1
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Bento R, Scheller J, Parekkadan B. Intratumoral Delivery of Genetically Engineered Anti-IL-6 Trans-signaling Therapeutics. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01230-6. [PMID: 38980514 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01230-6] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a highly pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the etiopathology of several inflammatory diseases and cancer. As so, the inhibition of IL-6 signaling pathways has emerged as an attractive therapeutic avenue for the treatment of several chronic diseases. Since IL-6 trans-signaling was described as the pathological branch of IL-6, selective inhibitors were developed. Next-generation variants with increased trans-signaling specificity and potency emerged as great candidates for the treatment of several diseases, with reduced off-target effects. The highly time-consuming and costly processes involving recombinant protein production, however, have hampered the progress of anti-cytokine pharmaceuticals in clinic so far. Herein, we developed gene therapeutic modalities of IL-6-trans-signaling inhibitors as alternatives for sustained recombinant protein secretion. By using an IL-6-dependent lymphoma cell line and xenograft tumor model, we demonstrated the superior inhibitory potential of second-generation anti-IL-6 trans-signaling therapeutic. We compared the efficiency of distinct gene delivery modalities using a bioluminescent biomarker probe and observed consistent protein production via cell-based delivery. When delivered intratumorally, genetically engineered sgp130FlyRFc-secreting cells significantly reduced tumor burden and increased animal survival, representing a promising therapeutic avenue to be explored in clinically relevant gene delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Bento
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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2
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Baabdulla AA, Hillen T. Oscillations in a Spatial Oncolytic Virus Model. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:93. [PMID: 38896363 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Virotherapy treatment is a new and promising target therapy that selectively attacks cancer cells without harming normal cells. Mathematical models of oncolytic viruses have shown predator-prey like oscillatory patterns as result of an underlying Hopf bifurcation. In a spatial context, these oscillations can lead to different spatio-temporal phenomena such as hollow-ring patterns, target patterns, and dispersed patterns. In this paper we continue the systematic analysis of these spatial oscillations and discuss their relevance in the clinical context. We consider a bifurcation analysis of a spatially explicit reaction-diffusion model to find the above mentioned spatio-temporal virus infection patterns. The desired pattern for tumor eradication is the hollow ring pattern and we find exact conditions for its occurrence. Moreover, we derive the minimal speed of travelling invasion waves for the cancer and for the oncolytic virus. Our numerical simulations in 2-D reveal complex spatial interactions of the virus infection and a new phenomenon of a periodic peak splitting. An effect that we cannot explain with our current methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Abdulla Baabdulla
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| | - Thomas Hillen
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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3
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Mokhtarpour K, Akbarzadehmoallemkolaei M, Rezaei N. A viral attack on brain tumors: the potential of oncolytic virus therapy. J Neurovirol 2024:10.1007/s13365-024-01209-8. [PMID: 38806994 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-024-01209-8] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Managing malignant brain tumors remains a significant therapeutic hurdle that necessitates further research to comprehend their treatment potential fully. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) offer many opportunities for predicting and combating tumors through several mechanisms, with both preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating potential. OV therapy has emerged as a potent and effective method with a dual mechanism. Developing innovative and effective strategies for virus transduction, coupled with immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherapy drugs, strengthens this new technique. Furthermore, the discovery and creation of new OVs that can seamlessly integrate gene therapy strategies, such as cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic, and immunostimulatory, are promising advancements. This review presents an overview of the latest advancements in OVs transduction for brain cancer, focusing on the safety and effectiveness of G207, G47Δ, M032, rQNestin34.5v.2, C134, DNX-2401, Ad-TD-nsIL12, NSC-CRAd-S-p7, TG6002, and PVSRIPO. These are evaluated in both preclinical and clinical models of various brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Mokhtarpour
- Animal Model Integrated Network (AMIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Milad Akbarzadehmoallemkolaei
- Animal Model Integrated Network (AMIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Animal Model Integrated Network (AMIN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 1419733151, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1417653761, Iran.
