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Sedgwick RL, ElBohy O, Daly JM. Role of pseudotyped viruses in understanding epidemiology, pathogenesis and immunity of viral diseases affecting both horses and humans. Virology 2024; 597:110164. [PMID: 38959722 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In this review, we explore how pseudotyped viruses (PVs) are being applied to the study of viruses affecting both humans and horses. For the purposes of this review, we define PVs as non-replicative viruses with the core of one virus and the surface protein(s) of another and encapsulating a reporter gene such as luciferase. These 'reporter' PVs enable receptor-mediated entry into host cells to be quantified, and thus can be applied to study the initial stages of viral replication. They can also be used to test antiviral activity of compounds and measure envelope protein-specific antibodies in neutralisation tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Sedgwick
- One Virology - WCGVR, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, UK
| | - Ola ElBohy
- One Virology - WCGVR, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, UK
| | - Janet M Daly
- One Virology - WCGVR, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, UK.
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2
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Li M, Liu Z, Wang D, Ye J, Shi Z, Pan C, Zhang Q, Ju R, Zheng Y, Liu Y. Intraocular mRNA delivery with endogenous MmPEG10-based virus-like particles. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109899. [PMID: 38636802 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLP) are a promising tool for intracellular gene delivery, yet their potential in ocular gene therapy remains underexplored. In this study, we bridged this knowledge gap by demonstrating the successful generation and application of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG)-pseudotyped mouse PEG10 (MmPEG10)-VLP for intraocular mRNA delivery. Our findings revealed that PEG10-VLP can efficiently deliver GFP mRNA to adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) cells, leading to transient expression. Moreover, we showed that MmPEG10-VLP can transfer SMAD7 to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RPE cells effectively. In vivo experiments further substantiated the potential of these vectors, as subretinal delivery into adult mice resulted in efficient transduction of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and GFP reporter gene expression without significant immune response. However, intravitreal injection did not yield efficient ocular expression. We also evaluated the transduction characteristics of MmPEG10-VLP following intracameral delivery, revealing transient GFP protein expression in corneal endothelial cells without significant immunotoxicities. In summary, our study established that VSVG pseudotyped MmPEG10-based VLP can transduce mitotically inactive RPE cells and corneal endothelial cells in vivo without triggering an inflammatory response, underscoring their potential utility in ocular gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China
| | - Zhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jinguo Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhuoxing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Caineng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qikai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China.
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China
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3
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Kovacs KD, Ciulla TA, Kiss S. Advancements in ocular gene therapy delivery: vectors and subretinal, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal techniques. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1193-1208. [PMID: 36062410 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2121646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Ocular gene therapy represents fertile ground for rapid innovation, with ever-expanding therapeutic strategies, molecular targets, and indications. AREAS COVERED : Potential indications for ocular gene therapy have classically focused on inherited retinal disease (IRD), but more recently include acquired retinal diseases, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy and diabetic retinopathy. Ocular gene therapy strategies have proliferated recently, and include gene augmentation, gene inactivation, gene editing, RNA modulation, and gene-independent gene augmentation. Viral vector therapeutic constructs include adeno-associated virus and lentivirus and continue to evolve through directed evolution and rationale design. Ocular gene therapy administration techniques have expanded beyond pars plana vitrectomy with subretinal injection to intravitreal injection and suprachoroidal injection. EXPERT OPINION : The success of treatment for IRD, paired with the promise of clinical research in acquired retinal diseases and in administration techniques, has raised the possibility of in-office gene therapy for common retinal disorders within the next five to ten years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Kovacs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Szilárd Kiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Arsenijevic Y, Berger A, Udry F, Kostic C. Lentiviral Vectors for Ocular Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081605. [PMID: 36015231 PMCID: PMC9414879 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This review offers the basics of lentiviral vector technologies, their advantages and pitfalls, and an overview of their use in the field of ophthalmology. First, the description of the global challenges encountered to develop safe and efficient lentiviral recombinant vectors for clinical application is provided. The risks and the measures taken to minimize secondary effects as well as new strategies using these vectors are also discussed. This review then focuses on lentiviral vectors specifically designed for ocular therapy and goes over preclinical and clinical studies describing their safety and efficacy. A therapeutic approach using lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy is currently being developed for many ocular diseases, e.g., aged-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, inherited retinal dystrophies (Leber congenital amaurosis type 2, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome), glaucoma, and corneal fibrosis or engraftment rejection. In summary, this review shows how lentiviral vectors offer an interesting alternative for gene therapy in all ocular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
| | - Adeline Berger
- Group Epigenetics of ocular diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Florian Udry
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
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Seah I, Goh D, Chan HW, Su X. Developing Non-Human Primate Models of Inherited Retinal Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:344. [PMID: 35205388 PMCID: PMC8872446 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) represent a genetically and clinically heterogenous group of diseases that can eventually lead to blindness. Advances in sequencing technologies have resulted in better molecular characterization and genotype-phenotype correlation of IRDs. This has fueled research into therapeutic development over the recent years. Animal models are required for pre-clinical efficacy assessment. Non-human primates (NHP) are ideal due to the anatomical and genetic similarities shared with humans. However, developing NHP disease to recapitulate the disease phenotype for specific IRDs may be challenging from both technical and cost perspectives. This review discusses the currently available NHP IRD models and the methods used for development, with a particular focus on gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Seah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119 228, Singapore; (I.S.); (H.W.C.)
| | - Debbie Goh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119 228, Singapore;
| | - Hwei Wuen Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119 228, Singapore; (I.S.); (H.W.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119 228, Singapore;
| | - Xinyi Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119 228, Singapore; (I.S.); (H.W.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119 228, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138 673, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169 856, Singapore
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Lohia A, Sahel DK, Salman M, Singh V, Mariappan I, Mittal A, Chitkara D. Delivery Strategies for CRISPR/Cas Genome editing tool for Retinal Dystrophies: challenges and opportunities. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:153-176. [PMID: 36320315 PMCID: PMC9614410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas, an adaptive immune system in bacteria, has been adopted as an efficient and precise tool for site-specific gene editing with potential therapeutic opportunities. It has been explored for a variety of applications, including gene modulation, epigenome editing, diagnosis, mRNA editing, etc. It has found applications in retinal dystrophic conditions including progressive cone and cone-rod dystrophies, congenital stationary night blindness, X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, leber's congenital amaurosis, etc. Most of the therapies for retinal dystrophic conditions work by regressing symptoms instead of reversing the gene mutations. CRISPR/Cas9 through indel could impart beneficial effects in the reversal of gene mutations in dystrophic conditions. Recent research has also consolidated on the approaches of using CRISPR systems for retinal dystrophies but their delivery to the posterior part of the eye is a major concern due to high molecular weight, negative charge, and in vivo stability of CRISPR components. Recently, non-viral vectors have gained interest due to their potential in tissue-specific nucleic acid (miRNA/siRNA/CRISPR) delivery. This review highlights the opportunities of retinal dystrophies management using CRISPR/Cas nanomedicine.
