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Bahreyni A, Liu H, Mohamud Y, Xue YC, Fan YM, Zhang YL, Luo H. A combination of genetically engineered oncolytic virus and melittin-CpG for cancer viro-chemo-immunotherapy. BMC Med 2023; 21:193. [PMID: 37226233 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has emerged as an efficient therapeutic approach for cancer management. However, stimulation of host immune system against cancer cells often fails to achieve promising clinical outcomes mainly owing to the immunosuppressive characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Combination therapeutics that can trigger sustained immunogenic cell death (ICD) have provided new opportunities for cancer treatment. METHODS In this study, we designed and applied an ICD inducer regimen, including a genetically engineered oncolytic virus (miRNA-modified coxsackieviruses B3, miR-CVB3), a pore-forming lytic peptide (melittin, found in bee venom), and a synthetic toll-like receptor 9 ligand (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides), for breast cancer and melanoma treatment. We compared the anti-tumor efficacy of miR-CVB3 and CpG-melittin (CpGMel) alone and in combination (miR-CVB3 + CpGMel) and investigated possible mechanisms involved. RESULTS We demonstrated that miR-CVB3 + CpGMel had no major impact on viral growth, while enhancing the cellular uptake of CpGMel in vitro. We further showed that combination therapy led to significant increases in tumor cell death and release of damage-associated molecular patterns compared with individual treatment. In vivo studies in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice revealed that both primary and distant tumors were significantly suppressed, and the survival rate was significantly prolonged after administration of miR-CVB3 + CpGMel compared with single treatment. This anti-tumor effect was accompanied by increased ICD and immune cell infiltration into the TME. Safety analysis showed no significant pathological abnormalities in Balb/c mice. Furthermore, the developed therapeutic regimen also demonstrated a great anti-tumor activity in B16F10 melanoma tumor-bearing C57BL/6 J mice. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings indicate that although single treatment using miR-CVB3 or CpGMel can efficiently delay tumor growth, combining oncolytic virus-based therapy can generate even stronger anti-tumor immunity, leading to a greater reduction in tumor size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Bahreyni
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Huitao Liu
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yasir Mohamud
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yuan Chao Xue
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yiyun Michelle Fan
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Endowment Lands, Canada
| | - Yizhuo Lyanne Zhang
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Endowment Lands, Canada
| | - Honglin Luo
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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Penza V, Maroun JW, Nace RA, Schulze AJ, Russell SJ. Polycytidine tract deletion from microRNA-detargeted oncolytic Mengovirus optimizes the therapeutic index in a murine multiple myeloma model. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:15-30. [PMID: 36619293 PMCID: PMC9800256 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mengovirus is an oncolytic picornavirus whose broad host range allows for testing in immunocompetent cancer models. Two pathogenicity-ablating approaches, polycytidine (polyC) tract truncation and microRNA (miRNA) targets insertion, eliminated the risk of encephalomyocarditis. To investigate whether a polyC truncated, miRNA-detargeted oncolytic Mengovirus might be boosted, we partially or fully rebuilt the polyC tract into the 5' noncoding region (NCR) of polyC-deleted (MC0) oncolytic constructs (NC) carrying miRNA target (miRT) insertions to eliminate cardiac/muscular (miR-133b and miR-208a) and neuronal (miR-124) tropisms. PolyC-reconstituted viruses (MC24-NC and MC37-NC) replicated in vitro and showed the expected tropism restrictions, but reduced cytotoxicity and miRT deletions were frequently observed. In the MPC-11 immune competent mouse plasmacytoma model, both intratumoral and systemic administration of MC0-NC led to faster tumor responses than MC24-NC or MC37-NC, with combined durable complete response rates of 75%, 0.5%, and 30%, respectively. Secondary viremia was higher following MC0-NC versus MC24-NC or MC37-NC therapy. Sequence analysis of virus progeny from treated mice revealed a high prevalence of miRT sequences loss among MC24- and MC37- viral genomes, but not in MC0-NC. Overall, MC0-NC was capable of stably retaining miRT sites and provided a more effective treatment and is therefore our lead Mengovirus candidate for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velia Penza
