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Reichart B, Cooper DKC, Längin M, Tönjes RR, Pierson RN, Wolf E. Cardiac xenotransplantation: from concept to clinic. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 118:3499-3516. [PMID: 36461918 PMCID: PMC9897693 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
For many patients with terminal/advanced cardiac failure, heart transplantation is the most effective, durable treatment option, and offers the best prospects for a high quality of life. The number of potentially life-saving donated human organs is far fewer than the population who could benefit from a new heart, resulting in increasing numbers of patients awaiting replacement of their failing heart, high waitlist mortality, and frequent reliance on interim mechanical support for many of those deemed among the best candidates but who are deteriorating as they wait. Currently, mechanical assist devices supporting left ventricular or biventricular heart function are the only alternative to heart transplant that is in clinical use. Unfortunately, the complication rate with mechanical assistance remains high despite advances in device design and patient selection and management, and the quality of life of the patients even with good outcomes is only moderately improved. Cardiac xenotransplantation from genetically multi-modified (GM) organ-source pigs is an emerging new option as demonstrated by the consistent long-term success of heterotopic (non-life-supporting) abdominal and life-supporting orthotopic porcine heart transplantation in baboons, and by a recent 'compassionate use' transplant of the heart from a GM pig with 10 modifications into a terminally ill patient who survived for 2 months. In this review, we discuss pig heart xenotransplantation as a concept, including pathobiological aspects related to immune rejection, coagulation dysregulation, and detrimental overgrowth of the heart, as well as GM strategies in pigs to prevent or minimize these problems. Additional topics discussed include relevant results of heterotopic and orthotopic heart transplantation experiments in the pig-to-baboon model, microbiological and virologic safety concepts, and efficacy requirements for initiating formal clinical trials. An adequate regulatory and ethical framework as well as stringent criteria for the selection of patients will be critical for the safe clinical development of cardiac xenotransplantation, which we expect will be clinically tested during the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Reichart
- Walter Brendel Centre for Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - David K C Cooper
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthias Längin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ralf R Tönjes
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen 63225, Germany
| | - Richard N Pierson
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Gene Centre and Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
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2
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Denner J. Virus Safety of Xenotransplantation. Viruses 2022; 14:1926. [PMID: 36146732 PMCID: PMC9503113 DOI: 10.3390/v14091926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The practice of xenotransplantation using pig islet cells or organs is under development to alleviate the shortage of human donor islet cells or organs for the treatment of diabetes or organ failure. Multiple genetically modified pigs were generated to prevent rejection. Xenotransplantation may be associated with the transmission of potentially zoonotic porcine viruses. In order to prevent this, we developed highly sensitive PCR-based, immunologicals and other methods for the detection of numerous xenotransplantation-relevant viruses. These methods were used for the screening of donor pigs and xenotransplant recipients. Of special interest are the porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) that are integrated in the genome of all pigs, which are able to infect human cells, and that cannot be eliminated by methods that other viruses can. We showed, using droplet digital PCR, that the number of PERV proviruses is different in different pigs (usually around 60). Furthermore, the copy number is different in different organs of a single pig, indicating that PERVs are active in the living animals. We showed that in the first clinical trials treating diabetic patients with pig islet cells, no porcine viruses were transmitted. However, in preclinical trials transplanting pig hearts orthotopically into baboons, porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV), a porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV), and porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3), but no PERVs, were transmitted. PCMV/PRV transmission resulted in a significant reduction of the survival time of the xenotransplant. PCMV/PRV was also transmitted in the first pig heart transplantation to a human patient and possibly contributed to the death of the patient. Transmission means that the virus was detected in the recipient, however it remains unclear whether it can infect primate cells, including human cells. We showed previously that PCMV/PRV can be eliminated from donor pigs by early weaning. PERVs were also not transmitted by inoculation of human cell-adapted PERV into small animals, rhesus monkey, baboons and cynomolgus monkeys, even when pharmaceutical immunosuppression was applied. Since PERVs were not transmitted in clinical, preclinical, or infection experiments, it remains unclear whether they should be inactivated in the pig genome by CRISPR/Cas. In summary, by using our sensitive methods, the safety of xenotransplantation can be ensured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Denner
- Institute of Virology, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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3
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Quizon MJ, García AJ. Engineering β Cell Replacement Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes: Biomaterial Advances and Considerations for Macroscale Constructs. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 17:485-513. [PMID: 34813353 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-042320-094846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While significant progress has been made in treatments for type 1 diabetes (T1D) based on exogenous insulin, transplantation of insulin-producing cells (islets or stem cell-derived β cells) remains a promising curative strategy. The current paradigm for T1D cell therapy is clinical islet transplantation (CIT)-the infusion of islets into the liver-although this therapeutic modality comes with its own limitations that deteriorate islet health. Biomaterials can be leveraged to actively address the limitations of CIT, including undesired host inflammatory and immune responses, lack of vascularization, hypoxia, and the absence of native islet extracellular matrix cues. Moreover, in efforts toward a clinically translatable T1D cell therapy, much research now focuses on developing biomaterial platforms at the macroscale, at which implanted platforms can be easily retrieved and monitored. In this review, we discuss how biomaterials have recently been harnessed for macroscale T1D β cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Quizon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA; ,
| | - Andrés J García
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA; ,
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4
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Mourad NI, Xhema D, Gianello P. In vitro assessment of pancreatic hormone secretion from isolated porcine islets. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:935060. [PMID: 36034433 PMCID: PMC9402940 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.935060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential use of porcine islets for transplantation in humans has triggered interest in understanding porcine islet physiology. However, the number of studies dedicated to this topic has remained limited, as most islet physiologists prefer to use the less time-consuming rodent model or the more clinically relevant human islet. An often-overlooked aspect of pig islet physiology is its alpha cell activity and regulation of its glucagon secretion. In vitro islet perifusion is a reliable method to study the dynamics of hormone secretion in response to different stimuli. We thus used this method to quantify and study glucagon secretion from pig islets. Pancreatic islets were isolated from 20 neonatal (14 to 21-day old) and 5 adult (>2 years) pigs and cultured in appropriate media. Islet perifusion experiments were performed 8 to 10 days post-isolation for neonatal islets and 1 to 2 days post-isolation for adult islets. Insulin and glucagon were quantified in perifusion effluent fractions as well as in islet extracts by RIA. Increasing glucose concentration from 1 mM to 15 mM markedly inhibited glucagon secretion independently of animal age. Interestingly, the effect of high glucose was more drastic on glucagon secretion compared to its effect on insulin secretion. In vivo, glucose injection during IVGTT initiated a quick (2-10 minutes) 3-fold decrease of plasmatic glucagon whereas the increase of plasmatic insulin took 20 minutes to become significant. These results suggest that regulation of glucagon secretion significantly contributes to glucose homeostasis in pigs and might compensate for the mild changes in insulin secretion in response to changes in glucose concentration.
