1
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Lengler J, Weiller M, Horling F, Mayrhofer J, Schuster M, Falkner FG, Gil-Farina I, Klugmann M, Scheiflinger F, Hoellriegl W, Rottensteiner H. Preclinical development of TAK-754, a high-performance AAV8-based vector expressing coagulation factor VIII. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2025; 33:101424. [PMID: 40123744 PMCID: PMC11929063 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2025.101424] [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: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
This report concerns the preclinical development of TAK-754, an AAV8-based human factor VIII (FVIII) vector designed to deliver a codon-optimized and CpG-depleted B domain-deleted F8 transgene under the control of a liver-specific promoter for gene therapy in patients with hemophilia A. A dose-dependent increase in plasma FVIII activity was detected in FVIII knockout mice at a dose of 1.0 × 1012 TAK-754 capsid particles (CP)/kg or higher. This increase was shown to be in accordance with a dose-dependent decrease in blood loss in a hemostatic efficacy assay. TAK-754 (3.1 × 1012 CP/kg) mediated long-term and stable FVIII expression in immunologically tolerant transgenic human FVIII mice. Toxicology and biodistribution assessments with a single administration of TAK-754 ranging between 1.9 × 1012 and 5.0 × 1013 CP/kg were conducted in male C57BL/6J mice. The highest TAK-754 dose occurred without TAK-754-related adverse clinical signs. Biodistribution profiling showed predominant detection in the liver with a low occurrence of vector DNA in other tissues. Integration site analysis revealed minimal vector integration, with no observations of clonal outgrowth or preferred integrations in genes previously implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma formation within the observation period. These preclinical studies demonstrate a good safety and efficacy profile for TAK-754.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Lengler
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Weiller
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Horling
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Mayrhofer
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Schuster
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Falko G. Falkner
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Matthias Klugmann
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Scheiflinger
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Hoellriegl
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Member of the Takeda Group of Companies, 1221 Vienna, Austria
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2
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Ausman KD, Whitaker N, Balasubramanian M, Kokona B, Vogt A, Kar SR. Low voltage electron microscopy: An emerging tool for AAV characterization. J Pharm Sci 2025; 114:1554-1562. [PMID: 39884505 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.01.013] [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: 11/21/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/01/2025]
Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy has become a standard characterization tool for adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy products. However, cost and expertise requirements place in-house traditional transmission electron microscope systems out of reach for many companies in the field. Recently developed low voltage electron microscopes can fulfill many of the needs for adeno-associated virus characterization at a fraction of the cost. Example applications are discussed, including empty/full analysis, broken/incomplete capsid identification, and aggregate/high-molecular-weight species characterization. Our low voltage electron microscopy empty/full analysis agrees with orthogonal methods widely used in industry. Furthermore, analysis of broken/incomplete capsid morphologies using traditional transmission electron microscopy and low voltage electron microscopy shed light on a plausible mechanism for incomplete capsid aggregation that involves mutual passivation of open edges. A comprehensive analysis of AAV preparations using low voltage electron microscopy has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Ausman
- Spark Therapeutics, Inc., 3025 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Neal Whitaker
- Formerly with Spark Therapeutics, Inc., 3025 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | | | - Bashkim Kokona
- Spark Therapeutics, Inc., 3025 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Austin Vogt
- Spark Therapeutics, Inc., 3025 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Sambit R Kar
- Formerly with Spark Therapeutics, Inc., 3025 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
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3
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Lengler J, Gavrila M, Brandis J, Palavra K, Dieringer F, Unterthurner S, Fuchsberger F, Kraus B, Bort JAH. Crucial aspects for maintaining rAAV stability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:27685. [PMID: 39533000 PMCID: PMC11557909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The storage of rAAV vectors for gene therapy applications is critical for ensuring a constant product quality and defined amount of medication at the time of administration. Therefore, we determined the influence of different storage conditions on the physicochemical and biological properties of rAAV8 and rAAV9 preparations. Particular attention was paid to short-term storage, which plays a crucial role in both the manufacturing process and in clinical applications. Additionally, we addressed the question, of viability of rAAV8 and rAAV9 when subjected to very low-temperature storage conditions (below -65 °C) or lyophilization. To determine the impact on rAAV vectors, various analyses were used, including the quantification of capsid and genome titers, as well as biopotency assessments, which are pivotal determinants in characterizing vector behavior and efficacy. Our data showed that freeze/thaw cycles hardly affected the functionality of rAAV9-aGAL vectors. In contrast, prolonged storage at room temperature for several days, resulted in a discernible decrease in biopotency despite consistent capsid and genome titers. When the storage temperature was further increased, the rAAV8-aGAL decay accelerated. For example, a short-term exposure of + 40 °C and more, led to a reduction in the physical viral titer and to an even faster decline in efficacy determined by biopotency. However, the addition of sucrose and sorbitol to the rAAV9-aGAL and rAAV9-GAA preparations reduced the temperature sensitivity of rAAV and improved its stability. Furthermore, exposure of rAAV9-aGAL to highly acidic conditions (pH 2.5) dramatically reduced its biopotency by 70% or more. Most interestingly, a long-term storage of rAAV9-aGAL and rAAV8-FVIII vectors over 12 and 36 months, respectively, demonstrated exceptional stability at storage temperatures below -65 °C. Also, lyophilization conserved functionality for at least 10 months. Our data showed how to maintain rAAV biopotency levels over the time without substantial loss. Storage at very low temperatures (below -65 °C) preserved its effectiveness over years. Overall, pH and temperature conditions during the manufacturing process, storage and clinical application are worth considering. Consistency in the rAAV capsid titer determination did not necessarily indicate the preservation of biopotency. In conclusion, our approach determined several options for maximizing rAAV stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Lengler
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria
| | - Mia Gavrila
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria
| | - Janina Brandis
- Drug Product Development EU, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Industriestraße 72, 1221, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Palavra
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria
| | - Felix Dieringer
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria
| | - Sabine Unterthurner
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria
| | - Felix Fuchsberger
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria
| | - Barbara Kraus
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria
| | - Juan A Hernandez Bort
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Part of Takeda Companies, Uferstraße 15, 2304, Orth an Der Donau, Austria.
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Bioengineering, University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna, 1100, Vienna, Austria.
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4
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Eisenhut P, Andorfer P, Haid A, Jokl B, Manhartsberger R, Fuchsberger F, Innthaler B, Lengler J, Kraus B, Pletzenauer R, Hernandez Bort JA, Unterthurner S. Orthogonal characterization of rAAV9 reveals unexpected transgene heterogeneity. J Biotechnol 2024; 393:128-139. [PMID: 39106910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.07.020] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is the most widely used viral vector for in vivo human gene therapy. To ensure safety and efficacy of gene therapy products, a comprehensive analytical profile of the rAAVs is needed, which provides crucial information for therapeutic development and manufacturing. Besides information on rAAV quantities and possible contaminating DNA and protein species, assessing rAAV quality is of utmost importance. In vitro biopotency and methods to determine the full/empty ratio of rAAV capsids are commonly applied, but methods to assess the integrity of the viral genome are still rarely used. Here we describe an orthogonal approach to characterize rAAV quality. Two biologically different rAAV9s from different stages of the bioprocess, generated each with two different transfection reagents, were investigated. In vitro biopotency tests in all cases demonstrated that rAAV9s generated with transfection reagent FectoVIR® possessed a higher biological activity. Mass-based analytical methods, such as sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and mass photometry, showed a high share of full capsids (>80 %) at late process stages but did not detect any differences in the rAAV9s from the different transfection reagents. Multiplex dPCR and Nanopore long-read sequencing both demonstrated that, also in late-stage process samples, sample heterogeneity was relatively high with a rather small share of full-length transgenes of ∼10-40 %. Intriguingly, both methods detected a higher share of complete transgenes in rAAV9 generated with transfection reagent FectoVIR® instead of Polyethylenimine (PEI), and thereby explain the differences already observed in the biopotency assays. This study therefore emphasizes the necessity to utilize multiple, orthogonal methods to gain a better understanding of recombinantly manufactured AAVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Eisenhut
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Peter Andorfer
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Andrea Haid
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Beatrice Jokl
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Raffaela Manhartsberger
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Felix Fuchsberger
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Bernd Innthaler
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Johannes Lengler
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Barbara Kraus
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Robert Pletzenauer
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria
| | - Juan A Hernandez Bort
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | - Sabine Unterthurner
- Gene Therapy Process Development, Baxalta Innovations GmbH, part of Takeda companies, Orth an der Donau, Orth an der Donau 2304, Austria.
