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Kougkolos G, Laudebat L, Dinculescu S, Simon J, Golzio M, Valdez-Nava Z, Flahaut E. Skin electroporation for transdermal drug delivery: Electrical measurements, numerical model and molecule delivery. J Control Release 2024; 367:235-247. [PMID: 38244842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.036] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Skin electroporation for drug delivery involves the application of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEFs) on the skin to disrupt its barrier function in a temporary and non-invasive manner, increasing the uptake of drugs. It represents a potential alternative to delivery methods that are invasive (e.g. injections) or limited. We have developed a drug delivery system comprising nanocomposite hydrogels which act as a reservoir for the drug and an electrode for applying electric pulses on the skin. In this study, we employed a multi-scale approach to investigate the drug delivery system on a mouse skin model, through electrical measurements, numerical modeling and fluorescence microscopy. The Electrical properties indicated a highly non-linear skin conductivity behavior and were used to fine-tune the simulations and study skin recovery after electroporation. Simulation of electric field distribution in the skin showed amplitudes in the range of reversible tissue electroporation (400-1200 V/cm), for 300 V PEF. Fluorescence microscopy revealed increased uptake of fluorescent molecules compared to the non-pulsed control. We reported two reversible electroporation domains for our configuration: (1) at 100 V PEF the first local transport regions appear in the extracellular lipids of the stratum corneum, demonstrated by a rapid increase in the skin's conductivity and an increased uptake of lucifer yellow, a small hydrophilic fluorophore and (2) at 300 V PEF, the first permeabilization of nucleated cells occurred, evidenced by the increased fluorescence of propidium iodide, a membrane-impermeable, DNA intercalating agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Kougkolos
- CIRIMAT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 9 31062, France; LAPLACE, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 9 31062, France
| | - Lionel Laudebat
- LAPLACE, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 9 31062, France; INU Champollion, Université de Toulouse, Albi 81012, France
| | - Sorin Dinculescu
- LAPLACE, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 9 31062, France
| | - Juliette Simon
- CIRIMAT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 9 31062, France; IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 4 31077, France
| | - Muriel Golzio
- IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 4 31077, France.
| | - Zarel Valdez-Nava
- LAPLACE, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 9 31062, France.
| | - Emmanuel Flahaut
- CIRIMAT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse CEDEX 9 31062, France.
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Generotti A, Contreras R, Zounes B, Schade E, Kemme A, Rane Y, Liu X, Elwood D, Schultheis K, Marston J, McCoy J, Broderick K, Fisher P. Intradermal DNA vaccine delivery using vacuum-controlled, needle-free electroporation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102070. [PMID: 38034030 PMCID: PMC10682253 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Intradermal delivery of DNA vaccines via electroporation (ID-EP) has shown clinical promise, but the use of needle electrodes is typically required to achieve consistent results. Here, delivery of a DNA vaccine targeting the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is achieved using noninvasive intradermal vacuum-EP (ID-VEP), which functions by pulling a small volume of skin tissue into a vacuum chamber containing noninvasive electrodes to perform EP at the injection site. Gene expression and immunogenicity correlated with EP parameters and vacuum chamber geometry in guinea pigs. ID-VEP generated potent humoral and cellular immune responses across multiple studies, while vacuum (without EP) greatly enhanced localized transfection but did not improve immunogenicity. Because EP was performed noninvasively, the only treatment site reaction observed was transient redness, and ID-VEP immune responses were comparable to a clinical needle-based ID-EP device. The ID-VEP delivery procedure is straightforward and highly repeatable, without any dependence on operator technique. This work demonstrates a novel, reliable, and needle-free delivery method for DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eric Schade
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Andrea Kemme
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Yatish Rane
- Texas Tech University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Xinggang Liu
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Dustin Elwood
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Jeremy Marston
- Texas Tech University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jay McCoy
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Paul Fisher
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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Malyško-Ptašinskė V, Staigvila G, Novickij V. Invasive and non-invasive electrodes for successful drug and gene delivery in electroporation-based treatments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1094968. [PMID: 36727038 PMCID: PMC9885012 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1094968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is an effective physical method for irreversible or reversible permeabilization of plasma membranes of biological cells and is typically used for tissue ablation or targeted drug/DNA delivery into living cells. In the context of cancer treatment, full recovery from an electroporation-based procedure is frequently dependent on the spatial distribution/homogeneity of the electric field in the tissue; therefore, the structure of electrodes/applicators plays an important role. This review focuses on the analysis of electrodes and in silico models used for electroporation in cancer treatment and gene therapy. We have reviewed various invasive and non-invasive electrodes; analyzed the spatial electric field distribution using finite element method analysis; evaluated parametric compatibility, and the pros and cons of application; and summarized options for improvement. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of tissue bioimpedance for accurate treatment planning using numerical modeling and the effects of pulse frequency on tissue conductivity and relative permittivity values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gediminas Staigvila
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre of Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
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4
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Remic T, Sersa G, Levpuscek K, Lampreht Tratar U, Ursic Valentinuzzi K, Cör A, Kamensek U. Tumor cell-based vaccine contributes to local tumor irradiation by eliciting a tumor model-dependent systemic immune response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:974912. [PMID: 36131926 PMCID: PMC9483914 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.974912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimodal treatment approaches, such as radio-immunotherapy, necessitate regimen optimization and the investigation of the interactions of different modalities. The aim of this study was two-fold. Firstly, to select the most effective combination of irradiation and the previously developed tumor cell-based vaccine and then to provide insight into the immune response to the selected combinatorial treatment. The study was performed in immunologically different murine tumor models: B16F10 melanoma and CT26 colorectal carcinoma. The most effective combinatorial treatment was selected by comparing three different IR regimens and three different vaccination regimens. We determined the local immune response by investigating immune cell infiltration at the vaccination site and in tumors. Lastly, we determined the systemic immune response by investigating the amount of tumor-specific effector lymphocytes in draining lymph nodes. The selected most effective combinatorial treatment was 5× 5 Gy in combination with concomitant single-dose vaccination (B16F10) or with concomitant multi-dose vaccination (CT26). The combinatorial treatment successfully elicited a local immune response at the vaccination site and in tumors in both tumor models. It also resulted in the highest amount of tumor-specific effector lymphocytes in draining lymph nodes in the B16F10, but not in the CT26 tumor-bearing mice. However, the amount of tumor-specific effector lymphocytes was intrinsically higher in the CT26 than in the B16F10 tumor model. Upon the selection of the most effective combinatorial treatment, we demonstrated that the vaccine elicits an immune response and contributes to the antitumor efficacy of tumor irradiation. However, this interaction is multi-faceted and appears to be dependent on the tumor immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinkara Remic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kristina Levpuscek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Ursic Valentinuzzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Cör
- Department of Research, Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Ankaran, Slovenia
- Faculty of Education, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Urska Kamensek,
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Edelblute C, Mangiamele C, Heller R. Moderate Heat-Assisted Gene Electrotransfer as a Potential Delivery Approach for Protein Replacement Therapy through the Skin. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111908. [PMID: 34834323 PMCID: PMC8624362 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-based approaches for protein replacement therapies have the potential to reduce the number of administrations. Our previous work demonstrated that expression could be enhanced and/or the applied voltage reduced by preheating the tissue prior to pulse administration. In the current study, we utilized our 16-pin multi-electrode array (MEA) and incorporated nine optical fibers, connected to an infrared laser, between each set of four electrodes to heat the tissue to 43 °C. For proof of principle, a guinea pig model was used to test delivery of reporter genes. We observed that when the skin was preheated, it was possible to achieve the same expression levels as gene electrotransfer without preheating, but with a 23% reduction of applied voltage or a 50% reduction of pulse number. With respect to expression distribution, preheating allowed for delivery to the deep dermis and muscle. This suggested that this cutaneous delivery approach has the potential to achieve expression in the systemic circulation, thus this protocol was repeated using a plasmid encoding Human Factor IX. Elevated Factor IX serum protein levels were detected by ELISA up to 100 days post gene delivery. Further work will involve optimizing protein levels and scalability in an effort to reduce application frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Edelblute
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (C.E.); (C.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Cathryn Mangiamele
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (C.E.); (C.M.)
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence:
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Jiang C, Oshin EA, Guo S, Scott M, Li X, Mangiamele C, Heller R. Synergistic effects of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet and pulsed electric field on cells and skin. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PLASMA SCIENCE. IEEE NUCLEAR AND PLASMA SCIENCES SOCIETY 2021; 49:3317-3324. [PMID: 34898731 PMCID: PMC8653988 DOI: 10.1109/tps.2021.3113260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasmas produce reactive plasma species including charged particles and reactive oxygen nitrogen species, which are known to induce oxidative stress in living cells in liquid or tissue. In the meantime, pulsed electric fields have been widely used in reversible or irreversible electropermeabilization for either the delivery of plasmid DNA or inactivation of cancer cells. This work discusses the synergistic effects of nanosecond pulsed plasma jets and pulsed electric field on inactivation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and enhancement of plasmid DNA delivery to guinea pig skin in vivo. Higher inactivation rates of the cancer cells in suspension were obtained with combined treatment of 300-ns 50 kV/cm pulsed electric field and a 1-min exposure of a nanosecond pulsed, 250-μm plasma jet. Increased efficiency of gene electrotransfer to skin was also observed after a 3-min treatment of a nanosecond pulsed, 1-mm plasma jet. Application of the plasma alone at the same dosage did not have significant effect on gene delivery. These findings signify the dosage-dependent cell-response to both the electric fields and plasma. Importantly, the use of cold plasma to increase the sensitization of the biological cells in response to pulsed electric fields could be an effective approach to enhance the desired effects in electroporation-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunqi Jiang
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Edwin A Oshin
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Siqi Guo
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Megan Scott
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Xi Li
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Cathryn Mangiamele
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
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7
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Edelblute C, Mangiamele C, Heller R. Moderate Heat-Assisted Gene Electrotransfer for Cutaneous Delivery of a DNA Vaccine Against Hepatitis B Virus. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1360-1369. [PMID: 33926214 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 350 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. Preventative HBV vaccination in infants has reduced the disease burden; however, insufficient immunization programs and access obstacles leave vulnerable populations at risk for infection in endemic regions. Gene electrotransfer (GET) using a noninvasive multielectrode array (MEA) provides an alternative platform for DNA vaccination in the skin. DNA vaccines are nonlive and nonreplicating and temperature stable unlike their counterparts. In addition, their simple engineering allows them to be manufactured quickly at a low cost. In the current work, we present the combination of GET and moderate heating for delivery of a DNA vaccine against HBV. Our laboratory has previously shown the synergy between moderate tissue preheating at 43°C and GET with the MEA as a means to reduce both the applied voltage and pulse number to achieve similar if not higher gene expression than GET alone. In this study, we expand upon this work, by optimizing the plasmid dose to achieve the highest level of expression. Using the reporter gene luciferase, we found that an intradermal injection of 100 μL at 1 mg/mL induced the highest expression levels across all tested GET conditions. We then evaluated our moderate heat-assisted GET platform for the intradermal delivery of a plasmid encoding Hepatitis B surface antigen (pHBsAg) via a prime and prime plus boost vaccination protocol. At 18 weeks, following the prime plus boost protocol, we observed that a high-voltage low-pulse GET condition with moderate heating (45 V 36 p+heat) generated antibodies against Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAb) at peak measuring 230-fold over injection of plasmid DNA alone with moderate heating. HBsAbs remained robust over the 30-week observation period. These data suggest that moderate heat-assisted GET has the potential to induce strong immune responses, an attractive feature for development of an alternative vaccine delivery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Edelblute
