Anti-cancer activity of the HIV accessory molecule viral protein R (Vpr): Delivery as a DNA expression plasmid or biologically active peptides.
By virtue of its ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, the HIV accessory protein Vpr (viral protein R) has been evaluated by us and others as an anti-proliferative/anti-cancer agent. We have demonstrated that Vpr, when delivered to established experimental B16.F10 melanoma tumors in mice as a DNA expression plasmid through in vivo electroporation, can result in complete regression of the established tumors. We have also demonstrated that Vpr peptides from the carboxy region of the protein can inhibit in vitro growth of both B16.F10 melanoma as well as human HeLa cervical carcinoma tumor cells. These findings, summarized in this report, underscore the potential of Vpr as an anti-cancer agent and warrants, we believe, further experimental as well as clinical evaluation.
Muthumani
Karrupiah
K
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Lambert
Vance M
VM
Kawalekar
Omkar
O
Heller
Richard
R
Kim
J Joseph
JJ
Weiner
David B
DB
Ugen
Kenneth E
KE
D000818:Animals; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D018274:Electroporation; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008546:Melanoma, Experimental / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D051379:Mice; D010957:Plasmids; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D054325:vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D054325:vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus