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Mohammadian Gol T, Zahedipour F, Trosien P, Ureña-Bailén G, Kim M, Antony JS, Mezger M. Gene therapy in pediatrics - Clinical studies and approved drugs (as of 2023). Life Sci 2024; 348:122685. [PMID: 38710276 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy in pediatrics represents a cutting-edge therapeutic strategy for treating a range of genetic disorders that manifest in childhood. Gene therapy involves the modification or correction of a mutated gene or the introduction of a functional gene into a patient's cells. In general, it is implemented through two main modalities namely ex vivo gene therapy and in vivo gene therapy. Currently, a noteworthy array of gene therapy products has received valid market authorization, with several others in various stages of the approval process. Additionally, a multitude of clinical trials are actively underway, underscoring the dynamic progress within this field. Pediatric genetic disorders in the fields of hematology, oncology, vision and hearing loss, immunodeficiencies, neurological, and metabolic disorders are areas for gene therapy interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current progress of gene therapy-based treatments in the clinic for pediatric patients. It navigates the historical milestones of gene therapies, currently approved gene therapy products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or European Medicines Agency (EMA) for children, and the promising future for genetic disorders. By providing a thorough compilation of approved gene therapy drugs and published results of completed or ongoing clinical trials, this review serves as a guide for pediatric clinicians to get a quick overview of the situation of clinical studies and approved gene therapy products as of 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mohammadian Gol
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Zahedipour
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Paul Trosien
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guillermo Ureña-Bailén
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miso Kim
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Justin S Antony
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Mezger
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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2
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Ay C, Reinisch A. Gene therapy: principles, challenges and use in clinical practice. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024:10.1007/s00508-024-02368-8. [PMID: 38713227 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-024-02368-8] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gene therapy is an emerging topic in medicine. The first products have already been licensed in the European Union for the treatment of immune deficiency, spinal muscular atrophy, hemophilia, retinal dystrophy, a rare neurotransmitter disorder and some hematological cancers, while many more are being assessed in preclinical and clinical trials. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the core principles of gene therapy along with information on challenges and risks. Benefits, adverse effects and potential risks are illustrated based on the examples of hemophilia and spinal muscular atrophy. RESULTS At present, in-vitro and in-vivo gene addition or gene augmentation is the most commonly established type of gene therapy. More recently, more sophisticated and precise approaches such as in situ gene editing have moved into focus. However, all types of gene therapy require long-term observation of treated patients to ensure safety, efficacy, predictability and durability. Important safety concerns include immune reactions to the vector, the foreign DNA or the new protein resulting from gene therapy, and a remaining low cancer risk based on insertional mutagenesis. Ethical and regulatory issues need to be addressed, and new reimbursement models are called for to ease the financial burden that this new treatment poses for the health care system. CONCLUSION Gene therapy holds great promise for considerable improvement or even cure of genetic diseases with serious clinical consequences. However, a number of questions and issues need to be clarified to ensure broad accessibility of safe and efficacious products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Ay
- Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Haematology and Haemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andreas Reinisch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Department for Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 38, 8036, Graz, Austria.
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G Popova P, Chen SP, Liao S, Sadarangani M, Blakney AK. Clinical perspective on topical vaccination strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115292. [PMID: 38522725 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most successful measures in modern medicine to combat diseases, especially infectious diseases, and saves millions of lives every year. Vaccine design and development remains critical and involves many aspects, including the choice of platform, antigen, adjuvant, and route of administration. Topical vaccination, defined herein as the introduction of a vaccine to any of the three layers of the human skin, has attracted interest in recent years as an alternative vaccination approach to the conventional intramuscular administration because of its potential to be needle-free and induce a superior immune response against pathogens. In this review, we describe recent progress in developing topical vaccines, highlight progress in the development of delivery technologies for topical vaccines, discuss potential factors that might impact the topical vaccine efficacy, and provide an overview of the current clinical landscape of topical vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya G Popova
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sunny P Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Suiyang Liao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada; Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Anna K Blakney
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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4
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Cesana D, Cicalese MP, Calabria A, Merli P, Caruso R, Volpin M, Rudilosso L, Migliavacca M, Barzaghi F, Fossati C, Gazzo F, Pizzi S, Ciolfi A, Bruselles A, Tucci F, Spinozzi G, Pais G, Benedicenti F, Barcella M, Merelli I, Gallina P, Giannelli S, Dionisio F, Scala S, Casiraghi M, Strocchio L, Vinti L, Pacillo L, Draghi E, Cesana M, Riccardo S, Colantuono C, Six E, Cavazzana M, Carlucci F, Schmidt M, Cancrini C, Ciceri F, Vago L, Cacchiarelli D, Gentner B, Naldini L, Tartaglia M, Montini E, Locatelli F, Aiuti A. A case of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in retroviral gene therapy for ADA-SCID. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3662. [PMID: 38688902 PMCID: PMC11061298 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47866-5] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (GT) using a γ-retroviral vector (γ-RV) is an effective treatment for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency due to Adenosine Deaminase deficiency. Here, we describe a case of GT-related T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) that developed 4.7 years after treatment. The patient underwent chemotherapy and haploidentical transplantation and is currently in remission. Blast cells contain a single vector insertion activating the LIM-only protein 2 (LMO2) proto-oncogene, confirmed by physical interaction, and low Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) activity resulting from methylation of viral promoter. The insertion is detected years before T-ALL in multiple lineages, suggesting that further hits occurred in a thymic progenitor. Blast cells contain known and novel somatic mutations as well as germline mutations which may have contributed to transformation. Before T-ALL onset, the insertion profile is similar to those of other ADA-deficient patients. The limited incidence of vector-related adverse events in ADA-deficiency compared to other γ-RV GT trials could be explained by differences in transgenes, background disease and patient's specific factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cesana
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Cicalese
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Paediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calabria
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Merli
- IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Monica Volpin
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Rudilosso
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Migliavacca
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Paediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Barzaghi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Paediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Fossati
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Gazzo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Pizzi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciolfi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bruselles
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Tucci
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Paediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Spinozzi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Pais
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Benedicenti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Barcella
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate, Italy
| | - Pierangela Gallina
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Giannelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Dionisio
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Scala
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Miriam Casiraghi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Lucia Pacillo
- Immune and Infectious Diseases Division, Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Academic Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Draghi
- Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Cesana
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Riccardo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
- NEGEDIA S.r.l., Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Colantuono
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
- NEGEDIA S.r.l., Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Emmanuelle Six
- Laboratory of Human Lympho-hematopoiesis, INSERM, Paris, France
| | | | - Filippo Carlucci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Cancrini
- Immune and Infectious Diseases Division, Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Academic Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- School for Advanced Studies, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Aiuti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Paediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Liu X, Chan VSF, Smith KGC, Ming C, Or CS, Tsui FTW, Gao B, Cook MC, Liu P, Lau CS, Li PH. Recapitulating primary immunodeficiencies with expanded potential stem cells: Proof of concept with STAT1 gain of function. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:1125-1139. [PMID: 38072195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.11.914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) often lack specific disease models and personalized management. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1 gain of function (GoF) is such example of an IEI with diverse clinical phenotype with unclear pathomechanisms and unpredictable response to therapy. Limitations in obtaining fresh samples for functional testing and research further highlights the need for patient-specific ex vivo platforms. OBJECTIVE Using STAT1-GoF as an example IEI, we investigated the potential of patient-derived expanded potential stem cells (EPSC) as an ex vivo platform for disease modeling and personalized treatment. METHODS We generated EPSC derived from individual STAT1-GoF patients. STAT1 mutations were confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Functional testing including STAT1 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and gene expression with or without Janus activating kinase inhibitors were performed. Functional tests were repeated on EPSC lines with GoF mutations repaired by CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9) editing. RESULTS EPSC were successfully reprogrammed from STAT1-GoF patients and expressed the same pluripotent makers as controls, with distinct morphologic differences. Patient-derived EPSC recapitulated the functional abnormalities of index STAT1-GoF patients with STAT1 hyperphosphorylation and increased expression of STAT1 and its downstream genes (IRF1, APOL6, and OAS1) after IFN-γ stimulation. Addition of ruxolitinib and baricitinib inhibited STAT1 hyperactivation in STAT1-GoF EPSC in a dose-dependent manner, which was not observed with tofacitinib. Corrected STAT1 phosphorylation and downstream gene expression were observed among repaired STAT1-GoF EPSC cell lines. CONCLUSION This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of our patient-derived EPSC platform to model STAT1-GoF. We propose this platform when researching, recapitulating, and repairing other IEI in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Liu
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vera S F Chan
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kenneth G C Smith
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Ming
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung Sze Or
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Faria T W Tsui
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew C Cook
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pentao Liu
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip Hei Li
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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6
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Sirpilla O, Sakemura RL, Hefazi M, Huynh TN, Can I, Girsch JH, Tapper EE, Cox MJ, Schick KJ, Manriquez-Roman C, Yun K, Stewart CM, Ogbodo EJ, Kimball BL, Mai LK, Gutierrez-Ruiz OL, Rodriguez ML, Gluscevic M, Larson DP, Abel AM, Wierson WA, Olivier G, Siegler EL, Kenderian SS. Mesenchymal stromal cells with chimaeric antigen receptors for enhanced immunosuppression. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:443-460. [PMID: 38561490 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a safe treatment option for many disorders of the immune system. However, clinical trials using MSCs have shown inconsistent therapeutic efficacy, mostly owing to MSCs providing insufficient immunosuppression in target tissues. Here we show that antigen-specific immunosuppression can be enhanced by genetically modifying MSCs with chimaeric antigen receptors (CARs), as we show for E-cadherin-targeted CAR-MSCs for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease in mice. CAR-MSCs led to superior T-cell suppression and localization to E-cadherin+ colonic cells, ameliorating the animals' symptoms and survival rates. On antigen-specific stimulation, CAR-MSCs upregulated the expression of immunosuppressive genes and receptors for T-cell inhibition as well as the production of immunosuppressive cytokines while maintaining their stem cell phenotype and safety profile in the animal models. CAR-MSCs may represent a widely applicable therapeutic technology for enhancing immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Sirpilla
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - R Leo Sakemura
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mehrdad Hefazi
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Truc N Huynh
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ismail Can
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James H Girsch
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Erin E Tapper
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michelle J Cox
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kendall J Schick
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Claudia Manriquez-Roman
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kun Yun
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Carli M Stewart
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ekene J Ogbodo
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brooke L Kimball
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Long K Mai
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Omar L Gutierrez-Ruiz
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Makena L Rodriguez
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Martina Gluscevic
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Daniel P Larson
- Division of Hematopathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alex M Abel
- LifEngine Animal Health Laboratories Incorporated, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Wesley A Wierson
- LifEngine Animal Health Laboratories Incorporated, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gloria Olivier
- Department of Business Development, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Siegler
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Saad S Kenderian
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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7
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Švajger U, Kamenšek U. Interleukins and interferons in mesenchymal stromal stem cell-based gene therapy of cancer. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024:S1359-6101(24)00021-2. [PMID: 38508954 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.03.002] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is importantly shaped by various cytokines, where interleukins (ILs) and interferons (IFNs) shape the balance of immune activity within tumor niche and associated lymphoid organs. Their importance in activation and tuning of both innate and adaptive immune responses prompted their use in several clinical trials, albeit with limited therapeutic efficacy and risk of toxicity due to systemic administration. Increasing preclinical evidence suggests that local delivery of ILs and IFNs could significantly increase their effectiveness, while simultaneously attenuate the known side effects and issues related to their biological activity. A prominent way to achieve this is to use cell-based delivery vehicles. For this purpose, mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) are considered an almost ideal candidate. Namely, MSCs can be obtained in large quantities and from obtainable sources (e.g. umbilical cord or adipose tissue), their ex vivo expansion is relatively straightforward compared to other cell types and they possess very low immunogenicity making them suitable for allogeneic use. Importantly, MSCs have shown an intrinsic capacity to respond to tumor-directed chemotaxis. This review provides a focused and detailed discussion on MSC-based gene therapy using ILs and IFNs, engineering techniques and insights on potential future advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urban Švajger
- Slovenian Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Department for Therapeutic Services, Šlajmerjeva Ulica 6, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Urška Kamenšek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška Cesta 2, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
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8
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Ghanim HY, Porteus MH. Gene regulation in inborn errors of immunity: Implications for gene therapy design and efficacy. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:157-177. [PMID: 38233996 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) present a unique paradigm in the realm of gene therapy, emphasizing the need for precision in therapeutic design. As gene therapy transitions from broad-spectrum gene addition to careful modification of specific genes, the enduring safety and effectiveness of these therapies in clinical settings have become crucial. This review discusses the significance of IEIs as foundational models for pioneering and refining precision medicine. We explore the capabilities of gene addition and gene correction platforms in modifying the DNA sequence of primary cells tailored for IEIs. The review uses four specific IEIs to highlight key issues in gene therapy strategies: X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD), X-linked hyper IgM syndrome (XHIGM), and immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX). We detail the regulatory intricacies and therapeutic innovations for each disorder, incorporating insights from relevant clinical trials. For most IEIs, regulated expression is a vital aspect of the underlying biology, and we discuss the importance of endogenous regulation in developing gene therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Y Ghanim
- Division of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Matthew H Porteus
- Division of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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9
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Hurabielle C, LaFlam TN, Gearing M, Ye CJ. Functional genomics in inborn errors of immunity. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:53-70. [PMID: 38329267 PMCID: PMC10950534 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) comprise a diverse spectrum of 485 disorders as recognized by the International Union of Immunological Societies Committee on Inborn Error of Immunity in 2022. While IEI are monogenic by definition, they illuminate various pathways involved in the pathogenesis of polygenic immune dysregulation as in autoimmune or autoinflammatory syndromes, or in more common infectious diseases that may not have a significant genetic basis. Rapid improvement in genomic technologies has been the main driver of the accelerated rate of discovery of IEI and has led to the development of innovative treatment strategies. In this review, we will explore various facets of IEI, delving into the distinctions between PIDD and PIRD. We will examine how Mendelian inheritance patterns contribute to these disorders and discuss advancements in functional genomics that aid in characterizing new IEI. Additionally, we will explore how emerging genomic tools help to characterize new IEI as well as how they are paving the way for innovative treatment approaches for managing and potentially curing these complex immune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hurabielle
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Taylor N LaFlam
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melissa Gearing
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chun Jimmie Ye
- Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Institute of Computational Health Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone Genomic Immunology Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Arc Institute, Palo Alto, California, USA
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10
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Banerjee R, Poh C, Hirayama AV, Gauthier J, Cassaday RD, Shadman M, Cowan AJ, Till BG, Green DJ, Kiem HP, Gopal AK, Maloney DG. Answering the "Doctor, can CAR-T therapy cause cancer?" question in clinic. Blood Adv 2024; 8:895-898. [PMID: 38197942 PMCID: PMC10875255 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Banerjee
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Christina Poh
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Alexandre V. Hirayama
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jordan Gauthier
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Ryan D. Cassaday
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Mazyar Shadman
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Andrew J. Cowan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Brian G. Till
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Damian J. Green
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Ajay K. Gopal
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - David G. Maloney
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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11
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Aggeletopoulou I, Kalafateli M, Triantos C. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2631. [PMID: 38473878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge that urgently calls for innovative therapeutic strategies. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy has emerged as a promising avenue for HCC treatment. However, the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T immunotherapy in HCC patients is significantly compromised by some major issues including the immunosuppressive environment within the tumor, antigen heterogeneity, CAR T cell exhaustion, and the advanced risk for on-target/off-tumor toxicity. To overcome these challenges, many ongoing preclinical and clinical trials are underway focusing on the identification of optimal target antigens and the decryption of the immunosuppressive milieu of HCC. Moreover, limited tumor infiltration constitutes a significant obstacle of CAR T cell therapy that should be addressed. The continuous effort to design molecular targets for CAR cells highlights the importance for a more practical approach for CAR-modified cell manufacturing. This review critically examines the current landscape of CAR T cell therapy for HCC, shedding light on the changes in innate and adaptive immune responses in the context of HCC, identifying potential CAR T cell targets, and exploring approaches to overcome inherent challenges. Ongoing advancements in scientific research and convergence of diverse treatment modalities offer the potential to greatly enhance HCC patients' care in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Aggeletopoulou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Kalafateli
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Patras, 26332 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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12
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Mücke MM, Fong S, Foster GR, Lillicrap D, Miesbach W, Zeuzem S. Adeno-associated viruses for gene therapy - clinical implications and liver-related complications, a guide for hepatologists. J Hepatol 2024; 80:352-361. [PMID: 37890721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has garnered increasing interest over recent decades. Several therapies employing gene transfer mechanisms have been developed, and, of these, adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have demonstrated viability for use with in vivo gene therapy. Several AAV-based therapeutics have received regulatory approval in the last few years including those for retinal disease, spinal muscular atrophy or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. Lately, with the introduction of novel liver-directed AAV vector-based therapeutics for the treatment of haemophilia A and B, gene therapy has attracted significant attention in the hepatology community, with the liver increasingly recognised as a target for gene therapy. However, the introduction of foreign DNA into hepatocytes is associated with a risk of hepatic reactions, with raised ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) being - so far - the most commonly reported side effects. The complete mechanisms underlying the ALT flairs remain to be determined and the long-term risks associated with these new treatments is not yet known. The liver community is increasingly being asked to support liver-directed gene therapy to mitigate potential liver associated harm. In this review, we focus on AAV vector-based gene therapy, shedding light on this promising technique and its remarkable success in haemophilia, with a special focus on hepatic complications and their management in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Maximilian Mücke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sylvia Fong
- Research and Early Development, BioMarin Pharmaceutical. Inc, San Rafael, United States
| | - Graham R Foster
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, QMUL, London, United Kingdom.
| | - David Lillicrap
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Wolfgang Miesbach
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Haemostaseology and Haemophilia Centre, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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13
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Ago Y, Rintz E, Musini KS, Ma Z, Tomatsu S. Molecular Mechanisms in Pathophysiology of Mucopolysaccharidosis and Prospects for Innovative Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1113. [PMID: 38256186 PMCID: PMC10816168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021113] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of inborn errors of the metabolism caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzymes required to break down molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These GAGs accumulate over time in various tissues and disrupt multiple biological systems, including catabolism of other substances, autophagy, and mitochondrial function. These pathological changes ultimately increase oxidative stress and activate innate immunity and inflammation. We have described the pathophysiology of MPS and activated inflammation in this paper, starting with accumulating the primary storage materials, GAGs. At the initial stage of GAG accumulation, affected tissues/cells are reversibly affected but progress irreversibly to: (1) disruption of substrate degradation with pathogenic changes in lysosomal function, (2) cellular dysfunction, secondary/tertiary accumulation (toxins such as GM2 or GM3 ganglioside, etc.), and inflammatory process, and (3) progressive tissue/organ damage and cell death (e.g., skeletal dysplasia, CNS impairment, etc.). For current and future treatment, several potential treatments for MPS that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and bone have been proposed and/or are in clinical trials, including targeting peptides and molecular Trojan horses such as monoclonal antibodies attached to enzymes via receptor-mediated transport. Gene therapy trials with AAV, ex vivo LV, and Sleeping Beauty transposon system for MPS are proposed and/or underway as innovative therapeutic options. In addition, possible immunomodulatory reagents that can suppress MPS symptoms have been summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Ago
- Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (Y.A.); (K.S.M.); (Z.M.)
| | - Estera Rintz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Krishna Sai Musini
- Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (Y.A.); (K.S.M.); (Z.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Zhengyu Ma
- Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (Y.A.); (K.S.M.); (Z.M.)
| | - Shunji Tomatsu
- Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (Y.A.); (K.S.M.); (Z.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1112, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
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14
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Autio MI, Motakis E, Perrin A, Bin Amin T, Tiang Z, Do DV, Wang J, Tan J, Ding SSL, Tan WX, Lee CJM, Teo AKK, Foo RSY. Computationally defined and in vitro validated putative genomic safe harbour loci for transgene expression in human cells. eLife 2024; 13:e79592. [PMID: 38164941 PMCID: PMC10836832 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79592] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Selection of the target site is an inherent question for any project aiming for directed transgene integration. Genomic safe harbour (GSH) loci have been proposed as safe sites in the human genome for transgene integration. Although several sites have been characterised for transgene integration in the literature, most of these do not meet criteria set out for a GSH and the limited set that do have not been characterised extensively. Here, we conducted a computational analysis using publicly available data to identify 25 unique putative GSH loci that reside in active chromosomal compartments. We validated stable transgene expression and minimal disruption of the native transcriptome in three GSH sites in vitro using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their differentiated progeny. Furthermore, for easy targeted transgene expression, we have engineered constitutive landing pad expression constructs into the three validated GSH in hESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias I Autio
- Laboratory of Molecular Epigenomics and Chromatin Organization, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Data Analytics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Efthymios Motakis
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Arnaud Perrin
- Laboratory of Molecular Epigenomics and Chromatin Organization, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Talal Bin Amin
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Data Analytics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zenia Tiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Epigenomics and Chromatin Organization, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dang Vinh Do
- Laboratory of Molecular Epigenomics and Chromatin Organization, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jiaxu Wang
- Laboratory of RNA Genomics and Structure, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanna Tan
- Center for Genome Diagnostics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shirley Suet Lee Ding
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Xuan Tan
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chang Jie Mick Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Epigenomics and Chromatin Organization, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger S Y Foo
- Laboratory of Molecular Epigenomics and Chromatin Organization, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Moço PD, Dash S, Kamen AA. Enhancement of adeno-associated virus serotype 6 transduction into T cells with cell-penetrating peptides. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3627. [PMID: 37957034 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3627] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are gaining interest in the development of cellular immunotherapy. Compared to other viral vectors, AAVs can reduce the risk of insertional oncogenesis. AAV serotype 6 (AAV6) shows the highest efficiency for transducing T cells. Nevertheless, a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of up to one million viral genomes per cell is required to transduce the target cells effectively. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short, positively charged peptides that easily translocate the plasma membranes and can facilitate the cellular uptake of a wide variety of cargoes, including small molecules, nucleic acids, drugs, proteins and viral vectors. METHODS The present study evaluated five CPPs (Antp, TAT-HA2, LAH4, TAT1 and TAT2) on their effects on enhancing transduction of AAV6 packaging a green fluorescent protein transgene into Jurkat T cell line. RESULTS Vector incubation with peptides TAT-HA2 and LAH4 at a final concentration of 0.2 mm resulted in an approximately two-fold increase in transduced cells. At the lowest MOI tested (1.25 × 104 ), using LAH4 resulted in a 10-fold increase in transduction efficiency. The peptide LAH4 increased the uptake of AAV6 viral particles in both Jurkat cells and mouse primary T cells. Regardless of the large size of the AAV6-LAH4 complexes, their internalization does not appear to depend on macropinocytosis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the present study reports an approach to significantly improve the delivery of transgenes into T cells using AAV6 vectors. Notably, the peptides TAT-HA2 and LAH4 contribute to improving the use of AAV6 as a gene delivery vector for the engineering of T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo D Moço
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shantoshini Dash
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amine A Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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16
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Waddington SN, Peranteau WH, Rahim AA, Boyle AK, Kurian MA, Gissen P, Chan JKY, David AL. Fetal gene therapy. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:192-210. [PMID: 37470194 PMCID: PMC10799196 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Fetal gene therapy was first proposed toward the end of the 1990s when the field of gene therapy was, to quote the Gartner hype cycle, at its "peak of inflated expectations." Gene therapy was still an immature field but over the ensuing decade, it matured and is now a clinical and market reality. The trajectory of treatment for several genetic diseases is toward earlier intervention. The ability, capacity, and the will to diagnose genetic disease early-in utero-improves day by day. A confluence of clinical trials now signposts a trajectory toward fetal gene therapy. In this review, we recount the history of fetal gene therapy in the context of the broader field, discuss advances in fetal surgery and diagnosis, and explore the full ambit of preclinical gene therapy for inherited metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N Waddington
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - William H Peranteau
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ashley K Boyle
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anna L David
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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17
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Rossi A, Brunetti-Pierri N. Gene therapies for mucopolysaccharidoses. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:135-144. [PMID: 37204267 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Current specific treatments for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Both treatments are hampered by several limitations, including lack of efficacy on brain and skeletal manifestations, need for lifelong injections, and high costs. Therefore, more effective treatments are needed. Gene therapy in MPSs is aimed at obtaining high levels of the therapeutic enzyme in multiple tissues either by engrafted gene-modified hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (ex vivo) or by direct infusion of a viral vector expressing the therapeutic gene (in vivo). This review focuses on the most recent clinical progress in gene therapies for MPSs. The various gene therapy approaches with their strengths and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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18
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Karpov DS, Sosnovtseva AO, Pylina SV, Bastrich AN, Petrova DA, Kovalev MA, Shuvalova AI, Eremkina AK, Mokrysheva NG. Challenges of CRISPR/Cas-Based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: How Not to Engineer a "Trojan Horse". Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17320. [PMID: 38139149 PMCID: PMC10743607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417320] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas by cytotoxic T-cells. To date, there are no drugs that can prevent the development of T1D. Insulin replacement therapy is the standard care for patients with T1D. This treatment is life-saving, but is expensive, can lead to acute and long-term complications, and results in reduced overall life expectancy. This has stimulated the research and development of alternative treatments for T1D. In this review, we consider potential therapies for T1D using cellular regenerative medicine approaches with a focus on CRISPR/Cas-engineered cellular products. However, CRISPR/Cas as a genome editing tool has several drawbacks that should be considered for safe and efficient cell engineering. In addition, cellular engineering approaches themselves pose a hidden threat. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss novel strategies for the treatment of T1D using genome editing technology. A well-designed approach to β-cell derivation using CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technology will significantly reduce the risk of incorrectly engineered cell products that could behave as a "Trojan horse".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S. Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasiia O. Sosnovtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Svetlana V. Pylina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Asya N. Bastrich
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Darya A. Petrova
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Maxim A. Kovalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasija I. Shuvalova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anna K. Eremkina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Natalia G. Mokrysheva
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
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Uchiyama T, Kawai T, Nakabayashi K, Nakazawa Y, Goto F, Okamura K, Nishimura T, Kato K, Watanabe N, Miura A, Yasuda T, Ando Y, Minegishi T, Edasawa K, Shimura M, Akiba Y, Sato-Otsubo A, Mizukami T, Kato M, Akashi K, Nunoi H, Onodera M. Myelodysplasia after clonal hematopoiesis with APOBEC3-mediated CYBB inactivation in retroviral gene therapy for X-CGD. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3424-3440. [PMID: 37705244 PMCID: PMC10727956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell gene therapy using the MFGS-gp91phox retroviral vector was performed on a 27-year-old patient with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) in 2014. The patient's refractory infections were resolved, whereas the oxidase-positive neutrophils disappeared within 6 months. Thirty-two months after gene therapy, the patient developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and vector integration into the MECOM locus was identified in blast cells. The vector integration into MECOM was detectable in most myeloid cells at 12 months after gene therapy. However, the patient exhibited normal hematopoiesis until the onset of MDS, suggesting that MECOM transactivation contributed to clonal hematopoiesis, and the blast transformation likely arose after the acquisition of additional genetic lesions. In whole-genome sequencing, the biallelic loss of the WT1 tumor suppressor gene, which occurred immediately before tumorigenesis, was identified as a potential candidate genetic alteration. The provirus CYBB cDNA in the blasts contained 108 G-to-A mutations exclusively in the coding strand, suggesting the occurrence of APOBEC3-mediated hypermutations during the transduction of CD34-positive cells. A hypermutation-mediated loss of oxidase activity may have facilitated the survival and proliferation of the clone with MECOM transactivation. Our data provide valuable insights into the complex mechanisms underlying the development of leukemia in X-CGD gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Uchiyama
