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Kishimoto T, Nishimura K, Morishita K, Fukuda A, Miyamae Y, Kumagai Y, Sumaru K, Nakanishi M, Hisatake K, Sano M. An engineered ligand-responsive Csy4 endoribonuclease controls transgene expression from Sendai virus vectors. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:9. [PMID: 38229076 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00404-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral vectors are attractive gene delivery vehicles because of their broad tropism, high transduction efficiency, and durable expression. With no risk of integration into the host genome, the vectors developed from RNA viruses such as Sendai virus (SeV) are especially promising. However, RNA-based vectors have limited applicability because they lack a convenient method to control transgene expression by an external inducer. RESULTS We engineered a Csy4 switch in Sendai virus-based vectors by combining Csy4 endoribonuclease with mutant FKBP12 (DD: destabilizing domain) that becomes stabilized when a small chemical Shield1 is supplied. In this Shield1-responsive Csy4 (SrC) switch, Shield1 increases Csy4 fused with DD (DD-Csy4), which then cleaves and downregulates the transgene mRNA containing the Csy4 recognition sequence (Csy4RS). Moreover, when Csy4RS is inserted in the viral L gene, the SrC switch suppresses replication and transcription of the SeV vector in infected cells in a Shield1-dependent manner, thus enabling complete elimination of the vector from the cells. By temporally controlling BRN4 expression, a BRN4-expressing SeV vector equipped with the SrC switch achieves efficient, stepwise differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neural stem cells, and then into astrocytes. CONCLUSION SeV-based vectors with the SrC switch should find wide applications in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy, especially when precise control of reprogramming factor expression is desirable.
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Grants
- JP19H03203, JP19K22945, JP19K07343, JP21H02678, JP19K06501 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- JP19H03203, JP19K22945, JP19K07343, JP21H02678, JP19K06501 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- JP19H03203, JP19K22945, JP19K07343, JP21H02678, JP19K06501 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- JP19H03203, JP19K22945, JP19K07343, JP21H02678, JP19K06501 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kishimoto
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ken Nishimura
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Kana Morishita
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Aya Fukuda
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yusaku Miyamae
- Institute of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Yutaro Kumagai
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Kimio Sumaru
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Mahito Nakanishi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan
- TOKIWA-Bio, Inc, 2-1-6 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047, Japan
| | - Koji Hisatake
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sano
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
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Chen Y, Tang Y, Nie JZ, Zhang Y, Nie D. Megestrol acetate is a specific inducer of CYP3A4 mediated by human pregnane X receptor. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 88:985-996. [PMID: 34524495 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-021-04352-9] [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: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen used to treat some cancers and cancer-associated cachexia, but its potential interactions with other drugs are not well known. This study aims to determine the regulation of drug metabolizing enzymes by megestrol acetate. METHODS Primary human hepatocytes were treated and analyzed by PCR array to identify genes involved in drug metabolism that are impacted by megestrol acetate. P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) reporter gene assay and HPLC analyses of nifedipine metabolites were used to determine CYP3A4 gene expression and activities. Competitive ligand binding assay was used to determine the affinity of megestrol acetate toward human pregnane x receptor (hPXR). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and mammalian two hybrid assay were used to determine the mechanism of megestrol to activate hPXR. RESULTS The levels and activities of CYP3A4 were significantly induced (> 4-folds) by megestrol acetate in human hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. Megestrol treatment induced CYP3A4 through the activation of hPXR, a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a role in drug metabolism and transport. Other tested nuclear receptors showed no response. The mechanism studies showed that megestrol activated hPXR by binding to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of hPXR and increasing the recruitment of the cofactors such as steroid receptor cofactor (SRC-1). CONCLUSION The results suggest that megestrol acetate is a specific inducer of CYP3A4 mediated by hPXR and therefore has the potential to cause drug interactions, especially in the co-administration with drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute, Springfield, IL, 62794-9626, USA
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute, Springfield, IL, 62794-9626, USA
| | - Jeffrey Z Nie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute, Springfield, IL, 62794-9626, USA
| | - Yuanqin Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute, Springfield, IL, 62794-9626, USA
| | - Daotai Nie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute, Springfield, IL, 62794-9626, USA.
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Shinohara ET, Lu B, Hallahan DE. The Use of Gene Therapy in Cancer Research and Treatment. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2016; 3:479-90. [PMID: 15453813 DOI: 10.1177/153303460400300509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy involves identifying a gene of interest and then manipulating the expression of this gene through a variety of techniques. Here we specifically address gene therapy's role in cancer research. This paper will encompass thoroughly investigated techniques such as cancer vaccines and suicide gene therapy and the latest advancements in and applications of these techniques. It will also cover newer techniques such as Antisense Oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs and how these technologies are being developed and used. The use of gene therapy continues to expand in cancer research and has an integral role in the advancement of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E T Shinohara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University, 1301 22nd Avenue South, B-902, The Vanderbilt Clinic, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-5671, USA
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Lai X, Pei Q, Song X, Zhou X, Yin Z, Jia R, Zou Y, Li L, Yue G, Liang X, Yin L, Lv C, Jing B. The enhancement of immune function and activation of NF-κB by resveratrol-treatment in immunosuppressive mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 33:42-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Guan X. Metabolic Activation and Drug Targeting. Drug Deliv 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118833322.ch17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Directed evolution of cytochrome P450 enzymes for biocatalysis: exploiting the catalytic versatility of enzymes with relaxed substrate specificity. Biochem J 2015; 467:1-15. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20141493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 enzymes are renowned for their ability to insert oxygen into an enormous variety of compounds with a high degree of chemo- and regio-selectivity under mild conditions. This property has been exploited in Nature for an enormous variety of physiological functions, and representatives of this ancient enzyme family have been identified in all kingdoms of life. The catalytic versatility of P450s makes them well suited for repurposing for the synthesis of fine chemicals such as drugs. Although these enzymes have not evolved in Nature to perform the reactions required for modern chemical industries, many P450s show relaxed substrate specificity and exhibit some degree of activity towards non-natural substrates of relevance to applications such as drug development. Directed evolution and other protein engineering methods can be used to improve upon this low level of activity and convert these promiscuous generalist enzymes into specialists capable of mediating reactions of interest with exquisite regio- and stereo-selectivity. Although there are some notable successes in exploiting P450s from natural sources in metabolic engineering, and P450s have been proven repeatedly to be excellent material for engineering, there are few examples to date of practical application of engineered P450s. The purpose of the present review is to illustrate the progress that has been made in altering properties of P450s such as substrate range, cofactor preference and stability, and outline some of the remaining challenges that must be overcome for industrial application of these powerful biocatalysts.
