Scientists at Fudan University detail research in cancer gene therapy

   "Secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC) is known to play a critical role in establishing a functional microenvironment in secondary lymphoid tissues. Its capacity to attract dendritic cells (DCs) and colocalize them with T cells makes it a good therapeutic candidate against cancer. In this study, we used SLC as a treatment for tumors established from a murine hepatocellular carcinoma model. SLC was encoded by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), a system chosen for the low host immunity and high efficiency of transduction, enabling long-term expression of the gene of interest. As a result, rAAV-SLC induced a significant delay of tumor progression, which was paralleled by a profound infiltration of DCs and activated CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells (CD3(+) CD69(+) cells) into the tumor site," wrote C.M. Liang and colleagues, Fudan University.

   The researchers concluded: "In addition, rAAV-SLC treatment was also found to reduce tumor growth in nude mice, most likely due to inhibition of neoangiogenesislocal expression of SLC by rAAV represents a promising approach to induce immune-mediated regression of malignant tumors."

   Liang and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Virology (Local expression of secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine delivered by adeno-associated virus within the tumor bed stimulates strong anti-liver tumor immunity. Journal of Virology, 2007;81(17):9502-9511).

   For additional information, contact S.L. Ye, Fudan University, Liver Cancer Institute Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.

   The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Virology is: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA.

   Keywords: People's Republic of China, Shanghai, Cancer Gene Therapy, Fudan University.

   This article was prepared by Cancer Gene Therapy Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Cancer Gene Therapy Week via NewsRx.com.

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