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Słyk Ż, Stachowiak N, Małecki M. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Gene Therapy of the Central Nervous System: Delivery Routes and Clinical Aspects. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1523. [PMID: 39062095 PMCID: PMC11274884 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is vulnerable to a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative and oncological conditions, which present significant treatment challenges. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts molecule penetration, complicating the achievement of therapeutic concentrations in the CNS following systemic administration. Gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors emerges as a promising strategy for treating CNS diseases, demonstrated by the registration of six gene therapy products in the past six years and 87 ongoing clinical trials. This review explores the implementation of rAAV vectors in CNS disease treatment, emphasizing AAV biology and vector engineering. Various administration methods-such as intravenous, intrathecal, and intraparenchymal routes-and experimental approaches like intranasal and intramuscular administration are evaluated, discussing their advantages and limitations in different CNS contexts. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of optimizing therapeutic efficacy through the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of rAAV vectors. A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials reveals successes and challenges, including barriers to commercialization. This review provides insights into therapeutic strategies using rAAV vectors in neurological diseases and identifies areas requiring further research, particularly in optimizing rAAV PK/PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Słyk
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Stachowiak
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Małecki
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Bubeck F, Grimm D. When size matters: A novel compact Cas12a variant for in vivo genome editing. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002637. [PMID: 39018342 PMCID: PMC11253977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A new study characterizes and improves a novel small Cas12a variant before adapting it for in vivo genome editing by delivery via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, showcasing the potential of small CRISPR systems and their compatibility with viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bubeck
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, BQ0030, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, BQ0030, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Minetti A. Unlocking the potential of adeno-associated virus in neuroscience: a brief review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:563. [PMID: 38647711 PMCID: PMC11035420 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09521-6] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal tool in neuroscience research, owing to its remarkable versatility and efficiency in delivering genetic material to diverse cell types within the nervous system. This mini review aims to underscore the advanced applications of AAV vectors in neuroscience and their profound potential to revolutionize our understanding of brain function and therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders. By providing a concise overview of the latest developments and strategies employing AAV vectors, this review illuminates the transformative role of AAV technology in unraveling the complexities of neural circuits and paving the way for innovative treatments. Through elucidating the multifaceted capabilities of AAV-mediated gene delivery, this review underscores its pivotal role as a cornerstone in contemporary neuroscience research, promising remarkable insights into the intricacies of brain biology and offering new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antea Minetti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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4
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Singh M, Brooks A, Toofan P, McLuckie K. Selection of appropriate non-clinical animal models to ensure translatability of novel AAV-gene therapies to the clinic. Gene Ther 2024; 31:56-63. [PMID: 37612361 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Gene Therapy Medicinal Products consist of a recombinant nucleic acid intended for the modulation or manipulation of a genetic sequence. A single administration of a novel gene therapy has the potential to be curative, with a durable long-term benefit to patients. Adeno-associated viral vectors have become the viral vector of choice for in vivo delivery of therapeutic transgenes as they are mildly immunogenic, can effectively transduce a variety of human tissues and cells, and have low levels of genomic integration. Central to the effective translation of data generated in discovery studies to the clinic is the selection of appropriate animal species for pivotal non-clinical studies. This review aims to support the selection of appropriate animal models for non-clinical studies to advance the development of novel adeno-associated virus gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Singh
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK.
| | - Andrew Brooks
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Parto Toofan
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Keith McLuckie
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
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5
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Kadian M, Kok CY, Ravindran D, Passam F, Pasalic L, Kizana E. Focal Anticoagulation by Somatic Gene Transfer: Towards Preventing Cardioembolic Stroke. Heart Lung Circ 2023:S1443-9506(23)00509-7. [PMID: 37316436 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardioembolic stroke (CS) has emerged as a leading cause of ischaemic stroke (IS); distinguished by thrombi embolising to the brain from cardiac origins; most often from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Contemporary therapeutic options are largely dependent on systemic anticoagulation as a blanket preventative strategy, yet this does not represent a nuanced or personalised solution. Contraindications to systemic anticoagulation create significant unmedicated and high-risk cohorts, leaving these patients at risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Atrial appendage occlusion devices are increasingly used to mitigate stroke risk from thrombi emerging from the LAA in patients ineligible for oral anticoagulants (OACs). Their use, however, is not without risk or significant cost, and does not address the underlying aetiology of thrombosis and CS. Viral vector-based gene therapy has emerged as a novel strategy to target a spectrum of haemostatic disorders, achieving success through the adeno-associated virus (AAV) based therapy of haemophilia. Yet, thrombotic disorders, such as CS, have had limited exploration within the realm of AAV gene therapy approaches-presenting a gap in the literature and an opportunity for further research. Gene therapy has the potential to directly address the cause of CS by localised targeting of the molecular remodelling that serves to promote thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Kadian
- The Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
| | - Cindy Y Kok
- The Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dhanya Ravindran
- The Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Freda Passam
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Heart Research Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Leonardo Pasalic
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eddy Kizana
- The Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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6
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Szumska J, Grimm D. Boosters for adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector (r)evolution. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:254-260. [PMID: 35999132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.07.005] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most exciting and most versatile templates for engineering of gene-delivery vectors for use in human gene therapy, owing to the existence of numerous naturally occurring capsid variants and their amenability to directed molecular evolution. As a result, the field has witnessed an explosion of novel "designer" AAV capsids and ensuing vectors over the last two decades, which have been isolated from comprehensive capsid libraries generated through technologies such as DNA shuffling or peptide display, and stratified under stringent positive and/or negative selection pressures. Here, we briefly highlight a panel of recent, innovative and transformative methodologies that we consider to have exceptional potential to advance directed AAV capsid evolution and to thereby accelerate AAV vector revolution. These avenues comprise original technologies for (i) barcoding and high-throughput screening of individual AAV variants or entire capsid libraries, (ii) selection of transduction-competent AAV vectors on the DNA level, (iii) enrichment of expression-competent AAV variants on the RNA level, as well as (iv) high-resolution stratification of focused AAV capsid libraries on the single-cell level. Together with other emerging AAV engineering stratagems, such as rational design or machine learning, these pioneering techniques promise to provide an urgently needed booster for AAV (r)evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szumska
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant Center and Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant Center and Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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7
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Burdett T, Nuseibeh S. Changing trends in the development of AAV-based gene therapies: a meta-analysis of past and present therapies. Gene Ther 2022; 30:323-335. [PMID: 36089633 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has seen a transformation from a proof-of-concept approach to a clinical reality over the past several decades, with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy emerging as the leading platform for in vivo gene transfer. A systematic review of AAV-based gene therapies in clinical development was conducted herein to determine why only a handful of AAV-based gene therapy products have achieved market approval. The indication to be treated, route of administration and vector design were investigated as critical factors and assessed for their impact on clinical safety and efficacy. A shift in recent years towards high-dose systemic administration for the treatment of metabolic, neurological and haematological diseases was identified, with intravenous administration demonstrating the highest efficacy and safety risks in clinical trials. Recent years have seen a decline in favour of traditional AAV serotypes and promoters, accompanied by an increase in favour and higher clinical success rate for novel capsids and tissue-specific promoters. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was performed to identify factors that may inhibit the translation of therapeutic efficacy from preclinical large animal studies to first-in-human clinical trials and a detrimental effect on clinical efficacy was associated with alterations to administration routes.