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Yakubov E, Buchfelder M, Eyüpoglu IY, Savaskan NE. Selenium action in neuro-oncology. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 161:246-54. [PMID: 25164034 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The trace element selenium and selenocysteine-carrying selenoproteins play a pivotal role in the brain. Beside the essential function during development and maintenance of brain action, selenium has also been associated with several neurological and neuro-oncological conditions. Reliable supply of selenium is important since selenium compounds can affect tumor microenvironment and neoangiogenesis in malignant gliomas (WHO grade III and IV [glioblastoma, GBM]) via induction of apoptosis and alteration of matrix metalloproteinases expression. Here, we summarize recent findings focusing on the anti-toxicity and cancer-preventive properties of selenium and their implication in current multimodal therapies including temozolomide (Temodal), cyclophosphamide (Endoxan), and cisplatin (DDP, Platiblastin, and Platinol). We shed light on unintended side effects in chemotherapy and the developments of novel combinatorial chemotherapeutics with selenium compounds. We found that selenium and selenium compounds have dual action profiles with direct anti-cancer and chemotherapy-intensifier effects as well as neuroprotective and cytoprotective agents. Current selenium trials and selenium supplementation with focus on neuro-oncology will be discussed with regard to low-adequate-to-high/toxic selenium status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Yakubov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU-Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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8
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Mesenchymal stem cells as cellular vehicles for prodrug gene therapy against tumors. Biochimie 2014; 105:4-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Kwiatkowska A, Nandhu MS, Behera P, Chiocca EA, Viapiano MS. Strategies in gene therapy for glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2013; 5:1271-305. [PMID: 24202446 PMCID: PMC3875940 DOI: 10.3390/cancers5041271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, with a dismal prognosis and extremely low percentage of survivors. Novel therapies are in dire need to improve the clinical management of these tumors and extend patient survival. Genetic therapies for GBM have been postulated and attempted for the past twenty years, with variable degrees of success in pre-clinical models and clinical trials. Here we review the most common approaches to treat GBM by gene therapy, including strategies to deliver tumor-suppressor genes, suicide genes, immunomodulatory cytokines to improve immune response, and conditionally-replicating oncolytic viruses. The review focuses on the strategies used for gene delivery, including the most common and widely used vehicles (i.e., replicating and non-replicating viruses) as well as novel therapeutic approaches such as stem cell-mediated therapy and nanotechnologies used for gene delivery. We present an overview of these strategies, their targets, different advantages, and challenges for success. Finally, we discuss the potential of gene therapy-based strategies to effectively attack such a complex genetic target as GBM, alone or in combination with conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Kwiatkowska
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Toxicology and Biodistribution Studies for MGH2.1, an Oncolytic Virus that Expresses Two Prodrug-activating Genes, in Combination with Prodrugs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e113. [PMID: 23922029 PMCID: PMC3759737 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
MGH2.1 is a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) oncolytic virus that expresses two prodrug-activating transgenes: the cyclophosphamide (CPA)-activating cytochrome P4502B1 (CYP2B1) and the CPT11-activating secreted human intestinal carboxylesterase (shiCE). Toxicology and biodistribution of MGH2.1 in the presence/absence of prodrugs was evaluated in mice. MGH2.1 ± prodrugs was cytotoxic to human glioma cells, but not to normal cells. Pharmacokinetically, intracranial MGH2.1 did not significantly alter the metabolism of intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered prodrugs in mouse plasma, brain, or liver. MGH2.1 did not induce an acute inflammatory reaction. MGH2.1 DNA was detected in brains of mice inoculated with 108 pfus for up to 60 days. However, only one animal showed evidence of viral gene expression at this time. Expression of virally encoded genes was restricted to brain. Intracranial inoculation of MGH2.1 did not induce lethality at 108 pfus in the absence of prodrugs and at 106 pfus in the presence of prodrugs. This study provides safety and toxicology data justifying a possible clinical trial of intratumoral injection of MGH2.1 with peripheral administration of CPA and/or CPT11 prodrugs in humans with malignant gliomas.
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Castro MG, Candolfi M, Kroeger K, King GD, Curtin JF, Yagiz K, Mineharu Y, Assi H, Wibowo M, Ghulam Muhammad AKM, Foulad D, Puntel M, Lowenstein PR. Gene therapy and targeted toxins for glioma. Curr Gene Ther 2011; 11:155-80. [PMID: 21453286 DOI: 10.2174/156652311795684722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The most common primary brain tumor in adults is glioblastoma. These tumors are highly invasive and aggressive with a mean survival time of 15-18 months from diagnosis to death. Current treatment modalities are unable to significantly prolong survival in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma. As such, glioma is an attractive target for developing novel therapeutic approaches utilizing gene therapy. This review will examine the available preclinical models for glioma including xenographs, syngeneic and genetic models. Several promising therapeutic targets are currently being pursued in pre-clinical investigations. These targets will be reviewed by mechanism of action, i.e., conditional cytotoxic, targeted toxins, oncolytic viruses, tumor suppressors/oncogenes, and immune stimulatory approaches. Preclinical gene therapy paradigms aim to determine which strategies will provide rapid tumor regression and long-term protection from recurrence. While a wide range of potential targets are being investigated preclinically, only the most efficacious are further transitioned into clinical trial paradigms. Clinical trials reported to date are summarized including results from conditionally cytotoxic, targeted toxins, oncolytic viruses and oncogene targeting approaches. Clinical trial results have not been as robust as preclinical models predicted; this could be due to the limitations of the GBM models employed. Once this is addressed, and we develop effective gene therapies in models that better replicate the clinical scenario, gene therapy will provide a powerful approach to treat and manage brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Castro
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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van Putten EH, Dirven CM, van den Bent MJ, Lamfers ML. Sitimagene ceradenovec: a gene-based drug for the treatment of operable high-grade glioma. Future Oncol 2011; 6:1691-710. [PMID: 21142657 DOI: 10.2217/fon.10.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of gene therapy for malignant glioma has made important advances since the first gene transfer studies were performed 20 years ago. Multiple Phase I/II trials and two Phase III trials have been performed and have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of intratumoral vector delivery in the brain. Sitimagene ceradenovec is an adenoviral vector encoding the herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene, developed by Ark Therapeutics Group plc (UK and Finland) for the treatment of patients with operable high-grade glioma. In preclinical and Phase I/II clinical studies, sitimagene ceradenovec exhibited a significant increase in survival. Although the preliminary results of a Phase III clinical study demonstrated a significant positive effect of sitimagene ceradenovec treatment on time to reintervention or death when compared with standard care treatment (hazard ratio: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.06-1.93; p < 0.05), the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use did not consider the data to provide sufficient evidence of clinical benefit. Further clinical evaluation, powered to demonstrate a benefit on a robust end point, is required. This article focuses on sitimagene ceradenovec and provides an overview of the developments in the field of gene therapy for malignant glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hp van Putten
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Georgoudaki AM, Sutlu T, Alici E. Suicide gene therapy for graft-versus-host disease. Immunotherapy 2010; 2:521-37. [PMID: 20636006 DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, donor-derived T cells are key players for early immune reconstitution and efficient engraftment, as well as the graft-versus-leukemia and graft-versus-infection effects. However, a severe and quite common life-threatening complication is the development of graft-versus-host disease, during which the alloreactive donor T cells attack the host. Controlling graft-versus-host disease while preserving the benefits of graft-versus-leukemia still constitutes a challenge. A promising approach for the control of graft-versus-host disease is suicide gene therapy, which involves the ex vivo genetic modification of donor T cells with a suicide gene that allows for the selective elimination of the cells in vivo if graft-versus-host disease occurs. This article presents an overview of such approaches with special reference to lessons learned from previous clinical experiences, as well as a discussion of critical factors in suicide gene therapy.
