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Yeşilaltay A, Muz D, Erdal B. Oncolytic Myxoma virus Increases Autophagy in Multiple Myeloma. Turk J Haematol 2024; 41:16-25. [PMID: 38258554 PMCID: PMC10918390 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.galenos.2024.2023.0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Multiple myeloma, which affects plasma cells, is the second most common hematological malignancy. Despite the development of new drugs and treatment protocols, patient survival has not reached the desired level. In this study, we investigated the effects of Myxoma virus (MYXV), an oncolytic virus, on autophagy in myeloma cells. Materials and Methods We analyzed protein expressions of ATG-5, p62, Beclin-1, LC3B, and the apoptosis marker Bcl-2 as autophagy markers in human U-266 and mouse MOPC-315 myeloma cell lines subjected to different doses of MYXV. In addition, autophagic images of myeloma cells were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results In the first 24 h, which is the early stage of autophagy, ATG-5 and Beclin-1 expression levels were increased in the U-266 and MOPC-315 cell lines in the groups that had received MYXV at a multiplicity of infection of 15. At 48 h, a significant increase was detected in the expression of LC3B, which is a late indicator. Autophagosomes were observed in myeloma cells by TEM. Conclusion MYXV shows an antimyeloma effect by increasing autophagy in myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpay Yeşilaltay
- Başkent University İstanbul Hospital, Department of Hematology, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Dilek Muz
- Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Tekirdağ, Türkiye
| | - Berna Erdal
- Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Tekirdağ, Türkiye
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Yeşilaltay A, Muz D, Erdal B, Bilgen T, Batar B, Turgut B, Topçu B, Yılmaz B, Avcı BA. Myxoma Virus Combination Therapy Enhances Lenalidomide and Bortezomib Treatments for Multiple Myeloma. Pathogens 2024; 13:72. [PMID: 38251379 PMCID: PMC10820570 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010072] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of Myxoma virus (MYXV) in MM cell lines and primary myeloma cells obtained from patients with multiple myeloma. Myeloma cells were isolated from MM patients and cultured. MYXV, lenalidomide, and bortezomib were used in MM cells. The cytotoxicity assay was investigated using WST-1. Apoptosis was assessed through flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining and caspase-9 concentrations using ELISA. To explore MYXV entry into MM cells, monoclonal antibodies were used. Moreover, to explore the mechanisms of MYXV entry into MM cells, we examined the level of GFP-labeled MYXV within the cells after blocking with monoclonal antibodies targeting BCMA, CD20, CD28, CD33, CD38, CD56, CD86, CD117, CD138, CD200, and CD307 in MM cells. The study demonstrated the effects of treating Myxoma virus with lenalidomide and bortezomib. The treatment resulted in reduced cell viability and increased caspase-9 expression. Only low-dose CD86 blockade showed a significant difference in MYXV entry into MM cells. The virus caused an increase in the rate of apoptosis in the cells, regardless of whether it was administered alone or in combination with drugs. The groups with the presence of the virus showed higher rates of early apoptosis. The Virus, Virus + Bortezomib, and Virus + Lenalidomide groups had significantly higher rates of early apoptosis (p < 0.001). However, the measurements of late apoptosis and necrosis showed variability. The addition of MYXV resulted in a statistically significant increase in early apoptosis in both newly diagnosed and refractory MM patients. Our results highlight that patient-based therapy should also be considered for the effective management of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpay Yeşilaltay
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Başkent University Istanbul, Istanbul 34662, Türkiye
| | - Dilek Muz
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye;
| | - Berna Erdal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye;
| | - Türker Bilgen
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye;
| | - Bahadır Batar
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye;
| | - Burhan Turgut
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye; (B.T.); (B.A.A.)
| | - Birol Topçu
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye;
| | - Bahar Yılmaz
- Department of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye;
| | - Burcu Altındağ Avcı
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdag 59030, Türkiye; (B.T.); (B.A.A.)
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3
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Ashton LV, Weishaar KM, Séguin B, MacNeill AL. Oclacitinib and Myxoma Virus Therapy in Dogs with High-Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2346. [PMID: 37760788 PMCID: PMC10525839 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092346] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human rhabdomyosarcomas are rarely cured by surgical resection alone. This is also true for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. Dogs with spontaneous sarcoma are good models for clinical responses to new cancer therapies. Strategic combinations of immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy (OV) could improve treatment responses in canine and human cancer patients. To develop an appropriate combination of immunotherapy and OV for dogs with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), canine cancer cells were inoculated with myxoma viruses (MYXVs) and gene transcripts were quantified. Next, the cytokine concentrations in the canine cancer cells were altered to evaluate their effect on MYXV replication. These studies indicated that, as in murine and human cells, type I interferons (IFN) play an important role in limiting MYXV replication in canine cancer cells. To reduce type I IFN production during OV, oclacitinib (a JAK1 inhibitor) was administered twice daily to dogs for 14 days starting ~7 days prior to surgery. STS tumors were excised, and MYXV deleted for serp2 (MYXV∆SERP2) was administered at the surgical site at two time points post-operatively to treat any remaining microscopic tumor cells. Tumor regrowth in dogs treated with OV was decreased relative to historical controls. However, regrowth was not further inhibited in patients given combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V. Ashton
- Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Kristen M. Weishaar
- Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Bernard Séguin
- Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital, Victoria, BC V8X 2R3, Canada;
| | - Amy L. MacNeill
- Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
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Shakiba Y, Vorobyev PO, Yusubalieva GM, Kochetkov DV, Zajtseva KV, Valikhov MP, Kalsin VA, Zabozlaev FG, Semkina AS, Troitskiy AV, Baklaushev VP, Chumakov PM, Lipatova AV. Oncolytic therapy with recombinant vaccinia viruses targeting the interleukin-15 pathway elicits a synergistic response. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:158-168. [PMID: 37387795 PMCID: PMC10300409 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed recombinant variants of oncolytic vaccinia virus LIVP strain expressing interleukin-15 (IL-15) or its receptor subunit alpha (IL-15Rα) to stimulate IL-15-dependent immune cells. We evaluated their oncolytic activity either alone or in combination with each other in vitro and in vivo using the murine CT26 colon carcinoma and 4T1 breast carcinoma models. We demonstrated that the admixture of these recombinant variants could promote the generation of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex. In vitro studies indicated that 4T1 breast cancer cells were more susceptible to the developed recombinant viruses. In vivo studies showed significant survival benefits and tumor regression in 4T1 breast cancer syngeneic mice that received a combination of LIVP-IL15-RFP with LIVP-IL15Ra-RFP. Histological analysis showed recruited lymphocytes at the tumor region, while no harmful effects to the liver or spleen of the animals were detected. Evaluating tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes represented profound activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages in mice receiving combination therapy. Thus, our experiments showed superior oncolytic effectiveness of simultaneous injection of LIVP-IL15-RFP and LIVP-IL15Ra-RFP in breast cancer-bearing mice. The combined therapy by these recombinant variants represents a potent and versatile approach for developing new immunotherapies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Shakiba
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Pavel O. Vorobyev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gaukhar M. Yusubalieva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry V. Kochetkov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia V. Zajtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marat P. Valikhov
- Department of Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Kalsin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Fedor G. Zabozlaev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alevtina S. Semkina
- Department of Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Troitskiy
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Peter M. Chumakov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia V. Lipatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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5
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Rahman MM, van Oosterom F, Enow JA, Hossain M, Gutierrez-Jensen AD, Cashen M, Everts A, Lowe K, Kilbourne J, Daggett-Vondras J, Karr TL, McFadden G. Nuclear Export Inhibitor Selinexor Enhances Oncolytic Myxoma Virus Therapy against Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:952-968. [PMID: 37377603 PMCID: PMC10234290 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses exploited for cancer therapy have been developed to selectively infect, replicate, and kill cancer cells to inhibit tumor growth. However, in some cancer cells, oncolytic viruses are often limited in completing their full replication cycle, forming progeny virions, and/or spreading in the tumor bed because of the heterogeneous cell types within the tumor bed. Here, we report that the nuclear export pathway regulates oncolytic myxoma virus (MYXV) infection and cytoplasmic viral replication in a subclass of human cancer cell types where viral replication is restricted. Inhibition of the XPO-1 (exportin 1) nuclear export pathway with nuclear export inhibitors can overcome this restriction by trapping restriction factors in the nucleus and allow significantly enhanced viral replication and killing of cancer cells. Furthermore, knockdown of XPO-1 significantly enhanced MYXV replication in restrictive human cancer cells and reduced the formation of antiviral granules associated with RNA helicase DHX9. Both in vitro and in vivo, we demonstrated that the approved XPO1 inhibitor drug selinexor enhances the replication of MYXV and kills diverse human cancer cells. In a xenograft tumor model in NSG mice, combination therapy with selinexor plus MYXV significantly reduced the tumor burden and enhanced the survival of animals. In addition, we performed global-scale proteomic analysis of nuclear and cytosolic proteins in human cancer cells to identify the host and viral proteins that were upregulated or downregulated by different treatments. These results indicate, for the first time, that selinexor in combination with oncolytic MYXV can be used as a potential new therapy. Significance We demonstrated that a combination of nuclear export inhibitor selinexor and oncolytic MYXV significantly enhanced viral replication, reduced cancer cell proliferation, reduced tumor burden, and enhanced the overall survival of animals. Thus, selinexor and oncolytic MYXV can be used as potential new anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masmudur M. Rahman
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Fleur van Oosterom
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Junior A. Enow
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Maksuda Hossain
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Ami D. Gutierrez-Jensen
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Mackenzie Cashen
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Anne Everts
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Kenneth Lowe
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Juliane Daggett-Vondras
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Timothy L. Karr
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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6
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Current Progress of CAR-NK Therapy in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174318. [PMID: 36077853 PMCID: PMC9454439 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T and -natural killer (NK) therapies are promising in cancer treatment. CAR-NK therapy gains great attention due to the lack of adverse effects observed in CAR-T therapies and to the NK cells’ unique mechanisms of recognizing target cells. Off-the-shelf products are in urgent need, not only for good yields, but also for lower cost and shorter preparation time. The current progress of CAR-NK therapy is discussed. Abstract CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells eliminate target cells through the release of lytic granules and Fas ligand (FasL)-induced target cell apoptosis. The introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) makes these two types of cells selective and effective in killing cancer cells. The success of CAR-T therapy in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other types of blood cancers proved that the immunotherapy is an effective approach in fighting against cancers, yet adverse effects, such as graft versus host disease (GvHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), cannot be ignored for the CAR-T therapy. CAR-NK therapy, then, has its advantage in lacking these adverse effects and works as effective as CAR-T in terms of killing. Despite these, NK cells are known to be hard to transduce, expand in vitro, and sustain shorter in vivo comparing to infiltrated T cells. Moreover, CAR-NK therapy faces challenges as CAR-T therapy does, e.g., the time, the cost, and the potential biohazard due to the use of animal-derived products. Thus, enormous efforts are needed to develop safe, effective, and large-scalable protocols for obtaining CAR-NK cells. Here, we reviewed current progress of CAR-NK therapy, including its biological properties, CAR compositions, preparation of CAR-NK cells, and clinical progresses. We also discussed safety issues raised from genetic engineering. We hope this review is instructive to the research community and a broad range of readers.
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7
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Peng Y, Fu S, Zhao Q. 2022 update on the scientific premise and clinical trials for IL-15 agonists as cancer immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:823-834. [PMID: 35616357 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0422-506r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse cytokines and their receptors on immune cells constitute a highly complex network in the immune system. Some therapeutic cytokines and their derivatives have been approved for cancer treatment. IL-15 is an immune-regulating cytokine with multiple functions, among which the function of activating the immunity of cancer patients has great potential in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we introduce the functions of IL-15 and discuss its role in regulating the immune system in different immune cells. Meanwhile, we will address the applications of IL-15 agonists in cancer immunotherapy and provide prospects for the next generation of therapeutic designs. Although many challenges remain, IL-15 agonists offer a new therapeutic option in the future direction of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Peng
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shengyu Fu
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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8
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Dunai C, Ames E, Ochoa MC, Fernandez-Sendin M, Melero I, Simonetta F, Baker J, Alvarez M. Killers on the loose: Immunotherapeutic strategies to improve NK cell-based therapy for cancer treatment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:65-122. [PMID: 35798507 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that control tumor progression by not only directly killing cancer cells, but also by regulating other immune cells, helping to orchestrate a coordinated anti-tumor response. However, despite the tremendous potential that this cell type has, the clinical results obtained from diverse NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies have been, until recent years, rather modest. The intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that are involved in the control of their activation as well as the multiple mechanisms that tumor cells have developed to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity likely account for the unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The current approaches to improve long-term NK cell function are centered on modulating different molecules involved in both the activation and inhibition of NK cells, and the latest data seems to advocate for combining strategies that target multiple aspects of NK cell regulation. In this review, we summarize the different strategies (such as engineered NK cells, CAR-NK, NK cell immune engagers) that are currently being used to take advantage of this potent and complex immune cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Ames
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maria C Ochoa
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Translational Research Centre in Onco-Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Mardi A, Shirokova AV, Mohammed RN, Keshavarz A, Zekiy AO, Thangavelu L, Mohamad TAM, Marofi F, Shomali N, Zamani A, Akbari M. Biological causes of immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD) and anti-tumor therapy; Combination of Oncolytic virus-based immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy for ICD induction. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:168. [PMID: 35488303 PMCID: PMC9052538 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02585-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising and rapidly expanding therapeutic option for a wide range of human malignancies. Despite the ongoing progress of CAR T-cell therapy in hematologic malignancies, the application of this therapeutic strategy in solid tumors has encountered several challenges due to antigen heterogeneity, suboptimal CAR T-cell trafficking, and the immunosuppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel cancer therapy that employs competent or genetically modified oncolytic viruses (OVs) to preferentially proliferate in tumor cells. OVs in combination with CAR T-cells are promising candidates for overcoming the current drawbacks of CAR T-cell application in tumors through triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer cells. ICD is a type of cellular death in which danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor-specific antigens are released, leading to the stimulation of potent anti-cancer immunity. In the present review, we discuss the biological causes of ICD, different types of ICD, and the synergistic combination of OVs and CAR T-cells to reach potent tumor-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Mardi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anastasia V Shirokova
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Rebar N Mohammed
- Medical Laboratory Analysis Department, College of Health Science, Cihan University of Sulaimaniya, Suleimanyah, Kurdistan region, Iraq.,College of. Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Suleimanyah, Iraq
| | - Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Angelina O Zekiy
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Talar Ahmad Merza Mohamad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, College of Pharmacy, Kurdistan Region-Erbil, Iraq
| | - Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Zamani
- Shiraz Transplant Center, Abu Ali Sina Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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10
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Warricker F, Khakoo SI, Blunt MD. The role of NK cells in oncolytic viral therapy: a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL GENETICS AND GENOMICS 2021; 5:304-322. [PMID: 34888493 PMCID: PMC7612080 DOI: 10.20517/jtgg.2021.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have a key role in host anti-tumour immune responses via direct killing of tumour cells and promotion of adaptive immune responses. They are therefore attractive targets to promote the anti-tumour efficacy of oncolytic viral therapies. However, NK cells are also potent components of the host anti-viral immune response, and therefore have the potential for detrimental anti-viral responses, limiting the spread and persistence of oncolytic viruses. Oncolytic viruses are currently being investigated for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related death with a high unmet clinical need. In this review, we highlight the role of NK cells in oncolytic virus therapy, their potential for improving treatment options for patients with HCC, and discuss current and potential strategies targeting NK cells in combination with oncolytic viral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frazer Warricker
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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11