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8
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Sabatino DE, Bushman FD, Chandler RJ, Crystal RG, Davidson BL, Dolmetsch R, Eggan KC, Gao G, Gil-Farina I, Kay MA, McCarty DM, Montini E, Ndu A, Yuan J. Evaluating the state of the science for adeno-associated virus integration: An integrated perspective. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2646-2663. [PMID: 35690906 PMCID: PMC9372310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
On August 18, 2021, the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) hosted a virtual roundtable on adeno-associated virus (AAV) integration, featuring leading experts in preclinical and clinical AAV gene therapy, to further contextualize and understand this phenomenon. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors are used to develop therapies for many conditions given their ability to transduce multiple cell types, resulting in long-term expression of transgenes. Although most rAAV DNA typically remains episomal, some rAAV DNA becomes integrated into genomic DNA at a low frequency, and rAAV insertional mutagenesis has been shown to lead to tumorigenesis in neonatal mice. Currently, the risk of rAAV-mediated oncogenesis in humans is theoretical because no confirmed genotoxic events have been reported to date. However, because insertional mutagenesis has been reported in a small number of murine studies, there is a need to characterize this genotoxicity to inform research, regulatory needs, and patient care. The purpose of this white paper is to review the evidence of rAAV-related host genome integration in animal models and possible risks of insertional mutagenesis in patients. In addition, technical considerations, regulatory guidance, and bioethics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise E Sabatino
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Frederic D Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Randy J Chandler
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Adora Ndu
- BridgeBio Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jing Yuan
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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9
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The Genetics and Diagnosis of Pediatric Neurocutaneous Disorders: Neurofibromatosis and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Clin Dermatol 2022; 40:374-382. [PMID: 35248688 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis (NF) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are the two most common neurocutaneous disorders, both transmitted as autosomal dominant or, in the case of NF, also as a mosaic condition. The causative genetic mutations in these neurocutaneous disorders can lead to benign skin changes or uninhibited growth and proliferation in multiple organ systems due to the loss of tumor suppression in mitogen-activated protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Common clinical features in NF include pigmented lesions, known as café au lait patches, neurofibromas, intertriginous freckles (Crowe's sign), and benign fibrous growths, such as hamartomas in multiple organ systems. Common clinical features in TSC include hypopigmented macules, known as ash leaf spots, in addition to neurologic sequelae, such as autism, seizures, and developmental delays. Advances in genetic sequencing technologies have allowed an exponential expansion in the understanding of NF and TSC. Consensus criteria have been established for both diagnoses that can be confirmed in most cases through gene testing. Once diagnosed, the clinical and diagnostic value of disease-specific surveillance include early identification of benign and malignant tumors. Genetic counseling is important for informed reproductive decision-making for patients and at-risk family members. The improvement in understanding of pathways of pathogenic disease development and oncogenesis in both conditions have produced a new series of therapeutic options that can be used to control seizures and tumor growth. Tremendous advances in life expectancy and quality of life are now a reality due to early introduction of seizure control and novel medications. While we lack cures, early institution of interventions, such as seizure control in tuberous sclerosis, appears to be disease-modifying and holds immense promise to offer patients better lives.
