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Riccardo F, Tarone L, Camerino M, Giacobino D, Iussich S, Barutello G, Arigoni M, Conti L, Bolli E, Quaglino E, Merighi IF, Morello E, Dentini A, Ferrone S, Buracco P, Cavallo F. Antigen mimicry as an effective strategy to induce CSPG4-targeted immunity in dogs with oral melanoma: a veterinary trial. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004007. [PMID: 35580930 PMCID: PMC9114861 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer in humans. Conventional therapies have limited efficacy, and overall response is still unsatisfactory considering that immune checkpoint inhibitors induce lasting clinical responses only in a low percentage of patients. This has prompted us to develop a vaccination strategy employing the tumor antigen chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)4 as a target. METHODS To overcome the host's unresponsiveness to the self-antigen CSPG4, we have taken advantage of the conservation of CSPG4 sequence through phylogenetic evolution, so we have used a vaccine, based on a chimeric DNA molecule encompassing both human (Hu) and dog (Do) portions of CSPG4 (HuDo-CSPG4). We have tested its safety and immunogenicity (primary objectives), along with its therapeutic efficacy (secondary outcome), in a prospective, non-randomized, veterinary clinical trial enrolling 80 client-owned dogs with surgically resected, CSPG4-positive, stage II-IV oral melanoma. RESULTS Vaccinated dogs developed anti-Do-CSPG4 and Hu-CSPG4 immune response. Interestingly, the antibody titer in vaccinated dogs was significantly associated with the overall survival. Our data suggest that there may be a contribution of the HuDo-CSPG4 vaccination to the improvement of survival of vaccinated dogs as compared with controls treated with conventional therapies alone. CONCLUSIONS HuDo-CSPG4 adjuvant vaccination was safe and immunogenic in dogs with oral melanoma, with potential beneficial effects on the course of the disease. Thanks to the power of naturally occurring canine tumors as predictive models for cancer immunotherapy response, these data may represent a basis for the translation of this approach to the treatment of human patients with CSPG4-positive melanoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Davide Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Fiore Merighi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Morello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Tarone L, Giacobino D, Camerino M, Ferrone S, Buracco P, Cavallo F, Riccardo F. Canine Melanoma Immunology and Immunotherapy: Relevance of Translational Research. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:803093. [PMID: 35224082 PMCID: PMC8873926 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.803093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In veterinary oncology, canine melanoma is still a fatal disease for which innovative and long-lasting curative treatments are urgently required. Considering the similarities between canine and human melanoma and the clinical revolution that immunotherapy has instigated in the treatment of human melanoma patients, special attention must be paid to advancements in tumor immunology research in the veterinary field. Herein, we aim to discuss the most relevant knowledge on the immune landscape of canine melanoma and the most promising immunotherapeutic approaches under investigation. Particular attention will be dedicated to anti-cancer vaccination, and, especially, to the encouraging clinical results that we have obtained with DNA vaccines directed against chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), which is an appealing tumor-associated antigen with a key oncogenic role in both canine and human melanoma. In parallel with advances in therapeutic options, progress in the identification of easily accessible biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and the prognosis of melanoma should be sought, with circulating small extracellular vesicles emerging as strategically relevant players. Translational advances in melanoma management, whether achieved in the human or veterinary fields, may drive improvements with mutual clinical benefits for both human and canine patients; this is where the strength of comparative oncology lies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Riccardo F, Barutello G, Petito A, Tarone L, Conti L, Arigoni M, Musiu C, Izzo S, Volante M, Longo DL, Merighi IF, Papotti M, Cavallo F, Quaglino E. Immunization against ROS1 by DNA Electroporation Impairs K-Ras-Driven Lung Adenocarcinomas . Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020166. [PMID: 32268572 PMCID: PMC7349290 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapeutic approaches, there is still an urgent need for novel strategies to improve patient survival. ROS1, a tyrosine kinase receptor endowed with oncoantigen features, is activated by chromosomal rearrangement or overexpression in NSCLC and in several tumor histotypes. In this work, we have exploited transgenic mice harboring the activated K-Ras oncogene (K-RasG12D) that spontaneously develop metastatic NSCLC as a preclinical model to test the efficacy of ROS1 immune targeting. Indeed, qPCR and immunohistochemical analyses revealed ROS1 overexpression in the autochthonous primary tumors and extrathoracic metastases developed by K-RasG12D mice and in a derived transplantable cell line. As proof of concept, we have evaluated the effects of the intramuscular electroporation (electrovaccination) of plasmids coding for mouse- and human-ROS1 on the progression of these NSCLC models. A significant increase in survival was observed in ROS1-electrovaccinated mice challenged with the transplantable cell line. It is worth noting that tumors were completely rejected, and immune memory was achieved, albeit only in a few mice. Most importantly, ROS1 electrovaccination was also found to be effective in slowing the development of autochthonous NSCLC in K-RasG12D mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Angela Petito
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Chiara Musiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Stefania Izzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (S.I.); (M.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (S.I.); (M.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Dario Livio Longo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Irene Fiore Merighi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (S.I.); (M.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (E.Q.); Tel.: +39-011670-6457 (F.C. & E.Q.)