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Halecker S, Metzger J, Strube C, Krabben L, Kaufer B, Denner J. Virological and Parasitological Characterization of Mini-LEWE Minipigs Using Improved Screening Methods and an Overview of Data on Various Minipig Breeds. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122617. [PMID: 34946218 PMCID: PMC8706741 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Minipigs play an important role in biomedical research and have also been used as donor animals in xenotransplantation. To serve as a donor in xenotransplantation, the animals must be free of potential zoonotic viruses, bacteria and parasites. Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are integrated in the genome of all pigs and cannot be eliminated as most of the other pig viruses can. PERV-A and PERV-B infect human cells in cell culture and are integrated in all pigs, whereas PERV-C infects only pig cells and it is found in many, but not all pigs. Minipigs are known for a high prevalence of recombinant PERV-A/C viruses able to infect human cells (Denner and Schuurman, Viruses, 2021;13:1869). Here, Mini-LEWE minipigs are screened for the first time for pig viruses including PERV. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 animals were screened using PCR-based methods (PCR, RT-PCR, and real-time PCR). In comparison with our previous screening assays, numerous improvements were introduced, e.g., the usage of gene blocks as a PCR standard and foreign RNA to control reverse transcription in RT-PCR. Using these improved detection methods, Mini-LEWE pigs were found to be negative for porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV), porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV-1, -2 and -3), porcine circoviruses (PCV1, 2, 3 and 4), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV). All animals carried PERV-A, PERV-B and PERV-C in their genome. PERV-A/C was not found. In contrast to all other minipig breeds (Göttingen minipigs, Aachen minipigs, Yucatan micropig, Massachusetts General Hospital miniature pigs), Mini-LEWE minipigs have less viruses and no PERV-A/C. Parasitological screening showed that none of the Mini-LEWE minipigs harbored ecto- and gastrointestinal parasites, but at least one animal tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Halecker
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Julia Metzger
- Research Group Veterinary Functional Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ludwig Krabben
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Benedikt Kaufer
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Joachim Denner
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.H.); (L.K.); (B.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-8386-3059
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6
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Denner J. Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses and Xenotransplantation, 2021. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112156. [PMID: 34834962 PMCID: PMC8625113 DOI: 10.3390/v13112156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are integrated in the genome of all pigs, and some of them are able to infect human cells. Therefore, PERVs pose a risk for xenotransplantation, the transplantation of pig cells, tissues, or organ to humans in order to alleviate the shortage of human donor organs. Up to 2021, a huge body of knowledge about PERVs has been accumulated regarding their biology, including replication, recombination, origin, host range, and immunosuppressive properties. Until now, no PERV transmission has been observed in clinical trials transplanting pig islet cells into diabetic humans, in preclinical trials transplanting pig cells and organs into nonhuman primates with remarkable long survival times of the transplant, and in infection experiments with several animal species. Nevertheless, in order to prevent virus transmission to the recipient, numerous strategies have been developed, including selection of PERV-C-free animals, RNA interference, antiviral drugs, vaccination, and genome editing. Furthermore, at present there are no more experimental approaches to evaluate the full risk until we move to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Denner
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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7
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Ashok B, Peppas NA, Wechsler ME. Lipid- and Polymer-Based Nanoparticle Systems for the Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021; 65:102728. [PMID: 34335878 PMCID: PMC8318345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated (Cas) genome editing systems and their applications in human health and medicine has heralded a new era of biotechnology. However, the delivery of CRISPR therapeutics is arguably the most difficult barrier to overcome for translation to in vivo clinical administration. Appropriate delivery methods are required to efficiently and selectively transport all gene editing components to specific target cells and tissues of interest, while minimizing off-target effects. To overcome this challenge, we discuss and critic nanoparticle delivery strategies, focusing on the use of lipid-based and polymeric-based matrices herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaargavi Ashok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, USA
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, USA
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, USA
