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Updated: Sep 22, 2026
Viral Nanoparticles for In vivo Tumor Imaging
Published on: November 16, 2012
An Oncolytic Poxvirus Encoding hNIS, Shows Antitumor Efficacy and Allows Tumor Imaging in a Liver Cancer Model
Shyambabu Chaurasiya1, Hannah Valencia1, Zhifang Zhang1
1Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses (OV) are live viruses that can selectively replicate in cancer cells. We have engineered an OV (CF33) to make it cancer-selective through the deletion of its J2R (thymidine kinase) gene. In addition, this virus has been armed with a reporter gene, human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS), to facilitate noninvasive imaging of tumors using PET. In this study, we evaluated the oncolytic properties of the virus (CF33-hNIS) in liver cancer model, and its usefulness in tumor imaging. The virus was found to efficiently kill liver cancer cells and the virus-mediated cell death exhibited characteristics of immunogenic death based on the analysis of 3 damage-associated molecular patterns: calreticulin, ATP, and high mobility group box-1. Furthermore, local or systemic administration of a single dose of the virus showed antitumor efficacy against a liver cancer xenograft model in mice and significantly increased survival of treated mice. Finally, PET scanning was performed following injection of the radioisotope I-124, for imaging of tumors, and a single dose of virus as low as 1E03 pfu, administered intra-tumorally or intravenously, allowed for PET imaging of tumors. In conclusion, CF33-hNIS is safe and effective in controlling human tumor xenografts in nude mice, and it also facilitates noninvasive imaging of tumors.
Insights
Engineered oncolytic viruses (OVs) like CF33-hNIS selectively kill liver cancer cells and trigger immunogenic death. This novel virus also enables non-invasive tumor imaging via PET scans, showing significant anti-tumor effects in mice.
Area of Science:
- Oncolytic virotherapy
- Cancer imaging
- Molecular oncology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are engineered to selectively target and replicate within cancer cells.
- CF33, an engineered OV, has its J2R (thymidine kinase) gene deleted for enhanced cancer selectivity.
- The CF33 virus is armed with the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) gene for non-invasive tumor imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the oncolytic efficacy of CF33-hNIS in a liver cancer model.
- To assess the virus's utility for non-invasive tumor imaging using positron emission tomography (PET).
- To determine the safety and anti-tumor effects of CF33-hNIS in vivo.
Main Methods:
- In vitro evaluation of CF33-hNIS on liver cancer cell lines.
- Analysis of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to assess cell death.
- In vivo studies using a liver cancer xenograft mouse model.
- Non-invasive tumor imaging using I-124 and PET scanning after virus administration.
Main Results:
- CF33-hNIS demonstrated efficient killing of liver cancer cells, inducing immunogenic cell death.
- Single-dose administration of CF33-hNIS showed significant anti-tumor efficacy and improved survival in mice.
- PET imaging successfully visualized tumors following administration of as little as 1E03 pfu of CF33-hNIS.
Conclusions:
- CF33-hNIS is a safe and effective oncolytic virus for controlling human tumor xenografts.
- The virus facilitates non-invasive tumor imaging, aiding in treatment monitoring.
- This dual-functionality offers a promising approach for cancer therapy and diagnostics.
