1
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Pekrun K, Stephens CJ, Gonzalez-Sandoval A, Goswami A, Zhang F, Tarantal AF, Blouse G, Kay MA. Correlation of antigen expression with epigenetic modifications after rAAV delivery of a human factor IX variant in mice and rhesus macaques. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00306-X. [PMID: 38715361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.005] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated long-term human coagulation factor IX (huFIX) expression of a novel variant when delivered into mice and rhesus macaques and compared transduction efficiencies using two different adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids. In hemophilic mice injected with KP1-packaged recombinant AAV (rAAV) expressing the hyperactive FIX variant specific activity plasma levels were 10-fold or 2-fold enhanced when compared with wild-type or Padua huFIX injected mice, respectively. In rhesus macaques AAV-LK03 capsid outperformed AAV-KP1 in terms of antigen expression and liver transduction. Two animals from each group showed sustained low-level huFIX expression at 3 months after administration, while one animal from each group lost huFIX mRNA and protein expression over time, despite comparable vector copies. We investigated whether epigenetic differences in the vector episomes could explain this loss of transcription. Cut&Tag analysis revealed lower levels of activating histone marks in the two animals that lost expression. When comparing rAAV genome associated histone modifications in rhesus macaques with those in mice injected with the same vector, the activating histone marks were starkly decreased in macaque-derived episomes. Differential epigenetic marking of AAV genomes may explain different expression profiles in mice and rhesus macaques, as well as the wide dose response variation observed in primates in both preclinical and human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Pekrun
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Calvin J Stephens
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Aranyak Goswami
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Feijie Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Grant Blouse
- Catalyst Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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2
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Smith TJ, Elmore ZC, Fusco RM, Hull JA, Rosales A, Martinez M, Tarantal AF, Asokan A. Engineered IgM and IgG cleaving enzymes for mitigating antibody neutralization and complement activation in AAV gene transfer. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00305-8. [PMID: 38715362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.004] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic dosing of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors poses potential risk of adverse side effects including complement activation triggered by anti-capsid immunity. Due to the multifactorial nature of toxicities observed in this setting, a wide spectrum of immune modulatory regimens are being investigated in the clinic. Here, we discover an IgM cleaving enzyme (IceM) that degrades human IgM, a key trigger in the anti-AAV immune cascade. We then engineer a fusion enzyme (IceMG) with dual proteolytic activity against human IgM and IgG. IceMG cleaves B cell surface antigen receptors and inactivates phospholipase gamma signaling in vitro. Importantly, IceMG is more effective at inhibiting complement activation compared with an IgG cleaving enzyme alone. Upon IV dosing, IceMG rapidly and reversibly clears circulating IgM and IgG in macaques. Antisera from these animals treated with IceMG shows decreased ability to neutralize AAV and activate complement. Consistently, pre-conditioning with IceMG restores AAV transduction in mice passively immunized with human antisera. Thus, IgM cleaving enzymes show promise in simultaneously addressing multiple aspects of anti-AAV immunity mediated by B cells, circulating antibodies and complement. These studies have implications for improving safety of AAV gene therapies and possibly broader applications including organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Smith
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Zachary C Elmore
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Robert M Fusco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joshua A Hull
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alan Rosales
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michele Martinez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Aravind Asokan
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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3
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Pabinger I, Ayash-Rashkovsky M, Escobar M, Konkle BA, Mingot-Castellano ME, Mullins ES, Negrier C, Pan L, Rajavel K, Yan B, Chapin J. Multicenter assessment and longitudinal study of the prevalence of antibodies and related adaptive immune responses to AAV in adult males with hemophilia. Gene Ther 2024; 31:273-284. [PMID: 38355967 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00441-5] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy has demonstrated effective disease control in hemophilia. However, pre-existing immunity from wild-type AAV exposure impacts gene therapy eligibility. The aim of this multicenter epidemiologic study was to determine the prevalence and persistence of preexisting immunity against AAV2, AAV5, and AAV8, in adult participants with hemophilia A or B. Blood samples were collected at baseline and annually for ≤3 years at trial sites in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United States. At baseline, AAV8, AAV2, and AAV5 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) were present in 46.9%, 53.1%, and 53.4% of participants, respectively; these values remained stable at Years 1 and 2. Co-prevalence of NAbs to at least two serotypes and all three serotypes was present at baseline for ~40% and 38.2% of participants, respectively. For each serotype, ~10% of participants who tested negative for NAbs at baseline were seropositive at Year 1. At baseline, 38.3% of participants had detectable cell mediated immunity by ELISpot, although no correlations were observed with the humoral response. In conclusion, participants with hemophilia may have significant preexisting immunity to AAV capsids. Insights from this study may assist in understanding capsid-based immunity trends in participants considering AAV vector-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Pabinger
- Clinical Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Miguel Escobar
- University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School and Gulf States Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Barbara A Konkle
- BloodWorks Northwest, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - María Eva Mingot-Castellano
- Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eric S Mullins
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati-College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Claude Negrier
- UR4609 Hemostase & Thrombose, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Luying Pan
- Takeda Development Center Americas Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Brian Yan
- Takeda Development Center Americas Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John Chapin
- Takeda Development Center Americas Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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4
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Bhattacharyya A, Khan R, Lee JY, Tassew G, Oskouian B, Allende ML, Proia RL, Yin X, Ortega JG, Bhattacharya M, Saba JD. Gene therapy with AAV9-SGPL1 in an animal model of lung fibrosis. J Pathol 2024; 263:22-31. [PMID: 38332723 PMCID: PMC10987276 DOI: 10.1002/path.6256] [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] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scarring disease of the lung that leads rapidly to respiratory failure. Novel approaches to treatment are urgently needed. The bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is increased in IPF lungs and promotes proinflammatory and profibrotic TGF-β signaling. Hence, decreasing lung S1P represents a potential therapeutic strategy for IPF. S1P is degraded by the intracellular enzyme S1P lyase (SPL). Here we find that a knock-in mouse with a missense SPL mutation mimicking human disease resulted in reduced SPL activity, increased S1P, increased TGF-β signaling, increased lung fibrosis, and higher mortality after injury compared to wild type (WT). We then tested adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated overexpression of human SGPL1 (AAV-SPL) in mice as a therapeutic modality. Intravenous treatment with AAV-SPL augmented lung SPL activity, attenuated S1P levels within the lungs, and decreased injury-induced fibrosis compared to controls treated with saline or only AAV. We confirmed that AAV-SPL treatment led to higher expression of SPL in the epithelial and fibroblast compartments during bleomycin-induced lung injury. Additionally, AAV-SPL decreased expression of the profibrotic cytokines TNFα and IL1β as well as markers of fibroblast activation, such as fibronectin (Fn1), Tgfb1, Acta2, and collagen genes in the lung. Taken together, our results provide proof of concept for the use of AAV-SPL as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IPF. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aritra Bhattacharyya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ranjha Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joanna Y. Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gizachew Tassew
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Babak Oskouian
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria L. Allende
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard L. Proia
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Yin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Javier G. Ortega
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mallar Bhattacharya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julie D. Saba
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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5
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Anguela XM, High KA. Hemophilia B and gene therapy: a new chapter with etranacogene dezaparvovec. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1796-1803. [PMID: 38592711 PMCID: PMC11006816 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010511] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s authorization of etranacogene dezaparvovec (Hemgenix) is a significant milestone, constituting not only the first FDA approval of a gene therapy for hemophilia but also the first approval of a liver-targeted adeno-associated virus vector gene therapy. This review summarizes the nonclinical studies and clinical development that supported regulatory clearance. Similar to other gene therapies for single gene disorders, both the short-term safety and the phenotypic improvement were unequivocal, justifying the modest-sized safety and efficacy database, which included 57 participants across the phase 2b (3 participants) and phase 3 (54 participants) studies. The most common adverse reactions included liver enzyme elevation, headache, flu-like symptoms, infusion-related reactions, creatine kinase elevation, malaise, and fatigue; these were mostly transient. One participant had hepatocellular carcinoma on a study-mandated liver ultrasound conducted 1 year after vector infusion; molecular analysis of the resected tumor showed no evidence of vector-related insertional mutagenesis as the etiology. A remarkable 96% of participants in the phase 3 trial were able to stop factor IX (FIX) prophylaxis, with the study demonstrating noninferiority to FIX prophylaxis in terms of the primary end point, annualized bleeding rate. Key secondary end points such as the annualized infusion rate, which declined by 97%, and the plasma FIX activity level at 18 months after infusion, with least squares mean increase of 34.3 percentage points compared with baseline, were both clinically and statistically significant. The FDA's landmark approval of Hemgenix as a pioneering treatment for hemophilia stands on the shoulders of >20 years of gene therapy clinical research and heralds a promising future for genomic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine A. High
- Rockefeller University, New York, NY
- Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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6
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Wang JH, Gessler DJ, Zhan W, Gallagher TL, Gao G. Adeno-associated virus as a delivery vector for gene therapy of human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:78. [PMID: 38565561 PMCID: PMC10987683 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01780-w] [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] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal delivery tool in clinical gene therapy owing to its minimal pathogenicity and ability to establish long-term gene expression in different tissues. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) has been engineered for enhanced specificity and developed as a tool for treating various diseases. However, as rAAV is being more widely used as a therapy, the increased demand has created challenges for the existing manufacturing methods. Seven rAAV-based gene therapy products have received regulatory approval, but there continue to be concerns about safely using high-dose viral therapies in humans, including immune responses and adverse effects such as genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity. In this review, we explore AAV biology with an emphasis on current vector engineering strategies and manufacturing technologies. We discuss how rAAVs are being employed in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, metabolic, hematological, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. We outline immune responses triggered by rAAV, address associated side effects, and discuss strategies to mitigate these reactions. We hope that discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field will be a helpful guide for researchers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving landscape of rAAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wei Zhan
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Thomas L Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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7
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Muczynski V, Nathwani AC. AAV mediated gene therapy for haemophilia B: From the early attempts to modern trials. Thromb Res 2024; 236:242-249. [PMID: 38383218 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.12.033] [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: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Early gene therapy clinical trials for the treatment of Haemophilia B have been instrumental to our global understanding of gene therapy and have significantly contributed to the rapid expansion of the field. The use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors for gene transfer has successfully led to therapeutic expression of coagulation factor IX (FIX) in severe haemophilia B patients. Expression of FIX has remained stable following a single administration of vector for up to 8 years at levels that are clinically relevant to reduce the incidence of spontaneous bleeds and have permitted a significant change in the disease management with reduction or elimination of the need for coagulation factor concentrates. These trials have also shed light on several concerns around AAV-mediated gene transfer such as the high prevalence of pre-existing immunity against the vector capsid as well as the elevation of liver transaminases that is associated with a loss of FIX transgene expression in some patients. However, this field is advancing very rapidly with the development of increasingly more efficient strategies to overcome some of these obstacles and importantly raise the possibility of a functional cure, which has been long sought after. This review overviews the evolution of gene therapy for haemophilia B over the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Muczynski
- Department of Haematology, University College London - Cancer Institute, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Amit C Nathwani
- Department of Haematology, University College London - Cancer Institute, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Katharine Dormandy Haemophilia and Thrombosis Unit, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Freeline Therapeutics Ltd., United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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8
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Cabanes-Creus M, Liao SHY, Gale Navarro R, Knight M, Nazareth D, Lau NS, Ly M, Zhu E, Roca-Pinilla R, Bugallo Delgado R, Vicente AF, Baltazar G, Westhaus A, Merjane J, Crawford M, McCaughan GW, Unzu C, González-Aseguinolaza G, Alexander IE, Pulitano C, Lisowski L. Harnessing whole human liver ex situ normothermic perfusion for preclinical AAV vector evaluation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1876. [PMID: 38485924 PMCID: PMC10940703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing clinically predictive model systems for evaluating gene transfer and gene editing technologies has become increasingly important in the era of personalized medicine. Liver-directed gene therapies present a unique challenge due to the complexity of the human liver. In this work, we describe the application of whole human liver explants in an ex situ normothermic perfusion system to evaluate a set of fourteen natural and bioengineered adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors directly in human liver, in the presence and absence of neutralizing human sera. Under non-neutralizing conditions, the recently developed AAV variants, AAV-SYD12 and AAV-LK03, emerged as the most functional variants in terms of cellular uptake and transgene expression. However, when assessed in the presence of human plasma containing anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), vectors of human origin, specifically those derived from AAV2/AAV3b, were extensively neutralized, whereas AAV8- derived variants performed efficiently. This study demonstrates the potential of using normothermic liver perfusion as a model for early-stage testing of liver-focused gene therapies. The results offer preliminary insights that could help inform the development of more effective translational strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Sophia H Y Liao
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Maddison Knight
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Deborah Nazareth
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ngee-Soon Lau
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Ly
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erhua Zhu
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ramon Roca-Pinilla
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ricardo Bugallo Delgado
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana F Vicente
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grober Baltazar
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jessica Merjane
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Michael Crawford
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W McCaughan
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Research Institute, A.W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carmen Unzu
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Carlo Pulitano
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia.
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Westmead, Australia.
- Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Warsaw, Poland.
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9
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Lopez-Gordo E, Chamberlain K, Riyad JM, Kohlbrenner E, Weber T. Natural Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes and Engineered Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Variants: Tropism Differences and Mechanistic Insights. Viruses 2024; 16:442. [PMID: 38543807 PMCID: PMC10975205 DOI: 10.3390/v16030442] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors are arguably the most promising in vivo gene delivery vehicles for durable therapeutic gene expression. Advances in molecular engineering, high-throughput screening platforms, and computational techniques have resulted in a toolbox of capsid variants with enhanced performance over parental serotypes. Despite their considerable promise and emerging clinical success, there are still obstacles hindering their broader use, including limited transduction capabilities, tissue/cell type-specific tropism and penetration into tissues through anatomical barriers, off-target tissue biodistribution, intracellular degradation, immune recognition, and a lack of translatability from preclinical models to clinical settings. Here, we first describe the transduction mechanisms of natural AAV serotypes and explore the current understanding of the systemic and cellular hurdles to efficient transduction. We then outline progress in developing designer AAV capsid variants, highlighting the seminal discoveries of variants which can transduce the central nervous system upon systemic administration, and, to a lesser extent, discuss the targeting of the peripheral nervous system, eye, ear, lung, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, emphasizing their tissue and cell specificity and translational promise. In particular, we dive deeper into the molecular mechanisms behind their enhanced properties, with a focus on their engagement with host cell receptors previously inaccessible to natural AAV serotypes. Finally, we summarize the main findings of our review and discuss future directions.
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10
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Kistner A, Chichester JA, Wang L, Calcedo R, Greig JA, Cardwell LN, Wright MC, Couthouis J, Sethi S, McIntosh BE, McKeever K, Wadsworth S, Wilson JM, Kakkis E, Sullivan BA. Prednisolone and rapamycin reduce the plasma cell gene signature and may improve AAV gene therapy in cynomolgus macaques. Gene Ther 2024; 31:128-143. [PMID: 37833563 PMCID: PMC10940161 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00423-z] [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] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector gene therapy is a promising approach to treat rare genetic diseases; however, an ongoing challenge is how to best modulate host immunity to improve transduction efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. This report presents two studies characterizing multiple prophylactic immunosuppression regimens in male cynomolgus macaques receiving an AAVrh10 gene therapy vector expressing human coagulation factor VIII (hFVIII). In study 1, no immunosuppression was compared with prednisolone, rapamycin (or sirolimus), rapamycin and cyclosporin A in combination, and cyclosporin A and azathioprine in combination. Prednisolone alone demonstrated higher mean peripheral blood hFVIII expression; however, this was not sustained upon taper. Anti-capsid and anti-hFVIII antibody responses were robust, and vector genomes and transgene mRNA levels were similar to no immunosuppression at necropsy. Study 2 compared no immunosuppression with prednisolone alone or in combination with rapamycin or methotrexate. The prednisolone/rapamycin group demonstrated an increase in mean hFVIII expression and a mean delay in anti-capsid IgG development until after rapamycin taper. Additionally, a significant reduction in the plasma cell gene signature was observed with prednisolone/rapamycin, suggesting that rapamycin's tolerogenic effects may include plasma cell differentiation blockade. Immunosuppression with prednisolone and rapamycin in combination could improve therapeutic outcomes in AAV vector gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica A Chichester
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roberto Calcedo
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Affinia Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Jenny A Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leah N Cardwell
- Ultragenyx Gene Therapy, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Samuel Wadsworth
- Ultragenyx Gene Therapy, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emil Kakkis
- Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, CA, USA
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11
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Qi J, Tan F, Zhang L, Lu L, Zhang S, Zhai Y, Lu Y, Qian X, Dong W, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Yang X, Jiang L, Yu C, Liu J, Chen T, Wu L, Tan C, Sun S, Song H, Shu Y, Xu L, Gao X, Li H, Chai R. AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Patients with DFNB9 Deafness. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306788. [PMID: 38189623 PMCID: PMC10953563 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in OTOFERLIN (OTOF) lead to the autosomal recessive deafness 9 (DFNB9). The efficacy of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated OTOF gene replacement therapy is extensively validated in Otof-deficient mice. However, the clinical safety and efficacy of AAV-OTOF is not reported. Here, AAV-OTOF is generated using good manufacturing practice and validated its efficacy and safety in mouse and non-human primates in order to determine the optimal injection dose, volume, and administration route for clinical trials. Subsequently, AAV-OTOF is delivered into one cochlea of a 5-year-old deaf patient and into the bilateral cochleae of an 8-year-old deaf patient with OTOF mutations. Obvious hearing improvement is detected by the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and the pure-tone audiometry (PTA) in these two patients. Hearing in the injected ear of the 5-year-old patient can be restored to the normal range at 1 month after AAV-OTOF injection, while the 8-year-old patient can hear the conversational sounds. Most importantly, the 5-year-old patient can hear and recognize speech only through the AAV-OTOF-injected ear. This study is the first to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of AAV-OTOF in patients, expands and optimizes current OTOF-related gene therapy and provides valuable information for further application of gene therapies for deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantong226001China
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijing100081China
| | - Fangzhi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Liyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Ling Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgerythe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolJiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory)Nanjing210008China
| | | | - Yabo Zhai
- School of MedicineSoutheast UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Yicheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Xiaoyun Qian
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgerythe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolJiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory)Nanjing210008China
| | | | - Yinyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Xuehan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Lulu Jiang
- Otovia Therapeutics IncSuzhou215101China
| | | | | | - Tian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Lianqiu Wu
- Otovia Therapeutics IncSuzhou215101China
| | - Chang Tan
- Otovia Therapeutics IncSuzhou215101China
| | - Sijie Sun
- Otovia Therapeutics IncSuzhou215101China
- Fosun Health CapitalShanghai200233China
| | | | - Yilai Shu
- ENT Institute and Department of OtorhinolaryngologyEye & ENT HospitalState Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200031China
- Institute of Biomedical ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing MedicineFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryShandong Provincial ENT HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandong250022China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgerythe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolJiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory)Nanjing210008China
| | - Huawei Li
- ENT Institute and Department of OtorhinolaryngologyEye & ENT HospitalState Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200031China
- Institute of Biomedical ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing MedicineFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- The Institutes of Brain Science and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantong226001China
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijing100081China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgerySichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610072China
- Southeast University Shenzhen Research InstituteShenzhen518063China
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12
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Muñoz S, Bertolin J, Jimenez V, Jaén ML, Garcia M, Pujol A, Vilà L, Sacristan V, Barbon E, Ronzitti G, El Andari J, Tulalamba W, Pham QH, Ruberte J, VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK, Grimm D, Mingozzi F, Bosch F. Treatment of infantile-onset Pompe disease in a rat model with muscle-directed AAV gene therapy. Mol Metab 2024; 81:101899. [PMID: 38346589 PMCID: PMC10877955 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pompe disease (PD) is caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid α-glucosidase (GAA), leading to progressive glycogen accumulation and severe myopathy with progressive muscle weakness. In the Infantile-Onset PD (IOPD), death generally occurs <1 year of age. There is no cure for IOPD. Mouse models of PD do not completely reproduce human IOPD severity. Our main objective was to generate the first IOPD rat model to assess an innovative muscle-directed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapy. METHODS PD rats were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The novel highly myotropic bioengineered capsid AAVMYO3 and an optimized muscle-specific promoter in conjunction with a transcriptional cis-regulatory element were used to achieve robust Gaa expression in the entire muscular system. Several metabolic, molecular, histopathological, and functional parameters were measured. RESULTS PD rats showed early-onset widespread glycogen accumulation, hepato- and cardiomegaly, decreased body and tissue weight, severe impaired muscle function and decreased survival, closely resembling human IOPD. Treatment with AAVMYO3-Gaa vectors resulted in widespread expression of Gaa in muscle throughout the body, normalizing glycogen storage pathology, restoring muscle mass and strength, counteracting cardiomegaly and normalizing survival rate. CONCLUSIONS This gene therapy holds great potential to treat glycogen metabolism alterations in IOPD. Moreover, the AAV-mediated approach may be exploited for other inherited muscle diseases, which also are limited by the inefficient widespread delivery of therapeutic transgenes throughout the muscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Muñoz
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Joan Bertolin
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Jaén
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Miquel Garcia
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Anna Pujol
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laia Vilà
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Victor Sacristan
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Elena Barbon
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM UMR951, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002, Evry, France
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM UMR951, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002, Evry, France
| | - Jihad El Andari
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, BioQuant Center, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Warut Tulalamba
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Quang Hong Pham
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jesus Ruberte
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinee K Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, BioQuant Center, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM UMR951, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002, Evry, France
| | - Fatima Bosch
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
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13
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Bing SJ, Seirup M, Hoang TT, Najera SS, Britten C, Warrington SL, Chu SL, Mazor R. Rational immunosilencing of a promiscuous T-cell epitope in the capsid of an adeno-associated virus. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:193-200. [PMID: 37996615 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01129-8] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the immunogenicity of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), gene therapies using AAVs face considerable obstacles. Here, by leveraging ex vivo T-cell assays, the prediction of epitope binding to major histocompatibility complex class-II alleles, sequence-conservation analysis in AAV phylogeny and site-directed mutagenesis, we show that the replacement of amino acid residues in a promiscuous and most immunodominant T-cell epitope in the AAV9 capsid with AAV5 sequences abrogates the immune responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to the chimaeric vector while preserving its functions, potency, cellular specificity, transduction efficacy and biodistribution. This rational approach to the immunosilencing of capsid epitopes promiscuously binding to T cells may be applied to other AAV vectors and epitope regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Jin Bing
- Division of Gene Therapy 2, Office of Gene Therapy, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Susana S Najera
