1
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Ratnikova NM, Kravchenko Y, Ivanova A, Zhuchkov V, Frolova E, Chumakov S. A Novel Anti-CD47 Nanobody Tetramer for Cancer Therapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:2. [PMID: 38247566 PMCID: PMC10801496 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010002] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
CD47 acts as a defense mechanism for tumor cells by sending a "don't eat me" signal via its bond with SIRPα. With CD47's overexpression linked to poor cancer outcomes, its pathway has become a target in cancer immunotherapy. Though monoclonal antibodies offer specificity, they have limitations like the large size and production costs. Nanobodies, due to their small size and unique properties, present a promising therapeutic alternative. In our study, a high-affinity anti-CD47 nanobody was engineered from an immunized alpaca. We isolated a specific VHH from the phage library, which has nanomolar affinity to SIRPα, and constructed a streptavidin-based tetramer. The efficacy of the nanobody and its derivative was evaluated using various assays. The new nanobody demonstrated higher affinity than the monoclonal anti-CD47 antibody, B6H12.2. The nanobody and its derivatives also stimulated substantial phagocytosis of tumor cell lines and induced apoptosis in U937 cells, a response confirmed in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Our results underscore the potential of the engineered anti-CD47 nanobody as a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy. The derived nanobody could offer a more effective, cost-efficient alternative to conventional antibodies in disrupting the CD47-SIRPα axis, opening doors for its standalone or combinatorial therapeutic applications in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya M. Ratnikova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (N.M.R.); (V.Z.)
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, FRC Biotechnology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Yulia Kravchenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (N.M.R.); (V.Z.)
| | - Anna Ivanova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (N.M.R.); (V.Z.)
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Vladislav Zhuchkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (N.M.R.); (V.Z.)
| | - Elena Frolova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (N.M.R.); (V.Z.)
| | - Stepan Chumakov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; (N.M.R.); (V.Z.)
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2
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Charitidis FT, Adabi E, Ho N, Braun AH, Tierney C, Strasser L, Thalheimer FB, Childs L, Bones J, Clarke C, Buchholz CJ. CAR Gene Delivery by T-cell Targeted Lentiviral Vectors is Enhanced by Rapamycin Induced Reduction of Antiviral Mechanisms. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302992. [PMID: 37904721 PMCID: PMC10724389 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302992] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LV) have become the dominant tool for stable gene transfer into lymphocytes including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene delivery to T cells, a major breakthrough in cancer therapy. Yet, room for improvement remains, especially for the latest LV generations delivering genes selectively into T cell subtypes, a key requirement for in vivo CAR T cell generation. Toward improving gene transfer rates with these vectors, whole transcriptome analyses on human T lymphocytes are conducted after exposure to CAR-encoding conventional vectors (VSV-LV) and vectors targeted to CD8+ (CD8-LV) or CD4+ T cells (CD4-LV). Genes related to quiescence and antiviral restriction are found to be upregulated in CAR-negative cells exposed to all types of LVs. Down-modulation of various antiviral restriction factors, including the interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) is achieved with rapamycin as verified by mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Strikingly, rapamycin enhances transduction by up to 7-fold for CD8-LV and CD4-LV without compromising CAR T cell activities but does not improve VSV-LV. When administered to humanized mice, CD8-LV results in higher rates of green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene delivery. Also in vivo CAR T cell generation is improved in kinetics and tumor control, however to a moderate extent, leaving room for improvement by optimizing the rapamycin administration schedule. The data favor multi-omics approaches for improvements in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Adabi
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene TherapyPaul‐Ehrlich‐Institut63225LangenGermany
| | - Naphang Ho
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene TherapyPaul‐Ehrlich‐Institut63225LangenGermany
| | - Angela H Braun
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene TherapyPaul‐Ehrlich‐Institut63225LangenGermany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Ciara Tierney
- Characterisation and Comparability LaboratoryNational Institute for Bioprocessing Research and TrainingFoster Avenue, Mount Merrion, BlackrockDublinA94 X099Ireland
| | - Lisa Strasser
- Characterisation and Comparability LaboratoryNational Institute for Bioprocessing Research and TrainingFoster Avenue, Mount Merrion, BlackrockDublinA94 X099Ireland
| | - Frederic B Thalheimer
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene TherapyPaul‐Ehrlich‐Institut63225LangenGermany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI)Goethe University60590Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Liam Childs
- Host‐Pathogen InteractionsPaul‐Ehrlich‐Institut63225LangenGermany
| | - Jonathan Bones
- Characterisation and Comparability LaboratoryNational Institute for Bioprocessing Research and TrainingFoster Avenue, Mount Merrion, BlackrockDublinA94 X099Ireland
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess EngineeringUniversity College DublinD04 V1W8BelfieldDublinIreland
| | - Colin Clarke
- Characterisation and Comparability LaboratoryNational Institute for Bioprocessing Research and TrainingFoster Avenue, Mount Merrion, BlackrockDublinA94 X099Ireland
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and TrainingA94×099Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, BlackrockDublinIreland
