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Zheng Z, Xu L, Gao Y, Dou H, Zhou Y, Feng X, He X, Tian Z, Song L, Mo G, Hu J, Zhao H, Wei H, Church GM, Yang L. Testing multiplexed anti-ASFV CRISPR-Cas9 in reducing African swine fever virus. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0216423. [PMID: 38563791 PMCID: PMC11218517 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02164-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal viral disease that poses a significant threat to domestic pigs and wild boars globally. In our study, we aimed to explore the potential of a multiplexed CRISPR-Cas system in suppressing ASFV replication and infection. By engineering CRISPR-Cas systems to target nine specific loci within the ASFV genome, we observed a substantial reduction in viral replication in vitro. This reduction was achieved through the concerted action of both Type II and Type III RNA polymerase-guided gRNA expression. To further evaluate its anti-viral function in vivo, we developed a pig strain expressing the multiplexable CRISPR-Cas-gRNA via germline genome editing. These transgenic pigs exhibited normal health with continuous expression of the CRISPR-Cas-gRNA system, and a subset displayed latent viral replication and delayed infection. However, the CRISPR-Cas9-engineered pigs did not exhibit a survival advantage upon exposure to ASFV. To our knowledge, this study represents the first instance of a living organism engineered via germline editing to assess resistance to ASFV infection using a CRISPR-Cas system. Our findings contribute valuable insights to guide the future design of enhanced viral immunity strategies. IMPORTANCE ASFV is currently a devastating disease with no effective vaccine or treatment available. Our study introduces a multiplexed CRISPR-Cas system targeting nine specific loci in the ASFV genome. This innovative approach successfully inhibits ASFV replication in vitro, and we have successfully engineered pig strains to express this anti-ASFV CRISPR-Cas system constitutively. Despite not observing survival advantages in these transgenic pigs upon ASFV challenges, we did note a delay in infection in some cases. To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes the first example of a germline-edited animal with an anti-virus CRISPR-Cas system. These findings contribute to the advancement of future anti-viral strategies and the optimization of viral immunity technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezhong Zheng
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Qihan Biotechnology, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | - Xu Feng
- Qihan Biotechnology, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Zhen Tian
- Qihan Biotechnology, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Jiapan Hu
- Qihan Biotechnology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongye Zhao
- Yunan Agriculture University, Kunming, China
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2
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Weber JA, Lang JF, Carrell EM, Alameh MG, Davidson BL. Temporal restriction of Cas9 expression improves CRISPR-mediated deletion efficacy and fidelity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102172. [PMID: 38978694 PMCID: PMC11229411 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Clinical application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for large deletions of somatic mutations is inefficient, and methods to improve utility suffer from our inability to rapidly assess mono- vs. biallelic deletions. Here we establish a model system for investigating allelic heterogeneity at the single-cell level and identify indel scarring from non-simultaneous nuclease activity at gRNA cut sites as a major barrier to CRISPR-del efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. We show that non-simultaneous nuclease activity is partially prevented via restriction of CRISPR-Cas9 expression via inducible adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Inducible AAV-based expression of CRISPR-del machinery significantly improved mono- and biallelic deletion frequency in vivo, supporting the use of the Xon cassette over traditional constitutively expressing AAV approaches. These data depicting improvements to deletions and insight into allelic heterogeneity after CRISPR-del will inform therapeutic approaches for phenotypes that require either large mono- or biallelic deletions, such as autosomal recessive diseases or where mutant allele-specific gRNAs are not readily available, or in situations where the targeted sequence for excision is located multiple times in a genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Weber
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Biomedical Graduate Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan F Lang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Biomedical Graduate Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ellie M Carrell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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3