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10
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Hamann MV, Beschorner N, Vu XK, Hauber I, Lange UC, Traenkle B, Kaiser PD, Foth D, Schneider C, Büning H, Rothbauer U, Hauber J. Improved targeting of human CD4+ T cells by nanobody-modified AAV2 gene therapy vectors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261269. [PMID: 34928979 PMCID: PMC8687595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are considered non-pathogenic in humans, and thus have been developed into powerful vector platforms for in vivo gene therapy. Although the various AAV serotypes display broad tropism, frequently infecting multiple tissues and cell types, vectors for specific and efficient targeting of human CD4+ T lymphocytes are largely missing. In fact, a substantial translational bottleneck exists in the field of therapeutic gene transfer that would require in vivo delivery into peripheral disease-related lymphocytes for subsequent genome editing. To solve this issue, capsid modification for retargeting AAV tropism, and in turn improving vector potency, is considered a promising strategy. Here, we genetically modified the minor AAV2 capsid proteins, VP1 and VP2, with a set of novel nanobodies with high-affinity for the human CD4 receptor. These novel vector variants demonstrated improved targeting of human CD4+ cells, including primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and purified human CD4+ T lymphocytes. Thus, the technical approach presented here provides a promising strategy for developing specific gene therapy vectors, particularly targeting disease-related peripheral blood CD4+ leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin V. Hamann
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg – Lübeck – Borstel – Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Beschorner
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg – Lübeck – Borstel – Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xuan-Khang Vu
- Institute of Experimental Haematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ilona Hauber
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike C. Lange
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg – Lübeck – Borstel – Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bjoern Traenkle
- Natural and Medical Science Institute at the University Tübingen (NMI), Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Philipp D. Kaiser
- Natural and Medical Science Institute at the University Tübingen (NMI), Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Foth
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Schneider
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg – Lübeck – Borstel – Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Haematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Natural and Medical Science Institute at the University Tübingen (NMI), Reutlingen, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Joachim Hauber
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg – Lübeck – Borstel – Riems, Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Fakhiri J, Grimm D. Best of most possible worlds: Hybrid gene therapy vectors based on parvoviruses and heterologous viruses. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3359-3382. [PMID: 33831556 PMCID: PMC8636155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parvoviruses and especially the adeno-associated virus (AAV) species provide an exciting and versatile platform for the rational design or molecular evolution of human gene-therapy vectors, documented by literature from over half a century, hundreds of clinical trials, and the recent commercialization of multiple AAV gene therapeutics. For the last three decades, the power of these vectors has been further potentiated through various types of hybrid vectors created by intra- or inter-genus juxtaposition of viral DNA and protein cis elements or by synergistic complementation of parvoviral features with those of heterologous, prokaryotic, or eukaryotic viruses. Here, we provide an overview of the history and promise of this rapidly expanding field of hybrid parvoviral gene-therapy vectors, starting with early generations of chimeric particles composed of a recombinant AAV genome encapsidated in shells of synthetic AAVs or of adeno-, herpes-, baculo-, or protoparvoviruses. We then dedicate our attention to two newer, highly promising types of hybrid vectors created via (1) pseudotyping of AAV genomes with bocaviral serotypes and capsid mutants or (2) packaging of AAV DNA into, or tethering of entire vector particles to, bacteriophages. Finally, we conclude with an outlook summarizing critical requirements and improvements toward clinical translation of these original concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fakhiri
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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Bisgin A, Sanlioglu AD, Eksi YE, Griffith TS, Sanlioglu S. Current Update on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine Development with a Special Emphasis on Gene Therapy Viral Vector Design and Construction for Vaccination. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:541-562. [PMID: 33858231 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a newly emerging infectious disease (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-coronavirus 2 (CoV-2). To combat the devastating spread of SARS-CoV-2, extraordinary efforts from numerous laboratories have focused on the development of effective and safe vaccines. Traditional live-attenuated or inactivated viral vaccines are not recommended for immunocompromised patients as the attenuated virus can still cause disease via phenotypic or genotypic reversion. Subunit vaccines require repeated dosing and adjuvant use to be effective, and DNA vaccines exhibit lower immune responses. mRNA vaccines can be highly unstable under physiological conditions. On the contrary, naturally antigenic viral vectors with well-characterized structure and safety profile serve as among the most effective gene carriers to provoke immune response via heterologous gene transfer. Viral vector-based vaccines induce both an effective cellular immune response and a humoral immune response owing to their natural adjuvant properties via transduction of immune cells. Consequently, viral vectored vaccines carrying the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have recently been generated and successfully used to activate cytotoxic T cells and develop a neutralizing antibody response. Recent progress in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, with an emphasis on gene therapy viral vector-based vaccine development, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atil Bisgin
- The Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ahter D Sanlioglu
- The Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Yunus Emre Eksi
- The Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Thomas S Griffith
- The Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Salih Sanlioglu
- The Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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13
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Xie M, Viviani M, Fussenegger M. Engineering precision therapies: lessons and motivations from the clinic. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2020; 6:ysaa024. [PMID: 33817342 PMCID: PMC7998714 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, gene- and cell-based therapies have been at the forefront of the biomedical revolution. Synthetic biology, the engineering discipline of building sophisticated 'genetic software' to enable precise regulation of gene activities in living cells, has been a decisive success factor of these new therapies. Here, we discuss the core technologies and treatment strategies that have already gained approval for therapeutic applications in humans. We also review promising preclinical work that could either enhance the efficacy of existing treatment strategies or pave the way for new precision medicines to treat currently intractable human conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China
| | - Mirta Viviani
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zheijang, China
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Jackson CB, Richard AS, Ojha A, Conkright KA, Trimarchi JM, Bailey CC, Alpert MD, Kay MA, Farzan M, Choe H. AAV vectors engineered to target insulin receptor greatly enhance intramuscular gene delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 19:496-506. [PMID: 33313337 PMCID: PMC7710509 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most commonly used vectors for gene therapy, and the applications for AAV-delivered therapies are numerous. However, the current state of technology is limited by the low efficiency with which most AAV vectors transduce skeletal muscle tissue. We demonstrate that vector efficiency can be enhanced by modifying the AAV capsid with a peptide that binds a receptor highly expressed in muscle tissue. When an insulin-mimetic peptide, S519, previously characterized for its high affinity to insulin receptor (IR), was inserted into the capsid, the AAV9 transduction efficiency of IR-expressing cell lines as well as differentiated primary human muscle cells was dramatically enhanced. This vector also exhibited efficient transduction of mouse muscle in vivo, resulting in up to 18-fold enhancement over AAV9. Owing to its superior transduction efficiency in skeletal muscle, we named this vector “enhanced AAV9” (eAAV9). We also found that the modification enhanced the transduction efficiency of several other AAV serotypes. Together, these data show that AAV transduction of skeletal muscle can be improved by targeting IR. They also show the broad utility of this modular strategy and suggest that it could also be applied to next-generation vectors that have yet to be engineered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody B Jackson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Audrey S Richard
