Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Delivery: Potential Applications for Gene and Cell-Based Therapies in the New Era of Personalized Medicine

A novel pathogenic variant c.44A > G (p. Asp15Gly) in TPM3 causing the phenotype of CMYP4A: A case report

Tropomyosin 3 (TPM3) encodes the slow α-tropomyosin isoform (Tpm3.12), an actin-binding protein that plays a critical role in the regulation of muscle contraction. Mutations in TPM3 are associated with the characteristic features of congenital myopathy (CM). A 15-year-old boy had a history of developmental delay, he had long narrow face with a myopathic facial appearance, mild scoliosis of the spine, grade IV muscle strength in the extremities, low muscle tone, absent bilateral knee tendon reflexes, and negative pathological findings. MRI revealed fat infiltration in the leg muscles and the surrounding muscle spaces. Muscle biopsy indicated muscle fiber type disproportion. A novel heterozygous mutation of unknown significance, c.44A > G(p.Asp15Gly), in TPM3 gene was identified. This mutation was confirmed to be de novo and was not present in the proband's parents or sister. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), this variant was classified as pathogenic. PyMOL software analysis indicated that the variant affects the intermolecular interactions within the Tpm3.12. Interestingly, we also found that the patient has been mouth-breathing since infancy, along with a skeletal open bite. This phenotype that has not been previously described. Our study expands the mutation spectrum of TPM3 and offers valuable insights for the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling of children with CMYP4A.

Dermal fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) synergizes with keratinocytes in promoting re-epithelization and scarless healing of skin wounds: Towards optimized skin tissue engineering

Skin serves as the first-order protective barrier against the environment and any significant disruptions in skin integrity must be promptly restored. Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies, effective management of large chronic skin wounds remains a clinical challenge. Dermal fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) in wound healing. Here, we investigated whether ECM derived from exogenous fibroblasts, in combination with keratinocytes, promoted scarless cutaneous wound healing. To overcome the limited lifespan of primary dermal fibroblasts, we established reversibly immortalized mouse dermal fibroblasts (imDFs), which were non-tumorigenic, expressed dermal fibroblast markers, and were responsive to TGF-β1 stimulation. The decellularized ECM prepared from both imDFs and primary dermal fibroblasts shared similar expression profiles of extracellular matrix proteins and promoted the proliferation of keratinocyte (iKera) cells. The imDFs-derived ECM solicited no local immune response. While the ECM and to a lesser extent imDFs enhanced skin wound healing with excessive fibrosis, a combination of imDFs-derived ECM and iKera cells effectively promoted the re-epithelization and scarless healing of full-thickness skin wounds. These findings strongly suggest that dermal fibroblast-derived ECM, not fibroblasts themselves, may synergize with keratinocytes in regulating scarless healing and re-epithelialization of skin wounds. Given its low immunogenic nature, imDFs-derived ECM should be a valuable resource of skin-specific biomaterial for wound healing and skin tissue engineering.

Notch1 signaling regulates Sox9 and VEGFA expression and governs BMP2-induced endochondral ossification of mesenchymal stem cells

Although bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) can induce chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), its induction of endochondral ossification limits the application of BMP2-based cartilage regeneration. Here, we clarified the mechanisms of BMP2-induced endochondral ossification of MSCs. In vitro and in vivo chondrogenic, osteogenic, and angiogenic differentiation models of MSCs were constructed. The expression of target genes was identified at both protein and mRNA levels. RNA sequencing, molecular docking, co-immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing were applied to investigate the molecular mechanisms. We found that BMP2 up-regulated the expression of Notch receptors and ligands in MSCs. Notch1 signaling activation was related to inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation, promotion of osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation. In vivo ectopic stem cell implantation identified that Notch1 signaling activation blocked BMP2-induced chondrogenesis and facilitated endochondral ossification of MSCs. Mechanistically, we elucidated Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1)-RBPjk complex binding to SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) promoters to decrease Sox9 expression and increase VEGFA expression. These findings suggest that Notch1 signaling can regulate BMP2-induced endochondral ossification by promoting RBPjk-mediated Sox9 inactivation and VEGFA expression. It is conceivable that targeting Notch1 signaling mediated endochondral ossification would benefit BMP2-based cartilage regeneration.

Hurdles to healing: Overcoming cellular barriers for viral and nonviral gene therapy

Gene delivery offers great potential for treating various diseases, yet its success requires overcoming several biological barriers. These hurdles span from extracellular degradation, reaching the target cells, and inefficient cellular uptake to endosomal entrapment, cytoplasmic transport, nuclear entry, and transcription limitations. Viruses and non-viral vectors deal with these barriers via different mechanisms. Viral vectors, such as adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and lentiviruses use natural mechanisms to efficiently deliver genetic material but face limitations including immunogenicity, cargo capacity, and production complexity. Nonviral vectors, including lipid nanoparticles, polymers, and protein-based systems, offer scalable and safer alternatives but often fall short in overcoming intracellular barriers and achieving high transfection efficiencies. Recent advancements in vector engineering have partially overcome several of these challenges. Ionizable lipids improve endosomal escape while minimizing toxicity. Biodegradable polymers balance efficacy with safety, and engineered protein systems, inspired by viral or bacterial entry mechanisms, integrate multifunctionality for enhanced delivery. Despite these advances, challenges, particularly in achieving robust in vivo translatability, scalability, and reduced immunogenicity, remain. This review synthesizes current knowledge of cellular barriers and the approaches to overcome them, providing a roadmap for designing more efficient gene delivery systems. By addressing these barriers, the field can advance toward safer, and more effective therapies.

Gene therapy and gene therapy products introduced to market by 2022

Gene therapy has revolutionized the concept of treating genetic disorders by addressing the root causes at the genetic level, becoming one of the most quickly evolving fields in medicine today, especially due to its long-term effects. Gene therapy for the treatment of diseases relies on strategies of gene suppression, overexpression, and editing using different tools such as CRISPR and RNA interference. The gene transfer methods are broadly classified into three categories: physical, chemical, and biological. The use of viral vectors, such as adenoviruses, retroviruses, and adeno-associated viruses, is prevalent in clinical settings due to their high efficiency. Safety remains as an issue, and risk mitigation strategies will continue to evolve from clinical data to minimize complications related to gene silencing and immunotoxicity. In this review, various aspects of gene therapy have been covered, such as in-vivo and ex-vivo gene therapy, gene transfer methods, safety issues, as well as the gene therapy products approved until 2022. This review lists 35 licensed gene therapy products, detailing their therapeutic uses, mechanism of action, and vectors employed. Each product illustrates the various applications and potentials of gene therapy against untreatable conditions. Continuous improvements in gene transfer methods, vector safety, and clinical applications will increase the impact of the technology and offer hope for effective treatment and possible cures for different genetic disorders.