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Ramos CA, Asgari Z, Liu E, Yvon E, Heslop HE, Rooney CM, Brenner MK, Dotti G. An inducible caspase 9 suicide gene to improve the safety of mesenchymal stromal cell therapies. Stem Cells 2010; 28:1107-15. [PMID: 20506146 DOI: 10.1002/stem.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been infused in hundreds of patients to date, with minimal reported side effects. However, follow-up is limited and long-term side effects are unknown. Because several animal models have raised safety concerns, we sought to develop a system allowing control over the growth and survival of MSCs used therapeutically. We have previously described a suicide system based on an inducible caspase-9 (iCasp9) protein that is activated using a specific chemical inducer of dimerization (CID), analogs of which have been safely tested in a phase I study. Here, we show that MSCs can be easily transduced with this system and selected to high purity (greater than 97%) with clinical grade immunomagnetic procedures. The transduced cells maintain their basic physiology, including expression of surface antigens (such as positivity for CD73, CD90, and CD105, and negativity for hematopoietic markers) and their potential to differentiate into diverse connective tissue lineages (adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondroblasts). Those cells and their differentiated progeny can be selectively eliminated in vitro or in vivo within 24 hours after exposure to pharmacological levels of CID, with evidence of apoptosis in more than 95% of iCasp9-positive cells. In conclusion, we have developed directed MSC killing to provide a necessary safety mechanism for therapies using progenitor cells. We believe that this approach will become of increasing value as clinical applications for MSCs develop further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Almeida Ramos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Giraud B, Hebert G, Deroussent A, Veal GJ, Vassal G, Paci A. Oxazaphosphorines: new therapeutic strategies for an old class of drugs. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2010; 6:919-38. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2010.487861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Mercapide J, Rappa G, Anzanello F, King J, Fodstad O, Lorico A. Primary gene-engineered neural stem/progenitor cells demonstrate tumor-selective migration and antitumor effects in glioma. Int J Cancer 2010; 126:1206-15. [PMID: 19653275 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is generally poor after surgical tumor resection. With the aim of developing new adjuvant therapeutic strategies, we have investigated primary neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPC) in co-cultures with glioma cells, and in a model of gene therapy on aggressively growing malignant glioma. NSPC exhibited tropism towards medium conditioned by glioma cells, and in adherent low-cell density co-culture, were attracted to, and fused with, tumor cells. Similarly, within 24-48 hr of co-culture in suspension, NSPC-tumor hybrids were observed, representing 2-3% of the total cell population. NSPC were then coinjected into mouse brain with GBM cells, employing NSPC expressing cyclophosphamide (CPA)-activating enzyme cytochrome p450 2B6 (CYP2B6), which catalyzes CPA prodrug transformation into membrane diffusible DNA-alkylating metabolites. Upon CPA administration, NSPC containing CYP2B6 elicited substantial impairment of tumor growth. When implanted intracerebrally at a distant site from the tumor, gene-engineered NSPC specifically targeted GBM grafts, after traveling through brain parenchyma, and hindered tumor growth through local activation of CPA. Directed migration of primary NSPC corresponded closely with intracerebral and tumoral pattern of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is a motility factor for NSPC. Overall, these findings indicate that therapeutic gene delivery mediated by primary NSPC is a potentially valid strategy for treatment of high-grade gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Mercapide
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
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Asadi-Moghaddam K, Chiocca EA. Gene- and viral-based therapies for brain tumors. Neurotherapeutics 2009; 6:547-57. [PMID: 19560744 PMCID: PMC3052738 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2009.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2009] [Revised: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in understanding and controlling genes and their expression have set the stage to alter genetic material to fight or prevent disease with brain tumors being among one of the first human malignancies to be targeted by gene therapy. All proteins are coded for by DNA and most neoplastic diseases ultimately result from the expression or lack thereof with one or more proteins (e.g., coded by oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, respectively). In theory, therefore, diseases could be treated by expression of the appropriate protein in the affected cells. Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves introducing genetic material (DNA or RNA) into cells, and it has made important advances in the past decade. Within this short time span, it has moved from the conceptual laboratory research stage to clinical translational trials for brain tumors. The most efficient approaches for gene delivery are based on viral vectors, which have been proven relatively safe in the CNS, despite occasional cases of morbidity and death in non-neurosurgical trials. However, the human response to various viral vectors can not be predicted in a reliable manner from animal experimentation, nor can size, consistency, and extent of experimental brain tumors in mouse models reflect the large, necrotic, infiltrative nature of malignant gliomas. Furthermore, the problem of delivering genetic vectors into solid brain tumors and the efficiency in situ gene transfer remains one of the most significant hurdles in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Asadi-Moghaddam
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Dardinger Center for Neuro-oncology and Neurosciences, James Cancer Hospital/Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, N-1017 Doan Hall, 410 W. 10th Avenue, 43210-1240 Columbus, OH
| | - E. Antonio Chiocca
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Dardinger Center for Neuro-oncology and Neurosciences, James Cancer Hospital/Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, N-1017 Doan Hall, 410 W. 10th Avenue, 43210-1240 Columbus, OH
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Lorico A, Mercapide J, Soloduschko V, Alexeyev M, Fodstad O, Rappa G. Primary neural stem/progenitor cells expressing endostatin or cytochrome P450 for gene therapy of glioblastoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2008; 15:605-15. [DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2008.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Ciceri F, Bonini C, Marktel S, Zappone E, Servida P, Bernardi M, Pescarollo A, Bondanza A, Peccatori J, Rossini S, Magnani Z, Salomoni M, Benati C, Ponzoni M, Callegaro L, Corradini P, Bregni M, Traversari C, Bordignon C. Antitumor effects of HSV-TK-engineered donor lymphocytes after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Blood 2007; 109:4698-707. [PMID: 17327416 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-05-023416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The extensive exploitation of the antitumor effect of donor lymphocytes infused after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is limited by the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). To overcome this limitation, we investigated the therapeutic potential of donor lymphocytes engineered with the suicide gene thymidine kinase of herpes simplex virus (TK) in 23 patients experiencing recurrence of hematologic malignancies after allo-HSCT. Long-term follow-up of infused patients included analysis of engraftment of genetically engineered lymphocytes, in vivo assessment of antitumor effect, and control of GvHD by ganciclovir. All 17 patients evaluable for engraftment and graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) had circulating TK(+) cells detectable beginning at a median time of 18 days. Eleven patients (65%) experienced a substantial clinical benefit resulting in 6 (35%) complete remissions and 5 (29%) partial responses. The antitumor effect tightly correlated with the in vivo expansion of TK(+) cells. Seven patients received ganciclovir, resulting in elimination of TK(+) cells and effective and selective treatment of GvHD. Immunization against HSV-TK was observed in 7 patients but did not preclude an effective GvL. These data validate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of TK(+) cells in the context of allografting and represent the basis for a broader application of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Ciceri
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, Milan, Italy
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21
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Portsmouth D, Hlavaty J, Renner M. Suicide genes for cancer therapy. Mol Aspects Med 2007; 28:4-41. [PMID: 17306358 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2006.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2006] [Accepted: 12/18/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The principle of using suicide genes for gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) of cancer has gained increasing significance during the 20 years since its inception. The astute application of suitable GDEPT systems should permit tumour ablation in the absence of off-target toxicity commonly associated with classical chemotherapy, a hypothesis which is supported by encouraging results in a multitude of pre-clinical animal models. This review provides a clear explanation of the rationale behind the GDEPT principle, outlining the advantages and limitations of different GDEPT strategies with respect to the roles of the bystander effect, the immune system and the selectivity of the activated prodrug in contributing to their therapeutic efficacy. An in-depth analysis of the most widely used suicide gene/prodrug combinations is presented, including details of the latest advances in enzyme and prodrug optimisation and results from the most recent clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Portsmouth
