Scientific Publications Database

Article Title: Targeted BiTE Expression by an Oncolytic Vector Augments Therapeutic Efficacy Against Solid Tumors
Authors: Speck, Tobias; Heidbuechel, Johannes P. W.; Veinalde, Rueta; Jaeger, Dirk; von Kalle, Christof; Ball, Claudia R.; Ungerechts, Guy; Engeland, Christine E.
Journal: CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Volume 24 Issue 9
Date of Publication:2018
Abstract:
Purpose: Immunotherapy with bispecific T-cell engagers has achieved striking success against hematologic malignancies, but efficacy against solid tumors has been limited. We hypothesized that oncolytic measles viruses encoding bispecific T-cell engagers (MV-BiTEs) represent a safe and effective treatment against solid tumors through local BiTE expression, direct tumor cell lysis and in situ tumor vaccination.Experimental Design: To test this hypothesis, we generated MV-BiTEs from the Edmonston B vaccine strain to target two model antigens. Replicative and oncolytic potential were assessed by infection and cell viability assays, respectively. Functionality of virus-derived BiTEs was tested in vitro by complementary binding and cytotoxicity assays. In vivo efficacy of MV-BiTE was investigated using both syngeneic and xenograft mouse models of solid cancers.Results: We verified secretion of functional BiTE antibodies by MV-BiTE-infected cells. Further, we demonstrated therapeutic efficacy of MV-BiTE against established tumors in fully immunocompetent mice. MV-BiTE efficacy was associated with increased intratumoral T-cell infiltration and induction of protective antitumor immunity. In addition, we showed therapeutic efficacy of MV-BiTE in xenograft models of patient-derived primary colorectal carcinoma spheroids with transfer of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Conclusions: MV-BiTE treatment was effective in two distinct models of solid tumors without signs of toxicity. This provides strong evidence for therapeutic benefits of tumor-targeted BiTE expression by oncolytic MV. Thus, this study represents proof of concept for an effective strategy to treat solid tumors with BiTEs. (C) 2018 AACR.