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Luo S, Jiang H, Li Q, Qin Y, Yang S, Li J, Xu L, Gou Y, Zhang Y, Liu F, Ke X, Zheng Q, Sun X. An adeno-associated virus variant enabling efficient ocular-directed gene delivery across species. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3780. [PMID: 38710714 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48221-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have emerged as promising gene therapy vectors due to their proven efficacy and safety in clinical applications. In non-human primates (NHPs), rAAVs are administered via suprachoroidal injection at a higher dose. However, high doses of rAAVs tend to increase additional safety risks. Here, we present a novel AAV capsid (AAVv128), which exhibits significantly enhanced transduction efficiency for photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, along with a broader distribution across the layers of retinal tissues in different animal models (mice, rabbits, and NHPs) following intraocular injection. Notably, the suprachoroidal delivery of AAVv128-anti-VEGF vector completely suppresses the Grade IV lesions in a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) NHP model for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Furthermore, cryo-EM analysis at 2.1 Å resolution reveals that the critical residues of AAVv128 exhibit a more robust advantage in AAV binding, the nuclear uptake and endosome escaping. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of AAVv128 as a next generation ocular gene therapy vector, particularly using the suprachoroidal delivery route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Luo
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Yingfei Qin
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Shiping Yang
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Jing Li
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Lingli Xu
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Yan Gou
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Fengjiang Liu
- Innovative Center for Pathogen Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Xiao Ke
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China.
- Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group Co Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China.
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China.
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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2
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Kofoed RH, Aubert I. Focused ultrasound gene delivery for the treatment of neurological disorders. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:263-277. [PMID: 38216449 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.12.006] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The transformative potential of gene therapy has been demonstrated in humans. However, there is an unmet need for non-invasive targeted gene delivery and regulation in the treatment of brain disorders. Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) has gained tremendous momentum to address these challenges. FUS non-invasively modulates brain cells and their environment, and is a powerful tool to facilitate gene delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with millimeter precision and promptly regulate transgene expression. This review highlights technical aspects of FUS-mediated gene therapies for the central nervous system (CNS) and lessons learned from discoveries in other organs. Understanding the possibilities and remaining obstacles of FUS-mediated gene therapy will be necessary to harness remarkable technologies and create life-changing treatments for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Hahn Kofoed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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3
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Tian X, Zheng Q, Xie J, Zhou Q, Liang L, Xu G, Chen H, Ling C, Lu D. Improved gene therapy for MFRP deficiency-mediated retinal degeneration by knocking down endogenous bicistronic Mfrp and Ctrp5 transcript. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:843-856. [PMID: 37273779 PMCID: PMC10238587 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The membrane frizzled-related protein (Mfrp) and C1-tumor necrosis factor related protein 5 (Ctrp5) genes are transcribed as a bicistronic unit and dysregulation of either gene is associated with retinal degeneration in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. However, the mechanisms that regulate the expression of the bicistronic transcript remain controversial. Here, we identified a microRNA-based negative feedback loop that helps maintain a normal expression level of the bicistronic Mfrp and Ctrp5 transcript. Specifically, miR-149-3p, a conserved microRNA, binds to the 3'UTR of the Mfrp gene. In MFRP-deficient rd6 mice, the miR-149-3p levels were compromised compared with those in WT mice, resulting in an increase in the bicistronic transcript. We also report a capsid-modified rAAVDJ-3M vector that is capable of robustly and specifically transducing RPE cells following subretinal delivery. Compared with the parental vector, the modified vector elicited similar levels of serum anti-rAAV antibodies, but recruited fewer microglial infiltrations. Most significantly, we also demonstrate that simultaneous overexpressing of MFRP and knockdown of the bicistronic transcript was more effective in rescuing vision than MFRP overexpression alone. Our findings offer new insights into the function of MFRP and provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MFRP-associated ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qingyun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jinyan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qinlinglan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Letong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Guotong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Chen Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Daru Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning, Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 404100, China