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Amrita Ojha
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, 269 Campus Dr. Rm 2105, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael Farzan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Hyeryun Choe
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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15
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El Andari J, Grimm D. Production, Processing, and Characterization of Synthetic AAV Gene Therapy Vectors. Biotechnol J 2020; 16:e2000025. [PMID: 32975881 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, gene therapy vectors based on wild-type Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are safe and efficacious in numerous clinical trials and are translated into three approved gene therapy products. Concomitantly, a large body of preclinical work has illustrated the power and potential of engineered synthetic AAV capsids that often excel in terms of an organ or cell specificity, the efficiency of in vitro or in vivo gene transfer, and/or reactivity with anti-AAV immune responses. In turn, this has created a demand for new, scalable, easy-to-implement, and plug-and-play platform processes that are compatible with the rapidly increasing range of AAV capsid variants. Here, the focus is on recent advances in methodologies for downstream processing and characterization of natural or synthetic AAV vectors, comprising different chromatography techniques and thermostability measurements. To illustrate the breadth of this portfolio, two chimeric capsids are used as representative examples that are derived through forward- or backwards-directed molecular evolution, namely, AAV-DJ and Anc80. Collectively, this ever-expanding arsenal of technologies promises to facilitate the development of the next AAV vector generation derived from synthetic capsids and to accelerate their manufacturing, and to thus boost the field of human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihad El Andari
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Hartley A, Kavishwar G, Salvato I, Marchini A. A Roadmap for the Success of Oncolytic Parvovirus-Based Anticancer Therapies. Annu Rev Virol 2020; 7:537-557. [PMID: 32600158 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-012220-023606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autonomous rodent protoparvoviruses (PVs) are promising anticancer agents due to their excellent safety profile, natural oncotropism, and oncosuppressive activities. Viral infection can trigger immunogenic cell death, activating the immune system against the tumor. However, the efficacy of this treatment in recent clinical trials is moderate compared with results seen in preclinical work. Various strategies have been employed to improve the anticancer activities of oncolytic PVs, including development of second-generation parvoviruses with enhanced oncolytic and immunostimulatory activities and rational combination of PVs with other therapies. Understanding the cellular factors involved in the PV life cycle is another important area of investigation. Indeed, these studies may lead to the identification of biomarkers that would allow a more personalized use of PV-based therapies. This review focuses on this work and the challenges that still need to be overcome to move PVs forward into clinical practice as an effective therapeutic option for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hartley
- Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Gayatri Kavishwar
- Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Ilaria Salvato
- Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Antonio Marchini
- Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; .,Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
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17
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Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Jasani KM, Shanks M, Clouston P, MacLaren RE. A novel homozygous c.67C>T variant in retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) associated with retinitis pigmentosa and childhood acne vulgaris. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:288-292. [PMID: 32323592 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1755985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is essential in delivering retinol to the retinal pigment epithelium and normal functioning of the visual cycle. Homozygous mutations in the RBP4 gene lead to severe retinitis pigmentosa that is phenotypically indistinguishable from retinitis pigmentosa caused by other recessive mutations. METHODS Case Report. PURPOSE To report a novel homozygous RBP4 c.67 C > T variant in a case of retinitis pigmentosa associated with severe childhood acne vulgaris. RESULTS A 49-year old Caucasian man with a family history of retinitis pigmentosa, presented with low vision and night blindness from early childhood. Fundus examination showed findings typical of recessive retinitis pigmentosa. Next generation sequencing analysis revealed a novel homozygous RBP4 c.67 C > T variant. Examination of patient's back showed widespread scaring and hyperpigmentation secondary to severe childhood-onset acne vulgaris. Patient's affected brother, positive for the same homozygous variant, also had a history of severe acne vulgaris whereas the unaffected brother did not, confirming that mutations in RBP4 segregated with the acne vulgaris phenotype in this family. CONCLUSIONS We describe a case of retinitis pigmentosa associated with acne vulgaris and highlight the role of this systemic manifestation of retinol deficiency in confirming pathogenicity of the novel variant. Given the small size of the genomic RBP4 DNA (0.6kb), gene therapy using an adeno-associated viral vector with subretinal delivery has great potential to treat this severe childhood-onset blinding retinal disease. In addition, ubiquitous expression of RBP4 supports the development of in vitro functional assays to test the vector potency for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University , Oxford, UK
| | - K M Jasani
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford, UK
| | - M Shanks
- Genetics Laboratories, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford, UK
| | - P Clouston
- Genetics Laboratories, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford, UK
| | - R E MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University , Oxford, UK
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18
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The approved gene therapy drugs worldwide: from 1998 to 2019. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Zhang L, Rossi A, Lange L, Meumann N, Koitzsch U, Christie K, Nesbit MA, Moore CBT, Hacker UT, Morgan M, Hoffmann D, Zengel J, Carette JE, Schambach A, Salvetti A, Odenthal M, Büning H. Capsid Engineering Overcomes Barriers Toward Adeno-Associated Virus Vector-Mediated Transduction of Endothelial Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 30:1284-1296. [PMID: 31407607 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) are targets in gene therapy and regenerative medicine, but they are inefficiently transduced with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors of various serotypes. To identify barriers hampering efficient transduction and to develop an optimized AAV variant for EC transduction, we screened an AAV serotype 2-based peptide display library on primary human macrovascular EC. Using a new high-throughput selection and monitoring protocol, we identified a capsid variant, AAV-VEC, which outperformed the parental serotype as well as first-generation targeting vectors in EC transduction. AAV vector uptake was improved, resulting in significantly higher transgene expression levels from single-stranded vector genomes detectable within a few hours post-transduction. Notably, AAV-VEC transduced not only proliferating EC but also quiescent EC, although higher particle-per-cell ratios had to be applied. Also, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial progenitor cells, a novel tool in regenerative medicine and gene therapy, were highly susceptible toward AAV-VEC transduction. Thus, overcoming barriers by capsid engineering significantly expands the AAV tool kit for a wide range of applications targeting EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Rossi
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - L Lange
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - N Meumann
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - U Koitzsch
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - K Christie
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Ulster, Northern Ireland
| | - M A Nesbit
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Ulster, Northern Ireland
| | - C B T Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Ulster, Northern Ireland.,Avellino Labs USA, Menlo Park, California
| | - U T Hacker
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,1st Medical Department, University Cancer Center Leipzig, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Hoffmann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - J Zengel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - J E Carette
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - A Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A Salvetti
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - M Odenthal
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - H Büning
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Bonn-Cologne and Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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20
