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Pasupuleti V, Vora L, Prasad R, Nandakumar DN, Khatri DK. Glioblastoma preclinical models: Strengths and weaknesses. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189059. [PMID: 38109948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a highly malignant brain tumor with significant intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The complex signaling cascade that regulates this heterogeneity makes targeted drug therapy ineffective. The development of an optimal preclinical model is crucial for the comprehension of molecular heterogeneity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The ideal model should establish a relationship between various oncogenes and their corresponding responses. This review presents an analysis of preclinical in vivo and in vitro models that have contributed to the advancement of knowledge in model development. The experimental designs utilized in vivo models consisting of both immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice induced with intracranial glioma. The transgenic model was generated using various techniques, like the viral vector delivery system, transposon system, Cre-LoxP model, and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches. The utilization of the patient-derived xenograft model in glioma research is valuable because it closely replicates the human glioma microenvironment, providing evidence of tumor heterogeneity. The utilization of in vitro techniques in the initial stages of research facilitated the comprehension of molecular interactions. However, these techniques are inadequate in reproducing the interactions between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). As a result, bioengineered 3D-in vitro models, including spheroids, scaffolds, and brain organoids, were developed to cultivate glioma cells in a three-dimensional environment. These models have enabled researchers to understand the influence of ECM on the invasive nature of tumors. Collectively, these preclinical models effectively depict the molecular pathways and facilitate the evaluation of multiple molecules while tailoring drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasavi Pasupuleti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Lalitkumar Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Renuka Prasad
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Moonsuk Medical Research Building, 516, 5th floor, 73 Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 12841, Republic of Korea
| | - D N Nandakumar
- Department of Neurochemistry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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2
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Bexte T, Reindl LM, Ullrich E. Nonviral technologies can pave the way for CAR-NK cell therapy. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:475-486. [PMID: 37403203 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy. Natural killer cells have high intrinsic killing capability, and the insertion of a chimeric antigen receptor can further enhance their antitumor potential. In first-in-human trials, chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells demonstrated strong clinical activity without therapy-induced side effects. The applicability of natural killer cells as an "off-the-shelf" product makes them highly attractive for gene-engineered cell therapies. Traditionally, viral transduction has been used for gene editing; however, the use of viral vectors remains a safety concern and is associated with high costs and regulatory requirements. Here, we review the current landscape of nonviral approaches for chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cell generation. This includes transfection of vector particles and electroporation of mRNA and DNA vectors, resulting in transient modification and chimeric antigen receptor expression. In addition, using nonviral transposon technologies, natural killer cells can be stably modified ensuring long-lasting chimeric antigen receptor expression. Finally, we discuss CRISPR/Cas9 tools to edit key genes for natural killer cell functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Bexte
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology & Cell Therapy, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ), Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Reindl
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology & Cell Therapy, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology & Cell Therapy, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ), Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz; Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Kovač A, Miskey C, Ivics Z. Sleeping Beauty Transposon Insertions into Nucleolar DNA by an Engineered Transposase Localized in the Nucleolus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14978. [PMID: 37834425 PMCID: PMC10573994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are nature's gene delivery vehicles that can be harnessed for experimental and therapeutic purposes. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon shows efficient transposition and long-term transgene expression in human cells, and is currently under clinical development for gene therapy. SB transposition occurs into the human genome in a random manner, which carries a risk of potential genotoxic effects associated with transposon integration. Here, we evaluated an experimental strategy to manipulate SB's target site distribution by preferentially compartmentalizing the SB transposase to the nucleolus, which contains repetitive ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. We generated a fusion protein composed of the nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (B23) and the SB100X transposase, which was found to retain almost full transposition activity as compared to unfused transposase and to be predominantly localized to nucleoli in transfected human cells. Analysis of transposon integration sites generated by B23-SB100X revealed a significant enrichment into the p-arms of chromosomes containing nucleolus organizing regions (NORs), with preferential integration into the p13 and p11.2 cytobands directly neighboring the NORs. This bias in the integration pattern was accompanied by an enrichment of insertions into nucleolus-associated chromatin domains (NADs) at the periphery of nucleolar DNA and into lamina-associated domains (LADs). Finally, sub-nuclear targeting of the transposase resulted in preferential integration into chromosomal domains associated with the Upstream Binding Transcription Factor (UBTF) that plays a critical role in the transcription of 47S rDNA gene repeats of the NORs by RNA Pol I. Future modifications of this technology may allow the development of methods for specific gene insertion for precision genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Transposition and Genome Engineering, Research Centre of the Division of Hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Str. 51–59, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (A.K.); (C.M.)
