A Kunjin replicon vector encoding granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor for intra-tumoral gene therapy

Gene Ther. 2009 Feb;16(2):190-9. doi: 10.1038/gt.2008.169. Epub 2008 Dec 18.

Abstract

We have recently developed a non-cytopathic RNA replicon-based viral vector system based on the flavivirus Kunjin. Here, we illustrate the utility of the Kunjin replicon system for gene therapy. Intra-tumoral injections of Kunjin replicon virus-like particles encoding granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were able to cure >50% of established subcutaneous CT26 colon carcinoma and B16-OVA melanomas. Regression of CT26 tumours correlated with the induction of anti-cancer CD8 T cells, and treatment of subcutaneous CT26 tumours also resulted in the regression of CT26 lung metastases. Only a few immune-based strategies are able to cure these aggressive tumours once they are of a reasonable size, illustrating the potential of this vector system for intra-tumoral gene therapy applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cancer Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Colonic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Flavivirus / genetics
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / biosynthesis
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / genetics*
  • Interferon-alpha / biosynthesis
  • Interferon-beta / biosynthesis
  • Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Melanoma, Experimental / immunology
  • Melanoma, Experimental / therapy*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Replicon / genetics*

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Interferon-beta
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor