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Published on: April 3, 2018
The use of the NIS reporter gene for optimizing oncolytic virotherapy
Amber Miller1,2, Stephen J Russell1,3
1a Mayo Clinic, Department of Molecular Medicine , Rochester , MN 55905 , USA.
Introduction:
Oncolytic viruses are experimental cancer therapies being translated to the clinic. They are unique in their ability to amplify within the body, therefore requiring careful monitoring of viral replication and biodistribution. Traditional monitoring strategies fail to recapitulate the dynamic nature of oncolytic virotherapy. Consequently, clinically relevant, noninvasive, high resolution strategies are needed to effectively track virotherapy in real time.
Areas Covered:
The expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) reporter gene is tightly coupled to viral genome replication and mediates radioisotope concentration, allowing noninvasive molecular nuclear imaging of active viral infection with high resolution. This provides insight into replication kinetics, biodistribution, the impact of vector design, administration, and dosing on therapeutic outcomes, and highlights the heterogeneity of spatial distribution and temporal evolution of infection. NIS-mediated imaging in clinical trials confirms the feasibility of this technology to noninvasively and longitudinally observe oncolytic virus infection, replication, and distribution.
Expert Opinion:
NIS-mediated imaging provides detailed functional and molecular information on the evolution of oncolytic virus infection in living animals. The use of NIS reporter gene imaging has rapidly advanced to provide unparalleled insight into the spatial and temporal context of oncolytic infection which will be integral to optimization of oncolytic treatment strategies.
Insights
Sodium iodide symporter (NIS) imaging allows real-time, noninvasive monitoring of oncolytic virus replication and distribution. This advanced technique provides crucial insights for optimizing cancer virotherapy strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Molecular imaging
- Cancer research
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses are experimental cancer therapies requiring precise monitoring.
- Traditional methods lack the dynamic, real-time tracking needed for virotherapy.
- Noninvasive, high-resolution strategies are essential for effective oncolytic virus therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) reporter gene imaging for tracking oncolytic viruses.
- To demonstrate the ability of NIS imaging to provide real-time data on viral replication and biodistribution.
- To highlight the potential of NIS imaging in optimizing oncolytic virotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) reporter gene, which is coupled to viral replication.
- Employed noninvasive molecular nuclear imaging to visualize and quantify viral activity.
- Analyzed replication kinetics, biodistribution, and infection evolution in vivo.
Main Results:
- NIS expression accurately reflects oncolytic virus replication and genome amplification.
- Noninvasive imaging revealed detailed insights into viral biodistribution and infection dynamics.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of NIS-mediated imaging in clinical trials for longitudinal monitoring.
Conclusions:
- NIS-mediated imaging offers detailed functional and molecular insights into oncolytic virus infection.
- This technology provides unparalleled spatial and temporal context for oncolytic infections.
- NIS reporter gene imaging is integral to optimizing oncolytic treatment strategies.
