1
|
Espuche B, Moya SE, Calderón M. Nanogels: Smart tools to enlarge the therapeutic window of gene therapy. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123864. [PMID: 38309484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy can potentially treat a great number of diseases, from cancer to rare genetic disorders. Very recently, the development and emergency approval of nucleic acid-based COVID-19 vaccines confirmed its strength and versatility. However, gene therapy encounters limitations due to the lack of suitable carriers to vectorize therapeutic genetic material inside target cells. Nanogels are highly hydrated nano-size crosslinked polymeric networks that have been used in many biomedical applications, from drug delivery to tissue engineering and diagnostics. Due to their easy production, tunability, and swelling properties they have called the attention as promising vectors for gene delivery. In this review, nanogels are discussed as vectors for nucleic acid delivery aiming to enlarge gene therapy's therapeutic window. Recent works highlighting the optimization of inherent transfection efficiency and biocompatibility are reviewed here. The importance of the monomer choice, along with the internal structure, surface decoration, and responsive features are outlined for the different transfection modalities. The possible sources of toxicological endpoints in nanogels are analyzed, and the strategies to limit them are compared. Finally, perspectives are discussed to identify the remining challenges for the nanogels before their translation to the market as transfection agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Espuche
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Sergio E Moya
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sivaprakasam DR, Ohiri HO, Asif MS, Jahangir MS, Khan MKG, Nabeel MA, Abdullah RM. COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Relation to New-Onset Diabetes: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e47056. [PMID: 38022276 PMCID: PMC10644121 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 vaccination has been effective in preventing a lot of complications caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Meanwhile, diabetes mellitus, one of the root causes of many co-morbidities, exhibited itself during the COVID-19 pandemic and after COVID-19 vaccination. Diabetes mellitus introduced itself in a new perspective, leading to a variety of presentations and causing a significant number of emergency admissions. Many of the pre-diabetes patients with no prior history of diabetes developed fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) after the COVID-19 vaccination. Some cases of conversion of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) into T1DM were reported. Some prediabetes/diabetes patients presented with the development of diabetic ketoacidosis after COVID-19 vaccination, whereas some previously healthy people with no relation to diabetes also developed acute exacerbations of new-onset T1DM or T2DM along with lethal ketoacidosis. The purpose of writing this review was to explore what kind of people are more prone to develop new-onset diabetes or diabetic complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis, the typical presentation of these patients, possible mechanisms that lead to these complications occurring after the COVID-19 vaccination, how they can be managed, and whether there is a good prognosis after management or not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad S Asif
- Medicine Department, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, PAK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Warpechowski J, Leszczyńska P, Juchnicka D, Olichwier A, Szczerbiński Ł, Krętowski AJ. Assessment of the Immune Response in Patients with Insulin Resistance, Obesity, and Diabetes to COVID-19 Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1203. [PMID: 37515018 PMCID: PMC10383449 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071203] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-19 pandemic overwhelmed multiple healthcare systems across the world. Patients with underlying medical conditions such as obesity or diabetes were particularly vulnerable, had more severe symptoms, and were more frequently hospitalized. To date, there have been many studies on the severity of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with metabolic disorders, but data on the efficiency of vaccines against COVID-19 are still limited. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity. A comparison is made between the immune response after vaccination in patients with and without metabolic comorbidities. Additionally, an attempt is made to highlight the mechanisms of immune stimulation affected by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and how metabolic comorbidities modulate these mechanisms. The focus is on the most common COVID-19 vaccines, which include mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as well as viral vector vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Furthermore, an effort is made to clarify how the functional differences between these vaccines may impact the response in individuals with metabolic disorders, drawing from available experimental data. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the post-vaccination response to COVID-19 in the context of metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej Warpechowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Paula Leszczyńska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dominika Juchnicka
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Olichwier
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Łukasz Szczerbiński
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Adam Jacek Krętowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Palma M. Epitopes and Mimotopes Identification Using Phage Display for Vaccine Development against Infectious Pathogens. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1176. [PMID: 37514992 PMCID: PMC10384025 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071176] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional vaccines use inactivated or weakened forms of pathogens which could have side effects and inadequate immune responses. To overcome these challenges, phage display has emerged as a valuable tool for identifying specific epitopes that could be used in vaccines. This review emphasizes the direct connection between epitope identification and vaccine development, filling a crucial gap in the field. This technique allows vaccines to be engineered to effectively stimulate the immune system by presenting carefully selected epitopes. Phage display involves screening libraries of random peptides or gene/genome fragments using serum samples from infected, convalescent, or vaccinated individuals. This method has been used to identify epitopes from various pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis viruses, H5N1, HIV-1, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1, Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Dirofilaria repens. Bacteriophages offer advantages such as being immunogenic carriers, low production costs, and customization options, making them a promising alternative to traditional vaccines. The purpose of this study has been to highlight an approach that encompasses the entire process from epitope identification to vaccine production using a single technique, without requiring additional manipulation. Unlike conventional methods, phage display demonstrates exceptional efficiency and speed, which could provide significant advantages in critical scenarios such as pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Palma
- Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (IGDORE), 03181 Torrevieja, Spain
- Protheragen Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen WJ, Tian DM, Fu L, Jin B, Liu Y, Xu YS, Ye YB, Wang XB, Xu XJ, Tang C, Li FP, Wang CF, Wu G, Yan LP. Elastin-Derived VGVAPG Fragment Decorated Cell-Penetrating Peptide with Improved Gene Delivery Efficacy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020670. [PMID: 36839992 PMCID: PMC9961289 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are attractive non-viral gene delivery vectors due to their high transfection capacity and safety. Previously, we have shown that cell-penetrating peptide RALA can be a promising gene delivery vector for chronic wound regeneration application. In this study, we engineered a novel peptide called RALA-E by introducing elastin-derived VGVAPG fragment into RALA, in order to target the elastin-binding protein on the cell surface and thus improve delivery efficacy of RALA. The transfection efficiency of RALA-E was evaluated by transfecting the HEK-293T and HeLa cell lines cells with RALA-E/pDNA complexes and the flow-cytometry results showed that RALA-E significantly increased the transfection efficiency by nearly 20% in both cell lines compared to RALA. Inhibition of pDNA transfection on HEK-293T cells via chlorpromazine, genistein and mβCD showed that the inhibition extent in transfection efficiency was much less for RALA-E group compared to RALA group. In addition, RALA-E/miR-146a complexes showed up to 90% uptake efficiency in macrophages, and can escape from the endosome and enter the nucleus to inhibit the expression of inflammation genes. Therefore, the developed RALA-E peptide has high potential as a safe and efficient vector for gene therapy application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Shen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Duo-Mei Tian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Le Fu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Biao Jin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yun-Sheng Xu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yong-Bin Ye
- Department of Hematology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chun Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Center of Kidney and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Fang-Ping Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chun-Fei Wang
- Endoscopy Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- Correspondence: (C.-F.W.); (L.-P.Y.); Tel.: +86-755-81206659 (C.-F.W.); +86-755-81206101 (L.-P.Y.); Fax: +86-755-81206102 (C.-F.W. & L.-P.Y.)