- Division of Gene Therapy 2, Office of Gene Therapy, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephanee L Warrington
- Division of Gene Therapy 2, Office of Gene Therapy, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Shiang-Ling Chu
- Division of Gene Therapy 2, Office of Gene Therapy, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ronit Mazor
- Division of Gene Therapy 2, Office of Gene Therapy, Office of Therapeutic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
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14
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Coller J, Ignatova Z. tRNA therapeutics for genetic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:108-125. [PMID: 38049504 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) have a crucial role in protein synthesis, and in recent years, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of genetic diseases - primarily those associated with a mutation altering mRNA translation - has gained significant attention. Engineering tRNAs to readthrough nonsense mutation-associated premature termination of mRNA translation can restore protein synthesis and function. In addition, supplementation of natural tRNAs can counteract effects of missense mutations in proteins crucial for tRNA biogenesis and function in translation. This Review will present advances in the development of tRNA therapeutics with high activity and safety in vivo and discuss different formulation approaches for single or chronic treatment modalities. The field of tRNA therapeutics is still in its early stages, and a series of challenges related to tRNA efficacy and stability in vivo, delivery systems with tissue-specific tropism, and safe and efficient manufacturing need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Coller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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15
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Windgassen T, Kruse N, Ferrer B, Du F, Kumar H, Silverman AP. Identification of bacterial protease domains that cleave human IgM. Enzyme Microb Technol 2024; 173:110366. [PMID: 38061198 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2023.110366] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin-degrading proteases are secreted by pathogenic bacteria to weaken the host immune response, contributing to immune evasion mechanisms during an infection. Proteases specific to IgG and IgA immunoglobulin classes have previously been identified and characterized, and only a single report exists on a porcine specific IgM-degrading enzyme. It is unclear whether human pathogens also produce enzymes that can break down human IgM. Here, we have identified four novel IgM-degrading proteases from different genera of human-infecting bacterial pathogens. All four protease domains cleave human IgM at a conserved and unique site in the constant region of IgM. These human IgM proteases may be a useful biochemical tool for the study of early immune responses and have therapeutic potential in IgM-mediated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikki Kruse
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Brian Ferrer
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
| | - Faye Du
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
| | - Hirdesh Kumar
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
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16
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Henderson ML, Zieba JK, Li X, Campbell DB, Williams MR, Vogt DL, Bupp CP, Edgerly YM, Rajasekaran S, Hartog NL, Prokop JW, Krueger JM. Gene Therapy for Genetic Syndromes: Understanding the Current State to Guide Future Care. BIOTECH 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38247731 PMCID: PMC10801589 DOI: 10.3390/biotech13010001] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy holds promise as a life-changing option for individuals with genetic variants that give rise to disease. FDA-approved gene therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, β-Thalassemia, hemophilia A/B, retinal dystrophy, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have generated buzz around the ability to change the course of genetic syndromes. However, this excitement risks over-expansion into areas of genetic disease that may not fit the current state of gene therapy. While in situ (targeted to an area) and ex vivo (removal of cells, delivery, and administration of cells) approaches show promise, they have a limited target ability. Broader in vivo gene therapy trials have shown various continued challenges, including immune response, use of immune suppressants correlating to secondary infections, unknown outcomes of overexpression, and challenges in driving tissue-specific corrections. Viral delivery systems can be associated with adverse outcomes such as hepatotoxicity and lethality if uncontrolled. In some cases, these risks are far outweighed by the potentially lethal syndromes for which these systems are being developed. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the field of genetic diseases to perform cost-benefit analyses for gene therapy. In this work, we present the current state while setting forth tools and resources to guide informed directions to avoid foreseeable issues in gene therapy that could prevent the field from continued success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian L. Henderson
- The Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Jacob K. Zieba
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Daniel B. Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Michael R. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Daniel L. Vogt
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Caleb P. Bupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Medical Genetics, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | | | - Surender Rajasekaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Office of Research, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nicholas L. Hartog
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Allergy & Immunology, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeremy W. Prokop
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Office of Research, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
| | - Jena M. Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Neurology, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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17
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Chuecos MA, Lagor WR. Liver directed adeno-associated viral vectors to treat metabolic disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:22-40. [PMID: 37254440 PMCID: PMC10687323 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the metabolic center of the body and an ideal target for gene therapy of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can deliver transgenes to the liver with high efficiency and specificity and a favorable safety profile. Recombinant AAV vectors contain only the transgene cassette, and their payload is converted to non-integrating circular double-stranded DNA episomes, which can provide stable expression from months to years. Insights from cellular studies and preclinical animal models have provided valuable information about AAV capsid serotypes with a high liver tropism. These vectors have been applied successfully in the clinic, particularly in trials for hemophilia, resulting in the first approved liver-directed gene therapy. Lessons from ongoing clinical trials have identified key factors affecting efficacy and safety that were not readily apparent in animal models. Circumventing pre-existing neutralizing antibodies to the AAV capsid, and mitigating adaptive immune responses to transduced cells are critical to achieving therapeutic benefit. Combining the high efficiency of AAV delivery with genome editing is a promising path to achieve more precise control of gene expression. The primary safety concern for liver gene therapy with AAV continues to be the small risk of tumorigenesis from rare vector integrations. Hepatotoxicity is a key consideration in the safety of neuromuscular gene therapies which are applied at substantially higher doses. The current knowledge base and toolkit for AAV is well developed, and poised to correct some of the most severe IMDs with liver-directed gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A. Chuecos
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
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18
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Baruteau J, Brunetti-Pierri N, Gissen P. Liver-directed gene therapy for inherited metabolic diseases. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:9-21. [PMID: 38171926 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy clinical trials are rapidly expanding for inherited metabolic liver diseases whilst two gene therapy products have now been approved for liver based monogenic disorders. Liver-directed gene therapy has recently become an option for treatment of haemophilias and is likely to become one of the favoured therapeutic strategies for inherited metabolic liver diseases in the near future. In this review, we present the different gene therapy vectors and strategies for liver-targeting, including gene editing. We highlight the current development of viral and nonviral gene therapy for a number of inherited metabolic liver diseases including urea cycle defects, organic acidaemias, Crigler-Najjar disease, Wilson disease, glycogen storage disease Type Ia, phenylketonuria and maple syrup urine disease. We describe the main limitations and open questions for further gene therapy development: immunogenicity, inflammatory response, genotoxicity, gene therapy administration in a fibrotic liver. The follow-up of a constantly growing number of gene therapy treated patients allows better understanding of its benefits and limitations and provides strategies to design safer and more efficacious treatments. Undoubtedly, liver-targeting gene therapy offers a promising avenue for innovative therapies with an unprecedented potential to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from inherited metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Baruteau
- Department of Paediatric Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paul Gissen
- Department of Paediatric Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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19
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Sellier P, Vidal P, Bertin B, Gicquel E, Bertil-Froidevaux E, Georger C, van Wittenberghe L, Miranda A, Daniele N, Richard I, Gross DA, Mingozzi F, Collaud F, Ronzitti G. Muscle-specific, liver-detargeted adeno-associated virus gene therapy rescues Pompe phenotype in adult and neonate Gaa -/- mice. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:119-134. [PMID: 37204237 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Pompe disease (PD) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency. Reduced GAA activity leads to pathological glycogen accumulation in cardiac and skeletal muscles responsible for severe heart impairment, respiratory defects, and muscle weakness. Enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human GAA (rhGAA) is the standard-of-care treatment for PD, however, its efficacy is limited due to poor uptake in muscle and the development of an immune response. Multiple clinical trials are ongoing in PD with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors based on liver- and muscle-targeting. Current gene therapy approaches are limited by liver proliferation, poor muscle targeting, and the potential immune response to the hGAA transgene. To generate a treatment tailored to infantile-onset PD, we took advantage of a novel AAV capsid able to increase skeletal muscle targeting compared to AAV9 while reducing liver overload. When combined with a liver-muscle tandem promoter (LiMP), and despite the extensive liver-detargeting, this vector had a limited immune response to the hGAA transgene. This combination of capsid and promoter with improved muscle expression and specificity allowed for glycogen clearance in cardiac and skeletal muscles of Gaa-/- adult mice. In neonate Gaa-/- , complete rescue of glycogen content and muscle strength was observed 6 months after AAV vector injection. Our work highlights the importance of residual liver expression to control the immune response toward a potentially immunogenic transgene expressed in muscle. In conclusion, the demonstration of the efficacy of a muscle-specific AAV capsid-promoter combination for the full rescue of PD manifestation in both neonate and adult Gaa-/- provides a potential therapeutic avenue for the infantile-onset form of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sellier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | - P Vidal
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | - B Bertin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | - E Gicquel
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - I Richard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | - D A Gross
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | - F Mingozzi
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | - F Collaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
| | - G Ronzitti
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Evry, France
- Genethon, Evry, France
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20
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Rossi A, Brunetti-Pierri N. Gene therapies for mucopolysaccharidoses. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:135-144. [PMID: 37204267 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Current specific treatments for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Both treatments are hampered by several limitations, including lack of efficacy on brain and skeletal manifestations, need for lifelong injections, and high costs. Therefore, more effective treatments are needed. Gene therapy in MPSs is aimed at obtaining high levels of the therapeutic enzyme in multiple tissues either by engrafted gene-modified hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (ex vivo) or by direct infusion of a viral vector expressing the therapeutic gene (in vivo). This review focuses on the most recent clinical progress in gene therapies for MPSs. The various gene therapy approaches with their strengths and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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21