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (F.R.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (L.T.); (L.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.); (I.F.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (E.Q.); Tel.: +39-011670-6457 (F.C. & E.Q.)
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A Review of Immunotherapeutic Strategies in Canine Malignant Melanoma. Vet Sci 2019; 6:vetsci6010015. [PMID: 30759787 PMCID: PMC6466282 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In dogs, melanomas are relatively common tumors and the most common form of oral malignancy. Biological behavior is highly variable, usually aggressive, and frequently metastatic, with reported survival times of three months for oral or mucosal melanomas in advanced disease stages. Classical clinical management remains challenging; thus, novel and more efficacious treatment strategies are needed. Evidence-based medicine supports the role of the immune system to treat neoplastic diseases. Besides, immunotherapy offers the possibility of a precise medicinal approach to treat cancer. In recent years, multiple immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed, and are now recognized as a pillar of treatment. In addition, dogs represent a good model for translational medicine purposes. This review will cover the most relevant immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of canine malignant melanoma, divided among five different categories, namely, monoclonal antibodies, nonspecific immunotherapy activated by bacteria, vaccines, gene therapy, and lymphokine-activated killer cell therapy.
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Liu TT, Wu Y, Niu T. Human DKK1 and human HSP70 fusion DNA vaccine induces an effective anti-tumor efficacy in murine multiple myeloma. Oncotarget 2017; 9:178-191. [PMID: 29416605 PMCID: PMC5787455 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is an ideal target for the immunotherapy of multiple myeloma. Heat Shock protein70 (HSP70) is a class of important molecular chaperone to promote antigen presentation. Homologous xenogeneic antigens can enhance immunogenicity and induce stronger anti-tumor immune response than that of allogeneic ones. Therefore, we constructed human DKK1 and human HSP70 DNA fusion vaccine (hDKK1-hHSP70), and then determined its anti-tumor immuno- genicity and anti-tumor effects on immunizing BALB/c mice already inoculated with NS-1 murine multiple myeloma cells in prophylactic and therapeutic models using cytotoxic T lymphocytes, enzyme-lined immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and Hochest staining. The side effects of vaccines were also monitored. We found that hDKK1-hHSP70 fusion vaccine could significantly inhibit tumor growth and prolonged the survival of the mice, whether prophylactic or therapeutic immunotherapy in vivo, by eliciting both humoral and cellular tumor-specific immune responses. A significant decrease of proliferation and increase of apoptosis were also observed in the tumor tissues injected with hDKK1-hHSP70 vaccine. These findings showed the xenogeneic homologous vaccination had stronger immunogenicity and minimal toxicity. Our study may provide an effective and safety immonutheraphy strategy for multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Hematology & Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.,Department of Internal Medicine, No. 4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Ting Niu
- Department of Hematology & Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
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Rolih V, Barutello G, Iussich S, De Maria R, Quaglino E, Buracco P, Cavallo F, Riccardo F. CSPG4: a prototype oncoantigen for translational immunotherapy studies. J Transl Med 2017; 15:151. [PMID: 28668095 PMCID: PMC5494135 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thanks to striking progress in both the understanding of anti-tumor immune response and the characterization of several tumor associated antigens (TAA), a more rational design and more sophisticated strategies for anti-tumor vaccination have been possible. However, the effectiveness of cancer vaccines in clinical trial is still partial, indicating that additional studies are needed to optimize their design and their pre-clinical testing. Indeed, anti-tumor vaccination success relies on the choice of the best TAA to be targeted and on the translational power of the pre-clinical model used to assess its efficacy. The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (CSPG4) is a cell surface proteoglycan overexpressed in a huge range of human and canine neoplastic lesions by tumor cells, tumor microenvironment and cancer initiating cells. CSPG4 plays a central role in the oncogenic pathways required for malignant progression and metastatization. Thanks to these features and to its poor expression in adult healthy tissues, CSPG4 represents an ideal oncoantigen and thus an attractive target for anti-tumor immunotherapy. In this review we explore the potential of CSPG4 immune-targeting. Moreover, since it has been clearly demonstrated that spontaneous canine tumors mimic the progression of human malignancies better than any other pre-clinical model available so far, we reported also our results indicating that CSPG4 DNA vaccination is safe and effective in significantly increasing the survival of canine melanoma patients. Therefore, anti-CSPG4 vaccination strategy could have a substantial impact for the treatment of the wider population of spontaneous CSPG4-positive tumor affected dogs with a priceless translational value and a revolutionary implication for human oncological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Raffaella De Maria
