Recombinant HSV-1 γ134.5 Segmentation for Cancer-Selective Replication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSV) with γ1 34.5 gene deletion face challenges in replicating effectively within cancer cells and activating systemic antitumor responses due to host defenses, leading to incomplete tumor eradication and potential re-growth of cancer cells.

Innovation Solution

A recombinant HSV-1 expressing only the C-terminal portion of the γ1 34.5 protein, combined with deletions or replacements of non-essential genes, enhances viral replication and immune activation in cancer cells while resisting interferon-mediated clearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the γ1 34.5 gene is deleted to reduce virulence and enhance antitumor activity, then the virus becomes less harmful to normal tissues, but the virus replication efficiency in cancer cells is reduced due to host PKR activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirulence to normal tissuesVSAvoidviral replication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The γ1 34.5 gene is segmented into two functional domains: the N-terminal domain (amino acids 1-146) which mediates harmful effects on normal tissues, and the C-terminal domain (amino acids 147-263) which is required for viral replication. The invention deletes only the N-terminal domain while retaining the C-terminal domain, thereby separating the harmful functions from the beneficial replication functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality modification by specifically targeting the N-terminal domain of γ1 34.5 for deletion. This domain is responsible for the virus's harmful effects on normal tissues, while the C-terminal domain retains the essential replication function. By modifying only the local N-terminal region rather than the entire gene, the virus achieves reduced virulence while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the γ1 34.5 gene is deleted to activate immune responses, then antitumor immunity is enhanced, but the virus is cleared more rapidly by interferon-mediated immune defenses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantitumor immune activationVSAvoidviral persistence in tumor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The γ1 34.5 gene is segmented into two functional domains: the N-terminal domain (amino acids 1-146) which mediates harmful effects on normal tissues, and the C-terminal domain (amino acids 147-263) which is required for viral replication. The invention deletes only the N-terminal domain while retaining the C-terminal domain, thereby separating the harmful functions from the beneficial replication functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality modification by specifically targeting the N-terminal domain of γ1 34.5 for deletion. This domain is responsible for the virus's harmful effects on normal tissues, while the C-terminal domain retains the essential replication function. By modifying only the local N-terminal region rather than the entire gene, the virus achieves reduced virulence while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-essential genes are deleted or replaced to reduce viral complexity, then the virus becomes more targeted to cancer cells, but the overall viral fitness and replication capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetumor targeting specificityVSAvoidviral replication capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The γ1 34.5 gene is segmented into two functional domains: the N-terminal domain (amino acids 1-146) which mediates harmful effects on normal tissues, and the C-terminal domain (amino acids 147-263) which is required for viral replication. The invention deletes only the N-terminal domain while retaining the C-terminal domain, thereby separating the harmful functions from the beneficial replication functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality modification by specifically targeting the N-terminal domain of γ1 34.5 for deletion. This domain is responsible for the virus's harmful effects on normal tissues, while the C-terminal domain retains the essential replication function. By modifying only the local N-terminal region rather than the entire gene, the virus achieves reduced virulence while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3801583B1Recombinant herpes simplex virus for use in a treatment of cancer
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV OF ILLINOIS
  • EP3801583B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3801583B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3801583B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for treating a subject with cancer by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) that expresses only a C-terminal portion of γ134.5 protein (e.g., amino acid residues 147-263) with no wild-type or intact γ134.5 protein expression is provided. The recombinant HSV-1 of this invention instigates immune activation, selectively replicates in cancer cells, and resists clearance by interferon.