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Justin W. Maroun
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Nace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Autumn J. Schulze
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Stephen J. Russell
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Vazifehmand R, Ali DS, Othman Z, Chau DM, Stanslas J, Shafa M, Sekawi Z. The evaluation expression of non-coding RNAs in response to HSV-G47∆ oncolytic virus infection in glioblastoma multiforme cancer stem cells. J Neurovirol 2022; 28:566-582. [PMID: 35951174 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-022-01089-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive astrocytes brain tumor. Glioblastoma cancer stem cells and hypoxia conditions are well-known major obstacles in treatment. Studies have revealed that non-coding RNAs serve a critical role in glioblastoma progression, invasion, and resistance to chemo-radiotherapy. The present study examined the expression levels of microRNAs (in normoxic condition) and long non-coding RNAs (in normoxic and hypoxic conditions) in glioblastoma stem cells treated with the HSV-G47∆. The expression levels of 43 miRNAs and 8 lncRNAs isolated from U251-GBM-CSCs were analyzed using a miRCURY LNA custom PCR array and a quantitative PCR assay, respectively. The data revealed that out of 43 miRNAs that only were checked in normoxic condition, the only 8 miRNAs, including miR-7-1, miR-let-7b, miR-130a, miR-137, miR-200b, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-874, were markedly upregulated. The expression levels of lncRNAs, including LEF1 antisense RNA 1 (LEF1-AS1), metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 470 (LINC00470), tumor suppressor candidate 7 (TUSC7), HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), and X inactive specific transcript (XIST), were markedly downregulated in the hypoxic microenvironment, and H19-imprinted maternally expressed transcript (H19) was not observed to be dysregulated in this environment. Under normoxic conditions, LEF1-AS1, MALAT1, LINC00470, H19, HOTAIR, NEAT1, and XIST were downregulated and TUSC7 was not targeted by HSV-G47∆. Overall, the present data shows HSVG47Δ treatment deregulates non-coding RNA expression in GBM-CSC tumor microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Vazifehmand
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43400, Malaysia
| | - Dhuha Saeed Ali
- Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia
| | - Zulkefley Othman
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43400, Malaysia
| | - De-Ming Chau
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43400, Malaysia
| | - Johnson Stanslas
- Pharmacotherapeutics Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia
| | - Mehdi Shafa
- Cell Therapy process development, Lonza Houston Inc, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43400, Malaysia.
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Kousar K, Ahmad T, Abduh MS, Kanwal B, Shah SS, Naseer F, Anjum S. miRNAs in Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment, Chemotherapy Resistance, Immunotherapy Modulation and miRNA Therapeutics in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213822. [PMID: 36430305 PMCID: PMC9699074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are 20-22 long nucleotide non-coding ribonucleic acid molecules critical to the modulation of molecular pathways. Immune evasion and the establishment of a suitable tumor microenvironment are two major contributors that support tumor invasion and metastasis. Tumorigenic miRNAs support these two hallmarks by desensitizing important tumor-sensitive regulatory cells such as dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, and T helper cells towards tumors while supporting infiltration and proliferation of immune cells like Treg cells, tumor-associated M2 macrophages that promote self-tolerance and chronic inflammation. miRNAs have a significant role in enhancing the efficacies of immunotherapy treatments like checkpoint blockade therapy, adoptive T cell therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy in cancer. A clear understanding of the role of miRNA can help scientists to formulate better-targeted treatment modalities. miRNA therapeutics have emerged as diverse class of nucleic acid-based molecules that can suppress oncogenic miRNAs and promote the expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kousain Kousar
- Industrial Biotechnology, Atta Ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (T.A.)
| | - Tahir Ahmad
- Industrial Biotechnology, Atta Ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (T.A.)
| | - Maisa S. Abduh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Balquees Kanwal
- Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta Ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Saba Shah
- Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta Ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Naseer
- Industrial Biotechnology, Atta Ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer e Millat University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Anjum
- Department of Biology, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Tang WW, Bauer KM, Barba C, Ekiz HA, O’Connell RM. miR-aculous new avenues for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:929677. [PMID: 36248881 PMCID: PMC9554277 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.929677] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising toll of cancer globally necessitates ingenuity in early detection and therapy. In the last decade, the utilization of immune signatures and immune-based therapies has made significant progress in the clinic; however, clinical standards leave many current and future patients without options. Non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs, have been explored in pre-clinical contexts with tremendous success. MicroRNAs play indispensable roles in programming the interactions between immune and cancer cells, many of which are current or potential immunotherapy targets. MicroRNAs mechanistically control a network of target genes that can alter immune and cancer cell biology. These insights provide us with opportunities and tools that may complement and improve immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss immune and cancer cell-derived miRNAs that regulate cancer immunity and examine miRNAs as an integral part of cancer diagnosis, classification, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W. Tang
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kaylyn M. Bauer
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Cindy Barba
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Huseyin Atakan Ekiz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ryan M. O’Connell
- Divison of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Hunstman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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6
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Naumenko VA, Stepanenko AA, Lipatova AV, Vishnevskiy DA, Chekhonin VP. Infection of non-cancer cells: A barrier or support for oncolytic virotherapy? MOLECULAR THERAPY - ONCOLYTICS 2022; 24:663-682. [PMID: 35284629 PMCID: PMC8898763 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are designed to specifically target cancer cells, sparing normal cells. Although numerous studies demonstrate the ability of oncolytic viruses to infect a wide range of non-tumor cells, the significance of this phenomenon for cancer virotherapy is poorly understood. To fill the gap, we summarize the data on infection of non-cancer targets by oncolytic viruses with a special focus on tumor microenvironment and secondary lymphoid tissues. The review aims to address two major questions: how do attenuated viruses manage to infect normal cells, and whether it is of importance for oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. Naumenko
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow 119034, Russia
- Corresponding author Victor A. Naumenko, PhD, V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow 119034, Russia.
| | - Aleksei A. Stepanenko
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow 119034, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, N.I Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Anastasiia V. Lipatova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Daniil A. Vishnevskiy
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow 119034, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Chekhonin
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow 119034, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, N.I Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
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Papasavva PL, Patsali P, Loucari CC, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Kleanthous M, Lederer CW. CRISPR Editing Enables Consequential Tag-Activated MicroRNA-Mediated Endogene Deactivation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1082. [PMID: 35163006 PMCID: PMC8834719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular therapies and functional studies greatly benefit from spatial and temporal precision of genetic intervention. We therefore conceived and explored tag-activated microRNA (miRNA)-mediated endogene deactivation (TAMED) as a research tool and potential lineage-specific therapy. For proof of principle, we aimed to deactivate γ-globin repressor BCL11A in erythroid cells by tagging the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of BCL11A with miRNA recognition sites (MRSs) for the abundant erythromiR miR-451a. To this end, we employed nucleofection of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles alongside double- or single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides for, respectively, non-homologous-end-joining (NHEJ)- or homology-directed-repair (HDR)-mediated MRS insertion. NHEJ-based tagging was imprecise and inefficient (≤6%) and uniformly produced knock-in- and indel-containing MRS tags, whereas HDR-based tagging was more efficient (≤18%), but toxic for longer donors encoding concatenated and thus potentially more efficient MRS tags. Isolation of clones for robust HEK293T cells tagged with a homozygous quadruple MRS resulted in 25% spontaneous reduction in BCL11A and up to 36% reduction after transfection with an miR-451a mimic. Isolation of clones for human umbilical cord blood-derived erythroid progenitor-2 (HUDEP-2) cells tagged with single or double MRS allowed detection of albeit weak γ-globin induction. Our study demonstrates suitability of TAMED for physiologically relevant modulation of gene expression and its unsuitability for therapeutic application in its current form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota L. Papasavva
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Petros Patsali
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Constantinos C. Loucari
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Research and Development Department, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8521, Japan;
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan;
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.L.P.); (P.P.); (C.C.L.); (M.K.)
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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Suryawanshi YR, Nace RA, Russell SJ, Schulze AJ. MicroRNA-detargeting proves more effective than leader gene deletion for improving safety of oncolytic Mengovirus in a nude mouse model. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:1-13. [PMID: 34589580 PMCID: PMC8455367 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A dual microRNA-detargeted oncolytic Mengovirus, vMC24NC, proved highly effective against a murine plasmacytoma in an immunocompetent syngeneic mouse model; however, there remains the concern of escape mutant development and the potential for toxicity in severely immunocompromised cancer patients when it is used as an oncolytic virus. Therefore, we sought to compare the safety and efficacy profiles of an attenuated Mengovirus containing a virulence gene deletion versus vMC24NC in an immunodeficient xenograft mouse model of human glioblastoma. A Mengovirus construct, vMC24ΔL, wherein the gene coding for the leader protein, a virulence factor, was deleted, was used for comparison. The vMC24ΔL induced significant levels of toxicity following treatment of subcutaneous human glioblastoma (U87-MG) xenografts as well as when injected intracranially in athymic nude mice, reducing the overall survival. The in vivo toxicity of vMC24ΔL was associated with viral replication in nervous and cardiac tissue. In contrast, microRNA-detargeted vMC24NC demonstrated excellent efficacy against U87-MG subcutaneous xenografts and improved overall survival significantly compared to that of control mice without toxicity. These results reinforce microRNA-detargeting as an effective strategy for ameliorating unwanted toxicities of oncolytic picornaviruses and substantiate vMC24NC as an ideal candidate for clinical development against certain cancers in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh R. Suryawanshi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 1 Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Nace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 1 Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Stephen J. Russell
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 1 Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Autumn J. Schulze
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 1 Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Functional and Clinical Significance of Dysregulated microRNAs in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215361. [PMID: 34771525 PMCID: PMC8582514 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer has a high mortality rate. Here, we retrospectively discuss the current progress and dilemmas in the clinical research and treatment of liver cancer. We primarily focus on microRNAs because of their extremely high value in applications and research. We discuss whether microRNAs can be used for the development of better biomarkers and/or therapeutic drugs, and address the difficulties, requirements for improved diagnostic technologies, and side effects related to microRNA-based drugs. Abstract Liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. This mainly reflects the lack of early diagnosis tools and effective treatment methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-transcribed RNAs, some of which play important regulatory roles in liver cancer. Here, we discuss microRNAs with key impacts on liver cancer, such as miR-122, miR-21, miR-214, and miR-199. These microRNAs participate in various physiological regulatory pathways of liver cancer cells, and their modulation can have non-negligible effects in the treatment of liver cancer. We discuss whether these microRNAs can be used for better clinical diagnosis and/or drug development. With the advent of novel technologies, fast, inexpensive, and non-invasive RNA-based biomarker research has become a new mainstream approach. However, the clinical application of microRNA-based markers has been limited by the high sequence similarity among them and the potential for off-target problems. Therefore, researchers particularly value microRNAs that are specific to or have special functions in liver cancer. These include miR-122, which is specifically expressed in the liver, and miR-34, which is necessary for the replication of the hepatitis C virus in liver cancer. Clinical treatment drugs have been developed based on miR-34 and miR-122 (MRX34 and Miravirsen, respectively), but their side effects have not yet been overcome. Future research is needed to address these weaknesses and establish a feasible microRNA-based treatment strategy for liver cancer.
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Cook J, Acosta-Medina AA, Peng KW, Lacy M, Russell S. Oncolytic virotherapy - Forging its place in the immunomodulatory paradigm for Multiple Myeloma. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2021; 29:100473. [PMID: 34673439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2021.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The treatment focus for multiple myeloma (MM) has recently pivoted towards immune modulating strategies, with T-cell redirection therapies currently at the forefront of drug development. Yet, despite this revolution in treatment, MM remains without a sustainable cure. At the same time, tremendous advancement has been made in recombinant and gene editing techniques for oncolytic viruses (OV), which have increased their tumor specificity, improved safety, and enhanced the oncolytic and immunostimulatory potential. These breakthrough developments in oncolytic virotherapy have opened new avenues for OVs to be used in combination with other immune-based therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) and bispecific T-cell engagers. In this review, the authors place the spotlight on systemic oncolytic virotherapy as an adaptable immunotherapeutic for MM, highlight the unique mechanism of OVs in activating the immune-suppressive marrow microenvironment, and lastly showcase the OV platforms and the promising combination strategies in the pipeline for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselle Cook
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States.