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4
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Gujar S, Pol JG, Kumar V, Lizarralde-Guerrero M, Konda P, Kroemer G, Bell JC. Tutorial: design, production and testing of oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-00985-1. [PMID: 38769145 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a novel class of cancer immunotherapy agents that preferentially infect and kill cancer cells and promote protective antitumor immunity. Furthermore, OVs can be used in combination with established or upcoming immunotherapeutic agents, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, to efficiently target a wide range of malignancies. The development of OV-based therapy involves three major steps before clinical evaluation: design, production and preclinical testing. OVs can be designed as natural or engineered strains and subsequently selected for their ability to kill a broad spectrum of cancer cells rather than normal, healthy cells. OV selection is further influenced by multiple factors, such as the availability of a specific viral platform, cancer cell permissivity, the need for genetic engineering to render the virus non-pathogenic and/or more effective and logistical considerations around the use of OVs within the laboratory or clinical setting. Selected OVs are then produced and tested for their anticancer potential by using syngeneic, xenograft or humanized preclinical models wherein immunocompromised and immunocompetent setups are used to elucidate their direct oncolytic ability as well as indirect immunotherapeutic potential in vivo. Finally, OVs demonstrating the desired anticancer potential progress toward translation in patients with cancer. This tutorial provides guidelines for the design, production and preclinical testing of OVs, emphasizing considerations specific to OV technology that determine their clinical utility as cancer immunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Gujar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jonathan G Pol
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Vishnupriyan Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Manuela Lizarralde-Guerrero
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Prathyusha Konda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guido Kroemer
- INSERM, U1138, Paris, France.
- Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, UMS AMICCa, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - John C Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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5
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Nia GE, Nikpayam E, Farrokhi M, Bolhassani A, Meuwissen R. Advances in cell-based delivery of oncolytic viruses as therapy for lung cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200788. [PMID: 38596310 PMCID: PMC10976516 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer's intractability is enhanced by its frequent resistance to (chemo)therapy and often high relapse rates that make it the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Improvement of therapy efficacy is a crucial issue that might lead to a significant advance in the treatment of lung cancer. Oncolytic viruses are desirable combination partners in the developing field of cancer immunotherapy due to their direct cytotoxic effects and ability to elicit an immune response. Systemic oncolytic virus administration through intravenous injection should ideally lead to the highest efficacy in oncolytic activity. However, this is often hampered by the prevalence of host-specific, anti-viral immune responses. One way to achieve more efficient systemic oncolytic virus delivery is through better protection against neutralization by several components of the host immune system. Carrier cells, which can even have innate tumor tropism, have shown their appropriateness as effective vehicles for systemic oncolytic virus infection through circumventing restrictive features of the immune system and can warrant oncolytic virus delivery to tumors. In this overview, we summarize promising results from studies in which carrier cells have shown their usefulness for improved systemic oncolytic virus delivery and better oncolytic virus therapy against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giti Esmail Nia
- Faculty of Allied Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Basic Oncology, Health Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Elahe Nikpayam
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | | | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ralph Meuwissen
- Department of Basic Oncology, Health Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Ege University Translational Pulmonary Research Center (EgeSAM), Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Chowaniec H, Ślubowska A, Mroczek M, Borowczyk M, Braszka M, Dworacki G, Dobosz P, Wichtowski M. New hopes for the breast cancer treatment: perspectives on the oncolytic virus therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375433. [PMID: 38576614 PMCID: PMC10991781 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375433] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy has emerged as a promising frontier in cancer treatment, especially for solid tumours. While immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells have demonstrated impressive results, their limitations in inducing complete tumour regression have spurred researchers to explore new approaches targeting tumours resistant to current immunotherapies. OVs, both natural and genetically engineered, selectively replicate within cancer cells, inducing their lysis while sparing normal tissues. Recent advancements in clinical research and genetic engineering have enabled the development of targeted viruses that modify the tumour microenvironment, triggering anti-tumour immune responses and exhibiting synergistic effects with other cancer therapies. Several OVs have been studied for breast cancer treatment, including adenovirus, protoparvovirus, vaccinia virus, reovirus, and herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1). These viruses have been modified or engineered to enhance their tumour-selective replication, reduce toxicity, and improve oncolytic properties.Newer generations of OVs, such as Oncoviron and Delta-24-RGD adenovirus, exhibit heightened replication selectivity and enhanced anticancer effects, particularly in breast cancer models. Clinical trials have explored the efficacy and safety of various OVs in treating different cancers, including melanoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, head and neck cancer, and gynecologic malignancies. Notably, Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and Oncorine have. been approved for advanced melanoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, respectively. However, adverse effects have been reported in some cases, including flu-like symptoms and rare instances of severe complications such as fistula formation. Although no OV has been approved specifically for breast cancer treatment, ongoing preclinical clinical trials focus on four groups of viruses. While mild adverse effects like low-grade fever and nausea have been observed, the effectiveness of OV monotherapy in breast cancer remains insufficient. Combination strategies integrating OVs with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy, show promise in improving therapeutic outcomes. Oncolytic virus therapy holds substantial potential in breast cancer treatment, demonstrating safety in trials. Multi-approach strategies combining OVs with conventional therapies exhibit more promising therapeutic effects than monotherapy, signalling a hopeful future for OV-based breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Chowaniec
