Potent systemic anticancer activity of adenovirally expressed EGFR-selective TRAIL fusion protein

Mol Ther. 2008 Dec;16(12):1919-26. doi: 10.1038/mt.2008.203. Epub 2008 Sep 23.

Abstract

Previously, we demonstrated potent tumor cell-selective pro-apoptotic activity of scFv425:sTRAIL, a recombinant fusion protein comprised of EGFR-directed antibody fragment (scFv425) genetically fused to human soluble TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL). Here, we report on the promising therapeutic systemic tumoricidal activity of scFv425:sTRAIL when produced by the replication-deficient adenovirus Ad-scFv425:sTRAIL. In vitro treatment of EGFR-positive tumor cells with Ad-scFv425:sTRAIL resulted in the potent induction of apoptosis of not only infected tumor cells, but importantly also of up to 60% of noninfected EGFR-positive tumor cells. A single intraocular injection of Ad-scFv425:sTRAIL in tumor-free nu/nu mice resulted in predominant liver infection and concomitant high blood plasma levels of scFv425:sTRAIL. These mice showed no sign of Ad-scFv425:sTRAIL-related liver toxicity. Identical treatment of mice with established intraperitoneal renal cell carcinoma xenografts resulted in rapid and massive tumor load reduction and subsequent long-term survival. Taken together, adenoviral-mediated in vivo production of scFv425:sTRAIL may be exploitable for systemic treatment of EGFR-positive cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cells, Cultured
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism*
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / genetics
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / metabolism*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
  • ErbB Receptors