1
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Baghirov H. Mechanisms of receptor-mediated transcytosis at the blood-brain barrier. J Control Release 2025; 381:113595. [PMID: 40056994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.113595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025]
Abstract
In receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) of large therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the construct - a macromolecule or a larger carrier with therapeutic payload - binds a protein on brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC), with internalization and release into the brain parenchyma. The construct's internalization into, trafficking across and release from, but also possible entrapment within BCEC are affected by its engineered properties whose optimization has helped derive insights into transport mechanisms at BCEC. Furthermore, advances in multi-omics, as well as large-scale screening and directed evolution campaigns have helped identify new targets for RMT at BCEC. In this perspective, I raise and reflect on some fundamental questions one can arrive at by comparing the engineered properties of BBB-targeted constructs and the properties of different target proteins. These questions concern the underlying, transcytosis-promoting factors that the optimization of constructs' engineered properties appears to converge on, the precise role of target proteins in RMT, the different mechanisms through which these targets may mediate construct trafficking, and the tentative criteria for target selection on BCEC. Based on these considerations I propose several scenarios and strategies to interfere with the construct's trafficking for more efficient internalization, transport through the endosomal network toward the abluminal membrane, and release from BCEC, both for smaller macromolecules and for larger carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Baghirov
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, 20500 Turku, Finland.
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2
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Moyer TC, Hoffman BA, Chen W, Shah I, Ren XQ, Knox T, Liu J, Wang W, Li J, Khalid H, Kulkarni AS, Egbuchulam M, Clement J, Bloedel A, Child M, Kaur R, Rouse E, Graham K, Maura D, Thorpe Z, Sayed-Zahid A, Hiu-Yan Chung C, Kutchin A, Johnson A, Yao J, Thompson J, Pande N, Nonnenmacher ME. Highly conserved brain vascular receptor ALPL mediates transport of engineered AAV vectors across the blood-brain barrier. Mol Ther 2025:S1525-0016(25)00373-9. [PMID: 40340250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.04.046] [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: 12/14/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/10/2025] Open
Abstract
Delivery of systemically administered therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS) is restricted by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Bioengineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids have been shown to penetrate the BBB with great efficacy in mouse and non-human primate models, but their translational potential is often limited by species selectivity and undefined mechanisms of action. Here, we apply our RNA-guided TRACER AAV capsid evolution platform to generate VCAP-102, an AAV9 variant with markedly increased brain tropism following intravenous delivery in both rodents and primates. Relative to AAV9, VCAP-102 demonstrates 20- to 400-fold increased gene transfer across multiple brain regions. We identify alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) as the primary receptor used by VCAP-102 to cross the BBB and demonstrate that direct binding of VCAP-102 to human ALPL can initiate receptor-mediated transcytosis in a cell barrier model. Our work identifies VCAP-102 as a cross-species CNS gene delivery vector with a strong potential for clinical translation and establishes ALPL as a brain delivery shuttle capable of efficient BBB transport to maximize CNS delivery of biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Moyer
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Brett A Hoffman
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Weitong Chen
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Ishan Shah
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Xiao-Qin Ren
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Tatiana Knox
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Jiachen Liu
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Jiangyu Li
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Hamza Khalid
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph Clement
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Alexis Bloedel
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Matthew Child
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Rupinderjit Kaur
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Emily Rouse
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Kristin Graham
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Damien Maura
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Zachary Thorpe
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amy Johnson
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Johnny Yao
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Jeffrey Thompson
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Nilesh Pande
- Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
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3
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Nisanov AM, Rivera de Jesús JA, Schaffer DV. Advances in AAV capsid engineering: Integrating rational design, directed evolution and machine learning. Mol Ther 2025; 33:1937-1945. [PMID: 40176349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.03.056] [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: 02/22/2025] [Revised: 03/20/2025] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a highly promising vector for human gene therapy due to its favorable safety profile, versatility, and ability to transduce a wide range of tissues. However, natural AAV serotypes have shortcomings, including suboptimal transduction efficiency, pre-existing immunity, and a lack of tissue specificity, that hinder their therapeutic potential. To address these challenges, significant efforts are being applied to engineer novel AAV capsids. Rational design leverages structural insights to enhance capsid properties, directed evolution enables unbiased selection of superior variants, and machine learning accelerates discovery by computational analysis of high-throughput screening results to enable predictive algorithms. These strategies have yielded novel capsids with improved transduction efficiency, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced tissue targeting. Future advances that continue to integrate such multi-disciplinary approaches will further drive the clinical translation of AAV-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M Nisanov
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720, USA
| | - Julio A Rivera de Jesús
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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4
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Mehdizadeh S, Mamaghani M, Hassanikia S, Pilehvar Y, Ertas YN. Exosome-powered neuropharmaceutics: unlocking the blood-brain barrier for next-gen therapies. J Nanobiotechnology 2025; 23:329. [PMID: 40319325 PMCID: PMC12049023 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-025-03352-8] [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: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a formidable challenge in neuropharmacology, limiting the delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain. Exosomes, nature's nanocarriers, have emerged as a promising solution due to their biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and innate ability to traverse the BBB. A thorough examination of BBB anatomy and physiology reveals the complexities of neurological drug delivery and underscores the limitations of conventional methods. MAIN BODY This review explores the potential of exosome-powered neuropharmaceutics, highlighting their structural and functional properties, biogenesis, and mechanisms of release. Their intrinsic advantages in drug delivery, including enhanced stability and efficient cellular uptake, are discussed in detail. Exosomes naturally overcome BBB barriers through specific translocation mechanisms, making them a compelling vehicle for targeted brain therapies. Advances in engineering strategies, such as genetic and biochemical modifications, drug loading techniques, and specificity enhancement, further bolster their therapeutic potential. Exosome-based approaches hold immense promise for treating a spectrum of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), brain tumors, stroke, and psychiatric conditions. CONCLUSION By leveraging their innate properties and engineering innovations, exosomes offer a versatile platform for precision neurotherapeutics. Despite their promise, challenges remain in clinical translation, including large-scale production, standardization, and regulatory considerations. Future research directions in exosome nanobiotechnology aim to refine these therapeutic strategies, unlocking new avenues for treating neurological diseases. This review underscores the transformative impact of exosome-based drug delivery, paving the way for next-generation therapies that can effectively penetrate the BBB and revolutionize neuropharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Mehdizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mobin Mamaghani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Younes Pilehvar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Yavuz Nuri Ertas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Türkiye.
