Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS-PNET) are pediatric brain tumors with poor survival and life-long negative side effects. ...Here, the aim was to characterize the efficacy and safety of the oncolytic adenovirus, Delta-24-RGD, which selectively replicates in and kills tumor cells.
Delta-24-RGD determinants for infection and replication were evaluated in patient expression datasets. Viral replication and cytotoxicity were assessed
in a battery of CNS-PNET and AT/RT cell lines.
, efficacy was determined in different orthotopic mouse models, including early and established tumor models, a disseminated AT/RT lesion model, and immunocompetent humanized mouse models (hCD34
-NSG-SGM3).
Delta-24-RGD infected and replicated efficiently in all the cell lines tested. In addition, the virus induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity IC
value below 1 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/cell and the release of immunogenic markers.
, a single intratumoral Delta-24-RGD injection (10
or 10
PFU) significantly increased survival and led to long-term survival in AT/RT and PNET models. Delta-24-RGD hindered the dissemination of AT/RTs and increased survival, leading to 70% of long-term survivors. Of relevance, viral administration to established tumor masses (30 days after engraftment) showed therapeutic benefit. In humanized immunocompetent models, Delta-24-RGD significantly extended the survival of mice bearing AT/RTs or PNETs (ranging from 11 to 27 days) and did not display any toxicity associated with inflammation. Immunophenotyping of Delta-24-RGD-treated tumors revealed increased CD8
T-cell infiltration.
Delta-24-RGD is a feasible therapeutic option for AT/RTs and CNS-PNETs. This work constitutes the basis for potential translation to the clinical setting.
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