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van der Meulen K, Smets G, Rüdelsheim P. Viral Replicon Systems and Their Biosafety Aspects. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2023; 28:102-122. [PMID: 37342518 PMCID: PMC10278005 DOI: 10.1089/apb.2022.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Viral RNA replicons are self-amplifying RNA molecules generated by deleting genetic information of one or multiple structural proteins of wild-type viruses. Remaining viral RNA is used as such (naked replicon) or packaged into a viral replicon particle (VRP), whereby missing genes or proteins are supplied via production cells. Since replicons mostly originate from pathogenic wild-type viruses, careful risk consideration is crucial. Methods A literature review was performed compiling information on potential biosafety risks of replicons originating from positive- and negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses (except retroviruses). Results For naked replicons, risk considerations included genome integration, persistence in host cells, generation of virus-like vesicles, and off-target effects. For VRP, the main risk consideration was formation of primary replication competent virus (RCV) as a result of recombination or complementation. To limit the risks, mostly measures aiming at reducing the likelihood of RCV formation have been described. Also, modifying viral proteins in such a way that they do not exhibit hazardous characteristics in the unlikely event of RCV formation has been reported. Discussion and Conclusion Despite multiple approaches developed to reduce the likelihood of RCV formation, scientific uncertainty remains on the actual contribution of the measures and on limitations to test their effectiveness. In contrast, even though effectiveness of each individual measure is unclear, using multiple measures on different aspects of the system may create a solid barrier. Risk considerations identified in the current study can also be used to support risk group assignment of replicon constructs based on a purely synthetic design.
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Kallert SM, Darbre S, Bonilla WV, Kreutzfeldt M, Page N, Müller P, Kreuzaler M, Lu M, Favre S, Kreppel F, Löhning M, Luther SA, Zippelius A, Merkler D, Pinschewer DD. Replicating viral vector platform exploits alarmin signals for potent CD8 + T cell-mediated tumour immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15327. [PMID: 28548102 PMCID: PMC5458557 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections lead to alarmin release and elicit potent cytotoxic effector T lymphocyte (CTLeff) responses. Conversely, the induction of protective tumour-specific CTLeff and their recruitment into the tumour remain challenging tasks. Here we show that lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can be engineered to serve as a replication competent, stably-attenuated immunotherapy vector (artLCMV). artLCMV delivers tumour-associated antigens to dendritic cells for efficient CTL priming. Unlike replication-deficient vectors, artLCMV targets also lymphoid tissue stroma cells expressing the alarmin interleukin-33. By triggering interleukin-33 signals, artLCMV elicits CTLeff responses of higher magnitude and functionality than those induced by replication-deficient vectors. Superior anti-tumour efficacy of artLCMV immunotherapy depends on interleukin-33 signalling, and a massive CTLeff influx triggers an
inflammatory conversion of the tumour microenvironment. Our observations suggest that replicating viral delivery systems can release alarmins for improved anti-tumour efficacy. These mechanistic insights may outweigh safety concerns around replicating viral vectors in cancer immunotherapy. Viruses trigger potent cytotoxic T cell responses, whereas anti-tumour immunity has been difficult to establish. Here the authors engineer a replicating viral delivery system for tumour-associated antigens, which induces alarmin release, innate activation and protective anti-tumour immunity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Kallert
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, 4009 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Darbre
- Departement de Pathologie et Immunologie, Centre Médical Universitaire, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Weldy V Bonilla
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, 4009 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mario Kreutzfeldt
- Departement de Pathologie et Immunologie, Centre Médical Universitaire, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Médical Universitaire, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Page
- Departement de Pathologie et Immunologie, Centre Médical Universitaire, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Müller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstr. 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Kreuzaler
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstr. 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Min Lu
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, 4009 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Favre
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Immunity and Infection Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 144, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Florian Kreppel
- Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H), Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Max Löhning
- Experimental Immunology and Osteoarthritis Research, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Pitzer Laboratory of Osteoarthritis Research, German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sanjiv A Luther
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Immunity and Infection Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 144, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstr. 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Hebelstr. 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Doron Merkler
- Departement de Pathologie et Immunologie, Centre Médical Universitaire, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Pathology, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Médical Universitaire, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel D Pinschewer
- Division of Experimental Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, 4009 Basel, Switzerland
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