Oncolytic virus therapy of multiple tumors in the brain requires suppression of innate and elicited antiviral responses.

The occurrence of multiple tumors in an organ heralds a rapidly fatal course. Although intravascular administration may deliver oncolytic viruses/vectors to each of these tumors, its efficiency is impeded by an antiviral activity present in complement-depleted plasma of rodents and humans. Here, this activity was shown to interact with complement in a calcium-dependent fashion, and antibody neutralization studies indicated preimmune IgM has a contributing role. Short-term exposure to cyclophosphamide (CPA) partially suppressed this activity in rodents and humans. At longer time points, cyclophosphamide also abrogated neutralizing antibody responses. Cyclophosphamide treatment of rats with large single or multiple intracerebral tumors substantially increased viral survival and propagation, leading to neoplastic regression.     

Therapeutic implications of the enhanced short and long-term cytotoxicity of radiation treatment followed by oncolytic parvovirus H-1 infection in high-grade glioma cells

The prognosis of malignant brain tumors remains extremely bad in spite of moderate improvements of conventional treatments. A promising alternative approach is the use of oncolytic viruses. Strategies to improve viral toxicity include the combination of oncolytic viruses with standard therapies. Parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) is an oncolytic virus with proven toxicity in glioma cells. Recently it has been demonstrated that the combination of ionizing radiation (IR) with H-1PV showed promising results. Previously irradiated glioma cells remained fully permissive for H-1PV induced cytotoxicity supporting the use of H-1PV for recurrent gliomas, which typically arise from irradiated cell clones. When glioma cells were infected with H-1PV shortly (24 h) after IR, cell killing improved and only the combination of both treatments lead to complete long-term tumor cell killing. The latter finding raises the question whether IR in combination with H-1PV exerts an additional therapeutic effect on highly resistant glioma stem cells. A likely translation into current clinical treatment protocols is to use stereotactic radiation of non-resectable recurrent gliomas followed by intratumoral injection of H-1PV to harvest the synergistic effects of combination treatment.     

Induction of strong antitumor immunity by an HSV-2-based oncolytic virus in a murine mammary tumor model

Oncolytic viruses have shown considerable promise for the treatment of solid tumors. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a novel oncolytic virus (FusOn‐H2), constructed by replacing the serine/threonine protein kinase (PK) domain of the ICP10 gene of type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV‐2) with the gene encoding the green fluorescent protein, can selectively replicate in and thus lyse tumor cells. 4T1 tumor cells are weakly immunogenic and the mammary tumors derived from them aggressively metastasize to different parts of body, thus providing an attractive model for evaluating anticancer agents. We thus tested the antitumor effect of FusOn‐H2 in this tumor model, in comparisons with several other oncolytic HSVs derived from HSV‐1, including a nonfusogenic HSV‐1 (Baco‐1) and a doubly fusogenic virus (Synco‐2D). Our results show that FusOn‐H2 and Synco‐2D have greater oncolytic activity in vitro than Baco‐1. Moreover, FusOn‐H2 induced strong T cell responses against primary and metastatic mammary tumors in vivo, and splenocytes adoptively transferred from FusOn‐H2‐treated mice effectively prevented metastasis in naïve mice bearing implanted mammary tumors. We conclude that the HSV‐2‐based FusOn‐H2 oncolytic virus may be an effective agent for the treatment of both primary and metastatic breast cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gene therapy for mice sarcoma with oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 lacking the apoptosis-inhibiting gene,icp34.5

A mutant herpes simplex virus 1, mtHSV, was constructed by inserting the E. coli beta-galactosidase gene into the loci of icp34.5, the apoptosis-inhibiting gene of HSV. The mtHSV replicated in and lysed U251 (human glioma cells), EJ (human bladder cells), and S-180 (mice sarcoma cells), but not Wish (human amnion cells) cells. With its intact tk (thymidine kinase) gene, mtHSV exhibited susceptibility to acyclovir (ACV), which provided an approach to control viral replication. An in vivo test with mtHSV was conducted in immune-competent mice bearing sarcoma S-180 tumors, which were treated with a single intratumoral injection of mtHSV or PBS. Tumor dimensions then were measured at serial time points, and the tumor volumes were calculated. Sarcoma growth was significantly inhibited with prolonged time and reduced tumor volume. There was microscopic evidence of necrosis of tumors in treated mice, whereas no damage was found in other organs. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that virus replication was exclusively confined to the treated tumor cells. HSV-1 DNA was detected in tumors, but not in the other organs by a polymerase chain reaction analysis. From these experiments, we concluded that mtHSV should be a safe and promising oncolytic agent for cancer treatment.     

In vivo detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase in rodent gliomas

Increased iNOS expression is often found in brain tumors, such as gliomas. The goal of this study was to develop and assess a novel molecular MRI (mMRI) probe for in vivo detection of iNOS in rodent models for gliomas (intracerebral implantation of rat C6 or RG2 cells or ethyl nitrosourea-induced glioma). The probe we used incorporated a Gd-DTPA (gadolinium(III) complex of diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetate) backbone with albumin and biotin moieties and covalent binding of an anti-iNOS antibody (Ab) to albumin (anti-iNOS probe). We used mMRI with the anti-iNOS probe to detect in vivo iNOS levels in gliomas. Nonimmune normal rat IgG coupled to albumin–Gd-DTPA–biotin was used as a control nonspecific contrast agent. By targeting the biotin component of the anti-iNOS probe with streptavidin Cy3, fluorescence imaging confirmed the specificity of the probe for iNOS in glioma tissue. iNOS levels in glioma tumors were also confirmed via Western blots and immunohistochemistry. The presence of plasma membrane-associated iNOS in glioma cells was established by transmission electron microscopy and gold-labeled anti-iNOS Ab. The more aggressive RG2 glioma was not found to have higher levels of iNOS compared to C6. Differences in glioma vascularization and blood–brain barrier permeability between the C6 and the RG2 gliomas are discussed. In vivo assessment of iNOS levels associated with tumor development is quite feasible in heterogeneous tissues with mMRI.     

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and natural killer cytotoxicity of peritoneal cells from nude mice to herpes simplex virus-infected cells

Nude BALB/c mice (athymic) were more susceptible to fatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) than normal BALB/c mice (P = 0.002). The peritoneal cells of nude mice mediated levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of equal or greater magnitude than cells from normal BALB/c, heterozygote nu/+, or C57BL/6 mice. Unstimulated natural killer cytotoxicity of peritoneal cells from nude mice was higher (P less than 0.05) than that mediated by cells from C57BL/6 mice. Nude mice failed to make anti-HSV ADCC antibody 6 to 14 days post HSV inoculation, at times when nu/+, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 mice produced antibody. Passive reconstitution of nude mice with high titer intraperitoneal anti-HSV immune globulin provided circulating anti-HSV ADCC antibody and significant protection against lethal HSV infection.     

Experimental study on the treatment of intracerebral glioma xenograft with human cytokine-induced killer cells

Objective. To investigate the phenotype changes and proliferation activities of cytokine-induced killer cells (CIKs) and lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAKs) from healthy donor, and the cytotoxicities of CIKs and LAKs to human in vitro glioma cell lines U251 and U87. Therapy of CIK intratumoral injection was evaluated in nude mouse models. Methods. CIK cells were induced from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy donors with multiple cytokines. Phenotype analysis of CIKs and LAKs was performed with flow cytometer (FCM). The specific cytotoxicities of CIKs and LAKs against cell line U251 and U87 were determined by LDH method. After intracerebral injection of CIKs, the distribution of CIKs and the inflammatory reaction of their surrounding brain tissue were observed through continuous pathological sections. In vivo anti-tumor activity of CIKs was evaluated in athymic nude mice with intracerebral xenotransplanted U251 glioma by MRI. Results. Amount of CIKs was increased (49.83+/-2.04) times and double positive cells, CD3(+)/CD56(+) cells, were increased from (3.36+/-1.85%) to (44.07+/-14.14%) with elevated absolute amount over 1000 times after 2 week culture. In vitro experiments demonstrated that compared with LAK, CIKs possessed more obvious cytotoxic activity to U251 and U87. In vivo experiments showed that there was no severe inflammatory reaction in brain tissue. CIKs can markedly inhibit intracranial xenotransplanted glioma growth by intracranial injection (P<0.01). Conclusion. CIKs are a kind of highly effective immune cells which have a strong suppressive effect on growth for in vitro and in vivo glioma. Local injection of CIKs does not produce severe damage to normal brain tissue and is likely to be used in clinical adoptive immunotherapy of intracerebral glioma.     