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Banda A, Impomeni O, Singh A, Baloch AR, Hu W, Jaijyan DK. Precision in Action: The Role of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas in Gene Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:636. [PMID: 38932365 PMCID: PMC11209408 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060636] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated enzyme-CAS holds great promise for treating many uncured human diseases and illnesses by precisely correcting harmful point mutations and disrupting disease-causing genes. The recent Food and Drug Association (FDA) approval of the first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell anemia marks the beginning of a new era in gene editing. However, delivering CRISPR specifically into diseased cells in vivo is a significant challenge and an area of intense research. The identification of new CRISPR/Cas variants, particularly ultra-compact CAS systems with robust gene editing activities, paves the way for the low-capacity delivery vectors to be used in gene therapies. CRISPR/Cas technology has evolved beyond editing DNA to cover a wide spectrum of functionalities, including RNA targeting, disease diagnosis, transcriptional/epigenetic regulation, chromatin imaging, high-throughput screening, and new disease modeling. CRISPR/Cas can be used to engineer B-cells to produce potent antibodies for more effective vaccines and enhance CAR T-cells for the more precise and efficient targeting of tumor cells. However, CRISPR/Cas technology has challenges, including off-target effects, toxicity, immune responses, and inadequate tissue-specific delivery. Overcoming these challenges necessitates the development of a more effective and specific CRISPR/Cas delivery system. This entails strategically utilizing specific gRNAs in conjunction with robust CRISPR/Cas variants to mitigate off-target effects. This review seeks to delve into the intricacies of the CRISPR/Cas mechanism, explore progress in gene therapies, evaluate gene delivery systems, highlight limitations, outline necessary precautions, and scrutinize the ethical considerations associated with its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Banda
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Olivia Impomeni
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Aparana Singh
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Agartala, Agartala 799046, India;
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
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Gendelman HE, Patel M, Panja S, Zaman LA, Yeapuri P, Bhattarai S, Gorantla S, Chang L, Heredia A, Walczak P, Cohen S, Kevadiya B. CCR5 Decorated Rilpivirine Lipid Nanoparticles Build Myeloid Drug Depots Which Sustains Antiretroviral Activities. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4433306. [PMID: 38883780 PMCID: PMC11177988 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4433306/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the quality of life for those living with the human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1). However, poor compliance reduces ART effectiveness and leads to immune compromise, viral mutations, and disease co-morbidities. A novel drug formulation is made whereby a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carrying rilpivirine (RPV) is decorated with the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5). This facilitates myeloid drug depot deposition. Particle delivery to viral reservoirs is tracked by positron emission tomography. The CCR5-mediated RPV LNP cell uptake and retention reduce HIV-1 replication in human monocyte-derived macrophages and infected humanized mice. Focused ultrasound allows the decorated LNP to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach brain myeloid cells. These findings offer a role for CCR5-targeted therapeutics in antiretroviral delivery to optimize HIV suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Samuel Cohen
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
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Tassaneetrithep B, Phuphuakrat A, Pasomsub E, Bhukhai K, Wongkummool W, Priengprom T, Khamaikawin W, Chaisavaneeyakorn S, Anurathapan U, Apiwattanakul N, Hongeng S. HIV-1 proviral DNA in purified peripheral blood CD34 + stem and progenitor cells in individuals with long-term HAART; paving the way to HIV gene therapy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26613. [PMID: 38434025 PMCID: PMC10906414 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26613] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection is an important public health problem worldwide. After primary HIV-1 infection, transcribed HIV-1 DNA is integrated into the host genome, serving as a reservoir of the virus and hindering a definite cure. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy suppresses active viral replication, resulting in undetectable levels of HIV RNA in the blood, a viral rebound can be detected after a few weeks of treatment interruption. This supports the concept that there is a stable HIV-1 reservoir in people living with HIV-1. Recently, a few individuals with HIV infection were reported to be probably cured by hematopoietic stem transplantation (HSCT). The underlying mechanism for this success involved transfusion of uninfected hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from CCR5-mutated donors who were naturally resistant to HIV infection. Thus, gene editing technology to provide HIV-resistant HSPC has promise in the treatment of HIV infections by HSCT. In this study, we aimed to find HIV-infected individuals likely to achieve a definite cure via gene editing HSCT. We screened for total HIV proviral DNA by Alu PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 20 HIV-infected individuals with prolonged viral suppression. We assessed the amount of intact proviral DNA via a modified intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA) in purified peripheral CD34+ HSPCs. PBMCs from all 20 individuals were positive for the gag gene in Alu PCR, and peripheral CD34+ HSPCs were IPDA-negative for six individuals. Our results suggested that these six HIV-infected individuals could be candidates for further studies into the ability of gene editing HSCT to lead to a definite HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boonrat Tassaneetrithep
- Center of Research Excellence in Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Angsana Phuphuakrat
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Ekawat Pasomsub
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Kanit Bhukhai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | | | - Thongkoon Priengprom
- Center of Research Excellence in Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Wannisa Khamaikawin
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand
| | | | - Usanarat Anurathapan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Nopporn Apiwattanakul
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
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6
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Faivre N, Verollet C, Dumas F. The chemokine receptor CCR5: multi-faceted hook for HIV-1. Retrovirology 2024; 21:2. [PMID: 38263120 PMCID: PMC10807162 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00634-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are cytokines whose primary role is cellular activation and stimulation of leukocyte migration. They perform their various functions by interacting with G protein-coupled cell surface receptors (GPCRs) and are involved in the regulation of many biological processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis or organogenesis. They contribute to the maintenance of the homeostasis of lymphocytes and coordinate the function of the immune system. However, chemokines and their receptors are sometimes hijacked by some pathogens to infect the host organism. For a given chemokine receptor, there is a wide structural, organizational and conformational diversity. In this review, we describe the evidence for structural variety reported for the chemokine receptor CCR5, how this variability can be exploited by HIV-1 to infect its target cells and what therapeutic solutions are currently being developed to overcome this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Faivre
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christel Verollet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabrice Dumas
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France.
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7
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Dampier W, Berman R, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Computational analysis of cas proteins unlocks new potential in HIV-1 targeted gene therapy. Front Genome Ed 2024; 5:1248982. [PMID: 38239625 PMCID: PMC10794619 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1248982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pandemic has been slowed with the advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). However, ART is not a cure and as such has pushed the disease into a chronic infection. One potential cure strategy that has shown promise is the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas gene editing system. It has recently been shown to successfully edit and/or excise the integrated provirus from infected cells and inhibit HIV-1 in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. These studies have primarily been conducted with SpCas9 or SaCas9. However, additional Cas proteins are discovered regularly and modifications to these known proteins are being engineered. The alternative Cas molecules have different requirements for protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) which impact the possible targetable regions of HIV-1. Other modifications to the Cas protein or gRNA handle impact the tolerance for mismatches between gRNA and the target. While reducing off-target risk, this impacts the ability to fully account for HIV-1 genetic variability. Methods: This manuscript strives to examine these parameter choices using a computational approach for surveying the suitability of a Cas editor for HIV-1 gene editing. The Nominate, Diversify, Narrow, Filter (NDNF) pipeline measures the safety, broadness, and effectiveness of a pool of potential gRNAs for any PAM. This technique was used to evaluate 46 different potential Cas editors for their HIV therapeutic potential. Results: Our examination revealed that broader PAMs that improve the targeting potential of editors like SaCas9 and LbCas12a have larger pools of useful gRNAs, while broader PAMs reduced the pool of useful SpCas9 gRNAs yet increased the breadth of targetable locations. Investigation of the mismatch tolerance of Cas editors indicates a 2-missmatch tolerance is an ideal balance between on-target sensitivity and off-target specificity. Of all of the Cas editors examined, SpCas-NG and SPRY-Cas9 had the highest number of overall safe, broad, and effective gRNAs against HIV. Discussion: Currently, larger proteins and wider PAMs lead to better targeting capacity. This implies that research should either be targeted towards delivering longer payloads or towards increasing the breadth of currently available small Cas editors. With the discovery and adoption of additional Cas editors, it is important for researchers in the HIV-1 gene editing field to explore the wider world of Cas editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Berman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael R. Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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8
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Yeapuri P, Machhi J, Lu Y, Abdelmoaty MM, Kadry R, Patel M, Bhattarai S, Lu E, Namminga KL, Olson KE, Foster EG, Mosley RL, Gendelman HE. Amyloid-β specific regulatory T cells attenuate Alzheimer's disease pathobiology in APP/PS1 mice. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:97. [PMID: 38111016 PMCID: PMC10729469 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00692-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain immune tolerance. While Treg-mediated neuroprotective activities are now well-accepted, the lack of defined antigen specificity limits their therapeutic potential. This is notable for neurodegenerative diseases where cell access to injured brain regions is required for disease-specific therapeutic targeting and improved outcomes. To address this need, amyloid-beta (Aβ) antigen specificity was conferred to Treg responses by engineering the T cell receptor (TCR) specific for Aβ (TCRAβ). The TCRAb were developed from disease-specific T cell effector (Teff) clones. The ability of Tregs expressing a transgenic TCRAβ (TCRAβ -Tregs) to reduce Aβ burden, transform effector to regulatory cells, and reverse disease-associated neurotoxicity proved beneficial in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS TCRAβ -Tregs were generated by CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of endogenous TCR and consequent incorporation of the transgenic TCRAb identified from Aβ reactive Teff monoclones. Antigen specificity was confirmed by MHC-Aβ-tetramer staining. Adoptive transfer of TCRAβ-Tregs to mice expressing a chimeric mouse-human amyloid precursor protein and a mutant human presenilin-1 followed measured behavior, immune, and immunohistochemical outcomes. RESULTS TCRAβ-Tregs expressed an Aβ-specific TCR. Adoptive transfer of TCRAβ-Tregs led to sustained immune suppression, reduced microglial reaction, and amyloid loads. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose radiolabeled TCRAβ-Treg homed to the brain facilitating antigen specificity. Reduction in amyloid load was associated with improved cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS TCRAβ-Tregs reduced amyloid burden, restored brain homeostasis, and improved learning and memory, supporting the increased therapeutic benefit of antigen specific Treg immunotherapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravin Yeapuri
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jatin Machhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yaman Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Mai Mohamed Abdelmoaty
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rana Kadry
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Milankumar Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Shaurav Bhattarai
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Eugene Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Krista L Namminga
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Katherine E Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Emma G Foster
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - R Lee Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
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Au TY, Arudkumar J, Assavarittirong C, Benjamin S. Killing two birds with one stone: CRISPR/Cas9 CCR5 knockout hematopoietic stem cells transplantation to treat patients with HIV infection and hematological malignancies concurrently. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4163-4175. [PMID: 37500934 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01129-7] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is known to cause hematological malignancy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HPSCT) is an advanced treatment for that. Currently, there are three successful HIV-eliminated cases, and two received HPSCT from CCR5-absent donors. It is well established that the CCR5 protein on the cell surface assists human immunodeficiency virus entry. Preliminary studies have revealed that knocking out CCR5 and/or CXCR4 may inhibit the viral entry of HIV, which may prove promising in the further development of HIV treatment options. Herein, we suggest performing autologous or allogeneic HSCT with CCR5 KO hematopoietic stem cells in patients who suffer from complicated HIV conditions, particularly drug-resistant HIV or a concurrent diagnosis of HIV with lymphoma/leukemia, to achieve complete HIV remission. Nevertheless, at the clinical forefront of CRISPR-HIV technology, more efforts should be directed to advance nonhuman primate (NHP) models for studies of HIV pathogenesis and off-target assessments within this system. CRISPR-Cas9 knock out of host HSCT-expressing CCR5 or CXCR4 may confer HIV-resistance, which when applied to bedside therapeutics in an allogeneic or autologous manner can warrant a permanent and effective treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yuen Au
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jayshen Arudkumar
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Chanika Assavarittirong
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Shamiram Benjamin
- Center for Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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10
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Sahel DK, Vora LK, Saraswat A, Sharma S, Monpara J, D'Souza AA, Mishra D, Tryphena KP, Kawakita S, Khan S, Azhar M, Khatri DK, Patel K, Singh Thakur RR. CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing for Tissue-Specific In Vivo Targeting: Nanomaterials and Translational Perspective. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207512. [PMID: 37166046 PMCID: PMC10323670 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Clustered randomly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and its associated endonuclease protein, i.e., Cas9, have been discovered as an immune system in bacteria and archaea; nevertheless, they are now being adopted as mainstream biotechnological/molecular scissors that can modulate ample genetic and nongenetic diseases via insertion/deletion, epigenome editing, messenger RNA editing, CRISPR interference, etc. Many Food and Drug Administration-approved and ongoing clinical trials on CRISPR adopt ex vivo strategies, wherein the gene editing is performed ex vivo, followed by reimplantation to the patients. However, the in vivo delivery of the CRISPR components is still under preclinical surveillance. This review has summarized the nonviral nanodelivery strategies for gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and its recent advancements, strategic points of view, challenges, and future aspects for tissue-specific in vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components using nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar Sahel
