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Meglič SH, Pavlin M. The impact of impaired DNA mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency: analysis in 3D model. Biomed Eng Online 2021; 20:85. [PMID: 34419072 PMCID: PMC8379608 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00922-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gene electrotransfer is an established method that enables transfer of DNA into cells with electric pulses. Several studies analyzed and optimized different parameters of gene electrotransfer, however, one of main obstacles toward efficient electrotransfection in vivo is relatively poor DNA mobility in tissues. Our aim was to analyze the effect of impaired mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency experimentally and theoretically. We applied electric pulses with different durations on plated cells, cells grown on collagen layer and cells embedded in collagen gel (3D model) and analyzed gene electrotransfer efficiency. In order to analyze the effect of impaired mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency, we applied electric pulses with different durations on plated cells, cells grown on collagen layer and cells embedded in collagen gel (3D model) and analyzed gene electrotransfer efficiency. Results We obtained the highest transfection in plated cells, while transfection efficiency of embedded cells in 3D model was lowest, similarly as in in vivo. To further analyze DNA diffusion in 3D model, we applied DNA on top or injected it into 3D model and showed, that for the former gene electrotransfer efficiency was similarly as in in vivo. The experimental results are explained with theoretical analysis of DNA diffusion and electromobility. Conclusion We show, empirically and theoretically that DNA has impaired electromobility and especially diffusion in collagen environment, where the latter crucially limits electrotransfection. Our model enables optimization of gene electrotransfer in in vitro conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Haberl Meglič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Pavlin
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biophysics, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Group for Nano and Biotechnological Applications, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Atkins RM, Fawcett TJ, Gilbert R, Hoff AM, Connolly R, Brown DW, Jaroszeski MJ. Real-time impedance feedback to enhance cutaneous gene electrotransfer in a murine skin model. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 142:107885. [PMID: 34303064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Electric field mediated gene delivery methods have the ability to efficiently transfect cells in vivo with an excellent safety profile. The method has historically used a fixed number of electric pulses with identical characteristics in induce delivery. Electrical treatment does not typically compensate for subject-to-subject variation and other differences. This study was designed to investigate if delivery/expression could be increased using a novel electropulsation method that compensated for variation using real-time electrical impedance measurements. The method involved delivering plasmid DNA encoding luciferase to murine skin. Tissue impedance in a 1-3 KHz range was measured before electric pulses were applied. Impedance was also measured after each successive pulse. Pulsation was stopped when impedance values were reduced by either 80% or 95% relative to prepulse values. Standard/fixed pulsing parameters were also used for comparison. The results indicated that up to 15-fold increases in luciferase expression could be obtained when electrical treatment was ceased based upon impedance reductions. Furthermore, peak expression levels of all treatment groups pulsed using the novel pulsing method were statistically higher than those that employed standard pulsing. These results strongly suggest that applying pulses until a defined impedance-based endpoint results in higher expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald M Atkins
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Timothy J Fawcett
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Research Computing, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Richard Gilbert
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Andrew M Hoff
- Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Richard Connolly
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Douglas W Brown
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 777 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Mark J Jaroszeski
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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Huang D, Chen YS, Rupenthal ID. Overcoming ocular drug delivery barriers through the use of physical forces. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 126:96-112. [PMID: 28916492 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Overcoming the physiological barriers in the eye remains a key obstacle in the field of ocular drug delivery. While ocular barriers naturally have a protective function, they also limit drug entry into the eye. Various pharmaceutical strategies, such as novel formulations and physical force-based techniques, have been investigated to weaken these barriers and transport therapeutic agents effectively to both the anterior and the posterior segments of the eye. This review summarizes and discusses the recent research progress in the field of ocular drug delivery with a focus on the application of physical methods, including electrical fields, sonophoresis, and microneedles, which can enhance penetration efficiency by transiently disrupting the ocular barriers in a minimally or non-invasive manner.