Targeted miRNA Delivery in Epilepsy: Mechanisms, Advances, and Therapeutic Potential

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, presents significant therapeutic challenges, with roughly 30% of individuals demonstrating resistance to antiepileptic drugs. Drug-resistant epilepsy diminishes patients' quality of life and underscores the critical need for innovative therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules, have emerged as key regulators in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, influencing neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammatory processes. By targeting multiple genes and pathways involved in epileptogenesis, miRNAs offer promising opportunities for precision medicine. This review explores the dual roles of specific miRNAs in epilepsy, acting as both promoters and inhibitors of pathogenic pathways, and highlights recent advancements in miRNA-based therapeutic delivery systems. State-of-the-art approaches, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and exosome-based systems, are being developed to address challenges such as blood-brain barrier penetration, targeted delivery, and minimizing systemic side effects. These advancements lay the groundwork for more effective and personalized treatment strategies.

CRISPR-dependent base editing as a therapeutic strategy for rare monogenic disorders

Rare monogenic disorders are caused by mutations in single genes and have an incidence rate of less than 0.5%. Due to their low prevalence, these diseases often attract limited research and commercial interest, leading to significant unmet medical needs. In a therapeutic landscape where treatments are targeted to manage symptoms, gene editing therapy emerges as a promising approach to craft curative and lasting treatments for these patients, often referred to as "one-and-done" therapeutics. CRISPR-dependent base editing enables the precise correction of genetic mutations by direct modification of DNA bases without creating potentially deleterious DNA double-strand breaks. Base editors combine a nickase version of Cas9 with cytosine or adenine deaminases to convert C·G to T·A and A·T to G·C, respectively. Together, cytosine (CBE) and adenine (ABE) base editors can theoretically correct ∼95% of pathogenic transition mutations cataloged in ClinVar. This mini-review explores the application of base editing as a therapeutic approach for rare monogenic disorders. It provides an overview of the state of gene therapies and a comprehensive compilation of preclinical studies using base editing to treat rare monogenic disorders. Key considerations for designing base editing-driven therapeutics are summarized in a user-friendly guide for researchers interested in applying this technology to a specific rare monogenic disorder. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges for bench-to-bedside translation of base editing therapies for rare monogenic disorders.

An Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Regeneration Model Using Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells (iHNPCs) and Annulus Fibrosus Cells (iHAFCs)

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD), primarily caused by nucleus pulposus (NP) dehydration, leads to low back pain. While current treatments focus on symptom management or surgical intervention, tissue engineering using IVD-derived cells, biofactors, and scaffolds offers a promising regenerative approach. Here, human NP cells (NPCs) and annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) are immortalized with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), generating immortalized NPCs (iHNPCs) and AFCs (iHAFCs). These cells express NP and AF-specific markers, are reversible via FLP recombinase, and are non-tumorigenic. iHAFCs exhibit osteogenic potential, while iHNPCs show chondrogenic differentiation. A 3D-printed citrate-based scaffold was employed to develop an IVD regeneration model, with BMP9-stimulated iHAFCs in the peripheral region and BMP2-stimulated iHNPCs in the central region. Histological analysis revealed bone formation in the iHAFC region and cartilage formation in the iHNPC region, mimicking the natural IVD structure. Additionally, an ex vivo spine fusion model demonstrated robust bone formation in iHAFC-treated segments. These findings highlight the potential of iHAFCs and iHNPCs as valuable tools for IVD tissue engineering and regeneration.

Engineering Exosomes for CNS Disorders: Advances, Challenges, and Therapeutic Potential

The development of targeted drugs for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) is a significant challenge due to the structural complexity and functional specificities of these systems. Recently, exosomes have emerged as a promising therapeutic platform, given their unique capacity to traverse the blood-brain barrier and deliver bioactive molecules to target cells. This review examines recent advances in exosome research with a particular focus on CNS diseases, emphasizing their role as carriers of therapeutic cargo, including proteins, RNAs, and lipids. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain before exosome-based therapies can be translated from preclinical research to clinical applications. These include the need for scalable production and standardized isolation methods. Despite these hurdles, ongoing studies continue to shed light on the mechanisms of exosome-mediated neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. This paves the way for innovative therapeutic strategies to address CNS disorders.

Therapeutic mucosal vaccination of herpes simplex virus type 2 infected guinea pigs with an adenovirus-based vaccine expressing the ribonucleotide reductase 2 and glycoprotein D induces local tissue-resident CD4+ and CD8+ TRM cells associated with protection against recurrent genital herpes

Introduction

The reactivation of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) from latency causes viral shedding that develops into recurrent genital lesions. The role of tissue-resident T cells and the nature of viral antigens associated with protection against recurrent genital herpes remain to be fully elucidated.

Methods

In this preclinical study, we investigated the protective therapeutic efficacy, in the guinea pig model of recurrent genital herpes, of five recombinant adenovirus-based therapeutic vaccine candidates (rAd-Ags), each expressing different HSV-2 envelope and tegument proteins: RR1 (UL39), RR2 (UL40), gD (glycoprotein D), VP16 (UL48), or VP22 (UL49). We compared the frequency and function of dorsal root ganglia (DRG)- and vaginal mucosa (VM)-resident CD4+ and CD8+ T cells induced by each vaccine and their effect on the frequency and severity of recurrent genital herpes.

Results

HSV-2 latent-infected guinea pigs immunized with rAd-RR2 and rAd-gD vaccines showed high frequencies of DRG- and VM-tissue-resident IFN-g-producing CD4+ and CD8+ TRM cells associated with significant reductions in viral shedding and genital herpetic lesions.

Discussion

Taken together, these preclinical results provide new insights into the T cell mechanisms of protection against recurrent genital herpes and confirm the tegument RR2 protein and glycoprotein D as viable candidate antigens to be incorporated in future genital herpes therapeutic vaccines.

In vivo vectorization and delivery systems for gene therapies and RNA-based therapeutics in oncology

Gene and RNA-based therapeutics represent a promising frontier in oncology, enabling targeted modulation of tumor-associated genes and proteins. This review explores the latest advances in payload vectorization and delivery systems developed for in vivo cancer treatments. We discuss viral and non-viral organic particles, including lipid based nanoparticles and polymeric structures, for the effective transport of plasmids, siRNA, and self-amplifying RNA therapeutics. Their physicochemical properties, strategies to overcome intracellular barriers, and innovations in cell-based carriers and engineered extracellular vesicles are highlighted. Moreover, we consider oncolytic viruses, novel viral capsid modifications, and approaches that refine tumor targeting and immunomodulation. Ongoing clinical trials and regulatory frameworks guide future directions and emphasize the need for safe, scalable production. The potential convergence of these systems with combination therapies paves the way toward personalized cancer medicine.

The regulatory role of BMP9 on lipopolysaccharide-induced matrix metalloproteinases in human stem cells from the apical papilla

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the expression of members of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation and to investigate the regulatory effects of BMP9 on MMPs.

