic Ad with dendritic cells (DCs). Combination treatment of IL-12- and 4-1BBL-coexpressing oncolytic Ad and DCs elicited greater antitumor and antimetastatic effects than either treatment alone. Moreover, enhanced type-1 antitumor immune response and higher migratory abilities of DCs in tumors were also observed in the combination arms. The nature of the enhanced antitumor immune response seems to be mediated through the enhanced cytolytic activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and IFN-gamma-releasing immune cells. Taken together, these data highlight the potential therapeutic benefit of combining IL-12- and 4-1BBL-coexpressing oncolytic Ad with DCs and warrants further evaluation in the clinic.
Collapse
|
31
|
Matar P, Alaniz L, Rozados V, Aquino JB, Malvicini M, Atorrasagasti C, Gidekel M, Silva M, Scharovsky OG, Mazzolini G. Immunotherapy for liver tumors: present status and future prospects. J Biomed Sci 2009; 16:30. [PMID: 19272130 PMCID: PMC2662798 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-16-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that immune responses are involved in the control of cancer and that the immune system can be manipulated in different ways to recognize and attack tumors. Progress in immune-based strategies has opened new therapeutic avenues using a number of techniques destined to eliminate malignant cells. In the present review, we overview current knowledge on the importance, successes and difficulties of immunotherapy in liver tumors, including preclinical data available in animal models and information from clinical trials carried out during the lasts years. This review shows that new options for the treatment of advanced liver tumors are urgently needed and that there is a ground for future advances in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Matar
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Santa Fe 3100, (2000) Rosario, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bortolanza S, Bunuales M, Otano I, Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza G, Ortiz-de-Solorzano C, Perez D, Prieto J, Hernandez-Alcoceba R. Treatment of pancreatic cancer with an oncolytic adenovirus expressing interleukin-12 in Syrian hamsters. Mol Ther 2009; 17:614-22. [PMID: 19223865 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy resistant to most conventional and experimental therapies, including conditionally replicative adenoviruses (CRAds). The incorporation of immunostimulatory genes such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) in these viruses may overcome some of their limitations, but evaluation of such vectors requires suitable preclinical models. We describe a CRAd in which replication is dependent on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activity and alterations of the pRB pathway in cancer cells. Transgenes (luciferase or IL-12) were incorporated into E3 region of the virus using a selective 6.7K/gp19K deletion. A novel permissive model of pancreatic cancer developed in immunocompetent Syrian hamsters was used for in vivo analysis. We show that, in contrast with nonreplicating adenoviruses (NR-Ad), active viral production and enhanced transgene expression took place in vivo. A single intratumor inoculation of the CRAd expressing IL-12 (Ad-DHscIL12) achieved a potent antitumor effect, whereas higher doses of replication-competent adenoviruses carrying luciferase did not. Compared to a standard NR-Ad expressing IL-12, Ad-DHscIL12 was less toxic in hamsters, with more selective tumor expression and shorter systemic exposure to the cytokine. We conclude that the expression of IL-12 in the context of a hypoxia-inducible oncolytic adenovirus is effective against pancreatic cancer in a relevant animal model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergia Bortolanza
