Selectively replicating adenoviruses targeting deregulated E2F activity are potent, systemic antitumor agents

Cancer Cell. 2002 May;1(4):325-37. doi: 10.1016/s1535-6108(02)00060-0.

Abstract

We have engineered a human adenovirus, ONYX-411, that selectively replicates in human tumor cells, but not normal cells, depending upon the status of their retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) pathway. Early and late viral gene expression as well as DNA replication were significantly reduced in a functional pRB-pathway-dependent manner, resulting in a restricted replication profile similar to that of nonreplicating adenoviruses in normal cells both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the viral life cycle and tumor cell killing activity of ONYX-411 was comparable to that of wild-type adenovirus following infection of human tumor cells in vitro as well as after systemic administration in tumor-bearing animals.

MeSH terms

  • Adenovirus E1A Proteins / genetics
  • Adenovirus E1A Proteins / metabolism
  • Adenoviruses, Human / genetics*
  • Adenoviruses, Human / pathogenicity
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cell Cycle / genetics*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins*
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Defective Viruses
  • E2F Transcription Factors
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / genetics
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / therapy*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / genetics
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / metabolism
  • Survival Rate
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transplantation, Heterologous
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / pathology
  • Virus Replication / genetics*

Substances

  • Adenovirus E1A Proteins
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA, Viral
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • E2F Transcription Factors
  • Retinoblastoma Protein
  • Transcription Factors