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5
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Janc M, Zevnik K, Dolinar A, Jakomin T, Štalekar M, Bačnik K, Kutnjak D, Žnidarič MT, Zentilin L, Fedorov D, Dobnik D. In-Depth Comparison of Adeno-Associated Virus Containing Fractions after CsCl Ultracentrifugation Gradient Separation. Viruses 2024; 16:1235. [PMID: 39205208 PMCID: PMC11360810 DOI: 10.3390/v16081235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) play a pivotal role in the treatment of genetic diseases. However, current production and purification processes yield AAV-based preparations that often contain unwanted empty, partially filled or damaged viral particles and impurities, including residual host cell DNA and proteins, plasmid DNA, and viral aggregates. To precisely understand the composition of AAV preparations, we systematically compared four different single-stranded AAV (ssAAV) and self-complementary (scAAV) fractions extracted from the CsCl ultracentrifugation gradient using established methods (transduction efficiency, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), quantitative and digital droplet PCR (qPCR and ddPCR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) alongside newer techniques (multiplex ddPCR, multi-angle light-scattering coupled to size-exclusion chromatography (SEC-MALS), multi-angle dynamic light scattering (MADLS), and high-throughput sequencing (HTS)). Suboptimal particle separation within the fractions resulted in unexpectedly similar infectivity levels. No single technique could simultaneously provide comprehensive insights in the presence of both bioactive particles and contaminants. Notably, multiplex ddPCR revealed distinct vector genome fragmentation patterns, differing between ssAAV and scAAV. This highlights the urgent need for innovative analytical and production approaches to optimize AAV vector production and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojca Janc
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kaja Zevnik
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
| | - Ana Dolinar
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
| | - Tjaša Jakomin
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
| | - Maja Štalekar
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
| | - Katarina Bačnik
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
| | - Denis Kutnjak
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
| | | | - Lorena Zentilin
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Dmitrii Fedorov
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER) Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - David Dobnik
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.D.)
- Niba Labs d.o.o., Litostrojska cesta 52, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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6
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De-Luca R, Pupo-Correia M, Feldhofer M, Martins DL, Umprecht A, Shahmohammadi A, Corona D, von Stosch M. Hybrid modeling of an ultracentrifugation process for separation of full and empty adeno-associated virus particles. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2024; 47:877-890. [PMID: 38703202 PMCID: PMC11101501 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-024-03014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Ultracentrifugation is an attractive method for separating full and empty capsids, exploiting their density difference. Changes of the serotype/capsid, density of loading material, or the genetic information contained in the adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) require the adaptation of the harvesting parameters and the density gradient loaded onto the centrifuge. To streamline these adaptations, a mathematical model could support the design and testing of operating conditions.Here, hybrid models, which combine empirical functions with artificial neural networks, are proposed to describe the separation of full and empty capsids as a function of material and operational parameters, i.e., the harvest model. In addition, critical quality attributes are estimated by a quality model which is operating on top of the harvest model. The performance of these models was evaluated using test data and two additional blind runs. Also, a "what-if" analysis was conducted to investigate whether the models' predictions align with expectations.It is concluded that the models are sufficiently accurate to support the design of operating conditions, though the accuracy and applicability of the models can further be increased by training them on more specific data with higher variability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Pupo-Correia
- DataHow Soluções de Inteligência Artificial, Unipessoal, LDA, Rua Filipe Folque 2, 1050-110, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Michael Feldhofer
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Takeda Company, Industriestraße 67, 1221, Vienna, Austria
| | - Duarte L Martins
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Takeda Company, Industriestraße 67, 1221, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Umprecht
- Baxalta Innovations GmbH, a Takeda Company, Industriestraße 67, 1221, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali Shahmohammadi
- Takeda Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc., 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, 02421, USA
| | - Daniel Corona
- DataHow Soluções de Inteligência Artificial, Unipessoal, LDA, Rua Filipe Folque 2, 1050-110, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Moritz von Stosch
- DataHow AG, Hagenholzstrasse 111, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.