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene TherapyPaul‐Ehrlich‐Institut63225LangenGermany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)69120HeidelbergGermany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI)Goethe University60590Frankfurt am MainGermany
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3
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Dogbey DM, Torres VES, Fajemisin E, Mpondo L, Ngwenya T, Akinrinmade OA, Perriman AW, Barth S. Technological advances in the use of viral and non-viral vectors for delivering genetic and non-genetic cargos for cancer therapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2719-2738. [PMID: 37301780 PMCID: PMC10257536 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The burden of cancer is increasing globally. Several challenges facing its mainstream treatment approaches have formed the basis for the development of targeted delivery systems to carry and distribute anti-cancer payloads to their defined targets. This site-specific delivery of drug molecules and gene payloads to selectively target druggable biomarkers aimed at inducing cell death while sparing normal cells is the principal goal for cancer therapy. An important advantage of a delivery vector either viral or non-viral is the cumulative ability to penetrate the haphazardly arranged and immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment of solid tumours and or withstand antibody-mediated immune response. Biotechnological approaches incorporating rational protein engineering for the development of targeted delivery systems which may serve as vehicles for packaging and distribution of anti-cancer agents to selectively target and kill cancer cells are highly desired. Over the years, these chemically and genetically modified delivery systems have aimed at distribution and selective accumulation of drug molecules at receptor sites resulting in constant maintenance of high drug bioavailability for effective anti-tumour activity. In this review, we highlighted the state-of-the art viral and non-viral drug and gene delivery systems and those under developments focusing on cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Makafui Dogbey
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Emmanuel Fajemisin
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liyabona Mpondo
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Takunda Ngwenya
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Olusiji Alex Akinrinmade
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adam W Perriman
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, Bristol, UK
| | - Stefan Barth
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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4
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Berckmueller K, Thomas J, Taha EA, Choo S, Madhu R, Kanestrom G, Rupert PB, Strong R, Kiem HP, Radtke S. CD90-targeted lentiviral vectors for HSC gene therapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2901-2913. [PMID: 37550965 PMCID: PMC10556220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.08.003] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy is currently performed on CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells containing less than 1% true HSCs and requiring a highly specialized infrastructure for cell manufacturing and transplantation. We have previously identified the CD34+CD90+ subset to be exclusively responsible for short- and long-term engraftment. However, purification and enrichment of this subset is laborious and expensive. HSC-specific delivery agents for the direct modification of rare HSCs are currently lacking. Here, we developed novel targeted viral vectors to specifically transduce CD90-expressing HSCs. Anti-CD90 single chain variable fragments (scFvs) were engineered onto measles- and VSV-G-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors that were knocked out for native targeting. We further developed a custom hydrodynamic titration methodology to assess the loading of surface-engineered capsids, measure antigen recognition of the scFv, and predict the performance on cells. Engineered vectors formed with minimal impairment in the functional titer, maintained their ability to fuse with the target cells, and showed highly specific recognition of CD90 on cells ex vivo. Most important, targeted vectors selectively transduced human HSCs with secondary colony-forming potential. Our novel HSC-targeted viral vectors have the potential to significantly enhance the feasibility of ex vivo gene therapy and pave the way for future in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Berckmueller
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Justin Thomas
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Eman A Taha
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Ain Shams University Faculty of Science, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Seunga Choo
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ravishankar Madhu
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Greta Kanestrom
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Peter B Rupert
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Roland Strong
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Stefan Radtke
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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5
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Kapitza L, Ho N, Kerzel T, Frank AM, Thalheimer FB, Jamali A, Schaser T, Buchholz CJ, Hartmann J. CD62L as target receptor for specific gene delivery into less differentiated human T lymphocytes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183698. [PMID: 37646032 PMCID: PMC10461316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183698] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells are a complex and heterogeneous gene therapy product with variable phenotype compositions. A higher proportion of less differentiated CAR T cells is usually associated with improved antitumoral function and persistence. We describe in this study a novel receptor-targeted lentiviral vector (LV) named 62L-LV that preferentially transduces less differentiated T cells marked by the L-selectin receptor CD62L, with transduction rates of up to 70% of CD4+ and 50% of CD8+ primary T cells. Remarkably, higher amounts of less differentiated T cells are transduced and preserved upon long-term cultivation using 62L-LV compared to VSV-LV. Interestingly, shed CD62L neither altered the binding of 62L-LV particles to T cells nor impacted their transduction. The incubation of 2 days of activated T lymphocytes with 62L-LV or VSV-LV for only 24 hours was sufficient to generate CAR T cells that controlled tumor growth in a leukemia tumor mouse model. The data proved that potent CAR T cells can be generated by short-term ex vivo exposure of primary cells to LVs. As a first vector type that preferentially transduces less differentiated T lymphocytes, 62L-LV has the potential to circumvent cumbersome selections of T cell subtypes and offers substantial shortening of the CAR T cell manufacturing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kapitza
