51
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Han Z, Conley SM, Makkia R, Guo J, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. Comparative analysis of DNA nanoparticles and AAVs for ocular gene delivery. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52189. [PMID: 23272225 PMCID: PMC3525534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a critical tool for the treatment of monogenic retinal diseases. However, the limited vector capacity of the current benchmark delivery strategy, adeno-associated virus (AAV), makes development of larger capacity alternatives, such as compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs), critical. Here we conduct a side-by-side comparison of self-complementary AAV and CK30PEG NPs using matched ITR plasmids. We report that although AAVs are more efficient per vector genome (vg) than NPs, NPs can drive gene expression on a comparable scale and longevity to AAV. We show that subretinally injected NPs do not leave the eye while some of the AAV-injected animals exhibited vector DNA and GFP expression in the visual pathways of the brain from PI-60 onward. As a result, these NPs have the potential to become a successful alternative for ocular gene therapy, especially for the multitude of genes too large for AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Shannon M. Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Rasha Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Junjing Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Cooper
- Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Muna I. Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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52
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Baba Y, Satoh S, Otsu M, Sasaki E, Okada T, Watanabe S. In vitro cell subtype-specific transduction of adeno-associated virus in mouse and marmoset retinal explant culture. Biochimie 2012; 94:2716-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Zheng Q, Ren Y, Tzekov R, Zhang Y, Chen B, Hou J, Zhao C, Zhu J, Zhang Y, Dai X, Ma S, Li J, Pang J, Qu J, Li W. Differential proteomics and functional research following gene therapy in a mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44855. [PMID: 22953002 PMCID: PMC3432120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is one of the most severe forms of inherited retinal degeneration and can be caused by mutations in at least 15 different genes. To clarify the proteomic differences in LCA eyes, a cohort of retinal degeneration 12 (rd12) mice, an LCA2 model caused by a mutation in the RPE65 gene, were injected subretinally with an AAV vector (scAAV5-smCBA-hRPE65) in one eye, while the contralateral eye served as a control. Proteomics were compared between untreated rd12 and normal control retinas on P14 and P21, and among treated and untreated rd12 retinas and control retinas on P42. Gene therapy in rd12 mice restored retinal function in treated eyes, which was demonstrated by electroretinography (ERG). Proteomic analysis successfully identified 39 proteins expressed differently among the 3 groups. The expression of 3 proteins involved in regulation of apoptosis and neuroptotection (alpha A crystallin, heat shock protein 70 and peroxiredoxin 6) were investigated further. Immunofluorescence, Western blot and real-time PCR confirmed the quantitative changes in their expression. Furthermore, cell culture studies suggested that peroxiredoxin 6 could act in an antioxidant role in rd12 mice. Our findings support the feasibility of gene therapy in LCA2 patients and support a role for alpha A crystallin, heat shock protein 70 and peroxiredoxin 6 in the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in LCA2 disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yueping Ren
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Radouil Tzekov
- The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Yuanping Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jiangping Hou
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunhui Zhao
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiali Zhu
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xufeng Dai
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jijing Pang
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jia Qu
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wensheng Li
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, Retinal Cell Biology and Degeneration Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Tian L, Lei B, Shao J, Wei L, Kijlstra A, Yang P. AAV2-mediated combined subretinal delivery of IFN-α and IL-4 reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37995. [PMID: 22685550 PMCID: PMC3369876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) mediated subretinal delivery of human interferon-alpha (IFN-α) could effectively inhibit experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). In this study we investigated whether subretinal injection of both AVV2.IFN-α and AAV2.IL-4 had a stronger inhibition on EAU activity. B10RIII mice were subretinally injected with AAV2.IFN-α alone (1.5×107 vg), AAV2.IL-4 alone (3.55×107 vg), and AAV2.IFN-α combined with AAV2.IL-4. PBS, AAV2 vector encoding green fluorescent protein (AAV2.GFP) (5×107 vg) was subretinally injected as a control. IFN-α and IL-4 were effectively expressed in the eyes from three weeks to three months following subretinal injection of AAV2 vectors either alone or following combined administration and significantly attenuated EAU activity clinically and histopathologically. AAV2.IL-4 showed a better therapeutic effect as compared to AAV2.IFN-α. The combination of AAV2.IL-4 and AAV2.IFN-α was not significantly different as compared to AAV2.IL-4 alone. There was no difference concerning DTH (delayed-type hypersensitivity) reaction, lymphocyte proliferation and IL-17 production among the investigated treatment groups, suggesting that local retinal gene delivery did not affect the systemic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Lei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ju Shao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aize Kijlstra
- Eye Research Institute Maastricht, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peizeng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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55
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Giacca M, Zacchigna S. Virus-mediated gene delivery for human gene therapy. J Control Release 2012; 161:377-88. [PMID: 22516095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
After over 20 years from the first application of gene transfer in humans, gene therapy is now a mature discipline, which has progressively overcome several of the hurdles that prevented clinical success in the early stages of application. So far, the vast majority of gene therapy clinical trials have exploited viral vectors as very efficient nucleic acid delivery vehicles both in vivo and ex vivo. Here we summarize the current status of viral gene transfer for clinical applications, with special emphasis on the molecular properties of the major classes of viral vectors and the information so far obtained from gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy.
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57
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Tuo J, Pang JJ, Cao X, Shen D, Zhang J, Scaria A, Wadsworth SC, Pechan P, Boye SL, Hauswirth WW, Chan CC. AAV5-mediated sFLT01 gene therapy arrests retinal lesions in Ccl2(-/-)/Cx3cr1(-/-) mice. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:433.e1-10. [PMID: 21397984 PMCID: PMC3136657 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Revised: 01/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To test the effects of adeno-associated virus encoding sFLT01 (AAV5.sFLT01) on the retinal lesions in Ccl2(-/-)/Cx3cr1(-/-) mice, a model for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), AAV5.sFLT01 was injected into the subretinal space of the right eyes and the left eyes served as controls. Histology found no retinal toxicity due to the treatment after 3 months. The treated eyes showed lesion arrest compared with lesion progression in the left eyes by fundus monitoring monthly and histological evaluation 3 months after treatment. Retinal ultrastructure showed fewer lipofuscin and better preserved photoreceptors after the treatment. A2E, a major component of lipofuscin, was lower in the treated eyes than in the control eyes. Molecular analysis showed that AAV5.sFLT01 lowered retinal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and inducible nitric oxide synthetase expression, which suggested the involvement of reactive nitrogen species in the retinal lesions of Ccl2(-/-)/Cx3cr1(-/-). We concluded that local delivery of AAV5.sFLT01 can stabilize retinal lesions in Ccl2(-/-)/Cx3cr1(-/-) mice. The findings provide further support for the potential beneficial effects of sFLT01 gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsheng Tuo
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Xiaoguang Cao
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital, Beijing University, Beijing, China
| | - Defen Shen
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jun Zhang
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Abraham Scaria
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genzyme Corporation, Framingham, MA
| | | | - Peter Pechan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genzyme Corporation, Framingham, MA
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | - Chi-Chao Chan
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD
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58
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Kampik D, Ali R, Larkin D. Experimental gene transfer to the corneal endothelium. Exp Eye Res 2012; 95:54-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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59
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Mao Y, Kiss S, Boyer JL, Hackett NR, Qiu J, Carbone A, Mezey JG, Kaminsky SM, D'Amico DJ, Crystal RG. Persistent suppression of ocular neovascularization with intravitreal administration of AAVrh.10 coding for bevacizumab. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1525-35. [PMID: 21801028 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, is efficacious for these disorders, but requires monthly intravitreal administration, with associated discomfort, cost, and adverse event risk. We hypothesized that a single intravitreal administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing bevacizumab would result in persistent eye expression of bevacizumab and suppress VEGF-induced retinal neovascularization. We constructed an AAV rhesus serotype rh.10 vector to deliver bevacizumab (AAVrh.10BevMab) and assessed its ability to suppress neovascularization in transgenic mice overexpressing human VEGF165 in photoreceptors. Intravitreal AAVrh.10BevMab directed long-term bevacizumab expression in the retinal pigmented epithelium. Treated homozygous mice had reduced levels of neovascularization, with 90±4% reduction 168 days following treatment. Thus, a single administration of AAVrh.10BevMab provides long-term suppression of neovascularization without the costs and risks associated with the multiple administrations required for the current conventional bevacizumab monoclonal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiong Mao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041, China
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Calame M, Cachafeiro M, Philippe S, Schouwey K, Tekaya M, Wanner D, Sarkis C, Kostic C, Arsenijevic Y. Retinal degeneration progression changes lentiviral vector cell targeting in the retina. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23782. [PMID: 21901134 PMCID: PMC3161995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In normal mice, the lentiviral vector (LV) is very efficient to target the RPE cells, but transduces retinal neurons well only during development. In the present study, the tropism of LV has been investigated in the degenerating retina of mice, knowing that the retina structure changes during degeneration. We postulated that the viral transduction would be increased by the alteration of the outer limiting membrane (OLM). Two different LV pseudotypes were tested using the VSVG and the Mokola envelopes, as well as two animal models of retinal degeneration: light-damaged Balb-C and Rhodopsin knockout (Rho-/-) mice. After light damage, the OLM is altered and no significant increase of the number of transduced photoreceptors can be obtained with a LV-VSVG-Rhop-GFP vector. In the Rho-/- mice, an alteration of the OLM was also observed, but the possibility of transducing photoreceptors was decreased, probably by ongoing gliosis. The use of a ubiquitous promoter allows better photoreceptor transduction, suggesting that photoreceptor-specific promoter activity changes during late stages of photoreceptor degeneration. However, the number of targeted photoreceptors remains low. In contrast, LV pseudotyped with the Mokola envelope allows a wide dispersion of the vector into the retina (corresponding to the injection bleb) with preferential targeting of Müller cells, a situation which does not occur in the wild-type retina. Mokola-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors may serve to engineer these glial cells to deliver secreted therapeutic factors to a diseased area of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza Calame
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maité Cachafeiro
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Philippe
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Karine Schouwey
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Meriem Tekaya
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dana Wanner
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chamsy Sarkis
- NewVectys SAS, Paris, France
- Team of Biotherapy and Biotechnology, CRICM, UPMC-Paris6 UMR_S 975, INSERM U975, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Service of Ophthalmology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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61
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Cai XJ, Xu YY. Nanomaterials in controlled drug release. Cytotechnology 2011; 63:319-23. [PMID: 21720796 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-011-9366-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In past years with the advances of chemistry and material sciences, the development of nanotechnology brought generations of nanomaterials with specific biomedical properties. These include the nanoparticle-based drug delivery, nanosized drugs, and nanomaterials for tissue engineering. The present article focuses on the use of nanomaterials in controlled drug release. The applications of nanomaterials with nano-enabled drug release characteristics brought many benefits when compared to the traditional (bulk) materials. We discuss the current advances and propose some future directions for the technology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jun Cai
- Department of pharmacy, Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,
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Abstract
The eye is an easily accessible, highly compartmentalised and immune-privileged organ that offers unique advantages as a gene therapy target. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and gene replacement and gene silencing have been implicated as potentially efficacious therapies. Recent improvements have been made in the safety and specificity of vector-based ocular gene transfer methods. Proof-of-concept for vector-based gene therapies has also been established in several experimental models of human ocular diseases. After nearly two decades of ocular gene therapy research, preliminary successes are now being reported in phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis. This review describes current developments and future prospects for ocular gene therapy. Novel methods are being developed to enhance the performance and regulation of recombinant adeno-associated virus- and lentivirus-mediated ocular gene transfer. Gene therapy prospects have advanced for a variety of retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration. Advances have also been made using experimental models for non-retinal diseases, such as uveitis and glaucoma. These methodological advancements are critical for the implementation of additional gene-based therapies for human ocular diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Liu
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bldg 10, Rm 10N103, NIH/NEI, Bethesda, MD 20895-1857, USA
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63
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Schiffelers RM, van der Vaart TK, Storm G. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration: opportunities for development of first-in-class biopharmaceuticals. BioDrugs 2011; 25:171-89. [PMID: 21627341 DOI: 10.2165/11589330-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that may cause blindness. The prevalence of the disease in the Western world is estimated at 1-2% of the population. Over the past decade, treatment of neovascular AMD has been shifting from destruction of newly formed blood vessels towards inhibitors that silence the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Such agents are often first-in-class biopharmaceuticals that benefit from the fact that they can be locally administered in an immune-privileged environment with slow clearance. These new VEGF pathway inhibitors have improved therapeutic effects over conventional treatment and have promoted the identification of novel targets for inhibition of AMD angiogenesis. This review describes the rationale behind the shift from conventional to current treatment options and discusses investigational, most notably biopharmaceutical, drugs that are in clinical trials. It also provides possible points for improvement of these treatments, specifically regarding their delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond M Schiffelers
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
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Tian L, Yang P, Lei B, Shao J, Wang C, Xiang Q, Wei L, Peng Z, Kijlstra A. AAV2-mediated subretinal gene transfer of hIFN-α attenuates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19542. [PMID: 21611186 PMCID: PMC3096632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent reports show that gene therapy may provide a long-term, safe and
effective intervention for human diseases. In this study, we investigated
the effectiveness of adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) based human
interferon-alpha (hIFN-α) gene therapy in experimental autoimmune
uveoretinitis (EAU), a classic model for human uveitis. Methodology/Principal Findings An AAV2 vector harboring the hIFN-α gene (AAV2.hIFN-α) was
subretinally injected into B10RIII mice at two doses
(1.5×106 vg, 1.5×108 vg). AAV2 vector
encoding green fluorescent protein (AAV2.GFP) was used as a control
(5×108 vg). The expression of hIFN-α in homogenized
eyes and serum was detected by ELISA three weeks after injection. The
biodistribution of vector DNA in the injected eyes, contralateral eyes and
distant organs was determined by PCR. EAU was induced by immunization with
IRBP161–180 three weeks following vector injections,
and evaluated clinically and pathologically. IRBP-specific proliferation and
IL-17 expression of lymphocytes from the spleen and lymph nodes were assayed
to test the influence of the subretinal delivery of AAV2.hIFN-α on the
systemic immune response. hIFN-α was effectively expressed in the eyes
from three weeks to three months following subretinal injection of
AAV2.hIFN-α vector. DNA of AAV2.GFP was observed only in the injected
eyes, but not in the distant organs or contralateral eyes. Subretinal
injection of both doses significantly attenuated EAU activity clinically and
histologically. For the lower dose, there was no difference concerning
lymphocyte proliferation and IL-17 production among the AAV2.hIFN-α,
AAV2.GFP and PBS injected mice. However, the higher dose of AAV2.hIFN-α
significantly suppressed lymphocyte proliferation and IL-17 production. Conclusions/Significance Subretinal delivery of AAV2.hIFN-α lead to an effective expression within
the eye for at least three months and significantly attenuated EAU activity.
AAV2.hIFN-α was shown to inhibit the systemic IRBP-specific immune
response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Tian
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen
University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peizeng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Bo Lei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ju Shao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaokui Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Xiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhougui Peng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing
Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye
Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Aize Kijlstra
- Eye Research Institute Maastricht, Department
of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The
Netherlands
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65
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Han Z, Conley SM, Naash MI. AAV and compacted DNA nanoparticles for the treatment of retinal disorders: challenges and future prospects. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:3051-9. [PMID: 21558483 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy based on delivery of viral and nonviral vectors has shown great promise for the treatment of human ocular diseases; however, limitations have consistently prevented its widespread clinical application. Viral vectors have generally been better in terms of efficiency but have safety concerns. Nonviral vectors, on the other hand, offer safety but have often been disappointing in terms of efficiency of nuclear delivery and gene expression. Extensive animal studies have reported significant progress using both systems, but thus far only a few studies have shown promise in human clinical trials. This article reviews both viral and nonviral work with focus on two candidates for clinical ocular application--AAV and nanoparticles. Of particular interest are various requirements for successful clinical application of these technologies including vector trafficking, delivery, specific gene expression, and treatment safety, and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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Abstract
The eye is an easily accessible, highly compartmentalised and immune-privileged organ that offers unique advantages as a gene therapy target. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and gene replacement and gene silencing have been implicated as potentially efficacious therapies. Recent improvements have been made in the safety and specificity of vector-based ocular gene transfer methods. Proof-of-concept for vector-based gene therapies has also been established in several experimental models of human ocular diseases. After nearly two decades of ocular gene therapy research, preliminary successes are now being reported in phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis. This review describes current developments and future prospects for ocular gene therapy. Novel methods are being developed to enhance the performance and regulation of recombinant adeno-associated virus- and lentivirus-mediated ocular gene transfer. Gene therapy prospects have advanced for a variety of retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration. Advances have also been made using experimental models for non-retinal diseases, such as uveitis and glaucoma. These methodological advancements are critical for the implementation of additional gene-based therapies for human ocular diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Liu
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, NIH/NEI, Bethesda, MD 20895-1857, USA
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67
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Yin L, Greenberg K, Hunter JJ, Dalkara D, Kolstad KD, Masella BD, Wolfe R, Visel M, Stone D, Libby RT, DiLoreto D, Schaffer D, Flannery J, Williams DR, Merigan WH. Intravitreal injection of AAV2 transduces macaque inner retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:2775-83. [PMID: 21310920 PMCID: PMC3088562 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Revised: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) has been shown to be effective in transducing inner retinal neurons after intravitreal injection in several species. However, results in nonprimates may not be predictive of transduction in the human inner retina, because of differences in eye size and the specialized morphology of the high-acuity human fovea. This was a study of inner retina transduction in the macaque, a primate with ocular characteristics most similar to that of humans. METHODS In vivo imaging and histology were used to examine GFP expression in the macaque inner retina after intravitreal injection of AAV vectors containing five distinct promoters. RESULTS AAV2 produced pronounced GFP expression in inner retinal cells of the fovea, no expression in the central retina beyond the fovea, and variable expression in the peripheral retina. AAV2 vector incorporating the neuronal promoter human connexin 36 (hCx36) transduced ganglion cells within a dense annulus around the fovea center, whereas AAV2 containing the ubiquitous promoter hybrid cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer/chicken-β-actin (CBA) transduced both Müller and ganglion cells in a dense circular disc centered on the fovea. With three shorter promoters--human synapsin (hSYN) and the shortened CBA and hCx36 promoters (smCBA and hCx36sh)--AAV2 produced visible transduction, as seen in fundus images, only when the retina was altered by ganglion cell loss or enzymatic vitreolysis. CONCLUSIONS The results in the macaque suggest that intravitreal injection of AAV2 would produce high levels of gene expression at the human fovea, important in retinal gene therapy, but not in the central retina beyond the fovea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yin
- From the Flaum Eye Institute
- the Center for Visual Science
| | - Kenneth Greenberg
- the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and
- the Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology
- Vision Science, and
| | | | | | - Kathleen D. Kolstad
- the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and
- the Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology
- Vision Science, and
| | | | | | - Meike Visel
- the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and
- the Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology
- Vision Science, and
| | - Daniel Stone
- the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and
- Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | | | | | - David Schaffer
- the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and
- Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - John Flannery
- the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and
- the Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology
- Vision Science, and
| | - David R. Williams
- the Center for Visual Science
- Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York; and
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Zou J, Luo L, Shen Z, Chiodo VA, Ambati BK, Hauswirth WW, Yang J. Whirlin replacement restores the formation of the USH2 protein complex in whirlin knockout photoreceptors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:2343-51. [PMID: 21212183 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Whirlin is the causative gene for Usher syndrome type IID (USH2D), a condition manifested as both retinitis pigmentosa and congenital deafness. Mutations in this gene cause disruption of the USH2 protein complex composed of USH2A and VLGR1 at the periciliary membrane complex (PMC) in photoreceptors. In this study, the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated whirlin replacement was evaluated as a treatment option. METHODS Murine whirlin cDNA driven by the human rhodopsin kinase promoter (hRK) was packaged as an AAV2/5 vector and delivered into the whirlin knockout retina through subretinal injection. The efficiency, efficacy, and safety of this treatment were examined using immunofluorescent staining, confocal imaging, immunoelectron microscopy, Western blot analysis, histologic analysis, and electroretinogram. RESULTS The AAV-mediated whirlin expression started at two weeks, reached its maximum level at 10 weeks, and lasted up to six months post injection. The transgenic whirlin product had a molecular size and an expression level comparable to the wild-type. It was distributed at the PMC in both rod and cone photoreceptors from the central to peripheral retina. Importantly, the transgenic whirlin restored the cellular localization and expression level of both USH2A and VLGR1 and did not cause defects in the retinal histology and function in the whirlin knockout mouse. CONCLUSIONS Whirlin transgene recruits USH2A and VLGR1 to the PMC and is sufficient for the formation of the USH2 protein complex in photoreceptors. The combined hRK and AAV gene delivery system could be an effective gene therapy approach to treat retinal degeneration in USH2D patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhuang Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
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Mohan RR, Sinha S, Tandon A, Gupta R, Tovey JCK, Sharma A. Efficacious and safe tissue-selective controlled gene therapy approaches for the cornea. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18771. [PMID: 21533273 PMCID: PMC3075266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Untargeted and uncontrolled gene delivery is a major cause of gene therapy failure. This study aimed to define efficient and safe tissue-selective targeted gene therapy approaches for delivering genes into keratocytes of the cornea in vivo using a normal or diseased rabbit model. New Zealand White rabbits, adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5), and a minimally invasive hair-dryer based vector-delivery technique were used. Fifty microliters of AAV5 titer (6.5×1012 vg/ml) expressing green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) was topically applied onto normal or diseased (fibrotic or neovascularized) rabbit corneas for 2-minutes with a custom vector-delivery technique. Corneal fibrosis and neovascularization in rabbit eyes were induced with photorefractive keratectomy using excimer laser and VEGF (630 ng) using micropocket assay, respectively. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and immunocytochemistry were used to confirm fibrosis and neovascularization in rabbit corneas. The levels, location and duration of delivered-GFP gene expression in the rabbit stroma were measured with immunocytochemistry and/or western blotting. Slot-blot measured delivered-GFP gene copy number. Confocal microscopy performed in whole-mounts of cornea and thick corneal sections determined geometric and spatial localization of delivered-GFP in three-dimensional arrangement. AAV5 toxicity and safety were evaluated with clinical eye exam, stereomicroscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and H&E staining. A single 2-minute AAV5 topical application via custom delivery-technique efficiently and selectively transduced keratocytes in the anterior stroma of normal and diseased rabbit corneas as evident from immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Transgene expression was first detected at day 3, peaked at day 7, and was maintained up to 16 weeks (longest tested time point). Clinical and slit-lamp eye examination in live rabbits and H&E staining did not reveal any significant changes between AAV5-treated and untreated control corneas. These findings suggest that defined gene therapy approaches are safe for delivering genes into keratocytes in vivo and has potential for treating corneal disorders in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America.
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Dang SP, Wang RX, Qin MD, Zhang Y, Gu YZ, Wang MY, Yang QL, Li XR, Zhang XG. A novel transfection method for eukaryotic cells using polyethylenimine coated albumin microbubbles. Plasmid 2011; 66:19-25. [PMID: 21426917 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Albumin microbubbles have been intensively studied for their application in gene delivery. However, with negative surface potential, albumin microbubbles hardly bind plasmid DNA, which might contribute to their low transgene efficiency. In this study, we developed polyethylenimine (PEI) coated albumin microbubbles (PAMB) which were prepared by sonicating the mixture of human albumin, PEI, polyethylene glycol and glucose. CHO cells, COS cells and 293T cells were transfected with PEI, PEI+albumin, PAMB and Lipofectamine 2000, respectively. Our results showed that the surface potential was elevated and PAMB could bind plasmid DNA. The transgene efficiency of PAMB was higher than PEI and PEI+albumin (P<0.05), and PAMB performed the same transgene effect as Lipofectamine 2000 did but with lower cytotoxicity than Lipofectamine 2000. Albumin microbubbles modified by PEI has high transgene efficiency and low cytotoxicity even without ultrasound medication, making it a useful non-virus gene delivery method in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-peng Dang
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou 215007, China
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71
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Aartsen WM, van Cleef KWR, Pellissier LP, Hoek RM, Vos RM, Blits B, Ehlert EME, Balaggan KS, Ali RR, Verhaagen J, Wijnholds J. GFAP-driven GFP expression in activated mouse Müller glial cells aligning retinal blood vessels following intravitreal injection of AAV2/6 vectors. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12387. [PMID: 20808778 PMCID: PMC2927518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Müller cell gliosis occurs in various retinal pathologies regardless of the underlying cellular defect. Because activated Müller glial cells span the entire retina and align areas of injury, they are ideal targets for therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy. Methodology/Principal Findings We used adeno-associated viral AAV2/6 vectors to transduce mouse retinas. The transduction pattern of AAV2/6 was investigated by studying expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene using scanning-laser ophthalmoscopy and immuno-histochemistry. AAV2/6 vectors transduced mouse Müller glial cells aligning the retinal blood vessels. However, the transduction capacity was hindered by the inner limiting membrane (ILM) and besides Müller glial cells, several other inner retinal cell types were transduced. To obtain Müller glial cell-specific transgene expression, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter was replaced by the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter. Specificity and activation of the GFAP promoter was tested in a mouse model for retinal gliosis. Mice deficient for Crumbs homologue 1 (CRB1) develop gliosis after light exposure. Light exposure of Crb1−/− retinas transduced with AAV2/6-GFAP-GFP induced GFP expression restricted to activated Müller glial cells aligning retinal blood vessels. Conclusions/Significance Our experiments indicate that AAV2 vectors carrying the GFAP promoter are a promising tool for specific expression of transgenes in activated glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy M. Aartsen
- Department of Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen W. R. van Cleef
- Department of Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lucie P. Pellissier
- Department of Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M. Hoek
- Department of Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier M. Vos
- Department of Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Blits
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erich M. E. Ehlert
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kamaljit S. Balaggan
- Division of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R. Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Kolstad KD, Dalkara D, Guerin K, Visel M, Hoffmann N, Schaffer DV, Flannery JG. Changes in adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery in retinal degeneration. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 21:571-8. [PMID: 20021232 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies for retinal degeneration have relied on subretinal delivery of viral vectors carrying therapeutic DNA. The subretinal injection is clearly not ideal as it limits the viral transduction profile to a focal region at the injection site and negatively affects the neural retina by detaching it from the supportive retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We assessed changes in adeno-associated virus (AAV) dispersion and transduction in the degenerating rat retina after intravitreal delivery. We observed a significant increase in AAV-mediated gene transfer in the diseased compared with normal retina, the extent of which depends on the AAV serotype injected. We also identified key structural changes that correspond to increased viral infectivity. Particle diffusion and transgene accumulation in normal and diseased retina were monitored via fluorescent labeling of viral capsids and quantitative PCR. Viral particles were observed to accumulate at the vitreoretinal junction in normal retina, whereas particles spread into the outer retina and RPE in degenerated tissue. Immunohistochemistry illustrates remarkable changes in the architecture of the inner limiting membrane, which are likely to underlie the increased viral transduction in diseased retina. These data highlight the importance of characterizing gene delivery vectors in diseased tissue as structural and biochemical changes can alter viral vector transduction patterns. Furthermore, these results indicate that gene delivery to the outer nuclear layer may be achieved by noninvasive intravitreal AAV administration in the diseased state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen D Kolstad
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3190, USA
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Abstract
Viral vectors derived from adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are widely used for gene transfer both in vitro and in vivo. The increasing use of AAV as a gene transfer vector, as well as recently demonstrated immunological complications in clinical trials, highlight the necessity to define the specific activity of vector preparations beyond current standards. In this report, we determined the infectious, physical and genome-containing particle titers of several wild-type AAV type 2 (wtAAV2) and recombinant AAV type 2 (rAAV2) preparations that were produced and purified by standard methods. We found that the infectivity of wtAAV2 approaches a physical-to-infectious particle ratio of one. This near-perfect physical-to-infectious particle ratio defines a “ceiling” for the theoretically achievable quality of recombinant AAV vectors. In comparison, for rAAV2, only approximately 50 out of 100 viral particles contained a genome and more strikingly only approximately one of the 100 viral particles was infectious. Our findings suggest that current strategies for rAAV vector design, production and/or purification should be amenable to improvements. Ultimately, this could result in the generation of near-perfect vector particles, a prospect with significant implications for gene therapy.
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Scarano S, Spiriti MM, Tigli G, Bogani P, Buiatti M, Mascini M, Minunni M. Affinity Sensing for Transgenes Detection in Antidoping Control. Anal Chem 2009; 81:9571-7. [DOI: 10.1021/ac901445b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Scarano
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica “Leo Pardi”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50127 Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria M. Spiriti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica “Leo Pardi”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50127 Firenze, Italy
| | - Genny Tigli
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica “Leo Pardi”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50127 Firenze, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bogani
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica “Leo Pardi”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50127 Firenze, Italy
| | - Marcello Buiatti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica “Leo Pardi”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50127 Firenze, Italy
| | - Marco Mascini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica “Leo Pardi”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50127 Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Minunni
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, and Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica “Leo Pardi”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50127 Firenze, Italy
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Howarth JL, Lee YB, Uney JB. Using viral vectors as gene transfer tools (Cell Biology and Toxicology Special Issue: ETCS-UK 1 day meeting on genetic manipulation of cells). Cell Biol Toxicol 2009; 26:1-20. [PMID: 19830583 PMCID: PMC2817806 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-009-9139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/24/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the development of powerful viral gene transfer techniques has greatly facilitated the study of gene function. This review summarises some of the viral delivery systems routinely used to mediate gene transfer into cell lines, primary cell cultures and in whole animal models. The systems described were originally discussed at a 1-day European Tissue Culture Society (ETCS-UK) workshop that was held at University College London on 1st April 2009. Recombinant-deficient viral vectors (viruses that are no longer able to replicate) are used to transduce dividing and post-mitotic cells, and they have been optimised to mediate regulatable, powerful, long-term and cell-specific expression. Hence, viral systems have become very widely used, especially in the field of neurobiology. This review introduces the main categories of viral vectors, focusing on their initial development and highlighting modifications and improvements made since their introduction. In particular, the use of specific promoters to restrict expression, translational enhancers and regulatory elements to boost expression from a single virion and the development of regulatable systems is described.
