Patent Grant
10441654
The death of cells by apoptosis (or programmed cell death), and other cell death pathways, is regulated by various cellular mechanisms. Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, such as X-linked IAP (XIAP) or cellular IAP proteins 1 and 2 (cIAP1 and 2), are regulators of programmed cell death, including (but not limited to) apoptosis pathways, e.g., in cancer cells. Other forms of cell death could include, but are not limited to, necroptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, and immunogenic cell death. In addition, these IAPs regulate various cell signaling pathways through their ubiquitin E3 ligase activity, which may or may not be related to cell survival. Another regulator of apoptosis is the polypeptide Smac. Smac is a proapoptotic protein released from mitochondria in conjunction with cell death. Smac can bind to IAPs, antagonizing their function. Smac mimetic compounds (SMCs) are non-endogenous proapoptotic compounds capable of carrying out one or more of the functions or activities of endogenous Smac.
The prototypical XIAP protein directly inhibits key initiator and executioner caspase proteins within apoptosis cascades. XIAP can thereby thwart the completion of apoptotic programs. Cellular IAP proteins 1 and 2 are E3 ubiquitin ligases that regulate apoptotic signaling pathways engaged by immune cytokines. The dual loss of cIAP1 and 2 can cause TNFα, TRAIL, and/or IL-1β to become toxic to, e.g., the majority of cancer cells. SMCs may inhibit XIAP, cIAP1, cIAP2, or other IAPs, and/or contribute to other proapoptotic mechanisms.
Treatment of cancer by the administration of SMCs has been proposed. However, SMCs alone may be insufficient to treat certain cancers. There exists a need for methods of treating cancer that improve the efficacy of SMC treatment in one or more types of cancer.
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer by the administration of an SMC and an immunostimulatory, or immunomodulatory, agent. SMCs and immunostimulatory agents are described herein, including, without limitation, the SMCs of Table 1 and the immunostimulatory agents of Tables 2 and 3.
One aspect of the present invention is a composition including an SMC from Table 1 and an immunostimulatory agent from Table 2 or Table 3, such that the SMC and the immunostimulatory agent are provided in amounts that together are sufficient to treat cancer when administered to a patient in need thereof.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method for treating a patient diagnosed with cancer, the method including administering to the patient an SMC from Table 1 and an immunostimulatory agent from Table 2 or Table 3, such that the SMC and the immunostimulatory agent are administered simultaneously or within 28 days of each other in amounts that together are sufficient to treat the cancer.
In some embodiments, the SMC and the immunostimulatory agent are administered within 14 days of each other, within 10 days of each other, within 5 days of each other, within 24 hours of each other, within 6 hours of each other, or simultaneously.
In particular embodiments, the SMC is a monovalent SMC, such as LCL161, SM-122, GDC-0152/RG7419, GDC-0917/CUDC-427, or SM-406/AT-406/Debio1143. In other embodiments, the SMC is a bivalent SMC, such as AEG40826/HGS1049, OICR720, TL32711/Birinapant, SM-1387/APG-1387, or SM-164.
In particular embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a TLR agonist from Table 2. In certain embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, or lipopeptide. In other embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide, such as CpG-ODN 2216. In still other embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is imiquimod or poly(I:C).
In particular embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a virus from Table 3. In certain embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), such as VSV-M51R, VSV-MΔ51, VSV-IFNβ, or VSV-IFNβ-NIS. In other embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is an adenovirus, maraba vesiculovirus, reovirus, rhabdovirus, or vaccinia virus, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a Talimogene laherparepvec.
In some embodiments, a composition or method of the present invention includes a plurality of immunostimulatory or immunomodulatory agents, including but not limited to interferons, and/or a plurality of SMCs.
In some embodiments, a composition or method of the present invention includes one or more interferon agents, such as an interferon type 1 agent, an interferon type 2 agent, and/or an interferon type 3 agent.
In any method of the present invention, the cancer can be a cancer that is refractory to treatment by an SMC in the absence of an immunostimulatory or immunomodulatory agent. In any method of the present invention, the treatment can further include administration of a therapeutic agent including an interferon.
In any method of the present invention, the cancer can be a cancer that is selected from adrenal cancer, basal cell carcinoma, biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, connective tissue cancer, cancer of the digestive system, endometrial cancer, epipharyngeal carcinoma, esophageal cancer, eye cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, cancer of the head and neck, hepatocellular carcinoma, intra-epithelial neoplasm, kidney cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, liver metastases, lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, mesothelioma, neuroglioma, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, oral cavity cancer, ovarian cancer, paediatric cancer, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic endocrine tumors, penile cancer, plasma cell tumors, pituitary adenoma, thymoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, cancer of the respiratory system, rhabdomyosarcoma, salivary gland cancer, sarcoma, skin cancer, small bowel cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, ureteral cancer, and cancer of the urinary system.
The invention further includes a composition including an SMC from Table 1 and an immunostimulatory agent. The immunostimulatory agent may include a killed virus, an inactivated virus, or a viral vaccine, such that the SMC and the immunostimulatory agent are provided in amounts that together are sufficient to treat cancer when administered to a patient in need thereof. In particular embodiments, the said immunostimulatory agent is a NRRP or a rabies vaccine. In other embodiments, the invention includes a composition including an SMC from Table 1 and an immunostimulatory agent. The immunostimulatory agent may include a first agent that primes an immune response and at least a second agent that boosts the immune response, such that the SMC and the said immunostimulatory agent are provided in amounts that together are sufficient to treat cancer when administered to a patient in need thereof. In certain embodiments, one or both of the first agent and the second agent is an oncolytic virus vaccine. In other particular embodiments, the first agent is an adenovirus carrying a tumor antigen and the second agent is a vesiculovirus, such as a Maraba-MG1 carrying the same tumor antigen as the adenovirus or a Maraba-MG1 that does not carry a tumor antigen.
“Neighboring” cell means a cell sufficiently proximal to a reference cell to directly or indirectly receive an immune, inflammatory, or proapoptotic signal from the reference cell.
“Potentiating apoptosis or cell death” means to increase the likelihood that one or more cells will apoptose or die. A treatment may potentiate cell death by increasing the likelihood that one or more treated cells will apoptose, and/or by increasing the likelihood that one or more cells neighboring a treated cell will apoptose or die.
“Endogenous Smac activity” means one or more biological functions of Smac that result in the potentiation of apoptosis, including at least the inhibition of cIAP1 and cIAP2. It is not required that the biological function occur or be possible in all cells under all conditions, only that Smac is capable of the biological function in some cells under certain naturally occurring in vivo conditions.
“Smac mimetic compound” or “SMC” means a composition of one or more components, e.g., a small molecule, compound, polypeptide, protein, or any complex thereof, capable of inhibiting cIAP1 and/or inhibiting cIAP2. Smac mimetic compounds include the compounds listed in Table 1. To “induce an apoptotic program” means to cause a change in the proteins or protein profiles of one or more cells such that the amount, availability, or activity of one or more proteins capable of participating in an IAP-mediated apoptotic pathway is increased, or such that one or more proteins capable of participating in an IAP-mediated apoptotic pathway are primed for participation in the activity of such a pathway. Inducing an apoptotic program does not require the initiation of cell death per se: induction of a program of apoptosis in a manner that does not result in cell death may synergize with treatment with an SMC that potentiates apoptosis, leading to cell death.
“Immunostimulatory agent” means a composition of one or more components cumulatively capable of inducing an apoptotic or inflammatory program in one or more cells of a subject, and cell death downstream of this program being inhibited by at least cIAP1 and cIAP2. An immunostimulatory agent may be, e.g., a TLR agonist (e.g., a compound listed in Table 2) or a virus (e.g., a virus listed in Table 3), such as an oncolytic virus.
“Treating cancer” means to induce the death of one or more cancer cells in a subject, or to provoke an immune response which could lead to tumor regression and block tumor spread (metastasis). Treating cancer may completely or partially abolish some or all of the signs and symptoms of cancer in a subject, decrease the severity of one or more symptoms of cancer in a subject, lessen the progression of one or more symptoms of cancer in a subject, or mediate the progression or severity of one or more subsequently developed symptoms.
“Prodrug” means a therapeutic agent that is prepared in an inactive form that may be converted to an active form within the body of a subject, e.g. within the cells of a subject, by the action of one or more enzymes, chemicals, or conditions present within the subject.
By a “low dosage” or “low concentration” is meant at least 5% less (e.g., at least 10%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 90%, or even 95%) than the lowest standard recommended dosage or lowest standard recommended concentration of a particular compound formulated for a given route of administration for treatment of any human disease or condition.
By a “high dosage” is meant at least 5% (e.g., at least 10%, 20%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or even 300%) more than the highest standard recommended dosage of a particular compound for treatment of any human disease or condition.
