1
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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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2
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Drouyer M, Chu TH, Labit E, Haase F, Navarro RG, Nazareth D, Rosin N, Merjane J, Scott S, Cabanes-Creus M, Westhaus A, Zhu E, Midha R, Alexander IE, Biernaskie J, Ginn SL, Lisowski L. Novel AAV variants with improved tropism for human Schwann cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101234. [PMID: 38558569 PMCID: PMC10978538 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101234] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapies and associated technologies are transforming biomedical research and enabling novel therapeutic options for patients living with debilitating and incurable genetic disorders. The vector system based on recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) has shown great promise in recent clinical trials for genetic diseases of multiple organs, such as the liver and the nervous system. Despite recent successes toward the development of novel bioengineered AAV variants for improved transduction of primary human tissues and cells, vectors that can efficiently transduce human Schwann cells (hSCs) have yet to be identified. Here, we report the application of the functional transduction-RNA selection method in primary hSCs for the development of AAV variants for specific and efficient transgene delivery to hSCs. The two identified capsid variants, Pep2hSC1 and Pep2hSC2, show conserved potency for delivery across various in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models of hSCs. These novel AAV capsids will serve as valuable research tools, forming the basis for therapeutic solutions for both SC-related disorders or peripheral nervous system injury.
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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
| | - Tak-Ho Chu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elodie Labit
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Florencia Haase
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- 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
| | - Nicole Rosin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Merjane
- 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
| | - Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, 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
| | - Rajiv Midha
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - 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
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - 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
| | - 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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3
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Graves LE, van Dijk EB, Zhu E, Koyyalamudi S, Wotton T, Sung D, Srinivasan S, Ginn SL, Alexander IE. AAV-delivered hepato-adrenal cooperativity in steroidogenesis: Implications for gene therapy for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101232. [PMID: 38558568 PMCID: PMC10979120 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101232] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite the availability of life-saving corticosteroids for 70 years, treatment for adrenal insufficiency is not able to recapitulate physiological diurnal cortisol secretion and results in numerous complications. Gene therapy is an attractive possibility for monogenic adrenocortical disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia; however, requires further development of gene transfer/editing technologies and knowledge of the target progenitor cell populations. Vectors based on adeno-associated virus are the leading system for direct in vivo gene delivery but have limitations in targeting replicating cell populations such as in the adrenal cortex. One strategy to overcome this technological limitation is to deliver the relevant adrenocortical gene to a currently targetable organ outside of the adrenal cortex. To explore this possibility, we developed a vector encoding human 21-hydroxylase and directed expression to the liver in a mouse model of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This extra-adrenal expression resulted in reconstitution of the steroidogenic pathway. Aldosterone and renin levels normalized, and corticosterone levels improved sufficiently to reduce adrenal hyperplasia. This strategy could provide an alternative treatment option for monogenic adrenal disorders, particularly for mineralocorticoid defects. These findings also demonstrate, when targeting the adrenal gland, that inadvertent liver transduction should be precluded as it may confound data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara E. Graves
- 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
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Eva B. van Dijk
- 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
| | - Erhua Zhu
- 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
| | - Sundar Koyyalamudi
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Tiffany Wotton
- NSW Newborn Screening Program, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Dinah Sung
- NSW Newborn Screening Program, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Shubha Srinivasan
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, 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
| | - Ian E. Alexander
- 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
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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4
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Kepreotis SV, Oh JG, Park M, Yoo J, Lee C, Mercola M, Hajjar RJ, Jeong D. Inhibition of miR-25 ameliorates cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction in aged mdx/utrn haploinsufficient (+/-) mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102174. [PMID: 38584818 PMCID: PMC10998245 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Dystrophic cardiomyopathy is a significant feature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Increased cardiomyocyte cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) and interstitial fibrosis are major pathophysiological hallmarks that ultimately result in cardiac dysfunction. MicroRNA-25 (miR-25) has been identified as a suppressor of both sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog-7 (Smad7) proteins. In this study, we created a gene transfer using an miR-25 tough decoy (TuD) RNA inhibitor delivered via recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) to evaluate the effect of miR-25 inhibition on cardiac and skeletal muscle function in aged dystrophin/utrophin haploinsufficient mice mdx/utrn (+/-), a validated transgenic murine model of DMD. We found that the intravenous delivery of AAV9 miR-25 TuD resulted in strong and stable inhibition of cardiac miR-25 levels, together with the restoration of SERCA2a and Smad7 expression. This was associated with the amelioration of cardiomyocyte interstitial fibrosis as well as recovered cardiac function. Furthermore, the direct quadricep intramuscular injection of AAV9 miR-25 TuD significantly restored skeletal muscle Smad7 expression, reduced tissue fibrosis, and enhanced skeletal muscle performance in mdx/utrn (+/-) mice. These results imply that miR-25 TuD gene transfer may be a novel therapeutic approach to restore cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis and abrogate tissue fibrosis in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha V. Kepreotis
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Jae Gyun Oh
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Mina Park
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Jimeen Yoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Cholong Lee
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Mark Mercola
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Roger J. Hajjar
- Mass General Brigham Gene and Cell Therapy Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dongtak Jeong
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
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5
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Ford JL, Karatza E, Mody H, Nagaraja Shastri P, Khajeh Pour S, Yang TY, Swanson M, Chao D, Devineni D. Clinical Pharmacology Perspective on Development of Adeno-Associated Virus Vector-Based Retina Gene Therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 115:1212-1232. [PMID: 38450707 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3230] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy is an innovative modality being increasingly investigated to treat diseases by modifying or replacing defective genes or expressing therapeutic entities. With its unique anatomic and physiological characteristics, the eye constitutes a very attractive target for gene therapy. Specifically, the ocular space is easily accessible and is generally considered "immune-privileged" with a low risk of systemic side effects following local drug administration. As retina cells have limited cellular turnover, a one-time gene delivery has the potential to provide long-term transgene expression. Despite the initial success with voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna), the first approved retina gene therapy, there are still challenges to be overcome for successful clinical development of these products and scientific questions to be answered. The current review paper aims to integrate published experience learned thus far for AAV-based retina gene therapy related to preclinical to clinical translation; first-in-human dose selection; relevant bioanalytical assays and strategies; clinical development considerations including trial design, biodistribution and vector shedding, immunogenicity, transgene expression, and pediatric populations; opportunities for model-informed drug development; and regulatory perspectives. The information presented herein is intended to serve as a guide to inform the clinical development strategy for retina gene therapy with a focus on clinical pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni Karatza
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hardik Mody
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sana Khajeh Pour
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tong-Yuan Yang
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Swanson
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Chao
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Pitarch Castellano I, López Briz E, Ibáñez Albert E, Aguado Codina C, Sevilla T, Poveda Andrés JL. Onasemnogene Abeparvovec Administration via Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: A Case Report. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:590. [PMID: 38790585 PMCID: PMC11120195 DOI: 10.3390/children11050590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA) is the approved intravenous gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). A functional copy of the human SMN1 gene was inserted into the target motor neuron cells via a viral vector, AAV9. In clinical trials, OA was infused through a peripheral venous catheter, and no data are available on central catheter use. Recently, we had a case where OA was administered directly into the right atrium via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) instead of a peripheral line, as recommended. The patient was a female child aged 4 months, diagnosed as SMA type I. For practical reasons, a dose of OA according to the weight of the patient (1.1 × 1014 vectorial genomes/kg) was administered via PICC in 1 h, as the product information recommends. The drug was well tolerated, with no hypersensitivity reactions or initial elevation of transaminases or other adverse effects. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported where OA was administered via a central line. This type of administration is not contraindicated, but it is not specifically contemplated or recommended. It is unknown whether central line administration could have any implications for transduction efficiency and immunogenicity. Future studies should clarify these aspects, as each gene therapy has a specific optimal dose recorded that depends on the site and route of administration of the drug, the AAV variant and the transgene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo López Briz
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Eugenia Ibáñez Albert
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Cristina Aguado Codina
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Teresa Sevilla
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José L. Poveda Andrés
- Management Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
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7