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Barker SE, Broderick CA, Robbie SJ, Duran Y, Natkunarajah M, Buch P, Balaggan KS, MacLaren RE, Bainbridge JWB, Smith AJ, Ali RR. Subretinal delivery of adeno-associated virus serotype 2 results in minimal immune responses that allow repeat vector administration in immunocompetent mice. J Gene Med 2009; 11:486-97. [PMID: 19340848 PMCID: PMC2841821 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) vectors show considerable promise for ocular gene transfer. However, one potential barrier to efficacious long-term therapy is the development of immune responses against the vector or transgene product. Methods We evaluated cellular and humoural responses in mice following both single and repeated subretinal administration of AAV2, and examined their effects on RPE65 and green fluorescent protein transgene expression. Results Following subretinal administration of vector, splenocytes and T-cells from draining lymph nodes showed minimal activation following stimulation by co-culture with AAV2. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) were not detected in the ocular fluids of any mice receiving AAV2 or in the serum of mice receiving a lower dose. NAbs were present in the serum of a proportion of mice receiving a higher dose of the vector. Furthermore, no differences in immunoglobulin titre in serum or ocular fluids against RPE65 protein or AAV2 capsid between treated and control mice were detected. Histological examination showed no evidence of retinal toxicity or leukocyte infiltration compared to uninjected eyes. Repeat administration of low-dose AAV.hRPE65.hRPE65 to both eyes of RPE65−/− mice resulted in transgene expression and functional rescue, but re-administration of high-dose AAV2 resulted in boosted NAb titres and variable transgene expression in the second injected eye. Conclusions These data, which were obtained in mice, suggest that, following subretinal injection, immune responses to AAV2 are dose-dependent. Low-dose AAV2 is well tolerated in the eye, with minimal immune responses, and transgene expression after repeat administration of vector is achievable. Higher doses lead to the expression of NAbs that reduce the efficacy of repeated vector administration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie E Barker
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2009; 20:417-22. [PMID: 19684489 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0b013e32833079c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Bello A, Tran K, Chand A, Doria M, Allocca M, Hildinger M, Beniac D, Kranendonk C, Auricchio A, Kobinger GP. Isolation and evaluation of novel adeno-associated virus sequences from porcine tissues. Gene Ther 2009; 16:1320-8. [PMID: 19626054 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2009.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
High antigenic compatibility and low toxicity is associated with xenograft transplantation of porcine tissues in immunodeficient human recipients. We hypothesized that adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) of porcine origin could be highly compatible to human tissues and thus of good efficiency and low toxicity for in vivo gene transfer. Porcine tissues were screened by PCR for the presence of AAV using primers designed to bind conserved regions and amplify variable regions of an alignment of several AAV sequences available on GenBank. We isolated new AAV capsid sequences from porcine tissues and successfully generated a recombinant AAV2/po1 vector by transfection. The AAV2/po1 vector was not cross-neutralized by antisera generated against all other commonly used AAVs (serotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8) indicating a distinct antigenic profile. Preexisting immunity to AAVpo1 could not be detected in the human sera evaluated. In mice, AAV2/po1 particles expressing beta-galactosidase or green fluorescent protein demonstrated high transduction efficiency in muscle fibers and the retina after intramuscular or intraocular administration. Biodistribution experiments following systemic administration showed efficient gene transfer exclusively in muscle fibers. Novel AAVs derived from porcine tissues may contribute to the generation of new preventive or curative clinical modalities acceptable for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bello
- Special Pathogens Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, National Microbiology Laboratory, Manitoba, Canada
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Cai X, Conley SM, Naash MI. RPE65: role in the visual cycle, human retinal disease, and gene therapy. Ophthalmic Genet 2009; 30:57-62. [PMID: 19373675 DOI: 10.1080/13816810802626399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
RPE65 is an isomerohydrolase expressed in retinal pigment epithelium. It is critical for the regeneration of the visual pigment necessary for both rod and cone-mediated vision. Mutations in human RPE65 cause Leber's congenital amaurosis and other forms of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa which are associated with early-onset blindness. Several RPE65 animal models including two different mouse models and a naturally occurring canine model have been thoroughly characterized to determine the mechanisms that underlie RPE65 associated retinal dystrophies. More recently, substantial effort has gone into designing gene therapies for these diseases. Based on several encouraging reports from animal models, at least three clinical trials are currently underway for the treatment of LCA using modified AAV vectors carrying the RPE65 cDNA and have reported positive preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Cai
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA
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Boon CJ, Klevering BJ, Leroy BP, Hoyng CB, Keunen JE, den Hollander AI. The spectrum of ocular phenotypes caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. Prog Retin Eye Res 2009; 28:187-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Smith AJ, Bainbridge JW, Ali RR. Prospects for retinal gene replacement therapy. Trends Genet 2009; 25:156-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2009.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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83
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Raz-Prag D, Zeng Y, Sieving PA, Bush RA. Photoreceptor protection by adeno-associated virus-mediated LEDGF expression in the RCS rat model of retinal degeneration: probing the mechanism. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2009; 50:3897-906. [PMID: 19324854 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.08-3153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) is upregulated in response to stress and enhances the survival of neurons in the retina and optic nerve, as well as a wide range of other cells, such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Photoreceptor protection was investigated in the RCS rat retinal degeneration model after Ledgf delivery with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) and the mechanism of protection explored. METHODS Thirty-six RCS and nine P23H rats had bilateral subretinal injections of AAV-Ledgf in one eye and buffer in the contralateral eye as the control. Retinal function was evaluated 8 weeks later by the electroretinogram and compared with photoreceptor cell layer count. LEDGF mRNA and protein levels and mRNA levels of known stress-related factors were compared in treated and control retinas to explore the mechanism of LEDGF protection. Nine RCS rats were treated with adenovirus-heat shock protein 27 (Ad-HSP27) and examined for protection. RESULTS Significant photoreceptor protection was evident functionally and morphologically in 65% to 100% of the RCS rats treated at early ages of up to 7 weeks. Cell protection was more prominent in the superior retinal hemisphere which has a slower natural degeneration rate in untreated eyes. Although many of the heat shock proteins and other stress-related genes showed significant elevation in the AAV-Ledgf-treated eyes, all increases were approximately twofold or less. Transduction of retinal cells with Ad-HSP27 also resulted in photoreceptor protection. AAV-Ledgf elicited no photoreceptor functional protection in P23H rhodopsin transgenic rat retina. CONCLUSIONS Chronic LEDGF treatment via AAV-Ledgf administration gave successful protection of photoreceptors in the RCS rat retina and retarded cell death by about 2 weeks. Induction of heat shock proteins also gave photoreceptor protection. However, compelling evidence was not found that LEDGF protection was associated with upregulation of heat shock proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Raz-Prag
- Section for Translational Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-8021, USA
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Bainbridge JWB. Prospects for gene therapy of inherited retinal disease. Eye (Lond) 2009; 23:1898-903. [DOI: 10.1038/eye.2008.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Harvey AR, Hellström M, Rodger J. Gene therapy and transplantation in the retinofugal pathway. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2009; 175:151-61. [PMID: 19660654 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(09)17510-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The mature CNS has limited intrinsic capacity for repair after injury; therefore, strategies are needed to enhance the viability and regrowth of damaged neurons. Here we review gene therapy studies in the eye, aimed at improving the survival and regeneration of injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To target RGCs most current methods use recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV), usually serotype-2 (AAV2), that are injected into the vitreal chamber of the eye. This vector provides long-term transduction of adult RGCs. Strong, constitutive promoters such as CMV and/or beta-actin are commonly used but cell-specific promoters have also been tested. Transgenes encoded by AAV have been selected to limit cell death, enhance growth factor expression, or promote growth cone responsiveness. We have assessed the effects of AAV vectors in adult rodent models (i) after optic nerve (ON) crush and (ii) after transplantation of peripheral nerve (PN) onto the cut ON, a procedure that induces injured RGCs to regenerate axons over longer distances. AAV-CNTF-GFP promotes RGC survival and axonal regrowth in mice after ON crush, and in rats after ON crush or PN transplantation. In rats, intravitreal injection of AAV-BDNF-GFP also increases RGC viability but does not promote regeneration. RGC viability and axonal regrowth is further enhanced when AAV-CNTF-GFP is injected into transgenic mice that over-express bcl-2. Reconstituted PN grafts containing Schwann cells that were transduced ex vivo with lentiviral (LV) vectors encoding a secretable form of CNTF support RGC axonal regrowth, however grafts containing Schwann cells transduced with LV-BDNF or LV-GDNF are less successful. We have also quantified the transduction efficiency and tropism of different AAV vectors injected intravitreally. AAV 2/2 and AAV 2/6 showed highest levels of transduction, AAV 2/8 the lowest, and each serotype displayed different transduction profiles for retinal cells. We are also studying the long-term impact of AAV2-mediated CNTF or BDNF expression on the dendritic morphology of RGCs in normal and PN grafted retinas. Analysis of regenerating RGCs intracellularly injected with lucifer yellow indicates gene-specific changes in dendritic structure that likely impact upon visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Harvey
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
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Mu W, Long DA, Ouyang X, Agarwal A, Cruz PE, Roncal CA, Nakagawa T, Yu X, Hauswirth WW, Johnson RJ. Angiostatin overexpression is associated with an improvement in chronic kidney injury by an anti-inflammatory mechanism. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2009; 296:F145-52. [PMID: 18971211 PMCID: PMC2636910 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.90430.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostatin, a proteolytic fragment of plasminogen, is a potent anti-angiogenic factor recently shown also to have an inhibitory effect on leukocyte recruitment and macrophage migration. Because both angiogenesis and inflammation play key roles in the progression of chronic kidney disease, we evaluated the effect of angiostatin treatment in the rat remnant kidney model. Rats were pretreated for 4 wk with recombinant adeno-associated viruses expressing either angiostatin or green fluorescence protein. Chronic renal disease was then induced by a subtotal nephrectomy, and rats were killed 8 wk later for analysis. Angiostatin treatment was associated with significantly less proteinuria but no alterations in serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and blood urea nitrogen levels. Treatment with angiostatin reduced renal peritubular capillary number and decreased urinary nitric oxide levels. Despite reducing capillary density, angiostatin diminished interstitial fibrosis in association with reduced macrophage and T-cell infiltration and renal monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA levels. In conclusion, angiostatin overexpression was associated with attenuated renal disease progression in a model of chronic kidney injury, likely because of its anti-inflammatory actions. However, its anti-angiogenic actions suggest countering effects that could partially offset its benefit in chronic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Mu
- Division of Nephrology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Colella P, Cotugno G, Auricchio A. Ocular gene therapy: current progress and future prospects. Trends Mol Med 2008; 15:23-31. [PMID: 19097940 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2008.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2008] [Revised: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As gene therapy begins to produce its first clinical successes, interest in ocular gene transfer has grown owing to the favorable safety and efficacy characteristics of the eye as a target organ for drug delivery. Important advances also include the availability of viral and non-viral vectors that are able to efficiently transduce various ocular cell types, the use of intraocular delivery routes and the development of transcriptional regulatory elements that allow sustained levels of gene transfer in small and large animal models after a single administration. Here, we review recent progress in the field of ocular gene therapy. The first experiments in humans with severe inherited forms of blindness seem to confirm the good safety and efficacy profiles observed in animal models and suggest that gene transfer has the potential to become a valuable therapeutic strategy for otherwise untreatable blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualina Colella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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