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4
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Merjane J, Chung R, Patani R, Lisowski L. Molecular mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as broad therapeutic targets for gene therapy applications utilizing adeno-associated viral vectors. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36786126 DOI: 10.1002/med.21937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the devastating clinical outcome of the neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its etiology remains mysterious. Approximately 90% of ALS is characterized as sporadic, signifying that the patient has no family history of the disease. The development of an impactful disease modifying therapy across the ALS spectrum has remained out of grasp, largely due to the poorly understood mechanisms of disease onset and progression. Currently, ALS is invariably fatal and rapidly progressive. It is hypothesized that multiple factors can lead to the development of ALS, however, treatments are often focused on targeting specific familial forms of the disease (10% of total cases). There is a strong need to develop disease modifying treatments for ALS that can be effective across the full ALS spectrum of familial and sporadic cases. Although the onset of disease varies significantly between patients, there are general disease mechanisms and progressions that can be seen broadly across ALS patients. Therefore, this review explores the targeting of these widespread disease mechanisms as possible areas for therapeutic intervention to treat ALS broadly. In particular, this review will focus on targeting mechanisms of defective protein homeostasis and RNA processing, which are both increasingly recognized as design principles of ALS pathogenesis. Additionally, this review will explore the benefits of gene therapy as an approach to treating ALS, specifically focusing on the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for gene delivery to the CNS and recent advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Merjane
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Emerging Perspectives on Gene Therapy Delivery for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disorders. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12121979. [PMID: 36556200 PMCID: PMC9788053 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12121979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD), are a group of heterogeneous diseases that mainly affect central nervous system (CNS) functions. A subset of NDDs exhibit CNS dysfunction and muscle degeneration, as observed in Gangliosidosis 1 (GM1) and late stages of PD. Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a group of diseases in which patients show primary progressive muscle weaknesses, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Pompe disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). NDDs and NMDs typically have a genetic component, which affects the physiological functioning of critical cellular processes, leading to pathogenesis. Currently, there is no cure or efficient treatment for most of these diseases. More than 200 clinical trials have been completed or are currently underway in order to establish safety, tolerability, and efficacy of promising gene therapy approaches. Thus, gene therapy-based therapeutics, including viral or non-viral delivery, are very appealing for the treatment of NDDs and NMDs. In particular, adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) are an attractive option for gene therapy for NDDs and NMDs. However, limitations have been identified after systemic delivery, including the suboptimal capacity of these therapies to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), degradation of the particles during the delivery, high reactivity of the patient's immune system during the treatment, and the potential need for redosing. To circumvent these limitations, several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested intrathecal (IT) delivery to target the CNS and peripheral organs via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF administration can vastly improve the delivery of small molecules and drugs to the brain and spinal cord as compared to systemic delivery. Here, we review AAV biology and vector design elements, different therapeutic routes of administration, and highlight CSF delivery as an attractive route of administration. We discuss the different aspects of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, such as pathogenesis, the landscape of mutations, and the biological processes associated with the disease. We also describe the hallmarks of NDDs and NMDs as well as discuss current therapeutic approaches and clinical progress in viral and non-viral gene therapy and enzyme replacement strategies for those diseases.