- Research Institute for Virology and Biomedicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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22
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Huch M, Abate-Daga D, Roig JM, González JR, Fabregat J, Sosnowski B, Mazo A, Fillat C. Targeting the CYP2B1/Cyclophosphamide Suicide System to Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors Results in a Potent Antitumoral Response in Pancreatic Cancer Models. Hum Gene Ther 2006; 17:1187-200. [PMID: 17069538 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.1187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The CYP2B1/cyclophosphamide (CPA) suicide gene therapy approach has been shown to be highly promising in clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, delivering the therapeutic gene to a sufficient number of tumor cells able to trigger a complete response remains a challenge. Target-specific delivery of adenovirus to fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) has been obtained in a variety of tumor models and has been shown to highly increase transduction efficiency. In the present paper we have tested the therapeutic outcome of retargeting the adenoviral vector, Ad-CYP2B1, to FGFRs, using an FGF2-Fab' conjugate, in pancreatic cancer models. First, we show a heterogeneous subcellular distribution of overexpressed FGFR-1 in pancreatic cancer cells. Higher transduction efficiency was observed in five of the six cell lines studied after FGF2-AdGFPLuc infection. Interestingly, an association between FGFR-1 membrane cell expression and viral entry was found. Moreover, tumors injected with FGF2-AdGFPLuc showed enhanced and persistent transgene expression. Importantly, we demonstrate the relevant enhanced cytotoxic effect of the FGF2-Ad-CYP2B]/CPA system in four of the six cell lines studied. Moreover, retargeting Ad-CYP2B1/CPA to FGFRs resulted in a potent antitumoral effect and in an increased survival rate, in two human pancreatic xenograft models. Thus, our results indicate that redirecting adenoviruses to FGFRs highly increases the potency of the suicide system CYP2B1/CPA. Consequently, it may constitute a promising approach to the treatment of patients with pancreatic tumors, in which a high proportion of FGF receptors precisely localize to the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Huch
- Programa Gens i Malaltia, Centre de Regulació Genòmica-Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Huch M, Abate-Daga D, Roig JM, González JR, Fabregat J, Sosnowski B, Mazo A, Fillat C. Targeting the CYP2B1/Cyclophosphamide Suicide System to Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors Results in a Potent Antitumoral Response in Pancreatic Cancer Models. Hum Gene Ther 2006. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.ft-259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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24
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King GD, Curtin JF, Candolfi M, Kroeger K, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Gene therapy and targeted toxins for glioma. Curr Gene Ther 2006; 5:535-57. [PMID: 16457645 PMCID: PMC1629033 DOI: 10.2174/156652305774964631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The most common primary brain tumor in adults is glioblastoma. These tumors are highly invasive and aggressive with a mean survival time of nine to twelve months from diagnosis to death. Current treatment modalities are unable to significantly prolong survival in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma. As such, glioma is an attractive target for developing novel therapeutic approaches utilizing gene therapy. This review will examine the available preclinical models for glioma including xenographs, syngeneic and genetic models. Several promising therapeutic targets are currently being pursued in pre-clinical investigations. These targets will be reviewed by mechanism of action, i.e., conditional cytotoxic, targeted toxins, oncolytic viruses, tumor suppressors/oncogenes, and immune stimulatory approaches. Preclinical gene therapy paradigms aim to determine which strategies will provide rapid tumor regression and long-term protection from recurrence. While a wide range of potential targets are being investigated preclinically, only the most efficacious are further transitioned into clinical trial paradigms. Clinical trials reported to date are summarized including results from conditionally cytotoxic, targeted toxins, oncolytic viruses and oncogene targeting approaches. Clinical trial results have not been as robust as preclinical models predicted, this could be due to the limitations of the GBM models employed. Once this is addressed, and we develop effective gene therapies in models that better replicate the clinical scenario, gene therapy will provide a powerful approach to treat and manage brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendalyn D King
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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25
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Jounaidi Y, Chen CS, Veal GJ, Waxman DJ. Enhanced antitumor activity of P450 prodrug-based gene therapy using the low Km cyclophosphamide 4-hydroxylase P450 2B11. Mol Cancer Ther 2006; 5:541-55. [PMID: 16546968 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-05-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy using the prodrug-activating enzyme P450 2B6 has shown substantial promise in preclinical and initial clinical studies with the P450 prodrugs cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide. We sought to optimize this therapy using the canine P450 enzyme 2B11, which activates cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide with Km of 80 to 160 micromol/L, approximately 10- to 20-fold lower than the Km of P450 2B6. Retrovirus encoding a P450 2B11-internal ribosome entry signal-P450 reductase expression cassette induced marked cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide cytotoxicity toward 9L gliosarcoma cells and exhibited an impressive bystander killing effect at micromolar prodrug concentrations, where P450 2B6 displayed low activity. Adeno-2B11, a replication-defective, E1/E3 region-deleted adenovirus engineered to coexpress P450 2B11 and P450 reductase, dramatically increased tumor cell-catalyzed cyclophosphamide 4-hydroxylation and cytotoxicity compared with Adeno-2B6 and effected strong bystander killing at low (20 micromol/L) cyclophosphamide concentrations. Further increases in cyclophosphamide cytotoxicity were obtained in several human cancer cell lines, including a 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, when Adeno-2B11 was combined with Onyx-017, an E1b-55-kDa gene-deleted, tumor cell-replicating adenovirus that coamplifies and facilitates tumor cell spread of Adeno-2B11. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of P450 2B11 expression in vivo, 9L gliosarcoma cells transduced with P450-expressing retrovirus were grown as solid s.c. tumors in immunodeficient mice. Cyclophosphamide treatment on a metronomic, 6-day repeating schedule led to full regression of 9L/2B11 tumors but not P450-deficient control tumors, resulting in a tumor-free period lasting up to approximately 100 days. 9L/2B6 tumors regressed more slowly and exhibited a tumor-free period of only 21 to 39 days. Thus, P450 gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy can be greatly improved by using the low Km P450 enzyme 2B11, which catalyzes intratumoral activation of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide at pharmacologically relevant drug concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Jounaidi
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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26
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Roy P, Waxman DJ. Activation of oxazaphosphorines by cytochrome P450: Application to gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy for cancer. Toxicol In Vitro 2006; 20:176-86. [PMID: 16293390 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2005.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2005] [Revised: 05/01/2005] [Accepted: 06/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapeutic prodrugs, such as the oxazaphosphorines cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, are metabolized by liver cytochrome P450 enzymes to yield therapeutically active, cytotoxic metabolites. The effective use of these prodrugs is limited by host toxicity associated with the systemic distribution of cytotoxic metabolites formed in the liver. This problem can, in part, be circumvented by implementation of cytochrome P450 gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (P450 GDEPT), a prodrug activation strategy for cancer treatment that augments tumor cell exposure to cytotoxic drug metabolites generated locally by a prodrug-activating cytochrome P450 enzyme. P450 GDEPT has been exemplified in preclinical rodent and human tumor models, where chemosensitivity to a P450 prodrug can be greatly increased by introduction of a prodrug-activating P450 gene. Further enhancement of the efficacy of P450-based gene therapy can be achieved: by co-expression of P450 with the flavoenzyme NADPH-P450 reductase, which provides electrons required for P450 metabolic activity; by metronomic (anti-angiogenic) scheduling of the prodrug; by localized delivery of the prodrug to the tumor; and by combination with anti-apoptotic factors, which slow the death of the P450 'factory' cells and thereby enhance the bystander cytotoxic response. P450 GDEPT has several important features that make it a clinically attractive strategy for cancer treatment. These include: the substantial bystander cytotoxicity of P450 prodrugs such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide; the ability to use human P450 genes and thereby avoid an immune response to the therapeutic gene; the use of well-established conventional chemotherapeutic prodrugs, as well as bioreductive drugs activated by P450/P450 reductase in a hypoxic tumor environment; and the potential to decrease systemic exposure to active drug metabolites by selective inhibition of hepatic P450 activity. Recent advances in this area of research are reviewed, and two proof-of-concept clinical trials that highlight the utility of this strategy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Roy
- Forest Research Institute, A Division of Forest Laboratories, Inc., Harborside Financial Center, Plaza V, Jersey City, NJ 07311, USA.