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Xicluna R, Avenel A, Vandamme C, Devaux M, Jaulin N, Couzinié C, Le Duff J, Charrier A, Guilbaud M, Adjali O, Gernoux G. Prevalence Study of Cellular Capsid-Specific Immune Responses to AAV2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and rh10 in Healthy Donors. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:355-364. [PMID: 38581431 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.225] [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: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors appear, more than ever, to be efficient viral vectors for in vivo gene transfer as illustrated by the approvals of 7 drugs across Europe and the United States. Nevertheless, preexisting immunity to AAV capsid in humans remains one of the major limits for a successful clinical translation. Whereas a preexisting humoral response to AAV capsid is well documented, the prevalence of preexisting capsid-specific T cell responses still needs to be studied and characterized. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of AAV-specific circulating T cells toward AAV2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and rh10 in a large cohort of healthy donors using the standard IFNγ ELISpot assay. We observed the highest prevalence of preexisting cellular immunity to AAV9 serotype followed by AAV8, AAV4, AAV2, AAVrh10, and AAV5 independently of the donors' serological status. An in-depth analysis of T cell responses toward the 2 most prevalent serotypes 8 and 9 shows that IFNγ secretion is mainly mediated by CD8 T cells for both serotypes. A polyfunctional analysis reveals different cytokine profiles between AAV8 and AAV9. Surprisingly, no IL-2 secretion was mediated by anti-AAV9 immune cells suggesting that these cells may rather be exhausted or terminally differentiated than cytotoxic T cells. Altogether, these results suggest that preexisting immunity to AAV may vary depending on the serotype and support the necessity of using multiparametric monitoring methods to better characterize anticapsid cellular immunity and foresee its impact in rAAV-mediated clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Xicluna
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Allan Avenel
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Céline Vandamme
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Marie Devaux
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Jaulin
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Célia Couzinié
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Johanne Le Duff
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Alicia Charrier
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Mickaël Guilbaud
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Gwladys Gernoux
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
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8
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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 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] [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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9
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Maturana CJ. Engineered compact pan-neuronal promoter from Alphaherpesvirus LAP2 enhances target gene expression in the mouse brain and reduces tropism in the liver. Gene Ther 2024; 31:335-344. [PMID: 38012300 PMCID: PMC11090813 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00430-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Small promoters capable of driving potent neuron-restricted gene expression are required to support successful brain circuitry and clinical gene therapy studies. However, converting large promoters into functional MiniPromoters, which can be used in vectors with limited capacity, remains challenging. In this study, we describe the generation of a novel version of alphaherpesvirus latency-associated promoter 2 (LAP2), which facilitates precise transgene expression exclusively in the neurons of the mouse brain while minimizing undesired targeting in peripheral tissues. Additionally, we aimed to create a compact neural promoter to facilitate packaging of larger transgenes. Our results revealed that MiniLAP2 (278 bp) drives potent transgene expression in all neurons in the mouse brain, with little to no expression in glial cells. In contrast to the native promoter, MiniLAP2 reduced tropism in the spinal cord and liver. No expression was detected in the kidney or skeletal muscle. In summary, we developed a minimal pan-neuronal promoter that drives specific and robust transgene expression in the mouse brain when delivered intravenously via AAV-PHP.eB vector. The use of this novel MiniPromoter may broaden the range of deliverable therapeutics and improve their safety and efficacy by minimizing the potential for off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola J Maturana
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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10
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Hetzler Z, Marinakos SM, Lott N, Mohammad N, Lass-Napiorkowska A, Kolbe J, Turrentine L, Fields D, Overton L, Marie H, Hucknall A, Rammo O, George H, Wei Q. Adeno-associated virus genome quantification with amplification-free CRISPR-Cas12a. Gene Ther 2024; 31:304-313. [PMID: 38528117 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00449-x] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Efficient manufacturing of recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral (rAAV) vectors to meet rising clinical demand remains a major hurdle. One of the most significant challenges is the generation of large amounts of empty capsids without the therapeutic genome. There is no standardized analytical method to accurately quantify the viral genes, and subsequently the empty-to-full ratio, making the manufacturing challenges even more complex. We propose the use of CRISPR diagnostics (CRISPR-Dx) as a robust and rapid approach to determine AAV genome titers. We designed and developed the CRISPR-AAV Evaluation (CRAAVE) assay to maximize sensitivity, minimize time-to-result, and provide a potentially universal design for quantifying multiple transgene constructs encapsidated within different AAV serotypes. We also demonstrate an on-chip CRAAVE assay with lyophilized reagents to minimize end user assay input. The CRAAVE assay was able to detect AAV titers as low as 7e7 vg/mL with high precision (<3% error) in quantifying unknown AAV titers when compared with conventional quantitative PCR (qPCR) method. The assay only requires 30 min of assay time, shortening the analytical workflow drastically. Our results suggest CRISPR-Dx could be a promising tool for efficient rAAV genome titer quantification and has the potential to revolutionize biomanufacturing process analytical technology (PAT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach Hetzler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | | | - Noah Lott
- Biomanufacturing, Training, and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Noor Mohammad
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | | | - Jenna Kolbe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Lauren Turrentine
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Delaney Fields
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Laurie Overton
- Biomanufacturing, Training, and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Qingshan Wei
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
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11
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Lane DD, Gottimukkala KSV, Cunningham RA, Jwa S, Cassidy ME, Castelli JMP, Adair JE. Cas9 RNP Physiochemical Analysis for Enhanced CRISPR-AuNP Assembly and Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.02.586657. [PMID: 38617334 PMCID: PMC11014514 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.02.586657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR therapy for hematological disease has proven effective for transplant dependent beta thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, with additional disease targets in sight. The success of these therapies relies on high rates of CRISPR-induced double strand DNA breaks in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). To achieve these levels, CRISPR complexes are typically delivered by electroporation ex vivo which is toxic to HSPCs. HSPCs are then cultured in stimulating conditions that promote error-prone DNA repair, requiring conditioning with chemotherapy to facilitate engraftment after reinfusion. In vivo delivery by nanocarriers of CRISPR gene editing tools has the potential to mitigate this complexity and toxicity and make this revolutionary therapy globally available. To achieve in vivo delivery, the inherent restriction factors against oligonucleotide delivery into HSPCs, that make ex vivo manipulation including electroporation and stimulation essential, must be overcome. To this end, our group developed a CRISPR carrying gold nanoparticle (CRISPR-AuNP) capable of delivering either Cas9 or Cas12a CRISPRs as ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNP) without compromising HSPC fitness. However, the most commonly used CRISPR, Cas9, demonstrated inconsistent activity in this delivery system, with lower activity relative to Cas12a. Investigation of Cas9 RNP biophysics relative to Cas12a revealed duplex RNA instability during the initial loading onto Au cores, resulting in undetectable Cas9 loading to the particle surface. Here we demonstrate preformation of RNP before loading, coupled with optimization of the loading chemistry and conditions, resulted in 39.6 ± 7.0 Cas9 RNP/AuNP without compromising RNP activity in both in vitro assays and primary human HSPC. The same alterations improved Cas12a RNP/AuNP loading 10-fold over previously reported levels. To achieve particle stability, the reported polyethyleneimine outer coating was altered to include PEGylation and the resulting 2nd generation CRISPR-AuNP demonstrates favorable nanoformulation characteristics for in vivo administration, with a hydrophilic, more neutral nanoparticle surface. Direct treatment of HSPC in vitro showed 72.5 ± 7.37% uptake of 2nd generation CRISPR-AuNP in primary human HSPC, but with endosomal accumulation and low rates of gene editing consistent with low levels of endosomal escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel D Lane
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karthikeya S V Gottimukkala
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rachel A Cunningham
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shirley Jwa
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Molly E Cassidy
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jack M P Castelli
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Adair
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Maturana CJ, Engel EA. Persistent transgene expression in peripheral tissues one year post intravenous and intramuscular administration of AAV vectors containing the alphaherpesvirus latency-associated promoter 2. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 4:1379991. [PMID: 38665693 PMCID: PMC11044866 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2024.1379991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in enhancing recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) for clinical investigation. Despite its versatility as a gene delivery platform, the inherent packaging constraint of 4.7 kb imposes restrictions on the range of diseases it can address. In this context, we present findings of an exceptionally compact and long-term promoter that facilitates the expression of larger genes compared to conventional promoters. This compact promoter originated from the genome of the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus, latency-associated promoter 2 (LAP2, 404 bp). Promoter driving an mCherry reporter was packaged into single strand (ss) AAV8 and AAV9 vectors and injected into adult C57BL/6 mice at a dose of 5 × 1011 vg/mouse by single intravenous or intramuscular administration. An ssAAV8 and ssAAV9 vector with elongation factor-1α promoter (EF1α, 1264 bp) was injected side-by-side for comparison. After 400 days, we sacrificed the mice and examined mCherry expression in liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and brain. We found that LAP2 exhibited robust transgene expression across a wide range of cells and tissues comparable to the larger EF1α, which is currently recognized as a rather potent and ubiquitous promoter. The AAV8-LAP2 and AAV9-LAP2 constructs displayed strong transduction and transcription in liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle on both route of administration. However, no expression was detected in the heart, lung, spleen, pancreas, and brain. The outcomes of our investigation propose the viability of LAP2 for gene therapy applications demanding the expression of large or multiple therapeutic genes following a single viralvector administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola J. Maturana
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Esteban A. Engel
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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13
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Zhang Z, Counsell JR. Non-canonical capsid engineering highlights new possibilities for AAV vectorology. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101221. [PMID: 38487107 PMCID: PMC10937956 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Zehan Zhang
