1
|
Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ver Heul AM, Mack M, Zamidar L, Tamari M, Yang TL, Trier AM, Kim DH, Janzen-Meza H, Van Dyken SJ, Hsieh CS, Karo JM, Sun JC, Kim BS. RAG suppresses group 2 innate lymphoid cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590767. [PMID: 38712036 PMCID: PMC11071423 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Antigen specificity is the central trait distinguishing adaptive from innate immune function. Assembly of antigen-specific T cell and B cell receptors occurs through V(D)J recombination mediated by the Recombinase Activating Gene endonucleases RAG1 and RAG2 (collectively called RAG). In the absence of RAG, mature T and B cells do not develop and thus RAG is critically associated with adaptive immune function. In addition to adaptive T helper 2 (Th2) cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) contribute to type 2 immune responses by producing cytokines like Interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-13. Although it has been reported that RAG expression modulates the function of innate natural killer (NK) cells, whether other innate immune cells such as ILC2s are affected by RAG remains unclear. We find that in RAG-deficient mice, ILC2 populations expand and produce increased IL-5 and IL-13 at steady state and contribute to increased inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD)-like disease. Further, we show that RAG modulates ILC2 function in a cell-intrinsic manner independent of the absence or presence of adaptive T and B lymphocytes. Lastly, employing multiomic single cell analyses of RAG1 lineage-traced cells, we identify key transcriptional and epigenomic ILC2 functional programs that are suppressed by a history of RAG expression. Collectively, our data reveal a novel role for RAG in modulating innate type 2 immunity through suppression of ILC2s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Ver Heul
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Madison Mack
- Immunology & Inflammation Research Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA
| | - Lydia Zamidar
- Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mark Lebwohl Center for Neuroinflammation and Sensation, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10019, USA
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Masato Tamari
- Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mark Lebwohl Center for Neuroinflammation and Sensation, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10019, USA
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ting-Lin Yang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Anna M. Trier
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Do-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hannah Janzen-Meza
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Steven J. Van Dyken
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Chyi-Song Hsieh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jenny M. Karo
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joseph C. Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brian S. Kim
- Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mark Lebwohl Center for Neuroinflammation and Sensation, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10019, USA
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Allen Discovery Center for Neuroimmune Interactions, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 10019
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pavel-Dinu M, Gardner CL, Nakauchi Y, Kawai T, Delmonte OM, Palterer B, Bosticardo M, Pala F, Viel S, Malech HL, Ghanim HY, Bode NM, Kurgan GL, Detweiler AM, Vakulskas CA, Neff NF, Sheikali A, Menezes ST, Chrobok J, Hernández González EM, Majeti R, Notarangelo LD, Porteus MH. Genetically corrected RAG2-SCID human hematopoietic stem cells restore V(D)J-recombinase and rescue lymphoid deficiency. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1820-1833. [PMID: 38096800 PMCID: PMC11006817 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recombination-activating genes (RAG1 and RAG2) are critical for lymphoid cell development and function by initiating the variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) (V(D)J)-recombination process to generate polyclonal lymphocytes with broad antigen specificity. The clinical manifestations of defective RAG1/2 genes range from immune dysregulation to severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs), causing life-threatening infections and death early in life without hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Despite improvements, haploidentical HCT without myeloablative conditioning carries a high risk of graft failure and incomplete immune reconstitution. The RAG complex is only expressed during the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle in the early stages of T- and B-cell development, underscoring that a direct gene correction might capture the precise temporal expression of the endogenous gene. Here, we report a feasibility study using the CRISPR/Cas9-based "universal gene-correction" approach for the RAG2 locus in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from healthy donors and RAG2-SCID patient. V(D)J-recombinase activity was restored after gene correction of RAG2-SCID-derived HSPCs, resulting in the development of T-cell receptor (TCR) αβ and γδ CD3+ cells and single-positive CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. TCR repertoire analysis indicated a normal distribution of CDR3 length and preserved usage of the distal TRAV genes. We confirmed the in vivo rescue of B-cell development with normal immunoglobulin M surface expression and a significant decrease in CD56bright natural killer cells. Together, we provide specificity, toxicity, and efficacy data supporting the development of a gene-correction therapy to benefit RAG2-deficient patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Cameron L. Gardner
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yusuke Nakauchi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Tomoki Kawai
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Boaz Palterer
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Francesca Pala
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sebastien Viel
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Service d’immunologie biologique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre International de Recherche en Infectivologie, Centre International de Recheerche in Infectivalogie, INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherge Scientifique, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Harry L. Malech
- Genetic Immunotherapy Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Hana Y. Ghanim
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam Sheikali
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Sherah T. Menezes
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Jade Chrobok
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Elaine M. Hernández González
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Matthew H. Porteus
- Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lo Presti V, Meringa A, Dunnebach E, van Velzen A, Moreira AV, Stam RW, Kotecha RS, Krippner-Heidenreich A, Heidenreich OT, Plantinga M, Cornel A, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J, van Til NP, Nierkens S. Combining CRISPR-Cas9 and TCR exchange to generate a safe and efficient cord blood-derived T cell product for pediatric relapsed AML. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008174. [PMID: 38580329 PMCID: PMC11002379 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an effective treatment for pediatric patients with high-risk, refractory, or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, a large proportion of transplanted patients eventually die due to relapse. To improve overall survival, we propose a combined strategy based on cord blood (CB)-HCT with the application of AML-specific T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell therapy derived from the same CB graft. METHODS We produced CB-CD8+ T cells expressing a recombinant TCR (rTCR) against Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) while lacking endogenous TCR (eTCR) expression to avoid mispairing and competition. CRISPR-Cas9 multiplexing was used to target the constant region of the endogenous TCRα (TRAC) and TCRβ (TRBC) chains. Next, an optimized method for lentiviral transduction was used to introduce recombinant WT1-TCR. The cytotoxic and migration capacity of the product was evaluated in coculture assays for both cell lines and primary pediatric AML blasts. RESULTS The gene editing and transduction procedures achieved high efficiency, with up to 95% of cells lacking eTCR and over 70% of T cells expressing rWT1-TCR. WT1-TCR-engineered T cells lacking the expression of their eTCR (eTCR-/- WT1-TCR) showed increased cell surface expression of the rTCR and production of cytotoxic cytokines, such as granzyme A and B, perforin, interferon-γ (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), on antigen recognition when compared with WT1-TCR-engineered T cells still expressing their eTCR (eTCR+/+ WT1-TCR). CRISPR-Cas9 editing did not affect immunophenotypic characteristics or T cell activation and did not induce increased expression of inhibitory molecules. eTCR-/- WT1-TCR CD8+ CB-T cells showed effective migratory and killing capacity in cocultures with neoplastic cell lines and primary AML blasts, but did not show toxicity toward healthy cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we show the feasibility of developing a potent CB-derived CD8+ T cell product targeting WT1, providing an option for post-transplant allogeneic immune cell therapy or as an off-the-shelf product, to prevent relapse and improve the clinical outcome of children with AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vania Lo Presti
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ester Dunnebach
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alice van Velzen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ronald W Stam
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rishi S Kotecha
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Maud Plantinga
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelisa Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Castiello MC, Brandas C, Ferrari S, Porcellini S, Sacchetti N, Canarutto D, Draghici E, Merelli I, Barcella M, Pelosi G, Vavassori V, Varesi A, Jacob A, Scala S, Basso Ricci L, Paulis M, Strina D, Di Verniere M, Sergi Sergi L, Serafini M, Holland SM, Bergerson JRE, De Ravin SS, Malech HL, Pala F, Bosticardo M, Brombin C, Cugnata F, Calzoni E, Crooks GM, Notarangelo LD, Genovese P, Naldini L, Villa A. Exonic knockout and knockin gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells rescues RAG1 immunodeficiency. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadh8162. [PMID: 38324638 PMCID: PMC11149094 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh8162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Recombination activating genes (RAGs) are tightly regulated during lymphoid differentiation, and their mutations cause a spectrum of severe immunological disorders. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is the treatment of choice but is limited by donor availability and toxicity. To overcome these issues, we developed gene editing strategies targeting a corrective sequence into the human RAG1 gene by homology-directed repair (HDR) and validated them by tailored two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and in vivo xenotransplant platforms to assess rescue of expression and function. Whereas integration into intron 1 of RAG1 achieved suboptimal correction, in-frame insertion into exon 2 drove physiologic human RAG1 expression and activity, allowing disruption of the dominant-negative effects of unrepaired hypomorphic alleles. Enhanced HDR-mediated gene editing enabled the correction of human RAG1 in HSPCs from patients with hypomorphic RAG1 mutations to overcome T and B cell differentiation blocks. Gene correction efficiency exceeded the minimal proportion of functional HSPCs required to rescue immunodeficiency in Rag1-/- mice, supporting the clinical translation of HSPC gene editing for the treatment of RAG1 deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Chiara Brandas
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Simona Porcellini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Nicolò Sacchetti
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Daniele Canarutto
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Pediatric Immunohematology Unit and BMT Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Matteo Barcella
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pelosi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Valentina Vavassori
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Angelica Varesi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Aurelien Jacob
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Serena Scala
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luca Basso Ricci
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Dario Strina
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Martina Di Verniere
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Lucia Sergi Sergi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza (MI) 20900, Italy
| | - Steven M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jenna R E Bergerson
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suk See De Ravin
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harry L Malech
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chiara Brombin
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Federica Cugnata
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Enrica Calzoni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pietro Genovese
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Castiello MC, Di Verniere M, Draghici E, Fontana E, Penna S, Sereni L, Zecchillo A, Minuta D, Uva P, Zahn M, Gil-Farina I, Annoni A, Iaia S, Ott de Bruin LM, Notarangelo LD, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJT, Villa A, Capo V. Partial correction of immunodeficiency by lentiviral vector gene therapy in mouse models carrying Rag1 hypomorphic mutations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268620. [PMID: 38022635 PMCID: PMC10679457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recombination activating genes (RAG) 1 and 2 defects are the most frequent form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Patients with residual RAG activity have a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from Omenn syndrome to delayed-onset combined immunodeficiency, often associated with granulomas and/or autoimmunity (CID-G/AI). Lentiviral vector (LV) gene therapy (GT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment to the standard hematopoietic stem cell transplant and a clinical trial for RAG1 SCID patients recently started. However, GT in patients with hypomorphic RAG mutations poses additional risks, because of the residual endogenous RAG1 expression and the general state of immune dysregulation and associated inflammation. Methods In this study, we assessed the efficacy of GT in 2 hypomorphic Rag1 murine models (Rag1F971L/F971L and Rag1R972Q/R972Q), exploiting the same LV used in the clinical trial encoding RAG1 under control of the MND promoter. Results and discussion Starting 6 weeks after transplant, GT-treated mice showed a decrease in proportion of myeloid cells and a concomitant increase of B, T and total white blood cells. However, counts remained lower than in mice transplanted with WT Lin- cells. At euthanasia, we observed a general redistribution of immune subsets in tissues, with the appearance of mature recirculating B cells in the bone marrow. In the thymus, we demonstrated correction of the block at double negative stage, with a modest improvement in the cortical/medullary ratio. Analysis of antigenspecific IgM and IgG serum levels after in vivo challenge showed an amelioration of antibody responses, suggesting that the partial immune correction could confer a clinical benefit. Notably, no overt signs of autoimmunity were detected, with B-cell activating factor decreasing to normal levels and autoantibodies remaining stable after GT. On the other hand, thymic enlargement was frequently observed, although not due to vector integration and insertional mutagenesis. In conclusion, our work shows that GT could partially alleviate the combined immunodeficiency of hypomorphic RAG1 patients and that extensive efficacy and safety studies with alternative models are required before commencing RAG gene therapy in thesehighly complex patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Di Verniere
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Penna
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Sereni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zecchillo
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Denise Minuta
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Uva
- Clinical Bioinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Annoni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Iaia
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa M. Ott de Bruin
- Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Capo
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Braams M, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJT. The recombinase activating genes: architects of immune diversity during lymphocyte development. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1210818. [PMID: 37497222 PMCID: PMC10367010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1210818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The mature lymphocyte population of a healthy individual has the remarkable ability to recognise an immense variety of antigens. Instead of encoding a unique gene for each potential antigen receptor, evolution has used gene rearrangements, also known as variable, diversity, and joining gene segment (V(D)J) recombination. This process is critical for lymphocyte development and relies on recombination-activating genes-1 (RAG1) and RAG2, here collectively referred to as RAG. RAG serves as powerful genome editing tools for lymphocytes and is strictly regulated to prevent dysregulation. However, in the case of dysregulation, RAG has been implicated in cases of cancer, autoimmunity and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This review examines functional protein domains and motifs of RAG, describes advances in our understanding of the function and (dys)regulation of RAG, discuss new therapeutic options, such as gene therapy, for RAG deficiencies, and explore in vitro and in vivo methods for determining RAG activity and target specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merijn Braams
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Castiello MC, Ferrari S, Villa A. Correcting inborn errors of immunity: From viral mediated gene addition to gene editing. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101731. [PMID: 36863140 PMCID: PMC10109147 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment to cure inborn errors of immunity. Remarkable progress has been achieved thanks to the development and optimization of effective combination of advanced conditioning regimens and use of immunoablative/suppressive agents preventing rejection as well as graft versus host disease. Despite these tremendous advances, autologous hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell therapy based on ex vivo gene addition exploiting integrating γ-retro- or lenti-viral vectors, has demonstrated to be an innovative and safe therapeutic strategy providing proof of correction without the complications of the allogeneic approach. The recent advent of targeted gene editing able to precisely correct genomic variants in an intended locus of the genome, by introducing deletions, insertions, nucleotide substitutions or introducing a corrective cassette, is emerging in the clinical setting, further extending the therapeutic armamentarium and offering a cure to inherited immune defects not approachable by conventional gene addition. In this review, we will analyze the current state-of-the art of conventional gene therapy and innovative protocols of genome editing in various primary immunodeficiencies, describing preclinical models and clinical data obtained from different trials, highlighting potential advantages and limits of gene correction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pavel-Dinu M, Borna S, Bacchetta R. Rare immune diseases paving the road for genome editing-based precision medicine. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1114996. [PMID: 36846437 PMCID: PMC9945114 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing platform heralds a new era of gene therapy. Innovative treatments for life-threatening monogenic diseases of the blood and immune system are transitioning from semi-random gene addition to precise modification of defective genes. As these therapies enter first-in-human clinical trials, their long-term safety and efficacy will inform the future generation of genome editing-based medicine. Here we discuss the significance of Inborn Errors of Immunity as disease prototypes for establishing and advancing precision medicine. We will review the feasibility of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based genome editing platforms to modify the DNA sequence of primary cells and describe two emerging genome editing approaches to treat RAG2 deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency, and FOXP3 deficiency, a primary immune regulatory disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Simon Borna
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Rosa Bacchetta,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mudde A, Booth C. Gene therapy for inborn error of immunity - current status and future perspectives. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 23:51-62. [PMID: 36539381 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Development of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy (GT) for inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) continues to progress rapidly. Although more patients are being treated with HSC GT based on viral vector mediated gene addition, gene editing techniques provide a promising new approach, in which transgene expression remains under the control of endogenous regulatory elements. RECENT FINDINGS Many gene therapy clinical trials are being conducted and evidence showing that HSC GT through viral vector mediated gene addition is a successful and safe curative treatment option for various IEIs is accumulating. Gene editing techniques for gene correction are, on the other hand, not in clinical use yet, despite rapid developments during the past decade. Current studies are focussing on improving rates of targeted integration, while preserving the primitive HSC population, which is essential for future clinical translation. SUMMARY As HSC GT is becoming available for more diseases, novel developments should focus on improving availability while reducing costs of the treatment. Continued follow up of treated patients is essential for providing information about long-term safety and efficacy. Editing techniques have great potential but need to be improved further before the translation to clinical studies can happen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mudde
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
| | - Claire Booth
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
- Department of Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fischer A. Gene therapy for inborn errors of immunity: past, present and future. Nat Rev Immunol 2022:10.1038/s41577-022-00800-6. [DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00800-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
12
|
Chetty K, Houghton BC, Booth C. Gene Therapy for Inborn Errors of Immunity. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2022; 36:813-827. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
13
|
Zbinden A, Canté-Barrett K, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJT. Stem Cell-Based Disease Models for Inborn Errors of Immunity. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010108. [PMID: 35011669 PMCID: PMC8750661 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic capacity of human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs) to reconstitute myeloid and lymphoid lineages combined with their self-renewal capacity hold enormous promises for gene therapy as a viable treatment option for a number of immune-mediated diseases, most prominently for inborn errors of immunity (IEI). The current development of such therapies relies on disease models, both in vitro and in vivo, which allow the study of human pathophysiology in great detail. Here, we discuss the current challenges with regards to developmental origin, heterogeneity and the subsequent implications for disease modeling. We review models based on induced pluripotent stem cell technology and those relaying on use of adult hHSCs. We critically review the advantages and limitations of current models for IEI both in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that existing and future stem cell-based models are necessary tools for developing next generation therapies for IEI.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bosticardo M, Pala F, Notarangelo LD. RAG deficiencies: Recent advances in disease pathogenesis and novel therapeutic approaches. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1028-1038. [PMID: 33682138 PMCID: PMC8325549 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The RAG1 and RAG2 proteins initiate the process of V(D)J recombination and therefore play an essential role in adaptive immunity. While null mutations in the RAG genes cause severe combined immune deficiency with lack of T and B cells (T- B- SCID) and susceptibility to life-threatening, early-onset infections, studies in humans and mice have demonstrated that hypomorphic RAG mutations are associated with defects of central and peripheral tolerance resulting in immune dysregulation. In this review, we provide an overview of the extended spectrum of RAG deficiencies and their associated clinical and immunological phenotypes in humans. We discuss recent advances in the mechanisms that control RAG expression and function, the effects of perturbed RAG activity on lymphoid development and immune homeostasis, and propose novel approaches to correct this group of disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lo Presti V, Cornel AM, Plantinga M, Dünnebach E, Kuball J, Boelens JJ, Nierkens S, van Til NP. Efficient lentiviral transduction method to gene modify cord blood CD8 + T cells for cancer therapy applications. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:357-368. [PMID: 33898633 PMCID: PMC8056177 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy utilizing tumor-specific autologous T cells has shown promising results for cancer treatment. However, the limited numbers of autologous tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific T cells and the functional aberrancies, due to disease progression or treatment, remain factors that may significantly limit the success of the therapy. The use of allogeneic T cells, such as umbilical cord blood (CB) derived, overcomes these issues but requires gene modification to induce a robust and specific anti-tumor effect. CB T cells are readily available in CB banks and show low toxicity, high proliferation rates, and increased anti-leukemic effect upon transfer. However, the combination of anti-tumor gene modification and preservation of advantageous immunological traits of CB T cells represent major challenges for the harmonized production of T cell therapy products. In this manuscript, we optimized a protocol for expansion and lentiviral vector (LV) transduction of CB CD8+ T cells, achieving a transduction efficiency up to 83%. Timing of LV treatment, selection of culture media, and the use of different promoters were optimized in the transduction protocol. LentiBOOST was confirmed as a non-toxic transduction enhancer of CB CD8+ T cells, with minor effects on the proliferation capacity and cell viability of the T cells. Positively, the use of LentiBOOST does not affect the functionality of the cells, in the context of tumor cell recognition. Finally, CB CD8+ T cells were more amenable to LV transduction than peripheral blood (PB) CD8+ T cells and maintained a more naive phenotype. In conclusion, we show an efficient method to genetically modify CB CD8+ T cells using LV, which is especially useful for off-the-shelf adoptive cell therapy products for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vania Lo Presti
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maud Plantinga
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ester Dünnebach
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapies, MSK Kids, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,AVROBIO, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.,Child Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Béziat V, Meyts I. The "Editors" Take to RAG: Promise of CRISPR/Cas9/rAAV6-Based Gene Therapy for RAG2 Deficiency. J Clin Immunol 2021; 41:849-851. [PMID: 33740170 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-01024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Béziat