| | - Gang Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Le-Ping Yan
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Correspondence: (C.-F.W.); (L.-P.Y.); Tel.: +86-755-81206659 (C.-F.W.); +86-755-81206101 (L.-P.Y.); Fax: +86-755-81206102 (C.-F.W. & L.-P.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Upadhyay A, Cao UMN, Hariharan A, Almansoori A, Tran SD. Gene Therapeutic Delivery to the Salivary Glands. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1436:55-68. [PMID: 36826746 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The salivary glands, exocrine glands in our body producing saliva, can be easily damaged by various factors. Radiation therapy and Sjogren's syndrome (a systemic autoimmune disease) are the two main causes of salivary gland damage, leading to a severe reduction in patients' quality of life. Gene transfer to the salivary glands has been considered a promising approach to treating the dysfunction. Gene therapy has long been applied to cure multiple diseases, including cancers, and hereditary and infectious diseases, which are proven to be safe and effective for the well-being of patients. The application of this treatment on salivary gland injuries has been studied for decades, yet its clinical progress is delayed. This chapter provides a coup d'oeil into gene transfer methods and various gene/vector types for salivary glands to help the new scientists and update established scientists on the progress that has been made during the past decades for the treatment of salivary gland disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Upadhyay
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Uyen M N Cao
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Arvind Hariharan
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Akram Almansoori
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Simon D Tran
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arumugam GS, Damodharan K, Doble M, Thennarasu S. Significant perspectives on various viral infections targeted antiviral drugs and vaccines including COVID-19 pandemicity. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:21. [PMID: 35838929 PMCID: PMC9283561 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A virus enters a living organism and recruits host metabolism to reproduce its own genome and proteins. The viral infections are intricate and cannot be completely removed through existing antiviral drugs. For example, the herpes, influenza, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency viruses are a few dreadful ones amongst them. Significant studies are needed to understand the viral entry and their growth in host cells to design effective antivirals. This review emphasizes the range of therapeutical antiviral drugs, inhibitors along with vaccines to fight against viral pathogens, especially for combating COVID-19. Moreover, we have provided the basic and in depth information about viral targets, drugs availability, their mechanisms of action, method of prevention of viral diseases and highlighted the significances of anticoagulants, convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment, scientific details of airborne transmission, characteristics of antiviral drug delivery using nanoparticles/carriers, nanoemulsions, nanogels, metal based nanoparticles, alike the future nanosystems through nanobubbles, nanofibers, nanodiamonds, nanotraps, nanorobots and eventually, the therapeutic applications of micro- and nanoparticulates, current status for clinical development against COVID-19 together with environmental implications of antivirals, gene therapy etc., which may be useful for repurposing and designing of novel antiviral drugs against various dreadful diseases, especially the SARS-CoV-2 and other associated variants.
Collapse
|
8
|
Derksen J, Viefhues M. Parallelized continuous flow dielectrophoretic separation of DNA. Electrophoresis 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Derksen
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanoscience, Faculty of Physics Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
- Mechanobiology of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Faculty of Lifesciences University of Siegen Siegen Germany
| | - Martina Viefhues
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanoscience, Faculty of Physics Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nakagami H, Hayashi H, Sun J, Yanagida Y, Otera T, Nakagami F, Hamaguchi S, Yoshida H, Okuno H, Yoshida S, Nakamaru R, Yokoyama S, Fujimoto T, Hongyo K, Akeda Y, Morishita R, Tomono K, Rakugi H. Phase I Study to Assess the Safety and Immunogenicity of an Intradermal COVID-19 DNA Vaccine Administered Using a Pyro-Drive Jet Injector in Healthy Adults. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091427. [PMID: 36146505 PMCID: PMC9503587 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a nonrandomized, open-label phase I study to assess the safety and immunogenicity of an intradermal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) DNA vaccine (AG0302-COVID-19) administered using a pyro-drive jet injector at Osaka University Hospital between Yanagida November 2020 and December 2021. Twenty healthy volunteers, male or female, were enrolled in the low-dose (0.2 mg) or high-dose (0.4 mg) groups and administered AG0302-COVID19 twice at a 2-week interval. There were no adverse events that led to discontinuation of the study drug vaccination schedule. A serious adverse event (disc protrusion) was reported in one patient in the high-dose group, but the individual recovered, and the adverse event was not causally related to the study drug. In the analysis of the humoral immune response, the geometric mean titer (GMT) of serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein-specific antibody was low in both the low-dose and high-dose groups (246.2 (95% CI 176.2 to 344.1, 348.2 (95% CI 181.3 to 668.9)) at the 8 weeks after first vaccination. Regarding the analysis of the cellular immune, the number of IFN-γ-producing cells responsive to the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein increased with individual differences after the first dose and was sustained for several months. Overall, no notable safety issues were observed with the intradermal inoculations of AG0302-COVID19. Regarding immunogenicity, a cellular immune response was observed in some subjects after AG0302-COVID19 intradermal inoculation, but no significant antibody production was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-6-6210-8359; Fax: +81-6-6210-8360