- Research Department of Targeted Intervention, UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Charles Bell House, London, UK
| | - John R. Counsell
- Research Department of Targeted Intervention, UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Charles Bell House, London, UK
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14
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Smith MC, Belur LR, Karlen AD, Erlanson O, Furcich J, Lund TC, Seelig D, Kitto KF, Fairbanks CA, Kim KH, Buss N, McIvor RS. Comparative dose effectiveness of intravenous and intrathecal AAV9.CB7.hIDS, RGX-121, in mucopolysaccharidosis type II mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101201. [PMID: 38374962 PMCID: PMC10875268 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is an X-linked recessive lysosomal disease caused by iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) deficiency, leading to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and the emergence of progressive disease. Enzyme replacement therapy is the only currently approved treatment, but it leaves neurological disease unaddressed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-directed administration of AAV9.CB7.hIDS (RGX-121) is an alternative treatment strategy, but it is unknown if this approach will affect both neurologic and systemic manifestations. We compared the effectiveness of intrathecal (i.t.) and intravenous (i.v.) routes of administration (ROAs) at a range of vector doses in a mouse model of MPS II. While lower doses were completely ineffective, a total dose of 1 × 109 gc resulted in appreciable IDS activity levels in plasma but not tissues. Total doses of 1 × 1010 and 1 × 1011 gc by either ROA resulted in supraphysiological plasma IDS activity, substantial IDS activity levels and GAG reduction in nearly all tissues, and normalized zygomatic arch diameter. In the brain, a dose of 1 × 1011 gc i.t. achieved the highest IDS activity levels and the greatest reduction in GAG content, and it prevented neurocognitive deficiency. We conclude that a dose of 1 × 1010 gc normalized metabolic and skeletal outcomes, while neurologic improvement required a dose of 1 × 1011 gc, thereby suggesting the prospect of a similar direct benefit in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles C. Smith
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lalitha R. Belur
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Andrea D. Karlen
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Olivia Erlanson
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Justin Furcich
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Troy C. Lund
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Davis Seelig
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kelley F. Kitto
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carolyn A. Fairbanks
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Nick Buss
- REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - R. Scott McIvor
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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15
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Blackwood M, Gruntman AM, Tang Q, Pires-Ferreira D, Reil D, Kondratov O, Marsic D, Zolotukhin S, Gernoux G, Keeler AM, Mueller C, Flotte TR. Biodistribution and safety of a single rAAV3B-AAT vector for silencing and replacement of alpha-1 antitrypsin in Cynomolgus macaques. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101200. [PMID: 38445045 PMCID: PMC10914479 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101200] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is characterized by both chronic lung disease due to loss of wild-type AAT (M-AAT) antiprotease function and liver disease due to toxicity from delayed secretion, polymerization, and aggregation of misfolded mutant AAT (Z-AAT). The ideal gene therapy for AATD should therefore comprise both endogenous Z-AAT suppression and M-AAT overexpression. We designed a dual-function rAAV3B (df-rAAV3B) construct, which was effective at transducing hepatocytes, resulting in a considerable decrease of Z-AAT levels and safe M-AAT augmentation in mice. We optimized df-rAAV3B and created two variants, AAV3B-E12 and AAV3B-G3, to simultaneously enhance the concentration of M-AAT in the bloodstream to therapeutic levels and silence endogenous AAT liver expression in cynomolgus monkeys. Our results demonstrate that AAV3b-WT, AAV3B-E12, and AAV3B-G3 were able to transduce the monkey livers and achieve high M-AAT serum levels efficiently and safely. In this nondeficient model, we did not find downregulation of endogenous AAT. However, the dual-function vector did serve as a potentially "liver-sparing" alternative for high-dose liver-mediated AAT gene replacement in the context of underlying liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Blackwood
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Alisha M. Gruntman
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Qiushi Tang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Debora Pires-Ferreira
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Darcy Reil
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kondratov
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Damien Marsic
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- MaiBo Biotech, Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Gwladys Gernoux
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT–Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Allison M. Keeler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | | | - Terence R. Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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16
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Cabanes-Creus M, Liao SHY, Gale Navarro R, Knight M, Nazareth D, Lau NS, Ly M, Zhu E, Roca-Pinilla R, Bugallo Delgado R, Vicente AF, Baltazar G, Westhaus A, Merjane J, Crawford M, McCaughan GW, Unzu C, González-Aseguinolaza G, Alexander IE, Pulitano C, Lisowski L. Harnessing whole human liver ex situ normothermic perfusion for preclinical AAV vector evaluation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1876. [PMID: 38485924 PMCID: PMC10940703 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing clinically predictive model systems for evaluating gene transfer and gene editing technologies has become increasingly important in the era of personalized medicine. Liver-directed gene therapies present a unique challenge due to the complexity of the human liver. In this work, we describe the application of whole human liver explants in an ex situ normothermic perfusion system to evaluate a set of fourteen natural and bioengineered adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors directly in human liver, in the presence and absence of neutralizing human sera. Under non-neutralizing conditions, the recently developed AAV variants, AAV-SYD12 and AAV-LK03, emerged as the most functional variants in terms of cellular uptake and transgene expression. However, when assessed in the presence of human plasma containing anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), vectors of human origin, specifically those derived from AAV2/AAV3b, were extensively neutralized, whereas AAV8- derived variants performed efficiently. This study demonstrates the potential of using normothermic liver perfusion as a model for early-stage testing of liver-focused gene therapies. The results offer preliminary insights that could help inform the development of more effective translational strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Sophia H Y Liao
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Maddison Knight
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Deborah Nazareth
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ngee-Soon Lau
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Ly
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 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, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ramon Roca-Pinilla
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ricardo Bugallo Delgado
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana F Vicente
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grober Baltazar
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jessica Merjane
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Michael Crawford
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W McCaughan
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Research Institute, A.W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carmen Unzu
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Department, IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - 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, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Carlo Pulitano
- Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Organ Assessment Repair and Optimisation, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Westmead, Australia.
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Westmead, Australia.
- Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Warsaw, Poland.
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17
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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] [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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18
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Liebmann K, Castillo MA, Jergova S, Best TM, Sagen J, Kouroupis D. Modification of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles by Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) Antagonist: Potential Implications for Inflammation and Pain Reversal. Cells 2024; 13:484. [PMID: 38534328 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060484] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
During the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA), the synovium and infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) can serve as source for Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), two important pain-transmitting, immune, and inflammation modulating neuropeptides. Our previous studies showed that infrapatellar fat pad-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) acquire a potent immunomodulatory phenotype and actively degrade Substance P via CD10 both in vitro and in vivo. On this basis, our hypothesis is that CD10-bound IFP-MSC sEVs can be engineered to target CGRP while retaining their anti-inflammatory phenotype. Herein, human IFP-MSC cultures were transduced with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector carrying a GFP-labelled gene for a CGRP antagonist peptide (aCGRP). The GFP positive aCGRP IFP-MSC were isolated and their sEVs' miRNA and protein cargos were assessed using multiplex methods. Our results showed that purified aCGRP IFP-MSC cultures yielded sEVs with cargo of 147 distinct MSC-related miRNAs. Reactome analysis of miRNAs detected in these sEVs revealed strong involvement in the regulation of target genes involved in pathways that control pain, inflammation and cartilage homeostasis. Protein array of the sEVs cargo demonstrated high presence of key immunomodulatory and reparative proteins. Stimulated macrophages exposed to aCGRP IFP-MSC sEVs demonstrated a switch towards an alternate M2 status. Also, stimulated cortical neurons exposed to aCGRP IFP-MSC sEVs modulate their molecular pain signaling profile. Collectively, our data suggest that yielded sEVs can putatively target CGRP in vivo, while containing potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic cargo, suggesting the promise for novel sEVs-based therapeutic approaches to diseases such as OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Liebmann
- Department of Orthopedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Mario A Castillo
- Department of Orthopedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Stanislava Jergova
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas M Best
- Department of Orthopedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
| | - Jacqueline Sagen
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dimitrios Kouroupis
- Department of Orthopedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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19
