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Henderson ML, Zieba JK, Li X, Campbell DB, Williams MR, Vogt DL, Bupp CP, Edgerly YM, Rajasekaran S, Hartog NL, Prokop JW, Krueger JM. Gene Therapy for Genetic Syndromes: Understanding the Current State to Guide Future Care. BIOTECH 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38247731 PMCID: PMC10801589 DOI: 10.3390/biotech13010001] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy holds promise as a life-changing option for individuals with genetic variants that give rise to disease. FDA-approved gene therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, β-Thalassemia, hemophilia A/B, retinal dystrophy, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have generated buzz around the ability to change the course of genetic syndromes. However, this excitement risks over-expansion into areas of genetic disease that may not fit the current state of gene therapy. While in situ (targeted to an area) and ex vivo (removal of cells, delivery, and administration of cells) approaches show promise, they have a limited target ability. Broader in vivo gene therapy trials have shown various continued challenges, including immune response, use of immune suppressants correlating to secondary infections, unknown outcomes of overexpression, and challenges in driving tissue-specific corrections. Viral delivery systems can be associated with adverse outcomes such as hepatotoxicity and lethality if uncontrolled. In some cases, these risks are far outweighed by the potentially lethal syndromes for which these systems are being developed. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the field of genetic diseases to perform cost-benefit analyses for gene therapy. In this work, we present the current state while setting forth tools and resources to guide informed directions to avoid foreseeable issues in gene therapy that could prevent the field from continued success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian L. Henderson
- The Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Jacob K. Zieba
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Daniel B. Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Michael R. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Daniel L. Vogt
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
| | - Caleb P. Bupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Medical Genetics, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | | | - Surender Rajasekaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Office of Research, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nicholas L. Hartog
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Allergy & Immunology, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeremy W. Prokop
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Office of Research, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
| | - Jena M. Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 48824, USA; (J.K.Z.); (X.L.); (D.B.C.); (M.R.W.); (D.L.V.); (C.P.B.); (S.R.); (N.L.H.)
- Department of Neurology, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Ku CA, Wei LW, Sieving PA. X-Linked Retinoschisis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041288. [PMID: 36690462 PMCID: PMC10513161 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041288] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited vitreoretinal dystrophy causing visual impairment in males starting at a young age with an estimated prevalence of 1:5000 to 1:25,000. The condition was first observed in two affected brothers by Josef Haas in 1898 and is clinically diagnosed by characteristic intraretinal cysts arranged in a petaloid "spoke-wheel" pattern centered in the macula. When clinical electroretinogram (ERG) testing began in the 1960s, XLRS was noted to have a characteristic reduction of the dark-adapted b-wave amplitude despite normal or usually nearly normal a-wave amplitudes, which became known as the "electronegative ERG response" of XLRS disease. The causative gene, RS1, was identified on the X-chromosome in 1997 and led to understanding the molecular and cellular basis of the condition, discerning the structure and function of the retinoschisin protein, and generating XLRS murine models. Along with parallel development of gene delivery vectors suitable for targeting retinal diseases, successful gene augmentation therapy was demonstrated by rescuing the XLRS phenotype in mouse. Two human phase I/II therapeutic XLRS gene augmentation studies were initiated; and although these did not yield definitive improvement in visual function, they gave significant new knowledge and experience, which positions the field for further near-term clinical testing with enhanced, next-generation gene therapy for XLRS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy A Ku
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
| | - Lisa W Wei
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH Office of Biodefense, Research Resources and Translational Research/Vaccine Section, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Paul A Sieving
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
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Gregori NZ, Davis JL. Surgical Observations From the First 120 Cases of Subretinal Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Diseases. Retina 2023; 43:1608-1611. [PMID: 33394965 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report surgical observations formulated during the first 120 cases of subretinal gene therapy in patients with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). METHODS A two-surgeon team compiled surgical observations and formulated surgical pearls based on the consecutive cases of subretinal viral vector injection in patients enrolled in clinical trials focusing on choroideremia, achromatopsia, and RP GTPase regulator associated retinitis pigmentosa, as well as patients with retinal pigment epithelium-specific-65-kDa (RPE65) associated Leber congenital amaurosis receiving Food and Drug Administration-approved voretigene neparvovec-rzyl therapy. RESULTS One