- Division of Hepatology and Gene Therapy, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lynch DH. The promise of 4-1BB (CD137)-mediated immunomodulation and the immunotherapy of cancer. Immunol Rev 2009; 222:277-86. [PMID: 18364008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2008.00621.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The continuing efforts in biomedical research to develop new therapies for cancer are entering an exciting new phase. Research over the past two to three decades has yielded a much more detailed understanding of the complexities of the cellular and molecular interactions involved in the generation and regulation of immune responses. We are also gaining insights into the mechanisms by which tumors evade or escape immune recognition and by which they become resistant to various existing chemotherapeutic and/or radiotherapeutic strategies. A clear conclusion that can be drawn from these studies is that effective treatments of cancer will become much more multifaceted and will include immunotherapeutic approaches. The identification and molecular cloning of genes encoding the receptors and ligands that play crucial roles in the generation and regulation of immune responses provides exciting new opportunities to induce and enhance effective endogenous immune responses to cancer. In this regard, the genes that comprise the tumor necrosis factor and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamilies show particular promise. One receptor:ligand pair (4-1BB/CD137 and 4-1BBL/CD137L) is emerging as a target with important potential in its ability to enhance the generation of effective tumor-specific immune responses in situ. The results of the studies cited in this review highlight the potentials of 4-1BB-mediated immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David H Lynch
- Bainbridge Biopharma Consulting, Bainbridge Island, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
McCarthy HO, Coulter JA, Robson T, Hirst DG. Gene therapy via inducible nitric oxide synthase: a tool for the treatment of a diverse range of pathological conditions. J Pharm Pharmacol 2008; 60:999-1017. [PMID: 18644193 DOI: 10.1211/jpp.60.8.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO(.)) is a reactive nitrogen radical produced by the NO synthase (NOS) enzymes; it affects a plethora of downstream physiological and pathological processes. The past two decades have seen an explosion in the understanding of the role of NO(.) biology, highlighting various protective and damaging modes of action. Much of the controversy surrounding the role of NO(.) relates to the differing concentrations generated by the three isoforms of NOS. Both calcium-dependent isoforms of the enzyme (endothelial and neuronal NOS) generate low-nanomolar/picomolar concentrations of NO(.). By contrast, the calcium-independent isoform (inducible NOS (iNOS)) generates high concentrations of NO(.), 2-3 orders of magnitude greater. This review summarizes the current literature in relation to iNOS gene therapy for the therapeutic benefit of various pathological conditions, including various states of vascular disease, wound healing, erectile dysfunction, renal dysfunction and oncology. The available data provide convincing evidence that manipulation of endogenous NO(.) using iNOS gene therapy can provide the basis for future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University, Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a negative-strand ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that replicates specifically in tumor cells and has oncolytic effects in a variety of malignant tumors. We previously demonstrated recombinant VSV vectors incorporating viral fusion protein (rVSV-F) and interleukin 12 (rVSV-IL12) to have significant antitumor effects against squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a murine model. Here we evaluate the potential to combine a potent chemotherapeutic agent for SCC (cisplatin) with rVSV-F and rVSV-IL12 to improve efficacy. STUDY DESIGN In vitro, three SCC cell lines were tested using rVSV-F and rVSV-IL12 with cisplatin, monitoring viral replication and cell survival. In an orthotopic floor of mouth murine SCC model, intratumoral injections of virus combined with systemic cisplatin were tested for tumor control and animal survival. RESULTS In vitro, virus and cisplatin combination demonstrated rapid replication and enhanced tumor cell kill. Human keratinocytes were unaffected by virus and cisplatin. In vivo, combined rVSV-F with cisplatin reduced tumor burden and improved survival (P = .2 for both), while rVSV-IL12 monotherapy had better tumor control (P = .06) and survival (P = .024) than combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS Addition of cisplatin did not affect the ability of either virus to replicate in or kill murine SCC cells in vitro. In vivo, combination therapy enhancedrVSV-F antitumor activity, but diminished rVSV-IL12 antitumor activity. Combination therapy may provide useful treatment for SCC with the development of more efficient viral vectors in combination with different chemotherapy agents or immunostimulatory agents.