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Weber Y, Böck D, Ivașcu A, Mathis N, Rothgangl T, Ioannidi EI, Blaudt AC, Tidecks L, Vadovics M, Muramatsu H, Reichmuth A, Marquart KF, Kissling L, Pardi N, Jinek M, Schwank G. Enhancing prime editor activity by directed protein evolution in yeast. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2092. [PMID: 38453904 PMCID: PMC10920827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46107-z] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prime editing is a highly versatile genome editing technology that enables the introduction of base substitutions, insertions, and deletions. However, compared to traditional Cas9 nucleases prime editors (PEs) are less active. In this study we use OrthoRep, a yeast-based platform for directed protein evolution, to enhance the editing efficiency of PEs. After several rounds of evolution with increased selection pressure, we identify multiple mutations that have a positive effect on PE activity in yeast cells and in biochemical assays. Combining the two most effective mutations - the A259D amino acid substitution in nCas9 and the K445T substitution in M-MLV RT - results in the variant PE_Y18. Delivery of PE_Y18, encoded on DNA, mRNA or as a ribonucleoprotein complex into mammalian cell lines increases editing rates up to 3.5-fold compared to PEmax. In addition, PE_Y18 supports higher prime editing rates when delivered in vivo into the liver or brain. Our study demonstrates proof-of-concept for the application of OrthoRep to optimize genome editing tools in eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanik Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Desirée Böck
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Ivașcu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Mathis
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Rothgangl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora I Ioannidi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alex C Blaudt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Tidecks
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Máté Vadovics
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andreas Reichmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim F Marquart
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Kissling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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Hoad M, Roby JA, Forwood JK. Structural basis for nuclear import of bat adeno-associated virus capsid protein. J Gen Virol 2024; 105:001960. [PMID: 38441555 PMCID: PMC10999750 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001960] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are one of the world's most promising gene therapy vectors and as a result, are one of the most intensively studied viral vectors. Despite a wealth of research into these vectors, the precise characterisation of AAVs to translocate into the host cell nucleus remains unclear. Recently we identified the nuclear localization signals of an AAV porcine strain and determined its mechanism of binding to host importin proteins. To expand our understanding of diverse AAV import mechanisms we sought to determine the mechanism in which the Cap protein from a bat-infecting AAV can interact with transport receptor importins for translocation into the nucleus. Using a high-resolution crystal structure and quantitative assays, we were able to not only determine the exact region and residues of the N-terminal domain of the Cap protein which constitute the functional NLS for binding with the importin alpha two protein, but also reveal the differences in binding affinity across the importin-alpha isoforms. Collectively our results allow for a detailed molecular view of the way AAV Cap proteins interact with host proteins for localization into the cell nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Hoad
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Justin A. Roby
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Jade K. Forwood
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
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21
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Kolesnik VV, Nurtdinov RF, Oloruntimehin ES, Karabelsky AV, Malogolovkin AS. Optimization strategies and advances in the research and development of AAV-based gene therapy to deliver large transgenes. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1607. [PMID: 38488469 PMCID: PMC10941601 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based therapies are recognized as one of the most potent next-generation treatments for inherited and genetic diseases. However, several biological and technological aspects of AAV vectors remain a critical issue for their widespread clinical application. Among them, the limited capacity of the AAV genome significantly hinders the development of AAV-based gene therapy. In this context, genetically modified transgenes compatible with AAV are opening up new opportunities for unlimited gene therapies for many genetic disorders. Recent advances in de novo protein design and remodelling are paving the way for new, more efficient and targeted gene therapeutics. Using computational and genetic tools, AAV expression cassette and transgenic DNA can be split, miniaturized, shuffled or created from scratch to mediate efficient gene transfer into targeted cells. In this review, we highlight recent advances in AAV-based gene therapy with a focus on its use in translational research. We summarize recent research and development in gene therapy, with an emphasis on large transgenes (>4.8 kb) and optimizing strategies applied by biomedical companies in the research pipeline. We critically discuss the prospects for AAV-based treatment and some emerging challenges. We anticipate that the continued development of novel computational tools will lead to rapid advances in basic gene therapy research and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria V. Kolesnik
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Ruslan F. Nurtdinov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Ezekiel Sola Oloruntimehin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | | | - Alexander S. Malogolovkin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
- Center for Translational MedicineSirius University of Science and TechnologySochiRussia
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22
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Krivoshik SR, Dzielak L, Masters AR, Hall J, Johnson AJ. Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot Assay for the Assessment of Adeno-Associated Virus Peptides to Examine Immune Safety. Hum Gene Ther 2024. [PMID: 38264994 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies have shown promise as novel treatments for rare genetic disorders such as hemophilia A and spinal muscular atrophy. However, cellular immune responses mediated by cytotoxic (CD8+) and helper (CD4+) T cells may target vector-transduced cells as well as healthy immune cells, impacting safety and efficacy. In this study, we describe the optimization and reproducibility of interferon-γ (IFNγ)-based and interleukin-2 (IL-2)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assays for measuring T cell responses against AAV peptide antigens. For method optimization, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy human donors and stimulated with commercially available major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or II-specific peptides as positive controls. Peptide pools were designed from published AAV8 and AAV9 capsid protein sequences and then used to assess the presence of AAV-specific T cell responses. Our results demonstrate a measurable increase in IFNγ and IL-2-producing cells after AAV peptide presentation. Furthermore, there was an observed difference in the magnitude and specificity of response to peptide pools based on AAV serotype and donor. Finally, using individual peptides, we identified a region of the AAV9 capsid protein that can elicit an immunogenic response. This work shows the applicability of ELISpot in assessing anti-AAV immune responses and provides insight into how novel recombinant AAV vectors could be designed to reduce immunogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rose Krivoshik
- Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lindsey Dzielak
- Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - April R Masters
- Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer Hall
- Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alison J Johnson
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
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23
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Blasiak J, Pawlowska E, Ciupińska J, Derwich M, Szczepanska J, Kaarniranta K. A New Generation of Gene Therapies as the Future of Wet AMD Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2386. [PMID: 38397064 PMCID: PMC10888617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease and the most common cause of vision loss in the Western World. In its advanced stage, AMD occurs in two clinically distinguished forms, dry and wet, but only wet AMD is treatable. However, the treatment based on repeated injections with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) antagonists may at best stop the disease progression and prevent or delay vision loss but without an improvement of visual dysfunction. Moreover, it is a serious mental and financial burden for patients and may be linked with some complications. The recent first success of intravitreal gene therapy with ADVM-022, which transformed retinal cells to continuous production of aflibercept, a VEGF antagonist, after a single injection, has opened a revolutionary perspective in wet AMD treatment. Promising results obtained so far in other ongoing clinical trials support this perspective. In this narrative/hypothesis review, we present basic information on wet AMD pathogenesis and treatment, the concept of gene therapy in retinal diseases, update evidence on completed and ongoing clinical trials with gene therapy for wet AMD, and perspectives on the progress to the clinic of "one and done" therapy for wet AMD to replace a lifetime of injections. Gene editing targeting the VEGFA gene is also presented as another gene therapy strategy to improve wet AMD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Blasiak
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Mazovian Academy in Plock, 09-402 Plock, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pawlowska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-217 Lodz, Poland; (E.P.); (M.D.); (J.S.)
| | - Justyna Ciupińska
- Clinical Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, H. Bieganski Hospital, 91-347 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Marcin Derwich
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-217 Lodz, Poland; (E.P.); (M.D.); (J.S.)
| | - Joanna Szczepanska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-217 Lodz, Poland; (E.P.); (M.D.); (J.S.)
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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24
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Chen K, Kim S, Yang S, Varadkar T, Zhou ZZ, Zhang J, Zhou L, Liu XM. Advanced biomanufacturing and evaluation of adeno-associated virus. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:15. [PMID: 38360753 PMCID: PMC10868095 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00409-4] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has been developed as a safe and effective gene delivery vehicle to treat rare genetic diseases. This study aimed to establish a novel biomanufacturing process to achieve high production and purification of various AAV serotypes (AAV2, 5, DJ, DJ8). First, a robust suspensive production process was developed and optimized using Gibco Viral Production Cell 2.0 in 30-60 mL shaker flask cultures by evaluating host cells, cell density at the time of transfection and plasmid amount, adapted to 60-100 mL spinner flask production, and scaled up to 1.2-2.0-L stirred-tank bioreactor production at 37 °C, pH 7.0, 210 rpm and DO 40%. The optimal process generated AAV titer of 7.52-8.14 × 1010 vg/mL. Second, a new AAV purification using liquid chromatography was developed and optimized to reach recovery rate of 85-95% of all four serotypes. Post-purification desalting and concentration procedures were also investigated. Then the generated AAVs were evaluated in vitro using Western blotting, transmission electron microscope, confocal microscope and bioluminescence detection. Finally, the in vivo infection and functional gene expression of AAV were confirmed in tumor xenografted mouse model. In conclusion, this study reported a robust, scalable, and universal biomanufacturing platform of AAV production, clarification and purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University (OSU), 151 W Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Seulhee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W 19th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Siying Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University (OSU), 151 W Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tanvi Varadkar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University (OSU), 151 W Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zhuoxin Zora Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University (OSU), 151 W Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jiashuai Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W 19th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lufang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W 19th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xiaoguang Margaret Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University (OSU), 151 W Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), The Ohio State University, 650 Ackerman Rd, Columbus, OH, 43202, USA.