The present invention includes methods and compositions for enhancing the efficacy of Smac mimetic compounds (SMCs) in the treatment of cancer. In particular, the present invention includes methods and compositions for combination therapies that include an SMC and a second agent that stimulates one or more cell death pathways that are inhibited by cIAP1 and/or cIAP2. The second agent may be, e.g., a TLR agonist a virus, such as an oncolytic virus, or an interferon or related agent.
The data provided herein demonstrates that treatment with an immunostimulatory agent and an SMC results in tumor regression and durable cures in vivo (see, e.g., Example 1). These combination therapies were well tolerated by mice, with body weight returning to pre-treatment levels shortly after the cessation of therapy. Tested combination therapies were able to treat several treatment refractory, aggressive mouse models of cancer. One of skill in the art will recognize, based on the disclosure and data provided herein, that any one or more of a variety of SMCs and any one or more of a variety of immunostimulatory agents, such as a TLR agonist, pathogen, or pathogen mimetic, may be combined in one or more embodiments of the present invention to potentiate apoptosis and treat cancer.
While other approaches to improve SMC therapy have been attempted, very rarely have complete responses been observed, particularly in aggressive immunocompetent model systems. Some embodiments of the present invention, including treatment of cancer with a pathogen mimetic, e.g., a pathogen mimetic having a mechanism of action partially dependent on TRAIL, can have certain advantages. First, this approach can evoke TNFα-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis: given the plasticity and heterogeneity of some advanced cancers, treatments that simultaneously induce multiple distinct cell death mechanisms may have greater efficacy than those that do not. Second, pathogen mimetics can elicit an integrated innate immune response that includes layers of negative feedback. These feedback mechanisms may act to temper the cytokine response in a manner difficult to replicate using recombinant proteins, and thus act as a safeguard to this combination therapy strategy.
SMCs
An SMC of the present invention may be any small molecule, compound, polypeptide, protein, or any complex thereof, capable, or predicted of being capable, of inhibiting cIAP1 and/or cIAP2, and, optionally, one or more additional endogenous Smac activities. An SMC of the present invention is capable of potentiating apoptosis by mimicking one or more activities of endogenous Smac, including but not limited to, the inhibition of cIAP1 and the inhibition of cIAP2. An endogenous Smac activity may be, e.g., interaction with a particular protein, inhibition of a particular protein's function, or inhibition of a particular IAP. In particular embodiments, the SMC inhibits both cIAP1 and cIAP2. In some embodiments, the SMC inhibits one or more other IAPs in addition to cIAP1 and cIAP2, such as XIAP or Livin/ML-IAP, the single BIR-containing IAP. In particular embodiments, the SMC inhibits cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP. In any embodiment including an SMC and an immune stimulant, an SMC having particular activities may be selected for combination with one or more particular immune stimulants. In any embodiment of the present invention, the SMC may be capable of activities of which Smac is not capable. In some instances, these additional activities may contribute to the efficacy of the methods or compositions of the present invention.
Treatment with SMCs can deplete cells of cIAP1 and cIAP2, through, e.g., the induction of auto- or trans-ubiquitination and proteasomal-mediated degradation. SMCs can also de-repress XIAP's inhibition of caspases. SMCs may primarily function by targeting cIAP1 and 2, and by converting TNFα, and other cytokines or death ligands, from a survival signal to a death signal, e.g., for cancer cells.
Certain SMCs inhibit at least XIAP and the cIAPs. Such “pan-IAP” SMCs can intervene at multiple distinct yet interrelated stages of programmed cell death inhibition. This characteristic minimizes opportunities for cancers to develop resistance to treatment with a pan-IAP SMC, as multiple death pathways are affected by such an SMC, and allows synergy with existing and emerging cancer therapeutics that activate various apoptotic pathways in which SMCs can intervene.
One or more inflammatory cytokines or death ligands, such as TNFα, TRAIL, and IL-1β, potently synergize with SMC therapy in many tumor-derived cell lines. Strategies to increase death ligand concentrations in SMC-treated tumors, in particular using approaches that would limit the toxicities commonly associated with recombinant cytokine therapy, are thus very attractive. TNFα, TRAIL, and dozens of other cytokines and chemokines can be upregulated in response to pathogen recognition by the innate immune system of a subject. Importantly, this ancient response to microbial pathogens is usually self-limiting and safe for the subject, due to stringent negative regulation that limits the strength and duration of its activity.
SMCs may be rationally designed based on Smac. The ability of a compound to potentiate apoptosis by mimicking one or more functions or activities of endogenous Smac can be predicted based on similarity to endogenous Smac or known SMCs. An SMC may be a compound, polypeptide, protein, or a complex of two or more compounds, polypeptides, or proteins.
In some instances, SMCs are small molecule IAP antagonists based on an N-terminal tetrapeptide sequence (revealed after processing) of the polypeptide Smac. In some instances, an SMC is a monomer (monovalent) or dimer (bivalent). In particular instances, an SMC includes 1 or 2 moieties that mimic the tetrapeptide sequence of AVPI from Smac/DIABLO, the second mitochondrial activator of caspases, or other similar IBMs (e.g., IAP-binding motifs from other proteins like casp9). A dimeric SMC of the present invention may be a homodimer or a heterodimer. In certain embodiments, the dimer subunits are tethered by various linkers. The linkers may be in the same defined spot of either subunit, but could also be located at different anchor points (which may be ‘aa’ position, P1, P2, P3 or P4, with sometimes a P5 group available). In various arrangements, the dimer subunits may be in different orientations, e.g., head to tail, head to head, or tail to tail. The heterodimers can include two different monomers with differing affinities for different BIR domains or different IAPs. Alternatively, a heterodimer can include a Smac monomer and a ligand for another receptor or target which is not an IAP. In some instances, an SMCs can be cyclic. In some instances, an SMC can be trimeric or multimeric. A multimerized SMC can exhibit a fold increase in activity of 7,000-fold or more, such as 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 100-, 200-, 1,000-, 5,000-, 7,000-fold, or more (measured, e.g., by EC50 in vitro) over one or more corresponding monomers. This may occur, in some instances, e.g., because the tethering enhances the ubiquitination between IAPs or because the dual BIR binding enhances the stability of the interaction. Although multimers, such as dimers, may exhibit increased activity, monomers may be preferable in some embodiments. For example, in some instances, a low molecular weight SMC may be preferable, e.g., for reasons related to bioavailability.
In some instances of the present invention, an agent capable of inhibiting cIAP1/2 is a bestatin or Me-bestatin analog. Bestatin or Me-bestatin analogs may induce cIAP1/2 autoubiquitination, mimicking the biological activity of Smac.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, an SMC combination treatment includes one or more SMCs and one or more interferon agents, such as an interferon type 1 agent, an interferon type 2 agent, and an interferon type 3 agent. Combination treatments including an interferon agent may be useful in the treatment of cancer, such as multiple myeloma.
In some embodiments, a VSV expressing IFN, and optionally expressing a gene that enables imaging, such as NIS, the sodium-iodide symporter, is used in combination with an SMC. For instance, such a VSV may be used in combination with an SMC, such as the Ascentage Smac mimetic SM-1387/APG-1387, the Novartis Smac mimetic LCL161, or Birinapant. Such combinations may be useful in the treatment of cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases.
Various SMCs are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of SMCs are provided in Table 1. While Table 1 includes suggested mechanisms by which various SMCs may function, methods and compositions of the present invention are not limited by or to these mechanisms.
Monomeric version of BV6: Fulda S, Vucic D. Targeting IAP proteins for therapeutic
Immunostimulatory Agents
An immunostimulatory or immunomodulatory agent of the present invention may be any agent capable of inducing a receptor-mediated apoptotic program that is inhibited by cIAP1 and cIAP2 in one or more cells of a subject. An immune stimulant of the present invention may induce an apoptotic program regulated by cIAP1 (BIRC2), cIAP2 (BIRC3 or API2), and optionally, one or more additional IAPs, e.g., one or more of the human IAP proteins NAIP (BIRC1), XIAP (BIRC4), survivin (BIRC5), Apollon/Bruce (BIRC6), ML-IAP (BIRC7 or livin), and ILP-2 (BIRC8). It is additionally known that various immunomodulatory or immunostimulatory agents, such as CpGs or IAP antagonists, can change immune cell contexts.
