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Purpose: Toca 511 is a gammaretroviral replicating vector encoding cytosine deaminase that selectively infects tumor cells and converts the antifungal drug 5-fluorocytosine into the antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil, which directly kills tumor cells and stimulates antitumor immune responses. As part of clinical monitoring of phase I clinical trials in recurrent high-grade glioma, we have performed extensive molecular analyses of patient specimens to track vector fate.Patients and Methods: Toca 511 and Toca FC (extended-release 5-fluorocytosine) have been administered to 127 high-grade glioma patients across three phase I studies. We measured Toca 511 RNA and DNA levels in available body fluids and tumor samples from patients to assess tumor specificity. We mapped Toca 511 integration sites and sequenced integrated Toca 511 genomes from patient samples with detectable virus. We measured Toca 511 levels in a diverse set of tissue samples from one patient.Results: Integrated Toca 511 is commonly detected in tumor samples and is only transiently detected in blood in a small fraction of patients. There was no believable evidence for clonal expansion of cells with integrated Toca 511 DNA, or preferential retrieval of integration sites near oncogenes. Toca 511 sequence profiles suggest most mutations are caused by APOBEC cytidine deaminases acting during reverse transcription. Tissue samples from a single whole-body autopsy affirm Toca 511 tumor selectivity.Conclusions: Toca 511 and Toca FC treatment was not associated with inappropriate integration sites and clonal expansion. The vector is tumor-selective and persistent in patients who received Toca 511 injections. Clin Cancer Res; 24(19); 4680–93. ©2018 AACR.

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Toca 511 qPCR detection results

Purpose:High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are central nervous system tumors with poor prognoses and limited treatment options. Vocimagene amiretrorepvec (Toca 511) is a retroviral replicating vector encoding cytosine deaminase, which converts extended release 5-fluorocytosine (Toca FC) into the anticancer agent, 5-fluorouracil. According to preclinical studies, this therapy kills cancer cells and immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment, leading to T-cell–mediated antitumor immune activity. Therefore, we sought to elucidate this immune-related mechanism of action in humans, and to investigate potential molecular and immunologic indicators of clinical benefit from therapy.Patients and Methods:In a phase I clinical trial (NCT01470794), patients with recurrent HGG treated with Toca 511 and Toca FC showed improved survival relative to historical controls, and some had durable complete responses to therapy. As a part of this trial, we performed whole-exome DNA sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and multiplex digital ELISA measurements on tumor and blood samples.Results:Genetic analyses suggest mutations, copy-number variations, and neoantigens are linked to survival. Quantities of tumor immune infiltrates estimated by transcript abundance may potentially predict clinical outcomes. Peak values of cytokines in peripheral blood samples collected during and after therapy could indicate response.Conclusions:These results support an immune-related mechanism of action for Toca 511 and Toca FC, and suggest that molecular and immunologic signatures are related to clinical benefit from treatment.

Locations of Toca 511 Integration Sites

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Tg 511-13-01 (Study 13) dosing table.

Tg 511-11-01 (Study 11) dosing table.

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Toca 511 signal in tumor and nonneoplastic brain samples taken at time of autopsy from a Study 8 patient.

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Supplementary Text

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Supplementary Figure, Table & Dataset legends

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Supplementary Figures S1 to S9 and Supplementary Table S1.