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Paris, France. .,Imagine Institute, Paris University, Paris, France. .,St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Isabelle Meyts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory for Inborn Errors of Immunity, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gardner CL, Pavel-Dinu M, Dobbs K, Bosticardo M, Reardon PK, Lack J, DeRavin SS, Le K, Bello E, Pala F, Delmonte OM, Malech H, Montel-Hagan A, Crooks G, Acuto O, Porteus MH, Notarangelo LD. Gene Editing Rescues In vitro T Cell Development of RAG2-Deficient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in an Artificial Thymic Organoid System. J Clin Immunol 2021; 41:852-862. [PMID: 33650026 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-00989-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) caused by RAG1 or RAG2 deficiency is a genetically determined immune deficiency characterized by the virtual absence of T and B lymphocytes. Unless treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), patients with RAG deficiency succumb to severe infections early in life. However, HSCT carries the risk of graft-versus-host disease. Moreover, a high rate of graft failure and poor immune reconstitution have been reported after unconditioned HSCT. Expression of the RAG genes is tightly regulated, and preclinical attempts of gene therapy with heterologous promoters have led to controversial results. Using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and an in vitro artificial thymic organoid system as a model, here we demonstrate that gene editing rescues the progressive T cell differentiation potential of RAG2-deficient cells to normal levels, with generation of a diversified T cell repertoire. These results suggest that targeted gene editing may represent a novel therapeutic option for correction of this immunodeficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron L Gardner
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA.,Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX14RE, UK
| | - Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kerry Dobbs
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Paul K Reardon
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX14RE, UK
| | - Justin Lack
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science (ABCS), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Suk See DeRavin
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Kent Le
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Ezekiel Bello
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Francesca Pala
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Ottavia M Delmonte
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Harry Malech
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA
| | - Amelie Montel-Hagan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gay Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Oreste Acuto
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX14RE, UK.
| | - Matthew H Porteus
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Immune Deficiency Genetics Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, DIR, NIAID, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bldg. 10 CRC, Room 5-3950, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1456, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Houghton BC, Booth C. Gene Therapy for Primary Immunodeficiency. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e509. [PMID: 33403354 PMCID: PMC7773329 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, there has been significant progress in refining gene therapy technologies and procedures. Transduction of hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo using lentiviral vectors can now create a highly effective therapeutic product, capable of reconstituting many different immune system dysfunctions when reinfused into patients. Here, we review the key developments in the gene therapy landscape for primary immune deficiency, from an experimental therapy where clinical efficacy was marred by adverse events, to a commercialized product with enhanced safety and efficacy. We also discuss progress being made in preclinical studies for challenging disease targets and emerging gene editing technologies that are showing promising results, particularly for conditions where gene regulation is important for efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Houghton
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Booth
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a group of rare inherited disorders of the immune system. Many PIDs are devastating and require a definitive therapy to prevent progressive morbidity and premature mortality. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is curative for many PIDs, and while advances have resulted in improved outcomes, the procedure still carries a risk of mortality and morbidity from graft failure or graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Autologous haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSC GT) has the potential to correct genetic defects across haematopoietic lineages without the complications of an allogeneic approach. HSC GT for PID has been in development for the last two decades and the first licensed HSC-GT product for adenosine deaminase-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) is now available. New gene editing technologies have the potential to circumvent some of the problems associated with viral gene-addition. HSC GT for PID shows great promise, but requires a unique approach for each disease and carries risks, notably insertional mutagenesis from gamma-retroviral gene addition approaches and possible off-target toxicities from gene-editing techniques. In this review, we discuss the development of HSC GT for PID and outline the current state of clinical development before discussing future developments in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Fox
- University College London (UCL) Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Haematology, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street (GOS) Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Claire Booth
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street (GOS) Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Paediatric Immunology, GOS Hospital for Sick Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Villa A, Capo V, Castiello MC. Innovative Cell-Based Therapies and Conditioning to Cure RAG Deficiency. Front Immunol 2020; 11:607926. [PMID: 33329604 PMCID: PMC7711106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.607926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic defects in recombination activating genes (RAG) 1 and 2 cause a broad spectrum of severe immune defects ranging from early severe and repeated infections to inflammation and autoimmune manifestations. A correlation between in vitro recombination activity and immune phenotype has been described. Hematopoietic cell transplantation is the treatment of care; however, the availability of next generation sequencing and whole genome sequencing has allowed the identification of novel genetic RAG variants in immunodeficient patients at various ages, raising therapeutic questions. This review addresses the recent advances of novel therapeutic approaches for RAG deficiency. As conventional myeloablative conditioning regimens are associated with acute toxicities and transplanted-related mortality, innovative minimal conditioning regimens based on the use of monoclonal antibodies are now emerging and show promising results. To overcome shortage of compatible donors, gene therapy has been developed in various RAG preclinical models. Overall, the transplantation of autologous gene corrected hematopoietic precursors and the use of non-genotoxic conditioning will open a new era, offering a cure to an increasing number of RAG patients regardless of donor availability and severity of clinical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Villa
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Capo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fischer A, Hacein-Bey-Abina S. Gene therapy for severe combined immunodeficiencies and beyond. J Exp Med 2020; 217:132743. [PMID: 31826240 PMCID: PMC7041706 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes how gene therapy of severe combined immunodeficiency became a reality, primarily based on the expected selective advantage conferred by transduction of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Thus, it resulted in a progressive extension to the treatment of other primary immunodeficiencies. Ex vivo retrovirally mediated gene therapy has been shown within the last 20 yr to correct the T cell immunodeficiency caused by γc-deficiency (SCID X1) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency. The rationale was brought up by the observation of the revertant of SCIDX1 and ADA deficiency as a kind of natural gene therapy. Nevertheless, the first attempts of gene therapy for SCID X1 were associated with insertional mutagenesis causing leukemia, because the viral enhancer induced transactivation of oncogenes. Removal of this element and use of a promoter instead led to safer but still efficacious gene therapy. It was observed that a fully diversified T cell repertoire could be generated by a limited set (<1,000) of progenitor cells. Further advances in gene transfer technology, including the use of lentiviral vectors, has led to success in the treatment of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, while further applications are pending. Genome editing of the mutated gene may be envisaged as an alternative strategy to treat SCID diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Fischer
- Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Immunology and Pediatric Hematology Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France.,Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Salima Hacein-Bey-Abina
- Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, UMR8258 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - U1267 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Garcia-Perez L, van Eggermond M, van Roon L, Vloemans SA, Cordes M, Schambach A, Rothe M, Berghuis D, Lagresle-Peyrou C, Cavazzana M, Zhang F, Thrasher AJ, Salvatori D, Meij P, Villa A, Van Dongen JJ, Zwaginga JJ, van der Burg M, Gaspar HB, Lankester A, Staal FJ, Pike-Overzet K. Successful Preclinical Development of Gene Therapy for Recombinase-Activating Gene-1-Deficient SCID. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:666-682. [PMID: 32322605 PMCID: PMC7163047 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recombinase-activating gene-1 (RAG1)-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) patients lack B and T lymphocytes due to the inability to rearrange immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes. Gene therapy is an alternative for those RAG1-SCID patients who lack a suitable bone marrow donor. We designed lentiviral vectors with different internal promoters driving codon-optimized RAG1 to ensure optimal expression. We used Rag1 -/- mice as a preclinical model for RAG1-SCID to assess the efficacy of the various vectors. We observed that B and T cell reconstitution directly correlated with RAG1 expression. Mice with low RAG1 expression showed poor immune reconstitution; however, higher expression resulted in phenotypic and functional lymphocyte reconstitution comparable to mice receiving wild-type stem cells. No signs of genotoxicity were found. Additionally, RAG1-SCID patient CD34+ cells transduced with our clinical RAG1 vector and transplanted into NSG mice led to improved human B and T cell development. Considering this efficacy outcome, together with favorable safety data, these results substantiate the need for a clinical trial for RAG1-SCID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Garcia-Perez
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marja van Eggermond
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lieke van Roon
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra A. Vloemans
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn Cordes
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dagmar Berghuis
- Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Chantal Lagresle-Peyrou
- Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Ouest, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM CIC 1416, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute and Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
- Department of Biotherapy, Necker Children’s Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marina Cavazzana
- Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Ouest, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM CIC 1416, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute and Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
- Department of Biotherapy, Necker Children’s Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Fang Zhang
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Adrian J. Thrasher
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Daniela Salvatori
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Pathology Unit, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
- Pathogenesis and Treatment of Immune and Bone Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Anatomy and Physiology Division, Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan1, 3584CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pauline Meij
- Department of Pharmacy, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Villa
- Pathogenesis and Treatment of Immune and Bone Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jacques J.M. Van Dongen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap-Jan Zwaginga
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam van der Burg
- Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - H. Bobby Gaspar
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Arjan Lankester
- Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J.T. Staal
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bulkhi AA, Dasso JF, Schuetz C, Walter JE. Approaches to patients with variants in RAG genes: from diagnosis to timely treatment. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:1033-1046. [PMID: 31535575 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1670060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with primary immunodeficiency secondary to abnormal recombinase activating genes (RAG) can present with broad clinical phenotypes ranging from early severe infections to autoimmune complications and inflammation. Immunological phenotype may also vary from T-B- severe combined immunodeficiency to combined immunodeficiency or antibody deficiencies with near-normal T and B cell counts and even preserved specific antibody response to pathogens. It is not uncommon that RAG variants of uncertain significance are identified by serendipity during a broad genetic screening process and pathogenic RAG variants are increasingly recognized among all age groups, including adults. Establishing the pathogenicity and clinical relevance of novel RAG variants can be challenging since RAG genes are highly polymorphic. This review paper aims to summarize clinical phenotypes of RAG deficiencies and provide practical guidance for confirming the direct link between specific RAG variants and clinical disease. Lastly, we will review the current understanding of treatment option for patients with varying severity of RAG deficiencies. Area covered: This review discusses the different phenotypes and immunological aspects of RAG deficiencies, the diagnosis dilemma facing clinicians, and an overview of current and advancement in treatments. Expert opinion: A careful analysis of immunological and clinical data and their correlation with genetic findings helps to determine the significance of the genetic polymorphism. Advances in functional assays, as well as anti-cytokine antibodies, make it easier to resolve the diagnostic dilemma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeeb A Bulkhi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University , Makkah , Saudi Arabia.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Joseph F Dasso
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Catharina Schuetz
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Jolan E Walter
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital , St. Petersburg , FL , USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children , Boston , MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Villa A, Notarangelo LD. RAG gene defects at the verge of immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation. Immunol Rev 2019; 287:73-90. [PMID: 30565244 PMCID: PMC6309314 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mutations of the recombinase activating genes (RAG) in humans underlie a broad spectrum of clinical and immunological phenotypes that reflect different degrees of impairment of T- and B-cell development and alterations of mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance. Recent studies have shown that this phenotypic heterogeneity correlates, albeit imperfectly, with different levels of recombination activity of the mutant RAG proteins. Furthermore, studies in patients and in newly developed animal models carrying hypomorphic RAG mutations have disclosed various mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation in this condition. Careful annotation of clinical outcome and immune reconstitution in RAG-deficient patients who have received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has shown that progress has been made in the treatment of this disease, but new approaches remain to be tested to improve stem cell engraftment and durable immune reconstitution. Finally, initial attempts have been made to treat RAG deficiency with gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Villa
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for the cure of blood diseases: primary immunodeficiencies. RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-018-0742-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
26
|
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the clinical and laboratory spectrum of RAG gene defects in humans, and discuss the mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity, the basis of immune dysregulation, and the current and perspective treatment modalities. METHODS Literature review and analysis of medical records RESULTS: RAG gene defects in humans are associated with a surprisingly broad spectrum of clinical and immunological phenotypes. Correlation between in vitro recombination activity of the mutant RAG proteins and the clinical phenotype has been observed. Altered T and B cell development in this disease is associated with defects of immune tolerance. Hematopoietic cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for the most severe forms of the disease, but a high rate of graft failure has been observed. CONCLUSIONS Phenotypic heterogeneity of RAG gene defects in humans may represent a diagnostic challenge. There is a need to improve treatment for severe, early-onset forms of the disease. Optimal treatment modalities for patients with delayed-onset disease presenting with autoimmunity and/or inflammation remain to be defined.