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25
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Schieferecke AJ, Lee H, Chen A, Kilaru V, Krish Williams J, Schaffer DV. Evolving membrane-associated accessory protein variants for improved adeno-associated virus production. Mol Ther 2024; 32:340-351. [PMID: 38115579 PMCID: PMC10861973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.12.015] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Manufacturing sufficient adeno-associated virus (AAV) to meet current and projected clinical needs is a significant hurdle to the growing gene therapy industry. The recently discovered membrane-associated accessory protein (MAAP) is encoded by an alternative open reading frame in the AAV cap gene that is found in all presently reported natural serotypes. Recent evidence has emerged supporting a functional role of MAAP in AAV egress, although the underlying mechanisms of MAAP function remain unknown. Here, we show that inactivation of MAAP from AAV2 by a single point mutation that is silent in the VP1 open reading frame (ORF) (AAV2-ΔMAAP) decreased exosome-associated and secreted vector genome production. We hypothesized that novel MAAP variants could be evolved to increase AAV production and thus subjected a library encoding over 1 × 106 MAAP protein variants to five rounds of packaging selection into the AAV2-ΔMAAP capsid. Between each successive packaging round, we observed a progressive increase in both overall titer and ratio of secreted vector genomes conferred by the bulk-selected MAAP library population. Next-generation sequencing uncovered enriched mutational features, and a resulting selected MAAP variant containing missense mutations and a frameshifted C-terminal domain increased overall GFP transgene packaging in AAV2, AAV6, and AAV9 capsids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Schieferecke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hyuncheol Lee
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Aleysha Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Vindhya Kilaru
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Justin Krish Williams
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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26
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Araujo VG, Dias MS, Hauswirth WW, Linden R, Petrs-Silva H. rAAV-compatible human mini promoters enhance transgene expression in rat retinal ganglion cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109758. [PMID: 38123011 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109758] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) are the safest and most effective gene delivery platform to drive the treatment of many inherited eye disorders in well-characterized animal models. The use in rAAV of ubiquitous promoters derived from viral sequences such as CMV/CBA (chicken β-actin promoter with cytomegalovirus enhancer) can lead to unwanted side effects such as pro-inflammatory immune responses and retinal cytotoxicity, thus reducing therapy efficacy. Thus, an advance in gene therapy is the availability of small promoters, that potentiate and direct gene expression to the cell type of interest, with higher safety and efficacy. In this study, we used six human mini-promoters packaged in rAAV2 quadruple mutant (Y-F) to test for transduction of the rat retina after intravitreal injection. After four weeks, immunohistochemical analysis detected GFP-labeled cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) for all constructs tested. Among them, Ple25sh1, Ple25sh2 and Ple53 promoted a widespread reporter-transgene expression in the GCL, with an increased number of GFP-expressing retinal ganglion cells when compared with the CMV/CBA vector. Moreover, Ple53 provided the strongest levels of GFP fluorescence in both cell soma and axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) without any detectable adverse effects in retina function. Remarkably, a nearly 50-fold reduction in the number of intravitreally injected vector particles containing Ple53 promoter, still attained levels of transgene expression similar to CMV/CBA. Thus, the tested MiniPs show great potential for protocols of retinal gene therapy in therapeutic applications for retinal degenerations, especially those involving RGC-related disorders such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G Araujo
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Dias
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Retinal Gene Therapy Group, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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27
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Davis JR, Banskota S, Levy JM, Newby GA, Wang X, Anzalone AV, Nelson AT, Chen PJ, Hennes AD, An M, Roh H, Randolph PB, Musunuru K, Liu DR. Efficient prime editing in mouse brain, liver and heart with dual AAVs. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:253-264. [PMID: 37142705 PMCID: PMC10869272 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01758-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Realizing the promise of prime editing for the study and treatment of genetic disorders requires efficient methods for delivering prime editors (PEs) in vivo. Here we describe the identification of bottlenecks limiting adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated prime editing in vivo and the development of AAV-PE vectors with increased PE expression, prime editing guide RNA stability and modulation of DNA repair. The resulting dual-AAV systems, v1em and v3em PE-AAV, enable therapeutically relevant prime editing in mouse brain (up to 42% efficiency in cortex), liver (up to 46%) and heart (up to 11%). We apply these systems to install putative protective mutations in vivo for Alzheimer's disease in astrocytes and for coronary artery disease in hepatocytes. In vivo prime editing with v3em PE-AAV caused no detectable off-target effects or significant changes in liver enzymes or histology. Optimized PE-AAV systems support the highest unenriched levels of in vivo prime editing reported to date, facilitating the study and potential treatment of diseases with a genetic component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samagya Banskota
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Levy
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew V Anzalone
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew T Nelson
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew D Hennes
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Meirui An
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Heejin Roh
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peyton B Randolph
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kiran Musunuru
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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28
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Altahini S, Arnoux I, Stroh A. Optogenetics 2.0: challenges and solutions towards a quantitative probing of neural circuits. Biol Chem 2024; 405:43-54. [PMID: 37650383 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0194] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
To exploit the full potential of optogenetics, we need to titrate and tailor optogenetic methods to emulate naturalistic circuit function. For that, the following prerequisites need to be met: first, we need to target opsin expression not only to genetically defined neurons per se, but to specifically target a functional node. Second, we need to assess the scope of optogenetic modulation, i.e. the fraction of optogenetically modulated neurons. Third, we need to integrate optogenetic control in a closed loop setting. Fourth, we need to further safe and stable gene expression and light delivery to bring optogenetics to the clinics. Here, we review these concepts for the human and rodent brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Altahini
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, D-55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Isabelle Arnoux
- Cerebral Physiopathology Laboratory, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, College de France, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Université PSL, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Albrecht Stroh
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, D-55122 Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Mainz, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
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29
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Dhungel BP, Winburn I, Pereira CDF, Huang K, Chhabra A, Rasko JEJ. Understanding AAV vector immunogenicity: from particle to patient. Theranostics 2024; 14:1260-1288. [PMID: 38323309 PMCID: PMC10845199 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89380] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy holds promise for patients with inherited monogenic disorders, cancer, and rare genetic diseases. Naturally occurring adeno-associated virus (AAV) offers a well-suited vehicle for clinical gene transfer due to its lack of significant clinical pathogenicity and amenability to be engineered to deliver therapeutic transgenes in a variety of cell types for long-term sustained expression. AAV has been bioengineered to produce recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors for many gene therapies that are approved or in late-stage development. However, ongoing challenges hamper wider use of rAAV vector-mediated therapies. These include immunity against rAAV vectors, limited transgene packaging capacity, sub-optimal tissue transduction, potential risks of insertional mutagenesis and vector shedding. This review focuses on aspects of immunity against rAAV, mediated by anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) arising after natural exposure to AAVs or after rAAV vector administration. We provide an in-depth analysis of factors determining AAV seroprevalence and examine clinical approaches to managing anti-AAV NAbs pre- and post-vector administration. Methodologies used to quantify anti-AAV NAb levels and strategies to overcome pre-existing AAV immunity are also discussed. The broad adoption of rAAV vector-mediated gene therapies will require wider clinical appreciation of their current limitations and further research to mitigate their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijay P. Dhungel
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - John E. J. Rasko
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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30
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Hadi M, Qutaiba B Allela O, Jabari M, Jasoor AM, Naderloo O, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Kalantari L. Recent advances in various adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene therapy agents in hepatocellular carcinoma. Virol J 2024; 21:17. [PMID: 38216938 PMCID: PMC10785434 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, which is scientifically referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a significant concern in the field of global health. It has been demonstrated that conventional chemotherapy, chemo-hormonal therapy, and conformal radiotherapy are ineffective against HCC. New therapeutic approaches are thus urgently required. Identifying single or multiple mutations in genes associated with invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and growth regulation has resulted in a more comprehensive comprehension of the molecular genetic underpinnings of malignant transformation, tumor advancement, and host interaction. This enhanced comprehension has notably propelled the development of novel therapeutic agents. Therefore, gene therapy (GT) holds great promise for addressing the urgent need for innovative treatments in HCC. However, the complexity of HCC demands precise and effective therapeutic approaches. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) distinctive life cycle and ability to persistently infect dividing and nondividing cells have rendered it an alluring vector. Another appealing characteristic of the wild-type virus is its evident absence of pathogenicity. As a result, AAV, a vector that lacks an envelope and can be modified to transport DNA to specific cells, has garnered considerable interest in the scientific community, particularly in experimental therapeutic strategies that are still in the clinical stage. AAV vectors emerge as promising tools for HCC therapy due to their non-immunogenic nature, efficient cell entry, and prolonged gene expression. While AAV-mediated GT demonstrates promise across diverse diseases, the current absence of ongoing clinical trials targeting HCC underscores untapped potential in this context. Furthermore, gene transfer through hepatic AAV vectors is frequently facilitated by GT research, which has been propelled by several congenital anomalies affecting the liver. Notwithstanding the enthusiasm associated with this notion, recent discoveries that expose the integration of the AAV vector genome at double-strand breaks give rise to apprehensions regarding their enduring safety and effectiveness. This review explores the potential of AAV vectors as versatile tools for targeted GT in HCC. In summation, we encapsulate the multifaceted exploration of AAV vectors in HCC GT, underlining their transformative potential within the landscape of oncology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meead Hadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mansoureh Jabari
- Medical Campus, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Asna Mahyazadeh Jasoor
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Naderloo
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Gorgan Breanch, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | | | - Leila Kalantari