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Gumusgoz E, Kasiri S, Youssef I, Verma M, Chopra R, Villarreal Acha D, Wu J, Marriam U, Alao E, Chen X, Guisso DR, Gray SJ, Shah BR, Minassian BA. Focused ultrasound widely broadens AAV-delivered Cas9 distribution and activity. Gene Ther 2025; 32:237-245. [PMID: 39893321 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-025-00517-w] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 01/09/2025] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
Because children have little temporal exposure to environment and aging, most pediatric neurological diseases are inherent, i.e. genetic. Since postnatal neurons and astrocytes are mostly non-replicating, gene therapy and genome editing present enormous promise in child neurology. Unlike in other organs, which are highly permissive to adeno-associated viruses (AAV), the mature blood-brain barrier (BBB) greatly limits circulating AAV distribution to the brain. Intrathecal administration improves distribution but to no more than 20% of brain cells. Focused ultrasound (FUS) opens the BBB transiently and safely. In the present work we opened the hippocampal BBB and delivered a Cas9 gene via AAV9 intrathecally. This allowed brain first-pass, and subsequent vascular circulation and re-entry through the opened BBB. The mouse model used was of Lafora disease, a neuroinflammatory disease due to accumulations of misshapen overlong-branched glycogen. Cas9 was targeted to the gene of the glycogen branch-elongating enzyme glycogen synthase. We show that FUS dramatically (2000-fold) improved hippocampal Cas9 distribution and greatly reduced the pathogenic glycogen accumulations and hippocampal inflammation. FUS is in regular clinical use for other indications. Our work shows that it has the potential to vastly broaden gene delivery or editing along with clearance of corresponding pathologic basis of brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emrah Gumusgoz
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Sahba Kasiri
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ibrahim Youssef
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Focused Ultrasound Lab and Program, Department of Radiology, UTSW Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- FUS Instruments, Inc, Addison, TX, USA
| | - Mayank Verma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Rajiv Chopra
- Focused Ultrasound Lab and Program, Department of Radiology, UTSW Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- FUS Instruments, Inc, Addison, TX, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, UTSW Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Solenic Medical Inc., Addison, TX, USA
| | - Daniel Villarreal Acha
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ummay Marriam
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Esther Alao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Dikran R Guisso
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Bhavya R Shah
- Focused Ultrasound Lab and Program, Department of Radiology, UTSW Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Advanced Neuroscience Imaging Research Lab, Department of Radiology, UTSW Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurology, UTSW Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Berge A Minassian
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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6
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Walker MC. State-of-the-art gene therapy in epilepsy. Curr Opin Neurol 2025; 38:128-134. [PMID: 39917784 PMCID: PMC11888830 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001349] [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: 03/06/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gene therapy in epilepsy has undergone a rapid expansion in recent years. This has largely been driven by both advances in our understanding of epilepsy genetics and mechanisms, and also significant advances in gene therapy tools, in particular safe and effective viral vectors. Epilepsy remains an ideal target disease for gene therapy and this review highlights recent developments in this area. RECENT FINDINGS There have been continued advances in the development of antisense oligonucleotide therapies to knock down genes in the treatment of monogenic epilepsies with some now entering clinical trial. However, the greatest recent advances have been in vector gene therapy, which offers a more permanent solution by delivering therapeutic genes directly to the brain as a one-off therapy. In particular, there has been a growth in methods that target focal epilepsy. Such promising approaches close to or in clinical trial include expressing NPY and its Y2 receptor, knocking-down GluK5, a kainate receptor subunit, and the over-expression of Kv1.1, an endogenous potassium channel.In the future, it is likely that we will take advantage of approaches of regulating more precisely network excitability by using methods such as optogenetics, designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), 'inhibitory' glutamate receptors activated by excessive glutamate spill-over, and activity-dependent promoters, which target gene expression to the 'hyperactive' neurons. SUMMARY Gene therapies offer a novel approach to the treatment of not just genetic epilepsies but any form of epilepsy and may in the future offer an alternative to drug and surgical therapies, allowing more precise, permanent and targeted treatment with fewer adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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O’Donohue AK, Ginn SL, Burgio G, Berman Y, Dabscheck G, Schindeler A. The evolving landscape of NF gene therapy: Hurdles and opportunities. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2025; 36:102475. [PMID: 40034205 PMCID: PMC11872496 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2025.102475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)- and NF2-related schwannomatosis are rare autosomal dominant monogenic disorders characterized by a predisposition for nerve-associated tumors. Current treatments focus on symptomatic management, but advancements in the gene therapy field present unique opportunities to treat the genetic underpinnings and develop curative therapies for NF. Approaches such as nonsense suppression agents and oligonucleotide therapies are becoming more mature and have emerging preclinical data in the context of NF. Furthermore, there has been progress in developing gene therapy vectors that can be delivered locally into tumors to ablate or shrink their size. While still a nascent research area, gene addition and gene repair strategies hold tremendous promise for the prevention and treatment of NF-related tumors. These technologies will also require parallel development of delivery vectors able to target the Schwann cells from which tumors most commonly arise. This review seeks to contextualize these advancements and which hurdles remain for their clinical adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra K. O’Donohue
- Bioengineering and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Samantha L. Ginn
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Gaetan Burgio
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yemima Berman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gabriel Dabscheck
- Department of Neurology, Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Aaron Schindeler
- Bioengineering and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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8
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Luo N, Lin K, Cai Y, Zhang Z, Sui X, Han Z, Yuan W, Xing J, Gui Z, Liu G, Wang J, Xu F. An engineered adeno-associated virus mediates efficient blood-brain barrier penetration with enhanced neurotropism and reduced hepatotropism. J Control Release 2025; 379:303-315. [PMID: 39798705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Revised: 12/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 01/15/2025]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a formidable barrier that restricts the entry of substances into the brain, complicating the study of brain function and the treatment of neurological conditions. Traditional methods of delivering genes from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS) using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) often require high doses, which can trigger immune responses and hepatotoxicity. Here, we developed a new AAV variant named AAVhu.32-PLUS based on a rational strategy. Following intravenous injection, AAVhu.32-PLUS can cross the BBB and exhibits higher efficiency and specificity in transducing neurons and significantly reduced hepatotropism compared to the extensively used AAV-PHP.eB. Furthermore, through in vitro cell experiments, we identified that AAVhu.32-PLUS may rely on the LY6A receptor for crossing the BBB. Finally, our research indicates that AAVhu.32-PLUS, while having lower transduction efficiency in astrocytes compared to AAV-PHP.eB, is still capable of efficiently transducing glioblastoma after intravenous injection. These properties make AAVhu.32-PLUS a promising tool for neuroscience research and targeted therapies of brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nengsong Luo
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, PR China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China; Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430071 Wuhan, PR China
| | - Kunzhang Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China.
| | - Yuxiang Cai
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zilian Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Xiaokai Sui
- Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 430072 Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zengpeng Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wenjia Yuan
- Brain Case Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 518107 Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jiayong Xing
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Zhu Gui
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430071 Wuhan, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, PR China
| | - Gangning Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, 430072 Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430071 Wuhan, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, PR China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, PR China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China; Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430071 Wuhan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055 Shenzhen, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, PR China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, PR China.
