Flt3L in combination with HSV1-TK-mediated gene therapy reverses brain tumor-induced behavioral deficits

Mol Ther. 2008 Apr;16(4):682-90. doi: 10.1038/mt.2008.18. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an invasive and aggressive primary brain tumor which is associated with a dismal prognosis. We have earlier developed a macroscopic, intracranial, syngeneic GBM model, in which treatment with adenoviral vectors (Ads) expressing herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) plus ganciclovir (GCV) resulted in survival of approximately 20% of the animals. In this model, treatment with Ads expressing Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), in combination with Ad-HSV1-TK improves the survival rate to approximately 70% and induces systemic antitumor immunity. We hypothesized that the growth of a large intracranial tumor mass would cause behavioral abnormalities that can be reversed by the combined gene therapy. We assessed the behavior and neuropathology of tumor-bearing animals treated with the combined gene therapy, 3 days after treatment, in long-term survivors, and in a recurrent model of glioma. We demonstrate that the intracranial GBM induces behavioral deficits that are resolved after treatment with Ad-Flt3L/Ad-TK (+GCV). Neuropathological analysis of long-term survivors revealed an overall recovery of normal brain architecture. The lack of long-term behavioral deficits and limited neuropathological abnormalities demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the combined Ad-Flt3L/Ad-TK gene therapy for GBM. These findings can serve to underpin further developments of this therapeutic modality, leading toward implementation of a Phase I clinical trial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Glioblastoma / physiopathology
  • Glioblastoma / therapy*
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / enzymology*
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Motor Activity
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Lew
  • Stereotyped Behavior
  • Thymidine Kinase / genetics*
  • Thymidine Kinase / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • flt3 ligand protein
  • Thymidine Kinase