Mohan Kuppuswamy

Tumor-Specific, Replication-Competent Adenovirus Vectors Overexpressing the Adenovirus Death Protein

ABSTRACT We have constructed two novel adenovirus (Ad) replication-competent vectors, named KD1 and KD3, that may have use in anticancer therapy. The vectors have two key features. First, they markedly overexpress the Ad death protein (ADP), an Ad nuclear membrane glycoprotein required at late stages of infection for efficient cell lysis and release of Ad from cells. Overexpression of ADP was achieved by deleting the E3 region and reinserting the adp gene. Because ADP is overexpressed, KD1 and KD3 are expected to spread more rapidly and effectively through tumors. Second, KD1 and KD3 have two E1A mutations (from the mutant dl1101/1107) that prevent efficient replication in nondividing cells but allow replication in dividing cancer cells. These E1A mutations preclude binding of E1A proteins to p300 and pRB. As a result, the virus should not be able to drive cells from G0 to S phase and therefore should not be able to replicate in normal tissues. We show that KD1 and KD3 do not replicate well in quiescent HEL-299 cells or in primary human bronchial epithelial cells, small airway epithelial cells, or endothelial cells; however, they replicate well in proliferating HEL-299 cells and human A549 lung carcinoma cells. In cultured A549 cells, KD1 and KD3 lyse cells and spread from cell to cell more rapidly than their control virus, dl1101/1107, or wild-type Ad. They are also more efficient than dl1101/1107 or wild-type Ad in complementing the spread from cell to cell of an E1− E3−replication-defective vector expressing β-galactosidase. A549 cells form rapidly growing solid tumors when injected into the hind flanks of immunodeficient nude mice; however, when A549 cells were infected with 10−4 PFU of KD3/cell prior to injection into mice, tumor formation was nearly completely suppressed. When established A549 tumors in nude mice were examined, tumors injected with buffer grew 13.3-fold over 5 weeks, tumors injected with dl1101/1107 grew 8-fold, and tumors injected with KD1 or KD3 grew 2.6-fold. Hep 3B tumors injected with buffer grew 12-fold over 3.5 weeks, whereas tumors injected with KD1 or KD3 grew 4-fold. We conclude that KD1 and KD3 show promise as anticancer therapeutics.

Immune responses to adenoviruses: viral evasion mechanisms and their implications for the clinic.

Adenoviruses encode proteins that block responses to interferons, intrinsic cellular apoptosis, killing by CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes and killing by the death ligands TNF, Fas ligand and TRAIL. The viral proteins are believed to prolong acute and persistent adenovirus infections. The proteins may prove useful in protecting adenovirus gene therapy vectors and transplanted cells from the immune system.

Tissue-Specific, Tumor-Selective, Replication-Competent Adenovirus Vector for Cancer Gene Therapy

ABSTRACT We have previously described two replication-competent adenovirus vectors, named KD1 and KD3, for potential use in cancer gene therapy. KD1 and KD3 have two small deletions in the E1A gene that restrict efficient replication of these vectors to human cancer cell lines. These vectors also have increased capacity to lyse cells and spread from cell to cell because they overexpress the adenovirus death protein, an adenovirus protein required for efficient cell lysis and release of adenovirus from the cell. We now describe a new vector, named KD1-SPB, which is the KD1 vector with the E4 promoter replaced by the promoter for surfactant protein B (SPB). SPB promoter activity is restricted in the adult to type II alveolar epithelial cells and bronchial epithelial cells. Because KD1-SPB has the E1A mutations, it should replicate within and destroy only alveolar and bronchial cancer cells. We show that KD1-SPB replicates, lyses cells, and spreads from cell to cell as well as does KD1 in H441 cells, a human cancer cell line where the SPB promoter is active. KD1-SPB replicates, lyses cells, and spreads only poorly in Hep3B liver cancer cells. Replication was determined by expression of the E4ORF3 protein, viral DNA accumulation, fiber synthesis, and virus yield. Cell lysis and vector spread were measured by lactate dehydrogenase release and a “vector spread” assay. In addition to Hep3B cells, KD1-SPB also did not express E4ORF3 in HT29.14S (colon), HeLa (cervix), KB (nasopharynx), or LNCaP (prostate) cancer cell lines, in which the SPB promoter is not expected to be active. Following injection into H441 or Hep3B tumors growing in nude mice, KD1-SPB caused a three- to fourfold suppression of growth of H441 tumors, similar to that seen with KD1. KD1-SPB had only a minimal effect on the growth of Hep3B tumors, whereas KD1 again caused a three- to fourfold suppression. These results establish that the adenovirus E4 promoter can be replaced by a tissue-specific promoter in a replication-competent vector. The vector has three engineered safety features: the tissue-specific promoter, the mutations in E1A that preclude efficient replication in nondividing cells, and a deletion of the E3 genes which shield the virus from attack by the immune system. KD1-SPB may have use in treating human lung cancers in which the SPB promoter is active.