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6
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Kofoed RH, Dibia CL, Noseworthy K, Xhima K, Vacaresse N, Hynynen K, Aubert I. Efficacy of gene delivery to the brain using AAV and ultrasound depends on serotypes and brain areas. J Control Release 2022; 351:667-680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Bauer A, Puglisi M, Nagl D, Schick JA, Werner T, Klingl A, El Andari J, Hornung V, Kessler H, Götz M, Grimm D, Brack‐Werner R. Molecular Signature of Astrocytes for Gene Delivery by the Synthetic Adeno-Associated Viral Vector rAAV9P1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104979. [PMID: 35398994 PMCID: PMC9165502 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have crucial functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and are major players in many CNS diseases. Research on astrocyte-centered diseases requires efficient and well-characterized gene transfer vectors. Vectors derived from the Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) target astrocytes in the brains of rodents and nonhuman primates. A recombinant (r) synthetic peptide-displaying AAV9 variant, rAAV9P1, that efficiently and selectively transduces cultured human astrocytes, has been described previously. Here, it is shown that rAAV9P1 retains astrocyte-targeting properties upon intravenous injection in mice. Detailed analysis of putative receptors on human astrocytes shows that rAAV9P1 utilizes integrin subunits αv, β8, and either β3 or β5 as well as the AAV receptor AAVR. This receptor pattern is distinct from that of vectors derived from wildtype AAV2 or AAV9. Furthermore, a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide knockout screening revealed the involvement of several astrocyte-associated intracellular signaling pathways in the transduction of human astrocytes by rAAV9P1. This study delineates the unique receptor and intracellular pathway signatures utilized by rAAV9P1 for targeting human astrocytes. These results enhance the understanding of the transduction biology of synthetic rAAV vectors for astrocytes and can promote the development of advanced astrocyte-selective gene delivery vehicles for research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Bauer
- Institute of VirologyHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
| | - Matteo Puglisi
- Physiological GenomicsBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell ResearchHelmholtz Center MunichBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
| | - Dennis Nagl
- Gene Center and Department of BiochemistryLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunich81377Germany
| | - Joel A Schick
- Institute of Molecular Toxicology and PharmacologyGenetics and Cellular Engineering GroupHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics & Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Plant Development and Electron MicroscopyDepartment Biology IBiocenterLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
| | - Jihad El Andari
- BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- Department of Infectious DiseasesVirologyMedical FacultyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
| | - Veit Hornung
- Gene Center and Department of BiochemistryLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunich81377Germany
| | - Horst Kessler
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM)Department ChemieTechnische Universität MünchenGarching85748Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological GenomicsBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell ResearchHelmholtz Center MunichBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY)Munich81377Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- Department of Infectious DiseasesVirologyMedical FacultyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partner site HeidelbergHeidelberg69120Germany
| | - Ruth Brack‐Werner
- Institute of VirologyHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
- Department of Biology IILudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
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8
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Challis RC, Ravindra Kumar S, Chen X, Goertsen D, Coughlin GM, Hori AM, Chuapoco MR, Otis TS, Miles TF, Gradinaru V. Adeno-Associated Virus Toolkit to Target Diverse Brain Cells. Annu Rev Neurosci 2022; 45:447-469. [PMID: 35440143 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-111020-100834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used gene delivery vehicles for neuroscience research. They have two engineerable features: the capsid (outer protein shell) and cargo (encapsulated genome). These features can be modified to enhance cell type or tissue tropism and control transgene expression, respectively. Several engineered AAV capsids with unique tropisms have been identified, including variants with enhanced central nervous system transduction, cell type specificity, and retrograde transport in neurons. Pairing these AAVs with modern gene regulatory elements and state-of-the-art reporter, sensor, and effector cargo enables highly specific transgene expression for anatomical and functional analyses of brain cells and circuits. Here, we discuss recent advances that provide a comprehensive (capsid and cargo) AAV toolkit for genetic access to molecularly defined brain cell types. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 45 is July 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary C Challis
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Gerard M Coughlin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Acacia M Hori
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Miguel R Chuapoco
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Thomas S Otis
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy F Miles
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
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9
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Davidson CD, Gibson AL, Gu T, Baxter LL, Deverman BE, Beadle K, Incao AA, Rodriguez-Gil JL, Fujiwara H, Jiang X, Chandler RJ, Ory DS, Gradinaru V, Venditti CP, Pavan WJ. Improved systemic AAV gene therapy with a neurotrophic capsid in Niemann-Pick disease type C1 mice. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:e202101040. [PMID: 34407999 PMCID: PMC8380657 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick C1 disease (NPC1) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in NPC1, which encodes the lysosomal cholesterol transport protein NPC1. Disease pathology involves lysosomal accumulation of cholesterol and lipids, leading to neurological and visceral complications. Targeting the central nervous system (CNS) from systemic circulation complicates treatment of neurological diseases with gene transfer techniques. Selected and engineered capsids, for example, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B facilitate peripheral-to-CNS transfer and hence greater CNS transduction than parental predecessors. We report that systemic delivery to Npc1 m1N/m1N mice using an AAV-PHP.B vector ubiquitously expressing NPC1 led to greater disease amelioration than an otherwise identical AAV9 vector. In addition, viral copy number and biodistribution of GFP-expressing reporters showed that AAV-PHP.B achieved more efficient, albeit variable, CNS transduction than AAV9 in Npc1 m1N/m1N mice. This variability was associated with segregation of two alleles of the putative AAV-PHP.B receptor Ly6a in Npc1 m1N/m1N mice. Our data suggest that robust improvements in NPC1 disease phenotypes occur even with modest CNS transduction and that improved neurotrophic capsids have the potential for superior NPC1 AAV gene therapy vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristin D Davidson
