rAAV-CFTRΔR Rescues the Cystic Fibrosis Phenotype in Human Intestinal Organoids and Cystic Fibrosis Mice

RATIONALE

Gene therapy holds promise for a curative mutation-independent treatment applicable to all patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The various viral vector-based clinical trials conducted in the past have demonstrated safety and tolerance of different vectors, but none have led to a clear and persistent clinical benefit. Recent clinical breakthroughs in recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV)-based gene therapy encouraged us to reexplore an rAAV approach for CF.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the preclinical potential of rAAV gene therapy for CF to restore chloride and fluid secretion in two complementary models: intestinal organoids derived from subjects with CF and a CF mouse model, an important milestone toward the development of a clinical rAAV candidate for CF gene therapy.

METHODS

We engineered an rAAV vector containing a truncated CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTRΔR) combined with a short promoter (CMV173) to ensure optimal gene expression. A rescue in chloride and fluid secretion after rAAV-CFTRΔR treatment was assessed by forskolin-induced swelling in CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-deficient organoids and by nasal potential differences in ΔF508 mice.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

rAAV-CFTRΔR transduction of human CFTR-deficient organoids resulted in forskolin-induced swelling, indicating a restoration of CFTR function. Nasal potential differences demonstrated a clear response to low chloride and forskolin perfusion in most rAAV-CFTRΔR-treated CF mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides robust evidence that rAAV-mediated gene transfer of a truncated CFTR functionally rescues the CF phenotype across the nasal mucosa of CF mice and in patient-derived organoids. These results underscore the clinical potential of rAAV-CFTRΔR in offering a cure for all patients with CF in the future.

Evaluation of WGA-Cre-dependent topological transgene expression in the rodent brain

Novel neuromodulation techniques in the field of brain research, such as optogenetics, prompt to target specific cell populations. However, not every subpopulation can be distinguished based on brain area or activity of specific promoters, but rather on topology and connectivity. A fascinating tool to detect neuronal circuitry is based on the transsynaptic tracer, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). When expressed in neurons, it is transported throughout the neuron, secreted, and taken up by synaptically connected neurons. Expression of a WGA and Cre recombinase fusion protein using a viral vector technology in Cre-dependent transgenic animals allows to trace neuronal network connections and to induce topological transgene expression. In this study, we applied and evaluated this technology in specific areas throughout the whole rodent brain, including the hippocampus, striatum, substantia nigra, and the motor cortex. Adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) encoding the WGA-Cre fusion protein under control of a CMV promoter were stereotactically injected in Rosa26-STOP-EYFP transgenic mice. After 6 weeks, both the number of transneuronally labeled YFP⁺/mCherry^- cells and the transduced YFP⁺/mCherry⁺ cells were quantified in the connected regions. We were able to trace several connections using WGA-Cre transneuronal labeling; however, the labeling efficacy was region-dependent. The observed transneuronal labeling mostly occurred in the anterograde direction without the occurrence of multi-synaptic labeling. Furthermore, we were able to visualize a specific subset of newborn neurons derived from the subventricular zone based on their connectivity.

Preclinical Evaluation of a P2X7 Receptor-Selective Radiotracer: PET Studies in a Rat Model with Local Overexpression of the Human P2X7 Receptor and in Nonhuman Primates

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) orchestrates neuroinflammation, and this is the basis for an increased interest in the development of antagonists inhibiting P2X7R function in the brain. This study provides the preclinical evaluation of (11)C-JNJ-54173717, a PET tracer for P2X7R in both rats and nonhuman primates.

METHODS

(11)C-JNJ-54173717 is a high-affinity radiotracer for the human P2X7R (hP2X7R). Biodistribution and radiometabolite studies were performed. Viral vectors encoding either enhanced green fluorescent protein-hP2X7R or 3flag-hP2X7R were engineered and validated in cell culture. hP2X7R was regionally overexpressed in the rat striatum after stereotactic injection of viral vectors. Dynamic small-animal PET studies were performed in vector-injected rats and in healthy monkeys using (11)C-JNJ-54173717.

RESULTS

The affinity of JNJ-54173717 was 1.6 ± 0.1 nM in a rat cortex P2X7R membrane binding assay. In a functional assay at the recombinant human and rat P2X7R orthologs, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of JNJ-54173717 was 4.2 ± 0.01 nM and 7.6 ± 0.01 nM, respectively. The rat biodistribution study showed that (11)C-JNJ-54173717 crossed the blood-brain barrier and was cleared from plasma mainly via the hepatobiliary pathway. A polar radiometabolite was found in rat plasma. No radiometabolites were detected in rat brain. Dynamic small-animal PET showed binding of (11)C-JNJ-54173717 in the striatum expressing hP2X7R, with rapid washout from the noninjected control striatum and other brain regions. Likewise, (11)C-JNJ-54173717 PET signal was blocked by a chemically distinct P2X7R ligand, indicating specific binding to P2X7R in the monkey brain.

CONCLUSION

JNJ-54173717 is a high-affinity P2X7R antagonist. An animal rat model stably expressing hP2X7R was developed and validated, identifying favorable characteristics for (11)C-JNJ-54173717 as a PET radioligand for in vivo visualization of hP2X7R. (11)C-JNJ-54173717 selectively visualized P2X7R in the monkey brain, and this radioligand will be further evaluated in a clinical setting to study P2X7R expression levels in neurodegenerative disorders.

LEDGIN-mediated Inhibition of Integrase-LEDGF/p75 Interaction Reduces Reactivation of Residual Latent HIV

Persistence of latent, replication-competent Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) provirus is the main impediment towards a cure for HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Therefore, different therapeutic strategies to eliminate the viral reservoirs are currently being explored. We here propose a novel strategy to reduce the replicating HIV reservoir during primary HIV infection by means of drug-induced retargeting of HIV integration. A novel class of integration inhibitors, referred to as LEDGINs, inhibit the interaction between HIV integrase and the LEDGF/p75 host cofactor, the main determinant of lentiviral integration site selection. We show for the first time that LEDGF/p75 depletion hampers HIV-1 reactivation in cell culture. Next we demonstrate that LEDGINs relocate and retarget HIV integration resulting in a HIV reservoir that is refractory to reactivation by different latency-reversing agents. Taken together, these results support the potential of integrase inhibitors that modulate integration site targeting to reduce the likeliness of viral rebound.

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LEDGF/p75 depletion hampers HIV reactivation in cell culture.

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LEDGINs relocate and retarget authentic HIV integration.

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LEDGIN treatment results in quiescent residual HIV provirus which is less susceptible to reactivation.

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LEDGIN treatment during primary HIV infection may lead to an HIV remission.

Different strategies to cure HIV infection are being explored. Although complete eradication of the HIV provirus is the ultimate goal, disease remission allowing treatment interruption without viral rebound would constitute a significant leap forward. HIV integration site selection is orchestrated by LEDGF/p75. The advent of LEDGINs, that block the interaction between integrase and LEDGF/p75, allowed us to examine the hypothesis that interference with HIV integration site selection would yield integration sites that are less optimal for productive infection. Here we provide evidence in cell culture that LEDGIN treatment during acute HIV infection yields an HIV reservoir refractory to reactivation.

Development of an Alpha-synuclein Based Rat Model for Parkinson's Disease via Stereotactic Injection of a Recombinant Adeno-associated Viral Vector

In order to study the molecular pathways of Parkinson's disease (PD) and to develop novel therapeutic strategies, scientific investigators rely on animal models. The identification of PD-associated genes has led to the development of genetic PD models. Most transgenic α-SYN mouse models develop gradual α-SYN pathology but fail to display clear dopaminergic cell loss and dopamine-dependent behavioral deficits. This hurdle was overcome by direct targeting of the substantia nigra with viral vectors overexpressing PD-associated genes. Local gene delivery using viral vectors provides an attractive way to express transgenes in the central nervous system. Specific brain regions can be targeted (e.g. the substantia nigra), expression can be induced in the adult setting and high expression levels can be achieved. Further, different vector systems based on various viruses can be used. The protocol outlines all crucial steps to perform a viral vector injection in the substantia nigra of the rat to develop a viral vector-based alpha-synuclein animal model for Parkinson's disease.

Proof-of-concept: neonatal intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus vectors results in successful transduction of myenteric and submucosal neurons in the mouse small and large intestine

BACKGROUND

Despite the success of viral vector technology in the transduction of the central nervous system in both preclinical research and gene therapy, its potential in neurogastroenterological research remains largely unexploited. This study asked whether and to what extent myenteric and submucosal neurons in the ileum and distal colon of the mouse were transduced after neonatal systemic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs).

METHODS

Mice were intravenously injected at postnatal day one with AAV pseudotypes AAV8 or AAV9 carrying a cassette encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a reporter under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter. At postnatal day 35, transduction of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the ileum and distal colon was evaluated in whole-mount preparations, using immunohistochemistry to neurochemically identify transduced enteric neurons.

KEY RESULTS

The pseudotypes AAV8 and AAV9 showed equal potential in transducing the enteric nervous system (ENS), with 25-30% of the neurons expressing eGFP. However, the percentage of eGFP-expressing colonic submucosal neurons was significantly lower. Neurochemical analysis showed that all enteric neuron subtypes, but not glia, expressed the reporter protein. Intrinsic sensory neurons were most efficiently transduced as nearly 80% of calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive neurons expressed the transgene.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The pseudotypes AAV8 and AAV9 can be employed for gene delivery to both the myenteric and the submucosal plexus, although the transduction efficiency in the latter is region-dependent. These findings open perspectives for novel preclinical applications aimed at manipulating and imaging the ENS in the short term, and in gene therapy in the longer term.

The dark side of ID8-Luc2: pitfalls for luciferase tagged murine models for ovarian cancer

Reliable mouse models are key in the discovery and development of novel anticancer treatments. Non-invasive monitoring techniques such as bioluminescence imaging (BLI) are useful tools to determine tumor engraftment and evaluate tumor growth. However, the development of ascites in ovarian cancer mouse models leads to possible difficulties. Ascites can interfere with the set-up of correct end points and can interfere with the evaluation of tumor volume using BLI. We provide optimized euthanasia criteria and in vivo data underlining the pitfalls of BLI.

Sodium Iodide Symporter PET and BLI Noninvasively Reveal Mesoangioblast Survival in Dystrophic Mice

Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of myopathies, characterized by muscle weakness and degeneration, without curative treatment. Mesoangioblasts (MABs) have been proposed as a potential regenerative therapy. To improve our understanding of the in vivo behavior of MABs and the effect of different immunosuppressive therapies, like cyclosporine A or co-stimulation-adhesion blockade therapy, on cell survival noninvasive cell monitoring is required. Therefore, cells were transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding firefly luciferase (Fluc) and the human sodium iodide transporter (hNIS) to allow cell monitoring via bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and small-animal positron emission tomography (PET). Non-H2 matched mMABs were injected in the femoral artery of dystrophic mice and were clearly visible via small-animal PET and BLI. Based on noninvasive imaging data, we were able to show that co-stim was clearly superior to CsA in reducing cell rejection and this was mediated via a reduction in cytotoxic T cells and upregulation of regulatory T cells.

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Longitudinal monitoring of murine mesoangioblasts with BLI and small-animal PET

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Noninvasive evaluation of immune suppressant efficacy

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Inhibition of co-stimulation outperformed cyclosporin

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Inhibition of co-stimulation reduced cytotoxic and upregulated regulatory T cells

Long-Term Fate Mapping Using Conditional Lentiviral Vectors Reveals a Continuous Contribution of Radial Glia-Like Cells to Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Mice

Newborn neurons are generated throughout life in two neurogenic regions, the subventricular zone and the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Stimulation of adult neurogenesis is considered as an attractive endogenous repair mechanism to treat different neurological disorders. Although tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, important questions remain unanswered, regarding the identity and the behavior of neural stem cells in the dentate gyrus. We previously showed that conditional Cre-Flex lentiviral vectors can be used to label neural stem cells in the subventricular zone and to track the migration of their progeny with non-invasive bioluminescence imaging. Here, we applied these Cre-Flex lentiviral vectors to study neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus with bioluminescence imaging and histological techniques. Stereotactic injection of the Cre-Flex vectors into the dentate gyrus of transgenic Nestin-Cre mice resulted in specific labeling of the nestin-positive neural stem cells. The labeled cell population could be detected with bioluminescence imaging until 9 months post injection, but no significant increase in the number of labeled cells over time was observed with this imaging technique. Nevertheless, the specific labeling of the nestin-positive neural stem cells, combined with histological analysis at different time points, allowed detailed analysis of their neurogenic potential. This long-term fate mapping revealed that a stable pool of labeled nestin-positive neural stem cells continuously contributes to the generation of newborn neurons in the mouse brain until 9 months post injection. In conclusion, the Cre-Flex technology is a valuable tool to address remaining questions regarding neural stem cell identity and behavior in the dentate gyrus.

Assessment of bystander killing-mediated therapy of malignant brain tumors using a multimodal imaging approach

Introduction

In this study, we planned to assess if adult stem cell-based suicide gene therapy can efficiently eliminate glioblastoma cells in vivo. We investigated the therapeutic potential of mouse Oct4⁻ bone marrow multipotent adult progenitor cells (mOct4⁻ BM-MAPCs) in a mouse glioblastoma model, guided by multimodal in vivo imaging methods to identify therapeutic windows.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of animals, wherein 5 × 10⁵ syngeneic enhanced green fluorescent protein-firefly luciferase-herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (eGFP-fLuc-HSV-TK) expressing and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle labeled (1 % or 10 %) mOct4⁻ BM-MAPCs were grafted in glioblastoma (GL261)-bearing animals, showed that labeled mOct4⁻ BM-MAPCs were located in and in close proximity to the tumor. Subsequently, ganciclovir (GCV) treatment was commenced and the fate of both the MAPCs and the tumor were followed by multimodal imaging (MRI and bioluminescence imaging).

Results

In the majority of GCV-treated, but not phosphate-buffered saline-treated animals, a significant difference was found in mOct4⁻ BM-MAPC viability and tumor size at the end of treatment. Noteworthy, in some phosphate-buffered saline-treated animals (33 %), a significant decrease in tumor size was seen compared to sham-operated animals, which could potentially also be caused by a synergistic effect of the immune-modulatory stem cells.

Conclusions

Suicide gene therapy using mOct4⁻ BM-MAPCs as cellular carriers was effective in reducing the tumor size in the majority of the GCV-treated animals leading to a longer progression-free survival compared to sham-operated animals. This treatment could be followed and guided noninvasively in vivo by MRI and bioluminescence imaging. Noninvasive imaging is of particular interest for a rapid and efficient validation of stem cell-based therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma and hereby contributes to a better understanding and optimization of a promising therapeutic approach for glioblastoma patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-015-0157-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Retroviral integration: Site matters: Mechanisms and consequences of retroviral integration site selection

Here, we review genomic target site selection during retroviral integration as a multistep process in which specific biases are introduced at each level. The first asymmetries are introduced when the virus takes a specific route into the nucleus. Next, by co‐opting distinct host cofactors, the integration machinery is guided to particular chromatin contexts. As the viral integrase captures a local target nucleosome, specific contacts introduce fine‐grained biases in the integration site distribution. In vivo, the established population of proviruses is subject to both positive and negative selection, thereby continuously reshaping the integration site distribution. By affecting stochastic proviral expression as well as the mutagenic potential of the virus, integration site choice may be an inherent part of the evolutionary strategies used by different retroviruses to maximise reproductive success.

Serotype-dependent transduction efficiencies of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors in monkey neocortex

Viral vector-mediated expression of genes (e.g., coding for opsins and designer receptors) has grown increasingly popular. Cell-type specific expression is achieved by altering viral vector tropism through crosspackaging or by cell-specific promoters driving gene expression. Detailed information about transduction properties of most recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) serotypes in macaque cortex is gradually becoming available. Here, we compare transduction efficiencies and expression patterns of reporter genes in two macaque neocortical areas employing different rAAV serotypes and promoters. A short version of the calmodulin-kinase-II (CaMKIIα0.4) promoter resulted in reporter gene expression in cortical neurons for all tested rAAVs, albeit with different efficiencies for spread: rAAV2/5>>rAAV2/7>rAAV2/8>rAAV2/9>>rAAV2/1 and proportion of transduced cells: rAAV2/1>rAAV2/5>rAAV2/7=rAAV2/9>rAAV2/8. In contrast to rodent studies, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter appeared least efficient in macaque cortex. The human synapsin-1 promoter preceded by the CMV enhancer (enhSyn1) produced homogeneous reporter gene expression across all layers, while two variants of the CaMKIIα promoter resulted in different laminar transduction patterns and cell specificities. Finally, differences in expression patterns were observed when the same viral vector was injected in two neocortical areas. Our results corroborate previous findings that reporter-gene expression patterns and efficiency of rAAV transduction depend on serotype, promoter, cortical layer, and area.

Evaluation of the expression pattern of rAAV2/1, 2/5, 2/7, 2/8, and 2/9 serotypes with different promoters in the mouse visual cortex

This study compared the expression pattern, laminar distribution, and cell specificity of several rAAV serotypes (2/1, 2/5, 2/7, 2/8, and 2/9) injected in the primary visual cortex (V1) of adult C57Bl/6J mice. In order to obtain specific expression in certain neuron subtypes, different promoter sequences were evaluated for excitatory cell specificity: a universal cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, and two versions of the excitatory neuron-specific Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent kinase subunit α (CaMKIIα) promoter, CaMKIIα 0.4 and CaMKIIα 1.3. The spatial distribution as well as the cell type specificity was immunohistochemically verified. Depending on the rAAV serotype used, the transduced volume expressing reporter protein differed substantially (rAAV2/5 ≫ 2/7 ≈ 2/9 ≈ 2/8 ≫ 2/1). Excitatory neuron-specific targeting was promoter-dependent, with a surprising difference between the 1.3 kb and 0.4 kb CaMKIIα promoters. While CaMKIIα 1.3 and CMV carrying vectors were comparable, with 78% of the transduced neurons being excitatory for CMV and 82% for CaMKIIα 1.3, the shorter CaMKIIα 0.4 version resulted in 95% excitatory specificity. This study therefore puts forward the CaMKIIα 0.4 promoter as the best choice to target excitatory neurons with rAAVs. Together, these results can be used as an aid to select the most optimal vector system to deliver transgenes into specific rodent neocortical circuits, allowing further elucidation of their functions.

HIV-1 IN/Pol recruits LEDGF/p75 into viral particles

Background

The dynamic interaction between HIV and its host governs the replication of the virus and the study of the virus-host interplay is key to understand the viral lifecycle. The host factor lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) tethers the HIV preintegration complex to the chromatin through a direct interaction with integrase (IN). Small molecules that bind the LEDGF/p75 binding pocket of the HIV IN dimer (LEDGINs) block HIV replication through a multimodal mechanism impacting early and late stage replication including HIV maturation. Furthermore, LEDGF/p75 has been identified as a Pol interaction partner. This raised the question whether LEDGF/p75 besides acting as a molecular tether in the target cell, also affects late steps of HIV replication.

Results

LEDGF/p75 is recruited into HIV-1 particles through direct interaction with the viral IN (or Pol polyprotein) and is a substrate for HIV-1 protease. Incubation in the presence of HIV-1 protease inhibitors resulted in detection of full-length LEDGF/p75 in purified viral particles. We also demonstrate that inhibition of LEDGF/p75-IN interaction by specific mutants or LEDGINs precludes incorporation of LEDGF/p75 in virions, underscoring the specificity of the uptake. LEDGF/p75 depletion did however not result in altered LEDGIN potency.

Conclusion

Together, these results provide evidence for an IN/Pol mediated uptake of LEDGF/p75 in viral particles and a specific cleavage by HIV protease. Understanding of the possible role of LEDGF/p75 or its cleavage fragments in the viral particle awaits further experimentation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-014-0134-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

FK506 reduces neuroinflammation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in an α-synuclein-based rat model for Parkinson's disease

Alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein) is considered a key player in Parkinson's disease (PD), but the exact relationship between α-synuclein aggregation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration remains unresolved. There is increasing evidence that neuroinflammatory processes are closely linked to dopaminergic cell death, but whether the inflammatory process is causally involved in PD or rather reflects secondary consequences of nigrostriatal pathway injury is still under debate. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of the immunophilin ligand FK506 in a rAAV2/7 α-synuclein overexpression rat model. Treatment with FK506 significantly increased the survival of dopaminergic neurons in a dose-dependent manner. No reduction in α-synuclein aggregation was apparent in this time window, but FK506 significantly lowered the infiltration of both T helper and cytotoxic T cells and the number and subtype of microglia and macrophages. These data suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of FK506 decrease neurodegeneration in this α-synuclein-based PD model, pointing to a causal role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of PD.

HIV-1 integrase variants retarget viral integration and are associated with disease progression in a chronic infection cohort

Distinct integration patterns of different retroviruses, including HIV-1, have puzzled virologists for over 20 years. A tetramer of the viral integrase (IN) assembles on the two viral cDNA ends, docks onto the target DNA (tDNA), and catalyzes viral genome insertion into the host chromatin. We identified the amino acids in HIV-1 IN that directly contact tDNA bases and affect local integration site sequence selection. These residues also determine the propensity of the virus to integrate into flexible tDNA sequences. Remarkably, natural polymorphisms INS119G and INR231G retarget viral integration away from gene-dense regions. Precisely these variants were associated with rapid disease progression in a chronic HIV-1 subtype C infection cohort. These findings link integration site selection to virulence and viral evolution, but also to the host immune response and antiretroviral therapy, since HIV-1 IN119 is under selection by HLA alleles and integrase inhibitors.

The HIV-1 integrase mutant R263A/K264A is 2-fold defective for TRN-SR2 binding and viral nuclear import

Transportin-SR2 (Tnpo3, TRN-SR2), a human karyopherin encoded by the TNPO3 gene, has been identified as a cellular cofactor of HIV-1 replication, specifically interacting with HIV-1 integrase (IN). Whether this interaction mediates the nuclear import of HIV remains controversial. We previously characterized the TRN-SR2 binding interface in IN and introduced mutations at these positions to corroborate the biological relevance of the interaction. The pleiotropic nature of IN mutations complicated the interpretation. Indeed, all previously tested IN interaction mutants also affected RT. Here we report on a virus with a pair of IN mutations, IN(R263A/K264A), that significantly reduce interaction with TRN-SR2. The virus retains wild-type reverse transcription activity but displays a block in nuclear import and integration, as measured by quantitative PCR. The defect in integration of this mutant resulted in a smaller increase in the number of two-long terminal repeat circles than for virus specifically blocked at integration by raltegravir or catalytic site mutations (IN(D64N/D116N/E152Q)). Finally, using an eGFP-IN-labeled HIV fluorescence-based import assay, the defect in nuclear import was corroborated. These data altogether underscore the importance of the HIV-IN TRN-SR2 protein-protein interaction for HIV nuclear import and validate the IN/TRN-SR2 interaction interface as a promising target for future antiviral therapy.

Bioluminescence imaging of stroke-induced endogenous neural stem cell response

Brain injury following stroke affects neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain. However, a complete understanding of the origin and fate of the endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) in vivo is missing. Tools and technology that allow non-invasive imaging and tracking of eNSCs in living animals will help to overcome this hurdle. In this study, we aimed to monitor eNSCs in a photothrombotic (PT) stroke model using in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). In a first strategy, inducible transgenic mice expressing firefly luciferase (Fluc) in the eNSCs were generated. In animals that received stroke, an increased BLI signal originating from the infarct region was observed. However, due to histological limitations, the identity and exact origin of cells contributing to the increased BLI signal could not be revealed. To overcome this limitation, we developed an alternative strategy employing stereotactic injection of conditional lentiviral vectors (Cre-Flex LVs) encoding Fluc and eGFP in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of Nestin-Cre transgenic mice, thereby specifically labeling the eNSCs. Upon induction of stroke, increased eNSC proliferation resulted in a significant increase in BLI signal between 2days and 2weeks after stroke, decreasing after 3months. Additionally, the BLI signal relocalized from the SVZ towards the infarct region during the 2weeks following stroke. Histological analysis at 90days post stroke showed that in the peri-infarct area, 36% of labeled eNSC progeny differentiated into astrocytes, while 21% differentiated into mature neurons. In conclusion, we developed and validated a novel imaging technique that unequivocally demonstrates that nestin(+) eNSCs originating from the SVZ respond to stroke injury by increased proliferation, migration towards the infarct region and differentiation into both astrocytes and neurons. In addition, this new approach allows non-invasive and specific monitoring of eNSCs over time, opening perspectives for preclinical evaluation of candidate stroke therapeutics.

Immunological ignorance allows long-term gene expression after perinatal recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer to murine airways

Gene therapy of the lung has the potential to treat life-threatening diseases such as cystic fibrosis and α(1)-antitrypsin or surfactant deficiencies. A major hurdle for successful gene therapy is the development of an immune response against the transgene and/or viral vector. We hypothesized that by targeting the airways in the perinatal period, induction of an immune response against the vector particle could be prevented because of immaturity of the immune system, in turn allowing repeated gene transfer later in adult life to ensure long-term gene expression. Therefore, we readministered recombinant adeno-associated viral vector serotype 5 (rAAV2/5) to mouse airways 3 and 6 months after initial perinatal gene transfer. Our findings demonstrate that perinatal rAAV2/5-mediated gene transfer to the airways avoids a strong immune response. This immunological ignorance allows the readministration of an autologous vector later in adult life, resulting in efficient and stable gene transfer up to 7 months, without evidence of a decrease in transgene expression. Together, these data provide a basis to further explore perinatal gene therapy for pulmonary conditions with adequate gene expression up to 7 months.