Inhibition of TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis and Forced Internalization of TRAIL Receptor 1 by Adenovirus Proteins

ABSTRACT Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis through two receptors, TRAIL-R1 (also known as death receptor 4) and TRAIL-R2 (also known as death receptor 5), that are members of the TNF receptor superfamily of death domain-containing receptors. We show that human adenovirus type 5 encodes three proteins, named RID (previously named E3-10.4K/14.5K), E3-14.7K, and E1B-19K, that independently inhibit TRAIL-induced apoptosis of infected human cells. This conclusion was derived from studies using wild-type adenovirus, adenovirus replication-competent mutants that lack one or more of the RID,E3-14.7K, and E1B-19K genes, and adenovirus E1-minus replication-defective vectors that express all E3 genes, RID plus E3-14.7K only, RID only, or E3-14.7K only. RID inhibits TRAIL-induced apoptosis when cells are sensitized to TRAIL either by adenovirus infection or treatment with cycloheximide. RID induces the internalization of TRAIL-R1 from the cell surface, as shown by flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence for TRAIL-R1. TRAIL-R1 was internalized in distinct vesicles which are very likely to be endosomes and lysosomes. TRAIL-R1 is degraded, as indicated by the disappearance of the TRAIL-R1 immunofluorescence signal. Degradation was inhibited by bafilomycin A1, a drug that prevents acidification of vesicles and the sorting of receptors from late endosomes to lysosomes, implying that degradation occurs in lysosomes. RID was also shown previously to internalize and degrade another death domain receptor, Fas, and to prevent apoptosis through Fas and the TNF receptor. RID was shown previously to force the internalization and degradation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. E1B-19K was shown previously to block apoptosis through Fas, and both E1B-19K and E3-14.7K were found to prevent apoptosis through the TNF receptor. These findings suggest that the receptors for TRAIL, Fas ligand, and TNF play a role in limiting virus infections. The ability of adenovirus to inhibit killing through these receptors may prolong acute and persistent infections.

Preparation and Titration of CsCl-Banded Adenovirus Stocks

Adenovirus research often requires purified high-titer virus stocks and accurate virus titers for use in experiments. Accurate titers are important for quantitative, interpretable, and reproducible results. This is especially true when there are comparisons of different mutant viruses following infection. This chapter details the large-scale preparation of adenovirus (either replication-competent or replication-defective) in spinner cultures (e.g., KB, HeLa, or 293 cells). Protocols for harvesting cells and isolation of adenovirus by CsCl banding are presented. Methods for titering adenovirus by plaque assay are presented along with a discussion of how plaque assays can be used to determine the kinetics of cell killing and cytolysis by adenoviruses.

Role of the PLDLS-Binding Cleft Region of CtBP1 in Recruitment of Core and Auxiliary Components of the Corepressor Complex

ABSTRACT C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) family proteins CtBP1 and CtBP2 are highly homologous transcriptional corepressors and are recruited by a large number of transcription factors to mediate sequence-specific transcriptional repression. In addition to DNA-binding repressors, the nuclear protein complex of CtBP1 consists of enzymatic constituents such as histone deacetylases (HDAC1/2), histone methyl transferases (HMTases; G9a and GLP), and the lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1). Additionally, CtBPs also recruit the components of the sumoylation machinery. The CtBPs contain two different unique structural elements, a hydrophobic cleft, with which factors that contain motifs related to the E1A PLDLS motif bind, and a surface groove that binds with factors containing motifs related to the sequence RRTGXPPXL (RRT motif). By structure-based functional dissection of CtBP1, we show that the PLDLS-binding cleft region functions as the primary recruitment center for DNA-binding factors and for the core and auxiliary enzymatic constituents of the CtBP1 corepressor complex. We identify HDAC1/2, CoREST/LSD1, and Ubc9 (E2) as the core constituents of the CtBP1 complex, and these components interact with the PLDLS cleft region through non-PLDLS interactions. Among the CtBP core constituents, HDACs contribute predominantly to the repression activity of CtBP1. The auxiliary components include an HMTase complex (G9a/Wiz/CDYL) and two SUMO E3 ligases, HPC2 and PIAS1. The interaction of auxiliary components with CtBP1 is excluded by PLDLS (E1A)-mediated interactions. Although monomeric CtBP1 is proficient in the recruiting of both core and auxiliary components, NAD(H)-dependent dimerization is required for transcriptional repression. We also provide evidence that CtBP1 functions as a platform for sumoylation of cofactors.