DESIGN

The extracted human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs) were identified by flow cytometry, Alizarin Red staining, Oil Red O staining, and alkaline phosphatase staining. The appropriate LPS concentration for inducing inflammation in hSCAPs was determined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. MMP expression in LPS-stimulated hSCAPs was evaluated by RT-qPCR. BMP9 was overexpressed in hSCAPs via recombinant adenovirus, and its effects on MMP regulation were assessed using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. All experiments were conducted in vitro. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc comparison, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

The results showed that on the 3rd and 5th day after LPS stimulation, the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12, and MMP-13 in hSCAPs was significantly upregulated. On the 7th day after LPS induction, the expression of MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9 and MMP-13 in hSCAPs was significantly increased. When BMP9 was overexpressed in hSCAPs, the elevated MMPs were inhibited to varying degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

In the LPS-induced inflammatory environment, certain MMPs are elevated in hSCAP, with MMP-13 being the most significant. Overexpression of BMP9 can significantly inhibit elevated MMPs, suggesting that BMP9 may provide new insights and targets for the treatment of periapical periodontitis.

Nature Inspired Delivery Vehicles for CRISPR-Based Genome Editing

The advent of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing technologies has opened up groundbreaking possibilities for treating a wide spectrum of genetic disorders and diseases. However, the success of these technologies relies heavily on the development of efficient and safe delivery systems. Among the most promising approaches are natural and synthetic nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems, including viral vectors, extracellular vesicles (EVs), engineered cellular membrane particles, liposomes, and various nanoparticles. These carriers enhance the efficacy of the CRISPR system by providing a unique combination of efficiency, specificity, and reduced immunogenicity. Synthetic carriers such as liposomes and nanoparticles facilitate CRISPR delivery with high reproducibility and customizable functions. Viral vectors, renowned for their high transduction efficiency and broad tropism, serve as powerful vehicles for delivering CRISPR components to various cell types. EVs, as natural carriers of RNA and proteins, offer a stealth mechanism to evade immune detection, allowing for the targeted delivery of genome editors with minimal off-target effects. Engineered cellular membrane particles further improve delivery by simulating the cellular environment, enhancing uptake, and minimizing immune response. This review explores the innovative integration of CRISPR genome editors with various nanocarrier systems, focusing on recent advancements, applications, and future directions in therapeutic genome editing.

The Combinatorial Effect of Ad-IL-24 and Ad-HSV-tk/GCV on Tumor Size, Autophagy, and UPR Mechanisms in Multiple Myeloma Mouse Model

Multiple myeloma is a type of malignant neoplasia whose treatment has changed over the past decade. This study aimed to investigate the effects of combination of Adenovector-carrying interleukin-24 and herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase/ganciclovir on tumor growth, autophagy, and unfolded protein response mechanisms in mouse model of multiple myeloma. Six groups of mice, including Ad-HSV-tk/GCV, Ad-IL-24, Ad-HSV-tk/IL-24, Ad-GFP, and positive and negative controls, were investigated, and each group was injected every 72 h. The tumor size was measured several times. The expression of LC3B evaluated through western blotting and ASK-1, CHOP, Caspase-3, and ATF-6 genes in the UPR and apoptosis pathways were also analyzed by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. The present results showed that the injection of Ad-HSV-tk/GCV, Ad-HSV-tk/IL-24, and metformin reduced the tumor size. The expression of LC3B was significantly higher in the treatment groups and positive control groups compared to the negative control group. The expression of CHOP, caspase-3, and ATF-6 genes was significantly higher in the Ad-IL-24 group compared to the other treatment groups. Besides, the ASK-1 expression was significantly lower in the Ad-IL-24 group as compared to the other groups. Overall, the results indicated that the presence of the HSV-tk gene in the adenovectors reduced the size of tumors and induced autophagy by triggering the expression of LC3B protein. The presence of the IL-24 might affect tumor growth but not as much the therapeutic effect of HSV-tk. Furthermore, the results indicated that co-administration of IL-24 and HSV-tk had no synergistic effect on tumor size control.

Exploring precision treatments in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: Harnessing the infinite potential of nucleic acid delivery

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) impose an immeasurable burden on individuals and society. While the conventional use of immunosuppressants and disease-modifying drugs has provided partial relief and control, their inevitable side effects and limited efficacy cast a shadow over finding a cure. Promising nucleic acid drugs have shown the potential to exert precise effects at the molecular level, with different classes of nucleic acids having regulatory functions through varying mechanisms. For the better delivery of nucleic acids, safe and effective viral vectors and non-viral delivery systems (including liposomes, polymers, etc.) have been intensively explored. Herein, after describing a range of nucleic acid categories and vectors, we focus on the application of therapeutic nucleic acid delivery in various IMIDs, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and uveitis. Molecules implicated in inflammation and immune dysregulation are abnormally expressed in a series of IMIDs, and their meticulous modulation through nucleic acid therapy results in varying degrees of remission and improvement of these diseases. By synthesizing findings centered on specific molecular targets, this review delivers a systematic elucidation and perspective towards advancing and utilization of nucleic acid therapeutics for managing IMIDs.

Regional Gene Therapy for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Current Concepts Review

The management of segmental bone defects presents a complex reconstruction challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Current treatment options are limited by efficacy across the spectrum of injury, morbidity, and cost. Regional gene therapy is a promising tissue engineering strategy for bone repair, as it allows for local implantation of nucleic acids or genetically modified cells to direct specific protein expression. In cell-based gene therapy approaches, a variety of different cell types have been described including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from multiple sources-bone marrow, adipose, skeletal muscle, and umbilical cord tissue, among others. MSCs, in particular, have been well studied, as they serve as a source of osteoprogenitor cells in addition to providing a vehicle for transgene delivery. Furthermore, MSCs possess immunomodulatory properties, which may support the development of an allogeneic "off-the-shelf" gene therapy product. Identifying an optimal cell type is paramount to the successful clinical translation of cell-based gene therapy approaches. Here, we review current strategies for the management of segmental bone loss in orthopedic surgery, including bone grafting, bone graft substitutes, and operative techniques. We also highlight regional gene therapy as a tissue engineering strategy for bone repair, with a focus on cell types and cell sources suitable for this application.

Genetic engineering and the eye

The transformative potential of genetic engineering in ophthalmology is remarkable, promising new treatments for a wide range of blinding eye diseases. The eye is an attractive target organ for genetic engineering approaches, in part due to its relatively immune-privileged status, its accessibility, and the ease of monitoring of efficacy and safety. Consequently, the eye has been at the forefront of genetic engineering advances in recent years. The development of Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), base editors, prime editors, and transposases have enabled efficient and specific gene modification. Ocular gene therapy continues to progress, with recent advances in delivery systems using viral / non-viral vectors and novel promoters and enhancers. New strategies to achieve neuroprotection and neuroregeneration are evolving, including direct in-vivo cell reprogramming and optogenetic approaches. In this review, we discuss recent advances in ocular genetic engineering, examine their current therapeutic roles, and explore their potential use in future strategies to reduce the growing burden of vision loss and blindness.

Cell Therapies and Gene Therapy for Diabetes: Current Progress

The epidemic of diabetes continues to be an increasing problem, and there is a need for new therapeutic strategies. There are several promising drugs and molecules in synthetic medicinal chemistry that are developing for diabetes. In addition to this approach, extensive studies with gene and cell therapies are being conducted. Gene therapy is an existing approach in treating several diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, heart disease and diabetes. Several reports have also suggested that stem cells have the differentiation capability to functional pancreatic beta cell development in vitro and in vivo, with the utility to treat diabetes and prevent the progression of diabetes-related complications. In this current review, we have focused on the different types of cell therapies and vector-based gene therapy in treating or preventing diabetes.