Collapse
|
36
|
Tumor recurrence after partial hepatectomy for liver metastases in rats: prevention by in vivo injection of irradiated cancer cells expressing GMCSF and IL-12. J Surg Res 2008; 149:184-91. [PMID: 18499129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2007.12.789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjuvant treatment could be helpful in prevent recurrence after partial hepatectomy for liver metastases. The purpose of this study was to assess the benefit of in vivo injection of irradiated autologous cancer cells expressing cytokines after partial hepatectomy in rats. METHODS Fifty-four BDIX rats were injected with 3 x 10(6) DHD-K12 cancer cells into the portal vein to induce multiple hepatic metastases. A 70% hepatectomy was carried out 3 days after the injection. The rats were then randomized into three groups of 18 rats each. Rats were given three injections at days 8, 15, and 21 of 5 x 10(6) irradiated DHD-K12 cancer cells expressing either interleukin 12 (IL-12) (group 1), granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (group 2), or only saline solution (control group). At day 30, animals of each group were divided into two subgroups: 10 rats of each group were killed for pathological examination and cytofluorimetric analysis and 8 rats of each group were maintained for survival follow-up. RESULTS At day 30, mean number of tumors on liver surface was lower in rats treated by irradiated cancer cells expressing IL-12 than those in GM-CSF group or in the control group. Furthermore, peritoneal carcinomatosis was significantly more frequent in the control group: 3/9 (33%) than in pooled IL-12 and GM-CSF groups: 1/19 (5%) (P < 0.05). In the survival study, we observed a significant increased survival in treated rats compared with the control group (P = 0.0008). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that vaccination with autologous irradiated cancer cells expressing either IL-12 or GM-CSF induced a systemic immune antitumoral response that may be useful as an adjuvant therapy after surgical resection for liver metastases.
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Inflammatory cell infiltration of tumors contributes either positively or negatively to tumor invasion, growth, metastasis, and patient outcomes, creating a Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde conundrum when examining mechanisms of action. This is due to tumor heterogeneity and the diversity of the inflammatory cell phenotypes that infiltrate primary and metastatic lesions. Tumor infiltration by macrophages is generally associated with neoangiogenesis and negative outcomes, whereas dendritic cell (DC) infiltration is typically associated with a positive clinical outcome in association with their ability to present tumor antigens (Ags) and induce Ag-specific T cell responses. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) also infiltrate tumors, inhibiting immune responses and facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. In contrast, T cell infiltration of tumors provides a positive prognostic surrogate, although subset analyses suggest that not all infiltrating T cells predict a positive outcome. In general, infiltration by CD8(+) T cells predicts a positive outcome, while CD4(+) cells predict a negative outcome. Therefore, the analysis of cellular phenotypes and potentially spatial distribution of infiltrating cells are critical for an accurate assessment of outcome. Similarly, cellular infiltration of metastatic foci is also a critical parameter for inducing therapeutic responses, as well as establishing tumor dormancy. Current strategies for cellular, gene, and molecular therapies are focused on the manipulation of infiltrating cellular populations. Within this review, we discuss the role of tumor infiltrating, myeloid-monocytic cells, and T lymphocytes, as well as their potential for tumor control, immunosuppression, and facilitation of metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James E Talmadge
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 987660 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-7660, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tan X, Wan Y. Enhanced protein expression by internal ribosomal entry site-driven mRNA translation as a novel approach for in vitro loading of dendritic cells with antigens. Hum Immunol 2007; 69:32-40. [PMID: 18295673 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2007.