Collapse
|
27
|
Gennery AR. Advances in genetic and molecular understanding of Omenn syndrome - implications for the future. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1478287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Gennery
- Clinical Resource Building, Floor 4, Block 2, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Capo V, Castiello MC, Fontana E, Penna S, Bosticardo M, Draghici E, Poliani LP, Sergi Sergi L, Rigoni R, Cassani B, Zanussi M, Carrera P, Uva P, Dobbs K, Sacchetti N, Notarangelo LD, van Til NP, Wagemaker G, Villa A. Efficacy of lentivirus-mediated gene therapy in an Omenn syndrome recombination-activating gene 2 mouse model is not hindered by inflammation and immune dysregulation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 142:928-941.e8. [PMID: 29241731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Omenn syndrome (OS) is a rare severe combined immunodeficiency associated with autoimmunity and caused by defects in lymphoid-specific V(D)J recombination. Most patients carry hypomorphic mutations in recombination-activating gene (RAG) 1 or 2. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the standard treatment; however, gene therapy (GT) might represent a valid alternative, especially for patients lacking a matched donor. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the efficacy of lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated GT in the murine model of OS (Rag2R229Q/R229Q) in correcting immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. METHODS Lineage-negative cells from mice with OS were transduced with an LV encoding the human RAG2 gene and injected into irradiated recipients with OS. Control mice underwent transplantation with wild-type or OS-untransduced lineage-negative cells. Immunophenotyping, T-dependent and T-independent antigen challenge, immune spectratyping, autoantibody detection, and detailed tissue immunohistochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS LV-mediated GT allowed immunologic reconstitution, although it was suboptimal compared with that seen in wild-type bone marrow (BM)-transplanted OS mice in peripheral blood and hematopoietic organs, such as the BM, thymus, and spleen. We observed in vivo variability in the efficacy of GT correlating with the levels of transduction achieved. Immunoglobulin levels and T-cell repertoire normalized, and gene-corrected mice responded properly to challenges in vivo. Autoimmune manifestations, such as skin infiltration and autoantibodies, dramatically improved in GT mice with a vector copy number/genome higher than 1 in the BM and 2 in the thymus. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that LV-mediated GT for patients with OS significantly ameliorates the immunodeficiency, even in an inflammatory environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Capo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Penna
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi P Poliani
- Institute of Molecular Medicine "A. Nocivelli," University Hospital "Spedali Civili," Brescia, Italy
| | - Lucia Sergi Sergi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosita Rigoni
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Cassani
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Zanussi
- Genomics for the Diagnosis of Human Pathologies, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Carrera
- Genomics for the Diagnosis of Human Pathologies, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Uva
- CRS4, Science and Technology Park Polaris, Pula, Italy
| | - Kerry Dobbs
- Laboratory of Host Defenses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Nicolò Sacchetti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Host Defenses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Niek P van Til
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Wagemaker
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Stem Cell Research and Development Center, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cowan MJ, Dvorak CC, Long-Boyle J. Opening Marrow Niches in Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2017; 31:809-822. [PMID: 28895849 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Successful gene therapy for genetic disorders requires marrow niches to be opened to varying degrees to engraft gene-corrected hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). For example, in severe combined immunodeficiency, relatively limited chimerism is necessary for both T- and B-cell immune reconstitution, whereas for inborn errors of metabolism maximal donor chimerism is the goal. Currently, alkylating chemotherapy is used for this purpose. Significant pharmacokinetic variability exists in drug clearance in children less than 12 years old. Thus, pharmacokinetic monitoring is needed to achieve the targeted exposure goal for busulfan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morton J Cowan
- Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Blood and Marrow Transplant Division, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, 550 16th Street, Floor 4, San Francisco, CA 94143-0434, USA.
| | - Christopher C Dvorak
- Pediatric Allergy Immunology and Blood and Marrow Transplant Division, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, 550 16th Street, Floor 4, San Francisco, CA 94143-0434, USA
| | - Janel Long-Boyle
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, 600 16th Street, Room N474F, San Francisco, CA 94158-0622, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Transfer of gene-corrected autologous hematopoietic stem cells in patients with primary immunodeficiencies has emerged as a new therapeutic approach. Patients with various conditions lacking a suitable donor have been treated with retroviral vectors and a gene-addition strategy. Initial promising results were shadowed by the occurrence of malignancies in some of these patients. Current trials, developed in the last decade, use safer viral vectors to overcome the risk of genotoxicity and have led to improved clinical outcomes. This review reflects the progresses made in specific disorders, including adenosine deaminase deficiency, X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
Collapse
|
31
|
Xu X, Tailor CS, Grunebaum E. Gene therapy for primary immune deficiencies: a Canadian perspective. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 13:14. [PMID: 28261277 PMCID: PMC5327566 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-017-0184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of gene therapy (GT) for the treatment of primary immune deficiencies (PID) including severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) has progressed significantly in the recent years. In particular, long-term studies have shown that adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene delivery into ADA-deficient hematopoietic stem cells that are then transplanted into the patients corrects the abnormal function of the ADA enzyme, which leads to immune reconstitution. In contrast, the outcome was disappointing for patients with X-linked SCID, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease who received GT followed by autologous gene corrected transplantations, as many developed hematological malignancies. The malignancies were attributed to the predilection of the viruses used for gene delivery to integrated at oncogenic areas. The availability of safer and more efficient self-inactivating lentiviruses for gene delivery has reignited the interest in GT for many PID that are now in various stages of pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Moreover, advances in early diagnosis of PID and gene editing technology coupled with enhanced abilities to generate and manipulate stem cells ex vivo are expected to further contribute to the benefit of GT for PID. Here we review the past, the present and the future of GT for PID, with particular emphasis on the Canadian perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobai Xu
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | | | - Eyal Grunebaum
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
The recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) and RAG2 proteins initiate the V(D)J recombination process, which ultimately enables the generation of T cells and B cells with a diversified repertoire of antigen-specific receptors. Mutations of the RAG genes in humans are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes, ranging from severe combined immunodeficiency to autoimmunity. Recently, novel insights into the phenotypic diversity of this disease have been provided by resolving the crystal structure of the RAG complex, by developing novel assays to test recombination activity of the mutant RAG proteins and by characterizing the molecular and cellular basis of immune dysregulation in patients with RAG deficiency.