A replication-incompetent adenoviral vector encoding for HSV-2 gD2 is immunogenic and protective against HSV-2 intravaginal challenge in mice

Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) is the cause of genital herpes and no prophylactic treatment is currently available. Replication-incompetent adenoviral vectors are potent inducers of humoral and cellular immune responses in humans. We have designed an adenoviral vector type 35 (Ad35)-based vaccine encoding the HSV-2 major surface antigen gD2 (Ad35.HSV.gD2). Immunization of mice with Ad35.HSV.gD2 elicited virus neutralizing antibody titers (VNT) and cellular responses against HSV-2 and HSV-1. While immunity was lower than for CJ2-gD2, both vaccines showed 100% survival against intravaginal challenge with HSV-2 G strain and a strong inverse correlation was observed between HSV-2 infection (as measured by viral shedding) and VNT. A combination of Ad35.HSV.gD2 with Ad35 encoding for gB2 (Ad35.HSV.gB2) resulted in increased VNT and lower infection, compared with Ad35.HSV.gD2 alone. Transfer of immune serum into naïve BALB/c mice before intravaginal challenge confirmed the role of antibodies in the protection of mice against infection although other immune factors may play a role as well.

Antigen Delivery Platforms for Next-Generation Coronavirus Vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is in its sixth year and is being maintained by the inability of current spike-alone-based COVID-19 vaccines to prevent transmission leading to the continuous emergence of variants and sub-variants of concern (VOCs). This underscores the critical need for next-generation broad-spectrum pan-Coronavirus vaccines (pan-CoV vaccine) to break this cycle and end the pandemic. The development of a pan-CoV vaccine offering protection against a wide array of VOCs requires two key elements: (1) identifying protective antigens that are highly conserved between passed, current, and future VOCs; and (2) developing a safe and efficient antigen delivery system for induction of broad-based and long-lasting B- and T-cell immunity. This review will (1) present the current state of antigen delivery platforms involving a multifaceted approach, including bioinformatics, molecular and structural biology, immunology, and advanced computational methods; (2) discuss the challenges facing the development of safe and effective antigen delivery platforms; and (3) highlight the potential of nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) as the platform that is well suited to the needs of a next-generation pan-CoV vaccine, such as the ability to induce broad-based immunity and amenable to large-scale manufacturing to safely provide durable protective immunity against current and future Coronavirus threats.

Cancer vaccines: an update on recent achievements and prospects for cancer therapy

Decades of basic and translational research have led to a momentum shift in dissecting the relationship between immune cells and cancer. This culminated in the emergence of breakthrough immunotherapies that paved the way for oncologists to manage certain hard-to-treat cancers. The application of high-throughput techniques of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics was conclusive in making and expediting the manufacturing process of cancer vaccines. Using the latest research technologies has also enabled scientists to interpret complex and multiomics data of the tumour mutanome, thus identifying new tumour-specific antigens to design new generations of cancer vaccines with high specificity and long-term efficacy. Furthermore, combinatorial regimens of cancer vaccines with immune checkpoint inhibitors have offered new therapeutic approaches and demonstrated impressive efficacy in cancer patients over the last few years. In the present review, we summarize the current state of cancer vaccines, including their potential therapeutic effects and the limitations that hinder their effectiveness. We highlight the current efforts to mitigate these limitations and highlight ongoing clinical trials. Finally, a special focus will be given to the latest milestones expected to transform the landscape of cancer therapy and nurture hope among cancer patients.

Current Non-Viral-Based Strategies to Manufacture CAR-T Cells

The successful application of CAR-T cells in the treatment of hematologic malignancies has fundamentally changed cancer therapy. With increasing numbers of registered CAR-T cell clinical trials, efforts are being made to streamline and reduce the costs of CAR-T cell manufacturing while improving their safety. To date, all approved CAR-T cell products have relied on viral-based gene delivery and genomic integration methods. While viral vectors offer high transfection efficiencies, concerns regarding potential malignant transformation coupled with costly and time-consuming vector manufacturing are constant drivers in the search for cheaper, easier-to-use, safer, and more efficient alternatives. In this review, we examine different non-viral gene transfer methods as alternatives for CAR-T cell production, their advantages and disadvantages, and examples of their applications. Transposon-based gene transfer methods lead to stable but non-targeted gene integration, are easy to handle, and achieve high gene transfer rates. Programmable endonucleases allow targeted integration, reducing the potential risk of integration-mediated malignant transformation of CAR-T cells. Non-integrating CAR-encoding vectors avoid this risk completely and achieve only transient CAR expression. With these promising alternative techniques for gene transfer, all avenues are open to fully exploiting the potential of next-generation CAR-T cell therapy and applying it in a wide range of applications.

Adenoviral Vectors for Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases

Adenoviral vectors (AdVs) are effective vectors for gene therapy due to their broad tropism, high capacity, and high transduction efficiency, which makes them actively used as oncolytic vectors and for creating vector vaccines. However, despite their numerous advantages, AdVs have not yet found their place in gene therapy for hereditary diseases. This review provides an overview of AdVs, their features, and clinical trials using them for gene replacement therapy in monogenic diseases and analyzes the reasons for the failures of these studies. Additionally, current research on the modification of AdVs to reduce immune responses and target delivery is discussed.

Bimodal functions of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the brain

AIMS

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a pluripotent neuropeptide crucial for maintaining vascular homeostasis, yet its full therapeutic potential remains incompletely exploited. Within the brain, CGRP demonstrates a distinct bimodal effect, contributing to neuroprotection in ischemic conditions while inducing neuronal sensitization and inflammation in non-ischemic settings. Despite extensive research on CGRP, the absence of a definitive determinant for this observed dichotomy has limited its potential for therapeutic applications in the brain. This review examines the effects of CGRP in both physiological and pathological conditions, aiming to identify a unifying factor that could enhance its therapeutic applicability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This comprehensive literature review analyzes the molecular pathways associated with CGRP and the specific cellular responses observed in these contexts. Additionally, the review investigates the psychological implications of CGRP in relation to cerebral perfusion levels, aiming to elucidate its underlying factors.

KEY FINDINGS

Reviewing the literature reveals that, elevated levels of CGRP in non-ischemic conditions exert detrimental effects on brain function, while they confer protective effects in the context of ischemia. These encompass anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and angiogenic properties, along with behavioral normalization. Current findings indicate promising therapeutic avenues for CGRP beyond the acute phases of cerebral injury, extending to neurodegenerative and psychological disorders associated with cerebral hypoperfusion, as well as chronic recovery following acute cerebral injuries.

SIGNIFICANCE

Improved understanding of CGRP's bimodal properties, alongside advancements in CGRP delivery methodologies and brain ischemia detection technologies, paves the way for realizing its untapped potential and broad therapeutic benefits in diverse pathological conditions.

Advances in CRISPR-Cas technology and its applications: revolutionising precision medicine

CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated proteins) has undergone marked advancements since its discovery as an adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea, emerged as a potent gene-editing tool after the successful engineering of its synthetic guide RNA (sgRNA) toward the targeting of specific DNA sequences with high accuracy. Besides its DNA editing ability, further-developed Cas variants can also edit the epigenome, rendering the CRISPR-Cas system a versatile tool for genome and epigenome manipulation and a pioneering force in precision medicine. This review explores the latest advancements in CRISPR-Cas technology and its therapeutic and biomedical applications, highlighting its transformative impact on precision medicine. Moreover, the current status of CRISPR therapeutics in clinical trials is discussed. Finally, we address the persisting challenges and prospects of CRISPR-Cas technology.

Gene therapy and kidney diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant global health challenge, projected to become one of the leading causes of death by 2040. Current treatments primarily manage complications and slow progression, highlighting the urgent need for personalized therapies targeting the disease-causing genes. Our increased understanding of the underlying genomic changes that lead to kidney diseases coupled with recent successful gene therapies targeting specific kidney cells have turned gene therapy and genome editing into a promising therapeutic approach for treating kidney disease. This review paper reflects on different delivery routes and systems that can be exploited to target specific kidney cells and the ways that gene therapy can be used to improve kidney health.

AAV-mediated gene therapies by miniature gene editing tools

The advent of CRISPR-Cas has revolutionized precise gene editing. While pioneering CRISPR nucleases like Cas9 and Cas12 generate targeted DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) for knockout or homology-directed repair, next generation CRISPR technologies enable gene editing without DNA DSB. Base editors directly convert bases, prime editors make diverse alterations, and dead Cas-regulator fusions allow nuanced control of gene expression, avoiding potentially risks like translocations. Meanwhile, the discovery of diminutive Cas12 orthologs and Obligate Mobile Element-Guided Activity (OMEGA) nucleases has overcome cargo limitations of adeno-associated viral vectors, expanding prospects for in vivo therapeutic delivery. Here, we review the ever-evolving landscape of cutting-edge gene editing tools, focusing on miniature Cas12 orthologs and OMEGA effectors amenable to single AAV packaging. We also summarize CRISPR therapies delivered using AAV vectors, discuss challenges such as efficiency and specificity, and look to the future of this transformative field of in vivo gene editing enabled by AAV vectors delivery.

miRNAs in ovarian disorders: Small but strong cast

PURPOSE

This research aimed to analyze alterations in microRNA expression in the diseases POF (Premature Ovarian Failure), PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), and ovarian cancer in order to understand the molecular changes associated with these conditions. The findings could potentially be utilized for diagnostic, therapeutic, predictive, and preventive purposes. Furthermore, the impact and role of microRNAs in each ailment, along with their functional pathways, were elucidated and examined.

METHODS

In this study, the genes involved in the disease were studied, and then the miRNAs that targeted these genes were evaluated, and finally the signaling and functional pathways of each of the miRNAs were assessed. In this process, genetic databases and previous studies were carefully assessed.

RESULTS

miRNAs are short nucleotide sequences that belong to the category of non-coding RNAs. They play a crucial role in various physiological activities, including cell division, growth, differentiation, and cell death (necrosis and apoptosis), miRNAs are involved in various physiological processes Such alterations are common in various diseases, including cancer. miRNAs are involved in various physiological processes, such as folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, as well as in pathological conditions such as POF, PCOS, and ovarian cancer. They have powerful regulatory effects and controlling the most activities of normal and pathological cells. While microRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in normal ovarian functions, there are reports of their expression changes in PCOS, ovarian cancer, and POF.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs have been found to exert significant influence on both physiological and pathological cellular processes. Understanding the dynamic patterns of miRNA alterations can provide valuable insights for researchers and therapists, enabling them to utilize these biomarkers effectively in diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive applications.

Interleukin-38-overexpressing adenovirus infection in dendritic cell-based treatment enhances immunotherapy for allergic asthma via inducing Foxp3+ regulatory T cells

Allergic asthma is a chronic disease tied to unusual immune reactions involving type 2 T helper (Th2) cells specific to allergens. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in guiding T-cell responses. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have the ability to suppress effector T-cell responses, and interleukin (IL)-38 is involved in Treg cell differentiation. In this study, we explored impacts of IL-38 on the activation and function of DCs, and we then developed an IL-38-overexpressing adenovirus (Ad-IL38) to evaluate its effectiveness in treating allergic asthma in mice through the adaptive transfer of Ad-IL38-infected DCs (IL38-DCs). Treating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated bone marrow-derived DCs with recombinant IL-38 reduced cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80), CD86, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II expressions and decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α while increasing IL-10 secretion. The simultaneous culture of these semi-mature DCs with allogeneic CD4+ T cells facilitated the production of Forkhead box protein P3-positive (Foxp3+) Treg cells. A transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of the Chil3, Inhba, and Ctgf genes that are crucial for regulating inflammatory responses and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways in IL-38-treated DCs. In an animal model of asthma, IL38-DC treatment effectively decreased levels of an ovalbumin (OVA)-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody in serum, attenuated the severity of airway hyperresponsiveness, reduced the production of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lowered expressions of the Th2-related cytokines IL-25 and thymic stromal-derived lymphopoietin (TSLP) by lung epithelial cells, and mitigated airway inflammation. Notably, enhanced expression of Foxp3+ Treg cells was linked to increased mRNA levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β production in vivo. In conclusion, we comprehensively clarified the immunomodulatory effects of IL-38 on DCs and provide a new treatment with IL-38 genetically modified DCs for alleviating Th2-mediated allergic diseases.

AAV-mediated Gene Therapy for Hereditary Deafness: Progress and Perspectives

Hereditary deafness is the most prevalent sensory deficit disorder, with over 100 identified deafness-related genes. Clinical treatment options are currently limited to external devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants. Gene therapy has shown promising results in various genetic disorders and has emerged as a potential treatment for hereditary deafness. It has successfully restored hearing function in >20 types of genetic deafness model mice and can almost completely cure patients with hereditary autosomal recessvie deafness 9 (DFNB9) caused by the OTOFERLIN (OTOF) mutation, thus serving as a translational paradigm for gene therapy for other forms of genetic deafness. However, due to the complexity of the inner ear structure, the diverse nature of deafness genes, and variations in transduction efficiency among different types of inner ear cells targeted by adeno-associated virus (AAV), precision gene therapy approaches are required for different genetic forms of deafness. This review provides a comprehensive overview of gene therapy for hereditary deafness, including preclinical studies and recent research advancements in this field as well as challenges associated with AAV-mediated gene therapy.