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 11/01/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Transfection of dendritic cells (DCs) with messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) is a promising strategy for cancer vaccines. TAA mRNA can be generated by in vitro transcription using DNA encoding the TAA gene as a template. A cap analog is usually added upon in vitro transcription to stabilize mRNA and enhance the efficiency of mRNA translation. However, the inclusion of the cap analog correlates with significantly lower-yield mRNA transcription, potentially leading to an expensive vaccine manufacturing process. To solve this problem, we present a novel approach in which DNA templates are modified with an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) sequence inserted upstream of the gene of interest to replace the use of the cap analog. The presence of IRES greatly enhanced transcription for the mRNA in vitro compared with the cap analog. Also, higher transgene expression was achieved using luciferase (Luc) mRNA with IRES than using capped Luc mRNA to transfect DCs. Immunization of mice with DCs transfected with IRES-containing mRNA encoding chicken ovalbumin (OVA) induced significant levels of antigen-specific interferon gamma-producing CD8(+) T cells and in vivo killing of antigen-bearing cells. Consistently, mice immunized with IRES-containing OVA mRNA-transfected DCs were protected from pulmonary metastasis of melanoma cells injected intravenously. We suggest that IRES can be used for the production of larger quantities of mRNA and that such IRES-containing mRNAs may be useful for DC-based antitumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Tan
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Military General Hospital, No. 6, DongSi, Beijing 100700, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cloning and characterization of an adenoviral vector for highly efficient and doxycycline-suppressible expression of bioactive human single-chain interleukin 12 in colon cancer. BMC Biotechnol 2007; 7:35. [PMID: 17594499 PMCID: PMC1913502 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-7-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2007] [Accepted: 06/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is well characterized to induce cellular antitumoral immunity by activation of NK-cells and T-lymphocytes. However, systemic administration of recombinant human IL-12 resulted in severe toxicity without perceptible therapeutic benefit. Even though intratumoral expression of IL-12 leads to tumor regression and long-term survival in a variety of animal models, clinical trials have not yet shown a significant therapeutic benefit. One major obstacle in the treatment with IL-12 is to overcome the relatively low expression of the therapeutic gene without compromising the safety of such an approach. Our objective was to generate an adenoviral vector system enabling the regulated expression of very high levels of bioactive, human IL-12. RESULTS High gene expression was obtained utilizing the VP16 herpes simplex transactivator. Strong regulation of gene expression was realized by fusion of the VP16 to a tetracycline repressor with binding of the fusion protein to a flanking tetracycline operator and further enhanced by auto-regulated expression of its fusion gene within a bicistronic promoter construct. Infection of human colon cancer cells (HT29) at a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) of 10 resulted in the production of up to 8000 ng/106 cells in 48 h, thus exceeding any published vector system so far. Doxycycline concentrations as low as 30 ng/ml resulted in up to 5000-fold suppression, enabling significant reduction of gene expression in a possible clinical setting. Bioactivity of the human single-chain IL-12 was similar to purified human heterodimeric IL-12. Frozen sections of human colon cancer showed high expression of the coxsackie adenovirus receptor with significant production of human single chain IL-12 in colon cancer biopsies after infection with 3*107 p.f.u. Ad.3r-scIL12. Doxycycline mediated suppression of gene expression was up to 9000-fold in the infected colon cancer tissue. CONCLUSION VP16 transactivator-mediated and doxycycline-regulated expression of the human interleukin-12 gene enables highly efficient and tightly controlled cytokine expression in human cancer. These data illustrate the potential of the described adenoviral vector system for the safe and superior expression of therapeutic genes in the treatment of colorectal cancer and other malignancies.
Collapse
|
40
|
Tominaga M, Iwashita Y, Ohta M, Shibata K, Ishio T, Ohmori N, Goto T, Sato S, Kitano S. Antitumor effects of the MIG and IP-10 genes transferred with poly [D,L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid] on murine neuroblastoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2007; 14:696-705. [PMID: 17514193 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7701059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is known to be related to outcomes in patients with a variety of malignancies. Interferon (IFN) gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by IFNgamma (MIG) have chemotactic effects on activated T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor effects of exogenous expression of the MIG and IP-10 genes delivered to solid tumors by poly [D,L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid] (PDBA). The murine MIG and IP-10 genes were transfected into mouse neuroblastoma cells with