- Department of Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Antonina Ślubowska
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Mroczek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Univeristy of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martyna Borowczyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Braszka
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Grzegorz Dworacki
- Department of Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Chair of Patomorphology and Clinical Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paula Dobosz
- University Centre of Cancer Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wichtowski
- Surgical Oncology Clinic, Institute of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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7
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Moroz VD, Gasanov NB, Egorov AD, Malogolovkin AS, Nagornykh MO, Subcheva EN, Kolosova ES, Fizikova AY, Ivanov RA, Karabelsky AV. A Method for the Production of Recombinant VSVs with Confirmation of Biological Activity. Acta Naturae 2024; 16:59-66. [PMID: 38698956 PMCID: PMC11062106 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.27314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The design of new effective cancer treatment methods is a promising and important research field in translational medicine. Oncolytic viruses can induce immunogenic cell death by activating the body's immune system to recognize tumor cells. This work presents the results for optimizing the production of recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (rVSVs). To ensure the assembly of viral particles, we developed the HEK293TN-T7 cell line, which stably expresses DNA-dependent RNA polymerase 7 for viral genome transcription, and obtained helper plasmids encoding viral genes under the control of the CAG promoter. The oncolytic activity of the purified virus preparation was assessed in a murine model of B16F10Red melanoma cells expressing a red fluorescent protein. The presented method makes it possible to obtain purified viral preparations with a high titer and oncolytic activity. The amplification of viral particles in a HEK293 suspension culture allows for rapid scalability. Therefore, the developed approach can be used to obtain other recombinant VSV-based oncolytic viruses for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. D. Moroz
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - N. B. Gasanov
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - A. D. Egorov
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - A. S. Malogolovkin
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
- First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119435 Russian Federation
| | - M. O. Nagornykh
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - E. N. Subcheva
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - E. S. Kolosova
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - A. Yu. Fizikova
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - R. A. Ivanov
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - A. V. Karabelsky
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
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8
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Chakraborty P, Kumar R, Karn S, Raviya DD, Mondal P. Application of Oncolytic Poxviruses: An Emerging Paradigm in Cancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1451:369-381. [PMID: 38801591 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-57165-7_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Despite the significant advancement of new tools and technology in the field of medical biology and molecular biology, the challenges in the treatment of most cancer types remain constant with the problem of developing resistance toward drugs and no substantial enhancement in the overall survival rate of cancer patients. Immunotherapy has shown the most promising results in different clinical and preclinical trials in the treatment of various cancer due to its higher efficacy and minimum collateral damage in many cancer patients as compared to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. An oncolytic virus is a new class of immunotherapy that can selectively replicate in tumor cells and destroy them by the process of cell lysis while exerting minimum or no effect on a normal cell. Besides this, it can also activate the host's innate immune system, which generates an anti-tumor immune response to eliminate the tumor cells. Several wild types and genetically modified viruses have been investigated to show oncolytic behavior. Vaccinia virus has been studied extensively and tested for its promising oncolytic nature on various model systems and clinical trials. Recently, several engineered vaccinia viruses have been developed that express the desired genes encoded for selective penetration in tumor cells and enhanced activation of the immune system for generating anti-tumor immunity. However, further investigation is required to prove their potential and enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasenjit Chakraborty
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India.
| | - Randhir Kumar
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India
| | - Sanjay Karn
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India
| | - Dharmiben D Raviya
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur-Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat, 382740, India
| | - Priya Mondal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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9
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Khushalani NI, Harrington KJ, Melcher A, Bommareddy PK, Zamarin D. Breaking the barriers in cancer care: The next generation of herpes simplex virus-based oncolytic immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100729. [PMID: 37841530 PMCID: PMC10570124 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the US Food and Drug Administration first approved talimogene laherparepvec for the treatment of melanoma in 2015, the field of oncolytic immunotherapy (OI) has rapidly evolved. There are numerous ongoing clinical studies assessing the clinical activity of OIs across a wide range of tumor types. Further understanding of the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor immune response has led to the development of OIs with improved immune-mediated preclinical efficacy. In this review, we discuss the key approaches for developing the next generation of herpes simplex virus-based OIs. Modifications to the viral genome and incorporation of transgenes to promote safety, tumor-selective replication, and immune stimulation are reviewed. We also review the advantages and disadvantages of intratumoral versus intravenous administration, summarize clinical evidence supporting the use of OIs as a strategy to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, and consider emerging opportunities to improve OI efficacy in the combination setting.