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Hayes DA, Kunde DA, Taylor RL, Pyecroft SB, Sohal SS, Snow ET. ERBB3: A potential serum biomarker for early detection and therapeutic target for devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177919. [PMID: 28591206 PMCID: PMC5462353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Devil Facial Tumour 1 (DFT1) is one of two transmissible neoplasms of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) predominantly affecting their facial regions. DFT1's cellular origin is that of Schwann cell lineage where lesions are evident macroscopically late in the disease. Conversely, the pre-clinical timeframe from cellular transmission to appearance of DFT1 remains uncertain demonstrating the importance of an effective pre-clinical biomarker. We show that ERBB3, a marker expressed normally by the developing neural crest and Schwann cells, is immunohistohemically expressed by DFT1, therefore the potential of ERBB3 as a biomarker was explored. Under the hypothesis that serum ERBB3 levels may increase as DFT1 invades local and distant tissues our pilot study determined serum ERBB3 levels in normal Tasmanian devils and Tasmanian devils with DFT1. Compared to the baseline serum ERBB3 levels in unaffected Tasmanian devils, Tasmanian devils with DFT1 showed significant elevation of serum ERBB3 levels. Interestingly Tasmanian devils with cutaneous lymphoma (CL) also showed elevation of serum ERBB3 levels when compared to the baseline serum levels of Tasmanian devils without DFT1. Thus, elevated serum ERBB3 levels in otherwise healthy looking devils could predict possible DFT1 or CL in captive or wild devil populations and would have implications on the management, welfare and survival of Tasmanian devils. ERBB3 is also a therapeutic target and therefore the potential exists to consider modes of administration that may eradicate DFT1 from the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dane A. Hayes
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks Water and Environment, Animal Health Laboratory, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dale A. Kunde
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Robyn L. Taylor
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks Water and Environment, Resource Management and Conservation, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Stephen B. Pyecroft
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Elizabeth T. Snow
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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Tiptiri-Kourpeti A, Spyridopoulou K, Pappa A, Chlichlia K. DNA vaccines to attack cancer: Strategies for improving immunogenicity and efficacy. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 165:32-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Piras LA, Riccardo F, Iussich S, Maniscalco L, Gattino F, Martano M, Morello E, Lorda Mayayo S, Rolih V, Garavaglia F, De Maria R, Lardone E, Collivignarelli F, Mignacca D, Giacobino D, Ferrone S, Cavallo F, Buracco P. Prolongation of survival of dogs with oral malignant melanoma treated by en bloc surgical resection and adjuvant CSPG4-antigen electrovaccination. Vet Comp Oncol 2016; 15:996-1013. [PMID: 27146852 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Reported post-surgery 1-year survival rate for oral canine malignant melanoma (cMM) is around 30%; novel treatments are needed as the role of adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear. This prospective study regards adjuvant electrovaccination with human chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (hCSPG4)-encoded plasmid in 23 dogs with resected II/III-staged CSPG4-positive oral cMM compared with 19 dogs with resected only II/III-staged CSPG4-positive oral cMM. Vaccination resulted in 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month survival rate of 95.6, 73.9, 47.8 and 30.4%, respectively [median survival time (MST) 684 days, range 78-1694, 8 of 23 dogs alive] and 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month disease-free interval (DFI) rate of 82.6, 47.8, 26.1 and 17.4%, respectively (DFI 477 days, range 50-1694). Non-vaccinated dogs showed 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month survival rate of 63.2, 26.3, 15.8 and 5.3%, respectively (MST 200 days, range 75-1507, 1 of 19 dogs alive) and 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month DFI rate of 52.6, 26.3, 10.5 and 5.3%, respectively (DFI 180 days, range 38-1250). Overall survival and DFI of vaccinated dogs was longer in those <20 kg. In vaccinated and non-vaccinated dogs local recurrence rate was 34.8 and 42%, respectively while lung metastatic rate was 39 and 79%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Piras
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - F Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - S Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - L Maniscalco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - F Gattino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - M Martano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - E Morello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - S Lorda Mayayo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - V Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - F Garavaglia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - R De Maria
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - E Lardone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - D Mignacca
- Clinica Veterinaria Roma Sud, Roma, Italy
| | - D Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - S Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - F Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - P Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Aurisicchio L, Roscilli G, Marra E, Luberto L, Mancini R, La Monica N, Ciliberto G. Superior Immunologic and Therapeutic Efficacy of a Xenogeneic Genetic Cancer Vaccine Targeting Carcinoembryonic Human Antigen. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 26:386-98. [PMID: 25869226 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have generated a xenogeneic vaccine against human carcinoembryonic antigen (hCEACAM-5 or commonly hCEA) using as immunogen rhesus CEA (rhCEA). RhCEA cDNA was codon-usage optimized (rhCEAopt) and delivered by sequential DNA electro-gene-transfer (DNA-EGT) and adenoviral (Ad) vector. RhCEAopt was capable to break tolerance to CEA in hCEA transgenic mice and immune responses were detected against epitopes distributed over the entire length of the protein. Xenovaccination with rhCEA resulted in the activation of CD4+ T-cell responses in addition to self-reactive CD8+ T-cells, the development of high-titer antibodies against hCEA, and significant antitumor effects upon challenge with hCEA+ tumor cells. The superior activity of rhCEAopt compared with hCEAopt was confirmed in hCEA/HHD double-transgenic mice, where potent CD8+ T-cell responses against specific human HLA A*0201 hCEA epitopes were detected. Our data show that xenogeneic gene-based vaccination with rhCEA is a viable approach to break tolerance against CEA, thus suggesting further development in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura Luberto
