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Recombinant Viral Vectors for Therapeutic Programming of Tumour Microenvironment: Advantages and Limitations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092142. [PMID: 36140243 PMCID: PMC9495732 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been widely investigated as tools for cancer immunotherapy. Although many preclinical studies demonstrate significant virus-mediated tumour inhibition in synergy with immune checkpoint molecules and other drugs, the clinical success of viral vector applications in cancer therapy currently is limited. A number of challenges have to be solved to translate promising vectors to clinics. One of the key elements of successful virus-based cancer immunotherapy is the understanding of the tumour immune state and the development of vectors to modify the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated immune cells, as the main component of TME, support tumour progression through multiple pathways inducing resistance to treatment and promoting cancer cell escape mechanisms. In this review, we consider DNA and RNA virus vectors delivering immunomodulatory genes (cytokines, chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, antibodies, etc.) and discuss how these viruses break an immunosuppressive cell development and switch TME to an immune-responsive “hot” state. We highlight the advantages and limitations of virus vectors for targeted therapeutic programming of tumour immune cell populations and tumour stroma, and propose future steps to establish viral vectors as a standard, efficient, safe, and non-toxic cancer immunotherapy approach that can complement other promising treatment strategies, e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T, and advanced chemotherapeutics.
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Abstract
Self-replicating RNA viral vectors have been engineered for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications. Mainly the areas of infectious diseases and cancer have been targeted. Both positive and negative strand RNA viruses have been utilized including alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses. The high-level of RNA amplification has provided efficient expression of viral surface proteins and tumor antigens. Immunization studies in animal models have elicit robust neutralizing antibody responses. In the context of infectious diseases, immunization with self-replicating RNA viral vectors has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of pathogens in animal models. Similarly, immunization with vectors expressing tumor antigens has resulted in tumor regression and eradication and protection against tumor challenges in animal models. The transient nature and non-integration of viral RNA into the host genome are ideal features for vaccine development. Moreover, self-replicating RNA viral vectors show great flexibility as they can be applied as recombinant viral particles, RNA replicons or DNA replicon plasmids. Several clinical trials have been conducted especially in the area of cancer immunotherapy.
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Gospel of malignant Glioma: Oncolytic virus therapy. Gene 2022; 818:146217. [PMID: 35093451 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioma accounts for nearly 80% of all intracranial malignant tumors. It is a major challenge to society as it is causes to impaired brain function in many patients. Currently, gliomas are mainly treated with surgery, postoperative radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the curative effects of these treatments are not satisfactory. Oncolytic virus (OV) is a novel treatment which works by activating the immune functions and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. The OV propagates indefinitely in the host cell, eventually leading to the death of host cell. Subsequently, a large number of antigens and signal molecules are released which exert antitumor immunity. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown that G207, DNX2401, Zika and other viruses have important roles in malignant tumors. For example, these viruses can reduce the growth of tumor cells without causing severe complications. However, the known OVs have not been clearly classified. Herein, we divided OVs into neurotropic and non-neurophilic OVs based on whether the OVs are naturally neurotropic or not. The therapeutic effects of each group were compared. Finally, challenges encountered in the clinical application of OVs in the treatment of malignant gliomas were summarized.
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Li Y, Bao Q, Yang S, Yang M, Mao C. Bionanoparticles in cancer imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. VIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research College of Animal Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Qing Bao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Shuxu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Mingying Yang
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research College of Animal Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Stephenson Life Science Research Center University of Oklahoma Norman Oklahoma USA
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Lundstrom K. Self-replicating vehicles based on negative strand RNA viruses. Cancer Gene Ther 2022:10.1038/s41417-022-00436-7. [PMID: 35169298 PMCID: PMC8853047 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Self-replicating RNA viruses have been engineered as efficient expression vectors for vaccine development for infectious diseases and cancers. Moreover, self-replicating RNA viral vectors, particularly oncolytic viruses, have been applied for cancer therapy and immunotherapy. Among negative strand RNA viruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses have been frequently applied for vaccine development against viruses such as Chikungunya virus, Lassa virus, Ebola virus, influenza virus, HIV, Zika virus, and coronaviruses. Immunization of rodents and primates has elicited strong neutralizing antibody responses and provided protection against lethal challenges with pathogenic viruses. Several clinical trials have been conducted. Ervebo, a vaccine based on a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector has been approved for immunization of humans against Ebola virus. Different types of cancers such as brain, breast, cervical, lung, leukemia/lymphoma, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and melanoma, have been the targets for cancer vaccine development, cancer gene therapy, and cancer immunotherapy. Administration of measles virus and VSV vectors have demonstrated immune responses, tumor regression, and tumor eradication in various animal models. A limited number of clinical trials have shown well-tolerated treatment, good safety profiles, and dose-dependent activity in cancer patients.