- Department of PharmacyBirla Institute of Technology and Science‐PilaniBITS‐Pilani, Vidya ViharPilaniRajasthan333031India
| | - Lalitkumar K. Vora
- School of PharmacyQueen's University Belfast97 Lisburn RoadBelfastBT9 7BLUK
| | - Aishwarya Saraswat
- College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNY11439USA
| | - Saurabh Sharma
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical InnovationLos AngelesCA90064USA
| | - Jasmin Monpara
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of SciencesPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Anisha A. D'Souza
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of PharmacyDuquesne UniversityPittsburghPA15282USA
| | - Deepakkumar Mishra
- School of PharmacyQueen's University Belfast97 Lisburn RoadBelfastBT9 7BLUK
| | - Kamatham Pushpa Tryphena
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience LabDepartment of Pharmacology and ToxicologyNational Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)‐HyderabadTelangana500037India
| | - Satoru Kawakita
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCA95616USA
| | - Shahid Khan
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical InnovationLos AngelesCA90064USA
| | - Mohd Azhar
- Research and Development Tata Medical and Diagnostics LimitedMumbaiMaharashtra400001India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience LabDepartment of Pharmacology and ToxicologyNational Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)‐HyderabadTelangana500037India
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNY11439USA
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11
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Hussein M, Molina MA, Berkhout B, Herrera-Carrillo E. A CRISPR-Cas Cure for HIV/AIDS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1563. [PMID: 36675077 PMCID: PMC9863116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and HIV-induced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continue to represent a global health burden. There is currently no effective vaccine, nor any cure, for HIV infections; existing antiretroviral therapy can suppress viral replication, but only as long as antiviral drugs are taken. HIV infects cells of the host immune system, and it can establish a long-lived viral reservoir, which can be targeted and edited through gene therapy. Gene editing platforms based on the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat-Cas system (CRISPR-Cas) have been recognized as promising tools in the development of gene therapies for HIV infections. In this review, we evaluate the current landscape of CRISPR-Cas-based therapies against HIV, with an emphasis on the infection biology of the virus as well as the activity of host restriction factors. We discuss the potential of a combined CRISPR-Cas approach that targets host and viral genes to activate antiviral host factors and inhibit viral replication simultaneously. Lastly, we focus on the challenges and potential solutions of CRISPR-Cas gene editing approaches in achieving an HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Bhowmik R, Chaubey B. CRISPR/Cas9: a tool to eradicate HIV-1. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:58. [PMID: 36457057 PMCID: PMC9713993 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been effective in suppressing HIV replication. However, severe drug toxicities due to the therapy and its failure in targeting the integrated proviral genome have led to the introduction of a new paradigm of gene-based therapies. With its effective inhibition and high precision, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein-9 nuclease (Cas9) or CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as an effective genome editing tool in the last decade. Mediated by guide RNAs (gRNAs), Cas9 endonuclease acts like genetic scissors that can modify specific target sites. With this concept, CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to target the integrated proviral HIV-1 genome both in in vitro as well as in vivo studies including non-human primates. The CRISPR has also been tested for targeting latent HIV-1 by modulating the proviral transcription with the help of a specialized Cas9 mutant. Overcoming the limitations of the current therapy, CRISPR has the potential to become the primary genome editing tool for eradicating HIV-1 infection. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements of CRISPR to target the proviral HIV-1 genome, the challenges and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchira Bhowmik
- grid.59056.3f0000 0001 0664 9773Virology Lab, Centre for Advance Study, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019 India
| | - Binay Chaubey
- grid.59056.3f0000 0001 0664 9773Virology Lab, Centre for Advance Study, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019 India
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13