Purpose: High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are central nervous system tumors with poor prognoses and limited treatment options. Vocimagene amiretrorepvec (Toca 511) is a retroviral replicating vector encoding cytosine deaminase, which converts extended release 5-fluorocytosine (Toca FC) into the anticancer agent, 5-fluorouracil. According to preclinical studies, this therapy kills cancer cells and immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment, leading to T-cell–mediated antitumor immune activity. Therefore, we sought to elucidate this immune-related mechanism of action in humans, and to investigate potential molecular and immunologic indicators of clinical benefit from therapy. Patients and Methods: In a phase I clinical trial (NCT01470794), patients with recurrent HGG treated with Toca 511 and Toca FC showed improved survival relative to historical controls, and some had durable complete responses to therapy. As a part of this trial, we performed whole-exome DNA sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and multiplex digital ELISA measurements on tumor and blood samples. Results: Genetic analyses suggest mutations, copy-number variations, and neoantigens are linked to survival. Quantities of tumor immune infiltrates estimated by transcript abundance may potentially predict clinical outcomes. Peak values of cytokines in peripheral blood samples collected during and after therapy could indicate response. Conclusions: These results support an immune-related mechanism of action for Toca 511 and Toca FC, and suggest that molecular and immunologic signatures are related to clinical benefit from treatment.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are associated with a number of immune-related adverse events and low response rates. We provide preclinical evidence for use of a retroviral replicating vector (RRV) selective to cancer cells, to deliver CPI agents that may circumvent such issues and increase efficacy. An RRV, RRV-scFv-PDL1, encoding a secreted single chain variable fragment targeting PD-L1 can effectively compete with PD-1 for PD-L1 occupancy. Cell binding assays showed trans-binding activity on 100% of cells in culture when infection was limited to 5% RRV-scFv-PDL1 infected tumor cells. Further, the ability of scFv PD-L1 to rescue PD-1/PD-L1 mediated immune suppression was demonstrated in a co-culture system consisting of human-derived immune cells and further demonstrated in several syngeneic mouse models including an intracranial tumor model. These tumor models showed that tumors infected with RRV-scFv-PD-L1 conferred robust and durable immune-mediated anti-tumor activity comparable or superior to systemically administered anti-PD-1 or anti PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. Importantly, the nominal level of scFv-PD-L1 detected in serum is ∼50-150 fold less than reported for systemically administered therapeutic antibodies targeting immune checkpoints. These results support the concept that RRV-scFv-PDL1 CPI strategy may provide an improved safety and efficacy profile compared to systemic monoclonal antibodies of currently approved therapies.

Author(s): Cloughesy, Timothy F; Landolfi, Joseph; Vogelbaum, Michael A; Ostertag, Derek; Elder, James B; Bloomfield, Stephen; Carter, Bob; Chen, Clark C; Kalkanis, Steven N; Kesari, Santosh; Lai, Albert; Lee, Ian Y; Liau, Linda M; Mikkelsen, Tom; Nghiemphu, Phioanh; Piccioni, David; Accomando, William; Diago, Oscar R; Hogan, Daniel J; Gammon, Dawn; Kasahara, Noriyuki; Kheoh, Thian; Jolly, Douglas J; Gruber, Harry E; Das, Asha; Walbert, Tobias | Abstract: Background:Vocimagene amiretrorepvec (Toca 511) is an investigational gamma-retroviral replicating vector encoding cytosine deaminase that, when used in combination with extended-release 5-fluorocytosine (Toca FC), results preclinically in local production of 5-fluorouracil, depletion of immune-suppressive myeloid cells, and subsequent induction of antitumor immunity. Recurrent high-grade glioma (rHGG) patients have a high unmet need for effective therapies that produce durable responses lasting more than 6 months. In this setting, relapse is nearly universal and most responses are transient. Methods:In this Toca 511 ascending-dose phase I trial (NCT01470794), HGG patients who recurred after standard of care underwent surgical resection and received Toca 511 injected into the resection cavity wall, followed by orally administered cycles of Toca FC. Results:Among 56 patients, durable complete responses were observed. A subgroup was identified based on Toca 511 dose and entry requirements for the follow-up phase III study. In this subgroup, which included both isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutant and wild-type tumors, the durable response rate is 21.7%. Median duration of follow-up for responders is 35.7+ months. As of August 25, 2017, all responders remain in response and are alive 33.9+ to 52.2+ months after Toca 511 administration, suggesting a positive association of durable response with overall survival. Conclusions:Multiyear durable responses have been observed in rHGG patients treated with Toca 511 + Toca FC in a phase I trial, and the treatment will be further evaluated in a randomized phase III trial. Among IDH1 mutant patients treated at first recurrence, there may be an enrichment of complete responders.

Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec) is a cancer selective, retroviral replicating vector encoding a codon optimized, heat stabilized cytosine deaminase that converts Toca FC (extended-release 5- fluorocytosine, 5-FC) into the anticancer agent 5-fluorouracil. Preclinical evidence demonstrates that the Toca 511 & Toca FC regimen kills cancer cells and immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment, leading to durable antitumor immune responses that can be adoptively transferred to untreated animals. In an ascending dose trial (NCT01470794) in patients with recurrent high grade glioma (rHGG), Toca 511 was injected into the resection cavity walls at the time of resection, and then multiple courses of oral Toca FC were administered. Multiyear durable and complete responses by independent radiology review have been reported. Human immune monitoring results support an immunologic mechanism of action and identify potential biomarkers related to patient outcomes. Measurements included the quantification of peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating leukocyte subsets by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and deconvolution of DNA and RNA sequencing data. In addition, systemic cytokine levels were assessed in peripheral blood serum by multiplex digital ELISA. Univariate comparisons and multivariate models revealed immunologic trends associated with patient outcomes. Pre-treatment tumor infiltrating cell subsets, quantified via deconvolution of RNA sequencing data, were associated with both objective responses and survival. Subsequent exploratory models applied to selected patient data indicate that a combined biomarker using mRNA signatures from multiple leukocyte subsets may predict patient outcomes with high sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, post-treatment serum cytokine time-course results suggest that differences and temporal modulations are associated with both objective response and survival. These results support an immune-related mechanism of action for the Toca 511 & Toca FC regimen. Potentially predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers of patient outcomes will be evaluated in the ongoing randomized Phase 3 Toca 5 trial in patients with rHGG (NCT02414165).

Purpose: Toca 511 is a gammaretroviral replicating vector encoding cytosine deaminase that selectively infects tumor cells and converts the antifungal drug 5-fluorocytosine into the antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil, which directly kills tumor cells and stimulates antitumor immune responses. As part of clinical monitoring of phase I clinical trials in recurrent high-grade glioma, we have performed extensive molecular analyses of patient specimens to track vector fate. Patients and Methods: Toca 511 and Toca FC (extended-release 5-fluorocytosine) have been administered to 127 high-grade glioma patients across three phase I studies. We measured Toca 511 RNA and DNA levels in available body fluids and tumor samples from patients to assess tumor specificity. We mapped Toca 511 integration sites and sequenced integrated Toca 511 genomes from patient samples with detectable virus. We measured Toca 511 levels in a diverse set of tissue samples from one patient. Results: Integrated Toca 511 is commonly detected in tumor samples and is only transiently detected in blood in a small fraction of patients. There was no believable evidence for clonal expansion of cells with integrated Toca 511 DNA, or preferential retrieval of integration sites near oncogenes. Toca 511 sequence profiles suggest most mutations are caused by APOBEC cytidine deaminases acting during reverse transcription. Tissue samples from a single whole-body autopsy affirm Toca 511 tumor selectivity. Conclusions: Toca 511 and Toca FC treatment was not associated with inappropriate integration sites and clonal expansion. The vector is tumor-selective and persistent in patients who received Toca 511 injections. Clin Cancer Res; 24(19); 4680–93. ©2018 AACR.