| | - Marissa E Wechsler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Reichart B, Längin M, Denner J, Schwinzer R, Cowan PJ, Wolf E. Pathways to Clinical Cardiac Xenotransplantation. Transplantation 2021; 105:1930-1943. [PMID: 33350675 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Heart transplantation is the only long-lasting lifesaving option for patients with terminal cardiac failure. The number of available human organs is however far below the actual need, resulting in substantial mortality of patients while waiting for a human heart. Mechanical assist devices are used to support cardiac function but are associated with a high risk of severe complications and poor quality of life for the patients. Consistent success in orthotopic transplantation of genetically modified pig hearts into baboons indicates that cardiac xenotransplantation may become a clinically applicable option for heart failure patients who cannot get a human heart transplant. In this overview, we project potential paths to clinical cardiac xenotransplantation, including the choice of genetically modified source pigs; associated requirements of microbiological, including virological, safety; optimized matching of source pig and recipient; and specific treatments of the donor heart after explantation and of the recipients. Moreover, selection of patients and the regulatory framework will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Reichart
- Walter Brendel Center for Experimental Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Längin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Denner
- Institute of Virology, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Schwinzer
- Department of General-, Visceral-, and Transplantation Surgery, Transplant Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter J Cowan
- Immunology Research Centre, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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9
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Grazioli S, Petris G. Synthetic genomics for curing genetic diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:477-520. [PMID: 34175051 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
From the beginning of the genome sequencing era, it has become increasingly evident that genetics plays a role in all diseases, of which only a minority are single-gene disorders, the most common target of current gene therapies. However, the majority of people have some kind of health problems resulting from congenital genetic mutations (over 6000 diseases have been associated to genes, https://www.omim.org/statistics/geneMap) and most genetic disorders are rare and only incompletely understood. The vision and techniques applied to the synthesis of genomes may help to address unmet medical needs from a chromosome and genome-scale perspective. In this chapter, we address the potential therapy of genetic diseases from a different outlook, in which we no longer focus on small gene corrections but on higher-order tools for genome manipulation. These will play a crucial role in the next years, as they prelude to a much deeper understanding of the architecture of the human genome and a more accurate modeling of human diseases, offering new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluca Petris
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC LMB), Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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10
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Denner J. The origin of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). Arch Virol 2021; 166:1007-1013. [PMID: 33547957 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04925-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are integrated in the genome of all pigs, and they produce viral particles that are able to infect human cells and therefore pose a special risk for xenotransplantation. In contrast to other pig microorganisms that also pose a risk, such as porcine cytomegalovirus and hepatitis E virus, PERVs cannot be eliminated from pigs by vaccines, antiviral drugs, early weaning, or embryo transfer. Since PERVs are relevant for xenotransplantation, their biology and origin are of great interest. Recent studies have shown that PERVs are the result of a transspecies transmission of precursor retroviruses from different animals and further evolution in the pig genome. PERVs acquired different long terminal repeats (LTRs), and recombination took place. In parallel, it has been shown that the activity of the LTRs and recombination in the envelope are important for the transmissibility and pathogenesis of PERVs. Transspecies transmission of retroviruses is common, a well-known example being the transmission of precursor retroviruses from non-human primates to humans, resulting in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Here, recent findings concerning the origin of PERVs, their LTRs, and recombination events that occurred during evolution are reviewed and compared with other findings regarding transspecies transmission of retroviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Denner
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany. .,Institute for Virology, Free University, Berlin, Germany.
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11