In some instances, an immune stimulant may be a TLR agonist, such as a TLR ligand. A TLR agonist of the present invention may be an agonist of one or more of TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-4, TLR-5, TLR-6, TLR-7, TLR-8, TLR-9, and TLR-10 in humans or related proteins in other species (e.g., murine TLR-1 to TLR-9 and TLR-11 to TLR-13). TLRs can recognize highly conserved structural motifs known as pathogen-associated microbial patterns (PAMPs), which are exclusively expressed by microbial pathogens, as well as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are endogenous molecules released from necrotic or dying cells. PAMPs include various bacterial cell wall components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), and lipopeptides, as well as flagellin, bacterial DNA, and viral double-stranded RNA. DAMPs include intracellular proteins such as heat shock proteins as well as protein fragments from the extracellular matrix. Agonists of the present invention further include, for example, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs), such as Class A, B, and C CpG ODN's, base analogs, nucleic acids such as dsRNA or pathogen DNA, or pathogen or pathogen-like cells or virions. In certain embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is an agent that mimics a virus or bacteria or is a synthetic TLR agonist.
Various TLR agonists are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of TLR agonists are provided in Table 2. While Table 2 includes suggested mechanisms, uses, or TLR targets by which various TLR agonists may function, methods and compositions of the present invention are not limited by or to these mechanisms, uses, or targets.
In other instances, an immune stimulant may be a virus, e.g., an oncolytic virus. An oncolytic virus is a virus that selectively infects, replicates, and/or selectively kills cancer cells. Viruses of the present invention include, without limitation, adenoviruses, Herpes simplex viruses, measles viruses, Newcastle disease viruses, parvoviruses, polioviruses, reoviruses, Seneca Valley viruses, retroviruses, Vaccinia viruses, vesicular stomatitis viruses, lentiviruses, rhabdoviruses, sindvis viruses, coxsackieviruses, poxviruses, and others. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the immunostimulatory agent is a rhabodvirus, e.g., VSV. Rhabdoviruses can replicate quickly with high IFN production. In other particular embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a feral member, such as Maraba virus, with the MG1 double mutation, Farmington virus, Carajas virus. Viral immunostimulatory agents of the present invention include mutant viruses (e.g., VSV with a Δ51 mutation in the Matrix, or M, protein), transgene-modified viruses (e.g., VSV-hIFNβ), viruses carrying -TNFα, -LTα/TNFβ, -TRAIL, FasL, -TL1α, chimeric viruses (eg rabies), or pseudotyped viruses (e.g., viruses pseudotyped with G proteins from LCMV or other viruses). In some instances, the virus of the present invention will be selected to reduce neurotoxicity. Viruses in general, and in particular oncolytic viruses, are known in the art.
In certain embodiments, the immunostimulatory agent is a killed VSV NRRP particle or a prime-and-boost tumor vaccine. NRRPs are wild type VSV that have been modified to produce an infectious vector that can no longer replicate or spread, but that retains oncolytic and immunostimulatory properties. NRRPs may be produced using gamma irradiation, UV, or busulfan. Particular combination therapies include prime-and-boost with adeno-MAGE3 (melanoma antigen) and/or Maraba-MG1-MAGE3. Other particular combination therapies include UV-killed or gamma irradiation-killed wild-type VSV NRRPs. NRRPs may demonstrate low or absent neurotixicity. NRRPs may be useful, e.g., in the treatment of glioma, hematological (liquid) tumors, or multiple myeloma.
In some instances, the immunostimulatory agent of the present invention is a vaccine strain, attenuated virus or microorganism, or killed virus or microorganism. In some instances, the immunostimulatory agent may be, e.g., BCG, live or dead Rabies vaccines, or an influenza vaccine.
Non-limiting examples of viruses of the present invention, e.g., oncolytic viruses, are provided in Table 3. While Table 3 includes suggested mechanisms or uses for the provided viruses, methods and compositions of the present invention are not limited by or to these mechanisms or uses.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology 24(8): 1115-1122, 2013
Vascular and Interventional Radiology 24(8): 1115-1122, 2013
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Vascular and Interventional Radiology 24(8): 1115-1122, 2013
Vascular and Interventional Radiology 24(8): 1115-1122, 2013
J Gen Virol 93(12): 2529-2545, 2012; Lawson ND, Stillman EA, Whitt MA,
Cancer J. 2012 Jan-Feb; 18(1): 69-81; Chiocca EA, Abbed KM, Tatter S, et al. A
Cancer J. 2012 Jan-Feb; 18(1): 69-81
Cancers
The methods and compositions of the present invention may be used to treat a wide variety of cancer types. One of skill in the art will appreciate that, since cells of many if not all cancers are capable of receptor-mediated apoptosis, the methods and compositions of the present invention are broadly applicable to many if not all cancers. The combinatorial approach of the present invention is efficacious in various aggressive, treatment refractory tumor models. In particular embodiments, for example, the cancer treated by a method of the present invention may be adrenal cancer, basal cell carcinoma, biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, connective tissue cancer, cancer of the digestive system, endometrial cancer, epipharyngeal carcinoma, esophageal cancer, eye cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, cancer of the head and neck, hepatocellular carcinoma, intra-epithelial neoplasm, kidney cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, liver metastases, lung cancer, lymphomas including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, melanoma, myeloma, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, mesothelioma, neuroglioma, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, oral cavity cancer (e.g. lip, tongue, mouth, and pharynx), ovarian cancer, paediatric cancer, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic endocrine tumors, penile cancer, plasma cell tumors, pituitary adenomathymoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, cancer of the respiratory system, rhabdomyosarcoma, salivary gland cancer, sarcoma, skin cancer, small bowel cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, ureteral cancer, cancer of the urinary system, and other carcinomas and sarcomas. Other cancers are known in the art.
The cancer may be a cancer that is refractory to treatment by SMCs alone. The methods and compositions of the present invention may be particularly useful in cancers that are refractory to treatment by SMCs alone. Typically, a cancer refractory to treatment with SMCs alone may be a cancer in which IAP-mediated apoptotic pathways are not significantly induced. In particular embodiments, a cancer of the present invention is a cancer in which one or more apoptotic pathways are not significantly induced, i.e., is not activated in a manner such that treatment with SMCs alone is sufficient to effectively treat the cancer. For instance, a cancer of the present invention can be a cancer in which a cIAP1/2-mediated apoptotic pathway is not significantly induced.
A cancer of the present invention may be a cancer refractory to treatment by one or more immunostimulatory agents. In particular embodiments, a cancer of the present invention may be a cancer refractory to treatment by one or more immunostimulatory agents (absent an SMC) and also refractory to treatment by one or more SMCs (absent an immunostimulatory agent).
Formulations and Administration
In some instances, delivery of a naked, i.e. native form, of an SMC and/or immunostimulatory agent may be sufficient to potentiate apoptosis and/or treat cancer. SMCs and/or immunostimulatory agents may be administered in the form of salts, esters, amides, prodrugs, derivatives, and the like, provided the salt, ester, amide, prodrug or derivative is suitably pharmacologically effective, e.g., capable of potentiating apoptosis and/or treating cancer.
Salts, esters, amides, prodrugs and other derivatives of an SMC or immunostimulatory agent can be prepared using standard procedures known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry. For example, an acid salt of SMCs and/or immunostimulatory agents may be prepared from a free base form of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent using conventional methodology that typically involves reaction with a suitable acid. Generally, the base form of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent is dissolved in a polar organic solvent, such as methanol or ethanol, and the acid is added thereto. The resulting salt either precipitates or can be brought out of solution by addition of a less polar solvent. Suitable acids for preparing acid addition salts include, but are not limited to, both organic acids, e.g., acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, and the like, as well as inorganic acids, e.g., hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.
An acid addition salt can be reconverted to the free base by treatment with a suitable base. Certain typical acid addition salts of SMCs and/or immunostimulatory agents, for example, halide salts, such as may be prepared using hydrochloric or hydrobromic acids. Conversely, preparation of basic salts of SMCs and/or immunostimulatory agents of the present invention may be prepared in a similar manner using a pharmaceutically acceptable base, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, trimethylamine, or the like. Certain typical basic salts include, but are not limited to, alkali metal salts, e.g., sodium salt, and copper salts.
Preparation of esters may involve functionalization of, e.g., hydroxyl and/or carboxyl groups that are present within the molecular structure of SMCs and/or immunostimulatory agents. In certain embodiments, the esters are acyl-substituted derivatives of free alcohol groups, i.e., moieties derived from carboxylic acids of the formula RCOOH where R is alky, and preferably is lower alkyl. Esters may be reconverted to the free acids, if desired, by using conventional hydrogenolysis or hydrolysis procedures.
Amides may also be prepared using techniques known in the art. For example, an amide may be prepared from an ester using suitable amine reactants or prepared from an anhydride or an acid chloride by reaction with ammonia or a lower alkyl amine.
An SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (excipient) to form a pharmacological composition. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can contain one or more physiologically acceptable compound(s) that act, e.g., to stabilize the composition, increase or decrease the absorption of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent, or improve penetration of the blood brain barrier (where appropriate). Physiologically acceptable compounds may include, e.g., carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, sucrose, or dextrans), antioxidants (e.g. ascorbic acid or glutathione), chelating agents, low molecular weight proteins, protection and uptake enhancers (e.g., lipids), compositions that reduce the clearance or hydrolysis of the active agents, or excipients or other stabilizers and/or buffers. Other physiologically acceptable compounds, particularly of use in the preparation of tablets, capsules, gel caps, and the like include, but are not limited to, binders, diluents/fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, suspending agents, and the like. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical formulation may enhance delivery or efficacy of an SMC or immunostimulatory agent.
In various embodiments, an SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be prepared for parenteral, topical, oral, nasal (or otherwise inhaled), rectal, or local administration. Administration may occur, for example, transdermally, prophylactically, or by aerosol.
A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered in a variety of unit dosage forms depending upon the method of administration. Suitable unit dosage forms, include, but are not limited to, powders, tablets, pills, capsules, lozenges, suppositories, patches, nasal sprays, injectibles, implantable sustained-release formulations, and lipid complexes.
In certain embodiments, an excipient (e.g., lactose, sucrose, starch, mannitol, etc.), an optional disintegrator (e.g. calcium carbonate, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, sodium starch glycollate, crospovidone, etc.), a binder (e.g. alpha-starch, gum arabic, microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, cyclodextrin, etc.), or an optional lubricant (e.g., talc, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 6000, etc.) may be added to an SMC or immunostimulatory agent and the resulting composition may be compressed to manufacture an oral dosage form (e.g., a tablet). In particular embodiments, a compressed product may be coated, e.g., to mask the taste of the compressed product, to promote enteric dissolution of the compressed product, or to promote sustained release of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent. Suitable coating materials include, but are not limited to, ethyl-cellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyoxyethylene glycol, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, and Eudragit (Rohm & Haas, Germany; methacrylic-acrylic copolymer).
Other physiologically acceptable compounds that may be included in a pharmaceutical composition including an SMC or immunostimulatory agent may include wetting agents, emulsifying agents, dispersing agents or preservatives that are particularly useful for preventing the growth or action of microorganisms. Various preservatives are well known and include, for example, phenol and ascorbic acid. The choice of pharmaceutically acceptable carrier(s), including a physiologically acceptable compound, depends, e.g., on the route of administration of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent and on the particular physio-chemical characteristics of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent.
In certain embodiments, one or more excipients for use in a pharmaceutical composition including an SMC or immunostimulatory agent may be sterile and/or substantially free of undesirable matter. Such compositions may be sterilized by conventional techniques known in the art. For various oral dosage form excipients, such as tablets and capsules, sterility is not required. Standards are known in the art, e.g., the USP/NF standard.
An SMC or immunostimulatory agent pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered in a single or in multiple administrations depending on the dosage, the required frequency of administration, and the known or anticipated tolerance of the subject for the pharmaceutical composition with respect to dosages and frequency of administration. In various embodiments, the composition may provide a sufficient quantity of an SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention to effectively treat cancer.
The amount and/or concentration of an SMC or immunostimulatory agent to be administered to a subject may vary widely, and will typically be selected primarily based on activity of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent and the characteristics of the subject, e.g., species and body weight, as well as the particular mode of administration and the needs of the subject, e.g., with respect to a type of cancer. Dosages may be varied to optimize a therapeutic and/or prophylactic regimen in a particular subject or group of subjects.
In certain embodiments, an SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention is administered to the oral cavity, e.g., by the use of a lozenge, aersol spray, mouthwash, coated swab, or other mechanism known in the art.
In certain embodiments, an SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be administered systemically (e.g., orally or as an injectable) in accordance with standard methods known in the art. In certain embodiments, the SMC or immunostimulatory agent may be delivered through the skin using a transdermal drug delivery systems, i.e., transdermal “patches,” wherein the SMCs or immunostimulatory agents are typically contained within a laminated structure that serves as a drug delivery device to be affixed to the skin. In such a structure, the drug composition is typically contained in a layer or reservoir underlying an upper backing layer. The reservoir of a transdermal patch includes a quantity of an SMC or immunostimulatory agent that is ultimately available for delivery to the surface of the skin. Thus, the reservoir may include, e.g., an SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention in an adhesive on a backing layer of the patch or in any of a variety of different matrix formulations known in the art. The patch may contain a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs.
In particular transdermal patch embodiments, a reservoir may comprise a polymeric matrix of a pharmaceutically acceptable contact adhesive material that serves to affix the system to the skin during drug delivery. Examples of suitable skin contact adhesive materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylenes, polysiloxanes, polyisobutylenes, polyacrylates, and polyurethanes. Alternatively, the SMC and/or immunostimulatory agent-containing reservoir and skin contact adhesive are present as separate and distinct layers, with the adhesive underlying the reservoir which, in this case, may be either a polymeric matrix as described above, a liquid or hydrogel reservoir, or another form of reservoir known in the art. The backing layer in these laminates, which serves as the upper surface of the device, preferably functions as a primary structural element of the patch and provides the device with a substantial portion of flexibility. The material selected for the backing layer is preferably substantially impermeable to the SMC and/or immunostimulatory agent and to any other materials that are present.
Additional formulations for topical delivery include, but are not limited to, ointments, gels, sprays, fluids, and creams. Ointments are semisolid preparations that are typically based on petrolatum or other petroleum derivatives. Creams including an SMC or immunostimulatory agent are typically viscous liquids or semisolid emulsions, e.g. oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions. Cream bases are typically water-washable and include an oil phase, an emulsifier, and an aqueous phase. The oil phase, also sometimes called the “internal” phase, of a cream base is generally comprised of petrolatum and a fatty alcohol, e.g., cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol; the aqueous phase usually, although not necessarily, exceeds the oil phase in volume, and generally contains a humectant. The emulsifier in a cream formulation is generally a nonionic, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactant. The specific ointment or cream base to be used may be selected to provide for optimum drug delivery according to the art. As with other carriers or vehicles, an ointment base may be inert, stable, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing.
Various buccal and sublingual formulations are also contemplated.
In certain embodiments, administration of an SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be parenteral. Parenteral administration may include intraspinal, epidural, intrathecal, subcutaneous, or intravenous administration. Means of parenteral administration are known in the art. In particular embodiments, parenteral administration may include a subcutaneously implanted device.
In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to deliver an SMC or immunostimulatory agent to the brain. In embodiments including system administration, this could require that the SMC or immunostimulatory agent cross the blood brain barrier. In various embodiments this may be facilitated by co-administering an SMC or immunostimulatory agent with carrier molecules, such as cationic dendrimers or arginine-rich peptides, which may carry an SMC or immunostimulatory agent over the blood brain barrier.
In certain embodiments, an SMC or immunostimulatory agent may be delivered directly to the brain by administration through the implantation of a biocompatible release system (e.g., a reservoir), by direct administration through an implanted cannula, by administration through an implanted or partially implanted drug pump, or mechanisms of similar function known the art. In certain embodiments, an SMC or immunostimulatory agent may be systemically administered (e.g., injected into a vein). In certain embodiments, it is expected that the SMC or immunostimulatory agent will be transported across the blood brain barrier without the use of additional compounds included in a pharmaceutical composition to enhance transport across the blood brain barrier.
In certain embodiments, one or more an SMCs or immunostimulatory agents of the present invention may be provided as a concentrate, e.g., in a storage container or soluble capsule ready for dilution or addition to a volume of water, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other diluent. A concentrate of the present invention may be provided in a particular amount of an SMC or immunostimulatory agent and/or a particular total volume. The concentrate may be formulated for dilution in a particular volume of diluents prior to administration.
An SMC or immunostimulatory agent may be administered orally in the form of tablets, capsules, elixirs or syrups, or rectally in the form of suppositories. The compound may also be administered topically in the form of foams, lotions, drops, creams, ointments, emollients, or gels. Parenteral administration of a compound is suitably performed, for example, in the form of saline solutions or with the compound incorporated into liposomes. In cases where the compound in itself is not sufficiently soluble to be dissolved, a solubilizer, such as ethanol, can be applied. Other suitable formulations and modes of administration are known or may be derived from the art.
An SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be administered to a mammal in need thereof, such as a mammal diagnosed as having cancer. An SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be administered to potentiate apoptosis and/or treat cancer.
A therapeutically effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may depend upon the age of the subject, the gender of the subject, the species of the subject, the particular pathology, the severity of the symptoms, and the general state of the subject's health.
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of a human subject, such as a human subject having been diagnosed with cancer. In addition, a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be suitable for administration to an animal, e.g., for veterinary use. Certain embodiments of the present invention may include administration of a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention to non-human organisms, e.g., a non-human primates, canine, equine, feline, porcine, ungulate, or lagomorphs organism or other vertebrate species.