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9
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Tan F, Dong Y, Qi J, Yu W, Chai R. Artificial Intelligence-Based Approaches for AAV Vector Engineering. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025; 12:e2411062. [PMID: 39932449 PMCID: PMC11884542 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202411062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 12/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2025]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a leading vector for gene therapy due to its broad host range, low pathogenicity, and ability to facilitate long-term gene expression. However, AAV vectors face limitations, including immunogenicity and insufficient targeting specificity. To enhance the efficacy of gene therapy, researchers have been modifying the AAV vector using various methods. Traditional experimental approaches for optimizing AAV vector are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and difficult to replicate. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning, offers significant potential to accelerate capsid optimization while reducing development time and manufacturing costs. This review compares traditional and AI-based methods of AAV vector engineering and highlights recent research in AAV engineering using AI algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Yue Dong
- Immunowake, Inc.Shanghai201210China
| | - Jieyu Qi
- Department of NeurologyAerospace Center HospitalSchool of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijing100081China
- State Key Laboratory of Hearing and Balance ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijing100081China
- School of Medical EngineeringAffiliated Zhuhai People's HospitalBeijing Institute of TechnologyZhuhai519088China
- Advanced Technology Research InstituteBeijing Institute of TechnologyJinan250300China
| | - Wenwu Yu
- School of MathematicsSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical EngineeringDepartment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryZhongda HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologySchool of MedicineAdvanced Institute for Life and HealthJiangsu Province High‐Tech Key Laboratory for Bio‐Medical ResearchSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of NeurologyAerospace Center HospitalSchool of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijing100081China
- Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantong226001China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgerySichuan Provincial People's HospitalSchool of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610072China
- Southeast University Shenzhen Research InstituteShenzhen518063China
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10
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Ressnerova A, Heger Z, Pumera M. Translational nanorobotics breaking through biological membranes. Chem Soc Rev 2025; 54:1924-1956. [PMID: 39807638 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00483c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]
Abstract
In the dynamic realm of translational nanorobotics, the endeavor to develop nanorobots carrying therapeutics in rational in vivo applications necessitates a profound understanding of the biological landscape of the human body and its complexity. Within this landscape, biological membranes stand as critical barriers to the successful delivery of therapeutic cargo to the target site. Their crossing is not only a challenge for nanorobotics but also a pivotal criterion for the clinical success of therapeutic-carrying nanorobots. Nevertheless, despite their urgency, strategies for membrane crossing in translational nanorobotics remain relatively underrepresented in the scientific literature, signaling an opportunity for further research and innovation. This review focuses on nanorobots with various propulsion mechanisms from chemical and physical to hybrid mechanisms, and it identifies and describes four essential biological membranes that represent the barriers needed to be crossed in the therapeutic journey of nanorobots in in vivo applications. First is the entry point into the blood stream, which is the skin or mucosa or intravenous injection; next is the exit from the bloodstream across the endothelium to the target site; further is the entry to the cell through the plasma membrane and, finally, the escape from the lysosome, which otherwise destroys the cargo. The review also discusses design challenges inherent in translating nanorobot technologies to real-world applications and provides a critical overview of documented membrane crossings. The aim is to underscore the need for further interdisciplinary collaborations between chemists, materials scientists and chemical biologists in this vital domain of translational nanorobotics that has the potential to revolutionize the field of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alzbeta Ressnerova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Research Group for Molecular Biology and Nanomedicine, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Research Group for Molecular Biology and Nanomedicine, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Advanced Innovation Technologies, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, 70800 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pumera
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Advanced Nanorobots & Multiscale Robotics Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, 70800 Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan
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11
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Sallard E, Fischer J, Schroeer K, Dawson LM, Beaude N, Affes A, Ehrke-Schulz E, Zhang W, Westhaus A, Cabanes-Creus M, Lisowski L, Ruszics Z, Ehrhardt A. ADEVO: Proof-of-concept of adenovirus-directed EVOlution by random peptide display on the fiber knob. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200867. [PMID: 39346764 PMCID: PMC11439537 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Directed evolution of viral vectors involves the generation of randomized libraries followed by artificial selection of improved variants. Directed evolution only yielded limited results in adenovirus (AdV) engineering until now, mainly due to insufficient complexities of randomized libraries. Meanwhile, clinical applications of AdVs as gene therapy or oncolytic vectors are still hampered by the predetermined tropism of natural types. To overcome this challenge, we hypothesized that randomized peptide insertions on the capsid surface can be incorporated into the AdV bioengineering toolbox for retargeting. Here we developed AdV-directed EVOlution protocols based on fiber knob peptide display. Human AdV-C5-derived libraries were constructed following three distinct protocols and selected on a panel of cancer cell lines, with the goal of identifying variants able to infect and lyse these tumor cells more efficiently. All protocols enabled the construction of high complexity libraries with up to 9.6 × 105 unique variants, an approximate 100-fold improvement compared with previously published AdV libraries. After selection, the most enriched variants, which were robustly selected in various cancer cell lines, did not display enhanced infectivity but rather more efficient replication and cell lysis. Selected inserts also conferred enhanced lysis ability to oncolytic AdVs restricted to telomerase-expressing cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Sallard
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Julian Fischer
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Schroeer
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Dawson
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Nissai Beaude
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
- AgroParisTech, Paris-Saclay University, Palaiseau, France
| | - Arsalene Affes
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
- AgroParisTech, Paris-Saclay University, Palaiseau, France
| | - Eric Ehrke-Schulz
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children’s Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zsolt Ruszics
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Virology and Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
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12
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Scott S, Westhaus A, Nazareth D, Cabanes-Creus M, Navarro RG, Chandra D, Zhu E, Venkateswaran A, Alexander IE, Bauer DC, Wilson LO, Lisowski L. AAVolve: Concatenated long-read deep sequencing enables whole capsid tracking during shuffled AAV library selection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101351. [PMID: 39498467 PMCID: PMC11532298 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101351] [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: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/07/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapies using recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have demonstrated considerable clinical success in the treatment of genetic disorders. Improved vectors with favorable tropism profiles, decreased immunogenicity, and enhanced manufacturability are poised to further improve the state of gene therapies. Such vectors can be identified through directed evolution, a process of subjecting a diverse capsid library to a selection pressure to identify individual variants with a desired trait. Currently, libraries that involve changes distributed throughout the AAV capsid coding region, such as DNA family shuffled libraries, are largely characterized using low-throughput Sanger sequencing of individual clones. However, improvements in long-read sequencing technologies have increased their applicability to capsid libraries and evaluation of the selection process. Here, we explore the application of Oxford Nanopore Technologies refined by a concatemeric consensus method for initial library characterization and monitoring selection of a shuffled AAV capsid library. Furthermore, we present AAVolve, a bioinformatic pipeline for processing long-read data from AAV-directed evolution experiments. Our approach allows high-throughput characterization of AAV capsids in a streamlined manner, facilitating deeper insights into library composition through multiple rounds of selection, and generalization through training of machine learning models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Scott
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Deborah Nazareth
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Deborah Chandra
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Erhua Zhu
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Aravind Venkateswaran
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Ian E. Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Denis C. Bauer
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
- Applied BioSciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Laurence O.W. Wilson
