Cancer immunotherapy using virus particles
Inventors
Steinmetz, Nicole F. • Wen, Amy M. • Fiering, Steven • Lizotte, Patrick H.
Assignees
Dartmouth College • Case Western Reserve University
Publication Number
US-12350326-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-08
Expiration Date
2035-11-09
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof includes administering in situ to the cancer a therapeutically effective amount of a virus or virus-like particle.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods of treating cancer in subjects by administering in situ a therapeutically effective amount of a virus or virus-like particle (VLP) directly to the cancer. These virus particles can be nonreplicating and noninfectious in the subject to avoid infection. The in situ administration can be proximal to or directly at the tumor site, allowing a high local concentration of virus particles in the tumor microenvironment, which modifies the microenvironment so that the immune system can respond to the tumor.
The virus or virus-like particles can include plant viruses such as cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) or potato virus X (PVX), which are nonreplicative and safe from a human health perspective. The invention demonstrates that these plant virus VLPs have inherent immunostimulatory properties and can be used as in situ vaccines alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics to treat cancers including lung cancer and metastatic cancers such as melanoma, breast, colon, ovarian cancers.
The problem being addressed is the poor prognosis and limited efficacy of conventional therapies for metastatic cancers. Existing immunotherapies are at an early stage and often require combination. The invention aims to provide a new immunotherapy approach by direct application of immunostimulatory viral particles to tumor sites, modulating the local immunosuppressive microenvironment to potentiate anti-tumor immunity and systemic immune responses.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent claim focused on a placement device containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising cowpea mosaic virus or cowpea mosaic virus-like particles as an in situ vaccine. The inventive features cover the composition characteristics, administration methods, and combination with anticancer agents.
Placement device containing an in situ vaccine with cowpea mosaic virus or virus-like particles
A placement device for direct application of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of cowpea mosaic virus or cowpea mosaic virus-like particles, where these particles are not used as a vehicle for drug or antigen delivery.
Administration methods for delivering the in situ vaccine
The device is configured for intra-tumoral injection or for inhalation administration in subjects having lung cancer to deliver the pharmaceutical composition to cancer sites.
Effective amount of virus particles to stimulate systemic immune response
The therapeutically effective amount of the in situ vaccine is sufficient to stimulate a systemic immune response in the subject treated.
Inclusion of nucleic acid in cowpea mosaic virus particles
The in situ vaccine may comprise cowpea mosaic virus containing RNA nucleic acid.
Combination with anticancer agents for intravenous administration
The placement device can further comprise an anticancer agent for intravenous injection or infusion, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents such as monoclonal antibodies.
The independent claim covers a placement device delivering an in situ vaccine comprising cowpea mosaic virus or virus-like particles for cancer treatment, including specific delivery methods and possible combination with other anticancer agents, emphasizing the inherent immunogenic properties of the virus particles rather than use as delivery vehicles.
Stated Advantages
The virus-like particles have significant inherent immunogenicity stimulating potent anti-tumor immune responses.
The approach enables modulation of the tumor microenvironment to overcome immune suppression and induce systemic anti-tumor immunity.
The particles are stable, scalable, non-toxic, and safe for use in humans, including as nonreplicating, noninfectious plant viruses.
The immunotherapy is effective as monotherapy and can be combined with chemotherapy to enhance efficacy.
The approach offers treatment for metastatic cancers including lung, breast, colon, ovarian cancers with durable systemic immunity and immune memory.
Documented Applications
Treatment of various cancers including melanoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer.
In situ vaccination for local immunomodulation of tumors via direct injection or inhalation, particularly for lung cancer treatment.
Combination cancer therapy with virus-like particle immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin.
Interested in licensing this patent?