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Isvoranu G, Surcel M, Munteanu AN, Bratu OG, Ionita-Radu F, Neagu MT, Chiritoiu-Butnaru M. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-15 in cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:675. [PMID: 33986840 PMCID: PMC8112152 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is dysfunctional in cancer, and therapeutic approaches designated to restore immunity and increase long-term overall survival are desirable. The role of immunotherapy is to trigger the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a member of the common gamma-chain (γc) cytokines that promote the differentiation and expansion of T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells, leading to enhanced antitumor responses. This suggests that IL-15 is a promising candidate for anticancer therapy. Renewed interest in cancer immunotherapy has led to an increased number of preclinical studies and clinical trials that have investigated the reliability and potency of IL-15-based agents, not only as single therapy, but also in combination with others. This review provides a description of these studies which show the advantages and disadvantages of IL-15 as an immunotherapeutic agent. We present here the role of IL-15 and pharmacologically improved IL-15 superagonists as a single treatment or in combination with other therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghita Isvoranu
- Department of Animal Husbandry, 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Surcel
- Department of Immunology, 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Narcisa Munteanu
- Department of Immunology, 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Gabriel Bratu
- Department of Clinical Department III, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Clinic of Urology, 'Dr. Carol Davila' University Emergency Central Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania.,Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Ionita-Radu
- Department of Gastroenterology, 'Dr. Carol Davila' University Emergency Central Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Teodora Neagu
- Department of Immunology, 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy (IBAR), 060031 Bucharest, Romania
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12
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Torres-Domínguez LE, de Matos AL, Rahman MM, McFadden G. Methods for the Construction of Recombinant Oncolytic Myxoma Viruses. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2225:63-75. [PMID: 33108657 PMCID: PMC8082691 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1012-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Myxoma virus (MYXV) has proven to be an effective candidate for oncolytic virotherapy in many preclinical cancer models. As a nonhuman pathogen, MYXV does not need to overcome any preexisting antiviral immunity, and its DNA cannot integrate into the host genome, making it an extremely safe vector. Moreover, the large dsDNA genome of MYXV allows the insertion of multiple transgenes and the design of engineered recombinant oncolytic viruses (OVs) with enhanced immunostimulatory or other desired properties. In this chapter, we describe detailed protocols for the generation and characterization of transgene-armed recombinant MYXV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lino E Torres-Domínguez
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ana Lemos de Matos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Masmudur M Rahman
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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13
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Zhang S, Zhao J, Bai X, Handley M, Shan F. Biological effects of IL-15 on immune cells and its potential for the treatment of cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 91:107318. [PMID: 33383444 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has recently emerged as a novel immunomodulatory cytokine in cancer immunotherapy. IL-15 has the potential to reject and destroy cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment by expanding and activating natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT), and memory (m) CD8+T cells. Due to the feasible outcomes obtained from preclinical studies and phase 1/2 clinical trials, IL-15-based therapy, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell or CAR NK cell infusion following in vitro expansion in the presence of IL-15, used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other therapy may extend to clinical practice in the future. It is also important to understand the biological characteristics of IL-15 to ensure the maximal benefit of therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the current development of IL-15 in the following areas: anti-tumor mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, advances in IL-15-based therapy itself or in combination with other methods, including biological agents, monoclonal antibodies, and adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jianzhu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Mike Handley
- Cytocm lnc, 3001 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792, USA
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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14
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Zhang S, Rabkin SD. The discovery and development of oncolytic viruses: are they the future of cancer immunotherapy? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:391-410. [PMID: 33232188 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1850689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite diverse treatment modalities and novel therapies, many cancers and patients are not effectively treated. Cancer immunotherapy has recently achieved breakthrough status yet is not effective in all cancer types or patients and can generate serious adverse effects. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising new therapeutic modality that harnesses virus biology and host interactions to treat cancer. OVs, genetically engineered or natural, preferentially replicate in and kill cancer cells, sparing normal cells/tissues, and mediating anti-tumor immunity.Areas covered: This review focuses on OVs as cancer therapeutic agents from a historical perspective, especially strategies to boost their immunotherapeutic activities. OVs offer a multifaceted platform, whose activities are modulated based on the parental virus and genetic alterations. In addition to direct viral effects, many OVs can be armed with therapeutic transgenes to also act as gene therapy vectors, and/or combined with other drugs or therapies.Expert opinion: OVs are an amazingly versatile and malleable class of cancer therapies. They tend to target cellular and host physiology as opposed to specific genetic alterations, which potentially enables broad responsiveness. The biological complexity of OVs have hindered their translation; however, the recent approval of talimogene laherparepvec (T-Vec) has invigorated the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunchuan Zhang
- Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory and the Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel D Rabkin
- Molecular Neurosurgery Laboratory and the Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Jamieson TR, Poutou J, Ilkow CS. Redirecting oncolytic viruses: Engineering opportunists to take control of the tumour microenvironment. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 56:102-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Jazowiecka-Rakus J, Sochanik A, Rusin A, Hadryś A, Fidyk W, Villa N, Rahman MM, Chmielik E, Franco LS, McFadden G. Myxoma Virus-Loaded Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Oncolytic Therapy of Murine Pulmonary Melanoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 18:335-350. [PMID: 32775618 PMCID: PMC7398944 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses can target neoplasms, triggering oncolytic and immune effects. Their delivery to melanoma lesions remains challenging. Bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were shown to be permissive for oncolytic myxoma virus (MYXV), allowing its transfer to melanoma cells, leading to their killing. Involvement of progeny virus was demonstrated in the transfer from MSCs to co-cultured melanoma cells. The inhibitory effect of virus on melanoma foci formation in murine lungs was revealed using melanoma cells previously co-cultured with MYXV-infected MSCs. Virus accumulation and persistence in lungs of lesion-bearing mice were shown following intravenous administration of MSC-shielded MYXV construct encoding luciferase. Therapy of experimentally induced lung melanoma in mice with interleukin (IL)-15-carrying MYXV construct delivered by MSCs led to marked regression of lesions and could increase survival. Elevated natural killer (NK) cell percentages in blood indicated robust innate responses against unshielded virus only. Lung infiltration by NK cells was followed by inflow of CD8+ T lymphocytes into melanoma lesions. Elevated expression of genes involved in adaptive immune response following oncolytic treatment was confirmed using RT-qPCR. No adverse pathological effects related to MSC-mediated oncolytic therapy with MYXV were observed. MSCs allow for safe and efficient ferrying of therapeutic MYXV to pulmonary melanoma foci triggering immune effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Jazowiecka-Rakus
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
- Corresponding author: Joanna Jazowiecka-Rakus, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Aleksander Sochanik
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rusin
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Agata Hadryś
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fidyk
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Nancy Villa
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | | | - Ewa Chmielik
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Lina S. Franco
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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17
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Marotel M, Hasim MS, Hagerman A, Ardolino M. The two-faces of NK cells in oncolytic virotherapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 56:59-68. [PMID: 32586674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are immunotherapeutics capable of directly killing cancer cells and with potent immunostimulatory properties. OVs exert their antitumor effect, at least partially, by activating the antitumor immune response, of which NK cells are an important component. However, if on the one hand increasing evidence revealed that NK cells are important mediators of oncolytic virotherapy, on the other hand, NK cells have evolved to fight viral infections, and therefore they can have a detrimental effect for the efficacy of OVs. In this review, we will discuss the dichotomy between the antitumor and antiviral functions of NK cells related to oncolytic virotherapy. We will also review NK cell-based and OV-based therapies, engineered OVs aimed at enhancing immune stimulation, and combination therapies involving OVs and NK cells currently used in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marotel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M S Hasim
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - A Hagerman
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; University of Ottawa, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M Ardolino
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa, Canada; Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; University of Ottawa, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa, Canada.