- DataHow Soluções de Inteligência Artificial, Unipessoal, LDA, Rua Filipe Folque 2, 1050-110, Lisbon, Portugal.
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7
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Faber T, McConville JT, Lamprecht A. Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy provides novel insights of drug delivery phenomena. J Control Release 2024; 366:312-327. [PMID: 38161031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.048] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has long been a standard tool for morphological analyses, providing sub micrometer resolution of pharmaceutical formulations. However, analysis of internal morphologies of such formulations can often be biased due to the introduction of artifacts that originate from sample preparation. A recent advancement in SEM, is the focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). This technique uses a focused ion beam (FIB) to remove material with nanometer precision, to provide virtually sample-independent access to sub-surface structures. The FIB can be combined with SEM imaging capabilities within the same instrumentation. As a powerful analytical tool, electron microscopy and FIB-milling are performed sequentially to produce high-resolution 3D models of structural peculiarities of diverse drug delivery systems or their behavior in a biological environment, i.e. intracellular or -tissue distribution. This review paper briefly describes the technical background of the method, outlines a wide array of potential uses within the drug delivery field, and focuses on intracellular transport where high-resolution images are an essential tool for mechanistical insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Faber
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jason T McConville
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alf Lamprecht
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Université de Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1098 Right, Besançon, France.
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8
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Hirohata K, Yamaguchi Y, Maruno T, Shibuya R, Torisu T, Onishi T, Chono H, Mineno J, Yuzhe Y, Higashiyama K, Masumi-Koizumi K, Uchida K, Yamamoto T, Uchida E, Okada T, Uchiyama S. Applications and Limitations of Equilibrium Density Gradient Analytical Ultracentrifugation for the Quantitative Characterization of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors. Anal Chem 2024; 96:642-651. [PMID: 38165078 PMCID: PMC10794998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are produced as a mixture of the desired particle (full particle, FP), which is filled with the designed DNA, product-related impurities such as particle without DNA (empty particle, EP), and aggregates. Cesium chloride or iodixanol equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGE-UC) has been used for the purification of AAV vectors. DGE-UC can separate FP from impurities based on the difference in their buoyant densities. Here, we report the applications and limitations of equilibrium density gradient analytical ultracentrifugation (DGE-AUC) using a modern AUC instrument that employs DGE-UC principles for the characterization and quantitation of AAV vectors. We evaluated the quantitative ability of DGE-AUC in comparison with sedimentation velocity AUC (SV-AUC) or band sedimentation AUC (BS-AUC) using AAVs with different DNA lengths and different serotypes. DGE-AUC enabled the accurate quantification of the ratio of FP to EP when the AAV vector primarily contains these particles. Furthermore, we developed a new workflow to identify the components of separated peaks in addition to FP and EP. Ultraviolet absorption spectra obtained by multiwavelength detection can also support peak assignment following component identification. DGE-AUC experiments for AAV vectors have limitations with regard to minor components with low absorption at the detected wavelength or those with a density similar to that of major components of AAV vectors. DGE-AUC is the only analytical method that can evaluate particle density heterogeneity; therefore, SV-AUC or BS-AUC and DGE-AUC are complementary methods for reliable assessment of the purity of AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiichi Hirohata
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamaguchi
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maruno
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Risa Shibuya
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Torisu
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takayuki Onishi
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideto Chono
- Takara
Bio Inc., 7-4-38 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0058, Japan
| | - Junichi Mineno
- Takara
Bio Inc., 7-4-38 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0058, Japan
| | - Yuan Yuzhe
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Higashiyama
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kyoko Masumi-Koizumi
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Uchida
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takenori Yamamoto
- Division
of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Eriko Uchida
- Division
of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Institute
of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Susumu Uchiyama
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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9
