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Watanabe M, Nishikawaji Y, Kawakami H, Kosai KI. Adenovirus Biology, Recombinant Adenovirus, and Adenovirus Usage in Gene Therapy. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122502. [PMID: 34960772 PMCID: PMC8706629 DOI: 10.3390/v13122502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is currently in the public spotlight. Several gene therapy products, including oncolytic virus (OV), which predominantly replicates in and kills cancer cells, and COVID-19 vaccines have recently been commercialized. Recombinant adenoviruses, including replication-defective adenoviral vector and conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRA; oncolytic adenovirus), have been extensively studied and used in clinical trials for cancer and vaccines. Here, we review the biology of wild-type adenoviruses, the methodological principle for constructing recombinant adenoviruses, therapeutic applications of recombinant adenoviruses, and new technologies in pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based regenerative medicine. Moreover, this article describes the technology platform for efficient construction of diverse "CRAs that can specifically target tumors with multiple factors" (m-CRAs). This technology allows for modification of four parts in the adenoviral E1 region and the subsequent insertion of a therapeutic gene and promoter to enhance cancer-specific viral replication (i.e., safety) as well as therapeutic effects. The screening study using the m-CRA technology successfully identified survivin-responsive m-CRA (Surv.m-CRA) as among the best m-CRAs, and clinical trials of Surv.m-CRA are underway for patients with cancer. This article also describes new recombinant adenovirus-based technologies for solving issues in PSC-based regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Watanabe
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuya Nishikawaji
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kawakami
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kosai
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- South Kyushu Center for Innovative Medical Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Center for Innovative Therapy Research and Application, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
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Oncolytic Adenovirus in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113354. [PMID: 33202717 PMCID: PMC7697649 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-selective replicating "oncolytic" viruses are novel and promising tools for immunotherapy of cancer. However, despite their first success in clinical trials, previous experience suggests that currently used oncolytic virus monotherapies will not be effective enough to achieve complete tumor responses and long-term cure in a broad spectrum of cancers. Nevertheless, there are reasonable arguments that suggest advanced oncolytic viruses will play an essential role as enablers of multi-stage immunotherapies including established systemic immunotherapies. Oncolytic adenoviruses (oAds) display several features to meet this therapeutic need. oAds potently lyse infected tumor cells and induce a strong immunogenic cell death associated with tumor inflammation and induction of antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, established and versatile platforms of oAds exist, which are well suited for the incorporation of heterologous genes to optimally exploit and amplify the immunostimulatory effect of viral oncolysis. A considerable spectrum of functional genes has already been integrated in oAds to optimize particular aspects of immune stimulation including antigen presentation, T cell priming, engagement of additional effector functions, and interference with immunosuppression. These advanced concepts have the potential to play a promising future role as enablers of multi-stage immunotherapies involving adoptive cell transfer and systemic immunotherapies.
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Brachtlova T, van Beusechem VW. Unleashing the Full Potential of Oncolytic Adenoviruses against Cancer by Applying RNA Interference: The Force Awakens. Cells 2018; 7:cells7120228. [PMID: 30477117 PMCID: PMC6315459 DOI: 10.3390/cells7120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus therapy of cancer is an actively pursued field of research. Viruses that were once considered as pathogens threatening the wellbeing of humans and animals alike are with every passing decade more prominently regarded as vehicles for genetic and oncolytic therapies. Oncolytic viruses kill cancer cells, sparing healthy tissues, and provoke an anticancer immune response. Among these viruses, recombinant adenoviruses are particularly attractive agents for oncolytic immunotherapy of cancer. Different approaches are currently examined to maximize their therapeutic effect. Here, knowledge of virus–host interactions may lead the way. In this regard, viral and host microRNAs are of particular interest. In addition, cellular factors inhibiting viral replication or dampening immune responses are being discovered. Therefore, applying RNA interference is an attractive approach to strengthen the anticancer efficacy of oncolytic viruses gaining attention in recent years. RNA interference can be used to fortify the virus’ cancer cell-killing and immune-stimulating properties and to suppress cellular pathways to cripple the tumor. In this review, we discuss different ways of how RNA interference may be utilized to increase the efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses, to reveal their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Brachtlova
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Victor W van Beusechem