A role for glutamate in growth and invasion of primary brain tumors

The vast majority of primary brain tumors derive from glial cells and are collectively called gliomas. While, they share some genetic mutations with other cancers, they do present with a unique biology and have developed adaptations to meet specific biological needs. Notably, glioma growth is physically restricted by the skull, and, unless normal brain cells are destroyed, tumors cannot expand. To overcome this challenge, glioma cells release glutamate which causes excitotoxic death to surrounding neurons, thereby vacating room for tumor expansion. The released glutamate also explains peritumoral seizures which are a common symptom early in the disease. Glutamate release occurs via system X^c, a cystine–glutamate exchanger that releases glutamate in exchange for cystine being imported for the synthesis of the cellular antioxidant GSH. It protects tumor cells from endogenously produced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species but also endows tumors with an enhanced resistance to radiation- and chemotherapy. Pre-clinical data demonstrates that pharmacological inhibition of system X^c causes GSH depletion which slows tumor growth and curtails tumor invasion in vivo . An Food and Drug Administration approved drug candidate is currently being introduced into clinical trials for the treatment of malignant glioma.     

溶瘤单纯疱疹病毒治疗技术及其进展

溶瘤病毒治疗是当前肿瘤治疗技术的研究热点,溶瘤单纯疱疹病毒是目前研究最多的,也是抗肿瘤作用最好的溶瘤病毒之一,本文就主要介绍溶瘤单纯疱疹病毒的优势、遗传操作、发展策略、研究进展及靶向性策略等。     

Effect of Repeat Dosing of Engineered Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus on Preclinical Models of Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a tumor of skeletal muscle origin, is the most common sarcoma of childhood. Despite multidrug chemotherapy regimens, surgical intervention, and radiation treatment, outcomes remain poor, especially in advanced disease, and novel therapies are needed for the treatment of these aggressive malignancies. Genetically engineered oncolytic viruses, such as herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV), are currently being explored as treatments for pediatric tumors. M002, an oncolytic HSV, has both copies of the γ₁34.5 gene deleted, enabling replication in tumor cells but thwarting infection of normal, postmitotic cells. We hypothesized that M002 would infect human RMS tumor cells and lead to decreased tumor cell survival in vitro and impede tumor growth in vivo. In the current study, we demonstrated that M002 could infect, replicate in, and decrease cell survival in both embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) cells. Additionally, M002 reduced xenograft tumor growth and increased animal survival in both ARMS and ERMS. Most importantly, we showed for the first time that repeated dosing of oncolytic virus coupled with low-dose radiation provided improved tumor response in RMS. These findings provide support for the clinical investigation of oncolytic HSV in pediatric RMS.     

Biochemical and Autoradiographical Determination of Protein Synthesis in Experimental Brain Tumors of Rats

The rate of leucine incorporation into brain proteins was studied in rats with experimental brain tumors produced by intracerebral transplantation of the glioma clone F98. Incorporation was measured with [14C]leucine using a controlled infusion technique for maintaining constant specific activity of [14C]leucine in plasma, followed by quantitative autoradiography and biochemical tissue analysis. After 45 min the specific activity of free [14C]leucine in plasma was 2.5-3 times higher than in brain and brain tumor, indicating that the precursor pool for protein synthesis was fueled both by exogenous (plasma-derived) and endogenous (proteolysis-derived) amino acids. Endogenous recycling of amino acids amounted to 73% of total free leucine pool in brain tumors and to 60-70% in normal brain. Taking endogenous amino acid recycling into account, leucine incorporation was 78.7 +/- 16.0 nmol/g of tissue/min in brain tumor, and 17.2 +/- 4.2 and 9.7 +/- 3.3 nmol/g/min in normal frontal cortex and striatum, respectively. Leucine incorporation within tumor tissue was markedly heterogeneous, depending on the local pattern of tumor proliferation and necrosis. Our results demonstrate that quantitative measurement of leucine incorporation into brain proteins requires estimation of recycling of amino acids derived from proteolysis and, in consequence, biochemical determination of the free amino acid precursor pool in tissue samples. With the present approach such measurements are possible and provide the quantitative basis for the evaluation of therapeutic interventions.     

Preparation of Membrane Fraction from Herpes Simplex Virus-Infected Cells which Induce Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

The immunogenic capacity of herpes simplex virs (HSV)-infected cells and their subcellular membrane fractions was investigated by assessing the anti-HSV cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response in cultures of spleen lymphocytes from HSV-primed BALB/c mice. Methylchloranthrane-induced fibrosarcoma (Meth A) cells infected with HSV (HSV-Meth A) were fixed either with glutaraldehyde or by heating at 56 C to preserve their immunogenic competence and then used as a stimulator. Microsomes and plasma membranes were prepared from HSV-Meth A and their immunogenic activities were determined. Though the recovery of stimulatory activity in the plasma membrane fraction was half of that in the microsome fraction, the activity in the former was much more stable than in the latter and the plasma membrane fraction proved to be well qualified as an immunogen for anti-HSV CTL induction. Upon purification, the specific activity of the membrane fraction, on the basis of protein concentration, increased 43-fold.     