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10
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Woo JK, Kim TG, Im NY, Son KY, Cho M, Jeong YJ, Hong JI, Kang B, Enkhtaivan G, Cho NH, Alain T, Park DG, Lee YS. Dual-Armed Oncolytic Myxoma Virus Encoding IFN-γ and CD47 Promotes Lymphocyte Infiltration and Tumor Suppression of Syngeneic Murine Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4703. [PMID: 37835397 PMCID: PMC10571683 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myxoma virus (MyxV) is a rabbit-specific poxvirus. However, its ability to selectively target tumor cells has established it as a safe and effective anticancer therapy. To strengthen its preclinical efficacy, transgenes that can prolong cancer cell infection and enhance anti-tumor effector functions are currently being investigated. We engineered MyxV armed with CD47, to turn on a 'do not eat me' signal within infected cells with actively replicating viruses, and with IFN-γ to further activate host immune anticancer responses. Tumor suppressive activities were significantly enhanced by the dual-armed MyxV_CD47/IFN-γ compared to parental MyxV or single-armed MyxV_CD47 or MyxV_IFN-γ. In addition, significant increases in IFN-γ+ CD8+T-cells and CD4+ T-cells populations within tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were observed after MyxV_CD47/IFN-γ treatment. Notably, all groups treated with MyxV showed a marked reduction in Foxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) within TIL. We also show that MyxV infection induces PD-L1 up-regulation in cancer cells, and combinational treatment of MyxV with anti-mouse PD-L1 antibodies (αPD-L1) further controlled tumor burden and increased survival in the syngeneic melanoma model B16F10. Our data demonstrate that a CD47 and IFNγ dual-armed MyxV is an effective oncolytic viral immunotherapeutic. These findings strongly support further preclinical investigations to develop next-generation MyxV-based immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Kyu Woo
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Geuk Kim
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Yeon Im
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Ka-Yeon Son
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhyeon Cho
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo Jin Jeong
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Im Hong
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - BoRim Kang
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Gansukh Enkhtaivan
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hyuk Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Tommy Alain
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Dong Guk Park
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Sook Lee
- ViroCure, #502, Ace TwinTower 1, 285 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
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11
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Muthukutty P, Yoo SY. Oncolytic Virus Engineering and Utilizations: Cancer Immunotherapy Perspective. Viruses 2023; 15:1645. [PMID: 37631987 PMCID: PMC10459766 DOI: 10.3390/v15081645] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses have positively impacted cancer immunotherapy over the past 20 years. Both natural and genetically modified viruses have shown promising results in treating various cancers. Various regulatory authorities worldwide have approved four commercial oncolytic viruses, and more are being developed to overcome this limitation and obtain better anti-tumor responses in clinical trials at various stages. Faster advancements in translating research into the commercialization of cancer immunotherapy and a comprehensive understanding of the modification strategies will widen the current knowledge of future technologies related to the development of oncolytic viruses. In this review, we discuss the strategies of virus engineering and the progress of clinical trials to achieve virotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - So Young Yoo
- BIO-IT Foundry Technology Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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12
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Salmikangas P, Carlsson B, Klumb C, Reimer T, Thirstrup S. Potency testing of cell and gene therapy products. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1190016. [PMID: 37215709 PMCID: PMC10196484 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1190016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Potency is one of the critical quality attributes of biological medicinal products, defining their biological activity. Potency testing is expected to reflect the Mechanism of Action (MoA) of the medicinal product and ideally the results should correlate with the clinical response. Multiple assay formats may be used, both in vitro assays and in vivo models, however, for timely release of the products for clinical studies or for commercial use, quantitative, validated in vitro assays are necessary. Robust potency assays are fundamental also for comparability studies, process validation and for stability testing. Cell and Gene Therapy Products (CGTs, also called Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, ATMPs) are part of biological medicines, having nucleic acids, viral vectors, viable cells and tissues as starting material. For such complex products potency testing is often challenging and may require a combination of methods to address multiple functional mechanisms of the product. For cells, viability and cell phenotype are important attributes but alone will not be sufficient to address potency. Furthermore, if the cells are transduced with a viral vector, potency probably is related to the expression of the transgene but will also be dependent on the target cells and transduction efficiency/copy number of the transgene in the cells. Genome Editing (GE) together with other cell manipulations can result into multiple changes in the characteristics and activity of the cells, which should be all somehow captured by the potency testing. Non-clinical studies/models may provide valuable support for potency testing, especially for comparability testing. However, sometimes lack of suitable potency data may lead to situations where bridging clinical efficacy data are required to solve the problems of the potency testing, for example where comparability of different clinical batches is unclear. In this article the challenges of potency testing are discussed together with examples of assays used for different CGTs/ATMPs and the available guidance addressing differences between the European Union and the United States.