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27
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Abstract
The lymphoproliferative disorders represent a large group of diseases with a significant variation in presentation and clinical course. There has been a trend of increasing incidence for some of these disorders, and despite advances in therapies, a significant number of patients either respond poorly or have early relapses. For this reason there is a need to investigate novel therapies to be used either alone or as adjunct treatment in combination with conventional therapies. Gene therapy is a relatively new field that takes advantage of our increased understanding of molecular biology with the aim of treating a variety of diseases including cancer. It is defined as the introduction of genetic material into cells for therapeutic intent. Methods to improve gene delivery efficiency have been the focus of a large amount of research and to date the optimal procedure uses viruses such as oncoretroviruses, lentiviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses and herpes simplex viruses. There are four main gene therapy strategies that might be used for the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders. First, immunotherapy using tumour vaccines or techniques to enhance the function of immune effector cells has been investigated with some success in patients with B-cell malignancies. Second, the introduction of prodrug-activated 'suicide' genes into cells has been explored, in particular in patients with post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease. Third, direct lysis of tumour cells using viruses shows some early promise, especially in the treatment of B-cell disorders by manipulating the measles virus to target the CD20 antigen. Finally, anti-gene strategies such as anti-sense therapy, ribozymes, and most recently RNA interference, could be used to suppress expression of specific target genes. RNA interference in particular has tremendous potential and has been studied in the context of anaplastic large cell lymphoma as well as Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignancies. Whilst we are still in the early days of this field and to date results have been modest, there is still a significant potential for gene therapy to play a role in the future treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Larsen
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Sydney, Australia
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28
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Parikh NS, Currier MA, Mahller YY, Adams LC, Di Pasquale B, Collins MH, Cripe TP. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus mutants are more efficacious than wild-type adenovirus Type 5 for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastomas in preclinical models. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005; 44:469-78. [PMID: 15570577 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.20268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk neuroblastoma (Nb) is incurable using current treatment regimens in the majority of patients. Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel approach being tested for several types of adult cancers. OBJECTIVES To compare the susceptibility of Nb tumor models to oncolytic adenovirus and HSV mutants and delineate the mechanisms of resistance or sensitivity. METHODS Human Nb cell lines were used to determine susceptibility to adenovirus type 5 wild-type and HSV1 mutant (NV1066) infection, adenovirus receptor expression, support of NV1066 replication, and induction of apoptosis. Human xenograft tumors in immunodeficient mice were evaluated for histological effects and tumor response to intratumoral injection of an oncolytic HSV mutant. RESULTS All eight Nb cell lines tested in culture were relatively resistant to infection with wild type and attenuated adenoviruses. Cells expressed the cocksackie-adenovirus attachment receptor (CAR) but had low or absent expression of the internalization receptors (alphavbeta3, alphavbeta5 integrins). In contrast, all cells were uniformly sensitive to infection with the attenuated HSV mutant, NV1066. Productive virus replication and induction of apoptosis were observed in HSV-infected cells. CHLA-20 and LAN-5 xenograft tumors injected with a single dose of NV1066 showed a significant antitumor response, and the animals had a prolonged survival post infection in comparison to the PBS-treated control group. HSV injected tumors showed extensive areas of necrosis and morphologic evidence of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Nb tumor models are resistant to adenovirus mediated oncolysis but highly sensitive to HSV mediated oncolysis. Further studies of HSV virotherapy as a novel treatment for Nb are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal S Parikh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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29
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Bagshawe KD, Burke PJ, Knox RJ, Melton RG, Sharma SK. Targeting enzymes to cancers - new developments. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2005; 8:161-72. [PMID: 15992070 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.8.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Two methods of using tumour located enzymes have been described. These are antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) and macromolecule directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MDEPT), where the tumour located enzyme converts a non-toxic prodrug into a cytotoxic drug at tumour sites. The alternative use of tumour located enzymes is to inactivate rescue agents that protect cells from antimetabolite action, and is described as 'Antimetabolite with inactivation of rescue agent at cancer sites' (AMIRACS). The leakiness of tumour blood vessels and poor lymphatic drainage allows enzymes to be targeted to many cancers by attachment to polymeric macromolecules (MDEPT), as well as to antibodies and antibody fragments (ADEPT). To avoid systemic toxicity, enzyme activity in blood and normal tissues must be very low before giving a prodrug or rescue agent. Antibodies directed against the enzyme component of macromolecular conjugates have proved to be very efficient at clearing normal tissues. Human enzymes which are over expressed by cancer cells can be exploited particularly if they require co-factors or co-substrates, either in situ or targeted to extracellular sites. Bacterial enzymes have advantages in specificity but require some form of immunological control in view of their immunogenicity. Prodrugs which generate drugs with very short half lives are desirable, and have been developed, including one which has a differential toxicity between prodrug and the active drug of 1000 to 10,000 fold. The range of antimetabolites available for AMIRACS was initially restricted to inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase but has been greatly extended by the introduction of inhibitors of other enzymes. The limitations of these systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Bagshawe
- Enzacta Ltd, Building 115, Porton Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ, UK
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30
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Cheung NKV, Guo HF, Modak S, Cheung IY. Anti-idiotypic antibody facilitates scFv chimeric immune receptor gene transduction and clonal expansion of human lymphocytes for tumor therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 22:209-18. [PMID: 14511566 DOI: 10.1089/153685903322328938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric immune receptors (CIR) transduced into lymphocytes link target recognition by single chain antibody Fv (scFv) to activation through CD28/TCRzeta signaling. As surrogate antigens, anti-idiotypic antibodies may facilitate gene-transduction and clonal expansion of human lymphocytes for in vivo tumor therapy. The murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) 8H9 reacts with a novel antigen widely expressed on solid tumors. A CIR consisting of human CD8-leader sequence, 8H9-scFv, CD28 (transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains), and TCR-zeta chain was constructed, ligated into the pMSCVneo vector, and used to transfect the packaging line GP + envAM12 bearing an amphotropic envelope. Rat anti-idiotypic MAb 2E9 (IgG2a) was used to clone retroviral producer line as well as to expand gene-modified primary human lymphocytes. Sequential enrichments using either affinity chromatography or cell sorting using anti-idiotypic MAb 2E9 significantly improved the percentage of producer clones positive for surface 8H9-scFv and the efficiency of their supernatant in transducing the indicator cell line K562. By 3 weeks of in vitro culture, >95% of transduced primary human lymphocytes were CIR-positive. Upon periodic stimulation with 2E9, these lymphocytes underwent >10(6)-fold expansion by 6 months in culture. They mediated antigen-specific non-MHC restricted cytokine release and tumor cytotoxicity, and inhibited human xenograft engraftment in SCID mice. Anti-idiotypic antibody may provide a useful tool for optimizing gene transduction of CIR fusion constructs into primary human lymphocytes and their continual expansion in vitro.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism
- Clone Cells/immunology
- Cloning, Molecular
- Genetic Vectors
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/genetics
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Rats
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Time Factors
- Transfection
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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31
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Kurozumi K, Tamiya T, Ono Y, Otsuka S, Kambara H, Adachi Y, Ichikawa T, Hamada H, Ohmoto T. Apoptosis induction with 5-fluorocytosine/cytosine deaminase gene therapy for human malignant glioma cells mediated by adenovirus. J Neurooncol 2004; 66:117-27. [PMID: 15015777 DOI: 10.1023/b:neon.0000013494.98345.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the adenovirus-mediated transduction of the cytosine deaminase (CD) gene and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) for malignant gliomas. However, the molecular pathways that mediate the 5-FC/CD gene therapy-induced cell death remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the induction of apoptosis and the role of caspases in 5-FC/CD gene therapy using human malignant glioma cells [Gli36delta5 (mutated p53) and U87MG (wild p53)]. The treatment with 5-FC/CD gene-therapy-induced apoptosis both in Gli36delta5 cells and in U87MG cells according to flow cytometric analysis. Immunoblot analysis revealed that caspases 3 and 9 were processed in response to 5-FC/CD in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, but caspase 8 was not. Each caspase 3 and 9 inhibitor significantly reduced apoptosis triggered by 5-FC/CD, but the caspase 8 inhibitor did not affect apoptosis induction. 5-FC/CD significantly promoted the release of cytochorme c from mitochondria in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that 5-FC/CD gene therapy induces apoptosis in human malignant glioma cells and that the apoptotic cell death is mediated by the activation of mitochondrial caspase cascades involving caspases 3 and 9. This is the first report concerning the apoptotic mechanism of 5-FC/CD gene therapy, and these findings could be used to increase the efficacy of suicide gene therapy systems for the treatment of malignant glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Kurozumi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama, Japan