hundred twenty subretinal surgeries were performed by a two-surgeon team. Key anatomical features pertinent to surgical management were noted and are described in this article. Surgical decision making for successful subretinal administration of viral vectors and management of potential surgical challenges were formulated. CONCLUSION Lessons learned during subretinal gene therapy cases may be helpful to other surgeons entering clinical trials or performing postapproval gene therapy administration. Surgical pearls outlined in this article may also be helpful for other targeted subretinal therapies, such as cellular transplantation or retinal prosthesis implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninel Z Gregori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Yang M, Peng GH. The molecular mechanism of human stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in retinal repair and regeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:84. [PMID: 37046324 PMCID: PMC10100447 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes, play a critical role in metabolic regulation and intracellular communication. Stem cell-derived EVs are considered to have the potential for regeneration, like stem cells, while simultaneously avoiding the risk of immune rejection or tumour formation. The therapeutic effect of stem cell-derived EVs has been proven in many diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of stem cell-derived EVs in retinal repair and regeneration has not been fully clarified. In this review, we described the biological characteristics of stem cell-derived EVs, summarized the current research on stem cell-derived EV treatment in retinal repair and regeneration, and discussed the potential and challenges of stem cell-derived EVs in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yang
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Chien Y, Hsiao YJ, Chou SJ, Lin TY, Yarmishyn AA, Lai WY, Lee MS, Lin YY, Lin TW, Hwang DK, Lin TC, Chiou SH, Chen SJ, Yang YP. Nanoparticles-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy in inherited retinal diseases: applications, challenges, and emerging opportunities. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:511. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) are considered one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. However, the majority of them still lack a safe and effective treatment due to their complexity and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, gene therapy is gaining importance as an efficient strategy to address IRDs which were previously considered incurable. The development of the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has strongly empowered the field of gene therapy. However, successful gene modifications rely on the efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components into the complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the human retinal tissue. Intriguing findings in the field of nanoparticles (NPs) meet all the criteria required for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery and have made a great contribution toward its therapeutic applications. In addition, exploiting induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and in vitro 3D retinal organoids paved the way for prospective clinical trials of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in treating IRDs. This review highlights important advances in NP-based gene therapy, the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and iPSC-derived retinal organoids with a focus on IRDs. Collectively, these studies establish a multidisciplinary approach by integrating nanomedicine and stem cell technologies and demonstrate the utility of retina organoids in developing effective therapies for IRDs.
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Kovacs KD, Ciulla TA, Kiss S. Advancements in ocular gene therapy delivery: vectors and subretinal, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal techniques. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1193-1208. [PMID: 36062410 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2121646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Ocular gene therapy represents fertile ground for rapid innovation, with ever-expanding therapeutic strategies, molecular targets, and indications. AREAS COVERED : Potential indications for ocular gene therapy have classically focused on inherited retinal disease (IRD), but more recently include acquired retinal diseases, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy and diabetic retinopathy. Ocular gene therapy strategies have proliferated recently, and include gene augmentation, gene inactivation, gene editing, RNA modulation, and gene-independent gene augmentation. Viral vector therapeutic constructs include adeno-associated virus and lentivirus and continue to evolve through directed evolution and rationale design. Ocular gene therapy administration techniques have expanded beyond pars plana vitrectomy with subretinal injection to intravitreal injection and suprachoroidal injection. EXPERT OPINION : The success of treatment for IRD, paired with the promise of clinical research in acquired retinal diseases and in administration techniques, has raised the possibility of in-office gene therapy for common retinal disorders within the next five to ten years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Kovacs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Szilárd Kiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Chien JY, Huang SP. Gene therapy in hereditary retinal dystrophy. Tzu Chi Med J 2022; 34:367-372. [PMID: 36578644 PMCID: PMC9791861 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_78_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary retinal dystrophies (HRDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), Usher syndrome, and retinoschisis, are a group of genetic retinal disorders exhibiting both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Symptoms include progressive retinal degeneration and constricted visual field. Some patients will be legal or completely blind. Advanced sequencing technologies improve the genetic diagnosis of HRD and lead to a new era of research into gene-targeted therapies. Following the first Food and Drug Administration approval of gene augmentation therapy for LCA caused by RPE65 mutations, multiple clinical trials are currently underway applying different techniques. In this review, we provide an overview of gene therapy for HRD and emphasize four distinct approaches to gene-targeted therapy that have the potential to slow or even reverse retinal degeneration: (1) viral vector-based and nonviral gene delivery, (2) RNA-based antisense oligonucleotide, (3) genome editing by the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/cas9 system, and (4) optogenetics gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ying Chien