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18
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Ashton LV, Graham B, Afzali MF, Gustafson D, MacNeill AL. Treatment of an Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Allograft with Recombinant Myxoma Virus and Oclacitinib. Oncolytic Virother 2020; 9:17-29. [PMID: 32548076 PMCID: PMC7266523 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s252727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are difficult tumors to treat with conventional therapies. Publications indicate that oncolytic virotherapy (OV) could benefit cancer patients with tumors that are refractory to conventional treatments. It is believed that the efficacy of OV can be enhanced when used in combination with other treatments. This study evaluated the response of mice with aggressive alveolar RMS (ARMS) allografts to treatment with an OV [recombinant myxoma virus (MYXVΔserp2)] in combination with a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (oclacitinib). Oclacitinib is known to inhibit JAK1 and JAK2 cell signaling pathways, which should limit the antiviral Type I interferon response. However, oclacitinib does not inhibit immune pathways that promote antigen presentation, which help stimulate an anti-cancer immune response. Materials and Methods To determine if MYXVΔserp2 and oclacitinib could improve outcomes in animals with ARMS, nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with murine ARMS cells to establish tumors. Immune responses, tumor growth, and clinical signs in mice treated with combination therapy were compared to mice given placebo therapy and mice treated with OV alone. Results Combination therapy was safe; no viral DNA was detected in off-target organs, only within tumors. As predicted, viral DNA was detected in tumors of mice given oclacitinib and MYXVΔserp2 for a longer time period than mice treated with OV alone. Although tumor growth rates and median survival times were not significantly different between groups, clinical signs were less severe in mice treated with OV. Conclusion Our data indicate that MYXVΔserp2 treatment benefits mice with ARMS by reducing clinical signs of disease and improving quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Ashton
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Barbara Graham
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Maryam F Afzali
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Gustafson
- Departiment of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Amy L MacNeill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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19
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Hodgins JJ, Khan ST, Park MM, Auer RC, Ardolino M. Killers 2.0: NK cell therapies at the forefront of cancer control. J Clin Invest 2020; 129:3499-3510. [PMID: 31478911 DOI: 10.1172/jci129338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes involved in the surveillance and elimination of cancer. As we have learned more and more about the mechanisms NK cells employ to recognize and eliminate tumor cells, and how, in turn, cancer evades NK cell responses, we have gained a clear appreciation that NK cells can be harnessed in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the evidence for NK cells' critical role in combating transformed and malignant cells, and how cancer immunotherapies potentiate NK cell responses for therapeutic purposes. We highlight cutting-edge immunotherapeutic strategies in preclinical and clinical development such as adoptive NK cell transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-expressing NK cells (CAR-NKs), bispecific and trispecific killer cell engagers (BiKEs and TriKEs), checkpoint blockade, and oncolytic virotherapy. Further, we describe the challenges that NK cells face (e.g., postsurgical dysfunction) that must be overcome by these therapeutic modalities to achieve cancer clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Hodgins
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and
| | - Sarwat T Khan
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria M Park
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and
| | - Rebecca C Auer
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and
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20
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Tang B, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL, Yan DZ, Schane CP, Thomas DL, Liu J, McFadden G, Shisler JL, Roy EJ. Synergistic Combination of Oncolytic Virotherapy and Immunotherapy for Glioma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2216-2230. [PMID: 32019860 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We hypothesized that the combination of a local stimulus for activating tumor-specific T cells and an anti-immunosuppressant would improve treatment of gliomas. Virally encoded IL15Rα-IL15 as the T-cell activating stimulus and a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor as the anti-immunosuppressant were combined with adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Two oncolytic poxviruses, vvDD vaccinia virus and myxoma virus, were each engineered to express the fusion protein IL15Rα-IL15 and a fluorescent protein. Viral gene expression (YFP or tdTomato Red) was confirmed in the murine glioma GL261 in vitro and in vivo. GL261 tumors in immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice were treated with vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP vaccinia virus or vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr combined with other treatments, including vaccination with GARC-1 peptide (a neoantigen for GL261), rapamycin, celecoxib, and adoptive T-cell therapy. RESULTS vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP and vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr each infected and killed GL261 cells in vitro. In vivo, NK cells and CD8+ T cells were increased in the tumor due to the expression of IL15Rα-IL15. Each component of a combination treatment contributed to prolonging survival: an oncolytic virus, the IL15Rα-IL15 expressed by the virus, a source of T cells (whether by prevaccination or adoptive transfer), and prostaglandin inhibition all synergized to produce elimination of gliomas in a majority of mice. vvDD-IL15Rα-YFP occasionally caused ventriculitis-meningitis, but vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr was safe and effective, causing a strong infiltration of tumor-specific T cells and eliminating gliomas in 83% of treated mice. CONCLUSIONS IL15Rα-IL15-armed oncolytic poxviruses provide potent antitumor effects against brain tumors when combined with adoptive T-cell therapy, rapamycin, and celecoxib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtao Tang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David Z Yan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Claire P Schane
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Diana L Thomas
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Grant McFadden
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Edward J Roy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.
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21
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Rahman MM, McFadden G. Oncolytic Virotherapy with Myxoma Virus. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010171. [PMID: 31936317 PMCID: PMC7020043 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are one of the most promising novel therapeutics for malignant cancers. They selectively infect and kill cancer cells while sparing the normal counterparts, expose cancer- specific antigens and activate the host immune system against both viral and tumor determinants. Oncolytic viruses can be used as monotherapy or combined with existing cancer therapies to become more potent. Among the many types of oncolytic viruses that have been developed thus far, members of poxviruses are the most promising candidates against diverse cancer types. This review summarizes recent advances that are made with oncolytic myxoma virus (MYXV), a member of the Leporipoxvirus genus. Unlike other oncolytic viruses, MYXV infects only rabbits in nature and causes no harm to humans or any other non-leporid animals. However, MYXV can selectively infect and kill cancer cells originating from human, mouse and other host species. This selective cancer tropism and safety profile have led to the testing of MYXV in various types of preclinical cancer models. The next stage will be successful GMP manufacturing and clinical trials that will bring MYXV from bench to bedside for the treatment of currently intractable malignancies.