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Toshinao Kawai
- Division of Immunology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Nakazawa
- Division of Immunology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Goto
- Division of Immunology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohji Okamura
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toyoki Nishimura
- Division of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Koji Kato
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Watanabe
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akane Miura
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Yasuda
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ando
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Minegishi
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Edasawa
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marika Shimura
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Akiba
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aiko Sato-Otsubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Mizukami
- Department of Pediatrics, NHO Kumamoto Medical Center, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Motohiro Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Akashi
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nunoi
- Division of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Masafumi Onodera
- Department of Human Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Ott de Bruin LM, Lankester AC, Staal FJ. Advances in gene therapy for inborn errors of immunity. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 23:467-477. [PMID: 37846903 PMCID: PMC10621649 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Provide an overview of the landmark accomplishments and state of the art of gene therapy for inborn errors of immunity (IEI). RECENT FINDINGS Three decades after the first clinical application of gene therapy for IEI, there is one market authorized product available, while for several others efficacy has been demonstrated or is currently being tested in ongoing clinical trials. Gene editing approaches using programmable nucleases are being explored preclinically and could be beneficial for genes requiring tightly regulated expression, gain-of-function mutations and dominant-negative mutations. SUMMARY Gene therapy by modifying autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) offers an attractive alternative to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the current standard of care to treat severe IEI. This approach does not require availability of a suitable allogeneic donor and eliminates the risk of graft versus host disease (GvHD). Gene therapy can be attempted by using a viral vector to add a copy of the therapeutic gene (viral gene addition) or by using programmable nucleases (gene editing) to precisely correct mutations, disrupt a gene or introduce an entire copy of a gene at a specific locus. However, gene therapy comes with its own challenges such as safety, therapeutic effectiveness and access. For viral gene addition, a major safety concern is vector-related insertional mutagenesis, although this has been greatly reduced with the introduction of safer vectors. For gene editing, the risk of off-site mutagenesis is a main driver behind the ongoing search for modified nucleases. For both approaches, HSCs have to be manipulated ex vivo, and doing this efficiently without losing stemness remains a challenge, especially for gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Ott de Bruin
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program and Laboratory for Pediatric Immunology
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan C. Lankester
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program and Laboratory for Pediatric Immunology
| | - Frank J.T. Staal
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program and Laboratory for Pediatric Immunology
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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21
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Spencer Chapman M, Cull AH, Ciuculescu MF, Esrick EB, Mitchell E, Jung H, O'Neill L, Roberts K, Fabre MA, Williams N, Nangalia J, Quinton J, Fox JM, Pellin D, Makani J, Armant M, Williams DA, Campbell PJ, Kent DG. Clonal selection of hematopoietic stem cells after gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Nat Med 2023; 29:3175-3183. [PMID: 37973947 PMCID: PMC10719109 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy (GT) provides a potentially curative treatment option for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD); however, the occurrence of myeloid malignancies in GT clinical trials has prompted concern, with several postulated mechanisms. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing to track hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from six patients with SCD at pre- and post-GT time points to map the somatic mutation and clonal landscape of gene-modified and unmodified HSCs. Pre-GT, phylogenetic trees were highly polyclonal and mutation burdens per cell were elevated in some, but not all, patients. Post-GT, no clonal expansions were identified among gene-modified or unmodified cells; however, an increased frequency of potential driver mutations associated with myeloid neoplasms or clonal hematopoiesis (DNMT3A- and EZH2-mutated clones in particular) was observed in both genetically modified and unmodified cells, suggesting positive selection of mutant clones during GT. This work sheds light on HSC clonal dynamics and the mutational landscape after GT in SCD, highlighting the enhanced fitness of some HSCs harboring pre-existing driver mutations. Future studies should define the long-term fate of mutant clones, including any contribution to expansions associated with myeloid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Spencer Chapman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alyssa H Cull
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Erica B Esrick
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Mitchell
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Margarete A Fabre
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Genomics Research, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jyoti Nangalia
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joanne Quinton
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - James M Fox
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Danilo Pellin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Makani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- SickleInAfrica Clinical Coordinating Center, MUHAS, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Myriam Armant
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Peter J Campbell
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David G Kent
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK.
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22
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Arnold DE, Pai SY. Progress in the field of hematopoietic stem cell-based therapies for inborn errors of immunity. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:663-670. [PMID: 37732933 PMCID: PMC10872717 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hematopoietic stem cell-based therapies, including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and autologous gene therapy (GT), have been used as curative therapy for many inborn errors of immunity (IEI). As the number of genetically defined IEI and the use of HCT and GT increase, valuable data on outcomes and approaches for specific disorders are available. We review recent progress in HCT and GT for IEI in this article. RECENT FINDINGS Novel approaches to prevention of allogeneic complications and experience in adolescents and young adults have expanded the use of HCT. Universal newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) has led to improved outcome after HCT. Analysis of outcomes of HCT and GT for SCID, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) reveal risk factors for survival, the impact of specific conditioning regimens, and vector- or disease-specific impacts on efficacy and safety. Preclinical studies of GT and gene editing show potential for translation to the clinic. SUMMARY Emerging data on outcome after HCT for specific IEI support early evaluation and treatment, before development of co-morbidities. Data in large cooperative retrospective databases continues to yield valuable insights clinicians can use in patient selection and choice of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E. Arnold
- Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sung-Yun Pai
- Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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23
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Minskaia E, Galieva A, Egorov AD, Ivanov R, Karabelsky A. Viral Vectors in Gene Replacement Therapy. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2157-2178. [PMID: 38462459 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Throughout the years, several hundred million people with rare genetic disorders have been receiving only symptom management therapy. However, research and development efforts worldwide have led to the development of long-lasting, highly efficient, and safe gene therapy for a wide range of hereditary diseases. Improved viral vectors are now able to evade the preexisting immunity and more efficiently target and transduce therapeutically relevant cells, ensuring genome maintenance and expression of transgenes at the relevant levels. Hematological, ophthalmological, neurodegenerative, and metabolic therapeutic areas have witnessed successful treatment of hemophilia and muscular dystrophy, restoration of immune system in children with immunodeficiencies, and restoration of vision. This review focuses on three leading vector platforms of the past two decades: adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), adenoviruses (AdVs), and lentiviruses (LVs). Special attention is given to successful preclinical and clinical studies that have led to the approval of gene therapies: six AAV-based (Glybera® for lipoprotein lipase deficiency, Luxturna® for retinal dystrophy, Zolgensma® for spinal muscular atrophy, Upstaza® for AADC, Roctavian® for hemophilia A, and Hemgenix® for hemophilia B) and three LV-based (Libmeldy® for infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy, Zynteglo® for β-thalassemia, and Skysona® for ALD). The review also discusses the problems that arise in the development of gene therapy treatments, which, nevertheless, do not overshadow the successes of already developed gene therapies and the hope these treatments give to long-suffering patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Minskaia
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia.
| | - Alima Galieva
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander D Egorov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander Karabelsky
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
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24
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Nafchi NAM, Chilcott EM, Brown S, Fuller HR, Bowerman M, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ. Enhanced expression of the human Survival motor neuron 1 gene from a codon-optimised cDNA transgene in vitro and in vivo. Gene Ther 2023; 30:812-825. [PMID: 37322133 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00406-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease particularly characterised by degeneration of ventral motor neurons. Survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene mutations cause SMA, and gene addition strategies to replace the faulty SMN1 copy are a therapeutic option. We have developed a novel, codon-optimised hSMN1 transgene and produced integration-proficient and integration-deficient lentiviral vectors with cytomegalovirus (CMV), human synapsin (hSYN) or human phosphoglycerate kinase (hPGK) promoters to determine the optimal expression cassette configuration. Integrating, CMV-driven and codon-optimised hSMN1 lentiviral vectors resulted in the highest production of functional SMN protein in vitro. Integration-deficient lentiviral vectors also led to significant expression of the optimised transgene and are expected to be safer than integrating vectors. Lentiviral delivery in culture led to activation of the DNA damage response, in particular elevating levels of phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (pATM) and γH2AX, but the optimised hSMN1 transgene showed some protective effects. Neonatal delivery of adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9) vector encoding the optimised transgene to the Smn2B/- mouse model of SMA resulted in a significant increase of SMN protein levels in liver and spinal cord. This work shows the potential of a novel codon-optimised hSMN1 transgene as a therapeutic strategy for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda A M Nafchi
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Ellie M Chilcott
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Sharon Brown
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Heidi R Fuller
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, UK
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, TORCH Building, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, SY10 7AG, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Rafael J Yáñez-Muñoz
- AGCTlab.org, Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK.
