A Genetically Modified Viral Vector for Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Objective: 1) To develop a novel genetically modified recombinant adenoviral vector that is expressing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and detargeting from natural coxsackie-adenoviral receptor (CAR). 2) To apply this novel vector to head and neck cancer (HNC) as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted approach. Method: Wild-type adenoviral fiber knobs were genetically modified with EGF, and a novel adenoviral vector with EGF and EGFR binding properties was constructed. This novel construct was tested in the HNC tumor cells expressing a high level of EGFR. Results: The novel genetically modified recombinant adenoviral vector demonstrated EGFR-targeted properties. The HNC tumor cells expressing high levels of EGFR showed much more viral targeted effects as compared to the cells with low or no EGFR. The nature CAR cell surface entering mechanism was not observed in the HNC tumor cells when the novel was vector applied. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the novel genetically modified recombinant adenoviral vector has EGFR-targeted properties that target the HNC tumor cells, which commonly express high levels of EGFR. This vector has a potential for targeted delivering of diagnostic or therapeutic agents not only for HNC but for any tumor expressing EGFR.