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Naphang Ho
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kerzel
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Annika M. Frank
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Arezoo Jamali
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schaser
- Research & Development, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Christian J. Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jessica Hartmann
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
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6
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Adapter-Mediated Transduction with Lentiviral Vectors: A Novel Tool for Cell-Type-Specific Gene Transfer. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102157. [PMID: 36298713 PMCID: PMC9607492 DOI: 10.3390/v14102157] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective gene delivery to a cell type of interest utilizing targeted lentiviral vectors (LVs) is an efficient and safe strategy for cell and gene therapy applications, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. LVs pseudotyped with measles virus envelope proteins (MV-LVs) have been retargeted by ablating binding to natural receptors while fusing to a single-chain antibody specific for the antigen of choice. However, the broad application of MV-LVs is hampered by the laborious LV engineering required for every new target. Here, we report the first versatile targeting system for MV-LVs that solely requires mixing with biotinylated adapter molecules to enable selective gene transfer. The analysis of the selectivity in mixed cell populations revealed transduction efficiencies below the detection limit in the absence of an adapter and up to 5000-fold on-to-off-target ratios. Flexibility was confirmed by transducing cell lines and primary cells applying seven different adapter specificities in total. Furthermore, adapter mixtures were applied to generate CAR-T cells with varying CD4/CD8-ratios in a single transduction step. In summary, a selective and flexible targeting system was established that may serve to improve the safety and efficacy of cellular therapies. Compatibility with a wide range of readily available biotinylated molecules provides an ideal technology for a variety of applications.
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7
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Charitidis FT, Adabi E, Thalheimer FB, Clarke C, Buchholz CJ. Monitoring CAR T cell generation with a CD8-targeted lentiviral vector by single-cell transcriptomics. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:359-369. [PMID: 34729382 PMCID: PMC8546366 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying gene expression in individual cells can substantially improve our understanding about complex genetically engineered cell products such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Here we designed a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach to monitor the delivery of a CD19-CAR gene via lentiviral vectors (LVs), i.e., the conventional vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-LV and the CD8-targeted CD8-LV. LV-exposed human donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated for a panel of 400 immune response-related genes including LV-specific probes. The resulting data revealed a trimodal expression for the CAR and CD8A, demanding a careful distribution-based identification of CAR T cells and CD8+ lymphocytes in scRNA-seq analysis. The fraction of T cells expressing high CAR levels was in concordance with flow cytometry results. More than 97% of the cells hit by CD8-LV expressed the CD8A gene. Remarkably, the majority of the potential off-target cells were in fact on-target cells, resulting in a target cell selectivity of more than 99%. Beyond that, differential gene expression analysis revealed the upregulation of restriction factors in CAR-negative cells, thus explaining their protection from CAR gene transfer. In summary, we provide a workflow and subsetting approach for scRNA-seq enabling reliable distinction between transduced and untransduced cells during CAR T cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos T Charitidis
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen (Hessen), Germany
| | - Elham Adabi
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen (Hessen), Germany
| | - Frederic B Thalheimer
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen (Hessen), Germany
| | - Colin Clarke
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Fosters Avenue, Blackrock, A94 X099 Co. Dublin, Ireland.,School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen (Hessen), Germany.,Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, 63225 Langen (Hessen), Germany
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8