Destabilization of target-sensitive immunoliposomes by antigen binding--a rapid assay for virus

Interactions of antibody stabilized phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) immunoliposomes with Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) and virus infected cells were studied by detecting the immune-dependent lysis of liposomes. Employing PE immunoliposomes bearing anti-HSV glycoprotein D (gD) IgG, immune-specificity of these liposomes were documented by the sole ability of HSV and the HSV-infected L cells to induce immunoliposome lysis. In addition, inhibition of PE immunoliposome lysis by free anti-gD IgG, but not anti-HSV glycoprotein B IgG, indicated the target antigen specificity of these immunoliposomes. Based on these observations, alkaline phosphate encapsulated PE liposomes were used to directly detect HSV in fluid phase. This immunoliposome assay which does not require washing was shown to be very rapid and sensitive: 35pfu of HSV-1 in 5ul could be detected within 1.5hr.     

Herpes simplex virus-infected human fibroblasts are resistant to and inhibit cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity.

We examined the ability of human anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to lyse autologous human fibroblasts infected with HSV. In contrast to HSV-infected human Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells (LCL), which were lysed by HLA-restricted anti-HSV CTL, autologous fibroblasts infected with HSV were resistant to lysis. This resistance was not due to a lack of infectivity or production of HSV proteins since greater than 90% of the cells were infected and expressed abundant levels of viral proteins. HSV-infected human fibroblasts were also tested for susceptibility to lysis by alloantigen-specific CTL. Although allogeneic LCL and uninfected allogeneic fibroblasts were killed, human fibroblasts infected with HSV demonstrated a time-dependent resistance to lysis by alloantigen-specific CTL. HSV-infected human fibroblasts were not resistant to all forms of cell-mediated cytotoxicity since they were sensitive to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Although one may suspect that the resistance of HSV-infected human fibroblasts to anti-HSV CTL and alloantigen-specific CTL-mediated lysis was due to a lack of major histocompatibility complex expression, Confer et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:3609-3613, 1990) previously demonstrated that incubation of human natural killer and lymphokine-activated killer cells with monolayers of human fibroblasts infected with HSV "disarmed" the killers in that they were unable to lyse sensitive target cells. We extend their results and show that incubation of anti-HSV CTL or alloantigen-specific CTL with uninfected fibroblasts did not affect their lytic activity, whereas CTL incubated with HSV-infected fibroblasts for 2 to 6 h rendered the CTL incapable of lysing their normally sensitive target cells. Indeed, human fibroblasts infected for merely 2 h with HSV were able to profoundly inhibit the cytotoxic activity of alloantigen-specific CTL. Thus, HSV-infected human fibroblasts are not inherently resistant to lysis by anti-HSV CTL or alloantigen-specific CTL, but rather contact of CTL with HSV-infected fibroblasts resulted in inactivation of the CTL. The inactivation of CTL appears to be HSV specific since incubation of alloantigen-specific CTL in sandwich assays with fibroblasts infected with HSV type 1 (HSV-1) or HSV-2 resulted in inactivation, whereas incubation of CTL with fibroblasts infected with adenovirus or vaccinia virus had no effect. Further, although incubation of alloantigen-specific CTL in sandwich assays with HSV-infected fibroblasts resulted in inhibition of CTL activity, exposure of CTL in Transwell cultures to cell-free supernatant from HSV-infected fibroblasts did not mediate this inhibitory effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of human small cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H69) growth by a somatostatin analogue

An endocrinologically-potent octapeptide analogue of somatostatin (SRIF), 3-(2-naphthyl)-D-Ala-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2 (BIM-23014 C), was examined for its ability to inhibit the in vitro and in vivo growth of the human small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) line, NCI-H69. When cultured cells were implanted into athymic nude mice, treatment (500 micrograms/injection, twice daily) resulted in a prolongation of lag time for the appearance of measurable tumors, and there was a marked inhibition of the growth rate. Indeed, peptide injection in the region of the tumor resulted in a complete regression of the NCI-H69 tumors. Withdrawal of BIM-23014 C treatment resulted in an acceleration of tumor growth indicating an antiproliferative rather the oncolytic action. A similar inhibition of tumor growth was also observed when solid tumors obtained from the first implantation were used as the donor tissues. In cell culture, the proliferation in the presence of a low concentration (10nM) of BIM-23104 C was also significantly retarded suggesting a direct mechanism of action.     