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Zeng J, Li X, Sander M, Zhang H, Yan G, Lin Y. Oncolytic Viro-Immunotherapy: An Emerging Option in the Treatment of Gliomas. Front Immunol 2021; 12:721830. [PMID: 34675919 PMCID: PMC8524046 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.721830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of malignant gliomas remains poor, with median survival fewer than 20 months and a 5-year survival rate merely 5%. Their primary location in the central nervous system (CNS) and its immunosuppressive environment with little T cell infiltration has rendered cancer therapies mostly ineffective, and breakthrough therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown limited benefit. However, tumor immunotherapy is developing rapidly and can help overcome these obstacles. But for now, malignant gliomas remain fatal with short survival and limited therapeutic options. Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) is a unique antitumor immunotherapy wherein viruses selectively or preferentially kill tumor cells, replicate and spread through tumors while inducing antitumor immune responses. OVTs can also recondition the tumor microenvironment and improve the efficacy of other immunotherapies by escalating the infiltration of immune cells into tumors. Some OVTs can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and possess tropism for the CNS, enabling intravenous delivery. Despite the therapeutic potential displayed by oncolytic viruses (OVs), optimizing OVT has proved challenging in clinical development, and marketing approvals for OVTs have been rare. In June 2021 however, as a genetically engineered OV based on herpes simplex virus-1 (G47Δ), teserpaturev got conditional and time-limited approval for the treatment of malignant gliomas in Japan. In this review, we summarize the current state of OVT, the synergistic effect of OVT in combination with other immunotherapies as well as the hurdles to successful clinical use. We also provide some suggestions to overcome the challenges in treating of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zeng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangxue Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Max Sander
- Department of International Cooperation, Guangzhou Virotech Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangmei Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Oncolytic Virotherapy for Melanoma Brain Metastases, a Potential New Treatment Paradigm? Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101260. [PMID: 34679325 PMCID: PMC8534242 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101260] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melanoma brain metastases remain a devastating disease process with poor prognosis. Recently, there has been a surge in studies demonstrating the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy for brain tumor treatment. Given their specificity and amenability to genetic modification, the authors explore the possible role of oncolytic virotherapy as a potential treatment option for patients with melanoma brain metastases. METHODS A comprehensive literature review including both preclinical and clinical evidence of oncolytic virotherapy for the treatment of melanoma brain metastasis was performed. RESULTS Oncolytic virotherapy, specifically T-VEC (Imlygic™), was approved for the treatment of melanoma in 2015. Recent clinical trials demonstrate promising anti-tumor changes in patients who have received T-VEC; however, there is little evidence for its use in metastatic brain disease based on the existing literature. To date, only two single cases utilizing virotherapy in patients with metastatic brain melanoma have been reported, specifically in patients with treatment refractory disease. Currently, there is not sufficient data to support the use of T-VEC or other viruses for intracranial metastatic melanoma. In developing a virotherapy treatment paradigm for melanoma brain metastases, several factors must be considered, including route of administration, need to bypass the blood-brain barrier, viral tumor infectivity, and risk of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Evidence for oncolytic virotherapy treatment of melanoma is limited primarily to T-VEC, with a noticeable paucity of data in the literature with respect to brain tumor metastasis. Given the promising findings of virotherapy for other brain tumor types, oncolytic virotherapy has great potential to offer benefits to patients afflicted with melanoma brain metastases and warrants further investigation.
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Clarkin RG, Del Papa J, Poulin KL, Parks RJ. The genome position of a therapeutic transgene strongly influences the level of expression in an armed oncolytic human adenovirus vector. Virology 2021; 561:87-97. [PMID: 34171766 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.06.005] [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: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Efficacy of oncolytic, conditionally-replicating adenovirus (CRAd) vectors can be enhanced by "arming" the vector with therapeutic transgenes. We examined whether inclusion of an intact early region 3 (E3) and the reptilian reovirus fusogenic p14 fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) protein enhanced vector efficacy. The p14 FAST transgene was cloned between the fiber gene and E4 region, with an upstream splice acceptor for replication-dependent expression from the major late promoter. In A549 cells, this vector expressed p14 FAST protein at very low levels, and showed a poor ability to mediate cell-cell fusion, relative to a similar vector encoding p14 FAST within the E3 deletion. Although expression of E3 proteins from the CRAd increased plaque size, poor expression of p14 FAST protein compromised the fusogenic capacity of the vector. Thus, location of a therapeutic transgene within a CRAd can significantly impact expression of the transgene and is an important consideration in vector design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan G Clarkin
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Joshua Del Papa
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Kathy L Poulin
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Robin J Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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