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Applied BioSciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Carneiro AD, Schaffer DV. Engineering novel adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) for improved delivery in the nervous system. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 83:102532. [PMID: 39342684 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Harnessing adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for therapeutic gene delivery has emerged as a progressively promising strategy to treat disorders of both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), and there are many ongoing clinical trials. However, unique physiological and molecular characteristics of the CNS and PNS pose obstacles to efficient vector delivery, ranging from the blood-brain barrier to the diverse nature of nervous system disorders. Engineering novel AAV capsids may help overcome these ongoing challenges and maximize therapeutic transgene delivery. This article discusses strategies for innovative AAV capsid development, highlighting recent advances. Notably, advances in next generation sequencing and machine learning have sparked new approaches for capsid investigation and engineering. Furthermore, we outline future directions and additional challenges in AAV-mediated gene therapy in the CNS and PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Carneiro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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14
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Bolon B, Buza E, Galbreath E, Wicks J, Cargnin F, Hordeaux J. Neuropathological Findings in Nonclinical Species Following Administration of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-Based Gene Therapy Vectors. Toxicol Pathol 2024; 52:489-505. [PMID: 39668663 DOI: 10.1177/01926233241300314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vectors are an accepted platform for treating severe neurological diseases. Test article (TA)-related and procedure-related neuropathological effects following administration of AAV-based vectors are observed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Leukocyte accumulation (mononuclear cell infiltration > inflammation) may occur in brain, spinal cord, spinal nerve roots (SNRs), sensory and autonomic ganglia, and rarely nerves. Leukocyte accumulation may be associated with neuron necrosis (sensory ganglia > CNS) and/or glial changes (microgliosis and/or astrocytosis in the CNS, increased satellite glial cellularity in ganglia and/or Schwann cellularity in nerves). Axonal degeneration secondary to neuronal injury may occur in the SNR (dorsal > ventral), spinal cord (dorsal and occasionally lateral funiculi), and brainstem centrally and in nerves peripherally. Patterns of AAV-associated microscopic findings in the CNS and PNS differ for TAs administered into brain parenchyma (where tissue at the injection site is affected most) versus TAs delivered into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or systemically (which primarily impacts sensory ganglion neurons and their processes in SNR and spinal cord). Changes related to the TA and procedure may overlap. While often interpreted as adverse, AAV-associated neuronal necrosis and axonal degeneration of limited severity generally do not preclude clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Buza
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Joan Wicks
- Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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15
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Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Angelice GP, Roque PH, Valente G, Galvão K, Villar LM, Mello VM, Mello FCA, Lago BV. Evaluation of Interfering RNA Efficacy in Treating Hepatitis B: Is It Promising? Viruses 2024; 16:1710. [PMID: 39599825 PMCID: PMC11598949 DOI: 10.3390/v16111710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an existing safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV), it is still a major public health concern. Nowadays, several drugs are used to treat chronic hepatitis B; however, full healing remains controversial. The viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formed by HBV forms a major challenge in its treatment, as does the ability of HBV to integrate itself into the host genome, which enables infection reactivation. Interfering RNA (RNAi) is a gene-silencing post-transcriptional mechanism which forms as a promising alternative to treat chronic hepatitis B. The aim of the present review is to assess the evolution of hepatitis B treatment approaches based on using RNA interference. METHODS Data published between 2016 and 2023 in scientific databases (PubMed, PMC, LILACS, and Bireme) were assessed. RESULTS In total, 76,949 articles were initially identified and quality-checked, and 226 eligible reports were analyzed in depth. The main genomic targets, delivery systems, and major HBV therapy innovations are discussed in this review. This review reinforces the therapeutic potential of RNAi and identifies the need for conducting further studies to fill the remaining gaps between bench and clinical practice.
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17
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Shay TF, Jang S, Brittain TJ, Chen X, Walker B, Tebbutt C, Fan Y, Wolfe DA, Arokiaraj CM, Sullivan EE, Ding X, Wang TY, Lei Y, Chuapoco MR, Chou TF, Gradinaru V. Human cell surface-AAV interactomes identify LRP6 as blood-brain barrier transcytosis receptor and immune cytokine IL3 as AAV9 binder. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7853. [PMID: 39245720 PMCID: PMC11381518 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52149-0] [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: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are foundational gene delivery tools for basic science and clinical therapeutics. However, lack of mechanistic insight, especially for engineered vectors created by directed evolution, can hamper their application. Here, we adapt an unbiased human cell microarray platform to determine the extracellular and cell surface interactomes of natural and engineered AAVs. We identify a naturally-evolved and serotype-specific interaction between the AAV9 capsid and human interleukin 3 (IL3), with possible roles in host immune modulation, as well as lab-evolved low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) interactions specific to engineered capsids with enhanced blood-brain barrier crossing in non-human primates after intravenous administration. The unbiased cell microarray screening approach also allows us to identify off-target tissue binding interactions of engineered brain-enriched AAV capsids that may inform vectors' peripheral organ tropism and side effects. Our cryo-electron tomography and AlphaFold modeling of capsid-interactor complexes reveal LRP6 and IL3 binding sites. These results allow confident application of engineered AAVs in diverse organisms and unlock future target-informed engineering of improved viral and non-viral vectors for non-invasive therapeutic delivery to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F Shay
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| | - Seongmin Jang
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Tyler J Brittain
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Beth Walker
- Charles River Laboratories, High Peak Business Park, Buxton Road, Chinley, SK23 6FJ, UK
| | - Claire Tebbutt
- Charles River Laboratories, High Peak Business Park, Buxton Road, Chinley, SK23 6FJ, UK
| | - Yujie Fan
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Damien A Wolfe
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Cynthia M Arokiaraj
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Erin E Sullivan
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Ting-Yu Wang
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Yaping Lei
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Miguel R Chuapoco
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Tsui-Fen Chou
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
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18
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Bunuales M, Garduno A, Chillon M, Bosch A, Gonzalez-Aparicio M, Espelosin M, Garcia-Gomara M, Rico AJ, Garcia-Osta A, Cuadrado-Tejedor M, Lanciego JL, Hernandez-Alcoceba R. Characterization of brain transduction capability of a BBB-penetrant AAV vector in mice, rats and macaques reveals differences in expression profiles. Gene Ther 2024; 31:455-466. [PMID: 39039204 PMCID: PMC11399087 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Different screening methods are being developed to generate adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) with the ability to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) upon intravenous administration. Recently, the AAV9P31 stood out as the most efficient version among a library of peptide-displaying capsids selected in C57BL/6 mice using RNA-driven biopanning. In this work we have characterized in detail its biodistribution in different mouse strains (C57BL/6 and Balb/c), as well as in Sprague Dawley rats and non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis). Using GFP and NanoLuc reporter genes, we confirmed homogeneous infection and transgene expression across the CNS of mice injected intravenously with AAV9P31. A more restricted pattern was observed upon either intracerebroventricular or intraparenchymal injection. Following intravenous delivery, region- and cell-specific differential patterns of transduction were observed in the mouse brain, including a preferential transduction of astrocytes and neurons in the cerebral cortex and striatum, whereas neurons were the only transduced cell type in subcortical locations across the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, mesencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum. Furthermore, transduced microglial cells were never found in any CNS location. Peripheral organs transduced upon intravenous administration included lung, liver, peritoneum, heart and skeletal muscle. However, a comparable performance of AAV9P31 to bypass the BBB in rats and macaques was not observed, although a more limited neuronal transduction was found in the brainstem of rats upon intravenous delivery. Finally, intracerebroventricular delivery in macaques resulted in neuronal transduction in cortical, subcortical structures and cerebellum following a patchy pattern. In conclusion, the widespread CNS transduction obtained in mice upon intravenous delivery of AAV9P31 represents a powerful tool for modeling a wide variety of neurological disorders as well as an appealing choice for the evaluation of gene therapy-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Bunuales
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Angeles Garduno
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Chillon
- Institut de Neurociències, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; and Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Assumpció Bosch
- Institut de Neurociències, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; and Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria Espelosin
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Garcia-Gomara
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology Department, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alberto J Rico
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Garcia-Osta
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mar Cuadrado-Tejedor
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology Department, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose L Lanciego
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain.