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25
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Castiello MC, Di Verniere M, Draghici E, Fontana E, Penna S, Sereni L, Zecchillo A, Minuta D, Uva P, Zahn M, Gil-Farina I, Annoni A, Iaia S, Ott de Bruin LM, Notarangelo LD, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJT, Villa A, Capo V. Partial correction of immunodeficiency by lentiviral vector gene therapy in mouse models carrying Rag1 hypomorphic mutations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268620. [PMID: 38022635 PMCID: PMC10679457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recombination activating genes (RAG) 1 and 2 defects are the most frequent form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Patients with residual RAG activity have a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from Omenn syndrome to delayed-onset combined immunodeficiency, often associated with granulomas and/or autoimmunity (CID-G/AI). Lentiviral vector (LV) gene therapy (GT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment to the standard hematopoietic stem cell transplant and a clinical trial for RAG1 SCID patients recently started. However, GT in patients with hypomorphic RAG mutations poses additional risks, because of the residual endogenous RAG1 expression and the general state of immune dysregulation and associated inflammation. Methods In this study, we assessed the efficacy of GT in 2 hypomorphic Rag1 murine models (Rag1F971L/F971L and Rag1R972Q/R972Q), exploiting the same LV used in the clinical trial encoding RAG1 under control of the MND promoter. Results and discussion Starting 6 weeks after transplant, GT-treated mice showed a decrease in proportion of myeloid cells and a concomitant increase of B, T and total white blood cells. However, counts remained lower than in mice transplanted with WT Lin- cells. At euthanasia, we observed a general redistribution of immune subsets in tissues, with the appearance of mature recirculating B cells in the bone marrow. In the thymus, we demonstrated correction of the block at double negative stage, with a modest improvement in the cortical/medullary ratio. Analysis of antigenspecific IgM and IgG serum levels after in vivo challenge showed an amelioration of antibody responses, suggesting that the partial immune correction could confer a clinical benefit. Notably, no overt signs of autoimmunity were detected, with B-cell activating factor decreasing to normal levels and autoantibodies remaining stable after GT. On the other hand, thymic enlargement was frequently observed, although not due to vector integration and insertional mutagenesis. In conclusion, our work shows that GT could partially alleviate the combined immunodeficiency of hypomorphic RAG1 patients and that extensive efficacy and safety studies with alternative models are required before commencing RAG gene therapy in thesehighly complex patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Di Verniere
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Penna
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Sereni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zecchillo
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Denise Minuta
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Uva
- Clinical Bioinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Annoni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Iaia
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa M. Ott de Bruin
- Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Capo
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
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26
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Hirch T, Brander N, Schenk F, Pöllmann SJ, Reichenbach J, Schubert R, Modlich U. Expression of a large coding sequence: Gene therapy vectors for Ataxia Telangiectasia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19386. [PMID: 37938627 PMCID: PMC10632516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46332-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia is a monogenetic disorder caused by mutations in the ATM gene. Its encoded protein kinase ATM plays a fundamental role in DNA repair of double strand breaks (DSBs). Impaired function of this kinase leads to a multisystemic disorder including immunodeficiency, progressive cerebellar degeneration, radiation sensitivity, dilated blood vessels, premature aging and a predisposition to cancer. Since allogenic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation improved disease outcome, gene therapy based on autologous HSCs is an alternative promising concept. However, due to the large cDNA of ATM (9.2 kb), efficient packaging of retroviral particles and sufficient transduction of HSCs remains challenging.We generated lentiviral, gammaretroviral and foamy viral vectors with a GFP.F2A.Atm fusion or a GFP transgene and systematically compared transduction efficiencies. Vector titers dropped with increasing transgene size, but despite their described limited packaging capacity, we were able to produce lentiviral and gammaretroviral particles. The reduction in titers could not be explained by impaired packaging of the viral genomes, but the main differences occurred after transduction. Finally, after transduction of Atm-deficient (ATM-KO) murine fibroblasts with the lentiviral vector expressing Atm, we could show the expression of ATM protein which phosphorylated its downstream substrates (pKap1 and p-p53).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Hirch
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, RG Gene Modification in Stem Cells, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Nadine Brander
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, RG Gene Modification in Stem Cells, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Franziska Schenk
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, RG Gene Modification in Stem Cells, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Simon J Pöllmann
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, RG Gene Modification in Stem Cells, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Institute for Regenerative Medicine - IREM, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Janine Reichenbach
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Institute for Regenerative Medicine - IREM, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Deptartment of Somatic Gene Therapy, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Competence Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (CABMM), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Schubert
- Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ute Modlich
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, RG Gene Modification in Stem Cells, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany.
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Institute for Regenerative Medicine - IREM, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.
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27
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Aliyath A, Eni-Olotu A, Donaldson N, Trivedi P. Malignancy-associated immune responses: Lessons from human inborn errors of immunity. Immunology 2023; 170:319-333. [PMID: 37335539 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely understood that cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite numerous available treatments, prognosis for many remains poor, thus, the development of novel therapies remains essential. Given the incredible success of many immunotherapies in this field, the important contribution of the immune system to the control, and elimination, of malignancy is clear. While many immunotherapies target higher-order pathways, for example, through promoting T-cell activation via immune checkpoint blockade, the potential to target specific immunological pathways is largely not well researched. Precisely understanding how immunity can be tailored to respond to specific challenges is an exciting idea with great potential, and may trigger the development of new therapies for cancer. Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) are a group of rare congenital disorders caused by gene mutations that result in immune dysregulation. This heterogeneous group, spanning widespread, multisystem immunopathology to specific immune cell defects, primarily manifest in immunodeficiency symptoms. Thus, these patients are particularly susceptible to life-threatening infection, autoimmunity and malignancy, making IEI an especially complex group of diseases. While precise mechanisms of IEI-induced malignancy have not yet been fully elucidated, analysis of these conditions can highlight the importance of particular genes, and downstream immune responses, in carcinogenesis and may help inform mechanisms which can be utilised in novel immunotherapies. In this review, we examine the links between IEIs and cancer, establishing potential connections between immune dysfunction and malignancy and suggesting roles for specific immunological mechanisms involved in preventing carcinogenesis, thus, guiding essential future research focused on cancer immunotherapy and providing valuable insight into the workings of the immune system in both health and disease.
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28
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Kohn DB, Chen YY, Spencer MJ. Successes and challenges in clinical gene therapy. Gene Ther 2023; 30:738-746. [PMID: 37935854 PMCID: PMC10678346 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ups and downs in the field over three decades, the science of gene therapy has continued to advance and provide enduring treatments for increasing number of diseases. There are active clinical trials approaching a variety of inherited and acquired disorders of different organ systems. Approaches include ex vivo modification of hematologic stem cells (HSC), T lymphocytes and other immune cells, as well as in vivo delivery of genes or gene editing reagents to the relevant target cells by either local or systemic administration. In this article, we highlight success and ongoing challenges in three areas of high activity in gene therapy: inherited blood cell diseases by targeting hematopoietic stem cells, malignant disorders using immune effector cells genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors, and ophthalmologic, neurologic, and coagulation disorders using in vivo administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. In recent years, there have been true cures for many of these diseases, with sustained clinical benefit that exceed those from other medical approaches. Each of these treatments faces ongoing challenges, namely their high one-time costs and the complexity of manufacturing the therapeutic agents, which are biological viruses and cell products, at pharmacologic standards of quality and consistency. New models of reimbursement are needed to make these innovative treatments widely available to patients in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Kohn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yvonne Y Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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29
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Allen D, Knop O, Itkowitz B, Kalter N, Rosenberg M, Iancu O, Beider K, Lee YN, Nagler A, Somech R, Hendel A. CRISPR-Cas9 engineering of the RAG2 locus via complete coding sequence replacement for therapeutic applications. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6771. [PMID: 37891182 PMCID: PMC10611791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42036-5] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RAG2-SCID is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in Recombination-activating gene 2 (RAG2), a gene intimately involved in the process of lymphocyte maturation and function. ex-vivo manipulation of a patient's own hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) using CRISPR-Cas9/rAAV6 gene editing could provide a therapeutic alternative to the only current treatment, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Here we show an innovative RAG2 correction strategy that replaces the entire endogenous coding sequence (CDS) for the purpose of preserving the critical endogenous spatiotemporal gene regulation and locus architecture. Expression of the corrective transgene leads to successful development into CD3+TCRαβ+ and CD3+TCRγδ+ T cells and promotes the establishment of highly diverse TRB and TRG repertoires in an in-vitro T-cell differentiation platform. Thus, our proof-of-concept study holds promise for safer gene therapy techniques of tightly regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Allen
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orli Knop
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Bryan Itkowitz
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Nechama Kalter
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Ortal Iancu
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Katia Beider
- The Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
| | - Yu Nee Lee
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
| | - Arnon Nagler
- The Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raz Somech
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
| | - Ayal Hendel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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30
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Tucci F, Consiglieri G, Cossutta M, Bernardo ME. Current and Future Perspective in Hematopoietic Stem Progenitor Cell-gene Therapy for Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e953. [PMID: 37711990 PMCID: PMC10499111 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tucci
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Consiglieri
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
| | - Matilde Cossutta
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
| | - Maria Ester Bernardo
- Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Milan, Italy
- “Vita-Salute” San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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31
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Bangari DS, Lanigan LG, Cramer SD, Grieves JL, Meisner R, Rogers AB, Galbreath EJ, Bolon B. Toxicologic Neuropathology of Novel Biotherapeutics. Toxicol Pathol 2023; 51:414-431. [PMID: 38380881 DOI: 10.1177/01926233241230542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Biotherapeutic modalities such as cell therapies, gene therapies, nucleic acids, and proteins are increasingly investigated as disease-modifying treatments for severe and life-threatening neurodegenerative disorders. Such diverse bio-derived test articles are fraught with unique and often unpredictable biological consequences, while guidance regarding nonclinical experimental design, neuropathology evaluation, and interpretation is often limited. This paper summarizes key messages offered during a half-day continuing education course on toxicologic neuropathology of neuro-targeted biotherapeutics. Topics included fundamental neurobiology concepts, pharmacology, frequent toxicological findings, and their interpretation including adversity decisions. Covered biotherapeutic classes included cell therapies, gene editing and gene therapy vectors, nucleic acids, and proteins. If agents are administered directly into the central nervous system, initial screening using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections of currently recommended neural organs (brain [7 levels], spinal cord [3 levels], and sciatic nerve) may need to expand to include other components (e.g., more brain levels, ganglia, and/or additional nerves) and/or special neurohistological procedures to characterize possible neural effects (e.g., cell type-specific markers for reactive glial cells). Scientists who evaluate the safety of novel biologics will find this paper to be a practical reference for preclinical safety testing and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - René Meisner
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
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32
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Moço PD, Farnós O, Sharon D, Kamen AA. Targeted Delivery of Chimeric Antigen Receptor into T Cells via CRISPR-Mediated Homology-Directed Repair with a Dual-AAV6 Transduction System. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7705-7720. [PMID: 37886930 PMCID: PMC10605174 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100486] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy involves genetically engineering T cells to recognize and attack tumour cells by adding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to their surface. In this study, we have used dual transduction with AAV serotype 6 (AAV6) to integrate an anti-CD19 CAR into human T cells at a known genomic location. The first viral vector expresses the Cas9 endonuclease and a guide RNA (gRNA) targeting the T cell receptor alpha constant locus, while the second vector carries the DNA template for homology-mediated CAR insertion. We evaluated three gRNA candidates and determined their efficiency in generating indels. The AAV6 successfully delivered the CRISPR/Cas9 machinery in vitro, and molecular analysis of the dual transduction showed the integration of the CAR transgene into the desired location. In contrast to the random integration methods typically used to generate CAR-T cells, targeted integration into a known genomic locus can potentially lower the risk of insertional mutagenesis and provide more stable levels of CAR expression. Critically, this method also results in the knockout of the endogenous T cell receptor, allowing target cells to be derived from allogeneic donors. This raises the exciting possibility of "off-the-shelf" universal immunotherapies that would greatly simplify the production and administration of CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amine A. Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (P.D.M.)