Collapse
|
33
|
Booth C, Gaspar HB, Thrasher AJ. Treating Immunodeficiency through HSC Gene Therapy. Trends Mol Med 2016; 22:317-327. [PMID: 26993219 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy has been successfully employed as a therapeutic option to treat specific inherited immune deficiencies, including severe combined immune deficiencies (SCID) over the past two decades. Initial clinical trials using first-generation gamma-retroviral vectors to transfer corrective DNA demonstrated clinical benefit for patients, but were associated with leukemogenesis in a number of cases. Safer vectors have since been developed, affording comparable efficacy with an improved biosafety profile. These vectors are now in Phase I/II clinical trials for a number of immune disorders with more preclinical studies underway. Targeted gene editing allowing precise DNA correction via platforms such as ZFNs, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 may now offer promising strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of gene therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Booth
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - H Bobby Gaspar
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
In the recent past, the gene therapy field has witnessed a remarkable series of
successes, many of which have involved primary immunodeficiency diseases, such
as X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, adenosine deaminase deficiency,
chronic granulomatous disease, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. While such progress
has widened the choice of therapeutic options in some specific cases of primary
immunodeficiency, much remains to be done to extend the geographical
availability of such an advanced approach and to increase the number of diseases
that can be targeted. At the same time, emerging technologies are stimulating
intensive investigations that may lead to the application of precise genetic
editing as the next form of gene therapy for these and other human genetic
diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Candotti
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Booth C, Silva J, Veys P. Stem cell transplantation for the treatment of immunodeficiency in children: current status and hopes for the future. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2016; 12:713-23. [PMID: 26882211 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2016.1150177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are rare inherited disorders affecting immune function and can be life-threatening if not treated. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a curative approach for many of these disorders and gene therapy is increasingly used as an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients lacking a suitable donor. Early diagnosis, improved supportive care and advances in gene and cell therapies have resulted in increased survival rates and improved quality of life. This review describes current strategies employed to improve outcomes in PID, focusing on new developments in HSCT, gene and cell therapy. We also address the challenges associated with newborn screening (NBS) programmes and novel mutations identified through improved diagnostic technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Booth
- a Department of Paediatric Immunology , Great Ormond Street Hospital , London , UK
| | - Juliana Silva
- b Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation , Great Ormond Street Hospital , London , UK
| | - Paul Veys
- b Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation , Great Ormond Street Hospital , London , UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Identification and Characterization of the V(D)J Recombination Activating Gene 1 in Long-Term Memory of Context Fear Conditioning. Neural Plast 2015; 2016:1752176. [PMID: 26843989 PMCID: PMC4710954 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1752176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence suggests that mechanisms related to the introduction and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) may be associated with long-term memory (LTM) processes. Previous studies from our group suggested that factors known to function in DNA recombination/repair machineries, such as DNA ligases, polymerases, and DNA endonucleases, play a role in LTM. Here we report data using C57BL/6 mice showing that the V(D)J recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1), which encodes a factor that introduces DSBs in immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes, is induced in the amygdala, but not in the hippocampus, after context fear conditioning. Amygdalar induction of RAG1 mRNA, measured by real-time PCR, was not observed in context-only or shock-only controls, suggesting that the context fear conditioning response is related to associative learning processes. Furthermore, double immunofluorescence studies demonstrated the neuronal localization of RAG1 protein in amygdalar sections prepared after perfusion and fixation. In functional studies, intra-amygdalar injections of RAG1 gapmer antisense oligonucleotides, given 1 h prior to conditioning, resulted in amygdalar knockdown of RAG1 mRNA and a significant impairment in LTM, tested 24 h after training. Overall, these findings suggest that the V(D)J recombination-activating gene 1, RAG1, may play a role in LTM consolidation.
Collapse
|
37
|
Houghton BC, Booth C, Thrasher AJ. Lentivirus technologies for modulation of the immune system. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 24:119-27. [PMID: 26363252 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVV) are important tools for the treatment of immune system disorders. Integration of therapeutic genetic material into the haematopoietic stem cell compartment using LVV can mediate long-term correction of haematopoietic lineages, thereby correcting disease phenotypes. Twenty years of vector development have successfully brought LVV to the clinic, with follow up studies of clinical trials treating primary immunodeficiencies now being reported. Results have demonstrated clear improvements in the quality of life for patients with a number of conditions in the absence of the severe adverse events observed in earlier retroviral gene therapy trials. Growing interest in gene modified adoptive T cell transfer as an alternative strategy has driven further technology innovation, including characterisation of novel viral envelopes. We will also discuss the progression of gene editing technology to preclinical investigations in models of immune deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Houghton
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Claire Booth
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK.
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chinen J, Notarangelo LD, Shearer WT. Advances in basic and clinical immunology in 2014. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 135:1132-41. [PMID: 25956014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic identification of immunodeficiency syndromes has become more efficient with the availability of whole-exome sequencing, expediting the identification of relevant genes and complementing traditional linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping. New genes defects causing immunodeficiency include phophoglucomutase 3 (PGM3), cytidine 5' triphosphate synthase 1 (CTPS1), nuclear factor κB-inducing kinase (NIK), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 10 (BCL10), phosphoinositide-3 kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), IL21, and Jagunal homolog 1 (JAGN1). New case reports expanded the clinical spectrum of gene defects. For example, a specific recombination-activating gene 1 variant protein with partial recombinant activity might produce Omenn syndrome or a common variable immunodeficiency phenotype. Central and peripheral B-cell tolerance was investigated in patients with several primary immunodeficiencies, including common variable immunodeficiency and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, to explain the occurrence of autoimmunity and inflammatory disorders. The role of IL-12 and IL-15 in the enhancement of natural killer cell activity was reported. Newborn screening for T-cell deficiency is being implemented in more states and is achieving its goal of defining the true incidence of severe combined immunodeficiency and providing early treatment that offers the highest survival for these patients. Definitive treatment of severe immunodeficiency with both hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy was reported to be successful, with increasing definition of conditions needed for optimal outcomes. Progress in HIV infection is directed toward the development of an effective vaccine and the eradication of hidden latent virus reservoirs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Chinen
- Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Tex
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - William T Shearer
- Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Tex.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Progress in gene therapy for primary immunodeficiencies using lentiviral vectors. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 14:527-34. [PMID: 25207699 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review gives an overview over the most recent progress in the field of lentiviral gene therapy for primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). The history and state-of-the-art of lentiviral vector development are summarized and the recent advancements for a number of selected diseases are reviewed in detail. Past retroviral vector trials for these diseases, the most recent improvements of lentiviral vector platforms and their application in preclinical development as well as ongoing clinical trials are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Main focus is on the preclinical studies and clinical trials for the treatment of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, chronic granulomatous disease, adenosine deaminase deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID) and X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency with lentiviral gene therapy. SUMMARY Gene therapy for PIDs is an effective treatment, providing potential long-term clinical benefit for affected patients. Substantial progress has been made to make lentiviral gene therapy platforms available for a number of rare genetic diseases. Although many ongoing gene therapy trials are based on ex-vivo approaches with autologous hematopoietic stem cells, other approaches such as in-vivo gene therapy or gene-repair platforms might provide further advancement for certain PIDs.