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Xie Y, Butler M. Multi-attribute analysis of adeno-associated virus by size exclusion chromatography with fluorescence and triple-wavelength UV detection. Anal Biochem 2023; 680:115311. [PMID: 37666384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is the leading platform for in vivo gene therapy to treat numerous genetic diseases. Comprehensive analysis of the AAV particles is essential to ensure desired safety and efficacy. An array of techniques is required to evaluate their critical quality attributes. However, many of these techniques are expensive, time-consuming, labour-intensive, and varying in accuracy. Size exclusion chromatography coupled with fluorescence and triple-wavelength ultraviolet detection (SEC-FLD-TWUV) and incorporating an aromatic amino acid of tryptophan as an internal standard offers a simple, rapid, and reliable approach for simultaneous multi-attribute analysis of AAVs. In the current study, we demonstrate its capability for AAV characterization and quantification, that includes capsid concentration, empty to full capsid ratio, vector genome concentration, and the presence of aggregates or fragments. All were performed in 20-min chromatographic runs with minimal sample handling. Data analysis involves the assessment of intrinsic fluorescence and UV absorbance of samples at three wavelengths that can be utilised to determine the content of the capsid protein and genome copy number. The separation efficiency using SEC columns with different pore sizes, and elution buffers of varying compositions, ionic strength, and pH values was also evaluated. This SEC-FLD-TWUV method may serve as a powerful yet cost-effective tool for responsive quality evaluation of AAVs. This may enhance performance, robustness, and safety of bioprocessing for AAV vectors to be used in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjing Xie
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Michael Butler
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 X099, Ireland; School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland.
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10
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Escandell J, Moura F, Carvalho SB, Silva RJS, Correia R, Roldão A, Gomes-Alves P, Alves PM. Towards a scalable bioprocess for rAAV production using a HeLa stable cell line. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:2578-2587. [PMID: 37027346 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The majority of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) approved for clinical use or in clinical trials areproduced by transient transfection using the HEK293 cell line. However, this platform has several manufacturing bottlenecks at commercial scales namely, low product quality (full to empty capsid ratio <20% in most rAAV serotypes), lower productivities obtained after scale-up and the high cost of raw materials, in particular of Good Manufacturing Practice grade plasmid DNA required for transfection. The HeLa-based stable cell line rAAV production system provides a robust and scalable alternative to transient transfection systems. Nevertheless, the time required to generate the producer cell lines combined with the complexity of rAAV production and purification processes still pose several barriers to the use of this platform as a suitable alternative to the HEK293 transient transfection. In this work we streamlined the cell line development and bioprocessing for the HeLaS3-based production of rAAV. By exploring this optimized approach, producer cell lines were generated in 3-4 months, and presented rAAV2 volumetric production (bulk) > 3 × 1011 vg/mL and full to empty capsids ratio (>70%) at 2 L bioreactor scale. Moreover, the established downstream process, based on ion exchange and affinity-based chromatography, efficiently eliminated process related impurities, including the Adenovirus 5 helper virus required for production with a log reduction value of 9. Overall, we developed a time-efficient and robust rAAV bioprocess using a stable producer cell line achieving purified rAAV2 yields > 1 × 1011 vg/mL. This optimized platform may address manufacturing challenges for rAAV based medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Escandell
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipa Moura
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sofia B Carvalho
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J S Silva
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Correia
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Antonio Roldão
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Gomes-Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paula M Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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11
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Henrickson A, Ding X, Seal AG, Qu Z, Tomlinson L, Forsey J, Gradinaru V, Oka K, Demeler B. Characterization and quantification of adeno-associated virus capsid-loading states by multi-wavelength analytical ultracentrifugation with UltraScan. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1519-1534. [PMID: 37877696 PMCID: PMC10652292 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0156] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: We present multi-wavelength (MW) analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) methods offering superior accuracy for adeno-associated virus characterization and quantification. Methods: Experimental design guidelines are presented for MW sedimentation velocity and analytical buoyant density equilibrium AUC. Results: Our results were compared with dual-wavelength AUC, transmission electron microscopy and mass photometry. In contrast to dual-wavelength AUC, MW-AUC correctly quantifies adeno-associated virus capsid ratios and identifies contaminants. In contrast to transmission electron microscopy, partially filled capsids can also be detected and quantified. In contrast to mass photometry, first-principle results are obtained. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the improved information provided by MW-AUC, highlighting the utility of several recently integrated UltraScan programs, and reinforces AUC as the gold-standard analysis for viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Henrickson
