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Evaluation of E1B gene-attenuated replicating adenoviruses for cancer gene therapy
Jaesung Kim1, Jae Yong Cho, Joo-Hang Kim
1Institute of Cancer Research, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
Gene-attenuated replication-competent adenoviruses are emerging as a promising new modality for the treatment of cancer. For the aim of improving adenoviral vectors for cancer gene therapy, we have constructed genetically attenuated adenoviral vectors with different combinations of E1B genes and investigated the possibility of enhanced oncolytic and replication effects of these engineered replication-competent adenoviruses. We show here that the cytolytic potency of each gene-attenuated replicating adenovirus differed significantly depending on the presence or deletion of E1B 55 kDa and E1B 19 kDa function. More specifically, among the constructed vectors (Ad-deltaE1B19, Ad-deltaE1B55, Ad-deltaE1B19/55, and Ad-wt), E1B 19 kDa-inactivated adenovirus (Ad-deltaE1B19) was the most potent against all tumor cells tested, inducing the largest-sized plaques and marked CPE. Further, cells infected with either Ad-deltaE1B19 or E1B19/55 kDa-deleted adenovirus (Ad-deltaE1B19/55) showed complete cell lysis with disintegrated cellular structure, whereas cells infected with Ad-wt maintained intact cellular and nuclear membrane with properly structured organelles. TUNEL and DNA fragmentation assay also revealed that the Ad-deltaE1B19 or Ad-deltaE1B19/55 adenovirus-infected cells showed more profound induction of apoptosis in comparison to wild-type adenovirus-infected cells. The presence of E1B 55 kDa gene was required for efficient viral replication and deletion of E1B 19 kDa function in replicating adenovirus-induced apoptosis, leading to increased cytopathic effects. Moreover, Ad-deltaE1B19 adenovirus showed a better antitumor effect than other E1B-attenuated adenoviruses. Taken together, the replicating adenoviruses deleted in E1B 19 kDa function may serve as an improved vector for anticancer gene therapy in combination with apoptosis-inducing modalities such as chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy.
Insights
Genetically engineered adenoviruses targeting cancer show enhanced oncolytic effects. Deleting the E1B 19 kDa gene in replication-competent adenoviruses significantly boosts apoptosis and antitumor activity for improved cancer gene therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer gene therapy
- Adenovirus vector engineering
Background:
- Replication-competent adenoviruses are promising cancer therapeutics.
- Optimizing adenoviral vectors is crucial for enhanced oncolytic and replication effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and evaluate genetically attenuated adenoviral vectors with modified E1B genes.
- To investigate the impact of E1B gene deletions on oncolytic potency and replication.
Main Methods:
- Construction of adenoviral vectors with specific E1B gene deletions (Ad-deltaE1B19, Ad-deltaE1B55, Ad-deltaE1B19/55).
- Assessment of cytolytic potency, plaque size, and cytopathic effects (CPE).
- Apoptosis induction analysis using TUNEL and DNA fragmentation assays.
Main Results:
- Adenovirus with E1B 19 kDa deletion (Ad-deltaE1B19) demonstrated the highest cytolytic potency and largest plaques.
- Complete cell lysis and significant apoptosis induction were observed with Ad-deltaE1B19 and Ad-deltaE1B19/55.
- E1B 55 kDa gene is essential for viral replication; E1B 19 kDa deletion enhances apoptosis and cytopathic effects.
Conclusions:
- Adenoviruses deleted in E1B 19 kDa function exhibit enhanced oncolytic and apoptosis-inducing properties.
- Ad-deltaE1B19 shows superior antitumor effects compared to other E1B-attenuated adenoviruses.
- These modified adenoviruses represent improved vectors for cancer gene therapy, potentially combined with chemotherapy or radiation.