Recent Advances and Challenges in Targeted Drug Delivery Using Biofunctional Coatings

Globally, clinics are overwhelmed by drugs targeting undesired cells and organs, causing adverse systemic effects on the body. This shortfall in targeting specificity, safety, and efficiency has noticeably contributed to the failure of the bench-to-bedside transition. Activation or impairment of immune activity due to a misdirected drug and its carrier fuels complications, extending the range of destruction which can convert the course of disease into a life-threatening route. To address these great challenges, advanced coatings as indispensable components of future medicine have been investigated over the last few decades for precisely targeted drug delivery to achieve favorable prognoses in the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. Complemented by advancements in the pharmacological parameters, these systems hold great promise for the field. This chapter aims to discuss recent progress on new coatings for targeted drug delivery and the parameters for manufacturing these platforms for their cargo based on major determinants such as biocompatibility and bioactivity. A brief overview of the various applications of targeted drug delivery with functional coatings is also provided to offer a new perspective on the field.

Biosafety Evaluation of a Chimeric Adenoviral Vector in Mini-Pigs: Insights into Immune Tolerance and Gene Therapy Potential

BACKGROUND

The biosafety of gene therapy products remains a major challenge to their introduction into the clinic. In particular, the problem of immunogenicity of viral vectors is the focus of attention. Large animals such as pigs, whose anatomical and physiological characteristics are similar to those of humans, have an advantage in testing vector systems.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo study to evaluate the biosafety of a chimeric adenoviral vector carrying a green fluorescent protein gene (Ad5/35F-GFP) in a mini-pig model.

RESULTS

Transcriptome and secretome analyses of mini-pig leucocytes transduced with Ad5/35F-GFP revealed changes restraining pro-inflammatory processes and cytokine production. No adverse effects were revealed through the clinical, instrumental, laboratory, and histological examinations conducted within a week after the direct or autologous leucocyte-mediated administration of Ad5/35F-GFP to mini-pigs. The decrease in cytokine levels in the blood of experimental animals is also consistent with the in vitro data and confirms the immune tolerance of mini-pigs to Ad5/35F-GFP.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we show the safety of Ad5/35F in a mini-pig model and provide evidence that Ad5/35F is a promising vector for gene therapy. These results advance our understanding of vector-host interactions and offer a solid foundation for the clinical application of this vector.

Gene therapy for atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults. Current limitations of pharmacological and ablative therapies motivate the development of novel therapies as next generation treatments for AF. The arrhythmia mechanisms creating and sustaining AF are key elements in the development of this novel treatment. Gene therapy provides a useful platform that allows us to regulate the mechanisms of interest using a suitable transgene(s), vector, and delivery method. Effective gene therapy strategies in the literature have targeted maladaptive electrical or structural remodeling that increase vulnerability to AF. In this review, we will summarize key elements of gene therapy for AF, including molecular targets, gene transfer vectors, atrial gene delivery and preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing. Recent advances and challenges in the field will be also discussed.

GAPDH suppresses adenovirus-induced oxidative stress and enables a superfast production of recombinant adenovirus

Recombinant adenovirus (rAdV) is a commonly used vector system for gene transfer. Efficient initial packaging and subsequent production of rAdV remains time-consuming and labor-intensive, possibly attributable to rAdV infection-associated oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Here, we show that exogenous GAPDH expression mitigates adenovirus-induced ROS-associated apoptosis in HEK293 cells, and expedites adenovirus production. By stably overexpressing GAPDH in HEK293 (293G) and 293pTP (293GP) cells, respectively, we demonstrated that rAdV-induced ROS production and cell apoptosis were significantly suppressed in 293G and 293GP cells. Transfection of 293G cells with adenoviral plasmid pAd-G2Luc yielded much higher titers of Ad-G2Luc at day 7 than that in HEK293 cells. Similarly, Ad-G2Luc was amplified more efficiently in 293G than in HEK293 cells. We further showed that transfection of 293GP cells with pAd-G2Luc produced much higher titers of Ad-G2Luc at day 5 than that of 293pTP cells. 293GP cells amplified the Ad-G2Luc much more efficiently than 293pTP cells, indicating that exogenous GAPDH can further augment pTP-enhanced adenovirus production. These results demonstrate that exogenous GAPDH can effectively suppress adenovirus-induced ROS and thus accelerate adenovirus production. Therefore, the engineered 293GP cells represent a superfast rAdV production system for adenovirus-based gene transfer and gene therapy.

Recent advances in carbon quantum dots for gene delivery: A comprehensive review

Gene therapy is a revolutionary technology in healthcare that provides novel therapeutic options and has immense potential in addressing genetic illnesses, malignancies, and viral infections. Nevertheless, other obstacles still need to be addressed regarding safety, ethical implications, and technological enhancement. Nanotechnology and gene therapy fields have shown significant promise in transforming medical treatments by improving accuracy, effectiveness, and personalization. This review assesses the possible uses of gene therapy, its obstacles, and future research areas, specifically emphasizing the creative combination of gene therapy and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is essential for gene delivery as it allows for the development of nano-scale carriers, such as carbon quantum dots (CQDs), which may effectively transport therapeutic genes into specific cells. CQDs exhibit distinctive physicochemical characteristics such as small size, excellent stability, and minimal toxicity, which render them highly favorable for gene therapy applications. The objective of this study is to review and describe the current advancements in the utilization of CQDs for gene delivery. Additionally, it intends to assess existing research, explore novel applications, and identify future opportunities and obstacles. This study offers a thorough summary of the current state and future possibilities of using CQDs for gene delivery. Combining recent research findings highlights the potential of CQDs to revolutionize gene therapy and its delivery methods.

Molecular Engineering of Virus Tropism

Engineered viral vectors designed to deliver genetic material to specific targets offer significant potential for disease treatment, safer vaccine development, and the creation of novel biochemical research tools. Viral tropism, the specificity of a virus for infecting a particular host, is often modified in recombinant viruses to achieve precise delivery, minimize off-target effects, enhance transduction efficiency, and improve safety. Key factors influencing tropism include surface protein interactions between the virus and host-cell, the availability of host-cell machinery for viral replication, and the host immune response. This review explores current strategies for modifying the tropism of recombinant viruses by altering their surface proteins. We provide an overview of recent advancements in targeting non-enveloped viruses (adenovirus and adeno-associated virus) and enveloped viruses (retro/lentivirus, Rabies, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, and Herpesvirus) to specific cell types. Additionally, we discuss approaches, such as rational design, directed evolution, and in silico and machine learning-based methods, for generating novel AAV variants with the desired tropism and the use of chimeric envelope proteins for pseudotyping enveloped viruses. Finally, we highlight the applications of these advancements and discuss the challenges and future directions in engineering viral tropism.

Quinine-Based Polymers Are Versatile and Effective Vehicles for Intracellular pDNA, mRNA, and Cas9 Protein Delivery

Quinine-based polymers have previously demonstrated promising performance in delivering pDNA in cells owing to their electrostatic as well as the nonelectrostatic interactions with pDNA. Herein, we evaluate whether quinine-based polymers are versatile for delivery of mRNA and Cas9-sgRNA complexes, especially in a serum-rich environment. Both mRNA and the Cas9-sgRNA complex are potent therapeutics that are structurally, chemically, and functionally very different from pDNA. By exploring a family of 7 quinine-based polymers that vary in monomer structure and polymer composition, we tested numerous formulations (42 with pDNA, 96 with mRNA, and 48 with Cas9-sgRNA) for payload-polymer complexation and delivery to compare payload-dependent structure-activity relationships. Several formulations demonstrated performance comparable to or better than the commercially available transfection agent jetPEI. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of quinine-based as a versatile carrier platform for delivering a wide range of nucleic acid therapeutics and serving the drug delivery needs in the field genetic medicine.