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alana L Gibson
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tansy Gu
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura L Baxter
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institutes of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Keith Beadle
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institutes of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Arturo A Incao
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jorge L Rodriguez-Gil
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hideji Fujiwara
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xuntian Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Randy J Chandler
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniel S Ory
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institutes of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Charles P Venditti
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William J Pavan
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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10
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Frederick A, Sullivan J, Liu L, Adamowicz M, Lukason M, Raymer J, Luo Z, Jin X, Rao KN, O'Riordan C. Engineered Capsids for Efficient Gene Delivery to the Retina and Cornea. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:756-774. [PMID: 32578442 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors represent an ideal vehicle for human gene transfer. One advantage to the AAV vector system is the availability of multiple naturally occurring serotypes that provide selective tropisms for various target cells. Strategies to enhance the properties of the natural AAV isolates have been developed and can be divided into two approaches, rational design or directed evolution. The rational design approach utilizes knowledge of AAV capsids to make targeted changes to the capsid to alter transduction efficiency or specificity, while the directed evolution approach does not require a priori knowledge of capsid structure and includes random mutagenesis, capsid shuffling, or random peptide insertion. In this study, we describe the generation of novel variants for both AAV2 and AAV5 using a rational design approach and knowledge of AAV receptor binding, surface charge, and AAV capsid protein posttranslational modifications. The novel AAV2 and AAV5 variants demonstrate improved transduction properties in both the mouse retina and cornea. The translational fidelity of the novel AAV2 variant was confirmed in the context of the nonhuman primate (NHP) retina, whereas a NHP tissue explant model was established to allow the rapid assessment of translational fidelity between species for the AAV5 variants. The capsid-modified AAV2 and AAV5 variants described in this study have novel attributes that will add to the efficacy and specificity of their potential use in gene therapy for a range of human ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Frederick
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Sullivan
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of BioAnalytics, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Adamowicz
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Lukason
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jasmine Raymer
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhengyu Luo
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Department of BioAnalytics, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kollu Nageswara Rao
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine O'Riordan
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Effects of Altering HSPG Binding and Capsid Hydrophilicity on Retinal Transduction by AAV. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02440-20. [PMID: 33658343 PMCID: PMC8139652 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02440-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have recently emerged as the leading vector for retinal gene therapy. However, AAV vectors which are capable of achieving clinically relevant levels of transgene expression and widespread retinal transduction are still an unmet need. Using rationally designed AAV2-based capsid variants, we investigate the role of capsid hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity as it relates to retinal transduction. We show that hydrophilic, single amino acid (aa) mutations (V387R, W502H, E530K, L583R) in AAV2 negatively impact retinal transduction when heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) binding remains intact. Conversely, addition of hydrophobic point mutations to an HSPG binding deficient capsid (AAV2ΔHS) lead to increased retinal transduction in both mouse and macaque. Our top performing vector, AAV2(4pMut)ΔHS, achieved robust rod and cone photoreceptor (PR) transduction in macaque, especially in the fovea, and demonstrates the ability to spread laterally beyond the borders of the subretinal injection (SRI) bleb. This study both evaluates biophysical properties of AAV capsids that influence retinal transduction, and assesses the transduction and tropism of a novel capsid variant in a clinically relevant animal model.ImportanceRationally guided engineering of AAV capsids aims to create new generations of vectors with enhanced potential for human gene therapy. By applying rational design principles to AAV2-based capsids, we evaluated the influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acid (aa) mutations on retinal transduction as it relates to vector administration route. Through this approach we identified a largely deleterious relationship between hydrophilic aa mutations and canonical HSPG binding by AAV2-based capsids. Conversely, the inclusion of hydrophobic aa substitutions on a HSPG binding deficient capsid (AAV2ΔHS), generated a vector capable of robust rod and cone photoreceptor (PR) transduction. This vector AAV2(4pMut)ΔHS also demonstrates a remarkable ability to spread laterally beyond the initial subretinal injection (SRI) bleb, making it an ideal candidate for the treatment of retinal diseases which require a large area of transduction.