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Bettegazzi B, Cattaneo S, Simonato M, Zucchini S, Soukupova M. Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy for Epilepsy: What Does the Future Hold? Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:5-13. [PMID: 38103141 PMCID: PMC10786988 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many pre-clinical studies have tested gene therapy approaches as possible treatments for epilepsy, following the idea that they may provide an alternative to conventional pharmacological and surgical options. Multiple gene therapy approaches have been developed, including those based on anti-sense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, and viral vectors. In this opinion article, we focus on translational issues related to viral vector-mediated gene therapy for epilepsy. Research has advanced dramatically in addressing issues like viral vector optimization, target identification, strategies of gene expression, editing or regulation, and safety. Some of these pre-clinically validated potential gene therapies are now being tested in clinical trials, in patients with genetic or focal forms of drug-resistant epilepsy. Here, we discuss the ongoing translational research and the advancements that are needed and expected in the near future. We then describe the clinical trials in the pipeline and the further challenges that will need to be addressed at the clinical and economic levels. Our optimistic view is that all these issues and challenges can be overcome, and that gene therapy approaches for epilepsy will soon become a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Cattaneo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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Wei C, Li D, Zhang M, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Fan Y, Wang L, Liu J, Chang X, Jiang Y, Xiong H. Prevalence of Adeno-Associated Virus-9-Neutralizing Antibody in Chinese Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:26-35. [PMID: 38084965 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.117] [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: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The delivery of a mini-dystrophin gene to skeletal muscles using recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype (AAV) holds great potential as a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the presence of anti-AAV-neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) may impede the effectiveness of gene transduction. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-AAV9 NAbs in Chinese patients with DMD, and to characterize the target population for an AAV gene therapy. A total of one hundred male patients with DMD were included in this study, and demographic and clinical data were collected. A blood specimen was obtained from each participant for the purpose of evaluating the existence of anti-AAV9 NAbs through a cell-based functional assay conducted at a central laboratory. A NAb titer exceeding 1:4 was considered positive. The positivity rates of anti-AAV9 NAb were compared among different subgroups. The median age of this DMD cohort was 8 years old, ranging from 3 to 15 years of age. Forty-two percent of patients tested positive for anti-AAV9 NAb. Notably, all samples from patients under 4 years of age tested negative, and the positivity rates of anti-AAV9 NAb differed significantly across the three age subgroups (<4 years old, ≥4 years old and <12 years old, and ≥12 years old, χ2 = 7.221, p = 0.023). Further investigation into the living environment revealed a higher positivity rate of anti-AAV9 NAb in rural patients compared with urban patients (χ2 = 3.923, p = 0.048). Moreover, the prevalence in patients from different cities/provinces varied greatly (χ2 = 16.550, p = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in the positivity rate of NAb among subgroups of patients with different motor functions (ambulatory or nonambulatory) and different treatment strategies (taking or not taking glucocorticoid). In Chinese DMD patients, the prevalence of anti-AAV9 NAb was found to reach 42%. Moreover, the antibody-positive rate in children <4 years of age was low and revealed notable regional discrepancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuijie Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Dongliang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yidan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yanbin Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jieyu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xingzhi Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
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Chu WS, Ng J, Waddington SN, Kurian MA. Gene therapy for neurotransmitter-related disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:176-191. [PMID: 38221762 PMCID: PMC11108624 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Inborn errors of neurotransmitter (NT) metabolism are a group of rare, heterogenous diseases with predominant neurological features, such as movement disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and developmental delay. Clinical overlap with other disorders has led to delayed diagnosis and treatment, and some conditions are refractory to oral pharmacotherapies. Gene therapies have been developed and translated to clinics for paediatric inborn errors of metabolism, with 38 interventional clinical trials ongoing to date. Furthermore, efforts in restoring dopamine synthesis and neurotransmission through viral gene therapy have been developed for Parkinson's disease. Along with the recent European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval of an AAV2 gene supplementation therapy for AADC deficiency, promising efficacy and safety profiles can be achieved in this group of diseases. In this review, we present preclinical and clinical advances to address NT-related diseases, and summarise potential challenges that require careful considerations for NT gene therapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Sum Chu
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Simon N. Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Manju A. Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Department of NeurologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for ChildrenLondonUK
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Singh M, Brooks A, Toofan P, McLuckie K. Selection of appropriate non-clinical animal models to ensure translatability of novel AAV-gene therapies to the clinic. Gene Ther 2024; 31:56-63. [PMID: 37612361 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00417-x] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Gene Therapy Medicinal Products consist of a recombinant nucleic acid intended for the modulation or manipulation of a genetic sequence. A single administration of a novel gene therapy has the potential to be curative, with a durable long-term benefit to patients. Adeno-associated viral vectors have become the viral vector of choice for in vivo delivery of therapeutic transgenes as they are mildly immunogenic, can effectively transduce a variety of human tissues and cells, and have low levels of genomic integration. Central to the effective translation of data generated in discovery studies to the clinic is the selection of appropriate animal species for pivotal non-clinical studies. This review aims to support the selection of appropriate animal models for non-clinical studies to advance the development of novel adeno-associated virus gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Singh
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK.
| | - Andrew Brooks
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Parto Toofan
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Keith McLuckie
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
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Jacobs R, Dogbey MD, Mnyandu N, Neves K, Barth S, Arbuthnot P, Maepa MB. AAV Immunotoxicity: Implications in Anti-HBV Gene Therapy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2985. [PMID: 38138129 PMCID: PMC10745739 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122985] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has afflicted humankind for decades and there is still no treatment that can clear the infection. The development of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapy for HBV infection has become important in recent years and research has made exciting leaps. Initial studies, mainly using mouse models, showed that rAAVs are non-toxic and induce minimal immune responses. However, several later studies demonstrated rAAV toxicity, which is inextricably associated with immunogenicity. This is a major setback for the progression of rAAV-based therapies toward clinical application. Research aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind rAAV immunity and toxicity has contributed significantly to the inception of approaches to overcoming these challenges. The target tissue, the features of the vector, and the vector dose are some of the determinants of AAV toxicity, with the latter being associated with the most severe adverse events. This review discusses our current understanding of rAAV immunogenicity, toxicity, and approaches to overcoming these hurdles. How this information and current knowledge about HBV biology and immunity can be harnessed in the efforts to design safe and effective anti-HBV rAAVs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhwaanah Jacobs
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Makafui Dennis Dogbey
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
| | - Njabulo Mnyandu
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Keila Neves
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Stefan Barth
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
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Lu Y, Godbout K, Lamothe G, Tremblay JP. CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies with engineered extracellular vesicles. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102040. [PMID: 37842166 PMCID: PMC10571031 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic genome editing has the potential to cure diseases by directly correcting genetic mutations in tissues and cells. Recent progress in the CRISPR-Cas9 systems has led to breakthroughs in gene editing tools because of its high orthogonality, versatility, and efficiency. However, its safe and effective administration to target organs in patients is a major hurdle. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are endogenous membranous particles secreted spontaneously by all cells. They are key actors in cell-to-cell communication, allowing the exchange of select molecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs to induce functional changes in the recipient cells. Recently, EVs have displayed their potential for trafficking the CRISPR-Cas9 system during or after their formation. In this review, we highlight recent developments in EV loading, surface functionalization, and strategies for increasing the efficiency of delivering CRISPR-Cas9 to tissues, organs, and cells for eventual use in gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Lu
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec -Université Laval, Québec city, QC G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Kelly Godbout
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec -Université Laval, Québec city, QC G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lamothe
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec -Université Laval, Québec city, QC G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Jacques P. Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec -Université Laval, Québec city, QC G1V4G2, Canada
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Notarte KI, Catahay JA, Macasaet R, Liu J, Velasco JV, Peligro PJ, Vallo J, Goldrich N, Lahoti L, Zhou J, Henry BM. Infusion reactions to adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy: Mechanisms, diagnostics, treatment and review of the literature. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29305. [PMID: 38116715 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29305] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in gene therapy has demonstrated great potential in treating genetic disorders. However, infusion-associated reactions (IARs) pose a significant challenge to the safety and efficacy of AAV-based gene therapy. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of IARs to AAV therapy, including their underlying mechanisms, clinical presentation, and treatment options. Toll-like receptor activation and subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with IARs, stimulating neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) and T-cell responses that interfere with gene therapy. Risk factors for IARs include high titers of pre-existing Nabs, previous exposure to AAV, and specific comorbidities. Clinical presentation ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to severe anaphylaxis and can occur during or after AAV administration. There are no established guidelines for pre- and postadministration tests for AAV therapies, and routine laboratory requests are not standardized. Treatment options include corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and supportive medications such as antihistamines and acetaminophen, but there is no consensus on the route of administration, dosage, and duration. This review highlights the inadequacy of current treatment regimens for IARs and the need for further research to improve the safety and efficacy of AAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Israel Notarte
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jesus Alfonso Catahay
- Department of Medicine, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Raymart Macasaet
- Department of Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Jolaine Vallo
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Lokesh Lahoti
- Department of Medicine, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jiayan Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Brandon Michael Henry
- Clinical Laboratory, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Rghei AD, Cao W, He S, Lopes JA, Zielinska N, Pei Y, Thompson B, Banadyga L, Wootton SK. AAV-Vectored Expression of Marburg Virus-Neutralizing Antibody MR191 Provides Complete Protection From Challenge in a Guinea Pig Model. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S682-S690. [PMID: 37638865 PMCID: PMC10651196 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there are no approved countermeasures available to prevent or treat disease caused by Marburg virus (MARV), potently neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from B cells of human survivors have been identified. One such mAb, MR191, has been shown to provide complete protection against MARV in nonhuman primates. We previously demonstrated that prophylactic administration of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing MR191 protected mice from MARV. Here, we modified the AAV-MR191 coding sequence to enhance efficacy and reevaluated protection in a guinea pig model. Remarkably, 4 different variants of AAV-MR191 provided complete protection against MARV, despite administration 90 days prior to challenge. Based on superior expression kinetics, AAV-MR191-io2, was selected for evaluation in a dose-reduction experiment. The highest dose provided 100% protection, while a lower dose provided ∼88% protection. These data confirm the efficacy of AAV-mediated expression of MR191 and support the further development of this promising MARV countermeasure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira D Rghei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenguang Cao