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Mashima R, Takada S. Lipid Nanoparticles: A Novel Gene Delivery Technique for Clinical Application. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:5013-5027. [PMID: 36286056 PMCID: PMC9600891 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44100341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are an emerging vehicle for gene delivery that accommodate both nucleic acid and protein. Based on the experience of therapeutic liposomes, current LNPs have been developed based on the chemistry of lipids and RNA and on the biology of human disease. LNPs have been used for the development of Onpattro, an siRNA drug for transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, in 2018. The subsequent outbreak of COVID-19 required a vaccine for its suppression. LNP-based vaccine production received much attention for this and resulted in great success. In this review, the essential technology of LNP gene delivery has been described according to the chemistry for LNP production and biology for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Mashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Shuji Takada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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14
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Salimi-Jeda A, Esghaei M, Hossein Keyvani, Bokharaei-Salim F, Teimoori A, Abdoli A. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication using the CRISPR/cas9-no NLS system as a prophylactic strategy. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10483. [PMID: 36158108 PMCID: PMC9489754 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10483] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, it is estimated that 43 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and there are more than 600,000 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths in 2020. The only way to increase the life expectancy of these patients right now is to use combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for the lifetime. Due to the integration of the HIV-1 DNA in lymphocytes, the replication of the virus can only be reduced by using antiretroviral drugs. If the drug is stopped, the virus will replicate and reduce the number of lymphocytes. In recent years, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated endonuclease Cas9-mediated genome editing system has been considered, preventing HIV-1 replication by causing DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) or disrupting the integrated virus replication by targeting the provirus. In this study, we utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 without the nuclear localization signal sequence (w/o NLS) system to inhibit the VSV-G-pseudotyped HIV-1 replication by targeting the HIV-1 DNA as a prophylactic method. To this end, we designed a multiplex gRNA (guide RNA) cassette to target the pol, env, and nef/long terminal repeat (nef/LTR) regions of the HIV-1 genome and then cloned it in plasmid expressing no-NLS-Cas9 protein as an all-in-one CRISPR/Cas9 vector. Using HIV-1 pseudovirus transduction into HEK-293T cell lines, our results showed that the CRISPR/Cas9-no NLS system disrupts the pseudotyped HIV-1 DNA and significantly (P-value < 0.0001) decreases the p24 antigen shedding and viral RNA load in cell culture supernatants harvested 48h after virus transduction. Although these results revealed the potential of the CRISPR/Cas9-no NLS nuclease system as a prophylactic strategy against HIV-1 infections, due to inefficient impairments of HIV-1 DNA, further studies are required to enhance its effectiveness and application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Salimi-Jeda
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Esghaei
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farah Bokharaei-Salim
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Asghar Abdoli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Khanal S, Cao D, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Schank M, Dang X, Nguyen LNT, Wu XY, Jiang Y, Ning S, Zhao J, Wang L, Gazzar ME, Moorman JP, Yao ZQ. Synthetic gRNA/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Inhibits HIV Reactivation and Replication. Viruses 2022; 14:1902. [PMID: 36146709 PMCID: PMC9500661 DOI: 10.3390/v14091902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can halt viral replication but cannot eradicate HIV infection because proviral DNA integrated into the host genome remains genetically silent in reservoir cells and is replication-competent upon interruption or cessation of ART. CRISPR/Cas9-based technology is widely used to edit target genes via mutagenesis (i.e., nucleotide insertion/deletion and/or substitution) and thus can inactivate integrated proviral DNA. However, CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems often require viral vectors, which pose safety concerns for therapeutic applications in humans. In this study, we used synthetic guide RNA (gRNA)/Cas9-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) as a non-viral formulation to develop a novel HIV gene therapy. We designed a series of gRNAs targeting different HIV genes crucial for HIV replication and tested their antiviral efficacy and cellular cytotoxicity in lymphoid and monocytic latent HIV cell lines. Compared with the scramble gRNA control, HIV-gRNA/Cas9 RNP-treated cells exhibited efficient viral suppression with no apparent cytotoxicity, as evidenced by the significant inhibition of latent HIV DNA reactivation and RNA replication. Moreover, HIV-gRNA/Cas9 RNP inhibited p24 antigen expression, suppressed infectious viral particle production, and generated specific DNA cleavages in the targeted HIV genes that are confirmed by DNA sequencing. Because of its rapid DNA cleavage, low off-target effects, low risk of insertional mutagenesis, easy production, and readiness for use in clinical application, this study provides a proof-of-concept that synthetic gRNA/Cas9 RNP drugs can be utilized as a novel therapeutic approach for HIV eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushant Khanal
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Dechao Cao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Madison Schank
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Xindi Dang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Lam Ngoc Thao Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Xiao Y. Wu