Therapy according to the invention may be performed alone or in conjunction with another therapy, e.g., another cancer therapy, and may be provided at home, the doctor's office, a clinic, a hospital's outpatient department, or a hospital. Treatment optionally begins at a hospital so that the doctor can observe the therapy's effects closely and make any adjustments that are needed or it may begin on an outpatient basis. The duration of the therapy depends on the type of disease or disorder being treated, the age and condition of the subject, the stage and type of the subject's disease, and how the patient responds to the treatment.
In certain embodiments, the combination of therapy of the present invention further includes treatment with a recombinant interferon, such as IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, pegylated IFN, or liposomal interferon. In some embodiments, the combination of therapy of the present invention further includes treatment with recombinant TNF-α, e.g., for isolated-limb perfusion. In particular embodiments, the combination therapy of the present invention further includes treatment with one or more of a TNF-α or IFN-inducing compound, such as DMXAA, Ribavirin, or the like. Additional cancer immunotherapies that may be used in combination with present invention include antibodies, e.g., monoclonal antibodies, targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, or other checkpoint inhibitors.
Routes of administration for the various embodiments include, but are not limited to, topical, transdermal, nasal, and systemic administration (such as, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, inhalation, rectal, buccal, vaginal, intraperitoneal, intraarticular, ophthalmic, otic, or oral administration). As used herein, “systemic administration” refers to all nondermal routes of administration, and specifically excludes topical and transdermal routes of administration.
In any of the above embodiments, the route of administration may be optimized based on the characteristics of the SMC or immunostimulatory agent. In some instances, the SMC or immunostimulatory agent is a small molecule or compound. In other instances, the SMC or immunostimulatory agent is a nucleic acid. In still other instances, the immunostimulatory agent may be a cell or virus. In any of these or other embodiments, appropriate formulations and routes of administration will be selected in accordance with the art.
In the embodiments of the present invention, an SMC and an immunostimulatory agent are administered to a subject in need thereof, e.g., a subject having cancer. In some instances, the SMC and immunostimulatory agent will be administered simultaneously. In some embodiments, the SMC and immunostimulatory agent may be present in a single therapeutic dosage form. In other embodiments, the SMC and immunostimulatory agent may be administered separately to the subject in need thereof. When administered separately, the SMC and immunostimulatory agent may be administered simultaneously or at different times. In some instances, a subject will receive a single dosage of an SMC and a single dosage of an immunostimulatory agent. In certain embodiments, one or more of the SMC and immunostimulatory agent will be administered to a subject in two or more doses. In certain embodiments, the frequency of administration of an SMC and the frequency of administration of an immunostimulatory agent are non-identical, i.e., the SMC is administered at a first frequence and the immunostimulatory agent is administered at a second frequency.
In some embodiments, an SMC is administered within one week of the administration of an immunostimulatory agent. In particular embodiments, an SMC is administered within 3 days (72 hours) of the administration of an immunostimulatory agent. In still more particular embodiments, an SMC is administered within 1 day (24 hours) of the administration of an immunostimulatory agent.
In particular embodiments of any of the methods of the present invention, the SMC and immunostimulatory agent are administered within 28 days of each other or less, e.g., within 14 days of each other. In certain embodiments of any of the methods of the present invention, the SMC and immunostimulatory agent are administered, e.g., simultaneously or within 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 2 days, 4 days, 8 days, 10 days, 12 days, 16 days, 20 days, 24 days, or 28 days of each other. In any of these embodiments, the first administration of an SMC of the present invention may precede the first administration of an immunostimulatory agent of the present invention. Alternatively, in any of these embodiments, the first administration of an SMC of the present invention may follow the first administration of an immunostimulatory agent of the present invention. Because an SMC and/or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be administered to a subject in two more doses, and because, in such instances, doses of the SMC and immunostimulatory agent of the present invention may be administered at different frequencies, it is not required that the period of time between the administration of an SMC and the administration of an immunostimulatory agent remain constant within a given course of treatment or for a given subject.
One or both of the SMC and the immunostimulatory agent may be administered in a low dosage or in a high dosage. In embodiments in which the SMC and immunostimulatory agent are formulated separately, the pharmacokinetic profiles for each agent can be suitably matched to the formulation, dosage, and route of administration, etc. In some instances, the SMC is administered at a standard or high dosage and the immunostimulatory agent is administered at a low dosage. In some instances, the SMC is administered at a low dosage and the immunostimulatory agent is administered at a standard or high dosage. In some instances, both of the SMC and the immunostimulatory agent are administered at a standard or high dosage. In some instances, both of the SMC and the immunostimulatory agent are administered at a low dosage.
The dosage and frequency of administration of each component of the combination can be controlled independently. For example, one component may be administered three times per day, while the second component may be administered once per day or one component may be administered once per week, while the second component may be administered once per two weeks. Combination therapy may be given in on-and-off cycles that include rest periods so that the subject's body has a chance to recover from effects of treatment.
Kits
In general, kits of the invention contain one or more SMCs and one or more immunostimulatory agents. These can be provided in the kit as separate compositions, or combined into a single composition as described above. The kits of the invention can also contain instructions for the administration of one or more SMCs and one or more immunostimulatory agents.
Kits of the invention can also contain instructions for administering an additional pharmacologically acceptable substance, such as an agent known to treat cancer that is not an SMC or immunostimulatory agent of the present invention.
The individually or separately formulated agents can be packaged together as a kit. Non-limiting examples include kits that contain, e.g., two pills, a pill and a powder, a suppository and a liquid in a vial, two topical creams, ointments, foams etc. The kit can include optional components that aid in the administration of the unit dose to subjects, such as vials for reconstituting powder forms, syringes for injection, customized IV delivery systems, inhalers, etc. Additionally, the unit dose kit can contain instructions for preparation and administration of the compositions. The kit may be manufactured as a single use unit dose for one subject, multiple uses for a particular subject (at a constant dosage regimen or in which the individual compounds may vary in potency as therapy progresses); or the kit may contain multiple doses suitable for administration to multiple subjects (“bulk packaging”). The kit components may be assembled in cartons, blister packs, bottles, tubes, and the like.
The dosage of each compound of the claimed combinations depends on several factors, including: the administration method, the disease (e.g., a type of cancer) to be treated, the severity of the disease, and the age, weight, and health of the person to be treated. Additionally, pharmacogenomic (the effect of genotype on the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic or efficacy profile of a therapeutic) information about a particular subject may affect the dosage regimen or other aspects of administration.
Smac Mimetics Prime Tumors for Destruction by the Innate Immune System
Smac mimetic compounds are a class of apoptosis sensitizing drugs that have proven safe in cancer patient Phase I trials. Stimulating an innate anti-pathogen response may generate a potent yet safe inflammatory “cytokine storm” that would trigger death of tumors treated with Smac mimetics. The present example demonstrates that activation of innate immune responses via oncolytic viruses and adjuvants, such as poly(I:C) and CpG, induces bystander death of cancer cells treated with Smac mimetics in a manner mediated by IFNβ, TNFα or TRAIL. This therapeutic strategy may lead to durable cures, e.g., in several aggressive mouse models of cancer. With these and other innate immune stimulants having demonstrated safety in human clinical trials, the data provided herein points strongly towards their combined use with Smac mimetics for treating cancer.
The present example examines whether stimulating the innate immune system using pathogen mimetics would be a safe and effective strategy to generate a cytokine milieu necessary to initiate apoptosis in tumors treated with an SMC. We report here that non-pathogenic oncolytic viruses, as well as mimetics of microbial RNA or DNA, such as poly (I:C) and CpG, induce bystander killing of cancer cells treated with an SMC that is dependent either upon IFNβ, TNFα, or TRAIL production. Importantly, this therapeutic strategy was tolerable in vivo and led to durable cures in several aggressive mouse models of cancer.