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Atkins RM, Fawcett TJ, Gilbert R, Hoff AM, Connolly R, Brown DW, Llewellyn AJ, Jaroszeski MJ. Impedance spectroscopy as an indicator for successful in vivo electric field mediated gene delivery in a murine model. Bioelectrochemistry 2017; 115:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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De Vry J, Martínez-Martínez P, Losen M, Bode GH, Temel Y, Steckler T, Steinbusch HWM, De Baets M, Prickaerts J. Low Current-driven Micro-electroporation Allows Efficient In Vivo Delivery of Nonviral DNA into the Adult Mouse Brain. Mol Ther 2016; 18:1183-91. [PMID: 20389292 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral gene transfer or transgenic animals are commonly used technologies to alter gene expression in the adult brain, although these approaches lack spatial specificity and are time consuming. We delivered plasmid DNA locally into the brain of adult C57BL/6 mice in vivo by voltage- and current-controlled electroporation. The low current-controlled delivery of unipolar square wave pulses of 125 µA with microstimulation electrodes at the injection site gave 16 times higher transfection rates than a voltage-controlled electroporation protocol with plate electrodes resulting in currents of about 400 mA. Transfection was restricted to the target region and no damage due to the electric pulses was found. Our current-controlled electroporation protocol indicated that the use of very low currents resulting in applied voltages within the physiological range of the membrane potential, allows efficient transfection of nonviral plasmid DNA. In conclusion, low current-controlled electroporation is an excellent approach for electroporation in the adult brain, i.e., gene function can be influenced locally at a high level with no mortality and minimal tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen De Vry
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands;European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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De Vry J, Vanmierlo T, Martínez-Martínez P, Losen M, Temel Y, Steinbusch H, De Baets M, Prickaerts J. Delivery of DNA into the central nervous system via electroporation. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1121:157-63. [PMID: 24510821 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9632-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation of non-viral plasmid DNA is a valuable tool to alter gene expression in the adult central nervous system. It offers a number of advantages over viral gene delivery as non-viral plasmids can integrate larger inserts and reduce the risk of inducing unintended immunological responses. Generally, electroporation of the adult brain is accomplished in rodents by applying high-amplitude voltage-controlled pulses through the entire brain with plate electrodes surrounding the animal's head. Here, we describe an alternative electroporation protocol making use of current-controlled low-amplitude pulses that are delivered locally by means of needlelike electrodes in the brain of adult mice. This allows altering gene expression in very-well-defined areas of the brain while inducing minimal tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen De Vry
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Luo Y, Liu J, Wang Y, Su J, Wu Y, Hu G, Gao M, Quan F, Zhang Y. PhiC31 integrase-mediated genomic integration and stable gene expression in the mouse mammary gland after gene electrotransfer. J Gene Med 2013; 15:356-65. [PMID: 24288809 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PhiC31 integrase is capable of conferring long-term transgene expression in various transfected tissues in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the activity of phiC31 integrase in mouse mammary glands. METHODS The normal mouse mammary epithelial cell line HC11 was transfected with FuGENE® HD Transfection Reagent (Roche Diagnostics, Shanghai, China). Transfection of the mouse mammary gland in vivo was performed by electrotransfer. Transgene expression was detected by western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genomic integration and integration at mpsL1 was confirmed by a nested polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS An optimal electrotransfer protocol for the lactating mouse mammary gland was attained through investigation of different voltages and pulse durations. PhiC31 integrase mediated site-specific transgene integration in HC11 cells and the mouse mammary gland. In addition, the site-specific integration occurred efficiently at the ‘hot spot’ mpsL1. Co-delivery of PhiC31 integrase enhanced and prolonged transgene expression in the mouse mammary gland. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present study show that the use of phiC31 integrase is a feasible and efficient method for high and stable transgene expression in the mouse mammary gland.
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Haberl S, Kandušer M, Flisar K, Hodžić D, Bregar VB, Miklavčič D, Escoffre JM, Rols MP, Pavlin M. Effect of different parameters used forin vitrogene electrotransfer on gene expression efficiency, cell viability and visualization of plasmid DNA at the membrane level. J Gene Med 2013; 15:169-81. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saša Haberl
- University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics; Ljubljana; Slovenija
| | - Maša Kandušer
- University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics; Ljubljana; Slovenija
| | - Karel Flisar
- University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics; Ljubljana; Slovenija
| | - Duša Hodžić
- University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics; Ljubljana; Slovenija
| | | | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics; Ljubljana; Slovenija
| | - Jean-Michel Escoffre
- Inserm UMR 930 Imagerie et Cerveau, Université François-Rabelais de Tours, PRES Val de Loire Université; Tours; France
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS-CNRS UMR5089, Université de Toulouse III; Toulouse; France
| | - Mojca Pavlin
- University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Group for Nano and Biotechnological Applications; Ljubljana; Slovenija
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Aurisicchio L, Marra E, Luberto L, Carlomosti F, De Vitis C, Noto A, Gunes Z, Roscilli G, Mesiti G, Mancini R, Alimandi M, Ciliberto G. Novel anti-ErbB3 monoclonal antibodies show therapeutic efficacy in xenografted and spontaneous mouse tumors. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3381-8. [PMID: 22213458 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The role of the ErbB3 receptor in signal transduction is to augment the signaling repertoire of active heterodimeric ErbB receptor complexes through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, which in turn promotes survival and proliferation. ErbB3 has recently been proposed to be involved in acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and is therefore a promising new drug cancer target. Since ErbB3 is a kinase defective receptor, it cannot be targeted by small molecule inhibitors, whereas monoclonal antibodies may offer a viable strategy for pharmacological intervention. In this study, we have utilized DNA electroporation (DNA-EP) to generate a set of novel hybridomas directed against human ErbB3, which have been characterized for their biochemical and functional properties and selected for their ability to negatively regulate the ErbB3-mediated signaling pathway. In vitro, the anti-ErbB3 antibodies modulate the growth rate of cancer cells of different origins. In vivo they show antitumoral properties in a xenograft model of human pancreatic tumor and in the ErbB2-driven carcinogenesis genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) for mammary tumor, the BALB/neuT. Our data confirm that downregulating the ErbB3-mediated signals with the use of anti-ErbB3 monoclonal antibodies is both feasible and relevant for therapeutic purposes and provides new opportunities for novel anti-ErbB3 combinatory strategies for cancer treatment.
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Touchard E, Kowalczuk L, Bloquel C, Naud MC, Bigey P, Behar-Cohen F. The ciliary smooth muscle electrotransfer: basic principles and potential for sustained intraocular production of therapeutic proteins. J Gene Med 2010; 12:904-19. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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De Vry J, Martínez-Martínez P, Losen M, Temel Y, Steckler T, Steinbusch HWM, De Baets MH, Prickaerts J. In vivo electroporation of the central nervous system: a non-viral approach for targeted gene delivery. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 92:227-44. [PMID: 20937354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is a widely used technique for enhancing the efficiency of DNA delivery into cells. Application of electric pulses after local injection of DNA temporarily opens cell membranes and facilitates DNA uptake. Delivery of plasmid DNA by electroporation to alter gene expression in tissue has also been explored in vivo. This approach may constitute an alternative to viral gene transfer, or to transgenic or knock-out animals. Among the most frequently electroporated target tissues are skin, muscle, eye, and tumors. Moreover, different regions in the central nervous system (CNS), including the developing neural tube and the spinal cord, as well as prenatal and postnatal brain have been successfully electroporated. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the literature describing electroporation of the CNS with a focus on the adult brain. In addition, the mechanism of electroporation, different ways of delivering the electric pulses, and the risk of damaging the target tissue are highlighted. Electroporation has been successfully used in humans to enhance gene transfer in vaccination or cancer therapy with several clinical trials currently ongoing. Improving the knowledge about in vivo electroporation will pave the way for electroporation-enhanced gene therapy to treat brain carcinomas, as well as CNS disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen De Vry
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Electroporation in Biological Cell and Tissue: An Overview. ELECTROTECHNOLOGIES FOR EXTRACTION FROM FOOD PLANTS AND BIOMATERIALS 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-79374-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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13
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Tevz G, Pavlin D, Kamensek U, Kranjc S, Mesojednik S, Coer A, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Gene electrotransfer into murine skeletal muscle: a systematic analysis of parameters for long-term gene expression. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2008; 7:91-101. [PMID: 18345697 DOI: 10.1177/153303460800700201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is an attractive target tissue for delivery of therapeutic genes, since it is well vascularized, easily accessible, and has a high capacity for protein synthesis. For efficient transfection in skeletal muscle, several protocols have been described, including delivery of low voltage electric pulses and a combination of high and low voltage electric pulses. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different parameters of electrotransfection on short-term and long-term transfection efficiency in murine skeletal muscle, and to evaluate histological changes in the treated tissue. Different parameters of electric pulses, different time lags between plasmid DNA injection and application of electric pulses, and different doses of plasmid DNA were tested for electrotransfection of tibialis cranialis muscle of C57Bl/6 mice using DNA plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP). Transfection efficiency was assessed on frozen tissue sections one week after electrotransfection using a fluorescence microscope and also noninvasively, followed by an in vivo imaging system using a fluorescence stereo microscope over a period of several months. Histological changes in muscle were evaluated immediately or several months after electrotransfection by determining infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells and presence of necrotic muscle fibers. The most efficient electrotransfection into skeletal muscle of C57Bl/6 mice in our experiments was achieved when one high voltage (HV) and four low voltage (LV) electric pulses were applied 5 seconds after the injection of 30 microg of plasmid DNA. This protocol resulted in the highest short-term as well as long-term transfection. The fluorescence intensity of the transfected area declined after 2-3 weeks, but GFP fluorescence was still detectable 18 months after electrotransfection. Extensive inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltration was observed immediately after the electrotransfection procedure using the described parameters, but no necrosis or late tissue damage was observed. This study showed that electric pulse parameters, time lag between the injection of DNA and application of electric pulses, and dose of plasmid DNA affected the duration of transgene expression in murine skeletal muscle. Therefore, transgene expression in muscle can be controlled by appropriate selection of electrotransfection protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Tevz
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Enhanced in vivo transgene expression and immunogenicity from plasmid vectors following electrostimulation in rodents and primates. Vaccine 2008; 26:5202-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Luxembourg A, Evans CF, Hannaman D. Electroporation-based DNA immunisation: translation to the clinic. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2007; 7:1647-64. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.7.11.1647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Non-viral gene transfer is markedly enhanced by the application of in vivo electroporation. Electroporation is a safe and efficient system to introduce genes to a wide variety of tissues, including skeletal muscle, tumors, kidney, liver and skin. Electroporation has been demonstrated to be effective in numerous disease models. This review focuses on the principles of electroporation and the target tissues employed for gene therapy. Based on the accumulation of positive results, the first clinical study for the treatment of malignant melanoma is now underway, and preclinical studies have suggested that electroporation is useful as a gene therapy protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Isaka
- Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Divisions of Advanced Technology for Transplantation and Nephrology, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Bejjani RA, Andrieu C, Bloquel C, Berdugo M, BenEzra D, Behar-Cohen F. Electrically Assisted Ocular Gene Therapy. Surv Ophthalmol 2007; 52:196-208. [PMID: 17355857 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2006.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfer and iontophoresis are being developed as innovative non-viral gene delivery systems for the treatment of eye diseases. These two techniques rely on the use of electric current to allow for higher transfection yield of various ocular cell types in vivo. Short pulses of relatively high-intensity electric fields are used for electrotransfer delivery, whereas the iontophoresis technique is based on the application of low voltage electric current. The basic principles of these techniques and their potential therapeutic application for diseases of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye are reviewed. Iontophoresis has been found most efficient for the delivery of small nucleic acid fragments such as antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, or ribozymes. Electrotransfer, on the other hand, is being developed for the delivery of oligonucleotides or custom designed plasmids. The wide range of strategies already validated and the potential for targeting specific types of cells confirm the promising early observations made using electrotransfer and iontophoresis. These two nonviral delivery systems are safe and can be used efficiently for targeted gene delivery to ocular tissues in vivo. At the present, their application for the treatment of ocular human diseases is nearing its final stages of adaptation and practical implementation at the bedside.