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19
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Hanlon KS, Cheng M, Ferrer RM, Ryu JR, Lee B, De La Cruz D, Patel N, Espinoza P, Santoscoy MC, Gong Y, Ng C, Nguyen DM, Nammour J, Clark SW, Heine VM, Sun W, Kozarsky K, Maguire CA. In vivo selection in non-human primates identifies AAV capsids for on-target CSF delivery to spinal cord. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2584-2603. [PMID: 38845196 PMCID: PMC11405149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.040] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for spinal cord gene therapy has challenges including toxicity at high doses and pre-existing immunity that reduces efficacy. Intrathecal (IT) delivery of AAV vectors into cerebral spinal fluid can avoid many issues, although distribution of the vector throughout the spinal cord is limited, and vector entry to the periphery sometimes initiates hepatotoxicity. Here we performed biopanning in non-human primates (NHPs) with an IT injected AAV9 peptide display library. We identified top candidates by sequencing inserts of AAV DNA isolated from whole tissue, nuclei, or nuclei from transgene-expressing cells. These barcoded candidates were pooled with AAV9 and compared for biodistribution and transgene expression in spinal cord and liver of IT injected NHPs. Most candidates displayed increased retention in spinal cord compared with AAV9. Greater spread from the lumbar to the thoracic and cervical regions was observed for several capsids. Furthermore, several capsids displayed decreased biodistribution to the liver compared with AAV9, providing a high on-target/low off-target biodistribution. Finally, we tested top candidates in human spinal cord organoids and found them to outperform AAV9 in efficiency of transgene expression in neurons and astrocytes. These capsids have potential to serve as leading-edge delivery vehicles for spinal cord-directed gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian S Hanlon
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA; University College London, London, UK
| | - Ming Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Roberto Montoro Ferrer
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jae Ryun Ryu
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Demitri De La Cruz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Nikita Patel
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Paula Espinoza
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Miguel C Santoscoy
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Yi Gong
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Carrie Ng
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Diane M Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Josette Nammour
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA
| | - Sean W Clark
- SwanBio Therapeutics, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19005, USA
| | - Vivi M Heine
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, the Netherland
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Casey A Maguire
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02116, USA.
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20
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Eid FE, Chen AT, Chan KY, Huang Q, Zheng Q, Tobey IG, Pacouret S, Brauer PP, Keyes C, Powell M, Johnston J, Zhao B, Lage K, Tarantal AF, Chan YA, Deverman BE. Systematic multi-trait AAV capsid engineering for efficient gene delivery. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6602. [PMID: 39097583 PMCID: PMC11297966 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Broadening gene therapy applications requires manufacturable vectors that efficiently transduce target cells in humans and preclinical models. Conventional selections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid libraries are inefficient at searching the vast sequence space for the small fraction of vectors possessing multiple traits essential for clinical translation. Here, we present Fit4Function, a generalizable machine learning (ML) approach for systematically engineering multi-trait AAV capsids. By leveraging a capsid library that uniformly samples the manufacturable sequence space, reproducible screening data are generated to train accurate sequence-to-function models. Combining six models, we designed a multi-trait (liver-targeted, manufacturable) capsid library and validated 88% of library variants on all six predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the models, trained only on mouse in vivo and human in vitro Fit4Function data, accurately predicted AAV capsid variant biodistribution in macaque. Top candidates exhibited production yields comparable to AAV9, efficient murine liver transduction, up to 1000-fold greater human hepatocyte transduction, and increased enrichment relative to AAV9 in a screen for liver transduction in macaques. The Fit4Function strategy ultimately makes it possible to predict cross-species traits of peptide-modified AAV capsids and is a critical step toward assembling an ML atlas that predicts AAV capsid performance across dozens of traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Albert T Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ken Y Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Isabelle G Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pamela P Brauer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Casey Keyes
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Megan Powell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jencilin Johnston
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Binhui Zhao
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kasper Lage
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Center St. Hans, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yujia A Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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21
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Leandro K, Rufino-Ramos D, Breyne K, Di Ianni E, Lopes SM, Jorge Nobre R, Kleinstiver BP, Perdigão PRL, Breakefield XO, Pereira de Almeida L. Exploring the potential of cell-derived vesicles for transient delivery of gene editing payloads. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115346. [PMID: 38849005 PMCID: PMC11366383 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing technologies have the potential to correct genetic disorders by modifying, inserting, or deleting specific DNA sequences or genes, paving the way for a new class of genetic therapies. While gene editing tools continue to be improved to increase their precision and efficiency, the limited efficacy of in vivo delivery remains a major hurdle for clinical use. An ideal delivery vehicle should be able to target a sufficient number of diseased cells in a transient time window to maximize on-target editing and mitigate off-target events and immunogenicity. Here, we review major advances in novel delivery platforms based on cell-derived vesicles - extracellular vesicles and virus-like particles - for transient delivery of gene editing payloads. We discuss major findings regarding packaging, in vivo biodistribution, therapeutic efficacy, and safety concerns of cell-derived vesicles delivery of gene editing cargos and their potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Leandro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David Rufino-Ramos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Koen Breyne
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Emilio Di Ianni
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sara M Lopes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; ViraVector - Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal
| | - Benjamin P Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pedro R L Perdigão
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Xandra O Breakefield
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT - Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; ViraVector - Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal.