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Yong Jiang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Shunbin Ning
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Juan Zhao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Mohamed El Gazzar
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Moorman
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- HCV/HBV/HIV Program, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Zhi Q. Yao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- HCV/HBV/HIV Program, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
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16
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Cisneros WJ, Cornish D, Hultquist JF. Application of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for HIV Host Factor Discovery and Validation. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080891. [PMID: 36015010 PMCID: PMC9415735 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) interacts with a wide array of host factors at each stage of its lifecycle to facilitate replication and circumvent the immune response. Identification and characterization of these host factors is critical for elucidating the mechanism of viral replication and for developing next-generation HIV-1 therapeutic and curative strategies. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9-based genome engineering approaches have provided researchers with an assortment of new, valuable tools for host factor discovery and interrogation. Genome-wide screening in a variety of in vitro cell models has helped define the critical host factors that play a role in various cellular and biological contexts. Targeted manipulation of specific host factors by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knock-out, overexpression, and/or directed repair have furthermore allowed for target validation in primary cell models and mechanistic inquiry through hypothesis-based testing. In this review, we summarize several CRISPR-based screening strategies for the identification of HIV-1 host factors and highlight how CRISPR-Cas9 approaches have been used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and host response. Finally, we examine promising new technologies in the CRISPR field and how these may be applied to address critical questions in HIV-1 biology going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Cisneros
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Daphne Cornish
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Judd F. Hultquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Havey Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Correspondence:
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17
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A Novel Approach of Antiviral Drugs Targeting Viral Genomes. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081552. [PMID: 36013970 PMCID: PMC9414836 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081552] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of viral diseases, which cause morbidity and mortality in animals and humans, are increasing annually worldwide. Vaccines, antiviral drugs, and antibody therapeutics are the most effective tools for combating viral infection. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, in particular, raises an urgent need for the development of rapid and broad-spectrum therapeutics. Current antiviral drugs and antiviral antibodies, which are mostly specific at protein levels, have encountered difficulties because the rapid evolution of mutant viral strains resulted in drug resistance. Therefore, degrading viral genomes is considered a novel approach for developing antiviral drugs. The current article highlights all potent candidates that exhibit antiviral activity by digesting viral genomes such as RNases, RNA interference, interferon-stimulated genes 20, and CRISPR/Cas systems. Besides that, we introduce a potential single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that presents antiviral activity against various DNA and RNA viruses due to its unique nucleic acid hydrolyzing characteristic, promoting it as a promising candidate for broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.
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18
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Closing the Door with CRISPR: Genome Editing of CCR5 and CXCR4 as a Potential Curative Solution for HIV. BIOTECH 2022; 11:biotech11030025. [PMID: 35892930 PMCID: PMC9326690 DOI: 10.3390/biotech11030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can be controlled by anti-retroviral therapy. Suppressing viral replication relies on life-long medication, but anti-retroviral therapy is not without risks to the patient. Therefore, it is important that permanent cures for HIV infection are developed. Three patients have been described to be completely cured from HIV infection in recent years. In all cases, patients received a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation due to a hematological malignancy. The HSCs were sourced from autologous donors that expressed a homozygous mutation in the CCR5 gene. This mutation results in a non-functional receptor, and confers resistance to CCR5-tropic HIV strains that rely on CCR5 to enter host cells. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is one of the methods of choice for gene editing, and the CRISPR/Cas system has been employed to target loci of interest in the context of HIV. Here, the current literature regarding CRISPR-mediated genome editing to render cells resistant to HIV (re)-infection by knocking out the co-receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 is summarized, and an outlook is provided regarding future (research) directions.