A dose-escalation clinical study (NCT01470794) using a retroviral replicating vector (RRV), Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec), in combination with oral Toca FC (extended-release 5-fluorocytosine, 5-FC) is ongoing to evaluate safety, mechanism of action, and preliminary efficacy of this investigational therapy in patients with recurrent HGG. Toca 511 encodes a yeast-derived, codon-optimized, heat-stabilized cytosine deaminase that converts 5-FC to the anti-cancer drug 5-FU in infected tumors. This virus replicates selectively in malignant tissue and may have broad application in cancer therapies. When Toca FC is administered, cytosine deaminase is designed to convert 5-FC to 5-FU resulting in cancer cell death. In preclinical tumor models, as infected cancer cells are killed, diffusible 5-FU also kills susceptible cells, including myeloid derived suppressor cells that contribute to immune-suppression in the tumor microenvironment. This action by Toca 511 and Toca FC in animal models generates durable anti-tumor immune responses that can be transferred to naïve, untreated animals. In the clinical study presented here, Toca 511 is injected into resection cavity walls at time of resection followed by multiple courses of oral Toca FC. Multi-year durable and ongoing objective responses are observed, including four complete responses and two partial responses. We plan to report temporal changes in peripheral immune cells between responding and non-responding patients, including baseline differences in peripheral blood cell populations as well as temporal shifts in leukocyte subsets, T-cell receptor clonality, and serum cytokine levels. Sustained markers of proliferation and immune activation are observed in patients with response or stable disease compared to those that progressed. Immunohistochemistry analysis of resident T-cells in patient tumors taken at time of resection show fewer T-cells in responding and stable disease patients before treatment compared to those that did not respond. Data are consistent with the induction of anti-tumor immune response after Toca 511 and Toca FC administration.

Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec) is an investigational nonlytic, retroviral replicating vector (RRV) that delivers a yeast cytosine deaminase, which converts subsequently administered courses of the investigational prodrug Toca FC (extended-release 5-fluorocytosine) into the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil. Forty-five subjects with recurrent or progressive high-grade glioma were treated. The end points of this phase 1, open-label, ascending dose, multicenter trial included safety, efficacy, and molecular profiling; survival was compared to a matching subgroup from an external control. Overall survival for recurrent high-grade glioma was 13.6 months (95% confidence interval, 10.8 to 20.0) and was statistically improved relative to an external control (hazard ratio, 0.45; P = 0.003). Tumor samples from subjects surviving more than 52 weeks after Toca 511 delivery disproportionately displayed a survival-related mRNA expression signature, identifying a potential molecular signature that may correlate with treatment-related survival rather than being prognostic. Toca 511 and Toca FC show excellent tolerability, with RRV persisting in the tumor and RRV control systemically. The favorable assessment of Toca 511 and Toca FC supports confirmation in a randomized phase 2/3 trial (NCT02414165).

Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec) is an investigational, conditionally lytic, retroviral replicating vector (RRV). RRVs selectively infect cancer cells due to defects in innate and adaptive immune responses found in cancers that support virus replication, and cell division requirements for virus integration into the genome. Toca 511 spreads through cancer cells, stably delivering an optimized cytosine deaminase (CD) gene that converts the prodrug Toca FC (investigational, extended-release 5-fluorocytosine) into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a canonical chemotherapeutic. In preclinical tumor models, as infected cancer cells are killed, diffusible 5-FU also kills nearby susceptible cells, including uninfected cancer cells, and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) that contribute to immune-suppression in the tumor microenvironment. This action by Toca 511 and Toca FC has been shown in animal models to generate a durable anti-tumor immune response that can be transferred to naïve, untreated animals. The Toca 511 and Toca FC immunotherapeutic are proposed to remodel the tumor microenvironment to break tumor tolerance resulting in induction of antitumor activity by the patient's immune system and durable complete responses. In a phase 1 clinical study for recurrent high grade glioma (NCT01470794), Toca 511 was injected into resection cavity walls at time of resection followed by multiple courses of oral Toca FC. We observed multi-year durable and objective responses; including 5 ongoing complete responses in a group of 23 patients in the higher dose single agent treatment cohorts given approximately the same Toca 511 doses and having the same entry criteria as an ongoing Phase 3 study in recurrent high grade glioma (NCT02414165). Patient tumors at time of resection were analyzed by exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, IHC, and TCR sequencing, before Toca 511 treatment. In this study, we report higher levels of tumor infiltrating T cells by TCR sequencing, before the start of treatment, were significantly associated with responding patients compared to patients whose disease progressed. The significance of this data is supported by the preclinical mechanism of action reported previously. Additionally, we plan to report on T cell, B cell, and myeloid populations in the tumor as measured by IHC and RNA sequencing and their relationship to clinical response. Data reported here will provide mechanistic context to the immunotherapeutic mode of action proposed to account for durable responses seen in treatment of brain tumors with Toca 511 and Toca FC. Citation Format: Derek Ostertag, William Accomando, Leah Mitchell, Maria Rodriguez-Aguirre, Daniel Hogan, Oscar Diago, Dawn Gammon, Ali Haghighi, Harry Gruber, Asha Das, Douglas Jolly. Immune profile of tumor microenvironment helps predict response in patients treated with an investigational immunotherapeutic consisting of a retroviral replicating vector (Toca 511) and an extended-release formulation of 5-fluorocytosine (Toca FC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5630.

Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec), in combination with Toca FC (5-FC; flucytosine extended-release tablets), is an investigational combination product currently under development for the treatment of high-grade glioma (HGG) and other solid tumors. Toca 511 is a gamma-retroviral replicating vector (RRV) delivering a cytosine deaminase transgene to infected cells to convert antifungal drug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Toca 511 can be administered by multiple routes; selectively infects, spreads, and persists in cancer cells; and through multiple mechanisms of action can elicit an antitumor immune response. Treatment directly kills infected cancer cells. Diffusible 5-FU also kills neighboring susceptible cells that contribute to the immune-suppressed tumor microenvironment, especially myeloid immune suppressor cells. After multiple cycles of 5-FC, treated animals that clear tumor are resistant to tumor rechallenge. Adoptive transfer recipients of splenocytes from animals that previously cleared their tumor through treatment with Toca 511 and 5-FC experience a significant survival benefit compared to animals receiving spleen cells from naïve donors. Toca 511 and Toca FC have been administered to 126 recurrent high-grade glioma (rHGG) patients in three phase I studies (NCT01156584, NCT01470794, NCT01985256), and a phase 2/3 trial (Toca 5) is ongoing (NCT02414165). Toca 511 plus Toca FC has been well tolerated in these patients. In the clinical study presented, Toca 511 is injected into resection cavity walls at time of tumor resection, and followed with multiple courses of Toca FC. In a subset of phase I patients that mimic the phase 2/3 rHGG enrollment criteria, there were 3 complete responses and 2 partial responses out of 24 patients observed. The median duration of response is 26.7 months. These responders have an overall survival range from 24.0+ to 42.6+ months and ongoing. Data are consistent with induction of antitumor immune responses after Toca FC administration. Changes in peripheral immune populations as well as interrogation of immunogenic biomarkers in responding compared to nonresponding patients will be presented. Citation Format: Tiffany T. Montellano, Derek Ostertag, Daniel J. Hogan, Oscar R. Diago, Dawn Gammon, Ali Haghighi, William Accomando, Leah Mitchell, Asha Das, Harry Gruber, Douglas J. Jolly. Antitumor cellular immune response elicited by Toca 511 and Toca FC therapy in preclinical and clinical studies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B010.

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease is characterized by profound motor deficits that result mainly as a consequence of degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. No current therapy slows or halts disease progression. Neurturin (NTN) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor have potent neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects on dopaminergic neurons, but their use in treating Parkinson's disease has been limited by significant delivery obstacles. In this study, we examined the long-term expression, bioactivity, and safety/tolerability of CERE-120, an adeno-associated virus type 2 vector encoding human NTN, after bilateral stereotactic delivery to the striatum of nonhuman primates. METHODS: Twelve naive rhesus macaques received bilateral stereotactic injections of 1 of 2 CERE-120 doses or vehicle to the caudate and putamen. Neurological and clinical parameters were monitored for up to 1 year postadministration, after which animals were sacrificed for histological analyses. RESULTS: Dose-related NTN expression was observed at 1 year and was associated with enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase immunolabeling in the striatum, hypertrophy of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra, and induction of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in the substantia nigra. Extensive, formal analyses, conducted in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice Regulations, across multiple time points revealed no evidence of clinical, neurological, or systemic toxicity. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence of long-term expression and bioactivity of NTN on the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system after bilateral stereotactic delivery of CERE-120 to the striatum. Furthermore, no evidence of any adverse effects for up to 1 year postadministration was observed. These findings reveal a wide safety margin for CERE-120 and collectively support the ongoing clinical testing of the efficacy and safety of CERE-120 in patients with Parkinson's disease.