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12
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Abstract
Therapeutic viral gene delivery is an emerging technology which aims to correct genetic mutations by introducing new genetic information to cells either to correct a faulty gene or to initiate cell death in oncolytic treatments. In recent years, significant scientific progress has led to several clinical trials resulting in the approval of gene therapies for human treatment. However, successful therapies remain limited due to a number of challenges such as inefficient cell uptake, low transduction efficiency (TE), limited tropism, liver toxicity and immune response. To adress these issues and increase the number of available therapies, additives from a broad range of materials like polymers, peptides, lipids, nanoparticles, and small molecules have been applied so far. The scope of this review is to highlight these selected delivery systems from a materials perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Kaygisiz
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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13
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MacLaren RE. A 2020 vision of ocular gene therapy. Gene Ther 2020; 28:217-219. [PMID: 32601358 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, West Wing John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
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14
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Madrakhimov SB, Yang JY, Ahn DH, Han JW, Ha TH, Park TK. Peripapillary Intravitreal Injection Improves AAV-Mediated Retinal Transduction. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:647-656. [PMID: 32300611 PMCID: PMC7152690 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The intravitreal (IVT) injection method is a choice when targeting the inner retina for gene therapy. However, the transduction efficiency of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors administered by the IVT route is usually low and may be affected by several factors. To improve the transduction efficiency, we developed a novel illuminated long-needle attached injection system and injected AAV2-CMV (cytomegalovirus)-EGFP in front of the retina in rabbit eyes. Ophthalmological examinations were performed and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor were assessed at the baseline and 1 month, and the results were compared with those of the conventional injection method. Retinal tissues were used for immunohistochemistry. In the ophthalmological examinations, no significant inflammatory signs were detected in both groups, except for transient, mild hyperemia. In the tissues of the rabbits in the peripapillary injection group, significantly increased GFP expression was detected at the ganglion cell and the inner nuclear layers (p < 0.01). There were no differences between groups in glial activation and expressions of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. These results suggest that peripapillary IVT injection in front of the retina would be safe and efficiently transduce viral vectors into the retina of large animals and is considered as a potential method for use in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjar Batirovich Madrakhimov
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Graduate School, Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea
- Laboratory for Translational Research on Retinal and Macular Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Jin Young Yang
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Graduate School, Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea
- Laboratory for Translational Research on Retinal and Macular Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyuck Ahn
- Laboratory for Translational Research on Retinal and Macular Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Jung Woo Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Tae Ho Ha
- CMLAB, Convergence Technologies for Bio-Medical Science, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Kwann Park
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Graduate School, Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea
- Laboratory for Translational Research on Retinal and Macular Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Choongchungnam-do, South Korea
- Ex Lumina Therapeutics and Technologies, Bucheon, South Korea
- Corresponding author: Tae Kwann Park, MD, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, #170, Jomaru-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon 14584, South Korea.