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Schutgens REG. Imlifidase for hematologists: Creating a therapeutic window in the presence of neutralizing alloantibodies. Hemasphere 2024; 8:e37. [PMID: 38434531 PMCID: PMC10878177 DOI: 10.1002/hem3.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roger E. G. Schutgens
- Center of Benign Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Centre UtrechtUniversity UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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22
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Hollander JM, Goraltchouk A, Liu J, Xu E, Luppino F, McAlindon TE, Zeng L, Seregin A. Single Injection AAV2-FGF18 Gene Therapy Reduces Cartilage Loss and Subchondral Bone Damage in a Mechanically Induced Model of Osteoarthritis. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:331-345. [PMID: 38783531 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232275532231213063634] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly debilitating, degenerative pathology of cartilaginous joints affecting over 500 million people worldwide. The global economic burden of OA is estimated at $260-519 billion and growing, driven by aging global population and increasing rates of obesity. To date, only the multi-injection chondroanabolic treatment regimen of Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 (FGF18) has demonstrated clinically meaningful disease-modifying efficacy in placebo-controlled human trials. Our work focuses on the development of a novel single injection disease-modifying gene therapy, based on FGF18's chondroanabolic activity. METHODS OA was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) (3 weeks), followed by intra-articular treatment with 3 dose levels of AAV2-FGF18, rh- FGF18 protein, and PBS. Durability, redosability, and biodistribution were measured by quantifying nLuc reporter bioluminescence. Transcriptomic analysis was performed by RNA-seq on cultured human chondrocytes and rat knee joints. Morphological analysis was performed on knee joints stained with Safranin O/Fast Green and anti-PRG antibody. RESULTS Dose-dependent reductions in cartilage defect size were observed in the AAV2-FGF18- treated joints relative to the vehicle control. Total defect width was reduced by up to 76% and cartilage thickness in the thinnest zone was increased by up to 106%. Morphologically, the vehicle- treated joints exhibited pronounced degeneration, ranging from severe cartilage erosion and bone void formation, to subchondral bone remodeling and near-complete subchondral bone collapse. In contrast, AAV2-FGF18-treated joints appeared more anatomically normal, with only regional glycosaminoglycan loss and marginal cartilage erosion. While effective at reducing cartilage lesions, treatment with rhFGF18 injections resulted in significant joint swelling (19% increase in diameter), as well as a decrease in PRG4 staining uniformity and intensity. In contrast to early-timepoint in vitro RNA-seq analysis, which showed a high degree of concordance between protein- and gene therapy-treated chondrocytes, in vivo transcriptomic analysis, revealed few gene expression changes following protein treatment. On the other hand, the gene therapy treatment exhibited a high degree of durability and localization over the study period, upregulating several chondroanabolic genes while downregulating OA- and fibrocartilage-associated markers. CONCLUSION FGF18 gene therapy treatment of OA joints can provide benefits to both cartilage and subchondral bone, with a high degree of localization and durability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Hollander
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
| | - Alex Goraltchouk
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
| | - Jingshu Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ellyn Xu
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Francesco Luppino
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
| | - Timothy E McAlindon
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Li Zeng
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Alexey Seregin
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA, United States of America
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23
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Jacobs R, Dogbey MD, Mnyandu N, Neves K, Barth S, Arbuthnot P, Maepa MB. AAV Immunotoxicity: Implications in Anti-HBV Gene Therapy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2985. [PMID: 38138129 PMCID: PMC10745739 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has afflicted humankind for decades and there is still no treatment that can clear the infection. The development of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapy for HBV infection has become important in recent years and research has made exciting leaps. Initial studies, mainly using mouse models, showed that rAAVs are non-toxic and induce minimal immune responses. However, several later studies demonstrated rAAV toxicity, which is inextricably associated with immunogenicity. This is a major setback for the progression of rAAV-based therapies toward clinical application. Research aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind rAAV immunity and toxicity has contributed significantly to the inception of approaches to overcoming these challenges. The target tissue, the features of the vector, and the vector dose are some of the determinants of AAV toxicity, with the latter being associated with the most severe adverse events. This review discusses our current understanding of rAAV immunogenicity, toxicity, and approaches to overcoming these hurdles. How this information and current knowledge about HBV biology and immunity can be harnessed in the efforts to design safe and effective anti-HBV rAAVs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhwaanah Jacobs
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Makafui Dennis Dogbey
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
| | - Njabulo Mnyandu
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Keila Neves
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Stefan Barth
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
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24
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Khanal O, Kumar V, Jin M. Adeno-associated viral capsid stability on anion exchange chromatography column and its impact on empty and full capsid separation. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101112. [PMID: 37868210 PMCID: PMC10585339 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) mediated gene therapy is gaining traction in treating genetic disorders. Current rAAV production systems yield a mixture of capsids largely devoid of the transgene (empty capsid) compared with the desired therapeutic product (full capsid). Anion exchange chromatography (AEX) is an attractive method for separating empty and full AAV capsids because of its scalability. Resin types and buffer composition are key considerations for AEX and must support capsid stability to be suitable for downstream processing. We examined the impact of binding durations (0-8 h) using various binding ionic strengths (15-75 mM), pH (7.5-9.0), resin chemistry (POROS XQ, POROS HQ, POROS I, and BIA QA monolith), and proprietary Q resins with different ligand densities for effects on capsid stability. Empty capsids were altered upon extended binding, leading to retention time shifts and loss of resolution between empty and full capsids. Viral capsid protein analysis reveals that full capsids have more viral capsid protein 3 (VP3) proteins than empty capsids. Analytical hydrophilic liquid chromatography showed that empty capsid retention time shift is accompanied by changes to the empty capsid's native VP3 protein. Among the potential stabilizing additives considered, magnesium chloride was the most effective at reducing negative impacts caused by extended binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohnmar Khanal
- Technology Development, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vijesh Kumar
- Technology Development, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mi Jin
- Technology Development, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
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25
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Knapman FL, Cohen EM, Kulaga T, Lovell N, Lisowski L, McMullan S, Burke PGR, Bilston LE. Direct optogenetic activation of upper airway muscles in an acute model of upper airway hypotonia mimicking sleep onset. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad226. [PMID: 37651221 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the upper airway collapses repeatedly during sleep due to inadequate dilator muscle tone, is challenging to treat as current therapies are poorly tolerated or have variable and unpredictable efficacy. We propose a novel, optogenetics-based therapy, that stimulates upper airway dilator muscle contractions in response to light. To determine the feasibility of a novel optogenetics-based OSA therapy, we developed a rodent model of human sleep-related upper airway muscle atonia. Using this model, we evaluated intralingual delivery of candidate optogenetic constructs, notably a muscle-targeted approach that will likely have a favorable safety profile. METHODS rAAV serotype 9 viral vectors expressing a channelrhodopsin-2 variant, driven by a muscle-specific or nonspecific promoter were injected into rat tongues to compare strength and specificity of opsin expression. Light-evoked electromyographic responses were recorded in an acute, rodent model of OSA. Airway dilation was captured with ultrasound. RESULTS The muscle-specific promoter produced sufficient opsin expression for light stimulation to restore and/or enhance electromyographic signals (linear mixed model, F = 140.0, p < 0.001) and induce visible tongue contraction and airway dilation. The muscle-specific promoter induced stronger (RM-ANOVA, F(1,8) = 10.0, p = 0.013) and more specific opsin expression than the nonspecific promoter in an otherwise equivalent construct. Viral DNA and RNA were robust in the tongue, but low or absent in all other tissues. CONCLUSIONS Significant functional responses to direct optogenetic muscle activation were achieved following muscle-specific promoter-driven rAAV-mediated transduction, providing proof-of-concept for an optogenetic therapy for patients with inadequate dilator muscle activity during sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L Knapman
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Tom Kulaga
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nigel Lovell
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Simon McMullan
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter G R Burke
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lynne E Bilston
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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26
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Ertl HCJ. Circumventing B Cell Responses to Allow for Redosing of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2023. [PMID: 37861281 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.162] [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: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy has made significant progress in the last few decades. Nevertheless, challenges imposed by the immune system remain. The very high doses of AAV vectors used for some disorders have resulted in serious adverse events (SAEs) or even deaths, demonstrating that AAV vector doses that can safely be injected into patients are limited and for some indications below the therapeutic dose. Currently used immunosuppressive drugs have not prevented the SAEs, indicating that it may be prudent to treat patients with repeated transfer of moderate doses rather than a single injection of high doses of AAV vectors. The former approach has been avoided as AAV vectors elicit neutralizing antibodies that prevent successful reapplication of serologically crossreactive vectors. Immunosuppressive regimens that block B cell responses to AAV vectors or treatments that remove AAV neutralizing antibodies thus need to be developed to allow for a shift from toxic single-dose injections of AAV vectors to repeated treatments with more moderate and safe doses. Preventing or blocking antibody responses would also allow for redosing of patients with declining transgene product expression, or for effective AAV-mediated gene transfer into patients with the pre-existing neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegund C J Ertl
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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27
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Wang SH, Kuo BJ, Ho TC, Wan SW, Yen KL, Huang PH, Perng OGC, Chen PL, Chien YW, Lo YC. Lambda-free light chain: A serum marker of dengue disease via NS3 protease-mediated antibody cleavage. Virulence 2023; 14:2279355. [PMID: 37927064 PMCID: PMC10766417 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2279355] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue poses a significant global public health threat, with diverse clinical manifestations due to complex interactions between the host and the pathogen. Recent reports have highlighted elevated serum-free light chain (FLC) levels in viral infectious diseases. Hence, our study aimed to investigate serum FLC levels in dengue patients. The findings revealed elevated serum λ FLCs, which were associated with the severity of dengue. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that λ FLCs may serve as a serum marker for identifying dengue disease (AUC: 0.7825, sensitivity: 80, specificity: 71.43) and classifying severe dengue (AUC: 0.8102, sensitivity: 75, specificity: 79.52). The viral protease, Dengue virus (DENV) nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), acts as a protease that cleaves viral polyproteins as well as host substrates. Therefore, we proposed that antibodies might be potential targets of NS3 protease, leading to an increase in FLCs. LC/MS-MS analysis confirmed that λ FLCs were the predominant products after antibody degradation by NS3 protease. Additionally, purified NS3 protease cleaved both human IgG and DENV2-neutralizing antibodies, resulting in the presence of λ FLCs. Moreover, NS3 protease administration in vitro led to a reduction in the neutralizing efficacy of DENV2-neutralizing antibodies. In summary, the elevated serum λ FLC levels effectively differentiate dengue patients from healthy individuals and identify severe dengue. Furthermore, the elevation of serum λ FLCs is, at least in part, mediated through NS3 protease-mediated antibody cleavage. These findings provide new insights for developing diagnostic tools and understanding the pathogenesis of DENV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Hsuan Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bai-Jiun Kuo