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22
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Backhaus PS, Veinalde R, Hartmann L, Dunder JE, Jeworowski LM, Albert J, Hoyler B, Poth T, Jäger D, Ungerechts G, Engeland CE. Immunological Effects and Viral Gene Expression Determine the Efficacy of Oncolytic Measles Vaccines Encoding IL-12 or IL-15 Agonists. Viruses 2019; 11:v11100914. [PMID: 31623390 PMCID: PMC6832518 DOI: 10.3390/v11100914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-targeted immunomodulation using oncolytic viral vectors is currently being investigated as a promising strategy in cancer therapy. In a previous study, we showed that a measles virus Schwarz vaccine strain (MeVac) vector encoding an interleukin-12 fusion protein (FmIL-12) is an effective immunotherapy in the MC38cea murine colon adenocarcinoma model. We hypothesized that MeVac encoding interleukin-15 may mediate enhanced T and NK cell responses and thus increase the therapeutic efficacy, especially in NK cell-controlled tumors. Therefore, we generated MeVac vectors encoding an interleukin-15 superagonist, FmIL-15. Replication and oncolytic capacity, transgene expression, and functionality of MeVac FmIL-15 vectors were validated in vitro. Effects on the tumor immune landscape and therapeutic efficacy of both FmIL-12 and FmIL-15 vectors were studied in the MC38cea and B16hCD46 tumor models. Treatment with MeVac FmIL-15 increased T and NK cell infiltration in both models. However, MeVac FmIL-12 showed more robust viral gene expression and immune activation, resulting in superior anti-tumor efficacy. Based on these results, MeVac encoding a human IL-12 fusion protein was developed for future clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Backhaus
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Rūta Veinalde
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Present address: Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia.
| | - Laura Hartmann
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jessica E Dunder
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Lara M Jeworowski
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jessica Albert
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Birgit Hoyler
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Tanja Poth
- CMCP-Center for Model System and Comparative Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Dirk Jäger
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Guy Ungerechts
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Christine E Engeland
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Research Group Mechanisms of Oncolytic Immunotherapy, Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last decade, advances in biological therapies have resulted in remarkable clinical responses for the treatment of some previously incurable cancers. Oncolytic virotherapy is one of these promising novel strategies for cancer therapy. A successful oncolytic virus promotes tumor cell oncolysis and elicits a robust long-term anti-tumor immunity. AREAS COVERED Oncolytic poxviruses (Vaccinia virus and Myxoma virus) demonstrated encouraging results in multiple pre-clinical tumor models and some clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. This review summarizes the advances made on poxvirus oncolytic virotherapy in the last five years. EXPERT OPINION Many challenges remain in poxvirus oncolytic virotherapy. Two key goals to achieve are enhancing the efficiency of viral delivery to tumor sites and overcoming local tumor immune-evasion. Additional efforts are necessary to explore the best combination of virotherapy with standard available treatments, particularly immunotherapies. By addressing these issues, this new modality will continue to improve as an adjunct biotherapy to treat malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lino E Torres-Domínguez
- a Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy , Arizona State University , Tempe , AZ , USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- a Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy , Arizona State University , Tempe , AZ , USA
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Development of a recombinant human IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc superagonist with improved half-life and its antitumor activity alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade in mouse model. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 112:108677. [PMID: 30798123 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant human interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a potent cancer immunotherapeutic candidate due to its excellent immune stimulating effects. Previous work demonstrated that IL-15 appeared with short half-life in circulation system, while the complex with its receptor can prolong the half-life as well as benefit its activities in vivo. Therefore, IL-15 complex was more favorably considered for clinical development. Herein we developed IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc, a complex comprising of IL-15 and the extracellular region of its receptor alpha subunit which fused to Immunoglobulin G (IgG1) Fc to further prolong the half-life in plasma. Through transient gene expression in HEK293 cells, we expressed the superagonist by co-transfection of plasmids encoding IL-15 and sIL-15Rα/Fc respectively, yielding 36 mg/L of product after purification. Pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the combination profoundly prolonged the half-life of IL-15 to 13.1 h in mice, about 18 folds longer than that of IL-15 monomer which is around 0.7 h. The bioactivity of the superagonist was characterized by CTLL-2 cells proliferation assay in vitro, showing its capability of stimulating the expansion of memory CD8+ T cells (cluster of differentiation) in mouse spleen. Using a HT-29 xenograft NOD-SCID mouse model, we observed tumor growth inhibition in all groups that received the superagonist, indicating its anti-tumor efficacy via stimulating infused human immune cells. In addition, combo cancer treatment by IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc and programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody have shown stronger inhibitory effects as compared with treatment with either single molecule. Therefore, we developed IL-15·sIL-15Rα/Fc to be a long half-life potential cancer immunotherapy candidate that can be applied alone or in synergy with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.
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Tang B, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL, Liu J, McFadden G, Shisler JL, Roy EJ. A cautionary note on the selectivity of oncolytic poxviruses. Oncolytic Virother 2019; 8:3-8. [PMID: 30805315 PMCID: PMC6375109 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s189832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oncolytic viruses selectively infect cancer cells while avoiding infection of normal cells. Usually, selectivity is demonstrated by injecting a virus into tumor-bearing mice and observing infection and lysis of tumor cells without infection of other tissues. The general view is that this selectivity is due to tropisms of the virus. However, apparent selectivity could be due to accessibility. For example, intravenously injected virus may not gain access to cells within the central nervous system (CNS) because of the blood-brain barrier. Purpose We tested the CNS safety of two oncolytic poxviruses that have been demonstrated to be safe for treatment of peripheral tumors (vaccinia virus vvDD-IL15-Rα and myxoma virus vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr). Methods Two poxviruses were tested for selectivity in vitro and in vivo. Results Both viruses infected glioma cells in vitro. In vivo, both viruses infected glioma cells and did not infect neurons when injected into a tumor or into the normal striatum. However, viral gene expression was observed in ependymal cells lining the ventricles, implying that these poxviruses were not as selective as originally predicted. For vvDD-IL15-Rα, some tumor-bearing mice died soon after virus treatment. If the same titer of vvDD-IL15-Rα was injected directly into the lateral cerebral ventricle of nontumor-bearing mice, it was uniformly fatal. Infection of ependymal cells, subventricular cells, and meninges was widespread. On the other hand, vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr only transiently infected ependymal cells and was safe even when injected directly into the lateral cerebral ventricles. The two poxviruses also differed in their infection of dendritic cells; vvDD-IL15-Rα infected dendritic cells and lysed them but vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr did not. Conclusion Vaccinia virus vvDD-IL15-Rα is very promising for treating cancer types outside of the brain. However, for cancers located within the brain, myxoma virus vMyx-IL15Rα-tdTr offers a safer alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtao Tang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA,
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Grant McFadden
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA
| | - Edward J Roy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA,
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Conrad SJ, Liu J. Poxviruses as Gene Therapy Vectors: Generating Poxviral Vectors Expressing Therapeutic Transgenes. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1937:189-209. [PMID: 30706397 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9065-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Treatments with poxvirus vectors can have long-lasting immunological impact in the host, and thus they have been extensively studied to treat diseases and for vaccine development. More importantly, the oncolytic properties of poxviruses have led to their development as cancer therapeutics. Two poxviruses, vaccinia virus (VACV) and myxoma virus (MYXV), have been extensively studied as virotherapeutics with promising results. Vaccinia virus vectors have advanced to the clinic and have been tested as oncolytic therapeutics for several cancer types with successes in phase I/II clinical trials. In addition to oncolytic applications, MYXV has been explored for additional applications including immunotherapeutics, purging of cancer progenitor cells, and treatments for graft-versus-host diseases. These novel therapeutic applications have encouraged its advancement into clinical trials. To meet the demands of different treatment needs, VACV and MYXV can be genetically engineered to express therapeutic transgenes. The engineering process used in poxvirus vectors can be very different from that of other DNA virus vectors (e.g., the herpesviruses). This chapter is intended to serve as a guide to those wishing to engineer poxvirus vectors for therapeutic transgene expression and to produce viral preparations for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Conrad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, USA. .,The Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Inflammatory Responses, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Kowalsky SJ, Liu Z, Feist M, Berkey SE, Ma C, Ravindranathan R, Dai E, Roy EJ, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL. Superagonist IL-15-Armed Oncolytic Virus Elicits Potent Antitumor Immunity and Therapy That Are Enhanced with PD-1 Blockade. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2476-2486. [PMID: 30064894 PMCID: PMC6171074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic immunotherapy is a promising novel therapeutic for cancer, and further preclinical studies may maximize its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we construct a novel oncolytic vaccinia virus (VV) expressing a superagoinst IL-15, a fusion protein of IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha. This virus, named vvDD-IL15-Rα, possesses similar replication efficiency as the parental virus vvDD yet leads to significantly more regression of the disease and extends the survival of mice bearing MC38 colon or ID8 ovarian cancer. This novel virus elicits potent adaptive antitumor immunity as shown by ELISPOT assays for interferon-gamma-secreting CD8+ T cells and by the rejection of tumor implants upon re-challenge in the mice, which were previously cured by vvDD-IL15-Rα treatment. In vivo cell depletion assays with antibodies showed that this antitumor activity is highly dependent on CD8+ T cells but much less so on CD4+ T cells and NK cells. Finally, the combination of the oncolytic immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibody dramatically improves the therapeutic outcome compared to either anti-PD-1 alone or vvDD-IL15-Rα alone. These results demonstrate that the IL-15-IL-15Rα fusion protein-expressing OV elicits potent antitumor immunity, and rational combination with PD-1 blockade leads to dramatic tumor regression and prolongs the survival of mice bearing colon or ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy J Kowalsky