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15
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Boye SL, Choudhury S, Crosson S, Di Pasquale G, Afione S, Mellen R, Makal V, Calabro KR, Fajardo D, Peterson J, Zhang H, Leahy MT, Jennings CK, Chiorini JA, Boyd RF, Boye SE. Novel AAV44.9-Based Vectors Display Exceptional Characteristics for Retinal Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1464-1478. [PMID: 32304666 PMCID: PMC7264435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are caused by mutations in genes expressed in photoreceptors (PRs). The ideal vector to address these conditions is one that transduces PRs in large areas of retina with the smallest volume/lowest titer possible, and efficiently transduces foveal cones, the cells responsible for acute, daylight vision that are often the only remaining area of functional retina in IRDs. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the retinal tropism and potency of a novel capsid, AAV44.9, and rationally designed derivatives thereof. We found that AAV44.9 and AAV44.9(E531D) transduced retinas of subretinally injected (SRI) mice with higher efficiency than did benchmark AAV5- and AAV8-based vectors. In macaques, highly efficient cone and rod transduction was observed following submacular and peripheral SRI. AAV44.9- and AAV44.9(E531D)-mediated GFP fluorescence extended laterally well beyond SRI bleb margins. Notably, extrafoveal injection (i.e., fovea not detached during surgery) led to transduction of up to 98% of foveal cones. AAV44.9(E531D) efficiently transduced parafoveal and perifoveal cones, whereas AAV44.9 did not. AAV44.9(E531D) was also capable of restoring retinal function to a mouse model of IRD. These novel capsids will be useful for addressing IRDs that would benefit from an expansive treatment area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Pediatrics and the Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shreyasi Choudhury
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sean Crosson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Giovanni Di Pasquale
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sandra Afione
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Russell Mellen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Victoria Makal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn R. Calabro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Diego Fajardo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - James Peterson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hangning Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Matthew T. Leahy
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI, USA
| | - Colin K. Jennings
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI, USA
| | - John A. Chiorini
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ryan F. Boyd
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI, USA
| | - Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Corresponding author: Shannon E. Boye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100284, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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16
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Cabanes-Creus M, Westhaus A, Navarro RG, Baltazar G, Zhu E, Amaya AK, Liao SHY, Scott S, Sallard E, Dilworth KL, Rybicki A, Drouyer M, Hallwirth CV, Bennett A, Santilli G, Thrasher AJ, Agbandje-McKenna M, Alexander IE, Lisowski L. Attenuation of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Binding Enhances In Vivo Transduction of Human Primary Hepatocytes with AAV2. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:1139-1154. [PMID: 32490035 PMCID: PMC7260615 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Use of the prototypical adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) capsid delivered unexpectedly modest efficacy in an early liver-targeted gene therapy trial for hemophilia B. This result is consistent with subsequent data generated in chimeric mouse-human livers showing that the AAV2 capsid transduces primary human hepatocytes in vivo with low efficiency. In contrast, novel variants generated by directed evolution in the same model, such as AAV-NP59, transduce primary human hepatocytes with high efficiency. While these empirical data have immense translational implications, the mechanisms underpinning this enhanced AAV capsid transduction performance in primary human hepatocytes are yet to be fully elucidated. Remarkably, AAV-NP59 differs from the prototypical AAV2 capsid by only 11 aa and can serve as a tool to study the correlation between capsid sequence/structure and vector function. Using two orthogonal vectorological approaches, we have determined that just 2 of the 11 changes present in AAV-NP59 (T503A and N596D) account for the enhanced transduction performance of this capsid variant in primary human hepatocytes in vivo, an effect that we have associated with attenuation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) binding affinity. In support of this hypothesis, we have identified, using directed evolution, two additional single amino acid substitution AAV2 variants, N496D and N582S, which are highly functional in vivo. Both substitution mutations reduce AAV2's affinity for HSPG. Finally, we have modulated the ability of AAV8, a highly murine-hepatotropic serotype, to interact with HSPG. The results support our hypothesis that enhanced HSPG binding can negatively affect the in vivo function of otherwise strongly hepatotropic variants and that modulation of the interaction with HSPG is critical to ensure maximum efficiency in vivo. The insights gained through this study can have powerful implications for studies into AAV biology and capsid development for preclinical and clinical applications targeting liver and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Grober Baltazar
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Erhua Zhu
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Anais K Amaya
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sophia H Y Liao
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Suzanne Scott
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Erwan Sallard
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Kimberley L Dilworth
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Arkadiusz Rybicki
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Matthieu Drouyer
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Claus V Hallwirth
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Antonette Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Giorgia Santilli
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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17
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Weiss AR, Liguore WA, Domire JS, Button D, McBride JL. Intra-striatal AAV2.retro administration leads to extensive retrograde transport in the rhesus macaque brain: implications for disease modeling and therapeutic development. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6970. [PMID: 32332773 PMCID: PMC7181773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, AAV2.retro, a new capsid variant capable of efficient retrograde transport in brain, was generated in mice using a directed evolution approach. However, it remains unclear to what degree transport will be recapitulated in the substantially larger and more complex nonhuman primate (NHP) brain. Here, we compared the biodistribution of AAV2.retro with its parent serotype, AAV2, in adult macaques following delivery into the caudate and putamen, brain regions which comprise the striatum. While AAV2 transduction was primarily limited to the injected brain regions, AAV2.retro transduced cells in the striatum and in dozens of cortical and subcortical regions with known striatal afferents. We then evaluated the capability of AAV2.retro to deliver disease-related gene cargo to biologically-relevant NHP brain circuits by packaging a fragment of human mutant HTT, the causative gene mutation in Huntington’s disease. Following intra-striatal delivery, pathological mHTT-positive protein aggregates were distributed widely among cognitive, motor, and limbic cortico-basal ganglia circuits. Together, these studies demonstrate strong retrograde transport of AAV2.retro in NHP brain, highlight its utility in developing novel NHP models of brain disease and suggest its potential for querying circuit function and delivering therapeutic genes in the brain, particularly where treating dysfunctional circuits, versus single brain regions, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Weiss
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA
| | - William A Liguore
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA
| | - Jacqueline S Domire
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA
| | - Dana Button
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA
| | - Jodi L McBride
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, USA. .,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA.