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Shihua He
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jordyn A Lopes
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Zielinska
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yanlong Pei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Logan Banadyga
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sarah K Wootton
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Fu Q, Lee YS, Green EA, Wang Y, Park SY, Polanco A, Lee KH, Betenbaugh M, McNally D, Yoon S. Design space determination to optimize DNA complexation and full capsid formation in transient rAAV manufacturing. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3148-3162. [PMID: 37475681 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28508] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are a promising platform for in vivo gene therapies. However, cost-effective, well-characterized processes necessary to manufacture rAAV therapeutics are challenging to develop without an understanding of how process parameters (PPs) affect rAAV product quality attributes (PQAs). In this work, a central composite orthogonal experimental design was employed to examine the influence of four PPs for transient transfection complex formation (polyethylenimine:DNA [PEI:DNA] ratio, total DNA/cell, cocktail volume, and incubation time) on three rAAV PQAs related to capsid content (vector genome titer, vector genome:capsid particle ratio, and two-dimensional vector genome titer ratio). A regression model was established for each PQA using partial least squares, and a design space (DS) was defined in which Monte Carlo simulations predicted < 1% probability of failure (POF) to meet predetermined PQA specifications. Of the three PQAs, viral genome titer was most strongly correlated with changes in complexation PPs. The DS and acceptable PP ranges were largest when incubation time and cocktail volume were kept at mid-high setpoints, and PEI:DNA ratio and total DNA/cell were at low-mid setpoints. Verification experiments confirmed model predictive capability, and this work establishes a framework for studying other rAAV PPs and their relationship to PQAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yong Suk Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erica A Green
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Yongdan Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - So Young Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashli Polanco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelvin H Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Michael Betenbaugh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David McNally
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
- MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Mattapan, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Seongkyu Yoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Millán-Martín S, Jakes C, Carillo S, Bones J. Multi-Attribute Method (MAM) Analytical Workflow for Biotherapeutic Protein Characterization from Process Development to QC. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e927. [PMID: 37929772 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.927] [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: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The multi-attribute method (MAM) has emerged significantly in recent years to support biotherapeutic protein characterization from process development to the QC environment. MAM is a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based peptide mapping approach, which combines the benefits from liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution accurate mass mass spectrometry (LC-HRAM MS), enabling direct assessment of protein sequence and product quality attributes with site specificity. These product quality attributes may impact efficacy, safety, stability, and process robustness. MAM is intended to replace conventional analytical approaches as it offers a more streamlined strategy for parallel monitoring of multiple attributes in a single analysis with high sensitivity and confidence, and ultimately supports more robust Quality by Design (QbD) approaches and faster decision cycles for biotherapeutic development. MAM consists of three main stages. The first stage is sample digestion, which typically entails proteolytic digestion of the protein. The second stage is reversed-phase chromatographic separation of the generated peptides and detection by HRAM MS in two phases. During MAM Phase I (discovery phase), data-dependent acquisition (DDA) MS/MS is performed to enable confident identification of peaks and development of a peptide workbook. During MAM Phase II (monitoring phase), full MS acquisition is only carried out for the monitoring of predefined product quality attributes (PQAs). The third stage is data processing, which entails analysis and reporting for each of the two phases including evaluation of sequence coverage, assessment of PQAs and peptide workbook creation during phase I, and targeted monitoring of predefined product attributes and new peak detection (NPD) during phase II. The latter is a comparative analysis that uses a base peak alignment algorithm to determine any non-monitored differences between the LC-MS chromatograms of a test sample and a reference standard. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: In-solution sample digestion Alternate Protocol: Automated sample digestion Basic Protocol 2: Reversed-phase chromatographic separation and detection by HRAM-MS (RPLC-HRAM MS) Basic Protocol 3: Data processing and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig Jakes
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sara Carillo
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jonathan Bones
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Naumann N, Paßreiter A, Thomas A, Krug O, Walpurgis K, Thevis M. Analysis of Potential Gene Doping Preparations for Transgenic DNA in the Context of Sports Drug Testing Programs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15835. [PMID: 37958821 PMCID: PMC10648417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115835] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene doping has been classified as a prohibited method by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for over two decades. As gene therapeutic approaches improve and, concomitantly, safety concerns regarding clinical applications decline, apprehensions about their illicit use in elite sports continue to grow. Two products available via Internet-based providers and advertised as EPO-gene- and IGF1-gene-containing materials were analyzed for the presence of potential gene doping agents using a newly developed analytical approach, allowing for the detection of transgenic DNA corresponding to seven potential targets (EPO, FST, GH1, MSTN (Propeptide), IGF1, VEGFA, and VEGFD). Panel detection was based on a 20-plex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by a single base extension (SBE) reaction and subsequent SBE product analyses via matrix-assisted time-of-flight laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Extracts of both products were found to contain transgenic EPO-DNA, while transgenic DNA for IGF-1 was not detected. The results were confirmed using SYBR Green qPCR with primer sets directed against EPO and IGF1 cDNA, and the CMV promotor sequence. In this case study, the detection of authentic (whilst low concentrated) transgenes, potentially intended for gene doping practices in readily available products, is reported for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Naumann
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Alina Paßreiter
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Andreas Thomas
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Oliver Krug
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), 50933 Cologne, Germany
| | - Katja Walpurgis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany (M.T.)
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), 50933 Cologne, Germany
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Choi EA, Park HJ, Choi SM, Lee JI, Jung KC. Prevention of severe lung immunopathology associated with influenza infection through adeno-associated virus vector administration. Lab Anim Res 2023; 39:26. [PMID: 37904257 PMCID: PMC10614381 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-023-00177-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have long posed a threat to humans, occasionally causing significant morbidity and mortality. The initial immune response is triggered by infected epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells. However, an exaggerated innate immune response can result in severe lung injury and even host mortality. One notable pathology observed in hosts succumbing to severe influenza is the excessive influx of neutrophils and monocytes into the lung. In this study, we investigated a strategy for controlling lung immunopathology following severe influenza infection. RESULTS To evaluate the impact of innate immunity on influenza-associated lung injury, we employed CB17.SCID and NOD.SCID mice. NOD.SCID mice exhibited slower weight loss and longer survival than CB17.SCID mice following influenza infection. Lung inflammation was reduced in NOD.SCID mice compared to CB17.SCID mice. Bulk RNA sequencing analysis of lung tissue showed significant downregulation of 827 genes, and differentially expressed gene analysis indicated that the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway was predominantly downregulated in NOD.SCID mice. Interestingly, the expression of the Cxcl14 gene was higher in the lungs of influenza-infected NOD.SCID mice than in CB17.SCID mice. Therefore, we induced overexpression of the Cxcl14 gene in the lung using the adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-vector system for target gene delivery. However, when we administered the AAV9 vector carrying the Cxcl14 gene or a control AAV9 vector to BALB/c mice from both groups, the morbidity and mortality rates remained similar. Both groups exhibited lower morbidity and mortality than the naive group that did not receive the AAV9 vector prior to IAV infection, suggesting that the pre-administration of the AAV9 vector conferred protection against lethal influenza infection, irrespective of Cxcl14 overexpression. Furthermore, we found that pre-inoculation of BALB/c mice with AAV9 attenuated the infiltration of trans-macrophages, neutrophils and monocytes in the lungs following IAV infection. Although there was no difference in lung viral titers between the naive group and the AAV9 pre-inoculated group, pre-inoculation with AAV9 conferred lung injury protection against lethal influenza infection in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that pre-inoculation with AAV9 prior to IAV infection protected mouse lungs from immunopathology by reducing the recruitment of inflammatory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ah Choi
- Graduate Course of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi Jung Park
- Graduate Course of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Choi
- Graduate Course of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Il Lee
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyeong Cheon Jung
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Chan C, Harris KK, Zolotukhin S, Keeler GD. Rational Design of AAV-rh74, AAV3B, and AAV8 with Limited Liver Targeting. Viruses 2023; 15:2168. [PMID: 38005848 PMCID: PMC10675213 DOI: 10.3390/v15112168] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have become one of the leading gene therapies for treating a variety of diseases. One factor contributing to rAAVs' success is the fact that a wide variety of tissue types can be transduced by different serotypes. However, one commonality amongst most serotypes is the high propensity for liver transduction when rAAVs are administered peripherally. One of the few exceptions is the naturally occurring clade F AAV hematopoietic stem cell 16 (AAVHSC16). AAVHSC16 represents an interesting capsid in that it shows minimal liver transduction when injected peripherally. For capsids other than AAVHSC16, targeting non-liver tissues via peripheral AAV injection represents a challenge due to the high liver transduction. Thus, there is a demand for liver-de-targeted rAAV vectors. The rational design of rAAV capsids relies on current knowledge to design improved capsids and represents one means of developing capsids with reduced liver transduction. Here, we utilized data from the AAVHSC16 capsid to rationally design four non-clade F rAAV capsids that result in reduced liver transduction following peripheral injection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Geoffrey D. Keeler
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Choules MP, Bonate PL, Heo N, Weddell J. Prospective approaches to gene therapy computational modeling - spotlight on viral gene therapy. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2023:10.1007/s10928-023-09889-1. [PMID: 37848637 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-023-09889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Clinical studies have found there still exists a lack of gene therapy dose-toxicity and dose-efficacy data that causes gene therapy dose selection to remain elusive. Model informed drug development (MIDD) has become a standard tool implemented throughout the discovery, development, and approval of pharmaceutical therapies, and has the potential to inform dose-toxicity and dose-efficacy relationships to support gene therapy dose selection. Despite this potential, MIDD approaches for gene therapy remain immature and require standardization to be useful for gene therapy clinical programs. With the goal to advance MIDD approaches for gene therapy, in this review we first provide an overview of gene therapy types and how they differ from a bioanalytical, formulation, route of administration, and regulatory standpoint. With this biological and regulatory background, we propose how MIDD can be advanced for AAV-based gene therapies by utilizing physiological based pharmacokinetic modeling and quantitative systems pharmacology to holistically inform AAV and target protein dynamics following dosing. We discuss how this proposed model, allowing for in-depth exploration of AAV pharmacology, could be the key the field needs to treat these unmet disease populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Choules
- Early Development, New Technologies Group, Astellas, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Peter L Bonate
- Early Development, New Technologies Group, Astellas, Northbrook, IL, USA.
