While Salmonella VNP 20009 (VNP) has shown promise in tumor targeting in animal models it is becoming apparent that regrowth of tumors is the outcome since the bacteria preferentially grow in the necrotic core and fail to reach the vital periphery. In human trials of metastatic melanoma patients, even targeting itself was very poor and no tumor regression was observed.
We aim to improve the tumor targeting and tumor regressive ability of VNP by conferring upon it the successful recognition potential of antibody mediated tumor targeting. We had previously attempted to do this using the lpp-OmpA surface display platform and poorly soluble scFv antibodies but have since found out that the combination caused bacterial growth arrest and restricted the therapeutic potential of engineered VNP. We hypothesize that VNP displaying small and highly soluble anti- CEA single domain antibodies via the ice nucleation protein (INP) will show enhanced targeting of CEA positive tumors without inhibiting bacterial invasion or replication and will therefore be able to regress tumors more effectively than parental VNP.
Our specific aims are to;1, Engineer VNP to display anti-CEA sdAb without impeding replication, yet capable of binding immobilized CEA in vitro;2, Demonstrate engineered VNP is capable of being internalized in MCF-7 cells and is also capable of homogenous targeting in three- dimensional spheroidal cell culture models;3, Demonstrate improved in vivo tumor targeting of engineered VNP in a mouse model of breast cancer, elucidating intra-tumoral distribution and potential for complete tumor regression. The multifunctional capabilities of VNP including mobility and ability to carry large payloads are well balanced by the ability to visualize single bioluminescent cells and facile elimination of the bacteria by antibiotics. As such, the potential for VNP as a highly controllable yet versatile cancer therapeutic is enormous so long as we can improve targeting and regressive capacity.

Public Health Relevance

There is a continual need to explore alternative approaches to treat cancer to improve patient outcome and reduce the dreadful side-effects of some of the therapies available. While specific bacteria have shown a natural propensity to target tumors in animal models and have been engineered for drug delivery, targeting in human trials was essentially ineffective. To date, while antibody based targeting has been employed to deliver radio- or chemo- active compounds to destroy the tumor, it has so far not been fully explored to deliver bacteria. Here, we propose to engineer bacteria to display antibodies on their cell surface that are specific for the tumor cell surface, thereby encouraging effective bacterial tumor targeting. We aim to first study the engineered bacteria in a model breast cancer cell line and then to demonstrate improved targeting and tumor destruction in a mouse model of human breast cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21CA175962-02
Application #
8637021
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-SRLB-D (J1))
Program Officer
Welch, Anthony R
Project Start
2013-04-01
Project End
2015-03-31
Budget Start
2014-04-01
Budget End
2015-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$231,651
Indirect Cost
$105,066
Name
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
007936834
City
San Antonio
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78245