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33
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Bueren JA, Auricchio A. Advances and Challenges in the Development of Gene Therapy Medicinal Products for Rare Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:763-775. [PMID: 37694572 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of viral vectors and recombinant DNA technology since the 1960s has enabled gene therapy to become a real therapeutic option for several inherited and acquired diseases. After several ups and downs in the gene therapy field, we are currently living a new era in the history of medicine in which several ex vivo and in vivo gene therapies have reached maturity. This is testified by the recent marketing authorization of several gene therapy medicinal products. In addition, many others are currently under evaluation after exhaustive investigation in human clinical trials. In this review, we summarize some of the most significant milestones in the development of gene therapy medicinal products that have already facilitated the treatment of a significant number of rare diseases. Despite progresses in the gene therapy field, the transfer of these innovative therapies to clinical practice is also finding important restrictions. Advances and also challenges in the progress of gene therapy for rare diseases are discussed in this opening review of a Human Gene Therapy issue dedicated to the 30th annual Congress of the European Society for Gene and Cell Therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Bueren
- Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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34
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Lenz LS, Wink MR. The other side of the coin: mesenchymal stromal cell immortalization beyond evasion of senescence. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1593-1603. [PMID: 37341871 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00925-3] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are promising options to cellular therapy to several clinical disorders, mainly because of its ability to immunomodulate and differentiate into different cell types. Even though MSC can be isolated from different sources, a major challenge to understanding the biological effects is that the primary cells undergo replicative senescence after a limited number of cell divisions in culture, requiring time-consuming and technically challenging approaches to get a sufficient cell number for clinical applications. Therefore, a new isolation, characterization, and expansion is necessary every time, which increases the variability and is time-consuming. Immortalization is a strategy that can overcome these challenges. Therefore, here, we review the different methodologies available to cellular immortalization, and discuss the literature regarding MSC immortalization and the broader biological consequences that extend beyond the mere increase in proliferation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Suéling Lenz
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Márcia Rosângela Wink
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil.
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (DCBS), Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil.
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35
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Zhang P, Zhang G, Wan X. Challenges and new technologies in adoptive cell therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:97. [PMID: 37596653 PMCID: PMC10439661 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) have existed for decades. From the initial infusion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to the subsequent specific enhanced T cell receptor (TCR)-T and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies, many novel strategies for cancer treatment have been developed. Owing to its promising outcomes, CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized the field of ACTs, particularly for hematologic malignancies. Despite these advances, CAR-T cell therapy still has limitations in both autologous and allogeneic settings, including practicality and toxicity issues. To overcome these challenges, researchers have focused on the application of CAR engineering technology to other types of immune cell engineering. Consequently, several new cell therapies based on CAR technology have been developed, including CAR-NK, CAR-macrophage, CAR-γδT, and CAR-NKT. In this review, we describe the development, advantages, and possible challenges of the aforementioned ACTs and discuss current strategies aimed at maximizing the therapeutic potential of ACTs. We also provide an overview of the various gene transduction strategies employed in immunotherapy given their importance in immune cell engineering. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility that strategies capable of creating a positive feedback immune circuit, as healthy immune systems do, could address the flaw of a single type of ACT, and thus serve as key players in future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Guizhong Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Zhang Y, Zhou W, Yang J, Yang J, Wang W. Chimeric antigen receptor engineered natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:70. [PMID: 37563648 PMCID: PMC10413722 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00431-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a unique component of the innate immune system, are inherent killers of stressed and transformed cells. Based on their potent capacity to kill cancer cells and good tolerance of healthy cells, NK cells have been successfully employed in adoptive cell therapy to treat cancer patients. In recent years, the clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has proven the vast potential of gene-manipulated immune cells as the main force to fight cancer. Following the lessons learned from mature gene-transfer technologies and advanced strategies in CAR-T therapy, NK cells have been rapidly explored as a promising candidate for CAR-based therapy. An exponentially growing number of studies have employed multiple sources of CAR-NK cells to target a wide range of cancer-related antigens, showing remarkable outcomes and encouraging safety profiles. Clinical trials of CAR-NK cells have also shown their impressive therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hematological tumors, but CAR-NK cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the initial stages. In this review, we present the favorable profile of NK cells as a potential platform for CAR-based engineering and then summarize the outcomes and strategies of CAR-NK therapies in up-to-date preclinical and clinical investigations. Finally, we evaluate the challenges remaining in CAR-NK therapy and describe existing strategies that can assist us in devising future prospective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangping Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Hematology Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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37
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Qabrati X, Kim I, Ghosh A, Bundschuh N, Noé F, Palmer AS, Bar-Nur O. Transgene-free direct conversion of murine fibroblasts into functional muscle stem cells. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:43. [PMID: 37553383 PMCID: PMC10409758 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00317-z] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor-based cellular reprogramming provides an attractive approach to produce desired cell types for regenerative medicine purposes. Such cellular conversions are widely dependent on viral vectors to efficiently deliver and express defined factors in target cells. However, use of viral vectors is associated with unfavorable genomic integrations that can trigger deleterious molecular consequences, rendering this method a potential impediment to clinical applications. Here, we report on a highly efficient transgene-free approach to directly convert mouse fibroblasts into induced myogenic progenitor cells (iMPCs) by overexpression of synthetic MyoD-mRNA in concert with an enhanced small molecule cocktail. First, we performed a candidate compound screen and identified two molecules that enhance fibroblast reprogramming into iMPCs by suppression of the JNK and JAK/STAT pathways. Simultaneously, we developed an optimal transfection protocol to transiently overexpress synthetic MyoD-mRNA in fibroblasts. Combining these two techniques enabled robust and rapid reprogramming of fibroblasts into Pax7 positive iMPCs in as little as 10 days. Nascent transgene-free iMPCs proliferated extensively in vitro, expressed a suite of myogenic stem cell markers, and could differentiate into highly multinucleated and contractile myotubes. Furthermore, using global and single-cell transcriptome assays, we delineated gene expression changes associated with JNK and JAK/STAT pathway inhibition during reprogramming, and identified in iMPCs a Pax7+ stem cell subpopulation resembling satellite cells. Last, transgene-free iMPCs robustly engrafted skeletal muscles of a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model, restoring dystrophin expression in hundreds of myofibers. In summary, this study reports on an improved and clinically safer approach to convert fibroblasts into myogenic stem cells that can efficiently contribute to muscle regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xhem Qabrati
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Inseon Kim
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Adhideb Ghosh
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Bundschuh
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Falko Noé
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew S Palmer
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia
| | - Ori Bar-Nur
- Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
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38
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Li Y, Zhang X, Xiang Z, Chen T, Hu Z, Yang K, Sun X, Wu Y, Wu J. Public Attitudes About the Use of Gene Therapy in Mainland China. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2328352. [PMID: 37566417 PMCID: PMC10422191 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance In addition to technical barriers, public attitudes about the use of gene therapy have an important association with the clinical implementation of gene therapy. Objective To investigate the factors associated with public acceptance of gene therapy among individuals in China. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from a survey conducted among 21 880 individuals in mainland China from June 20 to August 31, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Stepwise linear regression was used to analyze factors associated with public acceptance of gene therapy in 5 key areas: basic personal information (gender, region, age, and educational level), family situation (marital status, children, and cousins), economic status (assets, debts, and insurance coverage), health knowledge (health literacy score and media use), and physical health status (chronic illness, cancer, European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level version [EQ-5D-5L] score, and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire [BIPQ] score). Acceptance scores were calculated based on a visual analog scale (range, 0-100, with higher scores indicating higher acceptance of gene therapy). Further subgroup analysis was carried out in different age subgroups and populations with or without chronic diseases. Results A total of 21 880 participants (mean [SD] age, 39.4 [18.9] years; 10 947 female participants [50.0%]; 10 933 male participants [50.0%]) were analyzed in this study. The mean (SD) acceptance score of gene therapy in the survey was 60.56 (27.60). Compared with people aged 60 years or older, those aged 12 to 18 years had higher acceptance of gene therapy (β = 1.48 [95% CI, 0.09-2.88]), while groups aged 19 to 30 years (β = -3.43 [95% CI, -4.80 to -2.07]), 31 to 44 years (β = -1.44 [95% CI, -2.76 to -0.12]), and 45 to 59 years (β = -2.05 [95% CI, -3.27 to -0.83]) had lower acceptance. Compared with people living in Eastern China, those in Central China had lower acceptance of gene therapy (β = -1.58 [95% CI, -2.54 to -0.62]), while those in Western China had higher acceptance (β = 0.92 [95% CI, 0.09-1.76]). Higher educational level (undergraduate or above vs junior high or below) was associated with higher acceptance of gene therapy (β = 1.56 [95% CI, 0.49-2.63]). Number of properties owned was also associated with higher acceptance of gene therapy (2 vs 0: β = 2.38 [95% CI, 1.04-3.72]; ≥3 vs 0: β = 4.66 [95% CI, 2.92-6.39]). Diagnosis of chronic disease was associated with lower acceptance of gene therapy (β = -17.86 [95% CI, -20.49 to -15.24]), while diagnosis of cancer was associated with higher acceptance (β = 6.99 [95% CI, 1.84-12.14]). Higher BIPQ score (β = 0.40 [95% CI, 0.34-0.45]), higher health literacy score (β = 0.70 [95% CI, 0.62-0.78]), and media use (β = 0.49 [95% CI, 0.41-0.57]) were all associated with high acceptance of gene therapy, while a higher EQ-5D-5L score was associated with lower acceptance (β = -0.29 [95% CI, -0.47 to -0.11]). For older people, being in debt, not having health insurance, and the EQ-5D-5L score were uniquely relevant factors. For people with chronic disease, having an undergraduate degree or higher, a diagnosis of cancer, and the BIPQ score were uniquely relevant factors. Conclusions and Relevance These results suggest that basic personal information, economic status, health knowledge, and physical health status were the main factors associated with the acceptance of gene therapy. Improving the health literacy of the population and promoting trust in gene therapy may be effective ways to increase the acceptance of gene therapy. Poorer economic levels and worse disease states may reduce the public's willingness to accept gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Li