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19
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Kandula UR, Wake AD. Promising Stem Cell therapy in the Management of HIV and AIDS: A Narrative Review. Biologics 2022; 16:89-105. [PMID: 35836496 PMCID: PMC9275675 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s368152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapies are becoming a major topic in biomedical research all over the planet. It may be a viable treatment choice for people suffering from a wide range of illnesses and injuries. It has recently emerged as an extremely intriguing and well-established science and research topic. Expectations have risen due to advancements in therapeutic approaches. Multiple laboratory testing of regulated stem cell culture and derivation is carried out before the formation of stem cells for the use of therapeutic process. Whereas HIV infection is contagious and can last a lifetime. Researchers are still working to develop a comprehensive and effective treatment for HIV and its associated condition, as well as AIDS. HIV propagation is primarily restricted to the immune system, notably T lymphocytes, as well as macrophages. Large numbers of research studies have contributed to a plethora of data about the enigmatic AIDS life cycle. This vast amount of data provides potential targets for AIDS therapies. Currently, stem cell transplantation, along with other procedures, provided novel insights into HIV pathogenesis and offered a glimpse of hope for the development of a viable HIV cure technique. One of its existing focus areas in HIV and AIDS research is to develop a novel therapeutic strategic plan capable of providing life-long complete recovery of HIV and AIDS without regular drug treatment and, inevitably, curative therapy for HIV and AIDS. The current paper tries to address the possibilities for improved stem cell treatments with “bone marrow, Hematopoietic, human umbilical cord mesenchymal, Genetical modifications with CRISPR/Cas9 in combination of stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells applications” are discussed which are specifically applied in the HIV and AIDS therapeutic management advancement procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Rani Kandula
- Department of Clinical Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Usha Rani Kandula, Department of Clinical Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, P.O. Box-396, Asella, Ethiopia, Tel +251-939052408, Email
| | - Addisu Dabi Wake
- Department of Clinical Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia
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20
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Kreider EF, Bar KJ. HIV-1 Reservoir Persistence and Decay: Implications for Cure Strategies. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:194-206. [PMID: 35404007 PMCID: PMC10443186 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00604-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), a viral reservoir persists in individuals living with HIV that can reignite systemic replication should treatment be interrupted. Understanding how HIV-1 persists through effective ART is essential to develop cure strategies to induce ART-free virus remission. RECENT FINDINGS The HIV-1 reservoir resides in a pool of CD4-expressing cells as a range of viral species, a subset of which is genetically intact. Recent studies suggest that the reservoir on ART is highly dynamic, with expansion and contraction of virus-infected cells over time. Overall, the intact proviral reservoir declines faster than defective viruses, suggesting enhanced immune clearance or cellular turnover. Upon treatment interruption, rebound viruses demonstrate escape from adaptive and innate immune responses, implicating these selective pressures in restriction of virus reactivation. Cure strategies employing immunotherapy are poised to test whether host immune pressure can be augmented to enhance reservoir suppression or clearance. Alternatively, genomic engineering approaches are being applied to directly eliminate intact viruses and shrink the replication-competent virus pool. New evidence suggests host immunity exerts selective pressure on reservoir viruses and clears HIV-1 infected cells over years on ART. Efforts to build on the detectable, but insufficient, reservoir clearance via empiric testing in clinical trials will inform our understanding of mechanisms of viral persistence and the direction of future cure strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward F Kreider
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall Room 130-150, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6073, USA
| | - Katharine J Bar
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 502D Johnson Pavilion, 3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104‑0673, USA.
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21
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Industry update: the latest developments in the field of therapeutic delivery, November 2021. Ther Deliv 2022; 13:141-156. [PMID: 35128933 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2022-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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22
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Bunnell BA. Excision of latent HIV-1: CRISPR technology overcomes viral strain diversity. EBioMedicine 2021; 74:103720. [PMID: 34839262 PMCID: PMC8628217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Bunnell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States.
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