| | - Hiroki Hayashi
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiao Sun
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuka Yanagida
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takako Otera
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Futoshi Nakagami
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeto Hamaguchi
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisao Yoshida
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideo Okuno
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shota Yoshida
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakamaru
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Serina Yokoyama
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taku Fujimoto
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Hongyo
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Akeda
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazunori Tomono
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Arabi F, Mansouri V, Ahmadbeigi N. Gene therapy clinical trials, where do we go? An overview. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113324. [PMID: 35779421 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been many ups and downs since the introduction of gene therapy as a therapeutic modality for diseases. However, the journey of gene therapy has reached a fundamental milestone, as evidenced by the increasing number of gene therapy products on the market. Looking at the currently approved and under-approval products, as well as the numerous clinical trials in this field, gene therapy has a promising future. Trend of changes in gene therapy strategies, vectors, and targets could be insightful for pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and researchers. In this paper, following a brief history of gene therapy, we reviewed current gene therapy products as well as gene therapies that may be approved in the near future. We also looked at ten-year changes in gene therapy clinical trials strategies, such as the use of vectors, target cells, transferred genes, and ex-vivo/in-vivo methods, as well as the major fields that gene therapy has entered. Although gene therapy was initially used to treat genetic diseases, cancer now has the greatest number of gene therapy clinical trials. Changes in gene therapy strategies, particularly in pioneering countries in this field, may point to the direction of future clinical products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Arabi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cornetta K, Bonamino M, Mahlangu J, Mingozzi F, Rangarajan S, Rao J. Gene therapy access: Global challenges, opportunities, and views from Brazil, South Africa, and India. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2122-2129. [PMID: 35390542 PMCID: PMC9171243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene and cell therapies for a variety of life-limiting illnesses are under investigation, and a small number of commercial products have successfully obtained regulatory approval. The cost of treatment is high, and clinical studies evaluating safety and efficacy are performed predominately in high-income countries. We reviewed the current status of gene and cell therapies in low- and middle-income countries and highlighted the need and current barriers to access. The state of product development in Brazil, South Africa, and India is discussed, including lessons learned from American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT)-sponsored virtual symposia in each of these countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cornetta
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Martín Bonamino
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Research Coordination, National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Vice-Presidency of Research and Biological Collections (VPPCB), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Johnny Mahlangu
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Savita Rangarajan
- Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton, UK & KJ Somaiya Super Speciality Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Jayandharan Rao
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kapur, UP, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kantarcioglu B, Iqbal O, Lewis J, Carter CA, Singh M, Lievano F, Ligocki M, Jeske W, Adiguzel C, Gerotziafas GT, Fareed J. An Update on the Status of Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2 Including Variants. Practical Considerations for COVID-19 Special Populations. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2022; 28:10760296211056648. [PMID: 35167393 PMCID: PMC8851053 DOI: 10.1177/10760296211056648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The progress in the development of various vaccine platforms against SARS-CoV-2 have been rather remarkable owing to advancement in molecular and biologic sciences. Most of the current vaccines and those in development focus on targeting the viral spike proteins by generating antibodies of varying spectrum. These vaccines represent a variety of platforms including whole virus vaccines, viral vector vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines representing RNA, DNA, and their hybrid forms.The therapeutic efficacy of these vaccines varies owing to their pharmacodynamic individualities. COVID-19 variants are capable of inducing different pathologic responses and some of which may be resistant to antibodies generated by current vaccines. The current clinical use of these vaccines has been through emergency use authorization until recently. Moreover, the efficacy and safety of these vaccines have been tested in substantial numbers of individuals but studies in special populations that better reflect