We are developing a retroviral replicating vector (RRV) encoding cytosine deaminase as an anticancer agent for gliomas. Despite its demonstrated natural selectivity for tumors, and other safety features, such a virus could potentially cause off-target effects by productively infecting healthy tissues. Here, we investigated whether incorporation of a hematopoietic lineage-specific microRNA target sequence in RRV further restricts replication in hematopoietic lineage-derived human cells in vitro and in murine lymphoid tissues in vivo. One or four copies of a sequence perfectly complementary to the guide strand of microRNA 142-3p were inserted into the 3' untranslated region of the RRV genome expressing the transgene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP). Viral spread and GFP expression of these vectors in hematopoietic lineage cells in vitro and in vivo were measured by qPCR, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry. In hematopoietic lineage-derived human cell lines and primary human stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, vectors carrying the 142-3pT sequence showed a remarkable decrease in GFP expression relative to the parental vector, and viral spread was not observed over time. In a syngeneic subcutaneous mouse tumor model, RRVs with and without the 142-3pT sequences spread equally well in tumor cells; were strongly repressed in blood, bone marrow, and spleen; and generated antiviral immune responses. In an immune-deficient mouse model, RRVs with 142-3pT sequences were strongly repressed in blood, bone marrow, and spleen compared with unmodified RRV. Tissue-specific microRNA-based selective attenuation of RRV replication can maintain antiviral immunity, and if needed, provide an additional safeguard to this delivery platform for gene therapy applications.

Background We have developed a method for selecting erythroblasts from blood, the first step toward identifying fetal cells in maternal blood for diagnostic purposes. Because the selection method results in a large number of positive cells, we needed to develop new methods to deposit the cells onto slides and to modify in situ hybridization procedures to enable detection of fetal cells. Methods We utilized Nunc flaskettes to increase the slide surface area available for cell deposition. The ability of erythroid lineage cells to adhere to several surface modifications was examined. In situ hybridization methods were tested to find the best approach that is compatible with these cell preparations. Results The best glass slide coating for erythroid cells was found to be an antibody to glycophorin A, a red cell surface antigen. We were able to get excellent in situ hybridization signals in cells on flaskettes by modifying fixation and pretreatment parameters. Conclusions The methods described here appear to be the best way of attaching a large number of erythroid lineage cells to slides and of detecting them by in situ hybridization. Cytometry 45:304–309, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background Many methods have been employed to obtain fetal cells from maternal blood for prenatal diagnostics, but there has been little work done that compares the efficacy of different methods. This study presents a comparison of two commonly used methods for selecting erythroblasts with selection directly from whole blood. Methods Erythroblasts were isolated from maternal blood by either differential lysis or density separation, followed by selection with an antibody to the transferrin receptor. These methods were compared with antibody selection directly from whole blood. The total yield of erythroblasts was determined for each method. Results Red cell lysis is not recommended because the lysis step cannot be well controlled. Density separation followed by antibody selection works well. However, a faster and simpler method, antibody selection directly from whole blood using Immunicon Ferrofluid and magnetic separators, works as well and has the potential to yield even more cells. Conclusions Considering the need for a simple and quick method for selecting fetal cells from maternal blood, we suggest selection directly from whole blood. Cytometry 45:267–276, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The successful resolution of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is believed to involve the induction of CTLs that are capable of killing cells harboring this pathogen, although little information is known about the MHC restriction or fine specificity of such CTLs. In this study, we used knowledge of the HLA-A*0201-binding motif and an immunofluorescence-based peptide-binding assay to screen for potential HLA-A*0201-binding epitopes contained in the 19-kDa lipoprotein of M.tb (M.tb19). CD8+ T cells derived from HLA-A*0201+ patients with active tuberculosis (TB) as well as tuberculin skin test-positive individuals who had no history of TB were used as effector cells to determine whether these epitopes are recognized by in vivo-primed CTLs. An in vitro vaccination system using HLA-A*0201+ dendritic cells (DCs) as APCs was used to determine whether these epitopes can sensitize naive CD8+ T cells in vitro, leading to the generation of Ag-specific CTLs. The results show that an HLA-A*0201-binding peptide comprised of residues 88 to 97 of M.tb19 (P88–97) is recognized by circulating CD8+ CTLs from both healthy tuberculin skin test-positive individuals and patients with active TB but not by tuberculin skin test-negative subjects. Moreover, dendritic cells pulsed with this peptide induced class I MHC-restricted CTLs from the T cells of healthy unsensitized persons. Finally, CTL lines that were specific for P88–97 were shown to lyse autologous monocytes that had been infected acutely with the H37Ra strain of M.tb. These results demonstrate that M.tb19 elicits HLA class I-restricted CTLs in vitro and in vivo that recognize endogenously processed Ag. Epitopes of the type identified here may prove useful in the design of an M.tb vaccine.