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chuan Ho
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wen Wan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Lun Yen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hui Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Oscar Guey Chuen Perng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Medical College and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Chien
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Lo
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Minskaia E, Galieva A, Egorov AD, Ivanov R, Karabelsky A. Viral Vectors in Gene Replacement Therapy. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2157-2178. [PMID: 38462459 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Throughout the years, several hundred million people with rare genetic disorders have been receiving only symptom management therapy. However, research and development efforts worldwide have led to the development of long-lasting, highly efficient, and safe gene therapy for a wide range of hereditary diseases. Improved viral vectors are now able to evade the preexisting immunity and more efficiently target and transduce therapeutically relevant cells, ensuring genome maintenance and expression of transgenes at the relevant levels. Hematological, ophthalmological, neurodegenerative, and metabolic therapeutic areas have witnessed successful treatment of hemophilia and muscular dystrophy, restoration of immune system in children with immunodeficiencies, and restoration of vision. This review focuses on three leading vector platforms of the past two decades: adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), adenoviruses (AdVs), and lentiviruses (LVs). Special attention is given to successful preclinical and clinical studies that have led to the approval of gene therapies: six AAV-based (Glybera® for lipoprotein lipase deficiency, Luxturna® for retinal dystrophy, Zolgensma® for spinal muscular atrophy, Upstaza® for AADC, Roctavian® for hemophilia A, and Hemgenix® for hemophilia B) and three LV-based (Libmeldy® for infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy, Zynteglo® for β-thalassemia, and Skysona® for ALD). The review also discusses the problems that arise in the development of gene therapy treatments, which, nevertheless, do not overshadow the successes of already developed gene therapies and the hope these treatments give to long-suffering patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Minskaia
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia.
| | - Alima Galieva
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander D Egorov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander Karabelsky
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
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Gardin A, Ronzitti G. Current limitations of gene therapy for rare pediatric diseases: Lessons learned from clinical experience with AAV vectors. Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:8S46-8S52. [PMID: 38043983 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(23)00227-0] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is a promising therapeutic strategy for multiple inherited diseases. Following intravenous injection, AAV vectors carrying a copy of the missing gene or the genome-editing machinery reach their target cells and deliver the genetic material. Several clinical trials are currently ongoing and significant success has already been achieved with at least six AAV gene therapy products with market approval in Europe and the United States. Nonetheless, clinical trials and preclinical studies have uncovered several limitations of AAV gene transfer, which need to be addressed in order to improve the safety and enable the treatment of the largest patient population. Limitations include the occurrence of immune-mediated toxicities, the potential loss of correction in the long run, and the development of neutralizing antibodies against AAV vectors preventing re-administration. In this review, we summarize these limitations and discuss the potential technological developments to overcome them. © 2023 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of French Society of Pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Gardin
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare research unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France; Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique Pédiatriques, Centre de référence de l'atrésie des voies biliaires et des cholestases génétiques, FSMR FILFOIE, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN RARE LIVER), Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare research unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France.
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30
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Madigan V, Zhang F, Dahlman JE. Drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:875-894. [PMID: 37723222 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based drugs can theoretically manipulate any genetic target. In practice, however, these drugs must enter the desired cell without eliciting an unwanted immune response, so a delivery system is often required. Here, we review drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors, focusing on adeno-associated viruses and lipid nanoparticles. After describing how these systems are engineered and their subsequent characterization in preclinical animal models, we highlight data from recent clinical trials. Preclinical targeting mediated by polymers, proteins, including virus-like particles, and other vehicles that may deliver CRISPR systems in the future is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Madigan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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31
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Ilyinskii PO, Roy C, Michaud A, Rizzo G, Capela T, Leung SS, Kishimoto TK. Readministration of high-dose adeno-associated virus gene therapy vectors enabled by ImmTOR nanoparticles combined with B cell-targeted agents. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad394. [PMID: 38024395 PMCID: PMC10673641 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Tolerogenic ImmTOR nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin have been demonstrated to mitigate immunogenicity of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vectors, enhance levels of transgene expression, and enable redosing of AAV at moderate vector doses of 2 to 5E12 vg/kg. However, recent clinical trials have often pushed AAV vector doses 10-fold to 50-fold higher, with serious adverse events observed at the upper range. Here, we assessed combination therapy of ImmTOR with B cell-targeting drugs for the ability to increase the efficiency of redosing at high vector doses. The combination of ImmTOR with a monoclonal antibody against B cell activation factor (aBAFF) exhibited strong synergy leading to more than a 5-fold to 10-fold reduction of splenic mature B cells and plasmablasts while increasing the fraction of pre-/pro-B cells. In addition, this combination dramatically reduced anti-AAV IgM and IgG antibodies, thus enabling four successive AAV administrations at doses up to 5E12 vg/kg and at least two AAV doses at 5E13 vg/kg, with the transgene expression level in the latter case being equal to that observed in control animals receiving a single vector dose of 1E14 vg/kg. Similar synergistic effects were seen with a combination of ImmTOR and a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ibrutinib. These results suggest that ImmTOR could be combined with B cell-targeting agents to enable repeated vector administrations as a potential strategy to avoid toxicities associated with vector doses above 1E14 vg/kg.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gina Rizzo
- Selecta Biosciences, Watertown, MA 02472, USA
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32
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Kohn DB, Chen YY, Spencer MJ. Successes and challenges in clinical gene therapy. Gene Ther 2023; 30:738-746. [PMID: 37935854 PMCID: PMC10678346 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ups and downs in the field over three decades, the science of gene therapy has continued to advance and provide enduring treatments for increasing number of diseases. There are active clinical trials approaching a variety of inherited and acquired disorders of different organ systems. Approaches include ex vivo modification of hematologic stem cells (HSC), T lymphocytes and other immune cells, as well as in vivo delivery of genes or gene editing reagents to the relevant target cells by either local or systemic administration. In this article, we highlight success and ongoing challenges in three areas of high activity in gene therapy: inherited blood cell diseases by targeting hematopoietic stem cells, malignant disorders using immune effector cells genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors, and ophthalmologic, neurologic, and coagulation disorders using in vivo administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. In recent years, there have been true cures for many of these diseases, with sustained clinical benefit that exceed those from other medical approaches. Each of these treatments faces ongoing challenges, namely their high one-time costs and the complexity of manufacturing the therapeutic agents, which are biological viruses and cell products, at pharmacologic standards of quality and consistency. New models of reimbursement are needed to make these innovative treatments widely available to patients in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Kohn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yvonne Y Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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33
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Chou SC, Hsu YC, Lin SW. Gene therapy for hemophilia, a clinical viewpoint. J Formos Med Assoc 2023; 122:1101-1110. [PMID: 37210312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.05.008] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for hemophilia has been investigated for decades but no breakthroughs were made until Nathwani et al. achieved a significant and sustainable factor IX increase in hemophilia B patients in 2011. About eleven years later, in August 2022, the first hemophilia A gene therapy product was approved by the European Commission and hemophilia treatment entered a new era. This review does not focus on the newest advances but rather the practical aspects of gene therapy aiming to provide an overview for physicians who treat hemophiliacs who did not participate in the clinical trials. The current status of gene therapy, focusing particularly on products likely to be clinically available soon, are reviewed and summarized. Currently, possible limitations of gene therapy are pre-existing neutralizing antibodies toward the vector, liver health, age, and inhibitor status. Possible safety concerns include infusion reactions, liver damage, and adverse effects from immune suppressants or steroids. In summary, generally speaking, gene therapy is effective, at least for several years, but the exact effect may be unpredictable and intensive monitoring for several months is needed. It can also be considered safe with careful practice on selected patients. In its current form, gene therapy will not replace all hemophilia treatments. Advances in non-factor therapy will also improve hemophilia care greatly in the future. We envisage that gene therapy may be included in multiple novel therapies for hemophilia and benefit some hemophilia patients while novel non-factor therapies may benefit others, together fulfilling the unmet needs of all hemophilia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Chieh Chou
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Hsu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wha Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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34
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Di Minno G, Spadarella G, Maldonato NM, De Lucia N, Castaman G, De Cristofaro R, Santoro C, Peyvandi F, Borrelli A, Lupi A, Follino M, Guerrino G, Morisco F, Di Minno M. Awareness of individual goals, preferences, and priorities of persons with severe congenital haemophilia A for a tailored shared decision-making approach to liver-directed gene therapy. A practical guideline. Blood Rev 2023; 62:101118. [PMID: 37544828 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101118] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
In clinical medicine, shared decision making (SDM) is a well-recognized strategy to enhance engagement of both patients and clinicians in medical decisions. The success of liver-directed gene therapy (GT) to transform severe congenital haemophilia A (HA) from an incurable to a curable disease has launched a shift beyond current standards of treatment. However, GT acceptance remains low in the community of HA persons. We argue for both persons with haemophilia (PWH) and specialists in HA care including clinicians, as needing SDM-oriented educational programs devoted to GT. Here, we provide an ad hoc outline to implement education to SDM and tailor clinician information on GT to individual PWHs. Based on routine key components of SDM: patient priorities; recommendations based on individual risk reduction; adverse effects; drug-drug interactions; alternatives to GT; and ongoing re-assessment of the objectives as risk factors (and individual priorities) change, this approach is finalized to exploit efficacious communication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaia Spadarella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Naples, Italy.