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32
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Jounaidi Y, Waxman DJ. Use of replication-conditional adenovirus as a helper system to enhance delivery of P450 prodrug-activation genes for cancer therapy. Cancer Res 2004; 64:292-303. [PMID: 14729637 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-03-1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene transfer sensitizes tumor xenografts to anticancer prodrugs such as cyclophosphamide (CPA) without a detectable increase in host toxicity. Optimal prodrug activation is achieved when a suitable P450 gene (e.g., human CYP2B6) is delivered in combination with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R), which encodes the flavoenzyme P450 reductase. We sought to improve this gene therapy by coordinated delivery and expression of P450 and P450R on a single bicistronic vector using an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) sequence. Retrovirus encoding a CYP2B6-IRES-P450R expression cassette was shown to induce strong P450-dependent CPA cytotoxicity in a population of infected 9L gliosarcoma cells. Adeno-P450, a replication-defective, E1/E3 region-deleted adenovirus engineered to express CYP2B6-IRES-P450R, induced intracellular CPA 4-hydroxylation, and CPA cytotoxicity, in a broad range of human cancer cell lines. However, limited Adeno-P450 gene transfer and CPA chemosensitization was seen with certain human tumor cells, notably PC-3 prostate and HT-29 colon cancer cells. Remarkable improvements could be obtained by coinfecting the tumor cells with Adeno-P450 in combination with Onyx-017, an E1b-55k gene-deleted adenovirus that selectively replicates in p53 pathway-deficient cells. Substantial increases in gene expression were observed during the early stages of viral infection, reflecting an apparent coamplification of the Adeno-P450 genome, followed by enhanced viral spread at later stages, as demonstrated in cultured tumor cells, and in A549 and PC-3 solid tumor xenografts grown in scid mice. This combination of the replication-defective Adeno-P450 with a replication-conditional and tumor cell-targeted helper adenovirus dramatically improved the low gene transfer observed with some human tumor cell lines and correspondingly increased tumor cell-catalyzed CPA 4-hydroxylation, CPA cytotoxicity, and in vivo antitumor activity in a PC-3 tumor xenograft model. The use of tumor-selective, replicating adenovirus to promote the spread of replication-defective gene therapy vectors, such as Adeno-P450, substantially increases the therapeutic potential of adenoviral delivery systems, and should lead to increased activity and enhanced tumor selectivity of cytochrome P450 and other gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Jounaidi
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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33
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Abstract
This article briefly reviews the basic research findings on brain tumors made in the last decade and how they are now impacting clinical trials. Major improvements in our understanding of the genetic, molecular, and biological mechanisms that lead to brain tumor development have been made. These include mechanistic insights on how tumor cells overcome cell cycle control, evade programmed cell death, induce blood vessel formation, and escape immune regulation. These advances have been tremendously accelerated by the availability of novel whole-genome analysis technologies. These findings are now being translated into innovative clinical trials that provide new hope for patients with these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin G Van Meir
- Department of Neurosurgery, Winship Cancer Institute Brain Tumor Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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34
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McFadyen MCE, Melvin WT, Murray GI. Cytochrome P450 enzymes: Novel options for cancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther 2004. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.363.3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The concept of overexpression of individual forms of cytochrome P450 enzymes in tumor cells is now becoming well recognized. Indeed, a growing body of research highlights the overexpression of P450s, particularly CYP1B1, in tumor cells as representing novel targets for anticancer therapy. The purpose of this review is to outline the novel therapeutic options and opportunities arising from both enhanced endogenous expression of cytochrome P450 in tumors and cytochrome P450-mediated gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William T. Melvin
- 2Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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35
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Schwartz PS, Chen CS, Waxman DJ. Sustained P450 expression and prodrug activation in bolus cyclophosphamide-treated cultured tumor cells. Impact of prodrug schedule on P450 gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2003; 10:571-82. [PMID: 12872138 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450-based gene therapy can substantially increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to P450-activated cancer chemotherapeutic prodrugs such as cyclophosphamide (CPA) without increasing host toxicity. While the role of 4-OH-CPA, the primary active metabolite of CPA, in eliciting tumor cell death is well established, the effect of 4-OH-CPA exposure on the capacity of P450-expressing tumor cells for continued metabolism and activation of CPA has not been investigated. The present study addresses this question and characterizes the impact of CPA dose and treatment schedule on the ability of P450-expressing tumor cells to sustain prodrug activation over time. 9L gliosarcoma cells expressing human P450 2B6 and treated with CPA in a continuous manner exhibited a time- and CPA dose-dependent decrease in P450-catalyzed CPA 4-hydroxylase activity. This decrease reflects a selective, 4-OH-CPA-induced loss of cellular P450 protein content. By contrast, when the P450-expressing tumor cells were treated with CPA as a single 8 hours exposure, cellular CPA 4-hydroxylase activity and P450 protein expression were substantially prolonged when compared to continuous prodrug treatment. This schedule-dependent effect of CPA was influenced by the level of P450 protein expressed in the tumor cells. At high P450 protein and activity levels, which could be achieved by culturing the tumor cells at high cell density, net production and release of 4-OH-CPA into the culture media was increased substantially. This increase fully offset the decline in CPA 4-hydroxylase activity as the tumor cells underwent CPA-induced apoptotic death. These findings demonstrate the impact of CPA dose and treatment schedule on the efficacy of P450 gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy, with bolus CPA treatment being compatible with sustained expression of P450 protein and maintenance of P450-dependent prodrug activation by the target tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela S Schwartz
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachussetts 02215, USA
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36
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Abstract
Malignant gliomas remain amongst the most difficult cancer to treat. Viral-based gene therapies have been employed for the last decade in preclinical and clinical modes as a novel treatment modality. In this review, such therapies are summarized. The overwhelming majority of clinical studies point one to conclude that methodologies that will increase tumor infection/transduction will lead to enhanced therapeutic results.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Antonio Chiocca
- Molecular Neuro-oncology Laboratory, Neurosurgery Service, Massachusetts General Hospital-East, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA.
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37
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Baldwin A, Huang Z, Jounaidi Y, Waxman DJ. Identification of novel enzyme-prodrug combinations for use in cytochrome P450-based gene therapy for cancer. Arch Biochem Biophys 2003; 409:197-206. [PMID: 12464259 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9861(02)00453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy can be used to increase the therapeutic activity of anti-cancer prodrugs that undergo liver cytochrome P450 (CYP)-catalyzed prodrug to active drug conversion. The present report describes a cell-culture-based assay to identify CYP gene-CYP prodrug combinations that generate bystander cytotoxic metabolites and that may potentially be useful for CYP-based gene therapy for cancer. A panel of rat liver microsomes, comprising distinct subsets of drug-inducible hepatic CYPs, was evaluated for prodrug activation in a four-day 9L gliosarcoma cell growth inhibition assay. A strong NADPH- and liver microsome-dependent increase in 9L cytotoxicity was observed for the CYP prodrugs cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and methoxymorpholinyl doxorubicin (MMDX) but not with three other CYP prodrugs, procarbazine, dacarbazine, and tamoxifen. MMDX activation was potentiated approximately 250-fold by liver microsomes from dexamethasone-induced rats (IC(50) (MMDX) approximately 0.1nM), suggesting that dexamethasone-inducible CYP3A enzymes contribute to activation of this novel anthracycline anti-tumor agent. This CYP3A dependence was verified in studies using liver microsomes from uninduced male and female rats and by using the CYP3A-selective inhibitors troleandomycin and ketoconazole. These findings highlight the advantages of using cell culture assays to identify novel CYP prodrug-CYP gene combinations that are characterized by production of cell-permeable, cytotoxic metabolites and that may potentially be incorporated into CYP-based gene therapies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Baldwin
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington St., MA 02215, USA
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38