| | | | - Kah Whye Peng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN , United States
| | - Martha Lacy
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Stephen Russell
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States; Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN , United States
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Raimondi G, Gea-Sorlí S, Otero-Mateo M, Fillat C. Inhibition of miR-222 by Oncolytic Adenovirus-Encoded miRNA Sponges Promotes Viral Oncolysis and Elicits Antitumor Effects in Pancreatic Cancer Models. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3233. [PMID: 34203557 PMCID: PMC8267801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic adenoviruses (OA) are envisioned as a therapeutic option for patients with cancer, designed to preferentially replicate in cancer cells. However, the high number of genetic alterations in tumors can generate a context in which adenoviruses have difficulties replicating. Abnormal miRNAs expression is a trademark of pancreatic cancer, with several oncogenic miRNAs playing essential roles in cancer-associated pathways. The perturbed miRNome induces reprogramming of gene expression in host cells that can impact the complex interplay between cellular processes and viral replication. We have studied the effects of overexpressed miRNAs on oncolytic adenoviral activity and identified miRNAs modulators of adenoviral oncolysis in pancreatic cancer cells. Inhibition of the highly upregulated miR-222 sensitized cancer cells to oncolysis. To provide a therapeutic application to this insight, we engineered the oncolytic adenovirus AdNuPARmE1A with miR-222 binding sites, working as sponges to withdraw the miRNA from the cellular environment. AdNuPAR-E-miR222-S mediated-decrease of miR-222 expression in pancreatic cancer cells strongly improved the viral yield and enhanced the adenoviral cytotoxic effects. Antitumoral studies confirmed a high activity for AdNuPARmE1A-miR222-S in vivo, controlling tumor progression more effectively than the scrambled control virus in xenografts. We demonstrated that the increased antitumor potency of the novel oncolytic virus resulted from the combinatory effects of miR-222 oncomiR inhibition and the restoration of miR-222 target genes activity enhancing viral fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Raimondi
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.R.); (S.G.-S.); (M.O.-M.)
| | - Sabrina Gea-Sorlí
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.R.); (S.G.-S.); (M.O.-M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Otero-Mateo
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.R.); (S.G.-S.); (M.O.-M.)
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.R.); (S.G.-S.); (M.O.-M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Development of Group B Coxsackievirus as an Oncolytic Virus: Opportunities and Challenges. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061082. [PMID: 34198859 PMCID: PMC8227215 DOI: 10.3390/v13061082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses have emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy due to their dual ability to selectively infect and lyse tumor cells and to induce systemic anti-tumor immunity. Among various candidate viruses, coxsackievirus group B (CVBs) have attracted increasing attention in recent years. CVBs are a group of small, non-enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses, belonging to species human Enterovirus B in the genus Enterovirus of the family Picornaviridae. Preclinical studies have demonstrated potent anti-tumor activities for CVBs, particularly type 3, against multiple cancer types, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancer. Various approaches have been proposed or applied to enhance the safety and specificity of CVBs towards tumor cells and to further increase their anti-tumor efficacy. This review summarizes current knowledge and strategies for developing CVBs as oncolytic viruses for cancer virotherapy. The challenges arising from these studies and future prospects are also discussed in this review.