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22
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Harkins AL, Ambegaokar PP, Keeler AM. Immune responses to central nervous system directed adeno-associated virus gene therapy: Does direct CNS delivery make a difference? Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00435. [PMID: 39180957 PMCID: PMC11386282 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated gene therapy is a leading gene delivery platform with potential to transform the landscape of treatment for neurological disorders. While AAV is deemed non-immunogenic compared to other viral vectors, adverse immune reactions have been observed in the clinic, raising concerns. As the central nervous system (CNS) has a tightly regulated immune system, characterized by a degree of tolerance, it has been considered a unique target for AAV gene therapy. AAV vectors have shown promising results for the treatment of several CNS disorders including Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Giant Axonal Neuropathy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Tay Sachs Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and others, demonstrating safety and success. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Zolgensma and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval of Upstaza, for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADC) respectively, represent this success, all while highlighting significant differences in immune responses to AAV, particularly with regards to therapeutic administration route. AAV therapies like Upstaza that are injected directly into the immune-specialized brain have been characterized by mild immune response profiles and minor adverse events, whereas therapies like Zolgensma that are injected systemically demonstrate more robust immune stimulation and off-target toxicities. Despite these contrasting parallels, these therapeutics and others in the clinic have demonstrated clinical benefit for patients, warranting further exploration of immune responses to CNS-directed AAV clinical trials. Thus, in this review, we discuss effects of different routes of AAV administration on eliciting local and peripheral immune responses specifically observed in CNS-targeted trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Harkins
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States
| | - Prajakta P Ambegaokar
- Graduate Program in Translational Science, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States
| | - Allison M Keeler
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States; Graduate Program in Translational Science, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States; NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, United States.
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23
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Huang Q, Chan KY, Wu J, Botticello-Romero NR, Zheng Q, Lou S, Keyes C, Svanbergsson A, Johnston J, Mills A, Lin CY, Brauer PP, Clouse G, Pacouret S, Harvey JW, Beddow T, Hurley JK, Tobey IG, Powell M, Chen AT, Barry AJ, Eid FE, Chan YA, Deverman BE. An AAV capsid reprogrammed to bind human transferrin receptor mediates brain-wide gene delivery. Science 2024; 384:1220-1227. [PMID: 38753766 DOI: 10.1126/science.adm8386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Developing vehicles that efficiently deliver genes throughout the human central nervous system (CNS) will broaden the range of treatable genetic diseases. We engineered an adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, BI-hTFR1, that binds human transferrin receptor (TfR1), a protein expressed on the blood-brain barrier. BI-hTFR1 was actively transported across human brain endothelial cells and, relative to AAV9, provided 40 to 50 times greater reporter expression in the CNS of human TFRC knockin mice. The enhanced tropism was CNS-specific and absent in wild-type mice. When used to deliver GBA1, mutations of which cause Gaucher disease and are linked to Parkinson's disease, BI-hTFR1 substantially increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid glucocerebrosidase activity compared with AAV9. These findings establish BI-hTFR1 as a potential vector for human CNS gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Ken Y Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jason Wu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Nuria R Botticello-Romero
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Shan Lou
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Casey Keyes
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Alexander Svanbergsson
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jencilin Johnston
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Allan Mills
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Chin-Yen Lin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Pamela P Brauer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Gabrielle Clouse
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - John W Harvey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Thomas Beddow
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jenna K Hurley
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Isabelle G Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Megan Powell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Albert T Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Andrew J Barry
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Yujia A Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
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24
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Sangster ML, Bishop MM, Yao Y, Feitor JF, Shahriar S, Miller ME, Chekuri AK, Budnik B, Bei F, Grishchuk Y. A blood-brain barrier-penetrant AAV gene therapy improves neurological function in symptomatic mucolipidosis IV mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101269. [PMID: 38934011 PMCID: PMC11201152 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Mucolipidosis IV (MLIV) is a rare, autosomal recessive, lysosomal disease characterized by intellectual disability, motor deficits, and progressive vision loss. Using adeno-associated vector 9 (AAV9) and AAV-PHP.B as delivery vectors, we previously demonstrated the feasibility of modifying disease course in a mouse model of MLIV by the human MCOLN1 gene transfer. Here, using a primate-enabling capsid AAV.CPP.16 (CPP16), we constructed a new, clinic-oriented MCOLN1 gene expression vector and demonstrated its efficacy in the preclinical model of MLIV. Systemic administration of CPP16-MCOLN1 in adult symptomatic Mcoln1 -/- mice at a dose of 1e12 vg per mouse resulted in MCOLN1 expression in the brain and peripheral tissues, alleviated brain pathology, rescued neuromotor function, and completely prevented paralysis. Notable expression of MCOLN1 transcripts was also detected in the retina of the mouse, which had exhibited significant degeneration at the time of the treatment. However, no increase in retinal thickness was observed after gene therapy treatment. Our results suggest a new AAV-based systemic gene replacement therapy for the treatment of MLIV that could be translated into clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Sangster
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Martha M. Bishop
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yizheng Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jessica F. Feitor
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, 201 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sanjid Shahriar
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, 201 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Maxwell E. Miller
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anil K. Chekuri
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bogdan Budnik
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, 201 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Fengfeng Bei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yulia Grishchuk
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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25
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Guo J, Lin LF, Oraskovich SV, Rivera de Jesús JA, Listgarten J, Schaffer DV. Computationally guided AAV engineering for enhanced gene delivery. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:457-469. [PMID: 38531696 PMCID: PMC11456259 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.002] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Gene delivery vehicles based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are enabling increasing success in human clinical trials, and they offer the promise of treating a broad spectrum of both genetic and non-genetic disorders. However, delivery efficiency and targeting must be improved to enable safe and effective therapies. In recent years, considerable effort has been invested in creating AAV variants with improved delivery, and computational approaches have been increasingly harnessed for AAV engineering. In this review, we discuss how computationally designed AAV libraries are enabling directed evolution. Specifically, we highlight approaches that harness sequences outputted by next-generation sequencing (NGS) coupled with machine learning (ML) to generate new functional AAV capsids and related regulatory elements, pushing the frontier of what vector engineering and gene therapy may achieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Guo
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Li F Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sydney V Oraskovich
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Julio A Rivera de Jesús
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jennifer Listgarten
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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26
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Sussman C, Liberatore RA, Drozdz MM. Delivery of DNA-Based Therapeutics for Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:535. [PMID: 38675196 PMCID: PMC11053842 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040535] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy and its role in the medical field have evolved drastically in recent decades. Studies aim to define DNA-based medicine as well as encourage innovation and the further development of novel approaches. Gene therapy has been established as an alternative approach to treat a variety of diseases. Its range of mechanistic applicability is wide; gene therapy has the capacity to address the symptoms of disease, the body's ability to fight disease, and in some cases has the ability to cure disease, making it a more attractive intervention than some traditional approaches to treatment (i.e., medicine and surgery). Such versatility also suggests gene therapy has the potential to address a greater number of indications than conventional treatments. Many DNA-based therapies have shown promise in clinical trials, and several have been approved for use in humans. Whereas current treatment regimens for chronic disease often require frequent dosing, DNA-based therapies can produce robust and durable expression of therapeutic genes with fewer treatments. This benefit encourages the application of DNA-based gene therapy to manage chronic diseases, an area where improving efficiency of current treatments is urgent. Here, we provide an overview of two DNA-based gene therapies as well as their delivery methods: adeno associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy and plasmid DNA (pDNA)-based gene therapy. We will focus on how these therapies have already been utilized to improve treatment of chronic disease, as well as how current literature supports the expansion of these therapies to treat additional chronic indications in the future.