| | - Nakyo Heo
- Early Development, New Technologies Group, Astellas, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Jared Weddell
- Early Development, New Technologies Group, Astellas, Northbrook, IL, USA
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Boedecker-Lips S, Judel A, Holtz S, Mayer M, Klimpke P, Kraus D, Schreiner T, Gerstmayer B, Eulitz K, Mayer MC, Weinmann-Menke J. Efficient removal of antibodies to adeno-associated viruses by immunoadsorption. J Clin Apher 2023; 38:590-601. [PMID: 37415533 DOI: 10.1002/jca.22069] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapies based on adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are a therapeutic option to successfully treat monogenetic diseases. However, the influence of pre-existing immunity to AAV can compromise the application of AAV gene therapy, most notably by the presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) to AAV. METHODS In the following study, we investigated to what extent the treatment by immunoadsorption (IA) would reduce the levels of human anti-AAV antibodies to AAV2 and AAV5. To that end, we screened blood sera from 40 patients receiving IA treatment because of underlying autoimmune disease or transplant rejection, with detectable AAV-antibodies in 23 patients (22 by NAb detection, and 1 additionally by anti-AAV5 ELISA analysis). RESULTS Our results show that IA efficiently depleted anti-AAV2 NAb with a mean reduction of 3.92 ± 1.09 log2 titer steps (93.4%) after three to five single IA treatments, 45% of seropositive subjects had an anti-AAV2 titer below the threshold titer of 1:5 after the IA treatment series. Anti-AAV5 NAb were reduced to below the threshold titer of 1:5 in all but one of five seropositive subjects. Analysis of total anti-AAV5 antibodies by ELISA demonstrated an anti-AAV5 antibody reduction over the IA treatment series of 2.67 ± 1.16 log2 titer steps (84.3%). CONCLUSION In summary, IA may represent a safe strategy to precondition patients with pre-existing anti-AAV antibodies to make this population eligible for an effective AAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Boedecker-Lips
- Division of Nephrology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Holtz
- Division of Nephrology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Magnus Mayer
- Division of Nephrology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Pascal Klimpke
- Division of Nephrology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Kraus
- Division of Nephrology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- Division of Nephrology, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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Rok M, Wong TWY, Maino E, Ahmed A, Yang G, Hyatt E, Lindsay K, Fatehi S, Marks R, Delgado-Olguín P, Ivakine EA, Cohn RD. Prevention of early-onset cardiomyopathy in Dmd exon 52-54 deletion mice by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated exon skipping. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:246-258. [PMID: 37545481 PMCID: PMC10403712 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a disease with a life-threatening trajectory resulting from mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to degeneration of skeletal muscle and fibrosis of cardiac muscle. The overwhelming majority of mutations are multiexonic deletions. We previously established a dystrophic mouse model with deletion of exons 52-54 in Dmd that develops an early-onset cardiac phenotype similar to DMD patients. Here we employed CRISPR-Cas9 delivered intravenously by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to restore functional dystrophin expression via excision or skipping of exon 55. Exon skipping with a solitary guide significantly improved editing outcomes and dystrophin recovery over dual guide excision. Some improvements to genomic and transcript editing levels were observed when the guide dose was enhanced, but dystrophin restoration did not improve considerably. Editing and dystrophin recovery were restricted primarily to cardiac tissue. Remarkably, our exon skipping approach completely prevented onset of the cardiac phenotype in treated mice up to 12 weeks. Thus, our results demonstrate that intravenous delivery of a single-cut CRISPR-Cas9-mediated exon skipping therapy can prevent heart dysfunction in DMD in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Rok
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tatianna Wai Ying Wong
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eleonora Maino
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abdalla Ahmed
- Department of Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Yang
- Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elzbieta Hyatt
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle Lindsay
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sina Fatehi
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan Marks
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Delgado-Olguín
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Heart & Stroke Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evgueni A. Ivakine
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ronald D. Cohn
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Schwartz MK, Likhite S, Vetter TA, Baird MC, McGovern V, Sierra Delgado A, Mendel T, Burghes A, Meyer KC. In-depth comparison of Anc80L65 and AAV9 retinal targeting and characterization of cross-reactivity to multiple AAV serotypes in humans. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:16-29. [PMID: 37746244 PMCID: PMC10512013 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Anc80L65 is a synthetic, ancestral adeno-associated virus that has high tropism toward retinal photoreceptors after subretinal injection in mice and non-human primates. We characterized, for the first time, the post-intravitreal cell-specific transduction profile of Anc80L65 compared with AAV9. Here we use Anc80L65 and AAV9 to intravitreally deliver a copy of the gene encoding GFP into WT C57Bl/6J mice. GFP expression was driven by one of two clinically relevant promoters, chicken β actin (CB) or truncated MECP2 (P546). After qualitative assessment of relative GFP expression, we found Anc80L65 and AAV9 to have similar transduction profiles. Through the development of a novel method for quantifying GFP-positive retinal cells, we found Anc80L65 to have higher tropism in Müller glia and AAV9 to have higher tropism in horizontal cells. In addition, we found P546 to promote GFP expression at a more moderate level compared with the high levels seen under the CB promoter. Finally, for the first time, we characterized Anc80L65 cross-reactivity in human sera; 83% of patients with AAV2 pre-existing antibodies were found to be seropositive for Anc80L65. This study demonstrates the expanded therapeutic applications of Anc80L65 to treat retinal disease and provides the first insights to Anc80L65 pre-existing immunity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura K. Schwartz
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tatyana A. Vetter
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Megan C. Baird
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vicki McGovern
- Department of Neurology, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Tom Mendel
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arthur Burghes
- Department of Neurology, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathrin C. Meyer
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Schmidt M, Foster GR, Coppens M, Thomsen H, Dolmetsch R, Heijink L, Monahan PE, Pipe SW. Molecular evaluation and vector integration analysis of HCC complicating AAV gene therapy for hemophilia B. Blood Adv 2023; 7:4966-4969. [PMID: 37352263 PMCID: PMC10463188 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham R. Foster
- Barts Liver Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michiel Coppens
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension & Thrombosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Steven W. Pipe
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Maurizi A, Patrizii P, Teti A, Sutera FM, Baran-Rachwalska P, Burns C, Nandi U, Welsh M, Torabi-Pour N, Dehsorkhi A, Saffie-Siebert S. Novel hybrid silicon-lipid nanoparticles deliver a siRNA to cure autosomal dominant osteopetrosis in mice. Implications for gene therapy in humans. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:925-937. [PMID: 37680985 PMCID: PMC10480457 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Rare skeletal diseases are still in need of proper clinically available transfection agents as the major challenge for first-in-human translation relates to intrinsic difficulty in targeting bone without exacerbating any inherent toxicity due to used vector. SiSaf's silicon stabilized hybrid lipid nanoparticles (sshLNPs) constitute next-generation non-viral vectors able to retain the integrity and stability of constructs and to accommodate considerable payloads of biologicals, without requiring cold-chain storage. sshLNP was complexed with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) specifically designed against the human CLCN7G215R mRNA. When tested via single intraperitoneal injection in pre-puberal autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type 2 (ADO2) mice, carrying a heterozygous mutation of the Clcn7 gene (Clcn7G213R), sshLNP, this significantly downregulated the Clcn7G213R related mRNA levels in femurs at 48 h. Confirmatory results were observed at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatments (3 intraperitoneal injections/week), with rescue of the bone phenotype and demonstrating safety. The pre-clinical results will enable advanced preclinical development of RNA-based therapy for orphan and genetic skeletal disorders by safely and effectively delivering biologicals of interest to cure human systemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Maurizi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Patrizii
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Teti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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50
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Moço PD, Xu X, Silva CAT, Kamen AA. Production of adeno-associated viral vector serotype 6 by triple transfection of suspension HEK293 cells at higher cell densities. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300051. [PMID: 37337925 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors for gene and cell therapy has increased, leading to a rise in the amount of AAV vectors required during pre-clinical and clinical trials. AAV serotype 6 (AAV6) has been found to be efficient in transducing different cell types and has been successfully used in gene and cell therapy protocols. However, the number of vectors required to effectively deliver the transgene to one single cell has been estimated at 106 viral genomes (VG), making large-scale production of AAV6 necessary. Suspension cell-based platforms are currently limited to low cell density productions due to the widely reported cell density effect (CDE), which results in diminished production at high cell densities and decreased cell-specific productivity. This limitation hinders the potential of the suspension cell-based production process to increase yields. In this study, we investigated the improvement of the production of AAV6 at higher cell densities by transiently transfecting HEK293SF cells. The results showed that when the plasmid DNA was provided on a cell basis, the production could be carried out at medium cell density (MCD, 4 × 106 cells mL-1 ) resulting in titers above 1010 VG mL-1 . No detrimental effects on cell-specific virus yield or cell-specific functional titer were observed at MCD production. Furthermore, while medium supplementation alleviated the CDE in terms of VG/cell at high cell density (HCD, 10 × 106 cells mL-1 ) productions, the cell-specific functional titer was not maintained, and further studies are necessary to understand the observed limitations for AAV production in HCD processes. The MCD production method reported here lays the foundation for large-scale process operations, potentially solving the current vector shortage in AAV manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo D Moço
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Xingge Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Cristina A T Silva
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amine A Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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