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Argaw T, Marino MP, Timmons A, Eldridge L, Takeda K, Li P, Kwilas A, Ou W, Reiser J. In vivo targeting of lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with the Tupaia paramyxovirus H glycoprotein bearing a cell-specific ligand. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:670-680. [PMID: 34141822 PMCID: PMC8166926 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite their exceptional capacity for transgene delivery ex vivo, lentiviral (LV) vectors have been slow to demonstrate clinical utility in the context of in vivo applications. Unresolved safety concerns related to broad LV vector tropism have limited LV vectors to ex vivo applications. Here, we report on a novel LV vector-pseudotyping strategy involving envelope glycoproteins of Tupaia paramyxovirus (TPMV) engineered to specifically target human cell-surface receptors. LV vectors pseudotyped with the TPMV hemagglutinin (H) protein bearing the interleukin (IL)-13 ligand in concert with the TPMV fusion (F) protein allowed efficient transduction of cells expressing the human IL-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13Rα2). Immunodeficient mice bearing orthotopically implanted human IL-13Rα2 expressing NCI-H1299 non-small cell lung cancer cells were injected intravenously with a single dose of LV vector pseudotyped with the TPMV H-IL-13 glycoprotein. Vector biodistribution was monitored using bioluminescence imaging of firefly luciferase transgene expression, revealing specific transduction of tumor tissue. A quantitative droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) analysis of lung tissue samples revealed a >15-fold increase in the tumor transduction in mice treated with LV vectors displaying IL-13 relative to those without IL-13. Our results show that TPMV envelope glycoproteins can be equipped with ligands to develop targeted LV vectors for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takele Argaw
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Michael P. Marino
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Andrew Timmons
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Lindsey Eldridge
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Microscopy and Imaging Core Facility, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Pingjuan Li
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
- Vedere Bio, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anna Kwilas
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Wu Ou
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Jakob Reiser
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
- Corresponding author: Jakob Reiser, Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 52/72, Room 3106, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
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9
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Genetic in vivo engineering of human T lymphocytes in mouse models. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:3210-3240. [PMID: 33846629 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00510-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Receptor targeting of vector particles is a key technology to enable cell type-specific in vivo gene delivery. For example, T cells in humanized mouse models can be modified by lentiviral vectors (LVs) targeted to human T-cell markers to enable them to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Here, we provide detailed protocols for the generation of CD4- and CD8-targeted LVs (which takes ~9 d in total). We also describe how to humanize immunodeficient mice with hematopoietic stem cells (which takes 12-16 weeks) and precondition (over 5 d) and administer the vector stocks. Conversion of the targeted cell type is monitored by PCR and flow cytometry of blood samples. A few weeks after administration, ~10% of the targeted T-cell subtype can be expected to have converted to CAR T cells. By closely following the protocol, sufficient vector stock for the genetic manipulation of 10-15 humanized mice is obtained. We also discuss how the protocol can be easily adapted to use LVs targeted to other types of receptors and/or for delivery of other genes of interest.
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10
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Frank AM, Weidner T, Brynza J, Uckert W, Buchholz CJ, Hartmann J. CD8-Specific Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins Improve Selective Gene Delivery into Human and Primate T Lymphocytes. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:679-691. [PMID: 32160795 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapy in combination with gene therapy is a promising treatment concept for chronic infections and cancer. Recently, receptor-targeted lentiviral vectors (LVs) were shown to enable selective gene transfer into particular types of lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. This approach might facilitate the genetic engineering of a patient's own T lymphocytes, possibly even shifting this concept from personalized medicine to an off-the shelf therapy in future. Here, we describe novel high-affinity binders for CD8 consisting of designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), which were selected to bind to the CD8 receptor of human and nonhuman primate (NHP) cells. These binders were identified by ribosome display screening of DARPin libraries using recombinant human CD8 followed by receptor binding analysis on primary lymphocytes. CD8-targeted LVs (CD8-LVs) were then generated that delivered genes exclusively and specifically to human and NHP T lymphocytes by using the same targeting domain. These CD8-LVs were as specific for human T lymphocytes as their single-chain variable fragment-based counterpart, but they could be produced to higher titers. Moreover, they were superior in transducing cytotoxic T cells both in vitro and in vivo when equal particle numbers were applied. Since the here described CD8-LVs transduced primary T lymphocytes from NHP and human donors equally well, they offer the opportunity for preclinical studies in different animal models including large animals such as NHPs without the need for modifications in vector design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika M Frank
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tatjana Weidner
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Julia Brynza
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Jessica Hartmann
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
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11
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Gardner E, Ellington A. Reprogramming the brain with synthetic neurobiology. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2018; 58:37-44. [PMID: 30458406 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian brain is among the most complex organs known in biology. Historically, neuroscience techniques have consisted primarily of low-throughput microscopy and electrophysiological approaches. While these methods will continue to serve the community, the emerging field of synthetic neurobiology may be better equipped to scale with systems neuroscience. By using genetic techniques to achieve cell-type specificity, a map of the connectome, neural activation and recording, and ultimately to program neural development itself, we can begin to build a better framework with which to understand the brain's mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Gardner