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Szarka G, Balogh M, Tengölics ÁJ, Ganczer A, Völgyi B, Kovács-Öller T. The role of gap junctions in cell death and neuromodulation in the retina. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1911-1920. [PMID: 33642359 PMCID: PMC8343308 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision altering diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, retinal vascular disease, traumatic brain injuries and others cripple many lives and are projected to continue to cause anguish in the foreseeable future. Gap junctions serve as an emerging target for neuromodulation and possible regeneration as they directly connect healthy and/or diseased cells, thereby playing a crucial role in pathophysiology. Since they are permeable for macromolecules, able to cross the cellular barriers, they show duality in illness as a cause and as a therapeutic target. In this review, we take recent advancements in gap junction neuromodulation (pharmacological blockade, gene therapy, electrical and light stimulation) into account, to show the gap junction's role in neuronal cell death and the possible routes of rescuing neuronal and glial cells in the retina succeeding illness or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Szarka
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márton Balogh
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám J. Tengölics
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alma Ganczer
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Völgyi
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kovács-Öller
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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9
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Rayana NP, Sugali CK, Dai J, Peng M, Liu S, Zhang Y, Wan J, Mao W. Using CRISPR Interference as a Therapeutic Approach to Treat TGFβ2-Induced Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:7. [PMID: 34499703 PMCID: PMC8434756 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.12.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) as the most important risk factor. POAG IOP elevation is due to pathological changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Elevated TGFβ2 contributes to these changes and increases IOP. We have shown that histone hyperacetylation is associated with TGFβ2 elevation in the TM. In this study, we determined if clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) interference could specifically deacetylate histones and decrease TGFβ2 in the TM. Methods We tested the efficiency of different promoters in driving KRAB-dCAS9 expression in human TM cells. We also screened and determined the optimal sgRNA sequence in the inhibition of TGFβ2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR was used to determine the binding of KRAB-dCAS9. An adenovirus-mediated TGFβ2-induced ocular hypertension (OHT) mouse model was used to determine the effect of the CRISPR interference system in vivo. Results We found that the CRISPR interference system inhibited TGFβ2 expression in human TM cells, and properly designed sgRNA targeted the promoter of the TGFβ2 gene. Using sgRNA targeting the CMV promoter of the Ad5-CMV-TGFβ2 viral vector, we found that lentivirus-mediated KRAB-dCAS9 and sgRNA expression was able to inhibit Ad5-CMV-TGFβ2-induced OHT in C57BL/6J female and male mice eyes. This inhibition of OHT was associated with decreased levels of TGFβ2 and extracellular matrix proteins in the mouse eye. Conclusions Our results indicate that CRISPR interference is a useful tool for gene inhibition and may be a therapeutic approach to treat TGFβ2-induced OHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Pradeep Rayana
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Chenna Kesavulu Sugali
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Jiannong Dai
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Michael Peng
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Shaohui Liu
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Yucheng Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Weiming Mao
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
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Piotter E, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Therapy Approaches for Stargardt Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1179. [PMID: 34439845 PMCID: PMC8393614 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being the most prevalent cause of inherited blindness in children, Stargardt disease is yet to achieve the same clinical trial success as has been achieved for other inherited retinal diseases. With an early age of onset and continual progression of disease over the life course of an individual, Stargardt disease appears to lend itself to therapeutic intervention. However, the aetiology provides issues not encountered with the likes of choroideremia and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and this has led to a spectrum of treatment strategies that approach the problem from different aspects. These include therapeutics ranging from small molecules and anti-sense oligonucleotides to viral gene supplementation and cell replacement. The advancing development of CRISPR-based molecular tools is also likely to contribute to future therapies by way of genome editing. In this we review, we consider the most recent pre-clinical and clinical trial data relating to the different strategies being applied to the problem of generating a treatment for the large cohort of Stargardt disease patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Piotter
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Sauter MM, Brandt CR. Knockdown of TRIM5α or TRIM11 increases lentiviral vector transduction efficiency of human Muller cells. Exp Eye Res 2021; 204:108436. [PMID: 33440192 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the expression and distribution of the host restriction factors (RFs) TRIM5α and TRIM11 in non-human primate (NHP) neural retina tissue and the human Muller cell line MIO-M1. In addition, experiments were performed to determine the effect of TRIM5α and TRIM11 knockdown on FIVGFP transduction of MIO-M1 cells with the goal of devising strategies to increase the efficiency of lentiviral (LV) gene delivery. Immunofluorescence (IF) studies indicated that TRIM5α and TRIM11 were localized predominantly in nuclei within the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) of NHP retina tissue. Double label IF indicated that TRIM5α and TRIM11 were localized to some of the retinal Muller cell nuclei. MIO-M1 cells expressed TRIM5α predominantly in the nucleus and TRIM11 primarily in the cytosol. FIVGFP transduction efficiency was significantly increased, at 4 and 7 days post transduction, in TRIM5α and TRIM11 knockdown clones (KD) compared to WT MIO-M1 cells. In addition, pretreatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased the transduction efficiency of FIVGFP in WT MIO-M1 cells. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65), at 72 h post FIVGFP transduction, was enhanced in TRIM5α and TRIM11 KD clones. The expression of TRIM5α and TRIM11 in macaque neural retina tissue and MIO-M1 cells indicate the presence of these RFs in NHP retina and human Muller cells. Our data indicate that even partial knockdown of TRIM5α or TRIM11, or a short proteasome inhibitor pretreatment, can increase the transduction efficiency of a LV vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Sauter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Curtis R Brandt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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12
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Ku CA, Pennesi ME. The new landscape of retinal gene therapy. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:846-859. [PMID: 32888388 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Novel therapeutics for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) have rapidly evolved since groundbreaking clinical trials for LCA due to RPE65 mutations led to the first FDA-approved in vivo gene therapy. Since then, advancements in viral vectors have led to more efficient AAV transduction and developed other viral vectors for gene augmentation therapy of large gene targets. Furthermore, significant developments in gene editing and RNA modulation technologies have introduced novel capabilities for treatment of autosomal dominant diseases, intronic mutations, and/or large genes otherwise unable to be treated with current viral vectors. We highlight strategies currently being evaluated in gene therapy clinical trials and promising preclinical developments for IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy A Ku
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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13
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Kleinlogel S, Vogl C, Jeschke M, Neef J, Moser T. Emerging approaches for restoration of hearing and vision. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1467-1525. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00035.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments of vision and hearing are highly prevalent conditions limiting the quality of life and presenting a major socioeconomic burden. For long, retinal and cochlear disorders have remained intractable for causal therapies, with sensory rehabilitation limited to glasses, hearing aids, and electrical cochlear or retinal implants. Recently, the application of gene therapy and optogenetics to eye and ear has generated hope for a fundamental improvement of vision and hearing restoration. To date, one gene therapy for the restoration of vision has been approved and undergoing clinical trials will broaden its application including gene replacement, genome editing, and regenerative approaches. Moreover, optogenetics, i.e. controlling the activity of cells by light, offers a more general alternative strategy. Over little more than a decade, optogenetic approaches have been developed and applied to better understand the function of biological systems, while protein engineers have identified and designed new opsin variants with desired physiological features. Considering potential clinical applications of optogenetics, the spotlight is on the sensory systems. Multiple efforts have been undertaken to restore lost or hampered function in eye and ear. Optogenetic stimulation promises to overcome fundamental shortcomings of electrical stimulation, namely poor spatial resolution and cellular specificity, and accordingly to deliver more detailed sensory information. This review aims at providing a comprehensive reference on current gene therapeutic and optogenetic research relevant to the restoration of hearing and vision. We will introduce gene-therapeutic approaches and discuss the biotechnological and optoelectronic aspects of optogenetic hearing and vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
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14
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Han IC, Burnight ER, Ulferts MJ, Worthington KS, Russell SR, Sohn EH, Mullins RF, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Wiley LA. Helper-Dependent Adenovirus Transduces the Human and Rat Retina but Elicits an Inflammatory Reaction When Delivered Subretinally in Rats. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:1371-1384. [PMID: 31456426 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of >100 genes causing inherited retinal degeneration and the promising results of recent gene augmentation trials have led to an increase in the number of studies investigating the preclinical efficacy of viral-mediated gene transfer. Despite success using adeno-associated viruses, many disease-causing genes, such as ABCA4 or USH2A, are too large to fit into these vectors. One option for large gene delivery is the family of integration-deficient helper-dependent adenoviruses (HDAds), which efficiently transduce postmitotic neurons. However, HDAds have been shown in other organ systems to elicit an immune response, and the immunogenicity of HDAds in the retina has not been characterized. In this study, HDAd serotype 5 (HDAd5) was found to successfully transduce rod and cone photoreceptors in ex vivo human retinal organ cultures. The ocular inflammatory response to subretinal injection of the HDAd5 was evaluated using a rat model. Subretinal injection of HDAd5 carrying cytomegalovirus promoter-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein (HDAd5-CMVp-eGFP) elicited a robust inflammatory response by 3 days postinjection. This reaction included vitreous infiltration of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)-positive monocytes and increased expression of the proinflammatory protein, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). By 7 days postinjection, most Iba1-positive infiltrates migrated into the neural retina and ICAM-1 expression was significantly increased compared with buffer-injected control eyes. At 14 days postinjection, Iba1-positive cells persisted in the retinas of HDAd5-injected eyes, and there was thinning of the outer nuclear layer. Subretinal injection of an empty HDAd5 virus was used to confirm that the inflammatory response was in response to the HDAd5 vector and not due to eGFP-induced overexpression cytotoxicity. Subretinal injection of lower doses of HDAd5 dampened the inflammatory response, but also eGFP expression. Despite their larger carrying capacity, further work is needed to elucidate the inflammatory pathways involved and to identify an immunomodulation paradigm sufficient for safe and effective transfer of large genes to the retina using HDAd5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Han
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erin R Burnight
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Mallory J Ulferts
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kristan S Worthington
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stephen R Russell
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Luke A Wiley
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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15
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Cavalieri V, Baiamonte E, Lo Iacono M. Non-Primate Lentiviral Vectors and Their Applications in Gene Therapy for Ocular Disorders. Viruses 2018; 10:E316. [PMID: 29890733 PMCID: PMC6024700 DOI: 10.3390/v10060316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviruses have a number of molecular features in common, starting with the ability to integrate their genetic material into the genome of non-dividing infected cells. A peculiar property of non-primate lentiviruses consists in their incapability to infect and induce diseases in humans, thus providing the main rationale for deriving biologically safe lentiviral vectors for gene therapy applications. In this review, we first give an overview of non-primate lentiviruses, highlighting their common and distinctive molecular characteristics together with key concepts in the molecular biology of lentiviruses. We next examine the bioengineering strategies leading to the conversion of lentiviruses into recombinant lentiviral vectors, discussing their potential clinical applications in ophthalmological research. Finally, we highlight the invaluable role of animal organisms, including the emerging zebrafish model, in ocular gene therapy based on non-primate lentiviral vectors and in ophthalmology research and vision science in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
- Advanced Technologies Network (ATeN) Center, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Elena Baiamonte
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
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16
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Kumaran N, Michaelides M, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Bainbridge JWB. Retinal gene therapy. Br Med Bull 2018; 126:13-25. [PMID: 29506236 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldy005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inherited retinal diseases are the leading cause of sight impairment in people of working age in England and Wales, and the second commonest in childhood. Gene therapy offers the potential for benefit. SOURCES OF DATA Pubmed and clinicaltrials.gov. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Gene therapy can improve vision in RPE65-associated Leber Congenital Amaurosis (RPE65-LCA). Potential benefit depends on efficient gene transfer and is limited by the extent of retinal degeneration. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The magnitude of vision improvement from RPE65-LCA gene therapy is suboptimal, and its durability may be limited by progressive retinal degeneration. GROWING POINTS The safety and potential benefit of gene therapy for inherited and acquired retinal diseases is being explored in a rapidly expanding number of trials. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Developments in vector design and delivery will enable greater efficiency and safety of gene transfer. Optimization of trial design will accelerate reliable assessment of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neruban Kumaran
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
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17
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DiCarlo JE, Mahajan VB, Tsang SH. Gene therapy and genome surgery in the retina. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:2177-2188. [PMID: 29856367 DOI: 10.1172/jci120429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine seeks to treat disease with molecular specificity. Advances in genome sequence analysis, gene delivery, and genome surgery have allowed clinician-scientists to treat genetic conditions at the level of their pathology. As a result, progress in treating retinal disease using genetic tools has advanced tremendously over the past several decades. Breakthroughs in gene delivery vectors, both viral and nonviral, have allowed the delivery of genetic payloads in preclinical models of retinal disorders and have paved the way for numerous successful clinical trials. Moreover, the adaptation of CRISPR-Cas systems for genome engineering have enabled the correction of both recessive and dominant pathogenic alleles, expanding the disease-modifying power of gene therapies. Here, we highlight the translational progress of gene therapy and genome editing of several retinal disorders, including RPE65-, CEP290-, and GUY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis, as well as choroideremia, achromatopsia, Mer tyrosine kinase- (MERTK-) and RPGR X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, X-linked retinoschisis, Stargardt disease, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E DiCarlo
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Kumaran N, Smith AJ, Michaelides M, Ali R, Bainbridge J. Gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2018.1429916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neruban Kumaran
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alexander J. Smith
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robin Ali
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - James Bainbridge
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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19
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Letelier J, Bovolenta P, Martínez-Morales JR. The pigmented epithelium, a bright partner against photoreceptor degeneration. J Neurogenet 2017; 31:203-215. [PMID: 29113536 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2017.1395876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sight depends on the intimate association between photoreceptors and pigment epithelial cells. The evolutionary origin of this cellular tandem can be traced back to the emergence of bilateral animals, at least 450 million years ago, as they define the minimal unit of the ancestral prototypic eye. Phototransduction is a demanding process from the energetic and homeostatic points of view, and not surprisingly photoreceptive cells are particularly susceptible to damage and degeneration. Here, we will examine the different ancillary roles that the pigmented cells play in the physiology and homeostasis of photoreceptors, linking each one of these processes to the most common hereditary retinal diseases. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities of recent therapeutic advances based on cell and gene replacement. The transition from animal models to clinical trials will be addressed for each one of the different therapeutic strategies with a special focus on those depending on retinal-pigmented epithelial cells. Finally, we will discuss the potential impact of combining CRISPR technologies with gene and cell therapy approaches, which - in the frame of the personalized medicine revolution - may constitute a leap forward in the treatment of retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Letelier
- a Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA) , Seville , Spain
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- b Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa," (CSIC/UAM) and CIBERER, ISCIII , Madrid , Spain
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20
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King B, Tarr AW. How have retrovirus pseudotypes contributed to our understanding of viral entry? Future Virol 2017. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2017-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Study of virus entry into host cells is important for understanding viral tropism and pathogenesis. Studying the entry of in vitro cultured viruses is not always practicable. Study of highly pathogenic viruses, viruses that do not grow in culture, and viruses that rapidly change phenotype in vitro can all benefit from alternative models of entry. Retrovirus particles can be engineered to display the envelope proteins of heterologous enveloped viruses. This approach, broadly termed ‘pseudotyping’, is an important technique for interrogating virus entry. In this perspective we consider how retrovirus pseudotypes have addressed these challenges and improved our understanding of the entry pathways of diverse virus species, including Ebolavirus, human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas King
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust & the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alexander W Tarr
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust & the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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21
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Evaluation of tolerance to lentiviral LV-RPE65 gene therapy vector after subretinal delivery in non-human primates. Transl Res 2017; 188:40-57.e4. [PMID: 28754419 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Several approaches have been developed for gene therapy in RPE65-related Leber congenital amaurosis. To date, strategies that have reached the clinical stages rely on adeno-associated viral vectors and two of them documented limited long-term effect. We have developed a lentiviral-based strategy of RPE65 gene transfer that efficiently restored protein expression and cone function in RPE65-deficient mice. In this study, we evaluated the ocular and systemic tolerances of this lentiviral-based therapy (LV-RPE65) on healthy nonhuman primates (NHPs), without adjuvant systemic anti-inflammatory prophylaxis. For the first time, we describe the early kinetics of retinal detachment at 2, 4, and 7 days after subretinal injection using multimodal imaging in 5 NHPs. We revealed prolonged reattachment times in LV-RPE65-injected eyes compared to vehicle-injected eyes. Low- (n = 2) and high-dose (n = 2) LV-RPE65-injected eyes presented a reduction of the outer nuclear and photoreceptor outer segment layer thickness in the macula, that was more pronounced than in vehicle-injected eyes (n = 4). All LV-RPE65-injected eyes showed an initial perivascular reaction that resolved spontaneously within 14 days. Despite foveal structural changes, full-field electroretinography indicated that the overall retinal function was preserved over time and immunohistochemistry identified no difference in glial, microglial, or leucocyte ocular activation between low-dose, high-dose, and vehicle-injected eyes. Moreover, LV-RPE65-injected animals did not show signs of vector shedding or extraocular targeting, confirming the safe ocular restriction of the vector. Our results evidence a limited ocular tolerance to LV-RPE65 after subretinal injection without adjuvant anti-inflammatory prophylaxis, with complications linked to this route of administration necessitating to block this transient inflammatory event.
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22
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Campochiaro PA, Lauer AK, Sohn EH, Mir TA, Naylor S, Anderton MC, Kelleher M, Harrop R, Ellis S, Mitrophanous KA. Lentiviral Vector Gene Transfer of Endostatin/Angiostatin for Macular Degeneration (GEM) Study. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 28:99-111. [PMID: 27710144 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) is a prevalent cause of vision loss. Intraocular injections of VEGF-neutralizing proteins provide benefit, but many patients require frequent injections for a prolonged period. Benefits are often lost over time due to lapses in treatment. New treatments that sustain anti-angiogenic activity are needed. This study tested the safety and expression profile of a lentiviral Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) vector expressing endostatin and angiostatin (RetinoStat®). Patients with advanced NVAMD were enrolled at three centers in the United States, and the study eye received a subretinal injection of 2.4 × 104 (n = 3), 2.4 × 105 (n = 3), or 8.0 × 105 transduction units (TU; n = 15). Each of the doses was well-tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities. There was little or no ocular inflammation. There was one procedure-related serious adverse event (AE), a macular hole, which was managed without difficulty and resolved. There was a vector dose-related increase in aqueous humor levels of endostatin and angiostatin with high reproducibility among subjects within cohorts. Mean levels of endostatin and angiostatin peaked between 12 and 24 weeks after injection of 2.4 × 105 TU or 8.0 × 105 TU at 57-81 ng/mL for endostatin and 15-27 ng/mL for angiostatin, and remained stable through the last measurement at week 48. Long-term follow-up demonstrated expression was maintained at last measurement (2.5 years in eight subjects and >4 years in two subjects). Despite an apparent reduction in fluorescein angiographic leakage that broadly correlated with the expression levels in the majority of patients, only one subject showed convincing evidence of anti-permeability activity in these late-stage patients. There was no significant change in mean lesion size in subjects injected with 8.0 × 105 TU. These data demonstrate that EIAV vectors provide a safe platform with robust and sustained transgene expression for ocular gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Campochiaro
- 1 The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andreas K Lauer
- 2 Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University , Portland Oregon
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Tahreem A Mir
- 1 The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stuart Naylor
- 4 Formerly of Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michelle Kelleher
- 5 Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Windrush Court, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Harrop
- 5 Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Windrush Court, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Ellis
- 5 Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Windrush Court, Oxford, United Kingdom
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23
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Dalkara D, Goureau O, Marazova K, Sahel JA. Let There Be Light: Gene and Cell Therapy for Blindness. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:134-47. [PMID: 26751519 PMCID: PMC4779297 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Retinal cell death is the main cause of vision loss in genetic disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and Leber congenital amaurosis, as well as in complex age-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. For these blinding conditions, gene and cell therapy approaches offer therapeutic intervention at various disease stages. The present review outlines advances in therapies for retinal degenerative disease, focusing on the progress and challenges in the development and clinical translation of gene and cell therapies. A significant body of preclinical evidence and initial clinical results pave the way for further development of these cutting edge treatments for patients with retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, France
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, France
| | - Katia Marazova
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, France
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
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24
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Trapani I, Banfi S, Simonelli F, Surace EM, Auricchio A. Gene therapy of inherited retinal degenerations: prospects and challenges. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 26:193-200. [PMID: 25762209 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of its favorable anatomical and immunological characteristics, the eye has been at the forefront of translational gene therapy. Dozens of promising proofs of concept have been obtained in animal models of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), and some of them have been relayed to the clinic. The results from the first clinical trials for a congenital form of blindness have generated great interest and have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of intraocular administrations of viral vectors in humans. However, this progress has also generated new questions and posed challenges that need to be addressed to further expand the applicability of gene therapy in the eye, including safe delivery of viral vectors to the outer retina, treatment of dominant IRDs as well as of IRDs caused by mutations in large genes, and, finally, selection of the appropriate IRDs and patients to maximize the efficacy of gene transfer. This review summarizes the strategies that are currently being exploited to overcome these challenges and drive the clinical development of retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- 1 Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) , Pozzuoli, Naples 80078, Italy
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25
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Zulliger R, Conley SM, Naash MI. Non-viral therapeutic approaches to ocular diseases: An overview and future directions. J Control Release 2015; 219:471-487. [PMID: 26439665 PMCID: PMC4699668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Currently there are no viable treatment options for patients with debilitating inherited retinal degeneration. The vast variability in disease-inducing mutations and resulting phenotypes has hampered the development of therapeutic interventions. Gene therapy is a logical approach, and recent work has focused on ways to optimize vector design and packaging to promote optimized expression and phenotypic rescue after intraocular delivery. In this review, we discuss ongoing ocular clinical trials, which currently use viral gene delivery, but focus primarily on new advancements in optimizing the efficacy of non-viral gene delivery for ocular diseases. Non-viral delivery systems are highly customizable, allowing functionalization to improve cellular and nuclear uptake, bypassing cellular degradative machinery, and improving gene expression in the nucleus. Non-viral vectors often yield transgene expression levels lower than viral counterparts, however their favorable safety/immune profiles and large DNA capacity (critical for the delivery of large ocular disease genes) make their further development a research priority. Recent work on particle coating and vector engineering presents exciting ways to overcome limitations of transient/low gene expression levels, but also highlights the fact that further refinements are needed before use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Zulliger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5060, United States
| | - Shannon M Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5060, United States.