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18
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Haery L, Deverman BE, Matho KS, Cetin A, Woodard K, Cepko C, Guerin KI, Rego MA, Ersing I, Bachle SM, Kamens J, Fan M. Adeno-Associated Virus Technologies and Methods for Targeted Neuronal Manipulation. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:93. [PMID: 31849618 PMCID: PMC6902037 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-type-specific expression of molecular tools and sensors is critical to construct circuit diagrams and to investigate the activity and function of neurons within the nervous system. Strategies for targeted manipulation include combinations of classical genetic tools such as Cre/loxP and Flp/FRT, use of cis-regulatory elements, targeted knock-in transgenic mice, and gene delivery by AAV and other viral vectors. The combination of these complex technologies with the goal of precise neuronal targeting is a challenge in the lab. This report will discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of combining current technologies and establish best practices for achieving targeted manipulation of specific cell types. Novel applications and tools, as well as areas for development, will be envisioned and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin E. Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Ali Cetin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kenton Woodard
- Penn Vector Core, Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Connie Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, United States
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19
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Gorbatyuk OS, Warrington KH, Gorbatyuk MS, Zolotukhin I, Lewin AS, Muzyczka N. Biodistribution of adeno-associated virus type 2 with mutations in the capsid that contribute to heparan sulfate proteoglycan binding. Virus Res 2019; 274:197771. [PMID: 31577935 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We compared the phenotypes of three mutant AAV2 viruses containing mutations in arginine amino acids (R585, R588 and R484) previously shown to be involved in AAV2 heparan sulfate binding. The transduction efficiencies of wild type and mutant viruses were determined in the eye, the brain and peripheral organs following subretinal, striatal and intravenous injection, respectively, in mice and rats. We found that each of the three mutants (the single mutant R585A; the double mutant R585, 588A; and the triple mutant R585, 588, 484A) had a unique phenotype compared to wt and each other. R585A was completely defective for transducing peripheral organs via intravenous injection, suggesting that R585A may be useful for targeting peripheral organs by substitution of peptide ligands in the capsid surface. In the brain, all three mutants displayed widespread transduction, with the double mutant R585, 588A displaying the greatest spread and the greatest number of transduced neurons. The double mutant was also extremely efficient for retrograde transport, while the triple mutant was almost completely defective for retrograde transport. This suggested that R484 may be directly involved in interaction with the transport machinery. Finally, the double mutant also displayed improved transduction of the eye compared to wild type and the other mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg S Gorbatyuk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, United States.
| | - Kenneth H Warrington
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, United States; Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States.
| | - Marina S Gorbatyuk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States.
| | - Irene Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, United States; Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States.
| | - Alfred S Lewin
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States.
| | - Nicholas Muzyczka
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, United States.