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrew Ellington
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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12
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Frank AM, Buchholz CJ. Surface-Engineered Lentiviral Vectors for Selective Gene Transfer into Subtypes of Lymphocytes. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 12:19-31. [PMID: 30417026 PMCID: PMC6216101 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocytes have always been among the prime targets in gene therapy, even more so since chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have reached the clinic. However, other gene therapeutic approaches hold great promise as well. The first part of this review provides an overview of current strategies in lymphocyte gene therapy. The second part highlights the importance of precise gene delivery into B and T cells as well as distinct subtypes of lymphocytes. This can be achieved with lentiviral vectors (LVs) pseudotyped with engineered glycoproteins recognizing lymphocyte surface markers as entry receptors. Different strategies for envelope glycoprotein engineering and selection of the targeting ligand are discussed. With a CD8-targeted LV that was recently used to achieve proof of principle for the in vivo reprogramming of CAR T cells, these vectors are becoming a key tool to genetically engineer lymphocytes directly in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika M Frank
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.,Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
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13
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Hartmann J, Münch RC, Freiling RT, Schneider IC, Dreier B, Samukange W, Koch J, Seeger MA, Plückthun A, Buchholz CJ. A Library-Based Screening Strategy for the Identification of DARPins as Ligands for Receptor-Targeted AAV and Lentiviral Vectors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2018; 10:128-143. [PMID: 30101151 PMCID: PMC6077149 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Delivering genes selectively to the therapeutically relevant cell type is among the prime goals of vector development. Here, we present a high-throughput selection and screening process that identifies designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) optimally suited for receptor-targeted gene delivery using adeno-associated viral (AAV) and lentiviral (LV) vectors. In particular, the process includes expression, purification, and in situ biotinylation of the extracellular domains of target receptors as Fc fusion proteins in mammalian cells and the selection of high-affinity binders by ribosome display from DARPin libraries each covering more than 1012 variants. This way, DARPins specific for the glutamate receptor subunit GluA4, the endothelial surface marker CD105, and the natural killer cell marker NKp46 were generated. The identification of DARPins best suited for gene delivery was achieved by screening small-scale vector productions. Both LV and AAV particles displaying the selected DARPins transduced only cells expressing the corresponding target receptor. The data confirm that a straightforward process for the generation of receptor-targeted viral vectors has been established. Moreover, biochemical analysis of a panel of DARPins revealed that their functional cell-surface expression as fusion proteins is more relevant for efficient gene delivery by LV particles than functional binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hartmann
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Robert C. Münch
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Ruth-Therese Freiling
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Irene C. Schneider
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Birgit Dreier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Washington Samukange
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Joachim Koch
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Mainz Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus A. Seeger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian J. Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
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14
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Kasaraneni N, Chamoun-Emanuelli AM, Wright GA, Chen Z. A simple strategy for retargeting lentiviral vectors to desired cell types via a disulfide-bond-forming protein-peptide pair. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10990. [PMID: 30030466 PMCID: PMC6054614 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent improvements in the engineering of viral envelope proteins, it remains a significant challenge to create lentiviral vectors that allow targeted transduction to specific cell populations of interest. In this study, we developed a simple ‘plug and play’ strategy to retarget lentiviral vectors to any desired cell types through in vitro covalent modification of the virions with specific cell-targeting proteins (CTPs). This strategy exploits a disulfide bond-forming protein-peptide pair PDZ1 and its pentapeptide ligand (ThrGluPheCysAla, TEFCA). PDZ1 was incorporated into an engineered Sindbis virus envelope protein (Sind-PDZ1) and displayed on lentiviral particles while the TEFCA pentapeptide ligand was genetically linked to the CTP. Her2/neu-binding designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPin) were used as our model CTPs. DARPin-functionalized unconcentrated lentiviral vectors harboring Sind-PDZ1 envelope protein (Sind-PDZ1-pp) exhibited >800-fold higher infectious titer in HER2+ cells than the unfunctionalized virions (8.5 × 106 vs. <104 IU/mL). Moreover, by virtue of the covalent disulfide bond interaction between PDZ1 and TEFCA, the association of the CTP with the virions is nonreversible under non-reducing conditions (e.g. serum), making these functionalized virions potentially stable in an in vivo setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagarjun Kasaraneni
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Ana M Chamoun-Emanuelli
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Gus A Wright
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zhilei Chen
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA.