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Waqqar S, Lee K, Lawley B, Bilton T, Quiñones-Mateu ME, Bostina M, Burga LN. Directed Evolution of Seneca Valley Virus in Tumorsphere and Monolayer Cell Cultures of a Small-Cell Lung Cancer Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092541. [PMID: 37174006 PMCID: PMC10177334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092541] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Seneca Valley virus (SVV) is an oncolytic virus from the picornavirus family, characterized by a 7.3-kilobase RNA genome encoding for all the structural and functional viral proteins. Directed evolution by serial passaging has been employed for oncolytic virus adaptation to increase the killing efficacy towards certain types of tumors. We propagated the SVV in a small-cell lung cancer model under two culture conditions: conventional cell monolayer and tumorspheres, with the latter resembling more closely the cellular structure of the tumor of origin. We observed an increase of the virus-killing efficacy after ten passages in the tumorspheres. Deep sequencing analyses showed genomic changes in two SVV populations comprising 150 single nucleotides variants and 72 amino acid substitutions. Major differences observed in the tumorsphere-passaged virus population, compared to the cell monolayer, were identified in the conserved structural protein VP2 and in the highly variable P2 region, suggesting that the increase in the ability of the SVV to kill cells over time in the tumorspheres is acquired by capsid conservation and positively selecting mutations to counter the host innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakeel Waqqar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Kai Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Blair Lawley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Timothy Bilton
- Invermay Agricultural Centre, AgResearch, Mosgiel 9092, New Zealand
| | | | - Mihnea Bostina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Laura N Burga
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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Awuah WA, Huang H, Kalmanovich J, Mehta A, Kundu M, Toufik AR, Tanna R, Hasan MM, Alexiou A, Sikora V. Tumour microenvironment: Modulating effects, challenges, and future perspectives of oncolytic virotherapy in Astrocytoma treatment. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 82:104508. [PMID: 36186495 PMCID: PMC9519464 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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15
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Lauer UM, Beil J. Oncolytic viruses: challenges and considerations in an evolving clinical landscape. Future Oncol 2022; 18:2713-2732. [PMID: 35818970 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Although treatment strategies are continually progressing, cancers have evolved many mechanisms for evading therapies and the host immune system. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) could provide a much-needed option for cancers that are resistant to existing treatments. OVs can be engineered to specifically target and kill cancer cells, while simultaneously triggering an immune response at the site of infection. This review will focus on the challenges of developing a successful OV and translation to clinical practice, discussing the innovative strategies that are being used to optimize the potential of OVs. Here, we will also explore the current clinical landscape and the prospects of OVs in early clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich M Lauer
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Virotherapy Center Tübingen, Medical Oncology & Pneumology, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 10, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 10, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Julia Beil
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Virotherapy Center Tübingen, Medical Oncology & Pneumology, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 10, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 10, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
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DeAntoneo C, Danthi P, Balachandran S. Reovirus Activated Cell Death Pathways. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111757. [PMID: 35681452 PMCID: PMC9179526 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111757] [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] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian orthoreoviruses (ReoV) are non-enveloped viruses with segmented double-stranded RNA genomes. In humans, ReoV are generally considered non-pathogenic, although members of this family have been proven to cause mild gastroenteritis in young children and may contribute to the development of inflammatory conditions, including Celiac disease. Because of its low pathogenic potential and its ability to efficiently infect and kill transformed cells, the ReoV strain Type 3 Dearing (T3D) is clinical trials as an oncolytic agent. ReoV manifests its oncolytic effects in large part by infecting tumor cells and activating programmed cell death pathways (PCDs). It was previously believed that apoptosis was the dominant PCD pathway triggered by ReoV infection. However, new studies suggest that ReoV also activates other PCD pathways, such as autophagy, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. Necroptosis is a caspase-independent form of PCD reliant on receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and its substrate, the pseudokinase mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). As necroptosis is highly inflammatory, ReoV-induced necroptosis may contribute to the oncolytic potential of this virus, not only by promoting necrotic lysis of the infected cell, but also by inflaming the surrounding tumor microenvironment and provoking beneficial anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the ReoV replication cycle, the known and potential mechanisms by which ReoV induces PCD, and discuss the consequences of non-apoptotic cell death—particularly necroptosis—to ReoV pathogenesis and oncolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly DeAntoneo
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA;
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Pranav Danthi
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
| | - Siddharth Balachandran
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA;
- Correspondence:
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