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27
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Salatin S, Farhoudi M, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Mahmoudi J. Magnetic hybrid nanovesicles for the precise diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system disorders. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:521-535. [PMID: 38555483 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2336496] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders are increasingly being recognized as a global health challenge worldwide. There are significant challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment due to the presence of the CNS barriers which impede the management of neurological diseases. Combination of nanovesicles (NVs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), referred to as magnetic nanovesicles (MNVs), is now well suggested as a potential theranostic option for improving the management of neurological disorders with increased targeting efficiency and minimized side effects. AREAS COVERED This review provides a summary of major CNS disorders and the physical barriers limiting the access of imaging/therapeutic agents to the CNS environment. A special focus on the unique features of MNPs and NV is discussed which make them attractive candidates for neuro-nanomedicine. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of MNVs as a promising combined strategy for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in neurological disorders is provided. EXPERT OPINION The multifunctionality of MNVs offers the ability to overcome the CNS barriers and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The insights provided will guide future research toward better outcomes and facilitate the development of next-generation, innovative treatments for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salatin
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Farhoudi
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Mahmoudi
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Lopez-Gordo E, Chamberlain K, Riyad JM, Kohlbrenner E, Weber T. Natural Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes and Engineered Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Variants: Tropism Differences and Mechanistic Insights. Viruses 2024; 16:442. [PMID: 38543807 PMCID: PMC10975205 DOI: 10.3390/v16030442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors are arguably the most promising in vivo gene delivery vehicles for durable therapeutic gene expression. Advances in molecular engineering, high-throughput screening platforms, and computational techniques have resulted in a toolbox of capsid variants with enhanced performance over parental serotypes. Despite their considerable promise and emerging clinical success, there are still obstacles hindering their broader use, including limited transduction capabilities, tissue/cell type-specific tropism and penetration into tissues through anatomical barriers, off-target tissue biodistribution, intracellular degradation, immune recognition, and a lack of translatability from preclinical models to clinical settings. Here, we first describe the transduction mechanisms of natural AAV serotypes and explore the current understanding of the systemic and cellular hurdles to efficient transduction. We then outline progress in developing designer AAV capsid variants, highlighting the seminal discoveries of variants which can transduce the central nervous system upon systemic administration, and, to a lesser extent, discuss the targeting of the peripheral nervous system, eye, ear, lung, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, emphasizing their tissue and cell specificity and translational promise. In particular, we dive deeper into the molecular mechanisms behind their enhanced properties, with a focus on their engagement with host cell receptors previously inaccessible to natural AAV serotypes. Finally, we summarize the main findings of our review and discuss future directions.
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Drouyer M, Merjane J, Nazareth D, Knight M, Scott S, Liao SHY, Ginn SL, Zhu E, Alexander IE, Lisowski L. Development of CNS tropic AAV1-like variants with reduced liver-targeting following systemic administration in mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:818-836. [PMID: 38297833 PMCID: PMC10928139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Directed evolution of natural AAV9 using peptide display libraries have been widely used in the search for an optimal recombinant AAV (rAAV) for transgene delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to the CNS following intravenous ( IV) injection. In this study, we used a different approach by creating a shuffled rAAV capsid library based on parental AAV serotypes 1 through 12. Following selection in mice, 3 novel variants closely related to AAV1, AAV-BBB6, AAV-BBB28, and AAV-BBB31, emerged as top candidates. In direct comparisons with AAV9, our novel variants demonstrated an over 270-fold improvement in CNS transduction and exhibited a clear bias toward neuronal cells. Intriguingly, our AAV-BBB variants relied on the LY6A cellular receptor for CNS entry, similar to AAV9 peptide variants AAV-PHP.eB and AAV.CAP-B10, despite the different bioengineering methods used and parental backgrounds. The variants also showed reduced transduction of both mouse liver and human primary hepatocytes in vivo. To increase clinical translatability, we enhanced the immune escape properties of our new variants by introducing additional modifications based on rational design. Overall, our study highlights the potential of AAV1-like vectors for efficient CNS transduction with reduced liver tropism, offering promising prospects for CNS gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Drouyer
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Merjane
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah Nazareth
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Maddison Knight
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Suzanne Scott
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophia H Y Liao
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha L Ginn
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Erhua Zhu
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
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30
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Sarkar SN, Corbin D, Simpkins JW. Brain-Wide Transgene Expression in Mice by Systemic Injection of Genetically Engineered Exosomes: CAP-Exosomes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:270. [PMID: 38543056 PMCID: PMC10976217 DOI: 10.3390/ph17030270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The bottleneck in drug discovery for central nervous system diseases is the absence of effective systemic drug delivery technology for delivering therapeutic drugs into the brain. Despite the advances in the technology used in drug discovery, such as Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors, the development of drugs for central nervous system diseases remains challenging. In this manuscript, we describe, for the first time, the development of a workflow to generate a novel brain-targeted drug delivery system that involves the generation of genetically engineered exosomes by first selecting various functional AAV capsid-specific peptides (collectively called CAPs) known to be involved in brain-targeted high-expression gene delivery, and then expressing the CAPs in frame with lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein (Lamp2b) followed by expressing CAP-Lamp2b fusion protein on the surface of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, thus generating CAP-exosomes. Intravenous injection of green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene-loaded CAP-exosomes in mice transferred the GFP gene throughout the CNS as measured by monitoring brain sections for GFP expression with confocal microscopy. GFP gene transfer efficiency was at least 20-fold greater than that of the control Lamp2b-exosomes, and GFP gene transduction to mouse liver was low.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James W. Simpkins
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, 5, Morgantown, WV 265056, USA; (S.N.S.); (D.C.)