PDBA. MIG and IP-10 levels in supernatants of transfected cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The chemotactic activities of MIG and IP-10 in the supernatants of cell cultures were measured by chemotaxis assay. Tumors were injected in vivo with PDBA/pmMIGColon, two colonsIP-10 complexes to evaluate the effects of these genes on tumor volume and survival time of mice. Transfected PDBA/pmMIGColon, two colonsIP-10 complexes produced MIG and IP-10 protein in vitro. MIG and IP-10 proteins secreted into the culture medium showed chemotactic activity. MIG and IP-10 gene therapy with the PDBA system in vivo significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival time of mice. In conclusion, PDBA-mediated MIG and IP-10 gene therapy may be useful for treatment of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Tominaga
- Department of Surgery I, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu, Oita, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Derubertis BG, Stiles BM, Bhargava A, Gusani NJ, Hezel M, D'Angelica M, Fong Y. Cytokine-secreting herpes viral mutants effectively treat tumor in a murine metastatic colorectal liver model by oncolytic and T-cell-dependent mechanisms. Cancer Gene Ther 2007; 14:590-7. [PMID: 17431402 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7701053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In this model of hepatic micrometastases, the antitumor efficacy and role of the T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations were studied for oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) viral mutants containing the granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF (NV1034)) or interluken-12 (IL-12 (NV1042)) cytokine genes. These were compared to saline and control virus (NV1023) in vitro and in vivo. HSV-1 mutants were assessed for cytotoxicity, replication and cytokine expression in CT-26 cells. A syngeneic micrometastatic liver model was then established in naive and immune cell-depleted animals to assess the antitumor efficacy of these viruses. In vitro cytotoxicity and viral replication were similar for each virus, resulting in greater than 80 and 98% cytotoxicity at multiplicity of infection of 1 and 10, respectively. Peak viral titers were 25- to 50-fold higher than initial titer and were not significantly different between viruses. In vivo, all three viruses reduced metastases relative to control, but cytokine-secreting viruses did so with greater efficacy compared to NV1023. This effect was abrogated by T-cell depletion, but not NK-cell depletion. Single-agent therapy with oncolytic viral agents containing GM-CSF or IL-12 is effective in a murine model of liver metastases and likely involves direct viral oncolysis and actions of specific immune effector cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B G Derubertis
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Shin EJ, Wanna GB, Choi B, Aguila D, Ebert O, Genden EM, Woo SL. Interleukin-12 expression enhances vesicular stomatitis virus oncolytic therapy in murine squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope 2007; 117:210-4. [PMID: 17204993 DOI: 10.1097/01.mlg.0000246194.66295.d8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Replication-competent, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been demonstrated to be an effective oncolytic agent in a variety of malignant tumors. Cytokine gene transfer has also been used as immunomodulatory therapy for cancer. To test the use of combining these two approaches, an oncolytic VSV vector (rVSV-IL12) was designed to express the murine interleukin 12 (IL12) gene. This cytokine-carrying oncolytic virus was compared with an analogous noncytokine-carrying fusogenic virus (rVSV-F) in the treatment of murine SCC VII squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING The authors performed in vitro testing of recombinant VSV-F and recombinant VSV-IL12 in SCC cell lines. In vivo testing of multiple direct intratumoral injections of rVSV-F or rVSV-IL12 in an orthotopic floor of mouth murine model was performed. Each cell line was tested using rVSV-F or rVSV-IL12 at multiplicity of infection of 0.01. The ability of each virus to replicate was tested by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction over 48 hours to determine viral copies of RNA. Cell survival was determined by MTT assay over 72 hours. IL12 expression by rVSV-IL12-treated cells was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Both viruses demonstrated similar infection efficiency, viral replication, and cytotoxicity in vitro. In an SCC VII orthotopic floor of mouth model in immunocompetent C3H/HeJ mice, multiple intratumoral injections with each virus caused a significant reduction in tumor volume when compared with saline injections alone. The rVSV-IL12-treated tumors showed a striking reduction in tumor volume when compared with rVSV-F and saline-treated tumors (P < .005). This striking reduction in tumor volume translated into a substantial survival benefit in rVSV-IL12-treated animals. No treatment-related toxicity was observed in either group. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE rVSV-IL12 is a novel oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus that effectively expresses IL12 and significantly enhances the treatment of head and neck murine carcinoma. Such combined oncolytic and immunomodulatory strategies hold promise in the treatment of head and neck cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kollmar O, Junker B, Rupertus K, Menger MD, Schilling MK. Studies on MIP-2 and CXCR2 expression in a mouse model of extrahepatic colorectal metastasis. Eur J Surg Oncol 2007; 33:803-11. [PMID: 17314027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2007.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Accepted: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The CXC chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 has been shown to promote outgrowth of colorectal liver metastasis by enhancing angiogenesis and tumor cell migration. However, the effect of MIP-2 on extrahepatic metastasis is not known yet. With a use of a murine model, we therefore studied cell proliferation and microvascularization of extrahepatic CT26.WT-GFP colorectal tumors after exposure to MIP-2. METHODS Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transfected CT26.WT colorectal cancer cells were implanted in dorsal skinfold chambers of syngeneic BALB/c mice. After 5 days, the tumors were locally exposed to 100 nM MIP-2. Cell proliferation as well as tumor microvascularization and growth were studied during a further 9-day period using intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. Tumors exposed to PBS served as controls. RESULTS MIP-2 induced a marked CXCR2 expression and promoted a distinct tumor cell proliferation. This was associated with a significant increase of tumor size compared to PBS-treated controls. Of interest, MIP-2 did not affect dilation and permeability of the tumor microvessels, which would be indicators for an enhanced VEGF action. Accordingly, the angiogenic response, e.g. the outgrowth of new microvessels, was not affected, and the density of the established tumor microvascular network was even found decreased after MIP-2 exposure when compared to PBS controls. CONCLUSION With the use of a murine tumor model, we demonstrate that MIP-2 accelerates growth of experimentally established extrahepatic colorectal metastases by inducing tumor cell proliferation rather than promoting vascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Kollmar
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University of Saarland, Kirrbergerstr., D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
It is feasible to restrict transgene expression to a tissue or region in need of therapy by using promoters that respond to focusable physical stimuli. The most extensively investigated promoters of this type are radiation-inducible promoters and heat shock protein gene promoters that can be activated by directed, transient heat. Temporal regulation of transgenes can be achieved by various two- or three-component gene switches that are triggered by an appropriate small molecule inducer. The most commonly considered gene switches that are reviewed herein are based on small molecule-responsive transactivators derived from bacterial tetracycline repressor, insect or mammalian steroid receptors, or mammalian FKBP12/FRAP. A new generation of gene switches combines a heat shock protein gene promoter and a small molecule-responsive gene switch and can provide for both spatial and temporal regulation of transgene activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Vilaboa
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhao L, Dong A, Gu J, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Wang Y, He L, Qian C, Qian Q, Liu X. The antitumor activity of TRAIL and IL-24 with replicating oncolytic adenovirus in colorectal cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2006; 13:1011-22. [PMID: 16799468 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 (Mda-7)/IL-24 was previously cloned into ZD55 (an adenovirus with E1B55 deleted) to form ZD55-IL-24, which had much better antitumor effect than Ad-IL-24. According to its good antitumor properties, ZD55-IL-24 has been used in preclinical studies. But ZD55-IL-24 alone still could not completely eradicate established tumors in all nude mice. It was reported that IL-24 could induce and enhance the activity of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) (a member of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily). Accordingly, the combined use of ZD55-IL-24 and ZD55-TRAIL was carried out in this study. Treatment with both ZD55-IL-24 and ZD55-TRAIL could induce more significant apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro compared with ZD55-IL-24 or ZD55-TRAIL alone. The combination of the two replicative adenoviruses had better antitumor activity in vivo than