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Ping Huang
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan,Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan,Department of Ophthalmology, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan,Address for correspondence: Dr. Shun-Ping Huang, Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, 701, Zhongyang Road, Section 3, Hualien, Taiwan. E-mail:
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8
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Fajardo-Serrano A, Rico AJ, Roda E, Honrubia A, Arrieta S, Ariznabarreta G, Chocarro J, Lorenzo-Ramos E, Pejenaute A, Vázquez A, Lanciego JL. Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors as Versatile Tools for Neurological Disorders: Focus on Delivery Routes and Therapeutic Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040746. [PMID: 35453499 PMCID: PMC9025350 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is without doubt that the gene therapy field is currently in the spotlight for the development of new therapeutics targeting unmet medical needs. Thus, considering the gene therapy scenario, neurological diseases in general and neurodegenerative disorders in particular are emerging as the most appealing choices for new therapeutic arrivals intended to slow down, stop, or even revert the natural progressive course that characterizes most of these devastating neurodegenerative processes. Since an extensive coverage of all available literature is not feasible in practical terms, here emphasis was made in providing some advice to beginners in the field with a narrow focus on elucidating the best delivery route available for fulfilling any given AAV-based therapeutic approach. Furthermore, it is worth nothing that the number of ongoing clinical trials is increasing at a breath-taking speed. Accordingly, a landscape view of preclinical and clinical initiatives is also provided here in an attempt to best illustrate what is ongoing in this quickly expanding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Fajardo-Serrano
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (A.F.-S.); (J.L.L.)
| | - Alberto J. Rico
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Elvira Roda
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Adriana Honrubia
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Sandra Arrieta
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Goiaz Ariznabarreta
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Julia Chocarro
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Elena Lorenzo-Ramos
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Alvaro Pejenaute
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Alfonso Vázquez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Servicio Navarro de Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Luis Lanciego
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (A.F.-S.); (J.L.L.)
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Ladha R, Caspers LE, Willermain F, de Smet MD. Subretinal Therapy: Technological Solutions to Surgical and Immunological Challenges. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:846782. [PMID: 35402424 PMCID: PMC8985755 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.846782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in ocular gene and cellular therapy rely on precisely controlled subretinal delivery. Due to its inherent limitations, manual delivery can lead to iatrogenic damage to the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium, favor reflux into the vitreous cavity. In addition, it suffers from lack of standardization, variability in delivery and the need to maintain proficiency. With or without surgical damage, an eye challenged with an exogenous viral vector or transplanted cells will illicit an immune response. Understanding how such a response manifests itself and to what extent immune privilege protects the eye from a reaction can help in anticipating short- and long-term consequences. Avoidance of spillover from areas of immune privilege to areas which either lack or have less protection should be part of any mitigation strategy. In that regard, robotic technology can provide reproducible, standardized delivery which is not dependent on speed of injection. The advantages of microprecision medical robotic technology for precise targeted deliveries are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ladha
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laure E. Caspers
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - François Willermain
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc D. de Smet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Preceyes B.V., Eindhoven, Netherlands
- MIOS SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
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A Rare Case of Stargardt’s Disease. ACTA MEDICA BULGARICA 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/amb-2021-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To describe a clinical case of rare eye diseases – Stargardt’s disease. Material and methods: A detailed clinical examination, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography and electrophysiological studies were performed. The clinical diagnosis was also genetically confirmed.