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Ichikawa T, Högemann D, Saeki Y, Tyminski E, Terada K, Weissleder R, Chiocca EA, Basilion JP. MRI of transgene expression: correlation to therapeutic gene expression. Neoplasia 2002; 4:523-30. [PMID: 12407446 PMCID: PMC1503666 DOI: 10.1038/sj.neo.7900266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2002] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high-resolution 3D maps of structural and functional information, yet its use of mapping in vivo gene expression has only recently been explored. A potential application for this technology is to noninvasively image transgene expression. The current study explores the latter using a nonregulatable internalizing engineered transferrin receptor (ETR) whose expression can be probed for with a superparamagnetic Tf-CLIO probe. Using an HSV-based amplicon vector system for transgene delivery, we demonstrate that: 1) ETR is a sensitive MR marker gene; 2) several transgenes can be efficiently expressed from a single amplicon; 3) expression of each transgene results in functional gene product; and 4) ETR gene expression correlates with expression of therapeutic genes when the latter are contained within the same amplicon. These data, taken together, suggest that MRI of ETR expression can serve as a surrogate for measuring therapeutic transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomotsugu Ichikawa
- Neurosurgical Service and Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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39
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Fareed MU, Moolten FL. Suicide gene transduction sensitizes murine embryonic and human mesenchymal stem cells to ablation on demand-- a fail-safe protection against cellular misbehavior. Gene Ther 2002; 9:955-62. [PMID: 12085244 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2001] [Accepted: 02/11/2002] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells and their progeny constitute a potential resource for replacing damaged tissues or supplying missing functions, but also pose a threat of aberrant behavior, including neoplastic growth or immunopathology. Suicide genes introduced into these cells before transplantation might provide a means of addressing this threat by permitting the ablation of the cells if they subsequently misbehave. Retroviral transduction of the E. coli gpt and herpes thymidine kinase (HSVtk) suicide genes was used to determine the degree to which stem cells could be sensitized to the prodrugs 6-thioxanthine (6TX) and ganciclovir (GCV) respectively, and whether this sensitivity could persist over many cell generations. The ES-E14TG2a murine embryonic stem cell line was rendered sensitive to quantitative ablation at prodrug concentrations well tolerated by untransduced cells (50 microM 6TX, 1 microg/ml GCV). The HSVtk gene also conferred GCV sensitivity on human mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic precursors derived from the murine cells, although ablation was not complete. Because ES-E14TG2a cells are deficient in the cellular enzyme HPRT, they are sensitive to hypoxanthine/aminopterin/thymidine (HAT). This property enhanced the persistence of chemosensitivity in gpt-transduced cells by permitting cells that lost 6TX sensitivity to be ablated with HAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U Fareed
- Research Service, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
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40
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Lichtenberg J, Larsson LI. A mouse model for the study of factors affecting angiogenesis. PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY 2002; 90:169-72. [PMID: 12071340 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0773.2002.900310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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41
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Abstract
The resistance of cancers to conventional therapies has inspired the search for novel strategies. One such approach, namely gene therapy, is based upon the introduction of genes such as those encoding suicide proteins, tumour suppressor proteins or cytokines into tumour cells by means of a genetic vector. The efficiency with which viruses transfer their genes from one host cell to another has led to the widespread use of viruses as genetic vectors. For safety reasons, such virus vectors are generally replication-defective but, unfortunately, this has limited the efficacy of treatment by restricting the number of cells to which the therapeutic gene is delivered. For this reason, the use of replication-competent viruses has been proposed, since virus replication would be expected to lead to amplification and spread of the therapeutic genes in vivo. The replication of many viruses results in lysis of the host cells. This inherent cytotoxicity, together with the efficiency with which viruses can spread from one cell to another, has inspired the notion that replication-competent viruses could be exploited for cancer treatment. Some viruses have been shown to replicate more efficiently in transformed cells but it is unlikely that such examples will exhibit a high enough degree of tumour selectivity, and hence safety, for the treatment of patients. Our increasing knowledge of the pathogenesis of virus disease and the ability to manipulate specific regions of viral genomes have allowed the construction of viruses that are attenuated in normal cells but retain their ability to lyse tumour cells. Such manipulations have included modifying the ability of viruses to bind to, or replicate in, particular cell types, while others have involved the construction of replication-competent viruses encoding suicide proteins or cytokines. Naturally occurring or genetically engineered oncolytic viruses based upon adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, Newcastle disease virus, poliovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus, weasles virus and reovirus have been described. The results of animal studies are encouraging and a number of viruses are now being evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J A Ring
- Gene Interference, Glaxo SmithKline Research & Development, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2NY, UK1
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Carrió M, Visa J, Cascante A, Estivill X, Fillat C. Intratumoral activation of cyclophosphamide by retroviral transfer of the cytochrome P450 2B1 in a pancreatic tumor model. Combination with the HSVtk/GCV system. J Gene Med 2002; 4:141-9. [PMID: 11933215 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human tumors and the development of new therapeutic approaches is particularly urgent since current therapies are not effective. The use of pro-drug-activating genes is a possible approach for cancer gene therapy. METHODS The present study evaluated the efficiency of the cytochrome P4502B1 (CYP2B1) suicide gene that encodes the enzyme responsible for activating the pro-drug cyclophosphamide (CPA), in pancreatic tumor cells invitro and in vivo. The effects on tumor growth of the combination of two suicide systems, CYP2B1/CPA and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene/ganciclovir (HSVtk/GCV), were also studied. RESULTS Retroviral CYP2B1 transfer followed by CPA treatment highly sensitized pancreatic tumor cells NP-9, NP-18, and NP-31, and led to stabilization of tumor growth in a pancreatic tumor model. Differences in tumor volume at the end of the treatment were statistically significant when compared with animals injected with CPA alone. The combination of both suicide systems CYP2B1/CPA and HSVtk/GCV in vitro resulted in a potentiation of the killing effect. However, no potentiation was achieved in vivo, although retardation in tumor growth was evident. CONCLUSIONS The results show that in situ transduction of pancreatic tumor cells with the CYP2B1 gene by retroviral vectors clearly increases the sensitivity to CPA. Moreover, they suggest that in order to achieve a potentiation on cell killing when the two suicide systems HSVtk/GCV and CYP2B1/CPA are combined, co-expression of both genes in the same tumor cell would be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Carrió
- Centre de Genètica Mèdica i Molecular, Institut de Recerca Oncològica (IRO), Barcelona, Spain
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43
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Frank S, Steffens S, Fischer U, Tlolko A, Rainov NG, Kramm CM. Differential cytotoxicity and bystander effect of the rabbit cytochrome P450 4B1 enzyme gene by two different prodrugs: implications for pharmacogene therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2002; 9:178-88. [PMID: 11857036 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The time course of cytotoxicity induction and the bystander effect of the rabbit cytochrome P450 4B1 (cyp4B1)/4-ipomeanol (4-IM) or 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) pharmacogene therapy systems were investigated and compared with the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-tk/GCV) system. Experiments were performed in rat 9L gliosarcoma cells stably expressing cyp4B1 (9L-4B1), HSV-tk (9L-tk), or their egfp (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fusion genes. Cyp4B1-mediated activation of 2-AA showed a high cell killing efficiency within only 48 hours with an onset after already 15 minutes of prodrug exposure. Residual 9L-4B1 cells were mostly damaged sublethally upon 2-AA treatment showing an S phase arrest by cell cycle analysis. 4-IM treatment of 9L-4B1 cells generated an overall weaker cell killing, especially after prodrug exposure times of less than 48 hours. Residual cells surviving 4-IM treatment showed a G2/M arrest and restarted proliferation after prodrug treatment was stopped. HSV-tk/GCV pharmacogene therapy resulted in a slower cytotoxicity induction than cyp4B1/2-AA treatment with a significantly lower cell killing efficiency after 24 and 48 hours. HSV-tk/GCV-mediated cytotoxicity was widely similar to the cytotoxicity induced by cyp4B1/4-IM with the exception of a continuous 48-hour prodrug exposure where 4-IM treatment showed a significantly higher cell killing rate. Cells surviving HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy were not viable and showed an S-phase arrest. Whereas HSV-tk/GCV induced a strong bystander effect, only moderate bystander cell death depending on cell-to-cell contact was demonstrated in 9L/9L-4B1 cocultures upon 2-AA treatment and was even absent with 4-IM, thereby contrasting with earlier reports. The absence of a strong bystander effect may limit, on one hand, the overall utility of the cyp4B1 systems for cancer gene therapy. On the other hand, the weak bystander effect together with the fast induction of cytotoxicity may provide marked advantages for the use of the cyp4B1 systems as biosafety enhancers for gene marking or replacement studies and donor lymphocyte infusions after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Frank
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
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44
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Kipps TJ. Genetic engineering strategies for hematologic malignancies. GENETIC ENGINEERING 2001; 22:197-207. [PMID: 11501377 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-4199-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T J Kipps
- University of California, San Diego, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Human Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0663, USA
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45