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Austin G Seal
- Gene Vector Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhe Qu
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | - John Forsey
- Pharmaron Biologics Ltd, Speke, Liverpool, L24 8RB, UK
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Oka
- Gene Vector Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX 77030, USA
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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12
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Nam YR, Ju HH, Lee J, Lee D, Kim Y, Lee SJ, Kim HK, Jang JH, Lee H. Distinguishing between DNA-Loaded Full and Empty Capsids of Adeno-Associated Virus with Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:6740-6747. [PMID: 37130261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, miraculous therapy approaches involving adeno-associated virus (AAV) for incurable diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and inherited retinal dysfunction have been introduced. Nonreplicative, nonpathogenic, low rates of chromosome insertional properties and the existence of neutralizing antibodies are main safety reasons why the FDA approved its use in gene delivery. To date, AAV production always results in a mixture of nontherapeutic (empty) and therapeutic (DNA-loaded) full capsids (10-98%). Such existence of empty viral particles inevitably increases viral doses to human. Thus, the rapid monitoring of empty capsids and reducing the empty-to-full ratio are critical in AAV science. However, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the primary tool for distinguishing between empty and full capsids, which creates a research bottleneck because of instrument accessibility and technical difficulty. Herein, we demonstrate that atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be an alternative tool to TEM. The simple, noncontact-mode imaging of AAV particles allows the distinct height difference between full capsids (∼22 nm) and empty capsids (∼16 nm). The sphere-to-ellipsoidal morphological distortion observed for empty AAV particles clearly distinguishes them from full AAV particles. Our study indicates that AFM imaging can be an extremely useful, quality-control tool in AAV particle monitoring, which is beneficial for the future development of AAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ri Nam
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Helen H Ju
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeehee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Daiheon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojin Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jin Lee
- R&D Center, GluGene Therapeutics Inc., Seoul 34028, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Kee Kim
- R&D Center, GluGene Therapeutics Inc., Seoul 34028, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- R&D Center, GluGene Therapeutics Inc., Seoul 34028, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeshin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- R&D Center, GluGene Therapeutics Inc., Seoul 34028, Republic of Korea
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13
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Hickey JM, Jacob SI, Tait AS, Vahid FD, Barritt J, Rouse S, Douglas A, Joshi SB, Volkin DB, Bracewell DG. Measurement of Adenovirus-Based Vector Heterogeneity. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:974-984. [PMID: 36563855 PMCID: PMC9767660 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Adenovirus vectors have become an important class of vaccines with the recent approval of Ebola and COVID-19 products. In-process quality attribute data collected during Adenovirus vector manufacturing has focused on particle concentration and infectivity ratios (based on viral genome: cell-based infectivity), and data suggest only a fraction of viral particles present in the final vaccine product are efficacious. To better understand this product heterogeneity, lab-scale preparations of two Adenovirus viral vectors, (Chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) and Human adenovirus Type 5 (Ad5), were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Different adenovirus morphologies were characterized, and the proportion of empty and full viral particles were quantified. These proportions showed a qualitative correlation with the sample's infectivity values. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) peptide mapping was used to identify key adenovirus proteins involved in viral maturation. Using peptide abundance analysis, a ∼5-fold change in L1 52/55k abundance was observed between low-(empty) and high-density (full) fractions taken from CsCl ultracentrifugation preparations of ChAdOx1 virus. The L1 52/55k viral protein is associated with DNA packaging and is cleaved during viral maturation, so it may be a marker for infective particles. TEM and LC-MS peptide mapping are promising higher-resolution analytical characterization tools to help differentiate between relative proportions of empty, non-infectious, and infectious viral particles as part of Adenovirus vector in-process monitoring, and these results are an encouraging initial step to better differentiate between the different product-related impurities.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Shaleem I Jacob
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew S Tait
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Joseph Barritt
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Rouse
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sangeeta B Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Daniel G Bracewell
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.
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