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26
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Nafissi N, Foldvari M. Neuroprotective therapies in glaucoma: I. Neurotrophic factor delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 8:240-54. [PMID: 26306832 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative eye disease that causes permanent blindness at the progressive stage and the number of people affected worldwide is expected to reach over 79 million by 2020. Currently, glaucoma management relies on pharmacological and invasive surgical treatments mainly by reducing the intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the most important risk factor for the progression of the visual field loss. Recent research suggests that neuroprotective or neuroregenerative approaches are necessary to prevent retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss and visual impairment over time. Neuroprotection is a new therapeutic strategy that attempts to keep RGCs alive and functional. New gene and cell therapeutics encoding neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are emerging for both neuroprotection and regenerative treatments for retinal diseases. This article briefly reviews the role of NTFs in glaucoma and the potential delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Nafissi
- School of Pharmacy and Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianna Foldvari
- School of Pharmacy and Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Khabou H, Dalkara D. [Developments in gene delivery vectors for ocular gene therapy]. Med Sci (Paris) 2015; 31:529-37. [PMID: 26059304 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20153105015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is quickly becoming a reality applicable in the clinic for inherited retinal diseases. Its remarkable success in safety and efficacy, in clinical trials for Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA) type II generated significant interest and opened up possibilities for a new era of retinal gene therapies. Success in these clinical trials was mainly due to the favorable characteristics of the retina as a target organ. The eye offers several advantages as it is readily accessible and has some degree of immune privilege making it suitable for application of viral vectors. The viral vectors most frequently used for retinal gene delivery are lentivirus, adenovirus and adeno-associated virus (AAV). Here we will discuss the use of these viral vectors in retinal gene delivery with a strong focus on favorable properties of AAV. Thanks to its small size, AAV diffuses well in the inter-neural matrix making it suitable for applications in neural retina. Building on this initial clinical success with LCA II, we have now many opportunities to extend this proof-of-concept to other retinal diseases using AAV as a vector. This article will discuss what are some of the most imminent cellular targets for such therapies and the AAV toolkit that has been built to target these cells successfully. We will also discuss some of the challenges that we face in translating AAV-based gene therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanen Khabou
- Inserm UMR S968, Institut de la vision, 17, rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France - Sorbonne universités, UPMC université Paris 6, UMR S968, 75012 Paris, France - CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Inserm UMR S968, Institut de la vision, 17, rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France - Sorbonne universités, UPMC université Paris 6, UMR S968, 75012 Paris, France - CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France
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Elevation of intraocular pressure in rodents using viral vectors targeting the trabecular meshwork. Exp Eye Res 2015; 141:33-41. [PMID: 26025608 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Rodents are increasingly being used as glaucoma models to study ocular hypertension, optic neuropathy, and retinopathy. A number of different techniques are used to elevate intraocular pressure in rodent eyes by artificially obstructing the aqueous outflow pathway. Another successful technique to induce ocular hypertension is to transduce the trabecular meshwork of rodent eyes with viral vectors expressing glaucoma associated transgenes to provide more relevant models of glaucomatous damage to the trabecular meshwork. This technique has been used to validate newly discovered glaucoma pathogenesis pathways as well as to develop rodent models of primary open angle glaucoma. Ocular hypertension has successfully been induced by adenovirus 5 mediated delivery of mutant MYOC, bioactivated TGFβ2, SFRP1, DKK1, GREM1, and CD44. Advantages of this approach are: selective tropism for the trabecular meshwork, the ability to use numerous mouse strains, and the relatively rapid onset of IOP elevation. Disadvantages include mild-to-moderate ocular inflammation induced by the Ad5 vector and sometimes transient transgene expression. Current efforts are focused at discovering less immunogenic viral vectors that have tropism for the trabecular meshwork and drive sufficient transgene expression to induce ocular hypertension. This viral vector approach allows rapid proof of concept studies to study glaucomatous damage to the trabecular meshwork without the expensive and time-consuming generation of transgenic mouse lines.
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Abstract
Clinical trials treating inherited retinal dystrophy caused by RPE65 mutations had put retinal gene therapy at the forefront of gene therapy. Both successes and limitations in these clinical trials have fueled developments in gene vectors, which continue to further advance the field. These novel gene vectors aim to more safely and efficiently transduce retinal cells, expand the gene packaging capacity of AAV, and utilize new strategies to correct the varying mechanisms of dysfunction found with inherited retinal dystrophies. With recent clinical trials and numerous pre-clinical studies utilizing these novel vectors, the future of ocular gene therapy continues to hold vast potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy A Ku
- Center for Neuroscience, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Treatment of ocular disorders by gene therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2014; 95:331-42. [PMID: 25536112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy to treat ocular disorders is still starting, and current therapies are primarily experimental, with most human clinical trials still in research state, although beginning to show encouraging results. Currently 33 clinical trials have been approved, are in progress, or have been completed. The most promising results have been obtained in clinical trials of ocular gene therapy for Leber Congenital Amaurosis, which have prompted the study of several ocular diseases that are good candidates to be treated with gene therapy: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or choroideremia. The success of gene therapy relies on the efficient delivery of the genetic material to target cells, achieving optimum long-term gene expression. Although viral vectors have been widely used, their potential risk associated mainly with immunogenicity and mutagenesis has promoted the design of non-viral vectors. In this review, the main administration routes and the most studied delivery systems, viral and non-viral, for ocular gene therapy are presented. The primary ocular disease candidates to be treated with gene therapy have been also reviewed, including the genetic basis and the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies.
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Xiang Y, Li B, Wang JM, Li GG, Zhang H, Manyande A, Tian XB. Gene transfer to human trabecular meshwork cells in vitro and ex vivo using HIV-based lentivirus. Int J Ophthalmol 2014; 7:924-9. [PMID: 25540740 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2014.06.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate whether the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene could be transferred into human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells by a HIV-based lentivirus both in vitro and ex vivo. METHODS The HIV-based lentivirus that contains an EF1-α promoter driving EGFP expression cassette was constructed following the standard molecular cloning methods. The cultured HTM cells were transduced at a range of multiplicity of infection (MOI) with HIV-based lentivirus. EGFP positive cell populations were detected by flow cytometry. Human anterior eye segments were cultured with perfusion culture system and transfected by HIV-based lentivirus with a 1×10(8) transducing unit (TU) virus in perfusion liquid. The intraocular pressure was recorded every 8h for 21d. The expression of EGFP in the anterior segment of the human eye was detected by fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the distribution of EGFP expression was confirmed by anti-EGFP immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The HIV-based lentivirus which contains an EF1-α promoter driving EGFP expression cassette was constructed successfully. After HTM cells were transduced with HIV-based lentivirus containing EGFP in vitro, the ratio of EGFP positive cells to the total cell number reached 92.3%, with the MOI of 15. After the lentivirus containing EGFP were used to transduce human anterior eye segments, the EGFP could be directly detected by fluorescence microscopy in vivo. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that 88.19% EGFP-positive trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were observed in the human anterior segment. Nevertheless, the intraocular pressure in the lentivirus-transduced group kept constant when compared with control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION EGFP gene could be efficiently transferred into HTM cells both in vitro and ex vivo by using HIV-based lentivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jun-Ming Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Gui-Gang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Anne Manyande
- School of Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences, University of West London, London W5 5RF, UK
| | - Xue-Bi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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Trapani I, Puppo A, Auricchio A. Vector platforms for gene therapy of inherited retinopathies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 43:108-28. [PMID: 25124745 PMCID: PMC4241499 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinopathies (IR) are common untreatable blinding conditions. Most of them are inherited as monogenic disorders, due to mutations in genes expressed in retinal photoreceptors (PR) and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The retina's compatibility with gene transfer has made transduction of different retinal cell layers in small and large animal models via viral and non-viral vectors possible. The ongoing identification of novel viruses as well as modifications of existing ones based either on rational design or directed evolution have generated vector variants with improved transduction properties. Dozens of promising proofs of concept have been obtained in IR animal models with both viral and non-viral vectors, and some of them have been relayed to clinical trials. To date, recombinant vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) represent the most promising tool for retinal gene therapy, given their ability to efficiently deliver therapeutic genes to both PR and RPE and their excellent safety and efficacy profiles in humans. However, AAVs' limited cargo capacity has prevented application of the viral vector to treatments requiring transfer of genes with a coding sequence larger than 5 kb. Vectors with larger capacity, i.e. nanoparticles, adenoviral and lentiviral vectors are being exploited for gene transfer to the retina in animal models and, more recently, in humans. This review focuses on the available platforms for retinal gene therapy to fight inherited blindness, highlights their main strengths and examines the efforts to overcome some of their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Agostina Puppo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Lopes VS, Diemer T, Williams DS. Assessment of different virus-mediated approaches for retinal gene therapy of Usher 1B. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 801:725-31. [PMID: 24664764 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 1B, which is characterized by congenital deafness and progressive retinal degeneration, is caused by the loss of the function of MYO7A. Prevention of the retinal degeneration should be possible by delivering functional MYO7A to retinal cells. Although this approach has been used successfully in clinical trials for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA2), it remains a challenge for Usher 1B because of the large size of the MYO7A cDNA. Different viral vectors have been tested for use in MYO7A gene therapy. Here, we review approaches with lentiviruses, which can accommodate larger genes, as well as attempts to use adeno-associated virus (AAV), which has a smaller packaging capacity. In conclusion, both types of viral vector appear to be effective. Despite concerns about the ability of lentiviruses to access the photoreceptor cells, a phenotype of the photoreceptors of Myo7a-mutant mice can be corrected. And although MYO7A cDNA is significantly larger than the nominal carrying capacity of AAV, AAV-MYO7A in single vectors also corrected Myo7a-mutant phenotypes in photoreceptor and RPE cells. Interestingly, however, a dual AAV vector approach was found to be much less effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanda S Lopes
- Stein Eye Institute, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, 90095-7008, Los Angeles, CA, USA,
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Puppo A, Cesi G, Marrocco E, Piccolo P, Jacca S, Shayakhmetov DM, Parks RJ, Davidson BL, Colloca S, Brunetti-Pierri N, Ng P, Donofrio G, Auricchio A. Retinal transduction profiles by high-capacity viral vectors. Gene Ther 2014; 21:855-65. [PMID: 24989814 PMCID: PMC4193889 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is safe and effective in humans. However, the limited cargo capacity of AAV prevents their use for therapy of those inherited retinopathies (IRs) due to mutations in large (>5kb) genes. Viral vectors derived from Adenovirus (Ad), Lentivirus (LV) and Herpesvirus (HV) can package large DNA sequences but do not target efficiently retinal photoreceptors (PRs) where the majority of genes responsible for IRs are expressed. Here, we have evaluated the mouse retinal transduction profiles of vectors derived from 16 different Ad serotypes, 7 LV pseudotypes, and from a bovine HV. Most of the vectors tested transduced efficiently the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We found that LV-GP64 tends to transduce more PRs than the canonical LV-VSVG albeit this was restricted to a narrow region. We observed more extensive PR transduction with HdAd1, 2 and 5/F35++ than with LV, although none of them outperformed the canonical HdAd5 or matched the extension of PR transduction achieved with AAV2/8.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Puppo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - G Cesi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - E Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - P Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - S Jacca
- Department of Medical Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - D M Shayakhmetov
- Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R J Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - B L Davidson
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | - P Ng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G Donofrio
- Department of Medical Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - A Auricchio
- 1] Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy [2] Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Parker M, Bellec J, McFarland T, Scripps V, Appukuttan B, Hartzell M, Yeager A, Hady T, Mitrophanous KA, Stout T, Ellis S. Suppression of Neovascularization of Donor Corneas by Transduction with Equine Infectious Anemia Virus-Based Lentiviral Vectors Expressing Endostatin and Angiostatin. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:408-18. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Parker
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Jessica Bellec
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd., Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor McFarland
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Vicky Scripps
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd., Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Binoy Appukuttan
- Clinical & Molecular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
| | - Matt Hartzell
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Austen Yeager
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Thomas Hady
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239
| | | | - Tim Stout
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Scott Ellis
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd., Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