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ungerechts G, Engeland CE, Buchholz CJ, Eberle J, Fechner H, Geletneky K, Holm PS, Kreppel F, Kühnel F, Lang KS, Leber MF, Marchini A, Moehler M, Mühlebach MD, Rommelaere J, Springfeld C, Lauer UM, Nettelbeck DM. Virotherapy Research in Germany: From Engineering to Translation. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:800-819. [PMID: 28870120 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Virotherapy is a unique modality for the treatment of cancer with oncolytic viruses (OVs) that selectively infect and lyse tumor cells, spread within tumors, and activate anti-tumor immunity. Various viruses are being developed as OVs preclinically and clinically, several of them engineered to encode therapeutic proteins for tumor-targeted gene therapy. Scientists and clinicians in German academia have made significant contributions to OV research and development, which are highlighted in this review paper. Innovative strategies for "shielding," entry or postentry targeting, and "arming" of OVs have been established, focusing on adenovirus, measles virus, parvovirus, and vaccinia virus platforms. Thereby, new-generation virotherapeutics have been derived. Moreover, immunotherapeutic properties of OVs and combination therapies with pharmacotherapy, radiotherapy, and especially immunotherapy have been investigated and optimized. German investigators are increasingly assessing their OV innovations in investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical trials. As a prototype, parvovirus has been tested as an OV from preclinical proof-of-concept up to first-in-human clinical studies. The approval of the first OV in the Western world, T-VEC (Imlygic), has further spurred the involvement of investigators in Germany in international multicenter studies. With the encouraging developments in funding, commercialization, and regulatory procedures, more German engineering will be translated into OV clinical trials in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Ungerechts
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany .,3 Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine E Engeland
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- 4 Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany .,5 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Eberle
- 6 Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Centre Charité , Berlin, Germany
| | - Henry Fechner
- 7 Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Biotechnology , Department of Applied Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karsten Geletneky
- 8 Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Per Sonne Holm
- 9 Department of Urology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich , Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kreppel
- 10 Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research and Education (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke (UW/H), Witten, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- 11 Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl Sebastian Lang
- 12 Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Mathias F Leber
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonio Marchini
- 13 Department of Tumor Virology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany .,14 Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics (LOVIT), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Markus Moehler
- 15 University Medical Center Mainz , I. Dept. of Internal Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael D Mühlebach
- 16 Product Testing of Immunological Veterinary Medicinal Products, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany
| | - Jean Rommelaere
- 13 Department of Tumor Virology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Lauer
- 17 Department of Clinical Tumor Biology, Medical University Hospital , Tübingen, Germany .,18 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Germany
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Anti-adenoviral Artificial MicroRNAs Expressed from AAV9 Vectors Inhibit Human Adenovirus Infection in Immunosuppressed Syrian Hamsters. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:300-316. [PMID: 28918031 PMCID: PMC5537171 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Infections of immunocompromised patients with human adenoviruses (hAd) can develop into life-threatening conditions, whereas drugs with anti-adenoviral efficiency are not clinically approved and have limited efficacy. Small double-stranded RNAs that induce RNAi represent a new class of promising anti-adenoviral therapeutics. However, as yet, their efficiency to treat hAd5 infections has only been investigated in vitro. In this study, we analyzed artificial microRNAs (amiRs) delivered by self-complementary adeno-associated virus (scAAV) vectors for treatment of hAd5 infections in immunosuppressed Syrian hamsters. In vitro evaluation of amiRs targeting the E1A, pTP, IVa2, and hexon genes of hAd5 revealed that two scAAV vectors containing three copies of amiR-pTP and three copies of amiR-E1A, or six copies of amiR-pTP, efficiently inhibited hAd5 replication and improved the viability of hAd5-infected cells. Prophylactic application of amiR-pTP/amiR-E1A- and amiR-pTP-expressing scAAV9 vectors, respectively, to immunosuppressed Syrian hamsters resulted in the reduction of hAd5 levels in the liver of up to two orders of magnitude and in reduction of liver damage. Concomitant application of the vectors also resulted in a decrease of hepatic hAd5 infection. No side effects were observed. These data demonstrate anti-adenoviral RNAi as a promising new approach to combat hAd5 infection.