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianle Chen
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zihao Hu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kexin Yang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinying Sun
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Braams M, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJT. The recombinase activating genes: architects of immune diversity during lymphocyte development. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1210818. [PMID: 37497222 PMCID: PMC10367010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1210818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The mature lymphocyte population of a healthy individual has the remarkable ability to recognise an immense variety of antigens. Instead of encoding a unique gene for each potential antigen receptor, evolution has used gene rearrangements, also known as variable, diversity, and joining gene segment (V(D)J) recombination. This process is critical for lymphocyte development and relies on recombination-activating genes-1 (RAG1) and RAG2, here collectively referred to as RAG. RAG serves as powerful genome editing tools for lymphocytes and is strictly regulated to prevent dysregulation. However, in the case of dysregulation, RAG has been implicated in cases of cancer, autoimmunity and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This review examines functional protein domains and motifs of RAG, describes advances in our understanding of the function and (dys)regulation of RAG, discuss new therapeutic options, such as gene therapy, for RAG deficiencies, and explore in vitro and in vivo methods for determining RAG activity and target specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merijn Braams
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank J. T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
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40
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Lundstrom K. Viral vectors engineered for gene therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:1-41. [PMID: 37541721 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has seen major progress in recent years. Viral vectors have made a significant contribution through efficient engineering for improved delivery and safety. A large variety of indications such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, hematological, neurological, muscular, ophthalmological, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency have been targeted. Viral vectors based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses including lentiviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, poxviruses, picornaviruses, reoviruses, and polyomaviruses have been used. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated for different indications in animal models. Therapeutic efficacy has also been achieved in clinical trials. Several viral vector-based drugs have been approved for the treatment of cancer, and hematological, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Moreover, viral vector-based vaccines have been approved against COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease.
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41
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Ye X, Wu Y, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Dong J, Cai J. Rapid generation of CD19 CAR-T cells by minicircle DNA enables anti-tumor activity and prevents fatal CAR-B leukemia. Cancer Lett 2023:216278. [PMID: 37354981 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216278] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Manufacturing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cellsusing viral vectors is expensive and time-consuming. In addition, during viral transduction, genes encoding CARs are randomly integrated into the genome, which can cause oncogenesis or produce devastating CARtumor cells. Here, using a virus-free and non-transgenic minicircle DNA (mcDNA) vector, we enabledthe rapid generation of CD19 CAR-T cells within two days. Furthermore, we demonstrated in vitro and in xenograft models that the antitumor effects of CD19 CAR-T cells produced by mcDNA are as effective as those produced by viral vectors. Finally, we showed that our manufacturing process avoids the production of fatal CARtumor cells. Taken together, we have provided a fast, effective, and therapeutically safe method for generating CD19 CAR-T cells for the treatment of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueshuai Ye
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yongqiang Wu
- Gene Editing Research Center, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Haiqiang Zhang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 West Heping Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Oncology & Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, 348 West Heping Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Jiantao Dong
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Oncology & Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, 348 West Heping Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Jianhui Cai
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Oncology & Surgery, Hebei General Hospital, 348 West Heping Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China.
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Campelo SN, Huang PH, Buie CR, Davalos RV. Recent Advancements in Electroporation Technologies: From Bench to Clinic. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 25:77-100. [PMID: 36854260 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110220-023800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the increased adoption of electroporation-based technologies has led to an expansion of clinical research initiatives. Electroporation has been utilized in molecular biology for mammalian and bacterial transfection; for food sanitation; and in therapeutic settings to increase drug uptake, for gene therapy, and to eliminate cancerous tissues. We begin this article by discussing the biophysics required for understanding the concepts behind the cell permeation phenomenon that is electroporation. We then review nano- and microscale single-cell electroporation technologies before scaling up to emerging in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N Campelo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;
| | - Po-Hsun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cullen R Buie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;
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Oziolor EM, Kumpf SW, Qian J, Gosink M, Sheehan M, Rubitski DM, Newman L, Whiteley LO, Lanz TA. Comparing molecular and computational approaches for detecting viral integration of AAV gene therapy constructs. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 29:395-405. [PMID: 37251978 PMCID: PMC10209688 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Many current gene therapy targets use recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV). The majority of delivered AAV therapeutics persist as episomes, separate from host DNA, yet some viral DNA can integrate into host DNA in different proportions and at genomic locations. The potential for viral integration leading to oncogenic transformation has led regulatory agencies to require investigation into AAV integration events following gene therapy in preclinical species. In the present study, tissues were collected from cynomolgus monkeys and mice 6 and 8 weeks, respectively, following administration of an AAV vector delivering transgene cargo. We compared three different next-generation sequencing approaches (shearing extension primer tag selection ligation-mediated PCR, targeted enrichment sequencing [TES], and whole-genome sequencing) to contrast the specificity, scope, and frequency of integration detected by each method. All three methods detected dose-dependent insertions with a limited number of hotspots and expanded clones. While the functional outcome was similar for all three methods, TES was the most cost-effective and comprehensive method of detecting viral integration. Our findings aim to inform the direction of molecular efforts to ensure a thorough hazard assessment of AAV viral integration in our preclinical gene therapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias M. Oziolor
- Global Computational Safety Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Steven W. Kumpf
- Global Discovery, Investigative and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Jessie Qian
- Global Discovery, Investigative and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Mark Gosink
- Global Computational Safety Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Mark Sheehan
- Global Discovery, Investigative and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - David M. Rubitski
- Global Discovery, Investigative and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Leah Newman
- Global Discovery, Investigative and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | | | - Thomas A. Lanz
- Global Discovery, Investigative and Translational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
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Abdulla HD, Alserihi R, Flensburg C, Abeysekera W, Luo MX, Gray DH, Liu X, Smyth GK, Alexander WS, Majewski IJ, McCormack MP. Overexpression of Lmo2 initiates T-lymphoblastic leukemia via impaired thymocyte competition. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20212383. [PMID: 36920307 PMCID: PMC10037042 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell competition has recently emerged as an important tumor suppressor mechanism in the thymus that inhibits autonomous thymic maintenance. Here, we show that the oncogenic transcription factor Lmo2 causes autonomous thymic maintenance in transgenic mice by inhibiting early T cell differentiation. This autonomous thymic maintenance results in the development of self-renewing preleukemic stem cells (pre-LSCs) and subsequent leukemogenesis, both of which are profoundly inhibited by restoration of thymic competition or expression of the antiapoptotic factor BCL2. Genomic analyses revealed the presence of Notch1 mutations in pre-LSCs before subsequent loss of tumor suppressors promotes the transition to overt leukemogenesis. These studies demonstrate a critical role for impaired cell competition in the development of pre-LSCs in a transgenic mouse model of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), implying that this process plays a role in the ontogeny of human T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham D. Abdulla
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Raed Alserihi
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Christoffer Flensburg
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Waruni Abeysekera
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Meng-Xiao Luo
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Daniel H.D. Gray
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gordon K. Smyth
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Warren S. Alexander
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ian J. Majewski
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew P. McCormack
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- iCamuno Biotherapeutics, Melbourne, Australia
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45
