This well established multidisciplinary program, combining scientists trained in immunology, biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology, and clinical pharmacology, will evaluate the antineoplastic and immunomodulatory functions of humans interferons, mismatched double-stranded (ds) RNAs, and various lymphokines including IL-2 and TNF. This approach provides both powerful tools for uncovering mechanisms of cellular transformation and proliferation of human tumors as well as for developing superior diagnostic strategies. Down-regulation (demotion) of human tumor cells via lymphokines allows genetically-defined progressions to occur resulting in terminal differentiation or cell quiescence by modulation of specific growth-regulating genes. To complement biological investigation, those gene products whose expression is altered by lymphokine and dsRNA treatments will be characterized by novel methodologies. Elucidation of the modulated gene products will allow steps in the pharmacologic cascade of biological modifiers to be highly controlled and focused on precise clinical goals. New classes of dsRNA molecules have been structured to trigger selectively the genetic spectrum of endogenous lymphokines and associated intracellular mediators while avoiding host toxicity. Clinically, mismatched analogs of r/n rc/n inhibit proliferation of tumor clones and strengthen immunologic defense against residual tumor even when the tumors are resistant to exogenous interferon. To break further the intrinisc resistance of certain tumors to the interferon effect, novel analogues of 2-5A (nature's antiproliferative pathway) are being developed. Immunomodulatory studies within the multidisciplinary program encompass a broad range of projects from subcellular to organismic levels. Effects of purified lymphokines on normal cell functions, NK and LAC activities, and in athymic mice with tumor xenografts should provide superior clinical rationales. Specific combinations of lymphokines (interferons, dsRNAs, IL-2, etc) will allow for therapeutic synergy by augmentation of selected molecular pathways. Such an in-depth study, brought about by a fully integrated approach, will establish not only new principles for therapy but can also tailor effective therapy for chemotherapy resistant malignancies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Program Projects (P01)
Project #
2P01CA029545-07
Application #
3093290
Study Section
Cancer Special Program Advisory Committee (CAK)
Project Start
1981-06-01
Project End
1990-05-31
Budget Start
1987-06-01
Budget End
1988-05-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Hahnemann University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19129
Gillespie, D; Hubbell, H R; Carter, W A et al. (1994) Synergistic inhibition of AZT-resistant HIV by AZT combined with poly(I):poly(C12U), without synergistic toxicity to bone marrow progenitor cell elements. In Vivo 8:375-81
Hubbell, H R; Kariko, K; Suhadolnik, R J et al. (1994) RNase L and increased endoribonuclease activities in the mononuclear cells of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Anticancer Res 14:341-6
Suhadolnik, R J; Reichenbach, N L; Hitzges, P et al. (1994) Upregulation of the 2-5A synthetase/RNase L antiviral pathway associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Infect Dis 18 Suppl 1:S96-104
Suhadolnik, R J; Reichenbach, N L; Hitzges, P et al. (1994) Changes in the 2-5A synthetase/RNase L antiviral pathway in a controlled clinical trial with poly(I)-poly(C12U) in chronic fatigue syndrome. In Vivo 8:599-604
Hubbell, H R; Gibson, G D; Bigler, R D (1992) Potentiated lymphokine-activated killer cell activity generated by low-dose interleukin-2 and mismatched double-stranded RNA. Cancer Immunol Immunother 34:259-64
Hubbell, H R; Vargas, H E; Tsujimoto, K L et al. (1992) Antitumor effects of interleukin-2 and mismatched double-stranded RNA, individually and in combination, against a human malignant melanoma xenograft. Cancer Immunol Immunother 35:151-7
Muller, W E; Weiler, B E; Charubala, R et al. (1991) Cordycepin analogues of 2',5'-oligoadenylate inhibit human immunodeficiency virus infection via inhibition of reverse transcriptase. Biochemistry 30:2027-33
Hubbell, H R; Boyer, J E; Roane, P et al. (1991) Cyclic AMP mediates the direct antiproliferative action of mismatched double-stranded RNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 88:906-10
Hubbell, H R; Sheetz, P C; Iogal, S S et al. (1991) Heterogeneous nuclear RNA from hairy cell leukemia patients activates 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase. Anticancer Res 11:1927-32
Morgan, D A; Gumucio, D L; Brodsky, I (1991) Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent growth and erythropoietin-induced differentiation of a human cell line MB-02. Blood 78:2860-71

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