that of single oncolytic adenovirus and led to complete eradication of xenograft tumors in all treated mice. Upregulation of TRAIL was observed in tumor cells infected with ZD55-IL-24 and studies of the apoptotic cascade regulators indicate that ZD55-IL-24 could further enhance the activation of apoptosis through the TNF family of death receptors. We demonstrated for the first time the potential therapeutic effect of combined ZD55-IL-24 with ZD55-TRAIL for the targeted therapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Zhao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Treatment options for pancreatic cancer have limited success and it is therefore an appropriate target for the development of new strategies, including gene therapy. Gene therapy approaches include inhibition of activated oncogenes (KRAS, LSM1) with antisense and RNA interference strategies, replacement of inactivated tumour suppressor genes (TP53, CDKN2A, CDKN1A), targeting of cell signalling pathways, gene-directed prodrug-activation therapies and the use of replication-competent oncolytic viruses. Angiogenesis and apoptosis have also been targeted for gene therapy. Clinical trials of gene therapy have shown only moderate anti-tumour effects. As there are many genetic abnormalities in pancreatic cancer, strategies combining different targets or indeed different modalities of treatment, may be more successful. Identification of new targets and improvements in delivery and targeting may further improve the efficacy of gene therapy in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhumita Bhattacharyya
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Institute of Cancer, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Guan M, Rodriguez-Madoz JR, Alzuguren P, Gomar C, Kramer MG, Kochanek S, Prieto J, Smerdou C, Qian C. Increased efficacy and safety in the treatment of experimental liver cancer with a novel adenovirus-alphavirus hybrid vector. Cancer Res 2006; 66:1620-9. [PMID: 16452221 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-0877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An improved viral vector for cancer gene therapy should be capable of infecting tumors with high efficiency, inducing specific and high-level expression of transgene in the tumor and selectively destroying tumor cells. In the design of such a vector to treat hepatocellular carcinoma, we took advantage of (a) the high infectivity of adenoviruses for hepatic cells, (b) the high level of protein expression and proapoptotic properties that characterize Semliki Forest virus (SFV) replicon, and (c) tumor selectivity provided by alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter. We constructed a hybrid viral vector composed of a helper-dependent adenovirus containing an SFV replicon under the transcriptional control of AFP promoter and a transgene driven by SFV subgenomic promoter. Hybrid vectors containing murine interleukin-12 (mIL-12) genes or reporter gene LacZ showed very specific and high-level expression of transgenes in AFP-expressing hepatocellular carcinoma cells, both in vitro and in an in vivo hepatocellular carcinoma animal model. Infected hepatocellular carcinoma cells were selectively eliminated due to the induction of apoptosis by SFV replication. In a rat orthotopic liver tumor model, treatment of established tumors with a hybrid vector carrying mIL-12 gene resulted in strong antitumoral activity without accompanying toxicity. This new type of hybrid vectors may provide a potent and safe tool for cancer gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Guan
- Division of Hepatology and Gene Therapy, School of Medicine, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Xu DP, Sauter BV, Huang TG, Meseck M, Woo SLC, Chen SH. The systemic administration of Ig-4-1BB ligand in combination with IL-12 gene transfer eradicates hepatic colon carcinoma. Gene Ther 2006; 12:1526-33. [PMID: 15973445 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We have previously shown that the local-membrane bound 4-1BB ligand and IL-12 gene transfer induced a significant antitumor response in a mouse colon carcinoma model. However, a high viral dose was required in order to achieve the best efficacy. In this study, we hypothesize that the systemic administration of soluble Ig-4-1BB ligand can give rise to better T-cell immune activation than local gene delivery. With potential clinical applications in mind, we further compare whether the natural 4-1BB ligand fused to mouse IgG2a (Ig-4-1BBL) would be as effective as the agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody. The dimeric form of Ig-4-1BBL was purified from HeLa cells transduced with a recombinant adenovirus (ADV/Ig-4-1BBL) expressing Ig-4-1BBL. Functional activity was confirmed by the ligand's ability to bind to activated splenic T cells or bone marrow (BM)-derived dendritic cells (DCs) that express 4-1BB receptor. The soluble Ig-4-1BBL efficiently costimulated CD3-activated T-cell proliferation in vitro. More