SMC Therapy Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Bystander Cell Death During Oncolytic Virus Infection
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are emerging biotherapies for cancer currently in phase I-Ill clinical evaluation. One barrier to OV therapy may be the induction of type I IFN- and NFκB-responsive cytokines by the host, which orchestrate an antiviral state in tumors. It was examined whether we could harness those innate immune cytokines to induce apoptosis in cancer cells pretreated with an SMC. To begin, a small panel of tumor-derived and normal cell lines (n=30) was screened for responsiveness to the SMC LCL161 and the oncolytic rhabdovirus VSVΔ51. We chose LCL161 because this compound is the most clinically advanced drug in the SMC class, and VSVΔ51 because it is known to induce a robust antiviral cytokine response. In 15 of the 28 cancer cell lines tested (54%), SMC treatment enhanced sensitivity the EC50 of VSVΔ51 by 10-10,000 fold (
To determine if VSVΔ51 elicits bystander cell death in IAP-depleted neighbouring cells not infected by the virus, cells were treated with SMCs prior to infection with a low dose of VSVΔ51 (MOI=0.01 infectious particles per cell). We assessed whether conditioned media derived from cells infected with VSVΔ51 (which was subsequently inactivated by UV light) could induce death when transferred to a plate of virus naïve cancer cells treated with an SMC. The conditioned media induced cell death only when the cells were co-treated with an SMC (
SMC Therapy does not Impair the Cellular Innate Immune Response to Oncolytic VSV
The cellular innate immune response to an RNA virus infection in mammalian tumor cells can be initiated by members of a family of cytosolic (RIG-I-like receptors, RLRs) and endosomal (toll-like receptors, TLRs) viral RNA sensors. Once triggered, these receptors can seed parallel IFN-response factor (IRF) 3/7 and nuclear-factor kappa B (NF-κB) cell signalling cascades. These signals can culminate in the production of IFNs and their responsive genes as well as an array of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. This prompts neighboring cells to preemptively express an armament of antiviral genes and also aids in the recruitment and activation of cells within the innate and adaptive immune systems to ultimately clear the virus infection. The cIAP proteins have recently been implicated in numerous signalling pathways downstream of pathogen recognition, including those emanating from RLRs and TLRs. Accordingly, it was examined whether SMC therapy alters the antiviral response to oncolytic VSV infection in tumor cells and in mice. To begin, the effect of SMC therapy on VSVΔ51 productivity and spread was evaluated. Single-step and multi-step growth curves of VSVΔ51 productivity revealed that SMC treatment does not affect the growth kinetics of VSVΔ51 in EMT6 or SNB75 cells in vitro (
To probe deeper, IFNβ production was measured in EMT6 and SNB75 cells treated with VSVΔ51 and SMCs. This experiment revealed that the SMC treated cancer cells respond to VSVΔ51 by secreting IFNβ (
IFNβ Orchestrates Bystander Cell Death During SMC and Oncolytic VSV Co-therapy
SMCs sensitize a number of cancer cell lines towards caspase 8-dependant apoptosis induced by TNFα, TRAIL, and IL-1β. As RNA viruses can trigger the production of these cytokines as part of the cellular antiviral response, the involvement of cytokine signaling in SMC and OV induced cell death was investigated. To start, the TNF receptor (TNF-R1) and/or the TRAIL receptor (DR5) were silenced and synergy between SMC and VSVΔ51 was assayed. This experiment revealed that TNFα and TRAIL are not only involved, but collectively are indispensable for bystander cell death (
Next, the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR1) was silenced and it was found, unexpectedly, that IFNAR1 knockdown prevented the synergy between SMC therapy and oncolytic VSV (
To explore the non-canonical induction of TNFα further, the mRNA expression levels of TRAIL and TNFα in SNB75 cells treated with recombinant IFNβ were measured. Both cytokines were induced by IFNβ treatment (
Oncolytic VSV Potentiates SMC Therapy in Preclinical Animal Models of Cancer
To evaluate SMC and oncolytic VSV co-therapy in vivo, the EMT6 mammary carcinoma was used as a syngeneic, orthotopic model. Preliminary safety and pharmacodynamic experiments revealed that a dose of 50 mg/kg LCL161 delivered by oral gavage was well tolerated and induced cIAP1/2 knockdown in tumors for at least 24 hrs, and up to 48-72 hours in some cases (
To confirm these in vivo data in another model system, the human HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma xenograft model was tested in nude (athymic) mice. HT-29 is a cell line that is highly responsive to bystander killing by SMC and VSVΔ51 co-treatment in vitro (
Role of the Innate Antiviral Responses and Immune Effectors in Co-treatment Synergy
It was next determined whether oncolytic VSV infection coupled with SMC treatment leads to TNFα- or IFNβ-mediated cell death in vivo. It was investigated whether blocking TNFα signalling via neutralizing antibodies would affect SMC and VSVΔ51 synergy in the EMT6 tumor model. Compared to isotype matched antibody controls, the application of TNFα neutralizing antibodies reverted the tumor regression and decreased the survival rate to values close to the control and single treatment groups (
To investigate the role of IFNβ signaling in the SMC and OV combination paradigm, Balb/c mice bearing EMT6 tumors were treated with IFNAR1 blocking antibodies. Mice treated with the IFNAR1 blocking antibody succumbed to viremia within 24-48 hours post infection. Prior to death, tumors were collected at 18-20 hours after virus infection, and the tumors were analyzed for caspase activity. Even though these animals with defective type I IFN signaling were ill due to a large viral burden, the excised tumors did not demonstrate signs of caspase-8 activity and only showed minimal signs of caspase-3 activity (
To assess the contribution of innate immune cells or other immune mediators to the efficacy of OV/SMC combination therapy, treating EMT6 tumors was first attempted in immunodeficient NOD-scid or NSG (NOD-scid-IL2Rgammanull) mice. However, similar to the IFNAR1 depletion signaling studies, these mice also died rapidly due to viremia. Therefore, the contribution of innate immune cells was addressed by employing an ex vivo splenocyte culture system as a surrogate model. Innate immune populations that have the capacity to produce TNFα were positively selected and further sorted from naïve splenocytes. Macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+), neutrophils (CD11b+Gr1+), NK cells (CD11b−CD49b+) and myeloid-negative (lymphoid) population (CD11b−CD49−) were stimulated with VSVΔ51, and the conditioned medium was transferred to EMT6 cells to measure cytotoxicity in the presence of SMC. These results show that VSVΔ51-stimulated macrophages and neutrophils, but not NK cells, are capable of producing factors that lead to cancer cell death in the presence of SMCs (
Immune Adjuvants Poly(I:C) and CpG Potentiate SMC Therapy In Vivo
It was next investigated whether synthetic TLR agonists, which are known to induce an innate proinflammatory response, would synergize with SMC therapy. EMT6 cells were co-cultured with mouse splenocytes in a transwell insert system, and the splenocytes were treated with SMC and agonists of TLR 3, 4, 7 or 9. All of the tested TLR agonists were found to induce the bystander death of SMC treated EMT6 cells (
Inactivated Viral Particles, Cancer Vaccines, and Stimulatory Cytokines Synergize with SMCs to Kill Tumors
The use of current cancer immunotherapies, such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin), recombinant interferon (e.g. IFNα), and recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor (e.g. TNFα used in isolated limb perfusion for example), and the recent clinical use of biologics (e.g. blocking antibodies) to immune checkpoint inhibitors that overcome tumor-mediated suppression of the immune system (such as anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 or PDL-1 monoclonal antibodies) highlight the potential of ‘cancer immunotherapy’ as an effective treatment modality. As shown in Example 1, we have demonstrated the robust potential of non-viral immune stimulants to synergize with SMCs (
Our success in finding synergy between SMCs and live or inactivated single-stranded RNA oncolytic rhabdoviruses (e.g., VSVΔ51, Maraba-MG1, and NRRPs) suggested that a clinic approved attenuated vaccine may be able to synergize with SMCs. To test this possibility, we assessed the ability to synergize with SMCs of the cancer biologic, the vaccine for tuberculosis mycobacterium, BCG, which is typically used to treat bladder cancer in situ due to the high local production of TNFα. Indeed, the combination of SMC and BCG potently synergises to kill EMT6 cells in vitro (
Type I IFN Synergizes with SMCs in vivo
The effects of viruses, and likely other TLR agonists and vaccines, appear to be mediated, in part, by type I IFN production, which is controlled by various signaling mechanism, including mRNA translation. Our findings raised the distinct possibility of combining SMC treatment with existing immunotherapies, such as recombinant IFN, as an effective approach to treat cancer. To explore the potential of this combination, we conducted two treatment regimens of SMC and either intraperitoneal or intratumoral injections of recombinant IFNα in the syngeneic orthotopic EMT6 mammary carcinoma model. While treatment of IFNα had no effect on EMT6 tumor growth or overall survival, SMC treatment slightly extended mouse survival and had a cure rate of 17% (
Assessment of Additional Oncolytic Rhabdoviruses for the Potential of Synergy with SMCs
While VSVΔ51 is a preclinical candidate, the oncolytic rhabdoviruses VSV-IFNβ and Maraba-MG1 are currently undergoing clinical testing in cancer patients. As shown in Example 1, we have demonstrated that Maraba-MG1 synergizes with SMCs in vitro (
As shown in Example 1, we documented that a form of VSVΔ51 that was engineered to express full-length TNFα can enhance oncolytic virus induced death in the presence of SMC (
Exploring the Potential of SMCs to Eradicate Brain Tumors
The combination of SMCs with immune stimulatory agents is applicable to many different types of cancer, including brain malignancies for which effective therapies are lacking and for which immunotherapies hold promise. As a first step, we determined whether SMCs can cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) in a mouse model of brain tumors, as the BBB is a significant barrier to drug entry into the brain. We observed the SMC-induced degradation of cIAP1/2 proteins in intracranial CT-2A tumors several hours after drug administration, indicative that SMCs are capable of crossing the BBB to antagonize cIAP1/2 and potentially XIAP within brain tumors (
Methods
Reagents
Novartis provided LCL161 (Houghton, P. J. et al. Initial testing (stage 1) of LCL161, a SMAC mimetic, by the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program. Pediatr Blood Cancer 58: 636-639 (2012); Chen, K. F. et al. Inhibition of Bcl-2 improves effect of LCL161, a SMAC mimetic, in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biochemical Pharmacology 84: 268-277 (2012)). SM-122 and SM-164 were provided by Dr. Shaomeng Wang (University of Michigan, USA) (Sun, H. et al. Design, synthesis, and characterization of a potent, nonpeptide, cellpermeable, bivalent Smac mimetic that concurrently targets both the BIR2 and BIR3 domains in XIAP. J Am Chem Soc 129: 15279-15294 (2007)). AEG40730 (Bertrand, M. J. et al. cIAP1 and cIAP2 facilitate cancer cell survival by functioning as E3 ligases that promote RIP1 ubiquitination. Mol Cell 30: 689-700 (2008)) was synthesized by Vibrant Pharma Inc (Brantford, Canada). OICR720 was synthesized by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (Toronto, Canada) (Enwere, E. K. et al. TWEAK and cIAP1 regulate myoblast fusion through the noncanonical NF-kappaB signalling pathway. Sci Signal 5: ra75 (2013)). IFNα, IFNβ, IL28 and IL29 were obtained from PBL Interferonsource (Piscataway, USA). All siRNAs were obtained from Dharmacon (Ottawa, Canada; ON TARGETplus SMARTpool). CpG-ODN 2216 was synthesized by IDT (5′-gggGGACGATCGTCgggggg-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1), lowercase indicates phosphorothioate linkages between these nucleotides, while italics identify three CpG motifs with phosphodiester linkages). Imiquimod was purchased from BioVision Inc. (Milpitas, USA). poly(I:C) was obtained from InvivoGen (San Diego, USA). LPS was from Sigma (Oakville, Canada).
Cell Culture
Cells were maintained at 37° C. and 5% CO2 in DMEM media supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum, penicillin, streptomycin, and 1% non-essential amino acids (Invitrogen, Burlington, USA). All of the cell lines were obtained from ATCC, with the following exceptions: SNB75 (Dr. D. Stojdl, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute) and SF539 (UCSF Brain Tumor Bank). Cell lines were regularly tested for mycoplasma contamination. For siRNA transfections, cells were reverse transfected with Lipofectamine RNAiMAX (Invitrogen) or DharmaFECT I (Dharmacon) for 48 hours as per the manufacturer's protocol.
Viruses
The Indiana serotype of VSVΔ51 (Stojdl, D. F. et al. VSV strains with defects in their ability to shutdown innate immunity are potent systemic anti-cancer agents. Cancer Cell 4(4), 263-275 (2003)) was used in this study and was propagated in Vero cells. VSVΔ51-GFP is a recombinant derivative of VSVΔ51 expressing jellyfish green fluorescent protein. VSVΔ51-Fluc expresses firefly luciferase. VSVΔ51 with the deletion of the gene encoding for glycoprotein (VSVΔ51ΔG) was propagated in HEK293T cells that were transfected with pMD2-G using Lipofectamine2000 (Invitrogen). To generate the VSVΔ51-TNFα construct, full-length human TNFα gene was inserted between the G and L viral genes. All VSVΔ51 viruses were purified on a sucrose cushion. Maraba-MG1, VVDD-B18R-, Reovirus and HSV1 ICP34.5 were generated as previously described (Brun, J. et al. Identification of genetically modified Maraba virus as an oncolytic rhabdovirus. Mol Ther 18, 1440-1449 (2010); Le Boeuf, F. et al. Synergistic interaction between oncolytic viruses augments tumor killing. Mol Ther 18, 888-895 (2011); Lun, X. et al. Efficacy and safety/toxicity study of recombinant vaccinia virus JX-594 in two immunocompetent animal models of glioma. Mol Ther 18, 1927-1936 (2010)). Generation of adenoviral vectors expressing GFP or co-expressing GFP and dominant negative IKKβ was as previously described 16.
In vitro Viability Assay
Cell lines were seeded in 96-well plates and incubated overnight. Cells were treated with vehicle (0.05% DMSO) or 5 μM LCL161 and infected with the indicated MOI of OV or treated with 250 U/mL IFNβ, 500 U/mL IFNα, 500 U/mL IFNγ, 10 ng/mL IL28, or 10 ng/mL IL29 for 48 hours. Cell viability was determined by Alamar blue (Resazurin sodium salt (Sigma)) and data was normalized to vehicle treatment. The chosen sample size is consistent with previous reports that used similar analyses for viability assays. For combination indices, cells were seeded overnight, treated with serial dilutions of a fixed combination mixture of VSVΔ51 and LCL161 (5000:1, 1000:1 and 400:1 ratios of PFU VSVΔ51: μM LCL161) for 48 hours and cell viability was assessed by Alamar blue. Combination indices (CI) were calculated according to the method of Chou and Talalay using Calcusyn (Chou, T. C. & Talaly, P. A simple generalized equation for the analysis of multiple inhibitions of Michaelis-Menten kinetic systems. J Biol Chem 252, 6438-6442 (1977)). An n=3 of biological replicates was used to determine statistical measures (mean with standard deviation or standard error).
Spreading Assay
A confluent monolayer of 786-0 cells was overlaid with 0.7% agarose in complete media. A small hole was made with a pipette in the agarose overlay in the middle of the well where 5×103 PFU of VSVΔ51-GFP was administered. Media containing vehicle or 5 μM LCL161 was added on top of the overlay, cells were incubated for 4 days, fluorescent images were acquired, and cells were stained with crystal violet.
Splenocyte Co-culture
EMT6 cells were cultured in multiwell plates and overlaid with cell culture inserts containing unfractionated splenocytes. Briefly, single-cell suspensions were obtained by passing mouse spleens through 70 μm nylon mesh and red blood cells were lysed with ACK lysis buffer. Splenocytes were treated for 24 hr with either 0.1 MOI of VSVΔ51ΔG, 1 μg/mL poly(I:C), 1 μg/mL LPS, 2 μM imiquimod, or 0.25 μM CpG prior in the presence of 1 μM LCL161. EMT6 cell viability was determined by crystal violet staining. An n=3 of biological replicates was used to determine statistical measures (mean, standard deviation).
Cytokine Responsiveness Bioassay
Cells were infected with the indicated MOI of VSVΔ51 for 24 hours and the cell culture supernatant was exposed to UV light for 1 hour to inactive VSVΔ51 particles. Subsequently, the UV-inactivated supernatant was applied to naive cells in the presence of 5 μM LCL161 for 48 hours. Cell viability was assessed by Alamar blue. An n=3 of biological replicates was used to determine statistical measures (mean, standard deviation).
Microscopy
To measure caspase-3/7 activation, 5 μM LCL161, the indicated MOI of VSVΔ51, and 5 μM CellPlayer Apoptosis Caspase-3/7 reagent (Essen Bioscience, Ann Arbor, USA) were added to the cells. Cells were placed in an incubator outfitted with an IncuCyte Zoom microscope with a 10× objective and phase-contrast and fluorescence images were acquired over a span of 48 hours. Alternatively, cells were treated with 5 μM LCL161 and 0.1 MOI of VSVΔ51-GFP and SMC for 36 hours and labeled with the Magic Red Caspase-3/7 Assay Kit (ImmunoChemsitry Technologies, Bloomington, USA). To measure the proportion of apoptotic cells, 1 μg/mL Annexin V-CF594 (Biotium, Hayward, USA) and 0.2 μM YOYO-1 (Invitrogen) was added to SMC and VSVΔ51 treated cells. Images were acquired 24 hours post-treatment using the IncuCyte Zoom. Enumeration of fluorescence signals was processed using the integrated object counting algorithm within the IncuCyte Zoom software. An n=12 (caspase-3/7) or n=9 (Annexin V, YOYO-1) of biological replicates was used to determine statistical measures (mean, standard deviation).
Multiple Step Growth Curves
Cells were treated with vehicle or 5 μM LCL161 for 2 hours and subsequently infected at the indicated MOI of VSVΔ51 for 1 hour. Cells were washed with PBS, and cells were replenished with vehicle or 5 μM LCL161 and incubated at 37° C. Aliquots were obtained at the indicated times and viral titers assessed by a standard plaque assay using African green monkey VERO cells.