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13
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Yang C, Hua N, Xie S, Wu Y, Zhu L, Wang S, Tong X. Oncolytic viruses as a promising therapeutic strategy for hematological malignancies. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111573. [PMID: 33894623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma has increased over time. Although bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy have led to significant improvements in efficacy, poor prognosis in elderly patients, recurrence and high mortality among hematological malignancies remain major challenges, and innovative therapeutic strategies should be explored. Besides directly lyse tumor cells, oncolytic viruses can activate immune responses or be engineered to express therapeutic factors to increase antitumor efficacy, and have gradually been recognized as an appealing approach for fighting cancers. An increasing number of studies have applied oncolytic viruses in hematological malignancies and made progress. In particular, strategies combining immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy are emerging. Various phase I clinical trials of oncolytic reovirus with lenalidomide or programmed death 1(PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple myeloma are ongoing. Moreover, preclinical studies of combinations with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells are underway. Thus, oncolytic virotherapy is expected to be a promising approach to cure hematological malignancies. This review summarizes progress in oncolytic virus research in hematological malignancies. After briefly reviewing the development and oncolytic mechanism of oncolytic viruses, we focus on delivery methods of oncolytic viruses, especially systemic delivery that is suitable for hematological tumors. We then discuss the main types of oncolytic viruses applied for hematological malignancies and related clinical trials. In addition, we present several ways to improve the antitumor efficacy of oncolytic viruses. Finally, we discuss current challenges and provide suggestions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Molecular diagnosis laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Nanni Hua
- Molecular diagnosis laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Shufang Xie
- Molecular diagnosis laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Yi Wu
- Phase I clinical research center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital,Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Lifeng Zhu
- Molecular diagnosis laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Shibing Wang
- Molecular diagnosis laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital ,Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, PR China.
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Molecular diagnosis laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital ,Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, PR China.
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14
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Hazini A, Dieringer B, Pryshliak M, Knoch KP, Heimann L, Tolksdorf B, Pappritz K, El-Shafeey M, Solimena M, Beling A, Kurreck J, Klingel K, Fechner H. miR-375- and miR-1-Regulated Coxsackievirus B3 Has No Pancreas and Heart Toxicity But Strong Antitumor Efficiency in Colorectal Carcinomas. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:216-230. [PMID: 33481658 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) has strong oncolytic activity in colorectal carcinoma but it also infects the pancreas and the heart. To improve the safety of the virus, here we investigated whether pancreas and cardiac toxicity can be prevented by insertion of target sites (TS), which are complementary to miR-375 and miR-1 into the viral genome. Although miR-375 and miR-1 are abundantly expressed in the pancreas and in the heart, respectively, their expression levels are low in colorectal carcinomas, which allows the carcinomas to be selectively attacked. To investigate the importance of the microRNAs, two viruses were engineered, H3N-375TS containing only miR-375TS and H3N-375/1TS containing miR-375TS and miR-1TS. In vitro, both viruses replicated in and lysed colorectal carcinoma cells, similar to a nontargeted control virus H3N-39TS, whereas they were strongly attenuated in cell lines transiently or endogenously expressing the corresponding microRNAs. In vivo, the control virus H3N-39TS induced strong infection of the pancreas and the heart, which led to fatal disease within 4 days after a single intratumoral virus injection in mice xenografted with colorectal DLD-1 cell tumors. In contrast, three intratumoral injections of H3N-375TS or H3N-375/1TS failed to induce virus-induced sickness. In the animals, both viruses were completely ablated from the pancreas and H3N-375/1TS was also ablated from the heart, whereas the cardiac titers of H3N-375TS were strongly reduced. Long-term investigations of the DLD-1 tumor model confirmed lack of virus-induced adverse effects in H3N-375TS- and H3N-375/1TS-treated mice. There was no mortality, and the pancreas and the heart were free of pathological alterations. Regarding the therapeutic efficiency, the treated animals showed high and long-lasting H3N-375TS and H3N-375/1TS persistence in the tumor and significantly slower tumor growth. These data demonstrate that miR-375- and miR-1-mediated virus detargeting from the pancreas and heart is a highly effective strategy to prevent toxicity of oncolytic CVB3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Babette Dieringer
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markian Pryshliak
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Knoch
- Molecular Diabetology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Faculty of Medicine of the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lisanne Heimann
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beatrice Tolksdorf
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathleen Pappritz
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies & Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Muhammad El-Shafeey
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies & Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Medical Biotechnology Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Michele Solimena