| | - Nelson Mauro Maldonato
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e di Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Natascia De Lucia
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e di Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Section of Haemorrhagic and Thrombotic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Translational Surgery, Sacred Heart University, Rome, Italy..
| | - Cristina Santoro
- Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flora Peyvandi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy; Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Borrelli
- Direzione Sanitaria, AOU "Federico II" Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Lupi
- Federazione delle Associazioni Emofilici (FedEmo), Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Di Minno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Naples, Italy.
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35
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Leon-Astudillo C, Trivedi PD, Sun RC, Gentry MS, Fuller DD, Byrne BJ, Corti M. Current avenues of gene therapy in Pompe disease. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:464-473. [PMID: 37639402 PMCID: PMC10911405 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001187] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pompe disease is a rare, inherited, devastating condition that causes progressive weakness, cardiomyopathy and neuromotor disease due to the accumulation of glycogen in striated and smooth muscle, as well as neurons. While enzyme replacement therapy has dramatically changed the outcome of patients with the disease, this strategy has several limitations. Gene therapy in Pompe disease constitutes an attractive approach due to the multisystem aspects of the disease and need to address the central nervous system manifestations. This review highlights the recent work in this field, including methods, progress, shortcomings, and future directions. RECENT FINDINGS Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) and lentiviral vectors (LV) are well studied platforms for gene therapy in Pompe disease. These products can be further adapted for safe and efficient administration with concomitant immunosuppression, with the modification of specific receptors or codon optimization. rAAV has been studied in multiple clinical trials demonstrating safety and tolerability. SUMMARY Gene therapy for the treatment of patients with Pompe disease is feasible and offers an opportunity to fully correct the principal pathology leading to cellular glycogen accumulation. Further work is needed to overcome the limitations related to vector production, immunologic reactions and redosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Leon-Astudillo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Prasad D Trivedi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ramon C Sun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL, United States
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative, United States
| | - Matthew S Gentry
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL, United States
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative, United States
| | | | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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36
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Bueren JA, Auricchio A. Advances and Challenges in the Development of Gene Therapy Medicinal Products for Rare Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:763-775. [PMID: 37694572 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.152] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of viral vectors and recombinant DNA technology since the 1960s has enabled gene therapy to become a real therapeutic option for several inherited and acquired diseases. After several ups and downs in the gene therapy field, we are currently living a new era in the history of medicine in which several ex vivo and in vivo gene therapies have reached maturity. This is testified by the recent marketing authorization of several gene therapy medicinal products. In addition, many others are currently under evaluation after exhaustive investigation in human clinical trials. In this review, we summarize some of the most significant milestones in the development of gene therapy medicinal products that have already facilitated the treatment of a significant number of rare diseases. Despite progresses in the gene therapy field, the transfer of these innovative therapies to clinical practice is also finding important restrictions. Advances and also challenges in the progress of gene therapy for rare diseases are discussed in this opening review of a Human Gene Therapy issue dedicated to the 30th annual Congress of the European Society for Gene and Cell Therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Bueren
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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37
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Whitehead M, Sage A, Burgoyne T, Osborne A, Yu-Wai-Man P, Martin KR. Immunobiology of a rationally-designed AAV2 capsid following intravitreal delivery in mice. Gene Ther 2023; 30:723-735. [PMID: 37386155 PMCID: PMC10506909 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00409-x] [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] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) is a viral vector that can be used to deliver therapeutic genes to diseased cells in the retina. One strategy for altering AAV2 vectors involves the mutation of phosphodegron residues, which are thought to be phosphorylated/ubiquitinated in the cytosol, facilitating degradation of the vector and the inhibition of transduction. As such, mutation of phosphodegron residues have been correlated with increased transduction of target cells, however, an assessment of the immunobiology of wild-type and phosphodegron mutant AAV2 vectors following intravitreal (IVT) delivery to immunocompetent animals is lacking in the current literature. In this study, we show that IVT of a triple phosphodegron mutant AAV2 capsid is associated with higher levels of humoral immune activation, infiltration of CD4 and CD8 T-cells into the retina, generation of splenic germinal centre reactions, activation of conventional dendritic cell subsets, and elevated retinal gliosis compared to wild-type AAV2 capsids. However, we did not detect significant changes in electroretinography arising after vector administration. We also demonstrate that the triple AAV2 mutant capsid is less susceptible to neutralisation by soluble heparan sulphate and anti-AAV2 neutralising antibodies, highlighting a possible utility for the vector in terms of circumventing pre-existing humoral immunity. In summary, the present study highlights novel aspects of rationally-designed vector immunobiology, which may be relevant to their application in preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Whitehead
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Andrew Sage
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tom Burgoyne
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew Osborne
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Keith R Martin
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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38
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D'Antiga L, Beuers U, Ronzitti G, Brunetti-Pierri N, Baumann U, Di Giorgio A, Aronson S, Hubert A, Romano R, Junge N, Bosma P, Bortolussi G, Muro AF, Soumoudronga RF, Veron P, Collaud F, Knuchel-Legendre N, Labrune P, Mingozzi F. Gene Therapy in Patients with the Crigler-Najjar Syndrome. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:620-631. [PMID: 37585628 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2214084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with the Crigler-Najjar syndrome lack the enzyme uridine diphosphoglucuronate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), the absence of which leads to severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia that can cause irreversible neurologic injury and death. Prolonged, daily phototherapy partially controls the jaundice, but the only definitive cure is liver transplantation. METHODS We report the results of the dose-escalation portion of a phase 1-2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a single intravenous infusion of an adeno-associated virus serotype 8 vector encoding UGT1A1 in patients with the Crigler-Najjar syndrome that was being treated with phototherapy. Five patients received a single infusion of the gene construct (GNT0003): two received 2×1012 vector genomes (vg) per kilogram of body weight, and three received 5×1012 vg per kilogram. The primary end points were measures of safety and efficacy; efficacy was defined as a serum bilirubin level of 300 μmol per liter or lower measured at 17 weeks, 1 week after discontinuation of phototherapy. RESULTS No serious adverse events were reported. The most common adverse events were headache and alterations in liver-enzyme levels. Alanine aminotransferase increased to levels above the upper limit of the normal range in four patients, a finding potentially related to an immune response against the infused vector; these patients were treated with a course of glucocorticoids. By week 16, serum bilirubin levels in patients who received the lower dose of GNT0003 exceeded 300 μmol per liter. The patients who received the higher dose had bilirubin levels below 300 μmol per liter in the absence of phototherapy at the end of follow-up (mean [±SD] baseline bilirubin level, 351±56 μmol per liter; mean level at the final follow-up visit [week 78 in two patients and week 80 in the other], 149±33 μmol per liter). CONCLUSIONS No serious adverse events were reported in patients treated with the gene-therapy vector GNT0003 in this small study. Patients who received the higher dose had a decrease in bilirubin levels and were not receiving phototherapy at least 78 weeks after vector administration. (Funded by Genethon and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03466463.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo D'Antiga
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Angelo Di Giorgio
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Sem Aronson
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Aurelie Hubert
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Roberta Romano
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Norman Junge
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Piter Bosma
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Bortolussi
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Andrés F Muro
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Ravaka F Soumoudronga
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Philippe Veron
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Fanny Collaud
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Nathalie Knuchel-Legendre
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Philippe Labrune
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- From Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo (L.D., A.D.G.), Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program (N.B.-P.), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples (N.B.-P., R.R.), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli (N.B.-P.), and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste (G.B., A.F.M.) - all in Italy; Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (U. Beuers, S.A., P.B.); Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 (G.R., F.C., F.M.) and Genethon (G.R., R.F.S., P.V., F.C., N.K.-L., F.M.), Evry, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares, Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme Hépatique, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart (A.H., P.L.), and Université Paris-Saclay and INSERM Unité 1195, Le Kremlin Bicêtre (A.H., P.L.) - all in France; the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (U. Baumann, N.J.); and Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia (F.M.)
