Development of Tumor Targeting Vector

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Attempts to redirect adenovirus vectors to alternative receptors by engineering the capsid-coding region have shown limited success because proper targeting ligands for the cells of interest are generally unknown. To overcome the limitation, we have developed a direct selection method of targeted vector from a random peptide library displayed on an adenoviral fiber knob. The library was screened on several cancer cell lines, and particular peptide sequences were selected. The targeted vector carrying the isolated peptide significantly enhanced gene transduction in the target cell line but not in other cell lines, and the replication-competent adenovirus displaying the selected ligand showed higher oncolytic potency in the target cancer cells. This vector-screening system can facilitate the development of a targeted adenovirus vector and should provide a promising potential for optimizing oncolytic virus therapy.