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Matsunaga W, Gotoh A. Adenovirus as a Vector and Oncolytic Virus. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4826-4840. [PMID: 37367056 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors, both oncolytic viruses and gene delivery vectors, are among the earliest approved and commercialised vectors for gene therapy. Adenoviruses have high cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Therefore, lentiviruses or adeno-associated viruses as viral vectors and herpes simplex virus as an oncolytic virus have recently drawn attention. Thus, adenoviral vectors are often considered relatively obsolete. However, their high cargo limit and transduction efficiency are significant advantages over newer viral vectors. This review provides an overview of the new-generation adenoviral vectors. In addition, we describe the modification of the fiber knob region that enhances affinity of adenoviral vectors for cancer cells and the utilisation of cancer-cell-specific promoters to suppress expression of unwanted transgenes in non-malignant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Matsunaga
- Joint-Use Research Facilities, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Akinobu Gotoh
- Department of Education for Medical Research Base, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
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46
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Arlabosse T, Booth C, Candotti F. Gene Therapy for Inborn Errors of Immunity. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:1592-1601. [PMID: 37084938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
In the early 1990s, gene therapy (GT) entered the clinical arena as an alternative to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for forms of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) that are not medically manageable because of their severity. In principle, the use of gene-corrected autologous hematopoietic stem cells presents several advantages over hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including making donor searches unnecessary and avoiding the risks for graft-versus-host disease. In the past 30 years or more of clinical experience, the field has witnessed multiple examples of successful applications of GT to a number of IEIs, as well as some serious drawbacks, which have highlighted the potential genotoxicity of integrating viral vectors and stimulated important progress in the development of safer gene transfer tools. The advent of gene editing technologies promises to expand the spectrum of IEIs amenable to GT to conditions caused by mutated genes that require the precise regulation of expression or by dominant-negative variants. Here, we review the main concepts of GT as it applies to IEIs and the clinical results obtained to date. We also describe the challenges faced by this branch of medicine, which operates in the unprofitable sector of human rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Arlabosse
- Pediatric Immuno-Rheumatology of Western Switzerland, Division of Pediatrics, Women-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Booth
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatric Immunology and Gene Therapy, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Fabio Candotti
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Everette KA, Newby GA, Levine RM, Mayberry K, Jang Y, Mayuranathan T, Nimmagadda N, Dempsey E, Li Y, Bhoopalan SV, Liu X, Davis JR, Nelson AT, Chen PJ, Sousa AA, Cheng Y, Tisdale JF, Weiss MJ, Yen JS, Liu DR. Ex vivo prime editing of patient haematopoietic stem cells rescues sickle-cell disease phenotypes after engraftment in mice. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:616-628. [PMID: 37069266 PMCID: PMC10195679 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is caused by an A·T-to-T·A transversion mutation in the β-globin gene (HBB). Here we show that prime editing can correct the SCD allele (HBBS) to wild type (HBBA) at frequencies of 15%-41% in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from patients with SCD. Seventeen weeks after transplantation into immunodeficient mice, prime-edited SCD HSPCs maintained HBBA levels and displayed engraftment frequencies, haematopoietic differentiation and lineage maturation similar to those of unedited HSPCs from healthy donors. An average of 42% of human erythroblasts and reticulocytes isolated 17 weeks after transplantation of prime-edited HSPCs from four SCD patient donors expressed HBBA, exceeding the levels predicted for therapeutic benefit. HSPC-derived erythrocytes carried less sickle haemoglobin, contained HBBA-derived adult haemoglobin at 28%-43% of normal levels and resisted hypoxia-induced sickling. Minimal off-target editing was detected at over 100 sites nominated experimentally via unbiased genome-wide analysis. Our findings support the feasibility of a one-time prime editing SCD treatment that corrects HBBS to HBBA, does not require any viral or non-viral DNA template and minimizes undesired consequences of DNA double-strand breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelcee A Everette
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rachel M Levine
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kalin Mayberry
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yoonjeong Jang
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Nikitha Nimmagadda
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erin Dempsey
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yichao Li
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Xiong Liu
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew T Nelson
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexander A Sousa
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John F Tisdale
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell J Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan S Yen
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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48
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Allen D, Kalter N, Rosenberg M, Hendel A. Homology-Directed-Repair-Based Genome Editing in HSPCs for the Treatment of Inborn Errors of Immunity and Blood Disorders. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051329. [PMID: 37242571 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051329] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome engineering via targeted nucleases, specifically CRISPR-Cas9, has revolutionized the field of gene therapy research, providing a potential treatment for diseases of the blood and immune system. While numerous genome editing techniques have been used, CRISPR-Cas9 homology-directed repair (HDR)-mediated editing represents a promising method for the site-specific insertion of large transgenes for gene knock-in or gene correction. Alternative methods, such as lentiviral/gammaretroviral gene addition, gene knock-out via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated editing, and base or prime editing, have shown great promise for clinical applications, yet all possess significant drawbacks when applied in the treatment of patients suffering from inborn errors of immunity or blood system disorders. This review aims to highlight the transformational benefits of HDR-mediated gene therapy and possible solutions for the existing problems holding the methodology back. Together, we aim to help bring HDR-based gene therapy in CD34+ hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) from the lab bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Allen
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Nechama Kalter
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Ayal Hendel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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Hu S, Xu S, Lu W, Si Y, Wang Y, Du Z, Wang Y, Feng Z, Tang X. The research on the treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A bibliometric analysis from 2013 to 2022. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33295. [PMID: 37000105 PMCID: PMC10063298 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is curative in patients with primary immunodeficiency syndrome. The safety and efficacy of HSCT as a therapeutic option for primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) have been studied by many research groups. The purpose of our study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of research on HSCT for the treatment of PID, to assess research trends in this field, and note future research priorities. The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to identify relevant publications. VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used to analyze bibliometric parameters, such as yearly records, authors, grouped authors, countries, institutions, categories and keywords. There are 602 relevant records for the last decade (2013-2022). The top 5 productive authors and high-quality paper journals are listed. Reference co-citations analysis demonstrated recent research trends were "inborn errors of immunity," "gene editing," and "enteropathy." Research on HSCT for the treatment of PID has increased rapidly in the last decade, and bibliometrics are valuable for researchers to obtain an overview of hot categories, academic collaborations and trends in this study field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Hu
- Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Eden Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
- Department of Hematology and Transplantation, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Children’s Internal Medicine, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjian Si
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
- Department of Hematology and Transplantation, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Children’s Internal Medicine, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
- Department of Hematology and Transplantation, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Children’s Internal Medicine, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenlan Du
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
- Department of Hematology and Transplantation, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Children’s Internal Medicine, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichun Feng
- Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangfeng Tang
- Institute of Pediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Prevention and Control of Key Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Organ Failure, Beijing, China
- Department of Hematology and Transplantation, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Children’s Internal Medicine, Faculty of Pediatrics, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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50
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Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy: Where Do We Stand in 2023? Viruses 2023; 15:v15030698. [PMID: 36992407 PMCID: PMC10059137 DOI: 10.3390/v15030698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been used for a broad spectrum of gene therapy for both acute and chronic diseases. In the context of cancer gene therapy, viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, suicide and immunostimulatory genes, such as cytokines and chemokines, have been applied. Oncolytic viruses, which specifically replicate in and kill tumor cells, have provided tumor eradication, and even cure of cancers in animal models. In a broader meaning, vaccine development against infectious diseases and various cancers has been considered as a type of gene therapy. Especially in the case of COVID-19 vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines such as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2.S have demonstrated excellent safety and vaccine efficacy in clinical trials, leading to Emergency Use Authorization in many countries. Viral vectors have shown great promise in the treatment of chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, β-thalassemia, and sickle cell disease (SCD). Proof-of-concept has been established in preclinical studies in various animal models. Clinical gene therapy trials have confirmed good safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy. Viral-based drugs have been approved for cancer, hematological, metabolic, neurological, and ophthalmological diseases as well as for vaccines. For example, the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, the oncolytic HSV T-VEC for melanoma, lentivirus-based treatment of ADA-SCID disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease have been approved for human use.
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