Results
A classic Stargardt’s disease phenotype was found in a 10-year old boy with decreased visual acuity, atrophy of the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium layers in the macula, plus hypoautofluorescence in the fovea. In full-field ERG there was no diffuse cone involvement. Multifocal ERG demonstrated a lower cone activity in the area of the central macula in both eyes, which is characteristic for hereditary maculopathies and differentiates them from cone-rod dystrophies, in which generalized damage of the photoreceptors in the retina may be observed. The genetic studies identified two missense mutations: c.3113C> T (p.Ala1038Val) and c.1622T> C (p.Leu541Pro) in a cis-position and a missense mutation c.2588G> C (p.Gly863Ala) in the other allele of ABCA4 gene. The two pathogenic variants c.3113C> T and c.1622T> C formed a complex allele p. [A1038V; L541P], which was found in the genome of the asymptomatic mother. The other mutation c.2588G> C affects a highly conserved amino acid from the ABCA4 protein (p.Gly863Ala) and was inherited from the patient’s clinically healthy father, who was a heterozygous carrier.
Conclusion
The comprehensive clinical, electrophysiological and genetic testing of patients with rare hereditary retinal dystrophies is essential for the correct diagnosis and the choice of therapeutic behavior.
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Mermeklieva E, Kamenarova K, Mihova K, Shakola F, Kaneva R. A rare case of RGR/CDHR1 haplotype identified in Bulgarian patient with cone-rod dystrophy. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 42:747-752. [PMID: 34229535 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1946700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM To present a rare clinical case of CDHR1-related retinopathy with cone and rod involvementconfirmed clinically, electrophysiologically and genetically as a cone-rod dystrophy. MATERIAL AND METHODS A 26-year-old woman underwent detailed ophthalmic examinationincluding fundus photography, full-field and multifocal electroretinography, visual field testing, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography, which established the clinical diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing of a custom panel including 140 of the most common genes for inherited retinal degenerations was used for mutation screening. RESULTS The symptoms onset was two years ago included gradual loss of vision and photophobia. The clinical findings were reduced visual acuity, central and peripheral scotomas, sporadic pigmentary cells localized mainly in the peripheral retina, a thinner retina in the macula and peripherally, moderate retinal vessels attenuation and reduced cone and rod ERG responses. The genetic analysisfound that the patient was homozygous for two already reported mutations: RGR-c.196A>C (p.Ser66Arg) variant and a co-segregating frame-shift deletion in CDHR1-c.2522_2528delTCTCTGA (p.Ile841Serfs119*). Segregation analysis showed that the two mutations were transmitted by the asymptomatic heterozygous parents. CONCLUSION The rare haplotype of RGR mutation co-segregating incis- with CDHR1 mutation in our patient has been previously described in Albanian patients with recessive retinal dystrophy. Our findings add further support to the hypothesis of a common ancestral haplotype spread in the Balkan population. The comprehensive clinical, electrophysiological and genetic testing of patients with rare hereditary retinal dystrophies is essential for the correct diagnosis and the choice of potential novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mermeklieva
- Clinic of Оphthalmology, "Lozenetz" University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kunka Kamenarova
- Molecular Medicine Center, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kalina Mihova
- Molecular Medicine Center, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Felitsiya Shakola
- Molecular Medicine Center, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Radka Kaneva
- Molecular Medicine Center, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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12