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Abstract
Viral vector use in gene therapy has highlighted several safety concerns, including genotoxic events. Generally, vector-mediated genotoxicity results from upregulation of cellular proto-oncogenes via promoter insertion, promoter activation, or gene transcript truncation, with enhancer-mediated activation of nearby genes the primary mechanism reported in gene therapy trials. Vector-mediated genotoxicity can be influenced by virus type, integration target site, and target cell type; different vectors have distinct integration profiles which are cell-specific. Non-viral factors, including patient age, disease, and dose can also influence genotoxic potential, thus the choice of test models and clinical trial populations is important to ensure they are indicative of efficacy and safety. Efforts have been made to develop viral vectors with less risk of insertional mutagenesis, including self-inactivating (SIN) vectors, enhancer-blocking insulators, and microRNA targeting of vectors, although insertional mutagenesis is not completely abrogated. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of viral vector-mediated genotoxicity risk from factors contributing to viral vector-mediated genotoxicity to efforts made to reduce genotoxicity, and testing strategies required to adequately assess the risk of insertional mutagenesis. It is clear that there is not a 'one size fits all' approach to vector modification for reducing genotoxicity, and addressing these challenges will be a key step in the development of therapies such as CRISPR-Cas9 and delivery of future gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon M David
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Ann T Doherty
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
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Meganuclease-mediated virus self-cleavage facilitates tumor-specific virus replication. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1738-48. [PMID: 23752311 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Meganucleases can specifically cleave long DNA sequence motifs, a feature that makes them an ideal tool for gene engineering in living cells. In a proof-of-concept study, we investigated the use of the meganuclease I-Sce I for targeted virus self-disruption to generate high-specific oncolytic viruses. For this purpose, we provided oncolytic adenoviruses with a molecular circuit that selectively responds to p53 activation by expression of I-Sce I subsequently leading to self-disruption of the viral DNA via heterologous I-Sce I recognition sites within the virus genome. We observed that virus replication and cell lysis was effectively impaired in p53-normal cells, but not in p53-dysfunctional tumor cells. I-Sce I activity led to effective intracellular processing of viral DNA as confirmed by detection of specific cleavage products. Virus disruption did not interfere with E1A levels indicating that reduction of functional virus genomes was the predominant cause for conditional replication. Consequently, tumor-specific replication was further enhanced when E1A expression was additionally inhibited by targeted transcriptional repression. Finally, we demonstrated p53-dependent oncolysis by I-Sce I-expressing viruses in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrated effective inhibition of tumor growth. In summary, meganuclease-mediated virus cleavage represents a promising approach to provide oncolytic viruses with attractive safety profiles.
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Guo H, Nairn A, dela Rosa M, Nagy T, Zhao S, Moremen K, Pierce M. Transcriptional regulation of the protocadherin β cluster during Her-2 protein-induced mammary tumorigenesis results from altered N-glycan branching. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:24941-54. [PMID: 22665489 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.369355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the levels of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V) can alter the function of several types of cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules by causing altered N-linked glycan branching. Using a her-2 mammary tumor mouse model, her-2 receptor signaling was down-regulated by GnT-V knock-out, resulting in a significant delay in the onset of her-2-induced mammary tumors. To identify the genes that contributed to this GnT-V regulation of early events in tumorigenesis, microarray analysis was performed using her-2 induced mammary tumors from wild-type and GnT-V-null mice. We found that 142 genes were aberrantly expressed (>2.0-fold) with 64 genes up-regulated and 78 genes down-regulated after deletion of GnT-V. Among differentially expressed genes, the expression of a subgroup of the cadherin superfamily, the protocadherin β (Pcdhβ) cluster, was up-regulated in GnT-V-null tumors. Altered expression of the Pcdhβ cluster in GnT-V-null tumors was not due to changes in promoter methylation; instead, impaired her-2-mediated signaling pathways were implicated at least in part resulting from reduced microRNA-21 expression. Overexpression of Pcdhβ genes inhibited tumor cell growth, decreased the proportion of tumor-initiating cells, and decreased tumor formation in vivo, demonstrating that expression of the Pcdhβ gene cluster can serve as an inhibitor of the transformed phenotype. Our results suggest the up-regulation of the Pcdhβ gene cluster as a mechanism for reduced her-2-mediated tumorigenesis resulting from GnT-V deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huabei Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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Sharbati S, Sharbati J, Hoeke L, Bohmer M, Einspanier R. Quantification and accurate normalisation of small RNAs through new custom RT-qPCR arrays demonstrates Salmonella-induced microRNAs in human monocytes. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:23. [PMID: 22248082 PMCID: PMC3268085 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small interfering and non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression across all kingdoms of life. MicroRNAs constitute an important group of metazoan small RNAs regulating development but also disease. Accordingly, in functional genomics microRNA expression analysis sheds more and more light on the dynamic regulation of gene expression in various cellular processes. RESULTS We have developed custom RT-qPCR arrays allowing for accurate quantification of 31 small RNAs in triplicate using a 96 well format. In parallel, we provide accurate normalisation of microRNA expression data based on the quantification of 5 reference snRNAs. We have successfully employed such arrays to study microRNA regulation during human monocyte differentiation as well as Salmonella infection. Besides well-known protagonists such as miR-146 or miR-155, we identified the up-regulation of miR-21, miR-222, miR-23b, miR-24, miR-27a as well as miR-29 upon monocyte differentiation or infection, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The provided protocol for RT-qPCR arrays enables straight-forward microRNA expression analysis. It is fully automatable, compliant with the MIQE guidelines and can be completed in only 1 day. The application of these arrays revealed microRNAs that may mediate monocyte host defence mechanisms by regulating the TGF-β signalling upon Salmonella infection. The introduced arrays are furthermore suited for customised quantification of any class of small non-coding RNAs as exemplified by snRNAs and thus provide a versatile tool for ubiquitous applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Sharbati
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
The cytolytic properties of viruses can be used to treat cancer. Replication of certain viruses is favoured in cancer cells, whereas others can be modified to obtain tumour specificity. This approach has evolved to become a new discipline called virotherapy. In addition, these replication-competent (oncolytic) viruses can be adapted as vectors for cancer gene therapy. The "armed" viruses show a double mechanism of action: direct destruction of cancer cells as a consequence of the lytic viral cycle, in combination with the effect of the therapeutic gene incorporated in the viral genome. Current trends in the field include strategies to increase the oncolytic potency of existing viruses; the evaluation of new candidates; the search for synergistic effects between different viruses and conventional therapies; and a rational approach to take advantage of the interplay between the viruses and the host immune system. This review summarises the most relevant achievements in recent years.
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Liu YP, Berkhout B. miRNA cassettes in viral vectors: problems and solutions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2011; 1809:732-45. [PMID: 21679781 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2011.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), an evolutionary conserved gene silencing mechanism that is triggered by double stranded RNA, has led to tremendous efforts to use this technology for basic research and new RNA therapeutics. RNAi can be induced via transfection of synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which results in a transient knockdown of the targeted mRNA. For stable gene silencing, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or microRNA (miRNA) constructs have been developed. In mammals and humans, the natural RNAi pathway is triggered via endogenously expressed miRNAs. The use of modified miRNA expression cassettes to elucidate fundamental biological questions or to develop therapeutic strategies has received much attention. Viral vectors are particularly useful for the delivery of miRNA genes to specific target cells. To date, many viral vectors have been developed, each with distinct characteristics that make one vector more suitable for a certain purpose than others. This review covers the recent progress in miRNA-based gene-silencing approaches that use viral vectors, with a focus on their unique properties, respective limitations and possible solutions. Furthermore, we discuss a related topic that involves the insertion of miRNA-target sequences in viral vector systems to restrict their cellular range of gene expression. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: MicroRNAs in viral gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Poi Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Adenovirus and miRNAs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2011; 1809:660-7. [PMID: 21621026 PMCID: PMC7102710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Adenovirus infection has a tremendous
impact on the cellular silencing machinery. Adenoviruses express high
amounts of non-coding virus associated (VA) RNAs able to saturate key
factors of the RNA interference (RNAi) processing pathway, such as
Exportin 5 and Dicer. Furthermore, a proportion of VA RNAs is cleaved by
Dicer into viral microRNAs (mivaRNAs) that can saturate Argonaute, an
essential protein for miRNA function. Thus, processing and function of
cellular miRNAs is blocked in adenoviral-infected cells. However, viral
miRNAs actively target the expression of cellular genes involved in
relevant functions such as cell proliferation, DNA repair or RNA
regulation. Interestingly, the cellular silencing machinery is active at
early times post-infection and can be used to control the adenovirus cell
cycle. This is relevant for therapeutic purposes against adenoviral
infections or when recombinant adenoviruses are used as vectors for gene
therapy. Manipulation of the viral genome allows the use of adenoviral
vectors to express therapeutic miRNAs or to be silenced by the RNAi
machinery leading to safer vectors with a specific tropism. This article
is part of a "Special Issue entitled:MicroRNAs in viral gene
regulation".