Recent Advances and Prospects of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics for Anti-Cancer Therapy

Nucleic acid therapeutics are promising alternatives to conventional anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While conventional therapies have limitations, such as high side effects, low specificity, and drug resistance, nucleic acid therapeutics work at the gene level to eliminate the cause of the disease. Nucleic acid therapeutics treat diseases in various forms and using different mechanisms, including plasmid DNA (pDNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), anti-microRNA (anti-miR), microRNA mimics (miRNA mimic), messenger RNA (mRNA), aptamer, catalytic nucleic acid (CNA), and CRISPR cas9 guide RNA (gRNA). In addition, nucleic acids have many advantages as nanomaterials, such as high biocompatibility, design flexibility, low immunogenicity, small size, relatively low price, and easy functionalization. Nucleic acid therapeutics can have a high therapeutic effect by being used in combination with various nucleic acid nanostructures, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), etc. to overcome low physiological stability and cell internalization efficiency. The field of nucleic acid therapeutics has advanced remarkably in recent decades, and as more and more nucleic acid therapeutics have been approved, they have already demonstrated their potential to treat diseases, including cancer. This review paper introduces the current status and recent advances in nucleic acid therapy for anti-cancer treatment and discusses the tasks and prospects ahead.

Heart-specific expression of the green fluorescent protein gene in avian embryos by administration of recombinant adenovirus type-5 vector into the embryonic blood vessel

Genetic modification in vivo could provide direct functions of genes that could potentially contribute to diverse areas of research including genetics, developmental biology, and physiology. It has been reported that genes of interest could be introduced via recombinant adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) in poultry. Successful gene delivery to mammal fetuses in utero promises substantial progress in clinical and developmental biology, but it is limited because of difficulties in injecting specific sites and invasiveness. On the other hand, developing avian embryos are easily accessible by making a window on the eggshell. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine permissive embryonic stages for gene transfer into specific avian tissue/organs by injection of Ad5 containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene into blood vessels. At 2 d of post-injection, a strong GFP signal was predominantly identified in the heart of chicken embryos injected at Hamilton-Hamburger (HH) 14, 15, 16 and17 stages with the percentages (44%, 53%, 25%, and 14%, respectively) of GFP positive embryos. In quail embryos, the injection at the HH 15 resulted in heart-specific expression of GFP. Western blot analysis revealed that GFP was exclusively expressed in the avian hearts. These results suggest that the GFP gene is specifically delivered to the avian embryonic hearts when Ad5 is injected through the blood vessel at HH 14-17. This adenoviral transduction of genes of interest in avian embryonic hearts can provide new models for understanding functions of genetic factors on embryonic heart development and unravel genetic etiology of congenital heart diseases.

The Use of Neurotrophic Factors as a Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases (Review)

The review considers the use of exogenous neurotrophic factors in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and others. This group of diseases is associated with the death of neurons and dysfunction of the nervous tissue. Currently, there is no effective therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, and their treatment remains a serious problem of modern medicine. A promising strategy is the use of exogenous neurotrophic factors. Targeted delivery of these factors to the nervous tissue can improve survival of neurons during the development of neurodegenerative processes and ensure neuroplasticity. There are methods of direct injection of neurotrophic factors into the nervous tissue, delivery using viral vectors, as well as the use of gene cell products. The effectiveness of these approaches has been studied in numerous experimental works and in a number of clinical trials. Further research in this area could provide the basis for the creation of an alternative treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

Adenovirus expressing nc886, an anti-interferon and anti-apoptotic non-coding RNA, is an improved gene delivery vector

Recombinant adenovirus (rAdV) vector is the most promising vehicle to deliver an exogenous gene into target cells and is preferred for gene therapy. Exogenous gene expression from rAdV is often too inefficient to induce phenotypic changes and the amount of administered rAdV must be very high to achieve a therapeutic dose. However, it is often hampered because a high dose of rAdV is likely to induce cytotoxicity by activating immune responses. nc886, a 102-nucleotide non-coding RNA that is transcribed by RNA polymerase III, acts as an immune suppressor and a facilitator of AdV entry into the nucleus. Therefore, in this study, we have constructed an rAdV expressing nc886 (AdV:nc886) to explore whether AdV:nc886 overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional rAdV vectors. When infected into mouse cell lines and mice, AdV:nc886 expresses a sufficient amount of nc886, which suppresses the induction of interferon-stimulated genes and apoptotic pathways triggered by AdV infection. As a result, AdV:nc886 is less cytotoxic and produces more rAdV-delivered gene products, compared with the parental rAdV vector lacking nc886. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the nc886-expressing rAdV could become a superior gene delivery vehicle with greater safety and higher efficiency for in vivo gene therapy.

In vivo liver targeted genome editing as therapeutic approach: progresses and challenges

The liver is an essential organ of the body that performs several vital functions, including the metabolism of biomolecules, foreign substances, and toxins, and the production of plasma proteins, such as coagulation factors. There are hundreds of genetic disorders affecting liver functions and, for many of them, the only curative option is orthotopic liver transplantation, which nevertheless entails many risks and long-term complications. Some peculiar features of the liver, such as its large blood flow supply and the tolerogenic immune environment, make it an attractive target for in vivo gene therapy approaches. In recent years, several genome-editing tools mainly based on the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system have been successfully exploited in the context of liver-directed preclinical or clinical therapeutic applications. These include gene knock-out, knock-in, activation, interference, or base and prime editing approaches. Despite many achievements, important challenges still need to be addressed to broaden clinical applications, such as the optimization of the delivery methods, the improvement of the editing efficiency, and the risk of on-target or off-target unwanted effects and chromosomal rearrangements. In this review, we highlight the latest progress in the development of in vivo liver-targeted genome editing approaches for the treatment of genetic disorders. We describe the technological advancements that are currently under investigation, the challenges to overcome for clinical applicability, and the future perspectives of this technology.

Viral vector- and virus-like particle-based vaccines against infectious diseases: A minireview

To overcome the limitations of conventional vaccines, new platforms for vaccine design have emerged such as those based on viral vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs). Viral vector vaccines are highly efficient and the onset of protection is quick. Many recombinant vaccine candidates for humans are based on viruses belonging to different families such as Adenoviridae, Retroviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Parvoviridae. Also, the first viral vector vaccine licensed for human vaccination was the Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine. Since then, several viral vectors have been approved for vaccination against the viruses of Lassa fever, Ebola, hepatitis B, hepatitis E, SARS-CoV-2, and malaria. VLPs are nanoparticles that mimic viral particles formed from the self-assembly of structural proteins and VLP-based vaccines against hepatitis B and E viruses, human papillomavirus, and malaria have been commercialized. As evidenced by the accelerated production of vaccines against COVID-19, these new approaches are important tools for vaccinology and for generating rapid responses against pathogens and emerging pandemic threats.