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Kavita U, Sun K, Braun M, Lembke W, Mody H, Kamerud J, Yang TY, Braun IV, Fang X, Gao W, Gupta S, Hofer M, Liao MZ, Loo L, McBlane F, Menochet K, Stubenrauch KG, Upreti VV, Vigil A, Wiethoff CM, Xia CQ, Zhu X, Jawa V, Chemuturi N. PK/PD and Bioanalytical Considerations of AAV-Based Gene Therapies: an IQ Consortium Industry Position Paper. AAPS J 2023; 25:78. [PMID: 37523051 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00842-1] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest and efforts to use recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) as gene therapy delivery tools to treat disease have grown exponentially. However, gaps in understanding of the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and disposition of this modality exist. This position paper comes from the Novel Modalities Working Group (WG), part of the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development (IQ). The pan-industry WG effort focuses on the nonclinical PK and clinical pharmacology aspects of AAV gene therapy and related bioanalytical considerations.Traditional PK concepts are generally not applicable to AAV-based therapies due to the inherent complexity of a transgene-carrying viral vector, and the multiple steps and analytes involved in cell transduction and transgene-derived protein expression. Therefore, we explain PK concepts of biodistribution of AAV-based therapies and place key terminologies related to drug exposure and PD in the proper context. Factors affecting biodistribution are presented in detail, and guidelines are provided to design nonclinical studies to enable a stage-gated progression to Phase 1 testing. The nonclinical and clinical utility of transgene DNA, mRNA, and protein analytes are discussed with bioanalytical strategies to measure these analytes. The pros and cons of qPCR vs. ddPCR technologies for DNA/RNA measurement and qualitative vs. quantitative methods for transgene-derived protein are also presented. Last, best practices and recommendations for use of clinical and nonclinical data to project human dose and response are discussed. Together, the manuscript provides a holistic framework to discuss evolving concepts of PK/PD modeling, bioanalytical technologies, and clinical dose selection in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Kavita
- Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA.
| | - Kefeng Sun
- Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., 125 Binney St, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA.
| | - Manuela Braun
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, 13342, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wibke Lembke
- Integrated Biologix GmbH, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hardik Mody
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Tong-Yuan Yang
- Janssen R&D LLC., Spring House, Pennsylvania, 19477, USA
| | | | - Xiaodong Fang
- Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc., Research Triangle, North Carolina, 27709, USA
| | - Wei Gao
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, Massachusetts, 01821, USA
| | - Swati Gupta
- AbbVie, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612, USA
| | - Magdalena Hofer
- Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | | | - LiNa Loo
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Adam Vigil
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut, 06877, USA
| | | | - Cindy Q Xia
- ReNAgade Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
| | - Xu Zhu
- AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts, 02451, USA
| | - Vibha Jawa
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Township, New Jersey, 08648, USA
| | - Nagendra Chemuturi
- Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., 125 Binney St, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142, USA
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Logan GJ, Mietzsch M, Khandekar N, D'Silva A, Anderson D, Mandwie M, Hsi J, Nelson AR, Chipman P, Jackson J, Schofield P, Christ D, Goodnow CC, Reed JH, Farrar MA, McKenna R, Alexander IE. Structural and functional characterization of capsid binding by anti-AAV9 monoclonal antibodies from infants after SMA gene therapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1979-1993. [PMID: 37012705 PMCID: PMC10362397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.032] [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] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Success in the treatment of infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) underscores the potential of vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV). However, a major obstacle to the full realization of this potential is pre-existing natural and therapy-induced anti-capsid humoral immunity. Structure-guided capsid engineering is one possible approach to surmounting this challenge but necessitates an understanding of capsid-antibody interactions at high molecular resolution. Currently, only mouse-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are available to structurally map these interactions, which presupposes that mouse and human-derived antibodies are functionally equivalent. In this study, we have characterized the polyclonal antibody responses of infants following AAV9-mediated gene therapy for SMA and recovered 35 anti-capsid mAbs from the abundance of switched-memory B (smB) cells present in these infants. For 21 of these mAbs, seven from each of three infants, we have undertaken functional and structural analysis measuring neutralization, affinities, and binding patterns by cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). Four distinct patterns were observed akin to those reported for mouse-derived mAbs, but with early evidence of differing binding pattern preference and underlying molecular interactions. This is the first human and largest series of anti-capsid mAbs to have been comprehensively characterized and will prove to be powerful tools for basic discovery and applied purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant J Logan
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mario Mietzsch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Neeta Khandekar
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Arlene D'Silva
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Anderson
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mawj Mandwie
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Hsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Austin R Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul Chipman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Jackson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Schofield
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Christ
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher C Goodnow
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Joanne H Reed
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
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Kwak G, Lee D, Suk JS. Advanced approaches to overcome biological barriers in respiratory and systemic routes of administration for enhanced nucleic acid delivery to the lung. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1531-1552. [PMID: 37946533 PMCID: PMC10872418 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2282535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous delivery strategies, primarily novel nucleic acid delivery carriers, have been developed and explored to enable therapeutically relevant lung gene therapy. However, its clinical translation is yet to be achieved despite over 30 years of efforts, which is attributed to the inability to overcome a series of biological barriers that hamper efficient nucleic acid transfer to target cells in the lung. AREAS COVERED This review is initiated with the fundamentals of nucleic acid therapy and a brief overview of previous and ongoing efforts on clinical translation of lung gene therapy. We then walk through the nature of biological barriers encountered by nucleic acid carriers administered via respiratory and/or systemic routes. Finally, we introduce advanced strategies developed to overcome those barriers to achieve therapeutically relevant nucleic acid delivery efficiency in the lung. EXPERT OPINION We are now stepping close to the clinical translation of lung gene therapy, thanks to the discovery of novel delivery strategies that overcome biological barriers via comprehensive preclinical studies. However, preclinical findings should be cautiously interpreted and validated to ultimately realize meaningful therapeutic outcomes with newly developed delivery strategies in humans. In particular, individual strategies should be selected, tailored, and implemented in a manner directly relevant to specific therapeutic applications and goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijung Kwak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daiheon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Ravichandran AJ, Romeo FJ, Mazurek R, Ishikawa K. Barriers in Heart Failure Gene Therapy and Approaches to Overcome Them. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:780-789. [PMID: 37045653 PMCID: PMC10440286 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.02.011] [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] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
With the growing prevalence and incidence of heart failure worldwide, investigation and development of new therapies to address disease burden are of great urgency. Gene therapy is one promising approach for the management of heart failure, but several barriers currently exclude safe and efficient gene delivery to the human heart. These barriers include the anatomical and biological difficulty of specifically targeting cardiomyocytes, the vascular endothelium, and immunogenicity against administered vectors and the transgene. We review approaches taken to overcome these barriers with a focus on vector modification, evasion of immune responses, and heart-targeted delivery techniques. While various modifications proposed to date show promise in managing some barriers, continued investigation into improvements to existing therapies is required to address transduction efficiency, duration of transgene expression, and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali J Ravichandran
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francisco J Romeo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. https://twitter.com/FJRomeoMD
| | - Renata Mazurek
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiyotake Ishikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Chandra S, Long BR, Fonck C, Melton AC, Arens J, Woloszynek J, O'Neill CA. Safety Findings of Dosing Gene Therapy Vectors in NHP With Pre-existing or Treatment-Emergent Anti-capsid Antibodies. Toxicol Pathol 2023; 51:246-256. [PMID: 37921115 DOI: 10.1177/01926233231202995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Replication-incompetent adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors are nonpathogenic viral particles used to deliver therapeutic genes to treat multiple monogenic disorders. AAVs can elicit immune responses; thus, one challenge in AAV-based gene therapy is the presence of neutralizing antibodies against vector capsids that may prevent transduction of target cells or elicit adverse findings. We present safety findings from two 12-week studies in nonhuman primates (NHPs) with pre-existing or treatment-emergent antibodies. In the first study, NHPs with varying levels of naturally acquired anti-AAV5 antibodies were dosed with an AAV5-based vector encoding human factor VIII (hFVIII). In the second study, NHPs with no pre-existing anti-AAV antibodies were dosed with an AAV5-based vector carrying the beta subunit of choriogonadotropic hormone (bCG); this led to the induction of high-titer antibodies against the AAV5 capsid. Four weeks later, the same NHPs received an equivalent dose of an AAV5-based vector carrying human factor IX (hFIX). In both of these studies, the administration of vectors carrying hFVIII, bCG, and hFIX was well-tolerated in NHPs with no adverse clinical pathology or microscopic findings. These two studies demonstrate the safety of AAV-based vector administration in NHPs with either low-titer pre-existing anti-AAV5 antibodies or re-administration, even in the presence of high-titer antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundeep Chandra
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, California, USA
- Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brian R Long
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, California, USA
| | - Carlos Fonck
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, California, USA
- Astellas Gene Therapies, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jeremy Arens
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, California, USA
| | - Jill Woloszynek
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, California, USA
- Astellas Gene Therapies, San Francisco, California, USA
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Srivastava A. Rationale and strategies for the development of safe and effective optimized AAV vectors for human gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:949-959. [PMID: 37293185 PMCID: PMC10244667 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been, or are currently in use, in 332 phase I/II/III clinical trials in a number of human diseases, and in some cases, remarkable clinical efficacy has also been achieved. There are now three US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved AAV "drugs," but it has become increasingly clear that the first generation of AAV vectors are not optimal. In addition, relatively large vector doses are needed to achieve clinical efficacy, which has been shown to provoke host immune responses culminating in serious adverse events and, more recently, in the deaths of 10 patients to date. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of the next generation of AAV vectors that are (1) safe, (2) effective, and (3) human tropic. This review describes the strategies to potentially overcome each of the limitations of the first generation of AAV vectors and the rationale and approaches for the development of the next generation of AAV serotype vectors. These vectors promise to be efficacious at significant reduced doses, likely to achieve clinical efficacy, thereby increasing the safety as well as reducing vector production costs, ensuring translation to the clinic with higher probability of success, without the need for the use of immune suppression, for gene therapy of a wide variety of diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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45