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Gürlevik E, Woller N, Strüver N, Schache P, Kloos A, Manns MP, Zender L, Kühnel F, Kubicka S. Selectivity of oncolytic viral replication prevents antiviral immune response and toxicity, but does not improve antitumoral immunity. Mol Ther 2010; 18:1972-82. [PMID: 20700112 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic infection elicits antitumoral immunity, but the impact of tumor-selective replication on the balance between antiviral and antitumoral immune responses has not yet been investigated. To address this question, we constructed the highly tumor-selective adenovirus Ad-p53T whose replication in target tumor cells is governed by aberrant telomerase activity and transcriptional p53 dysfunction. Telomerase-dependent or nonselective adenoviruses were constructed as isogenic controls. Following infection of mice with the nonselective adenovirus, viral DNA and mRNA levels correlated with strong stimulation of innate immune response genes and severe liver toxicity, whereas telomerase-/p53-specific replication did not trigger innate immunity and prevented liver damage. Compared to telomerase-dependent or unselective viral replication, telomerase-/p53-specific virotherapy significantly decreased antiviral CD8-specific immune responses and antiviral cytotoxicity in vivo. Consistent with our hypothesis, telomerase-selective replication led to intermediate results in these experiments. Remarkably, all viruses efficiently lysed tumors and induced a therapeutically effective tumor-directed CD8 cytotoxicity. In immunocompetent mice with extended lung metastases burden, treatment of subcutaneous primary tumors with Ad-p53T significantly prolonged survival by inhibition of lung metastases, whereas unselective viral replication resulted in death by liver failure. In summary, the degree of tumor selectivity of viral replication marginally influences antitumoral immune responses, but is a major determinant of antivector immunity and systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engin Gürlevik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
Targeted therapy of cancer using oncolytic viruses has generated much interest over the past few years in the light of the limited efficacy and side effects of standard cancer therapeutics for advanced disease. In 2006, the world witnessed the first government-approved oncolytic virus for the treatment of head and neck cancer. It has been known for many years that viruses have the ability to replicate in and lyse cancer cells. Although encouraging results have been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, most oncolytic viruses have failed to impress in the clinical setting. The explanation is multifactorial, determined by the complex interactions between the tumor and its microenvironment, the virus, and the host immune response. This review focuses on discussion of the obstacles that oncolytic virotherapy faces and recent advances made to overcome them, with particular reference to adenoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hsi Wong
- Centre for Molecular Oncology and Imaging, Institute of Cancer, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; E-Mails: (H.H.W.); (N.R.L.)
| | - Nicholas R. Lemoine
- Centre for Molecular Oncology and Imaging, Institute of Cancer, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; E-Mails: (H.H.W.); (N.R.L.)
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Centre for Molecular Oncology and Imaging, Institute of Cancer, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; E-Mails: (H.H.W.); (N.R.L.)
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +44-2078823596, Fax: +44-2078823884
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