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Kan O, Griffiths L, Baban D, Iqball S, Uden M, Spearman H, Slingsby J, Price T, Esapa M, Kingsman S, Kingsman A, Slade A, Naylor S. Direct retroviral delivery of human cytochrome P450 2B6 for gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy of cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2001; 8:473-82. [PMID: 11498768 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Human cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) metabolizes the prodrug cyclophosphamide (CPA) to produce phosphoramide mustard that cross-links DNA leading to cell death. We have constructed a novel retroviral vector encoding CYP2B6 (designated "MetXia-P450") and used it to transduce the human tumor cell lines HT29 and T47D. MetXia-P450 transduction sensitised these cells to the cytotoxic effects of the prodrug CPA. Results from in vitro experiments demonstrated adverse effects on the clonogenic survival of cyclophosphamide-treated cells transduced with MetXia-P450. Cytotoxic activity accompanied by bystander effect was particularly evident in 3-D multicellular spheroid models suggesting that this in vitro system may be a more appropriate model for assessing the efficacy of gene directed-enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). We have applied this approach in a clinically relevant gene therapy protocol on established subcutaneous tumor xenografts. These studies show for the first time the efficacy of a P450-based GDEPT strategy mediated by a direct retroviral gene transfer in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Kan
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Medawar Centre, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, UK
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46
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Huang Z, Waxman DJ. Modulation of cyclophosphamide-based cytochrome P450 gene therapy using liver P450 inhibitors. Cancer Gene Ther 2001; 8:450-8. [PMID: 11498765 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The sensitivity of tumors to cyclophosphamide (CPA) and other anticancer prodrugs can be substantially enhanced by transduction of tumors with a prodrug-activating mammalian cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in combination with the flavoenzyme P450 reductase. This gene therapy strategy provides for intratumoral prodrug activation, but is also associated with a high level of hepatic prodrug activation, which reduces the extent of intratumoral prodrug activation and contributes to systemic drug toxicity. To address this issue, five P450 inhibitors were tested for their ability to block liver CYP2C-catalyzed CPA activation selectively, i.e., without inhibiting the corresponding intratumoral activation of CPA catalyzed by a transduced CYP2B enzyme. In vitro studies revealed that the P450 inhibitors 1-aminobenzotriazole and DDEP were preferentially inhibitory toward CYP2C-dependent liver microsomal CPA activation, whereas the P450 inhibitor SKF-525A inhibited CYP2C- and CYP2B-dependent CPA activation without P450 form selectivity. By contrast, the P450 inhibitors chloramphenicol and metyrapone preferentially inhibited CYP2B-dependent CPA activation. Rat pharmacokinetic studies confirmed the inhibitory action of these compounds in vivo, with up to a 4-fold decrease in C(max) and a 7-fold increase in apparent half-life of the activated CPA metabolite, 4-hydroxy-CPA, seen in the case of 1-aminobenzotriazole. Although the rate of hepatic CPA activation could thus be decreased substantially by P450 inhibitor treatment, the net extent of hepatic CPA activation was only modestly decreased, as judged by plasma area-under-the-curve values for 4-hydroxy-CPA. Moreover, P450 inhibitor treatment did not decrease CPA's host toxicity and did not enhance the tumor growth delay response to CPA in rats bearing CYP2B1-transduced gliosarcomas. These findings are discussed in the context of P450-based gene therapy strategies and ongoing efforts to enhance anticancer drug activity by increasing the exposure of P450-expressing tumors to the P450-activated prodrug CPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Huang
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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47
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Abstract
Gene therapy of cancer is a novel approach with the potential to selectively eradicate tumour cells, whilst sparing normal tissue from damage. In particular, gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) is based on the delivery of a gene that encodes an enzyme which is non-toxic per se, but is able to convert a prodrug into a potent cytotoxin. Several GDEPT systems have been investigated so far, demonstrating effectiveness in both tissue culture and animal models. Based on these encouraging results, phase I/II clinical trials have been performed and are still ongoing. The aim of this review is to summarise the progress made in the design and application of GDEPT strategies. The most widely used enzyme/prodrug combinations already in clinical trials (e.g., herpes simplex 1 virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir and cytosine deaminase/5-fluorocytosine), as well as novel approaches (carboxypeptidase G2/CMDA, horseradish peroxidase/indole-3-acetic acid) are described, with a particular attention to translational research and early clinical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Greco
- Tumour Microcirculation Group, Gray Laboratory Cancer Research Trust, Mount-Verion Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK
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48
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Bredel M. Anticancer drug resistance in primary human brain tumors. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 35:161-204. [PMID: 11336781 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The difficult clinical situation still associated with most types of primary human brain tumors has fostered significant interest in defining novel therapeutic modalities for this heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Beginning in the 1980s chemotherapy has been incorporated into the treatment protocol of a number of intractable brain tumors. However, it has predominantly failed to improve patient outcome. The unsatisfactory results with chemotherapeutic intervention have chiefly been attributed to tumor cell resistance. In recent years, there has been a literal explosion in our understanding about the mechanisms by which cancer cells become chemoresistant. During the course of their evolution (intrinsic resistance) or in response to chemotherapy (acquired resistance) these cells may follow a number of pathways of genetic alterations to possess a common (multidrug) or drug-specific (individual drug) resistant phenotype. Genomic aberrations, deregulation of membrane transporting proteins and cellular enzymes, and an altered susceptibility to commit to apoptosis are among the steps on the way that contribute to the genesis of chemotherapeutic treatment failure. Although, through the years we have come to yield information and inferences as to the roles that different molecular events may have in the resistance phenotype of cancer cells, the actual involvement of single genetic alterations in conferring drug resistance in primary brain tumors remains debatable. This uncertainty and, besides, the lack of proper drug resistance diagnostics, in a vicious circle, hinder the development of effective resistance-modulation strategies. Clinical non-responsiveness to chemotherapy remains a formidable obstacle to the successful treatment of brain tumors and one of the most serious problems to be solved in the therapy of these lesions. Future advances in the chemotherapeutic management of these neoplasms will come with an improved understanding of the significance and interrelationship of the multiple biological systems operative in promoting resistance to this treatment modality. The focus of this review is to summarize current knowledge concerning major drug resistance-related markers, to describe their functional interaction en route to chemoresistance, and to discuss their implication in rendering human brain tumor cells resistant to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bredel
- Department of General Neurosurgery, Neurocenter, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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49
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Abstract
Although the treatment results for some forms of haematologic malignancies are excellent, especially for the childhood acute leukaemias, there is still a significant fraction of patients that will not benefit from the therapy available today. The identification of new techniques, such as gene therapy, may therefore be of great importance for future therapeutic applications. Suicide gene therapy is one of several gene therapeutic approaches to treat cancer. A suicide gene is a gene encoding a protein, frequently an enzyme, that in itself is nontoxic to the genetically modified cell. However, when a cell is exposed to a specific nontoxic prodrug, this is selectively converted by the gene product into toxic metabolites that kill the cell. The suicide gene most commonly employed, both in experimental and a clinical settings, is herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSVtk). Some suicide gene products also induce a so-called 'bystander effect', i.e. a toxic effect on adjacent nongene modified tumour cells and sometimes also on more distant tumour cells. The bystander effect is most evident in tumour cells that have a high number of gap junctions, cellular channels build up by proteins called connexins. Many tumours, amongst them many haematological ones, have a low number of gap junctions. Therefore, it is important to develop gap junction independent drug delivery systems. Suicide gene technology may also be used for the ex vivo purging of tumour cells in bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell autografts or for inactivation of effector cells, such as antitumour T donor lymphocytes in allogeneic transplantation to prevent severe graft versus host reactions. New constructs, e.g. combining suicide genes and immune response enhancing genes or suicide genes and connexin inducing genes may further improve the value of suicide gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Dilber
- Department of Hematology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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50
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Abstract
Gene therapy offers an additional therapeutic modality for treating haematological malignancy. Because gene therapies could be truly specific for the malignancy, they should ultimately prove both safe and effective. We have far to go before this full potential is realized, but gene transfer strategies are already showing therapeutic promise. Gene transfer may be used to correct the genetic defect in the tumour, to render it more susceptible to conventional therapies, or the normal host cells more resistant, to induce or amplify an antitumour immune response, or simply as a means of tracking the tumour or cells used for treatment. This article describes examples of each approach and discusses future prospects for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Brenner
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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