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Aebischer MK, Bouvarel T, Barrozo E, Kochardt D, Elger C, Haindl M, Ruppert R, Guillarme D, D'Atri V. Boosting the Separation of Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Proteins by Liquid Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108503. [PMID: 37239849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purity of the three capsid proteins that make up recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is considered a critical quality attribute of gene therapy products. As such, there is a clear need to develop separation methods capable of rapidly characterizing these three viral proteins (VPs). In this study, the potential benefits and limitations of different electrophoretic and chromatographic methods were evaluated, including capillary electrophoresis-sodium dodecyl sulfate (CE-SDS), reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), for the analysis of VPs obtained from different serotypes (i.e., AAV2, AAV5, AAV8, and AAV9). CE-SDS is considered to be the reference method and provides a suitable separation of VP1-3 proteins using generic conditions and laser induced fluorescence detection. However, the characterization of post-translational modifications (i.e., phosphorylation, oxidation) remains difficult, and species identification is almost impossible due to the lack of compatibility between CE-SDS and mass spectrometry (MS). In contrast, RPLC and HILIC were found to be less generic than CE-SDS and require tedious optimization of the gradient conditions for each AAV serotype. However, these two chromatographic approaches are inherently compatible with MS, and were shown to be particularly sensitive in detecting capsid protein variants resulting from different post-translational modifications. Finally, despite being non-denaturing, HIC offers disappointing performance for viral capsid proteins characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megane K Aebischer
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Bouvarel
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emmalyn Barrozo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Carsten Elger
- Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Markus Haindl
- Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Raphael Ruppert
- Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Davy Guillarme
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valentina D'Atri
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU-Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Arjomandnejad M, Dasgupta I, Flotte TR, Keeler AM. Immunogenicity of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Vectors for Gene Transfer. BioDrugs 2023; 37:311-329. [PMID: 36862289 PMCID: PMC9979149 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have emerged as promising gene delivery vehicles resulting in three US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and one European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved AAV-based gene therapies. Despite being a leading platform for therapeutic gene transfer in several clinical trials, host immune responses against the AAV vector and transgene have hampered their widespread application. Multiple factors, including vector design, dose, and route of administration, contribute to the overall immunogenicity of AAVs. The immune responses against the AAV capsid and transgene involve an initial innate sensing. The innate immune response subsequently triggers an adaptive immune response to elicit a robust and specific response against the AAV vector. AAV gene therapy clinical trials and preclinical studies provide important information about the immune-mediated toxicities associated with AAV, yet studies suggest preclinical models fail to precisely predict the outcome of gene delivery in humans. This review discusses the contribution of the innate and adaptive immune response against AAVs, highlighting the challenges and potential strategies to mitigate these responses, thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Arjomandnejad
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ishani Dasgupta
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Allison M Keeler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Weber ND, Odriozola L, Ros-Gañán I, García-Porrero G, Salas D, Argemi J, Combal JP, Kishimoto TK, González-Aseguinolaza G. Rescue of infant progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 mice by repeated dosing of AAV gene therapy. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100713. [PMID: 37096142 PMCID: PMC10121466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector carrying multidrug resistance protein 3 (MDR3) coding sequence (AAV8-MDR3) represents a potential curative treatment for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3), which presents in early childhood. However, patients with the severest form of PFIC3 should receive treatment early after detection to prevent irreversible hepatic fibrosis leading ultimately to liver transplantation or death. This represents a challenge for rAAV-based gene therapy because therapeutic efficacy is expected to wane as rAAV genomes are lost owing to hepatocyte division, and the formation of AAV-specific neutralising antibodies precludes re-administration. Here, we tested a strategy of vector re-administration in infant PFIC3 mice with careful evaluation of its oncogenicity - a particular concern surrounding rAAV treatment. Methods AAV8-MDR3 was re-administered to infant Abcb4 -/- mice 2 weeks after a first dose co-administered with tolerogenic nanoparticles carrying rapamycin (ImmTOR) given at 2 weeks of age. Eight months later, long-term therapeutic efficacy and safety were assessed with special attention paid to the potential oncogenicity of rAAV treatment. Results Co-administration with ImmTOR mitigated the formation of rAAV-specific neutralising antibodies and enabled an efficacious second administration of AAV8-MDR3, resulting in stable correction of the disease phenotype, including a restoration of bile phospholipid content and healthy liver function, as well as the prevention of liver fibrosis, hepatosplenomegaly, and gallstones. Furthermore, efficacious repeat rAAV administration prevented the appearance of liver malignancies in an animal model highly prone to developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions These outcomes provide strong evidence for rAAV redosing through co-administration with ImmTOR, as it resulted in a long-term therapeutic effect in a paediatric liver metabolic disorder, including the prevention of oncogenesis. Impact and implications Redosing of gene therapy for inborn hepatobiliary disorders may be essential as effect wanes during hepatocyte division and renewal, particularly in paediatric patients, but the approach may carry long-term risks of liver cancer. Viral vectors carrying a therapeutic gene exerted a durable cure of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 in infant mice and reduced the risk of liver cancer only following a second administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D. Weber
- Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Pamplona, Spain
- Corresponding authors. Address: Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Av. Pio XII, 33, 31008 Pamplona, Spain. Tel.: +34-948-194700 x816022.
| | - Leticia Odriozola
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - David Salas
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josepmaria Argemi
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Hepatology Program, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red (CIBER-Ehd), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Corresponding authors. Address: Vivet Therapeutics S.L., Av. Pio XII, 33, 31008 Pamplona, Spain. Tel.: +34-948-194700 x816022.
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West C, Federspiel J, Rogers K, Khatri A, Rao-Dayton S, Fernandez Ocana M, Lim S, D'Antona AM, Casinghino S, Somanathan S. Complement activation by AAV-neutralizing antibody complexes. Hum Gene Ther 2023. [PMID: 37082966 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of monogenetic disorders using adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) is an area of intense interest. AAV is a human pathogen and pre-existing capsid antibodies are prevalent in the population posing a challenge to safety and efficacy of AAV-mediated gene therapies. Here we investigated the risk of AAV-mediated complement activation when sera from a cohort of human donors was exposed to AAV9 capsid. Seropositive donor sera carrying neutralizing antibodies from a previous environmental exposure activated complement when admixed with AAV9 capsids and complement-activation was associated with donors who had higher levels of ant-AAV IgG1 antibodies. These findings were consistent with Mass spectrometry analysis that identified increased binding of immunoglobulins and complement factors when AAV9 capsids were admixed with seropositive sera. Finally, complement activation was abrogated after IgG-depletion using affinity columns or serum pre-treatment with an IgG degrading enzyme. Overall, these results demonstrate an important role of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies in activating complement; a risk that can be mitigated by employing adequate immunosuppression strategies when dosing seropositive patients with vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara West
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Rare Diseases Research Unit, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Joel Federspiel
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research and Development, Andover, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Kara Rogers
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut, United States;
| | - Arpana Khatri
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Rare Disease Research Unit, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Sheila Rao-Dayton
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Biomedicine Design, Morrisville, North Carolina, United States;
| | - Mireia Fernandez Ocana
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research and Development, Andover, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Sean Lim
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Biomedicine design, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | | | - Sandra Casinghino
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut, United States;
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Jiang L, Wang D, He Y, Shu Y. Advances in gene therapy hold promise for treating hereditary hearing loss. Mol Ther 2023; 31:934-950. [PMID: 36755494 PMCID: PMC10124073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy focuses on genetic modification to produce therapeutic effects or treat diseases by repairing or reconstructing genetic material, thus being expected to be the most promising therapeutic strategy for genetic disorders. Due to the growing attention to hearing impairment, an increasing amount of research is attempting to utilize gene therapy for hereditary hearing loss (HHL), an important monogenic disease and the most common type of congenital deafness. Several gene therapy clinical trials for HHL have recently been approved, and, additionally, CRISPR-Cas tools have been attempted for HHL treatment. Therefore, in order to further advance the development of inner ear gene therapy and promote its broad application in other forms of genetic disease, it is imperative to review the progress of gene therapy for HHL. Herein, we address three main gene therapy strategies (gene replacement, gene suppression, and gene editing), summarizing the strategy that is most appropriate for particular monogenic diseases based on different pathogenic mechanisms, and then focusing on their successful applications for HHL in preclinical trials. Finally, we elaborate on the challenges and outlooks of gene therapy for HHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoying Jiang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Daqi Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yingzi He
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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50
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Bobo TA, Samowitz PN, Robinson MI, Montes LI, Forsberg LJ, Feng R, Nicely NI, Fu H. IgG-cleavage protein allows therapeutic AAV gene delivery in passively immunized MPS IIIA mice. Gene Ther 2023; 30:377-385. [PMID: 36253453 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00368-9] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The widespread pre-existing αAAV-Abs in humans pose a critical challenge in translation of AAV gene therapy. The IgG degrading enzyme of Streptococci (IdeS) is demonstrated to specifically cleave IgG of humans and other species (not mouse). This study developed a modified new modified IdeS protein product (IdeSop). When incubated in vitro, IdeSop was shown to completely cleave human and rabbit IgGs within 6 h. To test IdeSop in a disease setting, we established a rabbitized αAAV9-Ab+ mouse by an IV infusion of purified acute αAAV9-Ab+ rabbit IgG into MPS IIIA mice, resulting in serum αAAV9-IgG at 1:6,400 and αAAV9-nAbs at 1:800. IdeSop-Ab-cleavage was shown to be dose-dependent. An IV IdeSop infusion at the effective doses resulted in rapid IgG depletion and clearance of pre-existing αAAV9-IgG and αAAV9-nAbs in rabbitized αAAV9-Abs+ MPS IIIA mice. Importantly, an IV injection of a high dose AAV9-hSGSHop vector (5 × 1013vg/kg) at 24 h post IdeSop treatment led to transduction as effective in αAAV9-Abs+ MPS IIIA mice, as in αAAV9-Abs-negative controls. We believe that transient IdeSop administration may offer a great tool to address the pre-existing-αAAV-Abs for the translation of rAAV gene therapy to treat diseases in humans, making effective rAAV gene therapy available to all patients in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierra A Bobo
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Preston N Samowitz
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael I Robinson
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura I Montes
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence J Forsberg
- Protein Production & Purification Core, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard Feng
- Protein Production & Purification Core, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nathan I Nicely
- Protein Production & Purification Core, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Haiyan Fu
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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