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31
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Fu X, Suo H, Zhang J, Chen D. Machine-learning-guided Directed Evolution for AAV Capsid Engineering. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:811-824. [PMID: 38445704 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128286593240226060318] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Target gene delivery is crucial to gene therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a primary gene therapy vector due to its broad host range, long-term expression, and low pathogenicity. However, AAV vectors have some limitations, such as immunogenicity and insufficient targeting. Designing or modifying capsids is a potential method of improving the efficacy of gene delivery, but hindered by weak biological basis of AAV, complexity of the capsids, and limitations of current screening methods. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially machine learning (ML), has great potential to accelerate and improve the optimization of capsid properties as well as decrease their development time and manufacturing costs. This review introduces the traditional methods of designing AAV capsids and the general steps of building a sequence-function ML model, highlights the applications of ML in the development workflow, and summarizes its advantages and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrong Fu
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hairui Suo
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jiachen Zhang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Dongmei Chen
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Huang Q, Chan KY, Lou S, Keyes C, Wu J, Botticello-Romero NR, Zheng Q, Johnston J, Mills A, Brauer PP, Clouse G, Pacouret S, Harvey JW, Beddow T, Hurley JK, Tobey IG, Powell M, Chen AT, Barry AJ, Eid FE, Chan YA, Deverman BE. An AAV capsid reprogrammed to bind human Transferrin Receptor mediates brain-wide gene delivery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572615. [PMID: 38187643 PMCID: PMC10769326 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Developing vehicles that efficiently deliver genes throughout the human central nervous system (CNS) will broaden the range of treatable genetic diseases. We engineered an AAV capsid, BI-hTFR1, that binds human Transferrin Receptor (TfR1), a protein expressed on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BI-hTFR1 was actively transported across a human brain endothelial cell layer and, relative to AAV9, provided 40-50 times greater reporter expression in the CNS of human TFRC knock-in mice. The enhanced tropism was CNS-specific and absent in wild type mice. When used to deliver GBA1, mutations of which cause Gaucher disease and are linked to Parkinson's disease, BI-hTFR1 substantially increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid glucocerebrosidase activity compared to AAV9. These findings establish BI-hTFR1 as a promising vector for human CNS gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Ken Y. Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Shan Lou
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Casey Keyes
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Jason Wu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | | | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Jencilin Johnston
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Allan Mills
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Pamela P. Brauer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Gabrielle Clouse
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - John W. Harvey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Thomas Beddow
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Jenna K. Hurley
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Isabelle G. Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Megan Powell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Albert T. Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Andrew J. Barry
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University; Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yujia A. Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
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Mich JK, Ryu J, Wei AD, Gore BB, Guo R, Bard AM, Martinez RA, Bishaw Y, Luber E, Oliveira Santos LM, Miranda N, Ramirez JM, Ting JT, Lein ES, Levi BP, Kalume FK. AAV-mediated interneuron-specific gene replacement for Dravet syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.15.571820. [PMID: 38168178 PMCID: PMC10760176 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a devastating developmental epileptic encephalopathy marked by treatment-resistant seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability, motor deficits, and a 10-20% rate of premature death. Most DS patients harbor loss-of-function mutations in one copy of SCN1A , which has been associated with inhibitory neuron dysfunction. Here we developed an interneuron-targeting AAV human SCN1A gene replacement therapy using cell class-specific enhancers. We generated a split-intein fusion form of SCN1A to circumvent AAV packaging limitations and deliver SCN1A via a dual vector approach using cell class-specific enhancers. These constructs produced full-length Na V 1.1 protein and functional sodium channels in HEK293 cells and in brain cells in vivo . After packaging these vectors into enhancer-AAVs and administering to mice, immunohistochemical analyses showed telencephalic GABAergic interneuron-specific and dose-dependent transgene biodistribution. These vectors conferred strong dose-dependent protection against postnatal mortality and seizures in two DS mouse models carrying independent loss-of-function alleles of Scn1a, at two independent research sites, supporting the robustness of this approach. No mortality or toxicity was observed in wild-type mice injected with single vectors expressing either the N-terminal or C-terminal halves of SCN1A , or the dual vector system targeting interneurons. In contrast, nonselective neuronal targeting of SCN1A conferred less rescue against mortality and presented substantial preweaning lethality. These findings demonstrate proof-of-concept that interneuron-specific AAV-mediated SCN1A gene replacement is sufficient for significant rescue in DS mouse models and suggest it could be an effective therapeutic approach for patients with DS.
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Aerts-Kaya F, van Til NP. Gene and Cellular Therapies for Leukodystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2522. [PMID: 38004502 PMCID: PMC10675548 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112522] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a heterogenous group of inherited, degenerative encephalopathies, that if left untreated, are often lethal at an early age. Although some of the leukodystrophies can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, not all patients have suitable donors, and new treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, are rapidly being developed. Recent developments in the field of gene therapy for severe combined immune deficiencies, Leber's amaurosis, epidermolysis bullosa, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, have paved the way for the treatment of leukodystrophies, revealing some of the pitfalls, but overall showing promising results. Gene therapy offers the possibility for overexpression of secretable enzymes that can be released and through uptake, allow cross-correction of affected cells. Here, we discuss some of the leukodystrophies that have demonstrated strong potential for gene therapy interventions, such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which have reached clinical application. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ex vivo lentiviral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, an approach for targeting microglia-like cells or rendering cross-correction. In addition, we summarize ongoing developments in the field of in vivo administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which can be used for direct targeting of affected cells, and other recently developed molecular technologies that may be applicable to treating leukodystrophies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Aerts-Kaya
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey;
- Advanced Technologies Application and Research Center, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Niek P. van Til
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Moos T, Thomsen MS, Burkhart A, Hede E, Laczek B. Targeted transport of biotherapeutics at the blood-brain barrier. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1823-1838. [PMID: 38059358 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2292697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of neurological diseases is significantly hampered by the lack of available therapeutics. A major restraint for the development of drugs is denoted by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which precludes the transfer of biotherapeutics to the brain due to size restraints. AREAS COVERED Novel optimism for transfer of biotherapeutics to the brain has been generated via development of targeted therapeutics to nutrient transporters expressed by brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs). Targeting approaches with antibodies acting as biological drug carriers allow for proteins and genetic material to enter the brain, and qualified therapy using targeted proteins for protein replacement has been observed in preclinical models and now emerging in the clinic. Viral vectors denote an alternative for protein delivery to the brain by uptake and transduction of BCECs, or by transport through the BBB leading to neuronal transduction. EXPERT OPINION The breaching of the BBB to large molecules has opened for treatment of diseases in the brain. A sturdier understanding of how biotherapeutics undergo transport through the BBB and how successful transport into the brain can be monitored is required to further improve the translation from successful preclinical studies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Moos
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maj Schneider Thomsen
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Annette Burkhart
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Eva Hede
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Bartosz Laczek
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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