the global population are pending results. These specialized populations include young children, immunocompromised patients, pregnant individuals, and other specialized groups. Combination approaches, molecularly modified vaccination approaches, and vaccines conferring longer periods of immunity are being currently being investigated, as well as pharmacovigilance studies.The continual transformation of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are of concern along with the breakthrough infections. These considerations pose new challenges for the development of vaccination platforms. For this purpose, booster doses, combination vaccine approaches, and other modalities are being discussed. This review provides an updated account of currently available vaccines and those in advanced development with reference to their composition and mechanisms of action.A discussion on the use of vaccines in special populations including immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and other specialized populations are also included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Kantarcioglu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA,Bulent Kantarcioglu, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
| | - Omer Iqbal
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Joseph Lewis
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Charles A. Carter
- Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, USA
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Walter Jeske
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | | | - Grigoris T. Gerotziafas
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Thrombosis Center, Service D’Hématologie Biologique Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
| | - Jawed Fareed
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aubets E, Chillon M, Ciudad CJ, Noé V. PolyPurine Reverse Hoogsteen Hairpins Work as RNA Species for Gene Silencing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10025. [PMID: 34576188 PMCID: PMC8466063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PolyPurine Reverse Hoogsteen Hairpins (PPRHs) are gene-silencing DNA-oligonucleotides developed in our laboratory that are formed by two antiparallel polypurine mirror repeat domains bound intramolecularly by Hoogsteen bonds. The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of using viral vectors to deliver PPRHs as a gene therapy tool. After treatment with synthetic RNA, plasmid transfection, or viral infection targeting the survivin gene, viability was determined by the MTT assay, mRNA was determined by RT-qPCR, and protein levels were determined by Western blot. We showed that the RNA-PPRH induced a decrease in cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and an increase in apoptosis in PC-3 and HeLa cells. Both synthetic RNA-PPRH and RNA-PPRH intracellularly generated upon the transfection of a plasmid vector were able to reduce survivin mRNA and protein levels in PC-3 cells. An adenovirus type-5 vector encoding the PPRH against survivin was also able to decrease survivin mRNA and protein levels, leading to a reduction in HeLa cell viability. In this work, we demonstrated that PPRHs can also work as RNA species, either chemically synthesized, transcribed from a plasmid construct, or transcribed from viral vectors. Therefore, all these results are the proof of principle that viral vectors could be considered as a delivery system for PPRHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Aubets
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute, IN2UB, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (E.A.); (C.J.C.)
| | - Miguel Chillon
- ICREA, Institute of Neurosciences at UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos J. Ciudad
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute, IN2UB, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (E.A.); (C.J.C.)
| | - Véronique Noé
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute, IN2UB, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (E.A.); (C.J.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nakagami H, Hayashi H, Shimamura M, Rakugi H, Morishita R. Therapeutic vaccine for chronic diseases after the COVID-19 Era. Hypertens Res 2021; 44:1047-1053. [PMID: 34099884 PMCID: PMC8184354 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00677-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is currently a respiratory disease outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). After rapid development, RNA vaccines and adenoviral vector vaccines were approved within a year, which has demonstrated the strong impact of preventing infectious diseases using gene therapy technology. Furthermore, intensive immunological analysis has been performed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of these vaccines, potentially allowing for rapid progress in vaccine technology. After the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the novel vaccine technology developed will expand to other vaccines. We have been developing vaccines for chronic diseases, such as hypertension, for >10 years. Regarding the development of vaccines against self-antigens (i.e., angiotensin II), the vaccine should efficiently induce a blocking antibody response against the self-antigen without activating cytotoxic T cells. Therefore, the epitope vaccine approach has been proposed to induce antibody production in response to a combination of a B cell epitope and exogenous T cell epitopes through major histocompatibility complex molecules. When these vaccines are established as therapeutic options for hypertension, their administration regimen, which might be a few times per year, will replace daily medication use. Thus, therapeutic vaccines for hypertension may be a novel option to control the progression of cerebrovascular diseases. Hopefully, the accumulation of immunological findings and vaccine technology advances due to COVID-19 will provide a novel concept for vaccines for chronic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Hayashi
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shimamura
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|