Scanning electron microscopy of cloned astrocytic lines derived from ethylnitrosourea-induced rat gliomas

Six cloned astrocytoma cell lines derived from four ethylnitrosourea-induced F-344 rat gliomas were viewed by scanning electron microscopy in vitro, and two were examined in vivo after transplantation to the intracerebral site. All clones consisted of stellate cells that were reasonably homogeneous within individual glioma lines. Cell membrane features common to all tumor lines included microvilli, blebs, ruffles, and miniridges, mainly confined to perikarya, and filopodia emanating chiefly from cell processes. One cell line demonstrated a profuse, and another cell line a moderate, degree of microvillous development and cell surface roughening, which in one tumor correlated with rapid in vitro cell doubling time. Both cell lines maintained these topographical appearances when transplanted into brain. These results extend the SEM observations of astrocytomas, particularly in cloned ethylnitrosourea-induced tumors in rats. The confirm that distinct variations in cell membrane topography do occur among tumors of this type, probably irrespective of their origin in humans or rats, and irrespective of their mode of genesis as spontaneous, chemically-induced, or virally-induced tumors.     

Honokiol crosses BBB and BCSFB, and inhibits brain tumor growth in rat 9L intracerebral gliosarcoma model and human U251 xenograft glioma model

Background

Gliosarcoma is one of the most common malignant brain tumors, and anti-angiogenesis is a promising approach for the treatment of gliosarcoma. However, chemotherapy is obstructed by the physical obstacle formed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). Honokiol has been known to possess potent activities in the central nervous system diseases, and anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor properties. Here, we hypothesized that honokiol could cross the BBB and BCSFB for the treatment of gliosarcoma.

Methodologies

We first evaluated the abilities of honokiol to cross the BBB and BCSFB by measuring the penetration of honokiol into brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid, and compared the honokiol amount taken up by brain with that by other tissues. Then we investigated the effect of honokiol on the growth inhibition of rat 9L gliosarcoma cells and human U251 glioma cells in vitro. Finally we established rat 9L intracerebral gliosarcoma model in Fisher 344 rats and human U251 xenograft glioma model in nude mice to investigate the anti-tumor activity.

Principal Findings

We showed for the first time that honokiol could effectively cross BBB and BCSFB. The ratios of brain/plasma concentration were respectively 1.29, 2.54, 2.56 and 2.72 at 5, 30, 60 and 120 min. And about 10% of honokiol in plasma crossed BCSFB into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In vitro, honokiol produced dose-dependent inhibition of the growth of rat 9L gliosarcoma cells and human U251 glioma cells with IC₅₀ of 15.61 µg/mL and 16.38 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo, treatment with 20 mg/kg body weight of honokiol (honokiol was given twice per week for 3 weeks by intravenous injection) resulted in significant reduction of tumor volume (112.70±10.16 mm³) compared with vehicle group (238.63±19.69 mm³, P = 0.000), with 52.77% inhibiting rate in rat 9L intracerebral gliosarcoma model, and (1450.83±348.36 mm³) compared with vehicle group (2914.17±780.52 mm³, P = 0.002), with 50.21% inhibiting rate in human U251 xenograft glioma model. Honokiol also significantly improved the survival over vehicle group in the two models (P<0.05).

Conclusions/Significance

This study provided the first evidence that honokiol could effectively cross BBB and BCSFB and inhibit brain tumor growth in rat 9L intracerebral gliosarcoma model and human U251 xenograft glioma model. It suggested a significant strategy for offering a potential new therapy for the treatment of gliosarcoma.     

Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol decreases cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity to herpes simplex virus type 1-infected cells.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, on T lymphocyte functional competence against herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV1) infection. Spleen cells from C3H/HeJ (H-2k) mice primed with HSV1 and exposed to delta 9-THC were examined for anti-HSV1 cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. Flow cytometry was used to determine whether delta 9-THC altered T cytotoxic (Lyt-2+) and T helper (L3T4+) lymphocyte numbers or cell ratios. Nomarski optics microscopy was used to determine whether effector lymphocytes from drug-treated mice were able to bind to virally infected L929 (H-2k) target cells. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that CTL from mice exposed to delta 9-THC were deficient in anti-HSV1 cytolytic activity. delta 9-THC in vivo treatment had little effect on the number of T lymphocytes expressing the Lyt-2 or L3T4 antigens. Nomarski optics microscopy revealed that the CTL from the drug-treated mice were able to bind specifically to the HSV1-infected targets. However, delta 9-THC in vivo exposure affected CTL cytoplasmic polarization toward the virus-infected target cell. CTL granule reorientation toward the effector cell-target cell interface following cell conjugation occurred at a lower frequency in co-cultures containing CTL from drug-treated mice. These results suggest that delta 9-THC elicits dysfunction in CTL by altering effector cell-target cell postconjugation events.