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mathilde Feist
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Surgery, CCM/CVK, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara E Berkey
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Congrong Ma
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Roshni Ravindranathan
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Enyong Dai
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edward J Roy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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28
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Liu L, Zong ZM, Liu Q, Jiang SS, Zhang Q, Cen LQ, Gao J, Gao XG, Huang JD, Liu Y, Yao H. A novel galactose-PEG-conjugated biodegradable copolymer is an efficient gene delivery vector for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomaterials 2018; 184:20-30. [PMID: 30195802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Successful immunogene therapy depends not only on the therapeutic gene but also on the gene delivery vector. In this study, we synthesized a novel copolymer consisting of low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine (PEI) cross-linked by myo-inositol (INO) and conjugated with a galactose-grafted PEG chain, named LA-PegPI. We characterized the chemical structure and molecular weight of the copolymer and particle properties of LA-PegPI/pDNA. Furthermore, we showed that LA-PegPI/pDNA polyplexes possessed excellent stability in physiological salt solution, low cytotoxicity, and high transfection efficiency in the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR)-positive liver cells in vitro. Importantly, we also showed that through intraperitoneal injection of LA-PegPI/pDNA nanoparticles, the reporter gene was forcefully expressed in the liver hepatocytes of mice. Finally, we documented that intraperitoneal injection of LA-PegPI/pIL15 nanoparticles effectively suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival time of tumor-bearing mice via activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells and upregulation of the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF, and IL12 in an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Interestingly, LA-PegPI/pluc nanoparticles could effectively stimulate the proliferation of NK cells and inhibit tumor growth in this model. In summary, LA-PegPI is a useful gene vector for immunogene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma, and its potential for clinical application warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Processing and Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Education, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Zhi-Min Zong
- Key Laboratory of Coal Processing and Efficient Utilization, Ministry of Education, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, PR China.
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Lan-Qi Cen
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Jian Gao
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ge Gao
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Jian-Dong Huang
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China; Department of Biochemistry and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Hong Yao
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China.
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29
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Chen CY, Hutzen B, Wedekind MF, Cripe TP. Oncolytic virus and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade combination therapy. Oncolytic Virother 2018; 7:65-77. [PMID: 30105219 PMCID: PMC6074764 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s145532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are lytic for many types of cancers but are attenuated or replication-defective in normal tissues. Aside from tumor lysis, oncolytic viruses can induce host immune responses against cancer cells and may thus be viewed as a form of immunotherapy. Although recent successes with checkpoint inhibitors have shown that enhancing antitumor immunity can be effective, the dynamic nature of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment presents significant hurdles to the broader application of these therapies. Targeting one immune-suppressive pathway may not be sufficient to eliminate tumors. Here we focus on the development of the combination of oncolytic virotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors designed to target the programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 signaling axis. We also discuss future directions for the clinical application of this novel combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital,
| | - Brian Hutzen
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital,
| | - Mary F Wedekind
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, .,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,
| | - Timothy P Cripe
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children's Hospital, .,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,
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30
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MacNeill AL, Weishaar KM, Séguin B, Powers BE. Safety of an Oncolytic Myxoma Virus in Dogs with Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080398. [PMID: 30060548 PMCID: PMC6115854 DOI: 10.3390/v10080398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many oncolytic viruses that are efficacious in murine cancer models are ineffective in humans. The outcomes of oncolytic virus treatment in dogs with spontaneous tumors may better predict human cancer response and improve treatment options for dogs with cancer. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety of treatment with myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene (MYXVΔserp2) and determine its immunogenicity in dogs. To achieve these objectives, dogs with spontaneous soft tissue sarcomas were treated with MYXVΔserp2 intratumorally (n = 5) or post-operatively (n = 5). In dogs treated intratumorally, clinical scores were recorded and tumor biopsies and swabs (from the mouth and virus injection site) were analyzed for viral DNA at multiple time-points. In all dogs, blood, urine, and feces were frequently collected to evaluate organ function, virus distribution, and immune response. No detrimental effects of MYXVΔserp2 treatment were observed in any canine cancer patients. No clinically significant changes in complete blood profiles, serum chemistry analyses, or urinalyses were measured. Viral DNA was isolated from one tumor swab, but viral dissemination was not observed. Anti-MYXV antibodies were occasionally detected. These findings provide needed safety information to advance clinical trials using MYXVΔserp2 to treat patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L MacNeill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Kristen M Weishaar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Bernard Séguin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Barbara E Powers
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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31
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Marelli G, Howells A, Lemoine NR, Wang Y. Oncolytic Viral Therapy and the Immune System: A Double-Edged Sword Against Cancer. Front Immunol 2018; 9:866. [PMID: 29755464 PMCID: PMC5932159 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viral therapy is a new promising strategy against cancer. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) can replicate in cancer cells but not in normal cells, leading to lysis of the tumor mass. Beside this primary effect, OVs can also stimulate the immune system. Tumors are an immuno-suppressive environment in which the immune system is silenced in order to avoid the immune response against cancer cells. The delivery of OVs into the tumor wakes up the immune system so that it can facilitate a strong and durable response against the tumor itself. Both innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to this process, producing an immune response against tumor antigens and facilitating immunological memory. However, viruses are recognized by the immune system as pathogens and the consequent anti-viral response could represent a big hurdle for OVs. Finding a balance between anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity is, under this new light, a priority for researchers. In this review, we provide an overview of the various ways in which different components of the immune system can be allied with OVs. We have analyzed the different immune responses in order to highlight the new and promising perspectives leading to increased anti-tumor response and decreased immune reaction to the OVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Marelli
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anwen Howells
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R Lemoine
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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32
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Chaurasiya S, Chen NG, Fong Y. Oncolytic viruses and immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:83-90. [PMID: 29550660 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Initially, direct oncolysis was thought to be the sole mechanism through which oncolytic viruses (OVs) exert their anti-tumor effect, and the immune system was perceived as the major obstacle in oncolytic virotherapy. Over the last decade, there has been a lot of debate on whether the immune system is a friend or foe of OVs. However, we are now at a stage where the initial thinking has been reversed as a result of compelling evidence that the immune system plays a critical role in the success of oncolytic virotherapy. In this review we discuss the importance of the involvement of innate and adaptive immunity for therapeutic efficacy of OVs, and the rational combination of OVs with other immunotherapies for further enhancement of overall therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nanhai G Chen