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20
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Stanek LM, Bu J, Shihabuddin LS. Astrocyte transduction is required for rescue of behavioral phenotypes in the YAC128 mouse model with AAV-RNAi mediated HTT lowering therapeutics. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 129:29-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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21
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Maes ME, Colombo G, Schulz R, Siegert S. Targeting microglia with lentivirus and AAV: Recent advances and remaining challenges. Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134310. [PMID: 31158432 PMCID: PMC6734419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglia have emerged as a critical component of neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic manipulation of microglia can elucidate their functional impact in disease. In neuroscience, recombinant viruses such as lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have been successfully used to target various cell types in the brain, although effective transduction of microglia is rare. In this review, we provide a short background of lentiviruses and AAVs, and strategies for designing recombinant viral vectors. Then, we will summarize recent literature on successful microglial transductions in vitro and in vivo, and discuss the current challenges. Finally, we provide guidelines for reporting the efficiency and specificity of viral targeting in microglia, which will enable the microglial research community to assess and improve methodologies for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Maes
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Gloria Colombo
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Rouven Schulz
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Sandra Siegert
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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22
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Peynshaert K, Devoldere J, Minnaert AK, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Morphology and Composition of the Inner Limiting Membrane: Species-Specific Variations and Relevance toward Drug Delivery Research. Curr Eye Res 2019; 44:465-475. [PMID: 30638413 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1565890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The inner limiting membrane (ILM) represents the structural boundary between the vitreous and the retina, and is suggested to act as a barrier for a wide range of retinal therapies. While it is widely acknowledged that the morphology of the human ILM exhibits regional variations and undergoes age-related changes, insight into its structure in laboratory animals is very limited. Besides presenting a detailed overview of the morphology and composition of the human ILM, this review specifically reflects on the species-specific differences in ILM structure. With these differences in mind, we furthermore summarize the most relevant reports on the barrier role of the ILM with regard to viral vectors, nanoparticles, anti-VEGF medication and stem cells. Overall, this review aims to deliberate on the impact of species-specific ILM variations on drug delivery research as well as to pinpoint knowledge gaps which future basic research should resolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Peynshaert
- a Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.,b Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Joke Devoldere
- a Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.,b Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - An-Katrien Minnaert
- a Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.,b Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- a Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.,b Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- a Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.,b Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
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23
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Naidoo J, Stanek LM, Ohno K, Trewman S, Samaranch L, Hadaczek P, O'Riordan C, Sullivan J, San Sebastian W, Bringas JR, Snieckus C, Mahmoodi A, Mahmoodi A, Forsayeth J, Bankiewicz KS, Shihabuddin LS. Extensive Transduction and Enhanced Spread of a Modified AAV2 Capsid in the Non-human Primate CNS. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2418-2430. [PMID: 30057240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to characterize transduction of non-human primate brain and spinal cord with a modified adeno-associated virus serotype 2, incapable of binding to the heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptor, referred to as AAV2-HBKO. AAV2-HBKO was infused into the thalamus, intracerebroventricularly or via a combination of both intracerebroventricular and thalamic delivery. Thalamic injection of this modified vector encoding GFP resulted in widespread CNS transduction that included neurons in deep cortical layers, deep cerebellar nuclei, several subcortical regions, and motor neuron transduction in the spinal cord indicative of robust bidirectional axonal transport. Intracerebroventricular delivery similarly resulted in widespread cortical transduction, with one striking distinction that oligodendrocytes within superficial layers of the cortex were the primary cell type transduced. Robust motor neuron transduction was also observed in all levels of the spinal cord. The combination of thalamic and intracerebroventricular delivery resulted in transduction of oligodendrocytes in superficial cortical layers and neurons in deeper cortical layers. Several subcortical regions were also transduced. Our data demonstrate that AAV2-HBKO is a powerful vector for the potential treatment of a wide number of neurological disorders, and highlight that delivery route can significantly impact cellular tropism and pattern of CNS transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerusha Naidoo
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lisa M Stanek
- CNS Genetic Diseases, Neuroscience Research TA, Sanofi, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Kousaku Ohno
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Savanah Trewman
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lluis Samaranch
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Piotr Hadaczek
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Sullivan
- CNS Genetic Diseases, Neuroscience Research TA, Sanofi, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Waldy San Sebastian
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John R Bringas
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Snieckus
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amin Mahmoodi
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amir Mahmoodi
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Forsayeth
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Krystof S Bankiewicz
- Interventional Neuro Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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