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Zallocchi M, Binley K, Lad Y, Ellis S, Widdowson P, Iqball S, Scripps V, Kelleher M, Loader J, Miskin J, Peng YW, Wang WM, Cheung L, Delimont D, Mitrophanous KA, Cosgrove D. EIAV-based retinal gene therapy in the shaker1 mouse model for usher syndrome type 1B: development of UshStat. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94272. [PMID: 24705452 PMCID: PMC3976400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 1B is a combined deaf-blindness condition caused by mutations in the MYO7A gene. Loss of functional myosin VIIa in the retinal pigment epithelia (RPE) and/or photoreceptors leads to blindness. We evaluated the impact of subretinally delivered UshStat, a recombinant EIAV-based lentiviral vector expressing human MYO7A, on photoreceptor function in the shaker1 mouse model for Usher type 1B that lacks a functional Myo7A gene. Subretinal injections of EIAV-CMV-GFP, EIAV-RK-GFP (photoreceptor specific), EIAV-CMV-MYO7A (UshStat) or EIAV-CMV-Null (control) vectors were performed in shaker1 mice. GFP and myosin VIIa expression was evaluated histologically. Photoreceptor function in EIAV-CMV-MYO7A treated eyes was determined by evaluating α-transducin translocation in photoreceptors in response to low light intensity levels, and protection from light induced photoreceptor degeneration was measured. The safety and tolerability of subretinally delivered UshStat was evaluated in macaques. Expression of GFP and myosin VIIa was confirmed in the RPE and photoreceptors in shaker1 mice following subretinal delivery of the EIAV-CMV-GFP/MYO7A vectors. The EIAV-CMV-MYO7A vector protected the shaker1 mouse photoreceptors from acute and chronic intensity light damage, indicated by a significant reduction in photoreceptor cell loss, and restoration of the α-transducin translocation threshold in the photoreceptors. Safety studies in the macaques demonstrated that subretinal delivery of UshStat is safe and well-tolerated. Subretinal delivery of EIAV-CMV-MYO7A (UshStat) rescues photoreceptor phenotypes in the shaker1 mouse. In addition, subretinally delivered UshStat is safe and well-tolerated in macaque safety studies These data support the clinical development of UshStat to treat Usher type 1B syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Zallocchi
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Katie Binley
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yatish Lad
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Ellis
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Widdowson
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sharifah Iqball
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vicky Scripps
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Kelleher
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Loader
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - James Miskin
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - You-Wei Peng
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Wei-Min Wang
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Linda Cheung
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Duane Delimont
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | | | - Dominic Cosgrove
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Boye SE, Huang WC, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Boye SL, Ryals RC, Olivares MB, Ruan Q, Tucker BA, Stone EM, Swaroop A, Cideciyan AV, Hauswirth WW, Jacobson SG. Natural history of cone disease in the murine model of Leber congenital amaurosis due to CEP290 mutation: determining the timing and expectation of therapy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92928. [PMID: 24671090 PMCID: PMC3966841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in the CEP290 (cilia-centrosomal protein 290 kDa) gene in Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) cause early onset visual loss but retained cone photoreceptors in the fovea, which is the potential therapeutic target. A cone-only mouse model carrying a Cep290 gene mutation, rd16;Nrl−/−, was engineered to mimic the human disease. In the current study, we determined the natural history of retinal structure and function in this murine model to permit design of pre-clinical proof-of-concept studies and allow progress to be made toward human therapy. Analyses of retinal structure and visual function in CEP290-LCA patients were also performed for comparison with the results in the model. Methods Rd16;Nrl−/− mice were studied in the first 90 days of life with optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), retinal histopathology and immunocytochemistry. Structure and function data from a cohort of patients with CEP290-LCA (n = 15; ages 7–48) were compared with those of the model. Results CEP290-LCA patients retain a central island of photoreceptors with normal thickness at the fovea (despite severe visual loss); the extent of this island declined slowly with age. The rd16;Nrl−/− model also showed a relatively slow photoreceptor layer decline in thickness with ∼80% remaining at 3 months. The number of pseudorosettes also became reduced. By comparison to single mutant Nrl−/− mice, UV- and M-cone ERGs of rd16;Nrl−/− were at least 1 log unit reduced at 1 month of age and declined further over the 3 months of monitoring. Expression of GNAT2 and S-opsin also decreased with age. Conclusions The natural history of early loss of photoreceptor function with retained cone cell nuclei is common to both CEP290-LCA patients and the rd16;Nrl−/− murine model. Pre-clinical proof-of-concept studies for uniocular therapies would seem most appropriate to begin with intervention at P35–40 and re-study after one month by assaying interocular difference in the UV-cone ERG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SGJ); (SEB)
| | - Wei-Chieh Huang
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Renee C. Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Melani B. Olivares
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Qing Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SGJ); (SEB)
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Han Z, Conley SM, Naash MI. Gene Therapy for Stargardt Disease Associated with ABCA4 Gene. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 801:719-24. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Lipinski DM, Barnard AR, Issa PC, Singh MS, De Silva SR, Trabalza A, Eleftheriadou I, Ellison SM, Mazarakis ND, MacLaren RE. Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Glycoprotein– and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus-Derived Glycoprotein–Pseudotyped Lentivirus Vectors Differentially Transduce Corneal Endothelium, Trabecular Meshwork, and Human Photoreceptors. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:50-62. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Lipinski
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Alun R. Barnard
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 35127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Mandeep S. Singh
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha R. De Silva
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Trabalza
- Gene Therapy, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna Eleftheriadou
- Gene Therapy, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart M. Ellison
- Gene Therapy, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D. Mazarakis
- Gene Therapy, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology & Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
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Equine tetherin blocks retrovirus release and its activity is antagonized by equine infectious anemia virus envelope protein. J Virol 2013; 88:1259-70. [PMID: 24227834 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03148-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tetherin is a host restriction factor that inhibits replication of enveloped viruses by blocking viral release. Tetherin has an unusual topology that includes an N-terminal cytoplasmic tail, a single transmembrane domain, an extracellular domain, and a C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Tetherin is not well conserved across species, so it inhibits viral replication in a species-specific manner. Thus, studies of tetherin activities from different species provide an important tool for understanding its antiviral mechanism. Here, we report cloning of equine tetherin and characterization of its antiviral activity. Equine tetherin shares 53%, 40%, 36%, and 34% amino acid sequence identity with feline, human, simian, and murine tetherins, respectively. Like the feline tetherin, equine tetherin has a shorter N-terminal domain than human tetherin. Equine tetherin is localized on the cell surface and strongly blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) release from virus-producing cells. The antiviral activity of equine tetherin is neutralized by EIAV envelope protein, but not by the HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu, which is a human tetherin antagonist, and EIAV envelope protein does not counteract human tetherin. These results shed new light on our understanding of the species-specific tetherin antiviral mechanism.
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Colella P, Auricchio A. Gene therapy of inherited retinopathies: a long and successful road from viral vectors to patients. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 23:796-807. [PMID: 22734691 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinopathies (IRs) are common and untreatable blinding conditions inherited mostly as monogenic due to mutations in genes expressed in retinal photoreceptors (PRs) and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Over the last two decades, the retina has emerged as one of the most favorable target tissues for gene therapy given its small size and its enclosed and immune-privileged environment. Different types of viral vectors have been developed, especially those based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV), which efficiently deliver therapeutic genes to PRs or RPE upon subretinal injections. Dozens of successful proofs of concept of the efficacy of gene therapy for recessive and dominant IRs have been generated in small and large models that have paved the way to the first clinical trials using AAV in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe form of childhood blindness. The results from these initial trials suggest that retinal gene therapy with AAV is safe in humans, that vision can be improved in patients that have suffered from severe impairment of visual function, in some cases for decades, and that readministration of AAV to the subretinal space is feasible, effective, and safe. However, none of the trials could match the levels of efficacy of gene therapy observed in a dog model of the disease, suggesting that there is room for improvement. In conclusion, these results bode well for further testing of AAV-mediated retinal gene therapy in patients with other monogenic and complex forms of blindness.