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15
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Hanauer JDS, Rengstl B, Kleinlützum D, Reul J, Pfeiffer A, Friedel T, Schneider IC, Newrzela S, Hansmann ML, Buchholz CJ, Muik A. CD30-targeted oncolytic viruses as novel therapeutic approach against classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:12971-12981. [PMID: 29560124 PMCID: PMC5849188 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a hematopoietic malignancy with a characteristic cellular composition. The tumor mass is made up of infiltrated lymphocytes and other cells of hematologic origin but only very few neoplastic cells that are mainly identified by the diagnostic marker CD30. While most patients with early stage cHL can be cured by standard therapy, treatment options for relapsed or refractory cHL are still not sufficient, although immunotherapy-based approaches for the treatment of cHL patients have gained ground in the last decade. Here, we suggest a novel therapeutic concept based on oncolytic viruses selectively destroying the CD30+-positive cHL tumor cells. Relying on a recently described CD30-specific scFv we have generated CD30-targeted measles virus (MV-CD30) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-CD30). For VSV-CD30 the VSV glycoprotein G reading frame was replaced by those of the CD30-targeted MV glycoproteins. Both viruses were found to be highly selective for CD30-positive cells as demonstrated by infection of co-cultures of target and non-target cells as well as through blocking infection by soluble CD30. Notably, VSV-CD30 yielded much higher titers than MV-CD30 and resulted in a more rapid and efficient killing of cultivated cHL-derived cell lines. Mouse tumor models revealed that intratumorally, as well as systemically injected VSV-CD30, infected cHL xenografts and significantly slowed down tumor growth resulting in a substantially prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, the data support further preclinical testing of VSV-CD30 as novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of cHL and other CD30+-positive malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D S Hanauer
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rengstl
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Current address: BioNTech Cell and Gene Therapies GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Dina Kleinlützum
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Johanna Reul
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Anett Pfeiffer
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Friedel
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Irene C Schneider
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Newrzela
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Current address: BioNTech Cell and Gene Therapies GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin-Leo Hansmann
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Alexander Muik
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.,Current address: BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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16
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Abstract
We report a simple strategy for the creation of lentiviral vectors specific to any desired target cells. SpyTag is inserted into an engineered Sindbis virus envelope protein and displayed on the lentivirus surface to create Sindbis virus-SpyTag pseudoparticles (Sind-SpyTag-pp). The SpyTag serves as the covalent anchoring site for a target-cell-specific cell-binding protein (CBP) that is fused to a truncated SpyCatcher (SpyCatcherΔ). Target-cell-specific lentiviruses are created by mixing the Sind-SpyTag-pp and CBP-SpyCatcherΔ in vitro. We first used a HER2-binding designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin.9.26) as the model CBP. The DARPin-conjugated lentivirus transduced HER2+ SKOV3 cells with an infectious titer of 5.2 × 106 IU/ml, >500-fold higher than the unfunctionalized “naked” virions (<104 IU/ml). The ability of the DARPin-conjugated lentivirus to transduce HER2+ cells correlated with the surface expression level of HER2. Furthermore, these lentiviruses preferentially transduced HER2+ cells in cocultures containing HER2+ and HER2− cells. To enable the use of commercially available monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) as the CBP, we developed a convenient click chemistry-based approach to conjugate MAb-derived Fab fragments to a variant SpyCatcherΔ protein containing a nonnatural amino acid, 4-azido-l-phenylalanine (AzF). Using the HER2-binding trastuzumab as a model cell-specific MAb, we created Fab-conjugated lentiviral vectors that transduced HER2+ SKOV3 cells with an infectious titer of 2.8 × 106 IU/ml, on par with the result achieved using the DARPin-SpyCatcherΔ fusion protein. The ability to create cell-specific lentiviral vectors through chemical conjugation of a CBP should make this approach generalizable to any antibody, giving it broad utility for a wide range of research and clinical applications. Lentiviral vectors hold great potential in gene therapy. However, it remains a major hurdle to robustly engineer cell-specific lentiviral vectors. This article reports a simple and effective strategy to functionalize lentiviral vectors with cell-binding proteins, thus retargeting these viruses to cells expressing the binding partner of the CBP. The CBP is genetically or chemically linked to the SpyCatcher. The SpyTag is displayed on the virion surface as a fusion to an engineered Sindbis virus envelope protein and is used as the anchorage site for SpyCatcher-linked CBP. Using this strategy, we created lentiviral vectors highly infectious toward HER2+ cancer cells. The ability to rapidly create cell-specific lentiviral vectors targeting a wide range of cell types should accelerate the development of custom lentiviral vectors for many research and clinical applications.