- 1 Takis srl, 00128 Rome, Italy .,2 Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia ," Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- 3 Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza ," Rome, Italy .,4 Laboratory of Research and Diagnostics, Department of Surgery "P. Valdoni," University of Rome "La Sapienza ," Rome, Italy
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Wei WZ, Jones RF, Juhasz C, Gibson H, Veenstra J. Evolution of animal models in cancer vaccine development. Vaccine 2015; 33:7401-7407. [PMID: 26241945 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in cancer vaccine development are facilitated by animal models reflecting key features of human cancer and its interface with host immunity. Several series of transplantable preneoplastic and neoplastic mouse mammary lesions have been used to delineate mechanisms of anti-tumor immunity. Mimicking immune tolerance to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) such as HER2/neu, transgenic mice developing spontaneous mammary tumors are strong model systems for pre-clinical vaccine testing. In these models, HER2 DNA vaccines are easily administered, well-tolerated, and induce both humoral and cellular immunity. Although engineered mouse strains have advanced cancer immunotherapy, basic shortcomings remain. For example, multiple mouse strains have to be tested to recapitulate genetic regulation of immune tolerance in humans. Outbred domestic felines more closely parallel humans in the natural development of HER2 positive breast cancer and their varying genetic background. Electrovaccination with heterologous HER2 DNA induces robust adaptive immune responses in cats. Importantly, homologous feline HER2 DNA with a single amino acid substitution elicits unique antibodies to feline mammary tumor cells, unlocking a new vaccine principle. As an alternative approach to targeted vaccination, non-surgical tumor ablation such as cryoablation induces anti-tumor immunity via in situ immunization, particularly when combined with toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist. As strategies for vaccination advance, non-invasive monitoring of host response becomes imperative. As an example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning following administration of tryptophan metabolism tracer [11C]-alpha-methyl-tryptophan (AMT) provides non-invasive imaging of both tumor growth and metabolic activities. Because AMT is a substrate of indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that produces the immune regulatory molecule kynurenine, AMT imaging can provide novel insight of host response. In conclusion, new feline models improve the predictive power of cancer immunotherapy and real-time PET imaging enables mechanistic monitoring of host immunity. Strategic utilization of these new tools will expedite cancer vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Zen Wei
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States.
| | - Richard F Jones
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Csaba Juhasz
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Heather Gibson
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Jesse Veenstra
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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12
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Riccardo F, Bolli E, Macagno M, Arigoni M, Cavallo F, Quaglino E. Chimeric DNA Vaccines: An Effective Way to Overcome Immune Tolerance. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2014; 405:99-122. [PMID: 25294003 DOI: 10.1007/82_2014_426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fact that cancer immunotherapy is considered to be a safe and successful weapon for use in combination with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments means that it has recently been chosen as Breakthrough of the Year 2013 by Science editors. Anticancer vaccines have been extensively tested, in this field, both in preclinical cancer models and in the clinic. However, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are often self-tolerated molecules and cancer patients suffer from strong immunosuppressive effects, meaning that the triggering of an effective anti-tumor immune response is difficult. One possible means to overcome immunological tolerance to self-TAAs is of course the use of vaccines that code for xenogeneic proteins. However, a low-affinity antibody response against the self-homologous protein expressed by cancer cells is generally induced by xenovaccination. This issue becomes extremely limiting when working with tumors in which the contribution of the humoral rather than the cellular immune response is required if tumor growth is to be hampered. A possible way to avoid this problem is to use hybrid vaccines which code for chimeric proteins that include both homologous and xenogeneic moieties. In fact, a superior protective anti-tumor immune response against ErbB2+ transplantable and autochthonous mammary tumors was observed over plasmids that coded for the fully rat or fully human proteins when hybrid plasmids that coded for chimeric rat/human ErbB2 protein were tested in ErbB2 transgenic mice. In principle, these findings may become the basis for a new rational means of designing effective vaccines against TAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Macagno
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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