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Ladha R, Meenink T, Smit J, de Smet MD. Advantages of robotic assistance over a manual approach in simulated subretinal injections and its relevance for gene therapy. Gene Ther 2021; 30:264-270. [PMID: 34002047 PMCID: PMC10113148 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Subretinal injection is a method for gene delivery to treat genetic diseases of the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. A reflux-free subretinal injection is important to allow effective, safe, and cost-effective gene therapy to the retina. We report on a comparison between manual and robotic assistance in simulated subretinal injections using an artificial retina model. Nine surgeons carried out the procedure with and without the Preceyes Surgical System, using an OPMI Lumera 700 Zeiss surgical microscope equipped with intra-operative optical coherence tomography. Success in creating a bleb without reflux, injection duration, drift, tremor, and increase in the diameter of the puncture hole were analyzed. Robotic assistance improved drift (median 16 vs 212 µm), tremor (median 1 vs 18 µm), enlargement of the retinal hole, and allowed for prolonged injection times (median 52 vs 29 sec). Robotic assistance allowed higher rate of bleb formation (8/9 vs 4/9 attempts) with a moderate reduction in reflux (7/9 vs 8/9 attempts) in this artificial model. Robotic assistance can significantly contribute to subretinal injections and provide quantifiable parameters in assessing surgical and clinical success of novel retinal gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ladha
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU St-Pierre and CHU Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Marc D de Smet
- Preceyes BV, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.,MIOS sa, Lausanne, Switzerland
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13
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Chiu W, Lin TY, Chang YC, Isahwan-Ahmad Mulyadi Lai H, Lin SC, Ma C, Yarmishyn AA, Lin SC, Chang KJ, Chou YB, Hsu CC, Lin TC, Chen SJ, Chien Y, Yang YP, Hwang DK. An Update on Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Dystrophy: Experience in Leber Congenital Amaurosis Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094534. [PMID: 33926102 PMCID: PMC8123696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of rare eye diseases caused by gene mutations that result in the degradation of cone and rod photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium. Retinal degradation progress is often irreversible, with clinical manifestations including color or night blindness, peripheral visual defects and subsequent vision loss. Thus, gene therapies that restore functional retinal proteins by either replenishing unmutated genes or truncating mutated genes are needed. Coincidentally, the eye’s accessibility and immune-privileged status along with major advances in gene identification and gene delivery systems heralded gene therapies for IRDs. Among these clinical trials, voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna), an adeno-associated virus vector-based gene therapy drug, was approved by the FDA for treating patients with confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) in 2017. This review includes current IRD gene therapy clinical trials and further summarizes preclinical studies and therapeutic strategies for LCA, including adeno-associated virus-based gene augmentation therapy, 11-cis-retinal replacement, RNA-based antisense oligonucleotide therapy and CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapy. Understanding the gene therapy development for LCA may accelerate and predict the potential hurdles of future therapeutics translation. It may also serve as the template for the research and development of treatment for other IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chiu
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (W.C.); (S.-C.L.); (S.-C.L.); (K.-J.C.); (Y.-B.C.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
| | - Ting-Yi Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chia Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Henkie Isahwan-Ahmad Mulyadi Lai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Che Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (W.C.); (S.-C.L.); (S.-C.L.); (K.-J.C.); (Y.-B.C.); (C.-C.H.)
| | - Chun Ma
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Aliaksandr A. Yarmishyn
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
| | - Shiuan-Chen Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (W.C.); (S.-C.L.); (S.-C.L.); (K.-J.C.); (Y.-B.C.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
| | - Kao-Jung Chang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (W.C.); (S.-C.L.); (S.-C.L.); (K.-J.C.); (Y.-B.C.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Bai Chou
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (W.C.); (S.-C.L.); (S.-C.L.); (K.-J.C.); (Y.-B.C.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Chien Hsu
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (W.C.); (S.-C.L.); (S.-C.L.); (K.-J.C.); (Y.-B.C.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (Y.-P.Y.); (D.-K.H.)
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (Y.-P.Y.); (D.-K.H.)
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (T.-Y.L.); (H.I.-A.M.L.); (C.M.); (A.A.Y.); (T.-C.L.); (S.-J.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (Y.-P.Y.); (D.-K.H.)