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17
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Arimori T, Kitago Y, Umitsu M, Fujii Y, Asaki R, Tamura-Kawakami K, Takagi J. Fv-clasp: An Artificially Designed Small Antibody Fragment with Improved Production Compatibility, Stability, and Crystallizability. Structure 2017; 25:1611-1622.e4. [PMID: 28919443 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antibody fragments are frequently used as a "crystallization chaperone" to aid structural analysis of complex macromolecules that are otherwise crystallization resistant, but conventional fragment formats have not been designed for this particular application. By fusing an anti-parallel coiled-coil structure derived from the SARAH domain of human Mst1 kinase to the variable region of an antibody, we succeeded in creating a novel chimeric antibody fragment of ∼37 kDa, termed "Fv-clasp," which exhibits excellent crystallization compatibility while maintaining the binding ability of the original IgG molecule. The "clasp" and the engineered disulfide bond at the bottom of the Fv suppressed the internal mobility of the fragment and shielded hydrophobic residues, likely contributing to the high heat stability and the crystallizability of the Fv-clasp. Finally, Fv-clasp antibodies showed superior "chaperoning" activity over conventional Fab fragments, and facilitated the structure determination of an ectodomain fragment of integrin α6β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Arimori
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yu Kitago
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masataka Umitsu
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujii
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryoko Asaki
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | - Junichi Takagi
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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18
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Muik A, Reul J, Friedel T, Muth A, Hartmann KP, Schneider IC, Münch RC, Buchholz CJ. Covalent coupling of high-affinity ligands to the surface of viral vector particles by protein trans-splicing mediates cell type-specific gene transfer. Biomaterials 2017; 144:84-94. [PMID: 28825979 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We have established a novel approach for the covalent coupling of large polypeptides to the surface of fully assembled adeno-associated viral gene transfer vector (AAV) particles via split-intein mediated protein-trans-splicing (PTS). This way, we achieved selective gene transfer to distinct cell types. Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) or designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), exhibiting high-affinity binding to cell surface receptors selectively expressed on the surface of target cells, were coupled to AAV particles harboring mutations in the capsid proteins which ablate natural receptor usage. Both, the AAV capsid protein VP2 and multiple separately produced targeting ligands recognizing Her2/neu, EpCAM, CD133 or CD30 were genetically fused with complementary split-intein domains. Optimized coupling conditions led to an effective conjugation of each targeting ligand to the universal AAV capsid and translated into specific gene transfer into target receptor-positive cell types in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, PTS-based AAVs exhibited significantly less gene transfer into target receptor-negative cells than AAVs displaying the same targeting ligand but coupled genetically. Another important consequence of the PTS technology is the possibility to now display scFvs or other antibody-derived domain formats harboring disulfide-bonds in a functionally active form on the surface of AAV particles. Hence, the custom combination of a universal AAV vector particle and targeting ligands of various formats allows for an unprecedented flexibility in the generation of gene transfer vectors targeted to distinct cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Muik
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225, Langen, Germany
| | - Johanna Reul
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225, Langen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Friedel
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225, Langen, Germany
| | - Anke Muth
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Irene C Schneider
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225, Langen, Germany
| | - Robert C Münch
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225, Langen, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225, Langen, Germany.
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19
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Bender RR, Muth A, Schneider IC, Friedel T, Hartmann J, Plückthun A, Maisner A, Buchholz CJ. Receptor-Targeted Nipah Virus Glycoproteins Improve Cell-Type Selective Gene Delivery and Reveal a Preference for Membrane-Proximal Cell Attachment. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005641. [PMID: 27281338 PMCID: PMC4900575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor-targeted lentiviral vectors (LVs) can be an effective tool for selective transfer of genes into distinct cell types of choice. Moreover, they can be used to determine the molecular properties that cell surface proteins must fulfill to act as receptors for viral glycoproteins. Here we show that LVs pseudotyped with receptor-targeted Nipah virus (NiV) glycoproteins effectively enter into cells when they use cell surface proteins as receptors that bring them closely enough to the cell membrane (less than 100 Å distance). Then, they were flexible in receptor usage as demonstrated by successful targeting of EpCAM, CD20, and CD8, and as selective as LVs pseudotyped with receptor-targeted measles virus (MV) glycoproteins, the current standard for cell-type specific gene delivery. Remarkably, NiV-LVs could be produced at up to two orders of magnitude higher titers compared to their MV-based counterparts and were at least 10,000-fold less effectively neutralized than MV glycoprotein pseudotyped LVs by pooled human intravenous immunoglobulin. An important finding for NiV-LVs targeted to Her2/neu was an about 100-fold higher gene transfer activity when particles were targeted to membrane-proximal regions as compared to particles binding to a more membrane-distal epitope. Likewise, the low gene transfer activity mediated by NiV-LV particles bound to the membrane distal domains of CD117 or the glutamate receptor subunit 4 (GluA4) was substantially enhanced by reducing receptor size to below 100 Å. Overall, the data suggest that the NiV glycoproteins are optimally suited for cell-type specific gene delivery with LVs and, in addition, for the first time define which parts of a cell surface protein should be targeted to achieve optimal gene transfer rates with receptor-targeted LVs. Pseudotyping of lentiviral vectors (LVs) with glycoproteins from other enveloped viruses has not only often been revealing in mechanistic studies of particle assembly and entry, but is also of practical importance for gene delivery. LVs pseudotyped with engineered glycoproteins allowing free choice of receptor usage are expected to overcome current limitations in cell-type selectivity of gene transfer. Here we describe for the first time receptor-targeted Nipah virus glycoproteins as important step towards this goal. LV particles carrying the engineered Nipah virus glycoproteins were substantially more efficient in gene delivery than their state-of-the-art measles virus-based counterparts, now making the production of receptor-targeted LVs for clinical applications possible. Moreover, the data define for the first time the molecular requirements for membrane fusion with respect to the position of the receptor binding site relative to the cell membrane, a finding with implications for the molecular evolution of paramyxoviruses using proteinaceous receptors for cell entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben R Bender