CRISPR challenges in clinical developments

CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated proteins) is a novel genome editing technology with potential applications in treating diseases. Currently, its use in humans is restricted to clinical trials, although its growth rate is significant, and some have received initial FDA approval. It is crucial to examine and address the challenges for this technology to be implemented in clinical settings. This review aims to identify and explore new research ideas to increase of CRISPR's efficiency in treating genetic diseases and cancer, as well as its future prospects. Given that a substantial amount of previous research has focused on CRISPR-Cas delivery strategies and materials, this overview introduces specific conditions and strategies. It also discusses some of the challenges and opportunities in this field, offering a unique perspective.

One-Step Genetic Modification by Embryonic Doral Aorta Injection of Adenoviral CRISPR/Cas9 Vector in Chicken

In the avian species, genetic modification by cell nuclear transfer is infeasible due to its unique reproductive system. The in vitro primordial germ cell modification approach is difficult and cumbersome, although it is the main method of genetic modification in chickens. In the present study, the adenoviral CRISPR/Cas9 vector was directly microinjected into the dorsal aorta of chicken embryos to achieve in vivo genetic modification. The results demonstrated that keratin 75-like 4 (KRT75L4), a candidate gene crucial for feather development, was widely knocked out, and an 8bp deletion was the predominant mutation that occurred in multiple tissues in chimeras, particularly in the gonad (2.63-11.57%). As we expected, significant modification was detected in the sperm of G0 (0.16-4.85%), confirming the potential to generate homozygous chickens and establishing this vector as a simple and effective method for genetic modification in avian species.

The next frontier in immunotherapy: potential and challenges of CAR-macrophages

Chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-MΦ) represents a significant advancement in immunotherapy, especially for treating solid tumors where traditional CAR-T therapies face limitations. CAR-MΦ offers a promising approach to target and eradicate tumor cells by utilizing macrophages' phagocytic and antigen-presenting abilities. However, challenges such as the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), variability in antigen expression, and immune suppression limit their efficacy. This review addresses these issues, exploring mechanisms of CAR-MΦ action, optimal construct designs, and interactions within the TME. It also delves into the ex vivo manufacturing challenges of CAR-MΦ, discussing autologous and allogeneic sources and the importance of stringent quality control. The potential synergies of integrating CAR-MΦ with existing cancer therapies like checkpoint inhibitors and conventional chemotherapeutics are examined to highlight possible enhanced treatment outcomes. Furthermore, regulatory pathways for CAR-MΦ therapies are scrutinized alongside established protocols for CAR-T cells, identifying unique considerations essential for clinical trials and market approval. Proposed safety monitoring frameworks aim to manage potential adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome, crucial for patient safety. Consolidating current research and clinical insights, this review seeks to refine CAR-MΦ therapeutic applications, overcome barriers, and suggest future research directions to transition CAR-MΦ therapies from experimental platforms to standard cancer care options.

Nanomedicine and voltage-gated sodium channel blockers in pain management: a game changer or a lost cause?

Pain, a complex and debilitating condition affecting millions globally, is a significant concern, especially in the context of post-operative recovery. This comprehensive review explores the complexity of pain and its global impact, emphasizing the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC or NaV channels) as a promising avenue for pain management with the aim of reducing reliance on opioids. The article delves into the role of specific NaV isoforms, particularly NaV 1.7, NaV 1.8, and NaV 1.9, in pain process and discusses the development of sodium channel blockers to target these isoforms precisely. Traditional local anesthetics and selective NaV isoform inhibitors, despite showing varying efficacy in pain management, face challenges in systemic distribution and potential side effects. The review highlights the potential of nanomedicine in improving the delivery of local anesthetics, toxins and selective NaV isoform inhibitors for a targeted and sustained release at the site of pain. This innovative strategy seeks to improve drug bioavailability, minimize systemic exposure, and optimize therapeutic outcomes, holding significant promise for secure pain management and enhancing the quality of life for individuals recovering from surgical procedures or suffering from chronic pain.

Base Editors-Mediated Gene Therapy in Hematopoietic Stem Cells for Hematologic Diseases

Base editors, developed from the CRISPR/Cas system, consist of components such as deaminase and Cas variants. Since their emergence in 2016, the precision, efficiency, and safety of base editors have been gradually optimized. The feasibility of using base editors in gene therapy has been demonstrated in several disease models. Compared with the CRISPR/Cas system, base editors have shown great potential in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and HSC-based gene therapy, because they do not generate double-stranded breaks (DSBs) while achieving the precise realization of single-base substitutions. This precise editing mechanism allows for the permanent correction of genetic defects directly at their source within HSCs, thus promising a lasting therapeutic effect. Recent advances in base editors are expected to significantly increase the number of clinical trials for HSC-based gene therapies. In this review, we summarize the development and recent progress of DNA base editors, discuss their applications in HSC gene therapy, and highlight the prospects and challenges of future clinical stem cell therapies.

Gene therapy for CNS disorders: modalities, delivery and translational challenges

Gene therapy is emerging as a powerful tool to modulate abnormal gene expression, a hallmark of most CNS disorders. The transformative potentials of recently approved gene therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and active cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy are encouraging further development of this approach. However, most attempts to translate gene therapy to the clinic have failed to make it to market. There is an urgent need not only to tailor the genes that are targeted to the pathology of interest but to also address delivery challenges and thereby maximize the utility of genetic tools. In this Review, we provide an overview of gene therapy modalities for CNS diseases, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different delivery strategies and routes of administration. Important gaps in understanding that could accelerate the clinical translatability of CNS genetic interventions are addressed, and we present lessons learned from failed clinical trials that may guide the future development of gene therapies for the treatment and management of CNS disorders.

Recent advancements and applications of ophthalmic gene therapy strategies: A breakthrough in ocular therapeutics

Over the past twenty years, ocular gene therapy has primarily focused on addressing diseases linked to various genetic factors. The eye is an ideal candidate for gene therapy due to its unique characteristics, such as easy accessibility and the ability to target both corneal and retinal conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Stargardt disease. Currently, literature documents 33 clinical trials in this field, with the most promising results emerging from trials focused on LCA. These successes have catalyzed further research into other ocular conditions such as glaucoma, AMD, RP, and choroideremia. The effectiveness of gene therapy relies on the efficient delivery of genetic material to specific cells, ensuring sustained and optimal gene expression over time. Viral vectors have been widely used for this purpose, although concerns about potential risks such as immune reactions and genetic mutations have led to the development of non-viral vector systems. Preliminary laboratory research and clinical investigations have shown a connection between vector dosage and the intensity of immune response and inflammation in the eye. The method of administration significantly influences these reactions, with subretinal delivery resulting in a milder humoral response compared to the intravitreal route. This review discusses various ophthalmic diseases, including both corneal and retinal conditions, and their underlying mechanisms, highlighting recent advances and applications in ocular gene therapies.