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14
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Maguire AM, Bennett J, Aleman EM, Leroy BP, Aleman TS. Clinical Perspective: Treating RPE65-Associated Retinal Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:442-463. [PMID: 33278565 PMCID: PMC7854308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, there was no approved treatment for a retinal degenerative disease. Subretinal injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivering the normal copy of the human RPE65 cDNA led to reversal of blindness first in animal models and then in humans. This led to the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved gene therapy product for a genetic disease, voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna). Luxturna was then approved by the European Medicines Association and is now available in the US through Spark Therapeutics and worldwide through Novartis. Not only has treatment with Luxturna changed the lives of people previously destined to live a life of blindness, but it has fueled interest in developing additional gene therapy reagents targeting numerous other genetic forms of inherited retinal disease. This review describes many of the considerations for administration of Luxturna and describes how lessons from experience with Luxturna could lead to additional gene-based treatments of blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert M Maguire
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena M Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bart P Leroy
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tomas S Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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Tan GSW, Liu Z, Ilmarinen T, Barathi VA, Chee CK, Lingam G, Su X, Stanzel BV. Hints for Gentle Submacular Injection in Non-Human Primates Based on Intraoperative OCT Guidance. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:10. [PMID: 33510949 PMCID: PMC7804573 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Delivery of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products to the submacular space is increasingly evolving into a therapeutic modality. Cell replacement for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and gene therapy for RPE65 are recent successful examples. Herein, a nonhuman primate (NHP) model was used to investigate surgical means to detach the macula. Methods Sixteen eyes of 13 healthy macaques underwent a 25-gauge vitrectomy and subretinal injection of balanced salt solution monitored by microscope-integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography (miOCT). The animals were followed with OCT and histology. Results The miOCT monitoring allowed a more precise definition of surgical trauma ranging from an initial full-thickness foveal tear, or induction of a cystoid macular edema (CME), until no foveal defect was discernible, as the technique improved. However, as the subretinal fluid wave detached the fovea, the aforementioned lesions formed, whereas persistent retinal adhesion reproducibly proved to remain in the distal parafoveal semi-annulus. Measures to reduce foveal trauma during submacular fluid injection included reducing intraocular pressure, injection volume, and velocity, as well as the retinal location for bleb initiation, use of a vitreous tamponade, and a dual-bore subretinal cannula. Conclusions A stable very low intraocular pressure and careful subretinal injection may avoid tangential macular stretching or mechanical CME formation, while vitreous tamponade may facilitate a more lamellar subretinal flow, all thereby reducing foveal trauma during submacular injection in NHP. Translational Relevance These results can be relevant to any submacular surgery procedure used today, as they synergistically reduce the risk of compromising foveal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin S W Tan
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Ophthalmology Academic Clinical Research Program, DUKE-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zengping Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tanja Ilmarinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Veluchamy A Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Ophthalmology Academic Clinical Research Program, DUKE-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caroline K Chee
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gopal Lingam
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, ASTAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boris V Stanzel
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Hospital Saar, Sulzbach, Saar, Germany
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16
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Gao J, Hussain RM, Weng CY. Voretigene Neparvovec in Retinal Diseases: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence. Clin Ophthalmol 2020; 14:3855-3869. [PMID: 33223822 PMCID: PMC7671481 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s231804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Subretinal gene therapy trials began with the discovery of RPE65 variants and their association with Leber congenital amaurosis. The RPE65 protein is critical for the normal functioning of the visual phototransduction cascade. RPE65 gene knockout animal models were developed and showed similar diseased phenotypes to their human counterparts. Proof of concept studies were carried out in these animal models using subretinal RPE65 gene replacement therapy, resulting in improvements in various visual function markers including electroretinograms, pupillary light responses, and object avoidance behaviors. Positive results in animal models led to Phase 1 human studies using adeno-associated viral vectors. Results in these initial human studies also showed positive impact on visual function and acceptable safety. A landmark Phase 3 study was then conducted by Spark Therapeutics using a dose of 1.5 x1011 vector genomes after dose-escalation studies confirmed its efficacy and safety. Multi-luminance mobility testing was used to measure the primary efficacy endpoint due to its excellent reliability in detecting the progression of inherited retinal diseases. After the study met its primary endpoint, the Food and Drug Administration approved voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna®) for use in RPE65-associated inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Christina Y Weng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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17