Top of pageAbstract Parkinson's disease is a progressive debilitating disorder that leads to the selective degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons within the substantia nigra. These nigral dopaminergic neurons send their axons to the striatum via the nigrostriatal pathway, critical for the initiation and coordination of movement. Numerous published studies demonstrate the efficacy of GDNF family ligands to protect and/or enhance dopaminergic neuron survival. Injection of CERE-120 into the striatum delivers Neurturin (NTN) to these dopaminergic neurons by gene transfer. In this study, CERE-120 was delivered by stereotaxic bilateral injections into the striatum of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats at two doses: (1) 8|[times]|109 vg/animal and (2) 4 |[times]|1010 vg/animal. Rats tissue was analyzed 3, 28 and 90 days post-injection for vector biodistribution, transgene expression, immunogenicity and safety endpoints. Vector biodistribution was analyzed by Q-PCR (sensitive to 10 copies/|[mu]|g of DNA) and transgene expression by RT-PCR. Results indicate that the majority of vector DNA remains localized to the target injection site at both doses. The mean vector load at the injection site was dose reponsive and decreased over time, though long term stable transgene expression persisted throughout the study. CERE-120 DNA was detected at low levels in the brain stem and cerebellum in both doses, while transgene expression was only detected in the brain stem. CERE-120 vector DNA and transgene expression observed in the brain stem are likely due to the presence of CERE-120 in the substantia nigra tissue within brain stem dissection samples. The substantia nigra is a natural target of the striatal neurons and lies in close proximity to the brain stem making its inclusion in the dissection sample likely.Vector DNA was not detected in systemic organs or fluids from animals recieving the low dose. Vector detected 3 days post injection in the liver and spleen of animals receiving the high dose did not persist 28 days post injection. Vector DNA was detected at quantifiable levels only in the cervical lymph nodes and CSF (quantifiable at 3 days only) of animals given the high dose, while no corresponding transgene expression was detected in the cervical lymph nodes. Serum Ab responses to AAV2 and NTN were assessed by ELISA. Weak to moderate anti-AAV2 responses were detected in the high dose animals at 28 and 90 days while no response was detected in those animals given the low dose. No antibody response to the NTN protein was detected. No morbidity or mortality were observed and no treatment related toxic effects were observed by organ histopathology, serum chemistry or hematologic analyses. All animals gained weight as expected over the course of the study. Overall, the data presented suggest that when administered to the striatum of rats, CERE-120 is primarily localized to the target site, is stably expressed and has a favorable safety profile.

The prevalence of antibodies (ab) to wild type AAV2 in humans is estimated to be 50-90%, with 30% developing neutralizing ab (Nab). In an attempt to mimic pre-existing immunity in animal models, many groups have immunized naive animals in order to study its effect on gene transfer. One limitation of this approach is that direct inoculation with high titers of AAV with adjuvant does not mimic the natural course of infection of the wild type virus. Therefore, the nature and intensity of the immune response may differ considerably from that generated by mucosal exposure. In addition, gene transfer is often attempted during the acute phase of the immune response. In contrast, human AAV2 seroconversion typically occurs in childhood, while AAV gene transfer is often performed in adults.