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA; Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA; Gene Editing and Viral Vector Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Yuman Fong
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA; Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
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Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal malignancy of plasma cells that is newly diagnosed in ~30,000 patients in the US each year. While recently developed therapies have improved the prognosis for MM patients, relapse rates remain unacceptably high. To overcome this challenge, researchers have begun to investigate the therapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses as a novel treatment option for MM. Preclinical work with these viruses has demonstrated that their infection can be highly specific for MM cells and results in impressive therapeutic efficacy in a variety of preclinical models. This has led to the recent initiation of several human trials. This review summarizes the current state of oncolytic therapy as a therapeutic option for MM and highlights a variety of areas that need to be addressed as the field moves forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bartee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Wrangle JM, Patterson A, Johnson CB, Neitzke DJ, Mehrotra S, Denlinger CE, Paulos CM, Li Z, Cole DJ, Rubinstein MP. IL-2 and Beyond in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2018; 38:45-68. [PMID: 29443657 PMCID: PMC5815463 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2017.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the T- and natural killer (NK) cell growth factor IL-2 has been a sentinel force ushering in the era of immunotherapy in cancer. With the advent of clinical grade recombinant IL-2 in the mid-1980s, oncologists could for the first time directly manipulate lymphocyte populations with systemic therapy. By itself, recombinant IL-2 can induce clinical responses in up to 15% of patients with metastatic cancer or renal cell carcinoma. When administered with adoptively transferred tumor-reactive lymphocytes, IL-2 promotes T cell engraftment and response rates of up to 50% in metastatic melanoma patients. Importantly, these IL-2-driven responses can yield complete and durable responses in a subset of patients. However, the use of IL-2 is limited by toxicity and concern of the expansion of T regulatory cells. To overcome these limitations and improve response rates, other T cell growth factors, including IL-15 and modified forms of IL-2, are in clinical development. Administering T cell growth factors in combination with other agents, such as immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, may also improve efficacy. In this study, we review the development of T- and NK cell growth factors and highlight current combinatorial approaches based on these reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Wrangle
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Alicia Patterson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - C. Bryce Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Daniel J. Neitzke
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Chadrick E. Denlinger
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Chrystal M. Paulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - David J. Cole
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mark P. Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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35
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Guo Y, Luan L, Patil NK, Sherwood ER. Immunobiology of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex as an antitumor and antiviral agent. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 38:10-21. [PMID: 28888485 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15 is essential for natural killer (NK), NKT and memory (m) CD8+ T cell development and function, and is currently under investigation as an immunotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer. Recently, the creation of IL-15 superagonist by complexing IL-15 and its high affinity receptor alpha (IL-15 Rα) in solution, inspired by the natural trans-presentation of IL-15, advances the potential of IL-15-based tumor immunotherapy. IL-15 superagonist shows promising advantages over monomeric IL-15 such as sustaining high circulating concentrations due to prolonged half-life and more potently stimulating NK and CD8+ T effector lymphocytes. So far, there are three different forms of recombinant IL-15 superagonist fusion protein based on configurational modifications. Gene therapy using engineered cells co-expressing IL-15/IL-15 Rα complex for cancer treatment is also emerging. All forms have demonstrated efficacy in causing tumor regression in animal studies, which provides strong rationale for advancing IL-15 superagonist through clinical trials. To date, there are fourteen phase I/II IL-15 superagonist trials in cancer patients and one phase I trial in HIV patients. Information generated by ongoing trials regarding the toxicity and efficacy of IL-15 superagonist is awaited. Finally, we elaborate on immunotoxicity caused by IL-15 superagonist in preclinical studies and discuss important safety considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Guo
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Liming Luan
- Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Naeem K Patil
- Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Edward R Sherwood
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Anesthesiology. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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36
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Chen T, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Yang J, Li M, Wang K, Cui M, Fu ZF, Zhao L, Zhou M. Recombinant rabies virus expressing IL-15 enhances immunogenicity through promoting the activation of dendritic cells in mice. Virol Sin 2017; 32:317-327. [PMID: 28861771 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-017-4036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies remains a public health threat that kills approximately 59,000 people worldwide each year, most of which are from the developing countries of Africa and Asia where dog rabies are endemic. Therefore, developing an affordable and efficacious vaccine is crucial for rabies control in these countries. Interleukin (IL)-15, an immunoregulatory cytokine, is a pluripotent molecule with therapeutic potential, which targets many cell types and links the innate and adaptive immune system. In this study, IL-15 gene was cloned and inserted into the genome of a recombinant rabies virus (RABV) strain LBNSE (designated as LBNSE-IL15), and the effect of over-expression of IL-15 on the immunogenicity of RABV was investigated. It was found that mice vaccinated with LBNSE-IL15 could induce significantly higher level of virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) than those immunized with LBNSE, resulting in the higher protection after challenge. Further investigation was performed to find out the possible role of IL-15 plays in the process of antibody induction, and it was found that LBNSE-IL15 could enhance the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in immunized mice. Furthermore, the mice immunized with LBNSE-IL15 could promote the TFH cells differentiation and the generation of germinal center B cells and plasma cells. Together, these data indicated that IL-15 could be a potential adjuvant in enhancing the immunogenicity of RABV, contributing to the development of more-efficacious rabies vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiange Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mingming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Kunlun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Min Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhen F Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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37
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Bartee MY, Dunlap KM, Bartee E. Tumor-Localized Secretion of Soluble PD1 Enhances Oncolytic Virotherapy. Cancer Res 2017; 77:2952-2963. [PMID: 28314785 PMCID: PMC5457316 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy represents an attractive option for the treatment of a variety of aggressive or refractory tumors. While this therapy is effective at rapidly debulking directly injected tumor masses, achieving complete eradication of established disease has proven difficult. One method to overcome this challenge is to use oncolytic viruses to induce secondary antitumor immune responses. Unfortunately, while the initial induction of these immune responses is typically robust, their subsequent efficacy is often inhibited through a variety of immunoregulatory mechanisms, including the PD1/PDL1 T-cell checkpoint pathway. To overcome this inhibition, we generated a novel recombinant myxoma virus (vPD1), which inhibits the PD1/PDL1 pathway specifically within the tumor microenvironment by secreting a soluble form of PD1 from infected cells. This virus both induced and maintained antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses within directly treated tumors and proved safer and more effective than combination therapy using unmodified myxoma and systemic αPD1 antibodies. Localized vPD1 treatment combined with systemic elimination of regulatory T cells had potent synergistic effects against metastatic disease that was already established in secondary solid organs. These results demonstrate that tumor-localized inhibition of the PD1/PDL1 pathway can significantly improve outcomes during oncolytic virotherapy. Furthermore, they establish a feasible path to translate these findings against clinically relevant disease. Cancer Res; 77(11); 2952-63. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Y Bartee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Katherine M Dunlap
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Eric Bartee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
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38
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IL-15 receptor alpha as the magic wand to boost the success of IL-15 antitumor therapies: The upswing of IL-15 transpresentation. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 170:73-79. [PMID: 27777088 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15 as a stand-alone therapy can activate the antitumor functions of immune effector cells resulting in significant tumor regression. Interestingly, combining IL-15 with the α-moiety of its receptor (IL-15Rα), also called IL-15 transpresentation, increases the in vivo half-life of IL-15 and enhances binding of IL-15 with cells expressing the IL-15Rβγ, such as NK cells and CD8+ T cells. These features enlarge the signal transmission of IL-15, resulting in improved proliferation and antitumor activities of both NK cells and CD8+ T cells, eventually leading to enhanced killing of tumor cells. In this review, we discuss the antitumor strategies in which this IL-15 transpresentation mechanism is implemented, that are currently under preclinical investigation. Furthermore, we give an overview of the studies in which the IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes are combined with other antitumor therapies. The promising results in these preclinical studies have incited several clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of IL-15 transpresentation strategies to treat both hematological and advanced solid tumors.
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39
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Kinn VG, Hilgenberg VA, MacNeill AL. Myxoma virus therapy for human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a nude mouse model. Oncolytic Virother 2016; 5:59-71. [PMID: 27579297 PMCID: PMC4996258 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s108831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a devastating tumor of young people that is difficult to cure. To determine if oncolytic virus therapy can improve outcomes in individuals with RMS, myxoma virus expressing a red fluorescent protein (MYXV-red) was evaluated for antitumoral effects using a murine model of RMS. Fluorescent protein was expressed in four RMS cell lines inoculated with MYXV-red, indicating that these cells were semipermissive to MYXV infection. MYXV-red replication and cytopathic effects were further evaluated using human embryonal RMS (CCL-136) cells. Logarithmic growth of MYXV-red and significant cell death were observed 72 hours after inoculation with MYXV. The oncolytic effects of MYXV-red were then studied in nude mice that were injected subcutaneously with CCL-136 cells to establish RMS xenografts. Once tumors measured 5 mm in diameter, mice were treated with multiple intratumoral injections of MXYV-red or saline. The average final tumor volume and rate of tumor growth were significantly decreased, and median survival time was significantly increased in MYXV-red-treated mice (P-values =0.0416, 0.0037, and 0.0004, respectively). Histologic sections of MYXV-red-treated tumors showed increased inflammation compared to saline-treated tumors (P-value =0.0002). In conclusion, MXYV-red treatment of RMS tumors was successful in individual mice as it resulted in decreased tumor burden in eight of eleven mice with nearly complete tumor remission in five of eleven mice. These data hold promise that MYXV-red treatment may be beneficial for people suffering from RMS. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of RMS tumors using an oncolytic poxvirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica G Kinn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Valerie A Hilgenberg
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Amy L MacNeill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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40
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Choi AH, O'Leary MP, Fong Y, Chen NG. From Benchtop to Bedside: A Review of Oncolytic Virotherapy. Biomedicines 2016; 4:biomedicines4030018. [PMID: 28536385 PMCID: PMC5344257 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines4030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) demonstrate the ability to replicate selectively in cancer cells, resulting in antitumor effects by a variety of mechanisms, including direct cell lysis and indirect cell death through immune-mediate host responses. Although the mechanisms of action of OVs are still not fully understood, major advances have been made in our understanding of how OVs function and interact with the host immune system, resulting in the recent FDA approval of the first OV for cancer therapy in the USA. This review provides an overview of the history of OVs, their selectivity for cancer cells, and their multifaceted mechanism of antitumor action, as well as strategies employed to augment selectivity and efficacy of OVs. OVs in combination with standard cancer therapies are also discussed, as well as a review of ongoing human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey H Choi
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Michael P O'Leary
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Yuman Fong
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Nanhai G Chen
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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41
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MacNeill AL. On the potential of oncolytic virotherapy for the treatment of canine cancers. Oncolytic Virother 2015; 4:95-107. [PMID: 27512674 PMCID: PMC4918385 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s66358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer in the USA each year. Treatment options for many of these patients are limited. It is important that the veterinary and scientific communities begin to explore novel treatment protocols for dogs with cancer. Oncolytic viral therapy is a promising treatment option that may prove to be relatively inexpensive and effective against several types of cancer. The efficacy of oncolytic virus therapies has been clearly demonstrated in murine cancer models, but the positive outcomes observed in mice are not always seen in human cancer patients. These therapies should be thoroughly evaluated in dogs with spontaneously arising cancers to provide needed information about the potential effectiveness of virus treatment for human cancers and to promote the health of our companion animals. This article provides a review of the results of oncolytic virus treatment of canine cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L MacNeill
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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42
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Sánchez-Sampedro L, Perdiguero B, Mejías-Pérez E, García-Arriaza J, Di Pilato M, Esteban M. The evolution of poxvirus vaccines. Viruses 2015; 7:1726-803. [PMID: 25853483 PMCID: PMC4411676 DOI: 10.3390/v7041726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
After Edward Jenner established human vaccination over 200 years ago, attenuated poxviruses became key players to contain the deadliest virus of its own family: Variola virus (VARV), the causative agent of smallpox. Cowpox virus (CPXV) and horsepox virus (HSPV) were extensively used to this end, passaged in cattle and humans until the appearance of vaccinia virus (VACV), which was used in the final campaigns aimed to eradicate the disease, an endeavor that was accomplished by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980. Ever since, naturally evolved strains used for vaccination were introduced into research laboratories where VACV and other poxviruses with improved safety profiles were generated. Recombinant DNA technology along with the DNA genome features of this virus family allowed the generation of vaccines against heterologous diseases, and the specific insertion and deletion of poxvirus genes generated an even broader spectrum of modified viruses with new properties that increase their immunogenicity and safety profile as vaccine vectors. In this review, we highlight the evolution of poxvirus vaccines, from first generation to the current status, pointing out how different vaccines have emerged and approaches that are being followed up in the development of more rational vaccines against a wide range of diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- History, 18th Century
- History, 19th Century
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- Humans
- Poxviridae/immunology
- Poxviridae/isolation & purification
- Smallpox/prevention & control
- Smallpox Vaccine/history
- Smallpox Vaccine/immunology
- Smallpox Vaccine/isolation & purification
- Vaccines, Attenuated/history
- Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
- Vaccines, Attenuated/isolation & purification
- Vaccines, Synthetic/history
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/isolation & purification
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Sánchez-Sampedro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Perdiguero
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
| | - Ernesto Mejías-Pérez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain
| | - Juan García-Arriaza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain
| | - Mauro Di Pilato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
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