Collapse
|
40
|
Ghosh S, Thrasher AJ, Gaspar HB. Gene therapy for monogenic disorders of the bone marrow. Br J Haematol 2015; 171:155-170. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sujal Ghosh
- Infection, Immunity, Inflammation and Physiological Medicine; Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section; University College London - Institute of Child Health; London UK
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Clinical Immunology; Medical Faculty; Centre of Child and Adolescent Health; Heinrich-Heine-University; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Adrian J. Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity, Inflammation and Physiological Medicine; Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section; University College London - Institute of Child Health; London UK
| | - H. Bobby Gaspar
- Infection, Immunity, Inflammation and Physiological Medicine; Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section; University College London - Institute of Child Health; London UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ott de Bruin LM, Volpi S, Musunuru K. Novel Genome-Editing Tools to Model and Correct Primary Immunodeficiencies. Front Immunol 2015; 6:250. [PMID: 26052330 PMCID: PMC4440404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and other severe non-SCID primary immunodeficiencies (non-SCID PID) can be treated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, but when histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-matched donors are lacking, this can be a high-risk procedure. Correcting the patient's own HSCs with gene therapy offers an attractive alternative. Gene therapies currently being used in clinical settings insert a functional copy of the entire gene by means of a viral vector. With this treatment, severe complications may result due to integration within oncogenes. A promising alternative is the use of endonucleases such as ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce a double-stranded break in the DNA and thus induce homology-directed repair. With these genome-editing tools a correct copy can be inserted in a precisely targeted "safe harbor." They can also be used to correct pathogenic mutations in situ and to develop cellular or animal models needed to study the pathogenic effects of specific genetic defects found in immunodeficient patients. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these endonucleases in gene correction and modeling with an emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9, which offers the most promise due to its efficacy and versatility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Ott de Bruin
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA ; Department of Pediatric Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Stefano Volpi
- UO Pediatria 2, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy ; Division of Immunology and Allergy, Laboratory Center of Epalinges (CLE), University Hospital of Lausanne , Epalinges , Switzerland
| | - Kiran Musunuru
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fischer A, Hacein-Bey Abina S, Touzot F, Cavazzana M. Gene therapy for primary immunodeficiencies. Clin Genet 2015; 88:507-15. [PMID: 25708106 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has effectively entered Medicine via the field of primary immunodeficiencies (PID). Because hematopoietic stem cells are accessible and because it was understood that genetic correction of lymphocyte progenitor cells carrying a genetic defect impairing differentiation, could result in the production of long-lived T lymphocytes, it was reasoned that ex vivo gene transfer in hematopoietic cells could lead to disease phenotype correction. Retroviral vectors were designed to ex vivo transduce such cells. This has indeed been shown to lead to sustained correction of the T cell immunodeficiency associated with two forms of severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID) for now more than ten years. Occurrence in some patients of genotoxicity related to retroviral vectors integration close to and transactivation of oncogenes has led to the development of retroviral vectors devoid of its enhancer element. Results of recent trials performed for several forms of PID indeed suggest that their use is both safe and efficacious. It is thus anticipated that their application to the treatment of many more life threatening PID will be developed over the coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Fischer
- Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,Immunology and Pediatric Hematology Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France.,Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - S Hacein-Bey Abina
- UTCBS CNRS 8258 - INSERM U1022, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - F Touzot
- Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France.,Biotherapy Department, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Ouest, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - M Cavazzana
- Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France.,Biotherapy Department, Necker Children's Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Biotherapy Clinical Investigation Center, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Ouest, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Calero-Garcia M, Gaspar HB. Gene Therapy for SCID. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-014-0069-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
44
|
Ebadi M, Aghamohammadi A, Rezaei N. Primary immunodeficiencies: a decade of shifting paradigms, the current status and the emergence of cutting-edge therapies and diagnostics. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 11:117-39. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.995096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|
45
|
Kohn DB. Eliminating SCID row: new approaches to SCID. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2014; 2014:475-480. [PMID: 25696897 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2014.1.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Treatments for patients with SCID by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have changed this otherwise lethal primary immune deficiency disorder into one with an increasingly good prognosis. SCID has been the paradigm disorder supporting many key advances in the field of HSCT, with first-in-human successes with matched sibling, haploidentical, and matched unrelated donor allogeneic transplantations. Nevertheless, the optimal approaches for HSCT are still being defined, including determining the optimal stem cell sources, the use and types of pretransplantation conditioning, and applications for SCID subtypes associated with radiosensitivity, for patients with active viral infections and for neonates. Alternatively, autologous transplantation after ex vivo gene correction (gene therapy) has been applied successfully to the treatment of adenosine deaminase-deficient SCID and X-linked SCID by vector-mediated gene addition. Gene therapy holds the prospect of avoiding risks of GVHD and would allow each patient to be their own donor. New approaches to gene therapy by gene correction in autologous HSCs using site-specific endonuclease-mediated homology-driven gene repair are under development. With newborn screening becoming more widely adopted to detect SCID patients before they develop complications, the prognosis for SCID is expected to improve further. This chapter reviews recent advances and ongoing controversies in allogeneic and autologous HSCT for SCID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Kohn
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and Pediatrics; David Geffen School of Medicine, Mattel Children's Hospital; and Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Antoniu S. Fresh from the designation pipeline: orphan drugs recently designated in the EU (March–April 2014). Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2014. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2014.953482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
47
|
Successful RAG1-SCID gene therapy depends on the level of RAG1 expression. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 134:242-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
48
|
Advanced cell-based therapies for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency (Cell-PID). HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014; 25:54-6. [PMID: 24933560 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2014.2503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
|
49
|
Marrella V, Poliani PL, Notarangelo LD, Grassi F, Villa A. Rag defects and thymic stroma: lessons from animal models. Front Immunol 2014; 5:259. [PMID: 25076946 PMCID: PMC4114104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TECs) cross-talk is essential to support T cell development and preserve thymic architecture and maturation of TECs and Foxp3(+) natural regulatory T cells. Accordingly, disruption of thymic lymphostromal cross-talk may have major implications on the thymic mechanisms that govern T cell tolerance. Several genetic defects have been described in humans that affect early stages of T cell development [leading to severe combined immune deficiency (SCID)] or late stages in thymocyte maturation (resulting in combined immunodeficiency). Hypomorphic mutations in SCID-causing genes may allow for generation of a limited pool of T lymphocytes with a restricted repertoire. These conditions are often associated with infiltration of peripheral tissues by activated T cells and immune dysregulation, as best exemplified by Omenn syndrome (OS). In this review, we will discuss our recent findings on abnormalities of thymic microenvironment in OS with a special focus of defective maturation of TECs, altered distribution of thymic dendritic cells and impairment of deletional and non-deletional mechanisms of central tolerance. Here, taking advantage of mouse models of OS and atypical SCID, we will discuss how modifications in stromal compartment impact and shape lymphocyte differentiation, and vice versa how inefficient T cell signaling results in defective stromal maturation. These findings are instrumental to understand the extent to which novel therapeutic strategies should act on thymic stroma to achieve full immune reconstitution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Marrella
- Milan Unit, Institute of Genetics and Biomedic Research, National Research Council , Milan , Italy ; Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico , Rozzano , Italy
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , Brescia , Italy
| | | | - Fabio Grassi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Anna Villa
- Milan Unit, Institute of Genetics and Biomedic Research, National Research Council , Milan , Italy ; Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico , Rozzano , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Qasim W, Gennery AR. Gene Therapy for Primary Immunodeficiencies: Current Status and Future Prospects. Drugs 2014; 74:963-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-014-0223-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|