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Oncolytic designer host defense peptide suppresses growth of human liposarcoma
Author(s) -
Steinstraesser Lars,
Schubert Cornelius,
Hauk Jennifer,
Becerikli Mustafa,
Stricker Ingo,
Koeller Manfred,
Hatt Hanns,
von Duering Monika,
Shai Yechiel,
Steinau HansUlrich,
Jacobsen Frank
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.25627
Subject(s) - tunel assay , apoptosis , oncolytic virus , in vivo , biology , genotoxicity , microbiology and biotechnology , cell growth , necrosis , programmed cell death , immune system , cell culture , in vitro , tumor necrosis factor alpha , cancer research , immunology , medicine , biochemistry , toxicity , genetics
Sarcomas display a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors. Treatment options are limited. Host defense peptides (HDPs), effector molecules of the innate immune system, might provide a more effective treatment option. The aim of our study was to analyze the oncolytic activity and mode of action of a designer HDP. In vitro , the human liposarcoma cell line SW‐872 and primary human fibroblasts as a control were exposed to [D]‐K 3 H 3 L 9 , a 15‐mer D , L ‐amino acid designer peptide. Cell growth (MTT assay), proliferation (BrdU assay) and genotoxicity (TUNEL assay) were analyzed. The mode of action was examined via fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vivo , [D]‐K 3 H 3 L 9 ( n = 7) was administered intratumorally in a SW‐872 xenograft mouse model (Foxn1nu/nu). Phosphate buffered saline served as a control ( n = 5). After 4 weeks, tumor sections were histologically analyzed with respect to proliferation, cytotoxicity, vessel density and signs of apoptosis and necrosis, respectively. In vitro , [D]‐K 3 H 3 L 9 highly significantly ( p < 0.01) inhibited cell metabolism and proliferation. TUNEL assay revealed corresponding genotoxicity. FACS analysis suggested induction of necrosis as a cause of cell death. The mean tumor volume of the control group exponentially increased sevenfold, whereas the mean tumor growth was negligible in the treatment group. Macroscopically, [D]‐K 3 H 3 L 9 induced full tumor remission in 43% of treated animals and partial remission in 43%. Vessel density was significantly reduced by 52%. Morphological analyses supported the hypothesis of cancer cell killing by necrosis. In summary, [D]‐K 3 H 3 L 9 exerts very promising oncolytic activity on liposarcoma cells. Our study demonstrates the potential of HDPs as a novel therapeutic option in future soft tissue sarcoma therapy.