Western Immunoblotting
Cells were scraped, collected by centrifugation and lysed in RIPA lysis buffer containing a protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche, Laval, Canada). Equal amounts of soluble protein were separated on polyacrylamide gels followed by transfer to nitrocellulose membranes. Individual proteins were detected by western immunoblotting using the following antibodies: pSTAT1 (9171), caspase-3 (9661), caspase-8 (9746), caspase-9 (9508), DR5 (3696), TNF-R1 (3736), cFLIP (3210), and PARP (9541) from Cell Signalling Technology (Danvers, USA); caspase-8 (1612) from Enzo Life Sciences (Farmingdale, USA); IFNAR1 (EP899) and TNF-R1 (19139) from Abcam (Cambridge, USA); caspase-8 (AHZ0502) from Invitrogen; cFLIP (clone NF6) from Alexis Biochemicals (Lausen, Switzerland); RIP1 (clone 38) from BD Biosciences (Franklin Lakes, USA); and E7 from Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (Iowa City, USA). Our rabbit anti-rat IAP1 and IAP3 polyclonal antibodies were used to detect human and mouse cIAP1/2 and XIAP, respectively. AlexaFluor680 (Invitrogen) or IRDye800 (Li-Cor, Lincoln, USA) were used to detect the primary antibodies, and infrared fluorescent signals were detected using the Odyssey Infrared Imaging System (Li-Cor).
RT-qPCR
Total RNA was isolated from cells using the RNAEasy Mini Plus kit (Qiagen, Toronto, Canada). Two-step RT-qPCR was performed using Superscript III (Invitrogen) and SsoAdvanced SYBR Green supermix (BioRad, Mississauga, Canada) on a Mastercycler ep realplex (Eppendorf, Mississauga, Canada). All primers were obtained from realtimeprimers.com. An n=3 of biological replicates was used to determine statistical measures (mean, standard deviation).
ELISA
Cells were infected with virus at the indicated MOI or treated with IFNβ for 24 hours and clarified cell culture supernatants were concentrated using Amicon Ultra filtration units. Cytokines were measured with the TNFα Quantikine high sensitivity, TNFα DuoSet, TRAIL DuoSet (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, USA) and VeriKine IFNβ (PBL Interferonsource) assay kits. An n=3 of biological replicates was used to determine statistical analysis.
EMT6 Mammary Tumor Model
Mammary tumors were established by injecting 1×105 wild-type EMT6 or firefly luciferase-tagged EMT6 (EMT6-Fluc) cells in the mammary fat pad of 6-week old female BALB/c mice. Mice with palpable tumors (˜100 mm3) were co-treated with either vehicle (30% 0.1 M HCl, 70% 0.1 M NaOAc pH 4.63) or 50 mg/kg LCL161 per os and either i.v. injections of either PBS or 5×108 PFU of VSVΔ51 twice weekly for two weeks. For poly(I:C) 25 and SMC treatments, animals were treated with LCL161 twice a week and either BSA (i.t.), 20 ug poly(I:C) i.t. or 2.5 mg/kg poly(I:C) i.p. four times a week. The SMC and CpG group was injected with 2 mg/kg CpG (i.p.) and the next day was followed with CpG and SMC treatments. The CpG and SMC treatments were repeated 4 days later. Treatment groups were assigned by cages and each group had min n=4-8 for statistical measures (mean, standard error; Kaplan-Meier with log rank analysis). The sample size is consistent with previous reports that examined tumor growth and mouse survival following cancer treatment. Blinding was not possible. Animals were euthanized when tumors metastasized intraperitoneally or when the tumor burden exceeded 2000 mm3. Tumor volume was calculated using (π)(W)2(L)/4 where W=tumor width and L=tumor length. Tumor bioluminescence imaging was captured with a Xenogen2000 IVIS CCD-camera system (Caliper Life Sciences Massachusetts, USA) following i.p. injection of 4 mg luciferin (Gold Biotechnology, St. Louis, USA).
HT-29 Subcutaneous Tumor Model
Subcutaneous tumors were established by injecting 3×106 HT-29 cells in the right flank of 6-week old female CD-1 nude mice. Palpable tumors (˜200 mm3) were treated with five intratumoral injections (i.t.) of PBS or 1×108 PFU of VSVΔ51. Four hours later, mice were administered vehicle or 50 mg/kg LCL161 per os. Treatment groups were assigned by cages and each group had min n=5-7 for statistical measures (mean, standard error; Kaplan-Meier with log rank analysis). The sample size is consistent with previous reports that examined tumor growth and mouse survival following cancer treatment. Blinding was not possible. Animals were euthanized when tumor burden exceeded 2000 mm3. Tumor volume was calculated using (π)(W)2(L)/4 where W=tumor width and L=tumor length.
All animal experiments were conducted with the approval of the University of Ottawa Animal Care and Veterinary Service in concordance with guidelines established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
Antibody-mediated Cytokine Neutralization
For neutralizing TNFα signaling in vitro, 25 μg/mL of α-TNFα(XT3.11) or isotype control (HRPN) was added to EMT6 cells for 1 hour prior to LCL161 and VSVΔ51 or IFNβ co-treatment for 48 hours. Viability was assessed by Alamar blue. For neutralizing TNFα in the EMT6-Fluc tumor model, 0.5 mg of α-TNFα or α-HRPN was administered 8, 10 and 12 days post-implantation. Mice were treated with 50 mg/kg LCL161 (p.o.) on 8, 10 and 12 days post-implantation and were infected with 5×108 PFU VSVΔ51 i.v. on days 9, 11 and 13. For neutralization of type I IFN signalling, 2.5 mg of α-IFNAR1 (MAR1-5A3) or isotype control (MOPC-21) were injected into EMT6-tumor bearing mice and treated with 50 mg/kg LCL161 (p.o.) for 20 hours. Mice were infected with 5×108 PFU VSVΔ51 (i.v.) for 18-20 hours and tumors were processed for Western blotting. All antibodies were from BioXCell (West Lebanon, USA).
Flow Cytometry and Sorting
EMT6 cells were co-treated with 0.1 MOI of VSVΔ51-GFP and 5 μM LCL161 for 20 hours. Cells were trypsinized, permeabilized with the CytoFix/CytoPerm kit (BD Biosciences) and stained with APC-TNFα (MP6-XT22) (BD Biosciences). Cells were analyzed on a Cyan ADP 9 flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter, Mississauga, Canada) and data was analyzed with FlowJo (Tree Star, Ashland, USA).
Splenocytes were enriched for CD11 b using the EasySep CD11b positive selection kit (StemCell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada). CD49+ cells were enriched using the EasySep CD49b positive selection kit (StemCell Technologies) from the CD11 b− fraction. CD11b+ cells were stained with F4/80-PE-Cy5 (BM8, eBioscience) and Gr1-FITC (RB6-8C5, BD Biosciences) and further sorted with MoFlo Astrios (Beckman Coulter). Flow cytometry data was analyzed using Kaluza (Beckman Coulter). Isolated cells were infected with VSVΔ51 for 24 hours and clarified cell culture supernatants were applied to EMT6 cells for 24 hours in the presence of 5 μM LCL161.
Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
Mouse femurs and radius were removed and flushed to remove bone marrow. Cells were cultured in RPMI with 8% FBS and 5 ng/ml of M-CSF for 7 days. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the purity of macrophages (F4/80+CD11b+).
Immunohistochemistry
Excised tumors were fixed in 4% PFA, embedded in a 1:1 mixture of OCT compound and 30% sucrose, and sectioned on a cryostat at 12 μm. Sections were permeablized with 0.1% Triton X-100 in blocking solution (50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4, 100 mM L-lysine, 145 mM NaCl and 1% BSA, 10% goat serum). α-cleaved caspase 3 (C92-605, BD Pharmingen, Mississauga, Canada) and polyclonal antiserum VSV (Dr. Earl Brown, University of Ottawa, Canada) were incubated overnight followed by secondary incubation with AlexaFluor-coupled secondary antibodies (Invitrogen).
Statistical Analysis
Comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival plots was conducted by log-rank analysis and subsequent pairwise multiple comparisons were performed using the Holm-Sidak method (SigmaPlot, San Jose, USA). Calculation of EC50 values was performed in GraphPad Prism using normalized nonlinear regression analysis. The EC50 shift was calculated by subtracting the log10 EC50 of SMC-treated and VSVΔ51-infected cells from log10 EC50 of vehicle treated cells infected by VSVΔ51. To normalize the degree of SMC synergy, the EC50 value was normalized to 100% to compensate for cell death induced by SMC treatment alone.
All publications, patent applications, and patents mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference.
While the invention has been described in connection with the specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow, in general, the principles of the invention, including departures from the present disclosure that come within known or customary practice within the art.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA2015/000043 | 1/26/2015 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015/109391 | 7/30/2015 | WO | A |
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| 20170239347 A1 | Aug 2017 | US |
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| 61931321 | Jan 2014 | US |