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Denner J, Längin M, Reichart B, Krüger L, Fiebig U, Mokelke M, Radan J, Mayr T, Milusev A, Luther F, Sorvillo N, Rieben R, Brenner P, Walz C, Wolf E, Roshani B, Stahl-Hennig C, Abicht JM. Impact of porcine cytomegalovirus on long-term orthotopic cardiac xenotransplant survival. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17531. [PMID: 33067513 PMCID: PMC7568528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotransplantation using pig organs has achieved survival times up to 195 days in pig orthotopic heart transplantation into baboons. Here we demonstrate that in addition to an improved immunosuppressive regimen, non-ischaemic preservation with continuous perfusion and control of post-transplantation growth of the transplant, prevention of transmission of the porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) plays an important role in achieving long survival times. For the first time we demonstrate that PCMV transmission in orthotopic pig heart xenotransplantation was associated with a reduced survival time of the transplant and increased levels of IL-6 and TNFα were found in the transplanted baboon. Furthermore, high levels of tPA-PAI-1 complexes were found, suggesting a complete loss of the pro-fibrinolytic properties of the endothelial cells. These data show that PCMV has an important impact on transplant survival and call for elimination of PCMV from donor pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Längin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Reichart
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Maren Mokelke
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Radan
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Mayr
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anastasia Milusev
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Luther
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoletta Sorvillo
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Rieben
- Department of Biomedical Research (DMBR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Brenner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Berit Roshani
- Unit of Infection Models, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jan-Michael Abicht
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The use of genetically modified donor pigs has been integral to recent major advances in xenograft survival in preclinical nonhuman primate models. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has dramatically accelerated the development of multimodified pigs. This review examines the current and projected impact of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated donor modification on preventing rejection and potentially promoting tolerance of porcine xenografts. RECENT FINDINGS CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to engineer several genetic modifications relevant to xenotransplantation into pigs, including glycosyltransferase knockouts (GGTA1, CMAH, β4GALNT2, A3GALT2 and combinations thereof), other knockouts (SLA-I, ULBP1, PERV and GHR), and one knock-in (anti-CD2 monoclonal antibody transgene knocked into GGTA1). Although the use of these pigs as donors in preclinical nonhuman primate models has been limited to a single study to date, in-vitro analysis of their cells has provided invaluable information. For example, deletion of three of the glycosyltransferases progressively decreased the binding and cytotoxicity of preexisting immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M in human sera, suggesting that this 'triple-KO' pig could be a platform for clinical xenotransplantation. SUMMARY CRISPR-Cas9 enables the rapid generation of gene-edited pigs containing multiple tailored genetic modifications that are anticipated to have a positive impact on the efficacy and safety of pig-to-human xenotransplantation.
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13
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Krüger L, Kristiansen Y, Reuber E, Möller L, Laue M, Reimer C, Denner J. A Comprehensive Strategy for Screening for Xenotransplantation-Relevant Viruses in a Second Isolated Population of Göttingen Minipigs. Viruses 2019; 12:v12010038. [PMID: 31905731 PMCID: PMC7019624 DOI: 10.3390/v12010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotransplantation using pig tissues and organs is under development in order to alleviate the increasing shortage of human transplants. Since xenotransplantation may be associated with the transmission of porcine microorganisms to the human recipient, the donor pigs should be carefully analyzed, especially for the presence of potentially zoonotic viruses. Göttingen Minipigs (GöMP) are potential donors of islet cells for the treatment of diabetes. Despite the fact that all animals produced at Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs A/S carry porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) in their genome and that very few animals were infected with porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV), hepatitis E virus (HEV) and porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus (PLHV), no transmission of these viruses was observed in a preclinical trial transplanting GöMP islet cells into cynomolgus monkeys. Using a new comprehensive strategy, we then analyzed an isolated subpopulation of Göttingen Minipigs which remained at the University of Göttingen. We concentrated on 11 xenotransplantation-relevant viruses and combined co-incubation assays with susceptible human target cells and molecular biological methods to evaluate the risk posed by PERV. All animals in Göttingen carry PERV-A, PERV-B, and PERV-C in their genome but they are not infected with PCMV, PLHV and HEV. The difference may be explained by selection of negative animals and/or de novo infection. The PERV copy number was established using ddPCR (93 copies) and a human-tropic PERV-A/C was found released from PBMCs of one animal with a high expression of PERV-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Krüger
- Robert Koch Institute, HIV and Other Retroviruses, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (L.K.); (Y.K.); (E.R.)
| | - Yannick Kristiansen
- Robert Koch Institute, HIV and Other Retroviruses, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (L.K.); (Y.K.); (E.R.)
| | - Emelie Reuber
- Robert Koch Institute, HIV and Other Retroviruses, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (L.K.); (Y.K.); (E.R.)
| | - Lars Möller
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens ZBS 4: Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (L.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Michael Laue
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens ZBS 4: Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (L.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Christian Reimer
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joachim Denner
- Robert Koch Institute, Robert Koch Fellow, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-18754-2800
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14
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Pan D, Liu T, Lei T, Zhu H, Wang Y, Deng S. Progress in multiple genetically modified minipigs for xenotransplantation in China. Xenotransplantation 2019; 26:e12492. [PMID: 30775816 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pig-to-human organ transplantation provides an alternative for critical shortage of human organs worldwide. Genetically modified pigs are promising donors for xenotransplantation as they show many anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. However, immunological rejection including hyperacute rejection (HAR), acute humoral xenograft rejection (AHXR), immune cell-mediated rejection, and other barriers associated with xenotransplantation must be overcome with various strategies for the genetic modification of pigs. In this review, we summarize the outcomes of genetically modified and cloned pigs achieved by Chinese scientists to resolve the above-mentioned problems in xenotransplantation. It is now possible to knockout several porcine genes associated with the expression of sugar residues, antigens for (naturally) existing antibodies in humans, including GGTA1, CMAH, and β4GalNT2, and thereby preventing the antigen-antibody response. Moreover, insertion of human complement- and coagulation-regulatory transgenes, such as CD46, CD55, CD59, and hTBM, can further overcome effects of the humoral immune response and coagulation dysfunction, while expression of regulatory factors of immune responses can inhibit the adaptive immune rejection. Furthermore, transgenic strategies have been developed by Chinese scientists to reduce the potential risk of infections by endogenous porcine retroviruses (PERVs). Breeding of multi-gene low-immunogenicity pigs in China is also presented in this review. Lastly, we will briefly mention the preclinical studies on pig-to-non-human primate xenotransplantation conducted in several centers in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengke Pan
- Organ Transplant and Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of an Transplant Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tiantian Lei
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Huibin Zhu
- Chengdu Clonorgan Biotechnology Co., LTD, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Health Management Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaoping Deng
- Organ Transplant and Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of an Transplant Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
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15
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Scobie L, Denner J. Theme issue on infections and safety-An introduction. Xenotransplantation 2019; 25:e12447. [PMID: 30264885 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Scobie
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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16
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Scobie L, Crossan C, Mourad NI, Galli C, Perota A, Gianello P. Viral pathogens: What are they and do they matter? Xenotransplantation 2018; 25:e12412. [PMID: 29913035 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Claire Crossan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nizar I Mourad
- Laboratoire de Chirurgie Expérimentale et Transplantation, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Pierre Gianello
- Laboratoire de Chirurgie Expérimentale et Transplantation, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Cowan PJ. The 2017 IXA Presidential Lecture: Recent developments in xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2018; 25:e12416. [DOI: 10.1111/xen.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Cowan
- Immunology Research Centre; St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne; Department of Medicine; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. Australia
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18
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Weiss RA. Infection hazards of xenotransplantation: Retrospect and prospect. Xenotransplantation 2018; 25:e12401. [PMID: 29756309 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Weiss
- Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Denner J, Scobie L, Schuurman HJ. Is it currently possible to evaluate the risk posed by PERVs for clinical xenotransplantation? Xenotransplantation 2018; 25:e12403. [DOI: 10.1111/xen.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Scobie
- School of Health and Life Sciences; Glasgow Caledonian University; Glasgow UK
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20
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Denner J. Why was PERV not transmitted during preclinical and clinical xenotransplantation trials and after inoculation of animals? Retrovirology 2018; 15:28. [PMID: 29609635 PMCID: PMC5879552 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are present in the genome of all pigs, they infect certain human cells and therefore pose a special risk for xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues and organs. Xenotransplantation is being developed in order to alleviate the reduced availability of human organs. Despite the fact that PERVs are able to infect certain human cells and cells from other species, transmission of PERVs has not been observed when animals (including non-human primates) were inoculated with PERV preparations or during preclinical xenotransplantations. The data indicate that PERVs were not transmitted because they were not released from the transplant or were inhibited by intracellular restriction factors and innate immunity in the recipient. In a single study in guinea pigs, a transient PERV infection and anti-PERV antibodies were described, indicating that in this case at least, the immune system may also have been involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Denner
- Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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