An Oncolytic Adenovirus Vector Combining Enhanced Cell-to-Cell Spreading, Mediated by the ADP Cytolytic Protein, with Selective Replication in Cancer Cells with Deregulated Wnt Signaling

We have constructed a novel oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) vector named VRX-009 that combines enhanced cell spread with tumor-specific replication. Enhanced spread, which could significantly increase antitumor efficacy, is mediated by overexpression of the Ad cytolytic protein named ADP (also known as E3–11.6K). Replication of VRX-009 is restricted to cells with a deregulated wnt signal transduction pathway by replacement of the wild-type Ad E4 promoter with a synthetic promoter consisting of five consensus binding sites for the T-cell factor transcription factor. Tumor-selective replication is indicated by several lines of evidence. VRX-009 expresses E4ORF3, a representative Ad E4 protein, only in colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, VRX-009 replicates preferentially in colon cancer cell lines as evidenced by virus productivity 2 orders of magnitude higher in SW480 colon cancer cells than in A549 lung cancer cells. Replication in primary human bronchial epithelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells was also significantly lower than in SW480 cells. When tested in human tumor xenografts in nude mice, VRX-009 effectively suppressed the growth of SW480 colon tumors but not of A549 lung tumors. VRX-009 may provide greater level of antitumor efficacy than standard oncolytic Ad vectors in tumors in which a defect in wnt signaling increases the level of nuclear β-catenin.

INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus vector, replicates in Syrian hamsters but not mice: comparison of biodistribution studies

Preclinical biodistribution studies with INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) vector, supporting an early stage clinical trial were conducted in Syrian hamsters, which are permissive for Ad replication, and mice, which are a standard model for assessing toxicity and biodistribution of replication-defective (RD) Ad vectors. Vector dissemination and pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration were examined by real-time PCR in nine tissues and blood at five time points spanning 1 year. Select organs were also examined for the presence of infectious vector/virus. INGN 007 (VRX-007), wild-type Ad5 and AdCMVpA (an RD vector) were compared in the hamster model, whereas only INGN 007 was examined in mice. DNA of all vectors was widely disseminated early after injection, but decayed rapidly in most organs. In the hamster model, DNA of INGN 007 and Ad5 was more abundant than that of the RD vector AdCMVpA at early times after injection, but similar levels were seen later. An increased level of INGN 007 and Ad5 DNA but not AdCMVpA DNA in certain organs early after injection, and the presence of infectious INGN 007 and Ad5 in lung and liver samples at early times after injection, strongly suggests that replication of INGN 007 and Ad5 occurred in several Syrian hamster organs. There was no evidence of INGN 007 replication in mice. In addition to providing important information about INGN 007, the results underscore the utility of the Syrian hamster as a permissive immunocompetent model for Ad5 pathogenesis and oncolytic Ad vectors.

Anticancer activity of oncolytic adenovirus vector armed with IFN-α and ADP is enhanced by pharmacologically controlled expression of TRAIL

We have previously described oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) vectors KD3 and KD3–interferon (IFN) that were rendered cancer-specific by mutations in the E1A region of Ad; these mutations abolish binding of E1A proteins to p300/CBP and pRB. The antitumor activity of the vectors was enhanced by overexpression of the Adenovirus Death Protein (ADP, E3-11.6K) and by replication-linked expression of IFN-α. We hypothesized that the anticancer efficacy of the KD3–IFN vector could be further improved by expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). E1-deleted Ad vectors were constructed carrying reporter genes for enhanced green fluorescent protein or secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) and a therapeutic gene for TRAIL under control of the TetON system. Expression of the genes was increased in the presence of a helper virus and the inducer doxycycline such that up to 231-fold activation of expression for the TetON–SEAP vector was obtained. Coinfection with TetON–TRAIL augmented oncolytic activity of KD3 and KD3–IFN in vitro. Induction of TRAIL expression did not reduce the yield of progeny virus. Combination of TetON–TRAIL and KD3–IFN produced superior antitumor activity in vivo as compared with either vector alone demonstrating the efficacy of a four-pronged cancer gene therapy approach, which includes Ad oncolysis, ADP overexpression, IFN-α-mediated immunotherapy, and pharmacologically controlled TRAIL activity.

An acute toxicology study with INGN 007, an oncolytic adenovirus vector, in mice and permissive Syrian hamsters; comparisons with wild-type Ad5 and a replication-defective adenovirus vector

Oncolytic (replication-competent) adenoviruses as anticancer agents provide new, promising tools to fight cancer. In support of a Phase I clinical trial, here we report safety data with INGN 007 (VRX-007), an oncolytic adenovirus with increased anti-tumor efficacy due to overexpression of the adenovirus-encoded ADP protein. Wild-type adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) and a replication-defective version of Ad5 were also studied as controls. A parallel study investigating the biodistribution of these viruses is described elsewhere in this issue. The toxicology experiments were conducted in two species, the Syrian hamster, which is permissive for INGN 007 and Ad5 replication and the poorly permissive mouse. The studies demonstrated that the safety profile of INGN 007 is similar to Ad5. Both viruses caused transient liver damage upon intravenous injection that resolved by 28 days post-infection. The No-Observable-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) for INGN 007 in hamsters was 3 × 1010 viral particles per kg. In hamsters, the replication-defective vector caused less toxicity, indicating that replication of Ad vectors in the host is an important factor in pathogenesis. With mice, INGN 007 and Ad5 caused toxicity comparable to the replication-defective adenovirus vector. Partially based on these results, the FDA granted permission to enter into a Phase I clinical trial with INGN 007.