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Anke Muth
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Irene C Schneider
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Friedel
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Jessica Hartmann
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Maisner
- Institute for Virology (BMFZ), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
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20
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Friedel T, Jung-Klawitter S, Sebe A, Schenk F, Modlich U, Ivics Z, Schumann GG, Buchholz CJ, Schneider IC. CD30 Receptor-Targeted Lentiviral Vectors for Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Specific Gene Modification. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 25:729-39. [PMID: 26956718 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultures of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) often contain cells of varying grades of pluripotency. We present novel lentiviral vectors targeted to the surface receptor CD30 (CD30-LV) to transfer genes into iPSCs that are truly pluripotent as demonstrated by marker gene expression. We demonstrate that CD30 expression is restricted to SSEA4(high) cells of human iPSC cultures and a human embryonic stem cell line. When CD30-LV was added to iPSCs during routine cultivation, efficient and exclusive transduction of cells positive for the pluripotency marker Oct-4 was achieved, while retaining their pluripotency. When added during the reprogramming process, CD30-LV solely transduced cells that became fully reprogrammed iPSCs as confirmed by co-expression of endogenous Nanog and the reporter gene. Thus, CD30-LV may serve as novel tool for the selective gene transfer into PSCs with broad applications in basic and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Friedel
- 1 Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany
| | | | - Attila Sebe
- 2 Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany
| | - Franziska Schenk
- 3 Research Group for Gene Modification in Stem Cells, LOEWE Center of Cell and Gene Therapy Frankfurt , Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Ute Modlich
- 3 Research Group for Gene Modification in Stem Cells, LOEWE Center of Cell and Gene Therapy Frankfurt , Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- 2 Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany
| | | | - Christian J Buchholz
- 1 Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany
| | - Irene C Schneider
- 1 Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany
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21
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Enhanced lysis by bispecific oncolytic measles viruses simultaneously using HER2/neu or EpCAM as target receptors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2016; 3:16003. [PMID: 27119117 PMCID: PMC4824561 DOI: 10.1038/mto.2016.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
To target oncolytic measles viruses (MV) to tumors, we exploit the binding specificity of designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins). These DARPin-MVs have high tumor selectivity while maintaining excellent oncolytic potency. Stability, small size, and efficacy of DARPins allowed the generation of MVs simultaneously targeted to tumor marker HER2/neu and cancer stem cell (CSC) marker EpCAM. For optimization, the linker connecting both DARPins was varied in flexibility and length. Flexibility had no impact on fusion helper activity whereas length had. MVs with bispecific MV-H are genetically stable and revealed the desired double-target specificity. In vitro, the cytolytic activity of bispecific MVs was superior or comparable to mono-targeted viruses depending on the target cells. In vivo, therapeutic efficacy of the bispecific viruses was validated in an orthotopic ovarian carcinoma model revealing an effective reduction of tumor mass. Finally, the power of bispecific targeting was demonstrated on cocultures of different tumor cells thereby mimicking tumor heterogeneity in vitro, more closely reflecting real tumors. Here, bispecific excelled monospecific viruses in efficacy. DARPin-based targeting domains thus allow the generation of efficacious oncolytic viruses with double specificity, with the potential to handle intratumoral variation of antigen expression and to simultaneously target CSCs and the bulk tumor mass.
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22
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Buchholz CJ, Friedel T, Büning H. Surface-Engineered Viral Vectors for Selective and Cell Type-Specific Gene Delivery. Trends Biotechnol 2015; 33:777-790. [PMID: 26497425 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in gene transfer technology enables the delivery of genes precisely to the application-relevant cell type ex vivo on cultivated primary cells or in vivo on local or systemic administration. Gene vectors based on lentiviruses or adeno-associated viruses can be engineered such that they use a cell surface marker of choice for cell entry instead of their natural receptors. Binding to the surface marker is mediated by a targeting ligand displayed on the vector particle surface, which can be a peptide, single-chain antibody, or designed ankyrin repeat protein. Examples include vectors that deliver genes to specialized endothelial cells or lymphocytes, tumor cells, or particular cells of the nervous system with potential applications in gene function studies and molecular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Buchholz
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner sites Bonn-Cologne and Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
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Lévy C, Verhoeyen E, Cosset FL. Surface engineering of lentiviral vectors for gene transfer into gene therapy target cells. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 24:79-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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