Intratumoral delivery of CD154 homolog (Ad-ISF35) induces tumor regression: analysis of vector biodistribution, persistence and gene expression

Cancer Gene Ther. 2012 May;19(5):336-44. doi: 10.1038/cgt.2012.6. Epub 2012 Mar 9.

Abstract

Ad-ISF35 is an adenovirus (Ad) vector that encodes a mouse-human chimeric CD154. Ad-ISF35 induces activation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells converting them into CLL cells capable of promoting immune recognition and anti-leukemia T-cell activation. Clinical trials in humans treated with Ad-ISF35-transduced leukemia cells or intranodal injection of Ad-ISF35 have shown objective clinical responses. To better understand the biology of Ad-ISF35 and to contribute to its clinical development, we preformed studies to evaluate biodistribution, persistence and toxicity of repeat dose intratumoral administration of Ad-ISF35 in a mouse model. Ad-ISF35 intratumoral administration induced tumor regression in more than 80% of mice bearing A20 tumors. There were no abnormalities in the serum chemistry. Mice receiving Ad-ISF35 presented severe extramedullary hematopoiesis and follicular hyperplasia in the spleen and extramedullary hematopoiesis with lymphoid hyperplasia in lymph nodes. After Ad-ISF35 injection, the vector was found primarily in the injected tumors with a biodistribution pattern that showed a rapid clearance with no evidence of Ad-ISF35 accumulation or persistence in the injected tumor or peripheral organs. Furthermore, pre-existing antibodies against Ad-5 did not abrogate Ad-ISF35 anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, intratumoral administration of Ad-ISF35 induced tumor regression in A20 tumor bearing mice without toxicities and with no evidence of vector accumulation or persistence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Adenoviridae / metabolism
  • Animals
  • CD40 Ligand / biosynthesis
  • CD40 Ligand / genetics*
  • CD40 Ligand / immunology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Genetic Vectors / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / genetics
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / immunology
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / therapy*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • CD40 Ligand