- Molecular Diabetology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Faculty of Medicine of the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Antje Beling
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Klingel
- Cardiopathology, Institute for Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Henry Fechner
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Ylösmäki L, Polini B, Carpi S, Martins B, Smertina E, Feola S, Fusciello M, Peltonen K, Nieri P, Ylösmäki E, Cerullo V. Harnessing therapeutic viruses as a delivery vehicle for RNA-based therapy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224072. [PMID: 31644552 PMCID: PMC6808555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics have become attractive alternatives to DNA-based therapeutics due to recent advances in manufacture, scalability and cost. Also, RNA-based therapeutics are considered safe since there are no risk of inducing genomic changes as well as the potential adverse effects would be only temporary due to the transient nature of RNA-based therapeutics. However, efficient in vivo delivery of RNA-based therapeutics remains a challenge. We have developed a delivery platform for RNA-based therapeutics by exploiting the physicochemical properties of enveloped viruses. By physically attaching cationic liposome/RNA complexes onto the viral envelope of vaccinia virus, we were able to deliver mRNA, self-replicating RNA as well as miRNA inside target cells. Also, we showed that this platform, called viRNA platform, can efficiently deliver functional miRNA mimics into B16.OVA tumour in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Ylösmäki
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Beatrice Polini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Carpi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatriz Martins
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elena Smertina
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Feola
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manlio Fusciello
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karita Peltonen
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paola Nieri
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erkko Ylösmäki
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail: (EY); (VC)
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail: (EY); (VC)
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16
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Pena SA, Iyengar R, Eshraghi RS, Bencie N, Mittal J, Aljohani A, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Gene therapy for neurological disorders: challenges and recent advancements. J Drug Target 2019; 28:111-128. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1630415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A. Pena
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Iyengar
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Bencie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Aljohani
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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17
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Hussein HAM, Alfhili MA, Pakala P, Simon S, Hussain J, McCubrey JA, Akula SM. miRNAs and their roles in KSHV pathogenesis. Virus Res 2019; 266:15-24. [PMID: 30951791 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman Disease (MCD). Recent mechanistic advances have discerned the importance of microRNAs in the virus-host relationship. KSHV has two modes of replication: lytic and latent phase. KSHV entry into permissive cells, establishment of infection, and maintenance of latency are contingent upon successful modulation of the host miRNA transcriptome. Apart from host cell miRNAs, KSHV also encodes viral miRNAs. Among various cellular and molecular targets, miRNAs are appearing to be key players in regulating viral pathogenesis. Therefore, the use of miRNAs as novel therapeutics has gained considerable attention as of late. This innovative approach relies on either mimicking miRNA species by identical oligonucleotides, or selective silencing of miRNA with specific oligonucleotide inhibitors. Here, we provide an overview of KSHV pathogenesis at the molecular level with special emphasis on the various roles miRNAs play during virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosni A M Hussein
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States; Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohammad A Alfhili
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology/Oncology), Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pranaya Pakala
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Sandra Simon
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Jaffer Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, United States.
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18
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Rovira-Rigau M, Raimondi G, Marín MÁ, Gironella M, Alemany R, Fillat C. Bioselection Reveals miR-99b and miR-485 as Enhancers of Adenoviral Oncolysis in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Ther 2018; 27:230-243. [PMID: 30341009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are designed for cancer treatment. Cell-virus interactions are key determinants for successful viral replication. Therefore, the extensive reprogramming of gene expression that occurs in tumor cells might create a hurdle for viral propagation. We used a replication-based approach of a microRNA (miRNA) adenoviral library encoding up to 243 human miRNAs as a bioselection strategy to identify miRNAs that facilitate adenoviral oncolytic activity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We identify two miRNAs, miR-99b and miR-485, that function as enhancers of adenoviral oncolysis by improving the intra- and extracellular yield of mature virions. An increased adenoviral activity is the consequence of enhanced E1A and late viral protein expression, which is probably mediated by the downregulation of the transcriptional repressors ELF4, MDM2, and KLF8, which we identify as miR-99b or miR-485 target genes. Arming the oncolytic adenovirus ICOVIR15 with miR-99b or miR-485 enhances its fitness and its antitumoral activity. Our results demonstrate the potential of this strategy to improve oncolytic adenovirus potency, and they highlight miR-99b and miR-485 as sensitizers of adenoviral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rovira-Rigau
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giulia Raimondi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Marín
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Gironella
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Gastrointestinal & Pancreatic Oncology Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Alemany
- Institut Català d'Oncologia-IDIBELL, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Dhungel B, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Steel JC. MicroRNA-Regulated Gene Delivery Systems for Research and Therapeutic Purposes. Molecules 2018; 23:E1500. [PMID: 29933586 PMCID: PMC6099389 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted gene delivery relies on the ability to limit the expression of a transgene within a defined cell/tissue population. MicroRNAs represent a class of highly powerful and effective regulators of gene expression that act by binding to a specific sequence present in the corresponding messenger RNA. Involved in almost every aspect of cellular function, many miRNAs have been discovered with expression patterns specific to developmental stage, lineage, cell-type, or disease stage. Exploiting the binding sites of these miRNAs allows for construction of targeted gene delivery platforms with a diverse range of applications. Here, we summarize studies that have utilized miRNA-regulated systems to achieve targeted gene delivery for both research and therapeutic purposes. Additionally, we identify criteria that are important for the effectiveness of a particular miRNA for such applications and we also discuss factors that have to be taken into consideration when designing miRNA-regulated expression cassettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijay Dhungel
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, 102 Newdegate Street, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
- Layton Vision Foundation, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Jason C Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
- OcuGene, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
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20
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Chen SF, Liu Z, Chaurasiya S, Dellinger TH, Lu J, Wu X, Qin H, Wang J, Fong Y, Yuan YC. Identification of core aberrantly expressed microRNAs in serous ovarian carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20451-20466. [PMID: 29755664 PMCID: PMC5945511 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently demonstrated great potential and enormous promise in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of various types of cancer. In this study, we performed a comprehensive miRNA expression analysis in the omental metastasis of serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) using small RNA sequencing. Two hundred and fifty-one aberrantly expressed miRNAs were identified, which clearly separated malignant omentum from normal omentum. Furthermore, miRNA profiles in primary chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant/refractory SOC were determined using publicly available data. Comparing miRNA expression profiles in omental metastases and primary chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant/refractory tumors, a set of 70 miRNAs that were aberrantly expressed in both primary and metastatic SOC has been identified for the first time. These core aberrantly expressed miRNAs may play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis, growth, and metastasis of SOC. Therefore, they can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers and as therapeutic targets for miRNA-mediated therapy. Kaplan-Meier overall survival analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas data demonstrated that 10 miRNAs (hsa-miR-135, 150, -340, 625, 1908, 3187, -96, -196b, -449c, and -1275) were associated with survival of patients with SOC, which may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Chen
- Bioinformatics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Zheng Liu
- Bioinformatics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Shyambabu Chaurasiya
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Thanh H. Dellinger
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Jianming Lu
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Hanjun Qin
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Yuman Fong
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Bioinformatics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
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Weß L, Schnieders F. Immuno-Oncology-The Translational Runway for Gene Therapy: Gene Therapeutics to Address Multiple Immune Targets. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:1130-1137. [PMID: 29061083 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy is once again experiencing a paradigm shift. This shift is based on extensive clinical experience demonstrating that cancer cannot be successfully fought by addressing only single targets or pathways. Even the combination of several neo-antigens in cancer vaccines is not sufficient for successful, lasting tumor eradication. The focus has therefore shifted to the immune system's role in cancer and the striking abilities of cancer cells to manipulate and/or deactivate the immune system. Researchers and pharma companies have started to target the processes and cells known to support immune surveillance and the elimination of tumor cells. Immune processes, however, require novel concepts beyond the traditional "single-target-single drug" paradigm and need parallel targeting of diverse cells and mechanisms. This review gives a perspective on the role of gene therapy technologies in the evolving immuno-oncology space and identifies gene therapy as a major driver in the development and regulation of effective cancer immunotherapy. Present challenges and breakthroughs ranging from chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, gene-modified oncolytic viruses, combination cancer vaccines, to RNA therapeutics are spotlighted. Gene therapy is recognized as the most prominent technology enabling effective immuno-oncology strategies.
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