We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Targeted Oncolytic Virus Selectively Attacks Cancer Cells

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 07 Feb 2018
Print article
Image: Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of two oncolytic adenovirus particles of the type modified to target pancreatic cancer cells (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of two oncolytic adenovirus particles of the type modified to target pancreatic cancer cells (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
A team of British molecular virologists modified a previously reported oncolytic adenovirus to selectively target the alphavbeta6 integrins expressed by pancreatic cancer cells to facilitate systemic delivery and destruction of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC).

In contrast to normal tissue, the majority of PDACs express the alphavbeta6 integrin receptor protein on the surface of tumor cells. To exploit this feature, investigators at Queen Mary University of London (United Kingdom) modified their previously reported oncolytic adenovirus, AdDELTADELTA, to selectively target alphavbeta6 integrins for guided systemic delivery. Structural modifications to AdDELTADELTA included the expression of the small but potent alphavbeta6-binding peptide, A20FMDV2, and removal of binding to the native coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) within the fiber knob region.

The investigators injected the modified oncolytic viruses into mice carrying grafted human pancreatic cancer cells. Results published in the January 24, 2018, online edition of the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics revealed that the Ad5-3DELTA-A20T modified oncolytic virus infected and killed alphavbeta6 integrin–expressing cells more effectively than the parental wild-type (Ad5wt) virus and the previous AdDELTADELTA version. Viral uptake through alphavbeta6 integrins rather than native viral receptors promoted viral propagation and spread.

First author Dr. Stella Man, postdoctoral researcher in molecular oncology at Queen Mary University of London, said, "We have shown for the first time that pancreatic cancers can be specifically targeted with a modified version of the common flu virus.

The new virus specifically infects and kills pancreatic cancer cells, causing few side effects in nearby healthy tissue. Not only is our targeting strategy both selective and effective, but we have now further engineered the virus so that it can be delivered in the blood stream to reach cancer cells that have spread throughout the body. If we manage to confirm these results in human clinical trials, then this may become a promising new treatment for pancreatic cancer patients, and could be combined with existing chemotherapy drugs to kill persevering cancer cells."

Related Links:
Queen Mary University of London

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
Reagent Reservoirs
Reagent Reservoirs

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.