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Wang J, Zhang C, Feng B. The rapidly advancing Class 2 CRISPR-Cas technologies: A customizable toolbox for molecular manipulations. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:3256-3270. [PMID: 32037739 PMCID: PMC7131926 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas technologies derived from bacterial and archaeal adaptive immune systems have emerged as a series of groundbreaking nucleic acid-guided gene editing tools, ultimately standing out among several engineered nucleases because of their high efficiency, sequence-specific targeting, ease of programming and versatility. Facilitated by the advancement across multiple disciplines such as bioinformatics, structural biology and high-throughput sequencing, the discoveries and engineering of various innovative CRISPR-Cas systems are rapidly expanding the CRISPR toolbox. This is revolutionizing not only genome editing but also various other types of nucleic acid-guided manipulations such as transcriptional control and genomic imaging. Meanwhile, the adaptation of various CRISPR strategies in multiple settings has realized numerous previously non-existing applications, ranging from the introduction of sophisticated approaches in basic research to impactful agricultural and therapeutic applications. Here, we summarize the recent advances of CRISPR technologies and strategies, as well as their impactful applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of EducationSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of MedicineCUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Chenzi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of EducationSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of MedicineCUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM)The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Bo Feng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of EducationSchool of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of MedicineCUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM)The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
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21
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Westhaus A, Cabanes-Creus M, Rybicki A, Baltazar G, Navarro RG, Zhu E, Drouyer M, Knight M, Albu RF, Ng BH, Kalajdzic P, Kwiatek M, Hsu K, Santilli G, Gold W, Kramer B, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Thrasher AJ, Alexander IE, Lisowski L. High-Throughput In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Screen of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Based on Physical and Functional Transduction. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:575-589. [PMID: 32000541 PMCID: PMC7232709 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are quickly becoming the vectors of choice for therapeutic gene delivery. To date, hundreds of natural isolates and bioengineered variants have been reported. While factors such as high production titer and low immunoreactivity are important to consider, the ability to deliver the genetic payload (physical transduction) and to drive high transgene expression (functional transduction) remains the most important feature when selecting AAV variants for clinical applications. Reporter expression assays are the most commonly used methods for determining vector fitness. However, such approaches are time consuming and become impractical when evaluating a large number of variants. Limited access to primary human tissues or challenging model systems further complicates vector testing. To address this problem, convenient high-throughput methods based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) are being developed. To this end, we built an AAV Testing Kit that allows inherent flexibility in regard to number and type of AAV variants included, and is compatible with in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo applications. The Testing Kit presented here consists of a mix of 30 known AAVs where each variant encodes a CMV-eGFP cassette and a unique barcode in the 3′-untranslated region of the eGFP gene, allowing NGS-barcode analysis at both the DNA and RNA/cDNA levels. To validate the AAV Testing Kit, individually packaged barcoded variants were mixed at an equal ratio and used to transduce cells/tissues of interest. DNA and RNA/cDNA were extracted and subsequently analyzed by NGS to determine the physical/functional transduction efficiencies. We were able to assess the transduction efficiencies of immortalized cells, primary cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro, as well as in vivo transduction in naïve mice and a xenograft liver model. Importantly, while our data validated previously reported transduction characteristics of individual capsids, we also identified novel previously unknown tropisms for some AAV variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Arkadiusz Rybicki
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Grober Baltazar
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Erhua Zhu
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Matthieu Drouyer
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Maddison Knight
- Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, , The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Razvan F Albu
- Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, , The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Boaz H Ng
- Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, , The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Predrag Kalajdzic
- Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, , The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Magdalena Kwiatek
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, The Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre, Puławy, Poland
| | - Kenneth Hsu
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Giorgia Santilli
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Gold
- Molecular Neurobiology Research Lab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Belinda Kramer
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell & Organoid Facility and Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, , The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, The Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre, Puławy, Poland
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22
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Pre-arrayed Pan-AAV Peptide Display Libraries for Rapid Single-Round Screening. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1016-1032. [PMID: 32105604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Display of short peptides on the surface of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) is a powerful technology for the generation of gene therapy vectors with altered cell specificities and/or transduction efficiencies. Following its extensive prior use in the best characterized AAV serotype 2 (AAV2), recent reports also indicate the potential of other AAV isolates as scaffolds for peptide display. In this study, we systematically explored the respective capacities of 13 different AAV capsid variants to tolerate 27 peptides inserted on the surface followed by production of reporter-encoding vectors. Single-round screening in pre-arrayed 96-well plates permitted rapid and simple identification of superior vectors in >90 cell types, including T cells and primary cells. Notably, vector performance depended not only on the combination of capsid, peptide, and cell type, but also on the position of the inserted peptide and the nature of flanking residues. For optimal data availability and accessibility, all results were assembled in a searchable online database offering multiple output styles. Finally, we established a reverse-transduction pipeline based on vector pre-spotting in 96- or 384-well plates that facilitates high-throughput library panning. Our comprehensive illustration of the vast potential of alternative AAV capsids for peptide display should accelerate their in vivo screening and application as unique gene therapy vectors.
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23
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Aschenbrenner S, Kallenberger SM, Hoffmann MD, Huck A, Eils R, Niopek D. Coupling Cas9 to artificial inhibitory domains enhances CRISPR-Cas9 target specificity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay0187. [PMID: 32076642 PMCID: PMC7002122 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The limited target specificity of CRISPR-Cas nucleases poses a challenge with respect to their application in research and therapy. Here, we present a simple and original strategy to enhance the specificity of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing by coupling Cas9 to artificial inhibitory domains. Applying a combination of mathematical modeling and experiments, we first determined how CRISPR-Cas9 activity profiles relate to Cas9 specificity. We then used artificially weakened anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins either coexpressed with or directly fused to Cas9 to fine-tune its activity toward selected levels, thereby achieving an effective kinetic insulation of ON- and OFF-target editing events. We demonstrate highly specific genome editing in mammalian cells using diverse single-guide RNAs prone to potent OFF-targeting. Last, we show that our strategy is compatible with different modes of delivery, including transient transfection and adeno-associated viral vectors. Together, we provide a highly versatile approach to reduce CRISPR-Cas OFF-target effects via kinetic insulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Aschenbrenner
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité, Berlin 10178, Germany
| | - Stefan M. Kallenberger
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité, Berlin 10178, Germany
- Health Data Science Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Mareike D. Hoffmann
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Adrian Huck
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité, Berlin 10178, Germany
- Health Data Science Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Corresponding author. (R.E.); (D.N.)
| | - Dominik Niopek
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Health Data Science Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Corresponding author. (R.E.); (D.N.)
