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Using the Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane In Vivo Model to Study Gynecological and Urological Cancers
Published on: January 28, 2020
Chorioallantoic Membrane Tumor Model for Evaluating Oncolytic Viruses
Lea Krutzke1, Ellen Allmendinger1, Katja Hirt1
1Department of Gene Therapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses are promising anticancer agents; however, regarding their clinical efficacy, there is still significant scope for improvement. Preclinical in vivo evaluation of oncolytic viruses is mainly based on syngeneic or xenograft tumor models in mice, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Currently, a large proportion of developmental work in the research field of oncolytic viruses is directed toward overcoming cellular and noncellular barriers to achieve improved virus delivery to primary tumors and metastases. To evaluate the large number of genetically or chemically modified viruses regarding tumor delivery and biodistribution patterns, it would be valuable to have an in vivo model available that would allow easy screening experiments, that is of higher complexity than monoclonal cell lines, and that could be used as a platform method before confirmatory studies in small and large animals. Based on our data, we believe that the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is a quick and low-cost high-throughput tumor model system for the in vivo analysis of oncolytic viruses. Here we describe the establishment, careful characterization, and optimization of the CAM model as an in vivo model for the evaluation of oncolytic viruses. We have used human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5) as an example for validation but are confident that the model can be used as a test system for replicating viruses of many different virus families. We show that the CAM tumor model enables intratumoral and intravenous virus administration and is a feasible and conclusive model for the analysis of relevant virus-host interactions, biodistribution patterns, and tumor-targeting profiles.
Insights
The chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay offers a rapid, cost-effective, high-throughput in vivo model for evaluating oncolytic viruses. This method aids in assessing virus delivery and biodistribution, accelerating anticancer drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Preclinical models
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses show promise as anticancer agents, but clinical efficacy requires improvement.
- Current in vivo preclinical models (syngeneic, xenograft) are labor-intensive and time-consuming for evaluating numerous modified viruses.
- Overcoming delivery barriers is crucial for enhancing oncolytic virus effectiveness against primary tumors and metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay as a high-throughput in vivo model for oncolytic virus evaluation.
- To provide a platform for screening modified oncolytic viruses before extensive animal studies.
- To assess the feasibility of the CAM model for analyzing virus-host interactions, biodistribution, and tumor targeting.
Main Methods:
- Establishment, characterization, and optimization of the CAM assay for oncolytic virus studies.
- Utilized human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5) for model validation.
- Demonstrated both intratumoral and intravenous administration routes within the CAM model.
Main Results:
- The CAM assay serves as a quick, low-cost, high-throughput in vivo tumor model system.
- The model successfully facilitated the analysis of oncolytic virus administration, biodistribution, and targeting.
- Human adenovirus type 5 demonstrated feasibility within the CAM model, suggesting broad applicability.
Conclusions:
- The chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is a valuable tool for the in vivo evaluation of oncolytic viruses.
- This model system accelerates the screening of modified viruses, aiding in the development of novel anticancer therapies.
- The CAM assay supports the analysis of critical parameters like virus delivery, biodistribution, and host interactions.