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Capone S, Zampaglione I, Vitelli A, Pezzanera M, Kierstead L, Burns J, Ruggeri L, Arcuri M, Cappelletti M, Meola A, Ercole BB, Tafi R, Santini C, Luzzago A, Fu TM, Colloca S, Ciliberto G, Cortese R, Nicosia A, Fattori E, Folgori A. Modulation of the immune response induced by gene electrotransfer of a hepatitis C virus DNA vaccine in nonhuman primates. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 177:7462-71. [PMID: 17082666 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.10.7462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Induction of multispecific, functional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is the immunological hallmark of acute self-limiting hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in humans. In the present study, we showed that gene electrotransfer (GET) of a novel candidate DNA vaccine encoding an optimized version of the nonstructural region of HCV (from NS3 to NS5B) induced substantially more potent, broad, and long-lasting CD4+ and CD8+ cellular immunity than naked DNA injection in mice and in rhesus macaques as measured by a combination of assays, including IFN-gamma ELISPOT, intracellular cytokine staining, and cytotoxic T cell assays. A protocol based on three injections of DNA with GET induced a substantially higher CD4+ T cell response than an adenovirus 6-based viral vector encoding the same Ag. To better evaluate the immunological potency and probability of success of this vaccine, we have immunized two chimpanzees and have compared vaccine-induced cell-mediated immunity to that measured in acute self-limiting infection in humans. GET of the candidate HCV vaccine led to vigorous, multispecific IFN-gamma+CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte responses in chimpanzees, which were comparable to those measured in five individuals that cleared spontaneously HCV infection. These data support the hypothesis that T cell responses elicited by the present strategy could be beneficial in prophylactic vaccine approaches against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Capone
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare, P. Angeletti, Rome, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Loree C Heller
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Petry H, Cashion L, Szymanski P, Ast O, Orme A, Gross C, Bauzon M, Brooks A, Schaefer C, Gibson H, Qian H, Rubanyi GM, Harkins RN. Mx1 and IP-10: biomarkers to measure IFN-beta activity in mice following gene-based delivery. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2006; 26:699-705. [PMID: 17032164 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2006.26.699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant interferon-beta (IFN-beta) protein is used successfully for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Gene therapy might be an alternative approach to overcome drawbacks occurring with IFN-beta protein therapy. A critical issue in developing a new approach is detection of biologically active IFN-beta in preclinical models. The goal of the present study was to determine if Mx1 and IP-10, which are known to be activated after IFN-beta treatment in humans, can be used as biomarkers in mice. In three in vivo experiments, the correlation between different methods of murine IFN-beta (MuIFN-beta) delivery and biomarker induction was studied: (1) bolus protein delivery by intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection, (2) gene-based delivery of IFN- beta by i.m. injection of plasmid DNA, followed by electroporation, and (3) gene-based delivery of IFN-beta by i.m. injection of adenovirus-associated type 1 (AAV1). Short-term induction of Mx1 mRNA and IP-10 was observed after treatment with bolus MuIFN-beta protein. Long-term induction of both biomarkers was observed after IFN-beta plasmid DNA delivery or when AAV1 was used as the vector. The experiments demonstrate that gene-based delivery provides sustained levels of IFN-beta compared with bolus protein injection and that Mx1 RNA and IP-10 can be used to monitor biologically active circulating plasma MuIFN-beta protein in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Petry
- Department of Gene Therapy, Berlex Biosciences, Richmond, CA 94806, USA.
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Folgori A, Capone S, Ruggeri L, Meola A, Sporeno E, Ercole BB, Pezzanera M, Tafi R, Arcuri M, Fattori E, Lahm A, Luzzago A, Vitelli A, Colloca S, Cortese R, Nicosia A. A T-cell HCV vaccine eliciting effective immunity against heterologous virus challenge in chimpanzees. Nat Med 2006; 12:190-7. [PMID: 16462801 DOI: 10.1038/nm1353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three percent of the world's population is chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and at risk of developing liver cancer. Effective cellular immune responses are deemed essential for spontaneous resolution of acute hepatitis C and long-term protection. Here we describe a new T-cell HCV genetic vaccine capable of protecting chimpanzees from acute hepatitis induced by challenge with heterologous virus. Suppression of acute viremia in vaccinated chimpanzees occurred as a result of massive expansion of peripheral and intrahepatic HCV-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes that cross-reacted with vaccine and virus epitopes. These findings show that it is possible to elicit effective immunity against heterologous HCV strains by stimulating only the cellular arm of the immune system, and suggest a path for new immunotherapy against highly variable human pathogens like HCV, HIV or malaria, which can evade humoral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Folgori
- Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare P. Angeletti, via Pontina km30,600, 00040 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
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