importantly, it induced tumor-specific CTLs as effectively as the agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody. When combined with IL-12 gene transfer, systemic administration of the Ig-4-1BBL proved to be more potent than local gene delivery. In addition, the Ig-4-1BBL is as potent as the agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody for the treatment of hepatic MCA26 colon carcinoma, resulting in 50% complete tumor regression and long-term survival. In long-term surviving mice, both treatment modalities induced persistent tumor-specific CTL activity. In summary, these results suggest that the systemic delivery of Ig-4-1BBL can generate a better antitumor response than local gene delivery. Ig-4-1BBL had equivalent biological functions when compared to the agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody. Thus, soluble 4-1BBL dimmer can be developed as a promising agent for cancer therapy in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D-P Xu
- Department of Gene and Cell Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY 10029, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Gene therapy offers a new approach for treatment of cancer. Transfer of genes encoding immunostimulatory cytokines has been used with remarkable success to eliminate cancer in animals. However, clinical trials in patients with this strategy had limited efficacy. Therefore, improvement of gene transfer vector system is necessary. A hybrid viral vector, consisting of SFV replicon with either murine IL-12 or reporter LacZ gene, was constructed. This hybrid vector showed specificity and high level of expression in HCC both in vitro and in vivo. In a rat orthotropic liver tumor model, treatment of established tumors by the hybrid vector with mIL-12 gene resulted in a strong anti-tumor activity without accompanying toxicity. Subsequently, a helper-dependent adenovirus vectors containing a mifepristone (RU486) inducible system was constructed for controlled and liver-specific expression of human interleukin 12 (hIL-12) (HD-Ad/RUhIL-12) and mouse IL-12 (mIL-12) (HD-Ad/RUmIL-12). Data showed that high and sustained serum levels of hIL-12 could be attained by continuing administration of RU486 every 12 or 24 h. Repetitive induction of hIL-12 could be obtained over, at least, a period of 48 weeks after a single injection of HD-Ad/RUhIL-12. Treatment of liver metastases with of HD-Ad/RUmIL-12 plus RU846 resulted in complete tumor regression in all animals. Then, different cytokine genes were inserted into conditional replicative adenoviruses vectors (also called oncolytic adenovirus). Replication of adenovirus in tumor cells would kill tumor cells and release viruses, which infect surrounding tumor cells. The combination of cytopathic effect by oncolytic adenovirus and biological effect of transgene would exert strong antitumor activity. These new types of vectors may provide a potent and safe tool for cancer gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Xinyuan Institute of Medicine and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Nagano S, Oshika H, Fujiwara H, Komiya S, Kosai K. An efficient construction of conditionally replicating adenoviruses that target tumor cells with multiple factors. Gene Ther 2006; 12:1385-93. [PMID: 15877049 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite the enormous potential of conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAs), the time-consuming and laborious methods required to construct CRAs have hampered both the development of CRAs that can specifically target tumors with multiple factors (m-CRA) and the efficient analysis of diverse candidate CRAs. Here, we present a novel method for efficiently constructing diverse m-CRAs. Elements involving viral replication, therapeutic genes, and adenoviral backbones were separately introduced into three plasmids of P1, P2, and P3, respectively, which comprised different antibiotic resistant genes, different ori, and a single loxP (H) sequence. Independently constructed plasmids were combined at 100% accuracy by transformation with originally prepared Cre and specific antibiotics in specific Escherichia coli; transfection of the resulting P1+2+3 plasmids into 293 cells efficiently generated m-CRAs. Moreover, the simultaneous generation of diverse m-CRAs was achieved at 100% accuracy by handling diverse types of P1+2 and P3. Alternatively, co-transfection of P1+3 and P2 plasmids into Cre-expressing 293 cells directly generated m-CRA with therapeutic genes. Thus, our three-plasmid system, which allows unrestricted construction and efficient fusion of individual elements, should expedite the process of generating, modifying, and testing diverse m-CRAs for the development of the ideal m-CRA for tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Nagano
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Cognitive and Molecular Research Institute of Brain Diseases, Kurume University, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|