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McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Gene therapy for retinal disease. Transl Res 2013; 161:241-54. [PMID: 23305707 PMCID: PMC3831157 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy strategies for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases have made major advances in recent years. This review focuses on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector approaches to treat retinal degeneration and, thus, prevent or delay the onset of blindness. Data from human clinical trials of gene therapy for retinal disease show encouraging signs of safety and efficacy from AAV vectors. Recent progress in enhancing cell-specific targeting and transduction efficiency of the various retinal layers plus the use of AAV-delivered growth factors to augment the therapeutic effect and limit cell death suggest even greater success in future human trials is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Li G, Gonzalez P, Camras LJ, Navarro I, Qiu J, Challa P, Stamer WD. Optimizing gene transfer to conventional outflow cells in living mouse eyes. Exp Eye Res 2013; 109:8-16. [PMID: 23337742 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The mouse eye has physiological and genetic advantages to study conventional outflow function. However, its small size and shallow anterior chamber presents technical challenges to efficient intracameral delivery of genetic material to conventional outflow cells. The goal of this study was to optimize methods to overcome this technical hurdle, without damaging ocular structures or compromising outflow function. Gene targeting was monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy after transduction of adenovirus encoding green fluorescent protein driven by a CMV promoter. Guided by a micromanipulator and stereomicroscope, virus was delivered intracamerally to anesthetized mice by bolus injection using a 33 gauge needle attached to Hamilton syringe or infusion with glass micropipette connected to syringe pump. The total number of particles introduced remained constant, while volume of injected virus solution (3-10 μl) was varied for each method and time of infusion (3-40 min) tested. Outflow facility and intraocular pressure were monitored invasively using established techniques. Unlike bolus injections or slow infusions, introduction of virus intracamerally during rapid infusions (3 min) at any volume tested preferentially targeted trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal cells, with minimal transduction of neighboring cells. While infusions resulted in transient intraocular pressure spikes (commensurate with volume infused, Δ40-70 mmHg), eyes typically recovered within 60 min. Transduced eyes displayed normal outflow facility and tissue morphology 3-6 days after infusions. Taken together, fast infusion of virus solution in small volumes intracamerally is a novel and effective method to selectively deliver agents to conventional outflow cells in living mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 3802, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Lipinski DM, Thake M, MacLaren RE. Clinical applications of retinal gene therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 32:22-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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45
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Bennett J, Maguire AM. Gene Therapy for Retinal Disease. Retina 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0737-9.00034-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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46
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Binley K, Widdowson PS, Kelleher M, de Belin J, Loader J, Ferrige G, Carlucci M, Esapa M, Chipchase D, Angell-Manning D, Ellis S, Mitrophanous K, Miskin J, Bantseev V, Nork TM, Miller P, Naylor S. Safety and Biodistribution of an Equine Infectious Anemia Virus-Based Gene Therapy, RetinoStat®, for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:980-91. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Binley
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Peter S. Widdowson
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Kelleher
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie de Belin
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Loader
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina Ferrige
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Carlucci
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Esapa
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Chipchase
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | | | - Scott Ellis
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | | | - James Miskin
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Vlad Bantseev
- Covance Laboratories, Madison, WI 53704
- Present address: Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - T. Michael Nork
- Comparative Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53792
| | - Paul Miller
- Comparative Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53792
| | - Stuart Naylor
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
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Absence of ocular malignant transformation after sub-retinal delivery of rAAV2/2 or integrating lentiviral vectors in p53-deficient mice. Gene Ther 2011; 19:182-8. [PMID: 22113317 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Insertional mutagenesis following gene therapy with gammaretroviral vectors can cause the development of lymphoproliferation in children with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. In experimental studies, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have also been reported to increase susceptibility to carcinogenesis. The possibility of vector-induced transformation in quiescent ocular cells is probably significantly lower than in mitotically active cells, but given the increasing number of clinical applications of rAAV and lentiviral vectors for ocular disease, a specific assessment of their oncogenic potential in the eye is important. In this study, we investigated the effect of rAAV2/2 and integrating HIV-1 vectors upon the incidence of ocular neoplasia in p53 tumour-suppressor gene-knockout (p53(-/-)) mice, which are highly susceptible to intraocular malignant transformation. Subretinal injections of high titre rAAV2/2 or integrating HIV-1 vectors induced no tumours in p53(-/-) or p53(+/-) animals, nor significantly affected their natural longevity. We conclude that any insertional events arising from subretinal delivery of these vectors appear insufficient to cause intraocular malignancy, even in highly susceptible animals. These findings support the continued development of these vectors for ocular applications.
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Abstract
Substantial advances in our understanding of lentivirus lifecycles and their various constituent proteins have permitted the bioengineering of lentiviral vectors now considered safe enough for clinical trials for both lethal and non-lethal diseases. They possess distinct properties that make them particularly suitable for gene delivery in ophthalmic diseases, including high expression, consistent targeting of various post-mitotic ocular cells in vivo and a paucity of associated intraocular inflammation, all contributing to their ability to mediate efficient and stable intraocular gene transfer. In this review, the intraocular tropisms and therapeutic applications of both primate and non-primate lentiviral vectors, and how the unique features of the eye influence these, are discussed. The feasibility of therapeutic targeting using these vectors in animal models of both anterior and posterior ophthalmic disorders has been established, and has, in combination with substantial progress in enhancing lentiviral vector bio-safety over the past two decades, paved the way for the first human ophthalmic clinical trials using lentivirus-based gene transfer vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Balaggan
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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Nork TM, Murphy CJ, Kim CBY, Ver Hoeve JN, Rasmussen CA, Miller PE, Wabers HD, Neider MW, Dubielzig RR, McCulloh RJ, Christian BJ. Functional and anatomic consequences of subretinal dosing in the cynomolgus macaque. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 130:65-75. [PMID: 21911651 DOI: 10.1001/archophthalmol.2011.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize functional and anatomic sequelae of a bleb induced by subretinal injection. METHODS Subretinal injections (100 μL) of balanced salt solution were placed in the superotemporal macula of 1 eye in 3 cynomolgus macaques. Fellow eyes received intravitreal injections (100 μL) of balanced salt solution. Fundus photography, ocular coherence tomography, and multifocal electroretinography were performed before and immediately after injection and again at intervals up to 3 months postinjection. Histopathologic analyses included transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein, rhodopsin, M/L-cone opsin, and S-cone opsin. RESULTS Retinas were reattached by 2 days postinjection (seen by ocular coherence tomography). Multifocal electroretinography waveforms were suppressed post-subretinal injection within the subretinal injection bleb and, surprisingly, also in regions far peripheral to this area. Multifocal electroretinography amplitudes were nearly completely recovered by 90 days. The spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography inner segment-outer segment line had decreased reflectivity at 92 days. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-cone opsin staining were unaffected. Rhodopsin and M/L-cone opsins were partially displaced into the inner segments. Transmission electron microscopy revealed disorganization of the outer segment rod (but not cone) discs. At all postinjection intervals, eyes with intravitreal injection were similar to baseline. CONCLUSIONS Subretinal injection is a promising route for drug delivery to the eye. Three months post-subretinal injection, retinal function was nearly recovered, although reorganization of the outer segment rod disc remained disrupted. Understanding the functional and anatomic effects of subretinal injection is important for interpretation of the effects of compounds delivered to the subretinal space. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Subretinal injection is a new potential route for drug delivery to the eye. Separating drug effects from the procedural effects is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Michael Nork
- Comparative Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin, USA.
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50
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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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