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Harmening N, Johnen S, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, Kropp M, Bascuas T, Walter P, Kreis A, Pajic B, Thumann G. Enhanced Biosafety of the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System by Using mRNA as Source of Transposase to Efficiently and Stably Transfect Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040658. [PMID: 37189405 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which leads to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell and photoreceptor degeneration and blindness if untreated. Since blood vessel growth is mediated by endothelial cell growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), treatment consists of repeated, often monthly, intravitreal injections of anti-angiogenic biopharmaceuticals. Frequent injections are costly and present logistic difficulties; therefore, our laboratories are developing a cell-based gene therapy based on autologous RPE cells transfected ex vivo with the pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), which is the most potent natural antagonist of VEGF. Gene delivery and long-term expression of the transgene are enabled by the use of the non-viral Sleeping Beauty (SB100X) transposon system that is introduced into the cells by electroporation. The transposase may have a cytotoxic effect and a low risk of remobilization of the transposon if supplied in the form of DNA. Here, we investigated the use of the SB100X transposase delivered as mRNA and showed that ARPE-19 cells as well as primary human RPE cells were successfully transfected with the Venus or the PEDF gene, followed by stable transgene expression. In human RPE cells, secretion of recombinant PEDF could be detected in cell culture up to one year. Non-viral ex vivo transfection using SB100X-mRNA in combination with electroporation increases the biosafety of our gene therapeutic approach to treat nvAMD while ensuring high transfection efficiency and long-term transgene expression in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Harmening
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltan Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Martina Kropp
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thais Bascuas
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kreis
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bojan Pajic
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Eye Clinic ORASIS, Swiss Eye Research Foundation, 5734 Reinach, Switzerland
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Mahmoudian RA, Fathi F, Farshchian M, Abbaszadegan MR. Construction and Quantitative Evaluation of a Tissue-Specific Sleeping Beauty by EDL2-Specific Transposase Expression in Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line KYSE-30. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:350-360. [PMID: 35474410 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery to esophageal tissue could provide novel treatments for diseases, such as cancer. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system, as a natural and non-viral tool, is efficient at transferring transgene into the human genome for human cell genetic engineering. The plasmid-based SB transposon can insert into chromosomes through an accurate recombinase-mediated mechanism, providing long-term expression of transgene integrated into the target cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the activity of ED-L2 tissue-specific promoter that was engineered from the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and combined with the hyperactive SB100X transposase to achieve the stable expression of T2-Onc3 transposon in esophageal squamous epithelial cells. Here we constructed an SB transposon-based plasmid system to obtain the stable expression of transposon upon introduction of a hyperactive SB transposase under the control of tissue-specific ED-L2 promoter via the lipid-based delivery method in the cultured esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Among established human and mouse cell lines, the (ED-L2)-SB100X transposase was active only in human esophageal stratified squamous epithelial and differentiated keratinocytes derived from skin (KYSE-30 and HaCaT cell lines), where it revealed high promoter activity. Data offered that the 782 bp sequence of ED-L2 promoter has a key role in its activity in vitro. The (ED-L2)-SB100X transposase mediated stable integration of T2-Onc3 in KYSE-30 cells, thereby providing further evidence of the tissue specificity of ED-L2 promoter. The KYSE-30 cells modified with the SB system integrate on average 187 copies of the T2-Onc3 transposon in its genome. In aggregate, the (ED-L2)-SB100X transposase can be efficiently applied for the tissue-specific stable expression of a transgene in human KYSE-30 cells using SB transposon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR) Razavi Khorasan, ACECR Central Building, Ferdowsi University Campus, Mashhad- Azadi Square, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Medical Genetics Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Dasgupta P, Balasubramanyian V, de Groot JF, Majd NK. Preclinical Models of Low-Grade Gliomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030596. [PMID: 36765553 PMCID: PMC9913857 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse infiltrating low-grade glioma (LGG) is classified as WHO grade 2 astrocytoma with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and oligodendroglioma with IDH1 mutation and 1p/19q codeletion. Despite their better prognosis compared with glioblastoma, LGGs invariably recur, leading to disability and premature death. There is an unmet need to discover new therapeutics for LGG, which necessitates preclinical models that closely resemble the human disease. Basic scientific efforts in the field of neuro-oncology are mostly focused on high-grade glioma, due to the ease of maintaining rapidly growing cell cultures and highly reproducible murine tumors. Development of preclinical models of LGG, on the other hand, has been difficult due to the slow-growing nature of these tumors as well as challenges involved in recapitulating the widespread genomic and epigenomic effects of IDH mutation. The most recent WHO classification of CNS tumors emphasizes the importance of the role of IDH mutation in the classification of gliomas, yet there are relatively few IDH-mutant preclinical models available. Here, we review the in vitro and in vivo preclinical models of LGG and discuss the mechanistic challenges involved in generating such models and potential strategies to overcome these hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushan Dasgupta
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | - John F. de Groot
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Correspondence: (J.F.d.G.); (N.K.M.)
| | - Nazanin K. Majd
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (J.F.d.G.); (N.K.M.)
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Liu P, Cuerda-Gil D, Shahid S, Slotkin RK. The Epigenetic Control of the Transposable Element Life Cycle in Plant Genomes and Beyond. Annu Rev Genet 2022; 56:63-87. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-072920-015534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Within the life cycle of a living organism, another life cycle exists for the selfish genome inhabitants, which are called transposable elements (TEs). These mobile sequences invade, duplicate, amplify, and diversify within a genome, increasing the genome's size and generating new mutations. Cells act to defend their genome, but rather than permanently destroying TEs, they use chromatin-level repression and epigenetic inheritance to silence TE activity. This level of silencing is ephemeral and reversible, leading to a dynamic equilibrium between TE suppression and reactivation within a host genome. The coexistence of the TE and host genome can also lead to the domestication of the TE to serve in host genome evolution and function. In this review, we describe the life cycle of a TE, with emphasis on how epigenetic regulation is harnessed to control TEs for host genome stability and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Diego Cuerda-Gil
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Graduate Program in the Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Saima Shahid
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - R. Keith Slotkin
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Tsai HC, Pietrobon V, Peng M, Wang S, Zhao L, Marincola FM, Cai Q. Current strategies employed in the manipulation of gene expression for clinical purposes. J Transl Med 2022; 20:535. [PMID: 36401279 PMCID: PMC9673226 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03747-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal gene expression level or expression of genes containing deleterious mutations are two of the main determinants which lead to genetic disease. To obtain a therapeutic effect and thus to cure genetic diseases, it is crucial to regulate the host's gene expression and restore it to physiological conditions. With this purpose, several molecular tools have been developed and are currently tested in clinical trials. Genome editing nucleases are a class of molecular tools routinely used in laboratories to rewire host's gene expression. Genome editing nucleases include different categories of enzymes: meganucleses (MNs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)- CRISPR associated protein (Cas) and transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALENs). Transposable elements are also a category of molecular tools which includes different members, for example Sleeping Beauty (SB), PiggyBac (PB), Tol2 and TcBuster. Transposons have been used for genetic studies and can serve as gene delivery tools. Molecular tools to rewire host's gene expression also include episomes, which are divided into different categories depending on their molecular structure. Finally, RNA interference is commonly used to regulate gene expression through the administration of small interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and bi-functional shRNA molecules. In this review, we will describe the different molecular tools that can be used to regulate gene expression and discuss their potential for clinical applications. These molecular tools are delivered into the host's cells in the form of DNA, RNA or protein using vectors that can be grouped into physical or biochemical categories. In this review we will also illustrate the different types of payloads that can be used, and we will discuss recent developments in viral and non-viral vector technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maoyu Peng
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Suning Wang
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | | | - Qi Cai
- Kite Pharma Inc, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA.
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Castiello L, Santodonato L, Napolitano M, Carlei D, Montefiore E, Monque DM, D’Agostino G, Aricò E. Chimeric Antigen Receptor Immunotherapy for Solid Tumors: Choosing the Right Ingredients for the Perfect Recipe. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5351. [PMID: 36358770 PMCID: PMC9655484 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies are revolutionizing the clinical practice of hematological tumors, whereas minimal progresses have been achieved in the solid tumor arena. Multiple reasons have been ascribed to this slower pace: The higher heterogeneity, the hurdles of defining reliable tumor antigens to target, and the broad repertoire of immune escape strategies developed by solid tumors are considered among the major ones. Currently, several CAR therapies are being investigated in preclinical and early clinical trials against solid tumors differing in the type of construct, the cells that are engineered, and the additional signals included with the CAR constructs to overcome solid tumor barriers. Additionally, novel approaches in development aim at overcoming some of the limitations that emerged with the approved therapies, such as large-scale manufacturing, duration of manufacturing, and logistical issues. In this review, we analyze the advantages and challenges of the different approaches under development, balancing the scientific evidences supporting specific choices with the manufacturing and regulatory issues that are essential for their further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Castiello
- Cell Factory FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Santodonato
- Cell Factory FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Napolitano
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Carlei
- Cell Factory FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Montefiore
- Cell Factory FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenica Maria Monque
- Cell Factory FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina D’Agostino
- Cell Factory FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aricò
- Cell Factory FaBioCell, Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Kreppel F, Hagedorn C. Episomes and Transposases-Utilities to Maintain Transgene Expression from Nonviral Vectors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1872. [PMID: 36292757 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficient delivery and stable transgene expression are critical for applications in gene therapy. While carefully selected and engineered viral vectors allowed for remarkable clinical successes, they still bear significant safety risks. Thus, nonviral vectors are a sound alternative and avoid genotoxicity and adverse immunological reactions. Nonviral vector systems have been extensively studied and refined during the last decades. Emerging knowledge of the epigenetic regulation of replication and spatial chromatin organisation, as well as new technologies, such as Crispr/Cas, were employed to enhance the performance of different nonviral vector systems. Thus, nonviral vectors are in focus and hold some promising perspectives for future applications in gene therapy. This review addresses three prominent nonviral vector systems: the Sleeping Beauty transposase, S/MAR-based episomes, and viral plasmid replicon-based EBV vectors. Exemplarily, we review different utilities, modifications, and new concepts that were pursued to overcome limitations regarding stable transgene expression and mitotic stability. New insights into the nuclear localisation of nonviral vector molecules and the potential consequences thereof are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the remaining limitations and provide an outlook on possible future developments in nonviral vector technology.
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Lock D, Monjezi R, Brandes C, Bates S, Lennartz S, Teppert K, Gehrke L, Karasakalidou-Seidt R, Lukic T, Schmeer M, Schleef M, Werchau N, Eyrich M, Assenmacher M, Kaiser A, Prommersberger S, Schaser T, Hudecek M. Automated, scaled, transposon-based production of CAR T cells. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005189. [PMID: 36096530 PMCID: PMC9472140 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing demand for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell products from patients and care givers. Here, we established an automated manufacturing process for CAR T cells on the CliniMACS Prodigy platform that is scaled to provide therapeutic doses and achieves gene-transfer with virus-free Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposition. METHODS We used an advanced CliniMACS Prodigy that is connected to an electroporator unit and performed a series of small-scale development and large-scale confirmation runs with primary human T cells. Transposition was accomplished with minicircle (MC) DNA-encoded SB100X transposase and pT2 transposon encoding a CD19 CAR. RESULTS We defined a bi-pulse electroporation shock with bi-directional and unidirectional electric field, respectively, that permitted efficient MC insertion and maintained a high frequency of viable T cells. In three large scale runs, 2E8 T cells were enriched from leukapheresis product, activated, gene-engineered and expanded to yield up to 3.5E9 total T cells/1.4E9 CAR-modified T cells within 12 days (CAR-modified T cells: 28.8%±12.3%). The resulting cell product contained highly pure T cells (97.3±1.6%) with balanced CD4/CD8 ratio and a high frequency of T cells with central memory phenotype (87.5%±10.4%). The transposon copy number was 7.0, 9.4 and 6.8 in runs #1-3, respectively, and gene analyses showed a balanced expression of activation/exhaustion markers. The CD19 CAR T cell product conferred potent anti-lymphoma reactivity in pre-clinical models. Notably, the operator hands-on-time was substantially reduced compared with conventional non-automated CAR T cell manufacturing campaigns. CONCLUSIONS We report on the first automated transposon-based manufacturing process for CAR T cells that is ready for formal validation and use in clinical manufacturing campaigns. This process and platform have the potential to facilitate access of patients to CAR T cell therapy and to accelerate scaled, multiplexed manufacturing both in the academic and industry setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec BV & Co KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Razieh Monjezi
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Stephan Bates
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Karin Teppert
- Miltenyi Biotec BV & Co KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Leon Gehrke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Teodora Lukic
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Niels Werchau
- Miltenyi Biotec BV & Co KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Matthias Eyrich
- Universitätskinderklinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Andrew Kaiser
- Miltenyi Biotec BV & Co KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Leask F. Technology digest: non-viral vectors. Regen Med 2022; 17:789-791. [PMID: 35916084 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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13
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Lee YH, Park JY, Song ES, Lee H, Kuk MU, Joo J, Roh H, Park JT. Improvement of Sleeping Beauty Transposon System Enabling Efficient and Stable Protein Production. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-021-0231-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Holzinger A, Abken H. Treatment with Living Drugs: Pharmaceutical Aspects of CAR T Cells. Pharmacology 2022; 107:446-463. [PMID: 35696994 DOI: 10.1159/000525052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive therapy with genetically modified T cells achieves spectacular remissions in advanced hematologic malignancies. In contrast to conventional drugs, this kind of therapy applies viable autologous T cells that are ex vivo genetically engineered with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and are classified as advanced therapy medicinal products. SUMMARY As "living drugs," CAR T cells differ from classical pharmaceutical drugs as they provide a panel of cellular capacities upon CAR signaling, including the release of effector molecules and cytokines, redirected cytotoxicity, CAR T cell amplification, active migration, and long-term persistence and immunological memory. Here, we discuss pharmaceutical aspects, the regulatory requirements for CAR T cell manufacturing, and how CAR T cell pharmacokinetics are connected with the clinical outcome. KEY MESSAGES From the pharmacological perspective, the development of CAR T cells with high translational potential needs to address pharmacodynamic markers to balance safety and efficacy of CAR T cells and to address pharmacokinetics with respect to trafficking, homing, infiltration, and persistence of CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Holzinger
- Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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15
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Moretti A, Ponzo M, Nicolette CA, Tcherepanova IY, Biondi A, Magnani CF. The Past, Present, and Future of Non-Viral CAR T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:867013. [PMID: 35757746 PMCID: PMC9218214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.867013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocytes is a powerful technology that has revolutionized the way we conceive immunotherapy. The impressive clinical results of complete and prolonged response in refractory and relapsed diseases have shifted the landscape of treatment for hematological malignancies, particularly those of lymphoid origin, and opens up new possibilities for the treatment of solid neoplasms. However, the widening use of cell therapy is hampered by the accessibility to viral vectors that are commonly used for T cell transfection. In the era of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-CRISPR-associated) precise genome editing, novel and virus-free methods for T cell engineering are emerging as a more versatile, flexible, and sustainable alternative for next-generation CAR T cell manufacturing. Here, we discuss how the use of non-viral vectors can address some of the limitations of the viral methods of gene transfer and allow us to deliver genetic information in a stable, effective and straightforward manner. In particular, we address the main transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB), the utilization of mRNA, and innovative approaches of nanotechnology like Lipid-based and Polymer-based DNA nanocarriers and nanovectors. We also describe the most relevant preclinical data that have recently led to the use of non-viral gene therapy in emerging clinical trials, and the related safety and efficacy aspects. We will also provide practical considerations for future trials to enable successful and safe cell therapy with non-viral methods for CAR T cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Moretti
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
| | - Marianna Ponzo
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Biondi
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Clinica Pediatrica, University of Milano - Bicocca/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara F. Magnani
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Zhang X, Jin X, Sun R, Zhang M, Lu W, Zhao M. Gene knockout in cellular immunotherapy: Application and limitations. Cancer Lett 2022; 540:215736. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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Rasińska J, Klein C, Stahn L, Maidhof F, Pfeffer A, Schreyer S, Gossen M, Kurtz A, Steiner B, Hemmati‐Sadeghi S. Transposon‐mediated glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells: A potential approach for neuroregenerative medicine? J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 16:515-529. [DOI: 10.1002/term.3296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Rasińska
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Charlotte Klein
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Laura Stahn
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Felix Maidhof
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Anna Pfeffer
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreyer
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Charité Virchow Campus Berlin Germany
- Institute of Active Polymers Helmholtz‐Zentrum Geesthacht Teltow Germany
| | - Andreas Kurtz
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Charité Virchow Campus Berlin Germany
| | - Barbara Steiner
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Shabnam Hemmati‐Sadeghi
- Department of Neurology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
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18
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Prommersberger S, Monjezi R, Botezatu L, Miskey C, Amberger M, Mestermann K, Hudecek M, Ivics Z. Generation of CAR-T Cells with Sleeping Beauty Transposon Gene Transfer. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2521:41-66. [PMID: 35732992 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2441-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human T lymphocytes that transgenically express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) have proven efficacy and safety in gene- and cell-based immunotherapy of certain hematological cancers. Appropriate gene vectors and methods of genetic engineering are required for therapeutic cell products to be biologically potent and their manufacturing to be economically viable. Transposon-based gene transfer satisfies these needs, and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials. In this protocol we describe the basic Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vector components required for stable gene integration in human cells, with special emphasis on minicircle DNA vectors and the use of synthetic mRNA. We provide a protocol for functional validation of the vector components in cultured human cell lines on the basis of fluorescent reporter gene expression. Finally, we provide a protocol for CAR-T cell engineering and describe assays that address transgene expression, biological potency and genomic vector copy numbers in polyclonal cell populations. Because transposons allow virus-free gene transfer with naked nucleic acids, the protocol can be adopted by any laboratory equipped with biological safety level S1 facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Razieh Monjezi
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Katrin Mestermann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany.
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19
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Miskey C, Kesselring L, Querques I, Abrusán G, Barabas O, Ivics Z. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2807-2825. [PMID: 35188569 PMCID: PMC8934666 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is a popular tool for genome engineering, but random integration into the genome carries a certain genotoxic risk in therapeutic applications. Here we investigate the role of amino acids H187, P247 and K248 in target site selection of the SB transposase. Structural modeling implicates these three amino acids located in positions analogous to amino acids with established functions in target site selection in retroviral integrases and transposases. Saturation mutagenesis of these residues in the SB transposase yielded variants with altered target site selection properties. Transposon integration profiling of several mutants reveals increased specificity of integrations into palindromic AT repeat target sequences in genomic regions characterized by high DNA bendability. The H187V and K248R mutants redirect integrations away from exons, transcriptional regulatory elements and nucleosomal DNA in the human genome, suggesting enhanced safety and thus utility of these SB variants in gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irma Querques
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - György Abrusán
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Barabas
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 6103 77 6000; Fax: +49 6103 77 1280;
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20
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Irving M, Lanitis E, Migliorini D, Ivics Z, Guedan S. Choosing the Right Tool for Genetic Engineering: Clinical Lessons from Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1044-1058. [PMID: 34662233 PMCID: PMC8697565 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell modification with genes that encode chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) has shown tremendous promise for the treatment of B cell malignancies. The successful translation of CAR-T cell therapy to other tumor types, including solid tumors, is the next big challenge. As the field advances from second- to next-generation CAR-T cells comprising multiple genetic modifications, more sophisticated methods and tools to engineer T cells are being developed. Viral vectors, especially γ-retroviruses and lentiviruses, are traditionally used for CAR-T cell engineering due to their high transduction efficiency. However, limited genetic cargo, high costs of production under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions, and the high regulatory demands are obstacles for widespread clinical translation. To overcome these limitations, different nonviral approaches are being explored at a preclinical or clinical level, including transposon/transposase systems and mRNA electroporation and nonintegrating DNA nanovectors. Genome editing tools that allow efficient knockout of particular genes and/or site-directed integration of the CAR and/or other transgenes into the genome are also being evaluated for CAR-T cell engineering. In this review, we discuss the development of viral and nonviral vectors used to generate CAR-T cells, focusing on their advantages and limitations. We also discuss the lessons learned from clinical trials using the different genetic engineering tools, with special focus on safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evripidis Lanitis
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Denis Migliorini
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Center for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Swiss Cancer Center Léman, Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Transposition and Genome Engineering, Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Sonia Guedan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Clinic, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Büning H, Fehse B, Ivics Z, Kochanek S, Koehl U, Kupatt C, Mussolino C, Nettelbeck DM, Schambach A, Uckert W, Wagner E, Cathomen T. Gene Therapy "Made in Germany": A Historical Perspective, Analysis of the Status Quo, and Recommendations for Action by the German Society for Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:987-996. [PMID: 34662229 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.29178.hbu] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies have been successfully applied to treat severe inherited and acquired disorders. Although research and development are sufficiently well funded in Germany and while the output of scientific publications and patents is comparable with the leading nations in gene therapy, the country lags noticeably behind with regard to the number of both clinical studies and commercialized gene therapy products. In this article, we give a historical perspective on the development of gene therapy in Germany, analyze the current situation from the standpoint of the German Society for Gene Therapy (DG-GT), and define recommendations for action that would enable our country to generate biomedical and economic advantages from innovations in this sector, instead of merely importing advanced therapy medicinal products. Inter alia, we propose (1) to harmonize and simplify regulatory licensing processes to enable faster access to advanced therapies, and (2) to establish novel coordination, support and funding structures that facilitate networking of the key players. Such a center would provide the necessary infrastructure and know-how to translate cell and gene therapies to patients on the one hand, and pave the way for commercialization of these promising and innovative technologies on the other. Hence, these courses of action would not only benefit the German biotech and pharma landscape but also the society and the patients in need of new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) and Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Kupatt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudio Mussolino
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk M Nettelbeck
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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22
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Mulia GE, Picanço-Castro V, Stavrou EF, Athanassiadou A, Figueiredo ML. Advances in the Development and the Applications of Non-viral, Episomal Vectors for Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1076-1095. [PMID: 34348480 PMCID: PMC8819515 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonviral and nonintegrating episomal vectors are reemerging as a valid, alternative technology to integrating viral vectors for gene therapy, due to their more favorable safety profile, significantly lower risk for insertional mutagenesis, and a lesser potential for innate immune reactions, in addition to their low production cost. Over the past few years, attempts have been made to generate highly functional nonviral vectors that display long-term maintenance within cells and promote more sustained gene expression relative to conventional plasmids. Extensive research into the parameters that stabilize the episomal DNA within dividing and nondividing cells has shed light into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that govern replication and transcription of episomal DNA within a mammalian nucleus in long-term cell culture. Episomal vectors based on scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MARs) do not integrate into the genomic DNA and address the serious problem of plasmid loss during mitosis by providing mitotic stability to established plasmids, which results in long-term transfection and transgene expression. The inclusion, in such vectors, of an origin of replication—initiation region—from the human genome has greatly enhanced their performance in primary cell culture. A number of vectors that function as episomes have arisen, which are either devoid or depleted of harmful CpG sequences and bacterial genes, and their effectiveness, as well as that of nonintegrating viral episomes, is enhanced when combined with S/MAR elements. As a result of these advances, an “S/MAR technology” has emerged for the production of efficient episomal vectors. Significant research continues in this field and innovations, in combination with promising systems based on nanoparticles and potentially combined with physical delivery methods, will enable the generation of optimized systems with scale-up and clinical application suitability utilizing episomal vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Mulia
- Purdue University, Basic Medical Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States;
| | - Virginia Picanço-Castro
- University of Sao Paulo Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, 54539, Center for Cell-based Therapy, Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Eleana F Stavrou
- University of Patras, Department of General Biology, Patras, Greece;
| | - Aglaia- Athanassiadou
- University of Patras Medical School, General Biology, Asklepiou str, University Campus, Rion Patras, Greece, 26504;
| | - Marxa L Figueiredo
- Purdue University, Basic Medical Sciences, 625 Harrison St., LYNN 2177, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States, 47907;
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23
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Sandoval-Villegas N, Nurieva W, Amberger M, Ivics Z. Contemporary Transposon Tools: A Review and Guide through Mechanisms and Applications of Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac and Tol2 for Genome Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105084. [PMID: 34064900 PMCID: PMC8151067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are mobile genetic elements evolved to execute highly efficient integration of their genes into the genomes of their host cells. These natural DNA transfer vehicles have been harnessed as experimental tools for stably introducing a wide variety of foreign DNA sequences, including selectable marker genes, reporters, shRNA expression cassettes, mutagenic gene trap cassettes, and therapeutic gene constructs into the genomes of target cells in a regulated and highly efficient manner. Given that transposon components are typically supplied as naked nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) or recombinant protein, their use is simple, safe, and economically competitive. Thus, transposons enable several avenues for genome manipulations in vertebrates, including transgenesis for the generation of transgenic cells in tissue culture comprising the generation of pluripotent stem cells, the production of germline-transgenic animals for basic and applied research, forward genetic screens for functional gene annotation in model species and therapy of genetic disorders in humans. This review describes the molecular mechanisms involved in transposition reactions of the three most widely used transposon systems currently available (Sleeping Beauty, piggyBac, and Tol2), and discusses the various parameters and considerations pertinent to their experimental use, highlighting the state-of-the-art in transposon technology in diverse genetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zoltán Ivics
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6103-77-6000; Fax: +49-6103-77-1280
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24
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Prommersberger S, Reiser M, Beckmann J, Danhof S, Amberger M, Quade-Lyssy P, Einsele H, Hudecek M, Bonig H, Ivics Z. CARAMBA: a first-in-human clinical trial with SLAMF7 CAR-T cells prepared by virus-free Sleeping Beauty gene transfer to treat multiple myeloma. Gene Ther 2021. [PMID: 33846552 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00254-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has been enabled by advances in synthetic biology, genetic engineering, clinical-grade manufacturing, and complex logistics to distribute the drug product to treatment sites. A key ambition of the CARAMBA project is to provide clinical proof-of-concept for virus-free CAR gene transfer using advanced Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon technology. SB transposition in CAR-T engineering is attractive due to the high rate of stable CAR gene transfer enabled by optimized hyperactive SB100X transposase and transposon combinations, encoded by mRNA and minicircle DNA, respectively, as preferred vector embodiments. This approach bears the potential to facilitate and expedite vector procurement, CAR-T manufacturing and distribution, and the promise to provide a safe, effective, and economically sustainable treatment. As an exemplary and novel target for SB-based CAR-T cells, the CARAMBA consortium has selected the SLAMF7 antigen in multiple myeloma. SLAMF7 CAR-T cells confer potent and consistent anti-myeloma activity in preclinical assays in vitro and in vivo. The CARAMBA clinical trial (Phase-I/IIA; EudraCT: 2019-001264-30) investigates the feasibility, safety, and anti-myeloma efficacy of autologous SLAMF7 CAR-T cells. CARAMBA is the first clinical trial with virus-free CAR-T cells in Europe, and the first clinical trial that uses advanced SB technology worldwide.
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25
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Terlikowska KM, Dobrzycka B, Terlikowski SJ. Chimeric Antigen Receptor Design and Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3495. [PMID: 33800608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our increased understanding of tumour biology gained over the last few years has led to the development of targeted molecular therapies, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) antagonists, poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutants), increasing survival and improving the quality of life. However, the majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients still do not have access to targeted molecular therapies that would be capable of controlling their disease, especially resistant or relapsed. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are recombinant receptor constructs located on T lymphocytes or other immune cells that change its specificity and functions. Therefore, in a search for a successful solid tumour therapy using CARs the specific cell surface antigens identification is crucial. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as studies on humans, prove that targeting overexpressed molecules, such as mucin 16 (MUC16), annexin 2 (ANXA2), receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (HER2/neu) causes high tumour cells toxicity and decreased tumour burden. CARs are well tolerated, side effects are minimal and they inhibit disease progression. However, as OC is heterogenic in its nature with high mutation diversity and overexpression of different receptors, there is a need to consider an individual approach to treat this type of cancer. In this publication, we would like to present the history and status of therapies involving the CAR T cells in treatment of OC tumours, suggest potential T cell-intrinsic determinants of response and resistance as well as present extrinsic factors impacting the success of this approach.
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Ochmann MT, Ivics Z. Jumping Ahead with Sleeping Beauty: Mechanistic Insights into Cut-and-Paste Transposition. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010076. [PMID: 33429848 PMCID: PMC7827188 DOI: 10.3390/v13010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a transposon system that has been widely used as a genetic engineering tool. Central to the development of any transposon as a research tool is the ability to integrate a foreign piece of DNA into the cellular genome. Driven by the need for efficient transposon-based gene vector systems, extensive studies have largely elucidated the molecular actors and actions taking place during SB transposition. Close transposon relatives and other recombination enzymes, including retroviral integrases, have served as useful models to infer functional information relevant to SB. Recently obtained structural data on the SB transposase enable a direct insight into the workings of this enzyme. These efforts cumulatively allowed the development of novel variants of SB that offer advanced possibilities for genetic engineering due to their hyperactivity, integration deficiency, or targeting capacity. However, many aspects of the process of transposition remain poorly understood and require further investigation. We anticipate that continued investigations into the structure-function relationships of SB transposition will enable the development of new generations of transposition-based vector systems, thereby facilitating the use of SB in preclinical studies and clinical trials.
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