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24
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Hoffmann MD, Aschenbrenner S, Grosse S, Rapti K, Domenger C, Fakhiri J, Mastel M, Börner K, Eils R, Grimm D, Niopek D. Cell-specific CRISPR-Cas9 activation by microRNA-dependent expression of anti-CRISPR proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:e75. [PMID: 30982889 PMCID: PMC6648350 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of CRISPR–Cas technologies brought a personalized and targeted treatment of genetic disorders into closer reach. To render CRISPR-based therapies precise and safe, strategies to confine the activity of Cas(9) to selected cells and tissues are highly desired. Here, we developed a cell type-specific Cas-ON switch based on miRNA-regulated expression of anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins. We inserted target sites for miR-122 or miR-1, which are abundant specifically in liver and cardiac muscle cells, respectively, into the 3′UTR of Acr transgenes. Co-expressing these with Cas9 and sgRNAs resulted in Acr knockdown and released Cas9 activity solely in hepatocytes or cardiomyocytes, while Cas9 was efficiently inhibited in off-target cells. We demonstrate control of genome editing and gene activation using a miR-dependent AcrIIA4 in combination with different Streptococcus pyogenes (Spy)Cas9 variants (full-length Cas9, split-Cas9, dCas9-VP64). Finally, to showcase its modularity, we adapted our Cas-ON system to the smaller and more target-specific Neisseria meningitidis (Nme)Cas9 orthologue and its cognate inhibitors AcrIIC1 and AcrIIC3. Our Cas-ON switch should facilitate cell-specific activity of any CRISPR–Cas orthologue, for which a potent anti-CRISPR protein is known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike D Hoffmann
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Sabine Aschenbrenner
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Stefanie Grosse
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Kleopatra Rapti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Claire Domenger
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Julia Fakhiri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Manuel Mastel
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Kathleen Börner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité, Berlin 10178, Germany.,Health Data Science Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Dominik Niopek
- Synthetic Biology Group, Institute for Pharmacy and Biotechnology (IPMB) and Center for Quantitative Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Biosystems (BioQuant), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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25
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Abstract
Initially discovered as a contaminant of adenovirus preparations, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has proved one of the most promising viral vectors for human gene therapy. The safety profile of AAV has been well-characterized in vivo studies, and the first gene therapy for patients with vision loss caused by Leber congenital amaurosis or retinitis pigmentosa was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017. This is an exciting era for investigators working on retina biology and treatments for blindness. In this chapter, we provide detailed methods for laboratory-scale production, purification, and characterization of AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Deng
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Oka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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26
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Bacman SR, Gammage P, Minczuk M, Moraes CT. Manipulation of mitochondrial genes and mtDNA heteroplasmy. Methods Cell Biol 2020; 155:441-487. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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27
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Tulalamba W, Weinmann J, Pham QH, El Andari J, VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK, Grimm D. Distinct transduction of muscle tissue in mice after systemic delivery of AAVpo1 vectors. Gene Ther 2019; 27:170-179. [PMID: 31624368 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The human musculature is a promising and pivotal target for human gene therapy, owing to numerous diseases that affect this tissue and that are often monogenic, making them amenable to treatment and potentially cure on the genetic level. Particularly attractive would be the possibility to deliver clinically relevant DNA to muscle tissue from a minimally invasive, intravenous vector delivery. To date, this aim has been approximated by the use of Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) of different serotypes (rh.74, 8, 9) that are effective, but unfortunately not specific to the muscle and hence not ideal for use in patients. Here, we have thus studied the muscle tropism and activity of another AAV serotype, AAVpo1, that was previously isolated from pigs and found to efficiently transduce muscle following direct intramuscular injection in mice. The new data reported here substantiate the usefulness of AAVpo1 for muscle gene therapies by showing, for the first time, its ability to robustly transduce all major muscle tissues, including heart and diaphragm, from peripheral infusion. Importantly, in stark contrast to AAV9 that forms the basis for ongoing clinical gene therapy trials in the muscle, AAVpo1 is nearly completely detargeted from the liver, making it a very attractive and potentially safer option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warut Tulalamba
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Research Division, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 10700, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jonas Weinmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88400, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Quang Hong Pham
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jihad El Andari
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1050, Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marinee K Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1050, Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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28
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Domenger C, Grimm D. Next-generation AAV vectors—do not judge a virus (only) by its cover. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:R3-R14. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRecombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are under intensive investigation in numerous clinical trials after they have emerged as a highly promising vector for human gene therapy. Best exemplifying their power and potential is the authorization of three gene therapy products based on wild-type AAV serotypes, comprising Glybera (AAV1), Luxturna (AAV2) and, most recently, Zolgensma (AAV9). Nonetheless, it has also become evident that the current AAV vector generation will require improvements in transduction potency, antibody evasion and cell/tissue specificity to allow the use of lower and safer vector doses. To this end, others and we devoted substantial previous research to the implementation and application of key technologies for engineering of next-generation viral capsids in a high-throughput ‘top-down’ or (semi-)rational ‘bottom-up’ approach. Here, we describe a set of recent complementary strategies to enhance features of AAV vectors that act on the level of the recombinant cargo. As examples that illustrate the innovative and synergistic concepts that have been reported lately, we highlight (i) novel synthetic enhancers/promoters that provide an unprecedented degree of AAV tissue specificity, (ii) pioneering genetic circuit designs that harness biological (microRNAs) or physical (light) triggers as regulators of AAV gene expression and (iii) new insights into the role of AAV DNA structures on vector genome stability, integrity and functionality. Combined with ongoing capsid engineering and selection efforts, these and other state-of-the-art innovations and investigations promise to accelerate the arrival of the next generation of AAV vectors and to solidify the unique role of this exciting virus in human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Domenger
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, BioQuant Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, BioQuant Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
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29
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Berns KI, Srivastava A. Next Generation of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Gene Therapy for Human Liver Diseases. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2019; 48:319-330. [PMID: 31046978 PMCID: PMC6501830 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant vectors based on a nonpathogenic parvovirus, the adeno-associated virus (AAV), have taken center stage in the past decade. The safety of AAV vectors in clinical trials and clinical efficacy in several human diseases are now well documented. Despite these achievements, it is increasingly clear that the full potential of AAV vectors composed of the naturally occurring capsids is unlikely to be realized. This article describes advances that have been made and challenges that remain in the optimal use of AAV vectors in human gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth I. Berns
- Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2033 Mowry Road, Room 492-A, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2033 Mowry Road, Room 492-A, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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30
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Bai RY, Esposito D, Tam AJ, McCormick F, Riggins GJ, Wade Clapp D, Staedtke V. Feasibility of using NF1-GRD and AAV for gene replacement therapy in NF1-associated tumors. Gene Ther 2019; 26:277-286. [PMID: 31127187 PMCID: PMC6588423 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1, including the highly aggressive malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), is featured by the loss of functional neurofibromin 1 (NF1) protein resulting from genetic alterations. A major function of NF1 is suppressing Ras activities, which is conveyed by an intrinsic GTPase-activating protein-related domain (GRD). In this study, we explored the feasibility of restoring Ras GTPase via exogenous expression of various GRD constructs, via gene delivery using a panel of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in MPNST and human Schwann cells (HSCs). We demonstrated that several AAV serotypes achieved favorable transduction efficacies in those cells and a membrane-targeting GRD fused with an H-Ras C-terminal motif (C10) dramatically inhibited the Ras pathway and MPNST cells in a NF1-specific manner. Our results opened up a venue of gene replacement therapy in NF1-related tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Yuan Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Ada J Tam
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Gregory J Riggins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - D Wade Clapp
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Verena Staedtke
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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31
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McDougald DS, Duong TT, Palozola KC, Marsh A, Papp TE, Mills JA, Zhou S, Bennett J. CRISPR Activation Enhances In Vitro Potency of AAV Vectors Driven by Tissue-Specific Promoters. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 13:380-389. [PMID: 31024980 PMCID: PMC6477656 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Validation of gene transfer vectors containing tissue-specific promoters in cell-based functional assays poses a formidable challenge for gene therapy product development. Here, we describe a novel approach based on CRISPR/dCas9 transcriptional activation to achieve robust transgene expression from transgene cassettes containing tissue or cell type-specific promoters after infection with AAV vectors in cell-based systems. Guide RNA sequences targeting two promoters that are highly active within mammalian photoreceptors were screened in a novel promoter activation assay. Using this screen, we generated and characterized stable cell lines that co-express dCas9.VPR and top-performing guide RNA candidates. These cells exhibit potent activation of proviral plasmids after transfection or after infection with AAV vectors delivering transgene cassettes carrying photoreceptor-specific promoters. In addition, we interrogated mechanisms to optimize this platform through the addition of multiple guide RNA sequences and co-expression of the universal adeno-associated virus receptor (AAVR). Collectively, this investigation identifies a rapid and broadly applicable strategy to enhance in vitro expression and to evaluate potency of AAV vectors that rely upon cell or tissue-specific regulatory elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin S McDougald
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thu T Duong
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katherine C Palozola
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anson Marsh
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tyler E Papp
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jason A Mills
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shangzhen Zhou
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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32
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Büning H, Srivastava A. Capsid Modifications for Targeting and Improving the Efficacy of AAV Vectors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 12:248-265. [PMID: 30815511 PMCID: PMC6378346 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, recombinant vectors based on a non-pathogenic parvovirus, the adeno-associated virus (AAV), have taken center stage as a gene delivery vehicle for the potential gene therapy for a number of human diseases. To date, the safety of AAV vectors in 176 phase I, II, and III clinical trials and their efficacy in at least eight human diseases are now firmly documented. Despite these remarkable achievements, it has also become abundantly clear that the full potential of first generation AAV vectors composed of naturally occurring capsids is not likely to be realized, since the wild-type AAV did not evolve for the purpose of therapeutic gene delivery. In this article, we provide a brief historical account of the progress that has been made in the development of capsid-modified, next-generation AAV vectors to ensure both the safety and efficacy of these vectors in targeting a wide variety of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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33
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Butti Z, Patten SA. RNA Dysregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Genet 2019; 9:712. [PMID: 30723494 PMCID: PMC6349704 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease and is characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. It has become increasingly clear that RNA dysregulation is a key contributor to ALS pathogenesis. The major ALS genes SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, and C9orf72 are involved in aspects of RNA metabolism processes such as mRNA transcription, alternative splicing, RNA transport, mRNA stabilization, and miRNA biogenesis. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of RNA dysregulation in ALS pathogenesis involving these major ALS genes and discuss the potential of therapeutic strategies targeting disease RNAs for treating ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Butti
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, National Institute of Scientific Research, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, National Institute of Scientific Research, Laval, QC, Canada
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34
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Fakhiri J, Nickl M, Grimm D. Rapid and Simple Screening of CRISPR Guide RNAs (gRNAs) in Cultured Cells Using Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) Vectors. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1961:111-126. [PMID: 30912043 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9170-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing reagents including the recently introduced CRISPR/Cas9 system have become established and widely used molecular tools to answer fundamental biological questions and to target and treat genetic diseases. The CRISPR system, originally derived from bacteria and archaea, can be delivered into cells using different techniques, comprising (1) transfection of mRNA or plasmid DNA, (2) electroporation of plasmid DNA or the Cas9 protein in a complex with a g(uide)RNA, or (3) use of nonviral or viral vectors. Among the latter, Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are particularly attractive owing to many favorable traits: (1) their apathogenicity and episomal persistence, (2) the ease of virus production and purification, (3) the safe handling under lowest biosafety level 1 conditions, and (4) the availability of numerous natural serotypes and synthetic capsid variants with distinct cell specificities. Here, we describe a fast and simple protocol for small-scale packaging of CRISPR/Cas9 components into AAV vectors. To showcase its potential, we employ this method for screening of gRNAs targeting the murine miR-122 locus in Hepa1-6 cells (using AAV serotype 6, AAV6) or the 5'LTR of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in HeLaP4-NLtr cells (using a synthetic AAV9 variant). We furthermore provide a detailed protocol for large-scale production of purified AAV/CRISPR vector stocks that permit higher cleavage efficiencies in vitro and are suitable for direct in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fakhiri
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Nickl
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, Heidelberg, Germany.
- BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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35
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Herrmann AK, Grimm D. High-Throughput Dissection of AAV-Host Interactions: The Fast and the Curious. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:2626-2640. [PMID: 29782834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over 50 years after its initial description, adeno-associated virus (AAV) remains the most exciting but also most elusive study object in basic or applied virology. On the one hand, its simple structure not only facilitates investigations into virus biology but, combined with the availability of numerous natural AAV variants with distinct infection efficiency and specificity, also makes AAV a preferred substrate for engineering of gene delivery vectors. On the other hand, it is striking to witness a recent flurry of reports that highlight and partially close persistent gaps in our understanding of AAV virus and vector biology. This is all the more perplexing considering that recombinant AAVs have already been used in >160 clinical trials and recently been commercialized as gene therapeutics. Here, we discuss a reason for these advances in AAV research, namely, the advent and application of powerful high-throughput technology for dissection of AAV-host interactions and optimization of AAV gene therapy vectors. As relevant examples, we focus on the discovery of (i) a "new" cellular AAV receptor, AAVR, (ii) host restriction factors for AAV entry, and (iii) AAV capsid determinants that mediate trafficking through the blood-brain barrier. While items i/ii are prototypes of extra- or intracellular AAV host factors that were identified via high-throughput screenings, item iii exemplifies the power of molecular evolution to investigate the virus itself. In the future, we anticipate that these and other key technologies will continue to accelerate the dissection of AAV biology and will yield a wealth of new designer viruses for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kathrin Herrmann
- Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks,Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks,Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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36
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Abstract
Restoring vision to the blind by retinal repair has been a dream of medicine for centuries, and the first successful procedures have recently been performed. Although we are still far from the restoration of high-resolution vision, step-by-step developments are overcoming crucial bottlenecks in therapy development and have enabled the restoration of some visual function in patients with specific blindness-causing diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of vision restoration and the problems related to retinal repair. We describe new model systems and translational technologies, as well as the clinical conditions in which new methods may help to combat blindness.
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37
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Abstract
In recent years, the number of clinical trials in which adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been used for in vivo gene transfer has steadily increased. The excellent safety profile, together with the high efficiency of transduction of a broad range of target tissues, has established AAV vectors as the platform of choice for in vivo gene therapy. Successful application of the AAV technology has also been achieved in the clinic for a variety of conditions, including coagulation disorders, inherited blindness, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Clinical translation of novel and effective "therapeutic products" is, however, a long process that involves several cycles of iterations from bench to bedside that are required to address issues encountered during drug development. For the AAV vector gene transfer technology, several hurdles have emerged in both preclinical studies and clinical trials; addressing these issues will allow in the future to expand the scope of AAV gene transfer as a therapeutic modality for a variety of human diseases. In this review, we will give an overview on the biology of AAV vector, discuss the design of AAV-based gene therapy strategies for in vivo applications, and present key achievements and emerging issues in the field. We will use the liver as a model target tissue for gene transfer based on the large amount of data available from preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualina Colella
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
- University Pierre and Marie Curie-Paris 6 and INSERM U974, 75651 Paris, France
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38
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Schmelas C, Grimm D. Split Cas9, Not Hairs - Advancing the Therapeutic Index of CRISPR Technology. Biotechnol J 2018; 13:e1700432. [PMID: 29316283 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery that the bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system can be translated into mammalian cells continues to have an unprecedented impact on the biomedical research community, as it largely facilitates efforts to experimentally interrogate or therapeutically modify the cellular genome. In particular, CRISPR promises the ability to correct disease-associated genetic defects, or to target and destroy invading foreign DNA, in a simple, efficient, and selective manner directly in affected human cells or tissues. Here, we highlight a set of exciting new strategies that aim at further increasing the therapeutic index of CRISPR technologies, by reducing the size of Cas9 expression cassettes and thus enhancing their compatibility with viral gene delivery vectors. Specifically, we discuss the concept of splitCas9 whereby the Cas9 holo-protein is segregated into two parts that are expressed individually and reunited in the cell by various means, including use of 1) the gRNA as a scaffold for Cas9 assembly; 2) the rapamycin-controlled FKBP/FRB system; 3) the light-regulated Magnet system; or 4) inteins. We describe how these avenues, despite pursuing the identical aim, differ in critical features comprising the extent of spatio-temporal control of CRISPR activity, and discuss additional improvements to their efficiency or specificity that should foster their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Schmelas
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Heidelberg, BioQuant BQ0030, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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39
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Grimm D, Büning H. Small But Increasingly Mighty: Latest Advances in AAV Vector Research, Design, and Evolution. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:1075-1086. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Grimm
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Kreppel F, Ehrhardt A. From Virus to vector to medicine: Foreword by guest editors. Virus Genes 2017; 53:673-674. [PMID: 28921483 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-017-1503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kreppel
- Chair for Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Chair for Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
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