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Hoogewoud F, Kowalczuk L, Bousquet E, Brézin A, Touchard E, Buggage R, Bordet T, Behar-Cohen F. [Anti-TNF-α in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:893-899. [PMID: 33026332 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-infectious uveitis is a heterogenous group of potentially blinding ocular autoimmune diseases that may represent a manifestation of a systemic condition or may affect the eyes only. A systemically administered anti-TNF has recently been approved for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis, broadening the therapeutic arsenal available to control intraocular inflammation and reduce uveitis complications that can lead to vision loss. When uveitis affects only the eyes, a local anti-TNF-α administration strategy could optimize the ocular therapeutic effect and reduce undesirable systemic side-effects. A new ocular method of non-viral gene therapy, currently in development, may broaden the indications for ocular anti-TNF-α agents, not only for uveitis but also for other diseases in which TNF-α-mediated neuro-inflammation has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Hoogewoud
- Ophtalmopole Hôpital Cochin; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Université de Paris, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France - Département d'ophtalmologie de l'université de Lausanne, Hôpital Ophtalmologique Jules-Gonin, Lausanne, Suisse
| | - Laura Kowalczuk
- Département d'ophtalmologie de l'université de Lausanne, Hôpital Ophtalmologique Jules-Gonin, Lausanne, Suisse - Centre de recherches des Cordeliers; Inserm UMR 1138, Physiopathologie des maladies oculaires : innovations thérapeutiques; Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Elodie Bousquet
- Ophtalmopole Hôpital Cochin; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Université de Paris, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France - Centre de recherches des Cordeliers; Inserm UMR 1138, Physiopathologie des maladies oculaires : innovations thérapeutiques; Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Antoine Brézin
- Ophtalmopole Hôpital Cochin; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Université de Paris, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France - Centre de recherches des Cordeliers; Inserm UMR 1138, Physiopathologie des maladies oculaires : innovations thérapeutiques; Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- Ophtalmopole Hôpital Cochin; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Université de Paris, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France - Centre de recherches des Cordeliers; Inserm UMR 1138, Physiopathologie des maladies oculaires : innovations thérapeutiques; Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
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18
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Garafalo AV, Cideciyan AV, Héon E, Sheplock R, Pearson A, WeiYang Yu C, Sumaroka A, Aguirre GD, Jacobson SG. Progress in treating inherited retinal diseases: Early subretinal gene therapy clinical trials and candidates for future initiatives. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 77:100827. [PMID: 31899291 PMCID: PMC8714059 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to improved phenotyping and genetic characterization, the field of 'incurable' and 'blinding' inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) has moved substantially forward. Decades of ascertainment of IRD patient data from Philadelphia and Toronto centers illustrate the progress from Mendelian genetic types to molecular diagnoses. Molecular genetics have been used not only to clarify diagnoses and to direct counseling but also to enable the first clinical trials of gene-based treatment in these diseases. An overview of the recent reports of gene augmentation clinical trials by subretinal injections is used to reflect on the reasons why there has been limited success in this early venture into therapy. These first-in human experiences have taught that there is a need for advancing the techniques of delivery of the gene products - not only for refining further subretinal trials, but also for evaluating intravitreal delivery. Candidate IRDs for intravitreal gene delivery are then suggested to illustrate some of the disorders that may be amenable to improvement of remaining central vision with the least photoreceptor trauma. A more detailed understanding of the human IRDs to be considered for therapy and the calculated potential for efficacy should be among the routine prerequisites for initiating a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Pearson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caberry WeiYang Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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19
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Gene Therapy in Retinal Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225722. [PMID: 31739639 PMCID: PMC6888000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous degenerative disorders. To date, mutations have been associated with IRDs in over 270 disease genes, but molecular diagnosis still remains elusive in about a third of cases. The methodologic developments in genome sequencing techniques that we have witnessed in this last decade have represented a turning point not only in diagnosis and prognosis but, above all, in the identification of new therapeutic perspectives. The discovery of new disease genes and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying IRDs has laid the groundwork for gene therapy approaches. Several clinical trials are ongoing, and the recent approval of Luxturna, the first gene therapy product for Leber congenital amaurosis, marks the beginning of a new era. Due to its anatomical and functional characteristics, the retina is the organ of choice for gene therapy, although there are quite a few difficulties in the translational approaches from preclinical models to humans. In the first part of this review, an overview of the current knowledge on methodological issues and future perspectives of gene therapy applied to IRDs is discussed; in the second part, the state of the art of clinical trials on the gene therapy approach in IRDs is illustrated.
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20
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Davis JL, Gregori NZ, MacLaren RE, Lam BL. Surgical Technique for Subretinal Gene Therapy in Humans with Inherited Retinal Degeneration. Retina 2019; 39 Suppl 1:S2-S8. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000002609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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