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, and.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, and.,Department of Medical Engineering, Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Bulysheva A, Heller L, Francis M, Varghese F, Boye C, Heller R. Monopolar gene electrotransfer enhances plasmid DNA delivery to skin. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107814. [PMID: 33962133 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A novel monopolar electroporation system and methodologies were developed for in vivo electroporation intended for potential clinical applications such as gene therapy. We hypothesized that an asymmetric anode/cathode electrode applicator geometry could produce favorable electric fields for electroporation, without the typical drawback associated with traditional needle and parallel plate geometries. Three monopolar electrode applicator prototypes were built and tested for gene delivery of reporter genes to the skin in a guinea pig model. Gene expression was evaluated in terms of kinetics over time and expression distribution within the treatment site. Different pulsing parameters, including pulse amplitude, pulse duration, and pulse number were evaluated. Monopolar gene electrotransfer significantly enhanced gene expression compared to controls over the course of 21 days. Gene expression distribution was observed throughout the full thickness of the epidermis, as well as notable expression in the deeper layers of the skin, including the dermis, and the underlying striated muscle without any damage at the treatment site, which is a substantial improvement over previously reported expression confined to the epidermis only. Expression distribution observed is consistent with the electric field distribution model, indicating that our novel electrode geometry results in targeted electroporation and gene transfer. This is important, as it may facilitate translation of many electroporation-based clinical therapies including gene therapies, IRE, and ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bulysheva
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk VA, United States.
| | - Loree Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Frency Varghese
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Carly Boye
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Dermol-Černe J, Pirc E, Miklavčič D. Mechanistic view of skin electroporation - models and dosimetry for successful applications: an expert review. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:689-704. [PMID: 32192364 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1745772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Skin electroporation is a promising treatment for transdermal drug delivery, gene electrotransfer, skin rejuvenation, electrochemotherapy, and wound disinfection. Although a considerable amount of in vitro and in vivo studies exists, the translation to clinics is not as fast as one would hope. We hypothesize the reason lies in the inadequate dosimetry, i.e. electrode configurations, pulse parameters, and pulse generators used. We suggest adequate dosimetry can be determined by mathematical modeling which would allow comparison of protocols and facilitate translation into clinics.Areas covered: We introduce the mechanisms and applications of skin electroporation, present existing mathematical models and compare the influence of different model parameters. We review electrodes and pulse generators, prototypes, as well as commercially available models.Expert opinion: The reasons for slow translation of skin electroporation treatments into clinics lie in uncontrolled and inadequate dosimetry, poor reporting rendering comparisons between studies difficult, and significant differences in animal and human skin morphology often dismissed in reports. Mathematical models enable comparison of studies, however, when the parameters of the pulses and electrode configuration are not adequately reported, as is often the case, comparisons are difficult, if not impossible. For each skin electroporation treatment, systematic studies determining optimal parameters should be performed and treatment parameters standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Dermol-Černe
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Electrotransfer of CpG free plasmids enhances gene expression in skin. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 130:107343. [PMID: 31401517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Skin is a very suitable target for gene therapy and DNA vaccination due to its accessibility, its surface and its ability to produce transgenes. Gene electrotransfer (GET) to the skin is under development for clinical applications for DNA vaccine or local treatment such as wound healing. Local treatments are effective if the expression of the plasmid affects only the local environment (skin) by inducing an efficient concentration over a prolonged period. In this study, we evaluate the control of expression in the skin of a plasmid coding a fluorescent protein by its CpG (cytosine-phosphate-guanine motif) content. Two fluorescent reporter genes are evaluated: tdTomato and GFP. The expression is followed on the long term by in vivo fluorescence imaging. Our results show that GET mediated expression in the skin can be controlled by the CpG content of the plasmid. Long term expression (>120 days) can be obtained at high level with CpG-free constructs associated with a proper design of the electrodes where the field distribution mediating the gene electrotransfer is present deep in the skin.
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Oryan A, Alemzadeh E, Zarei M. Basic concepts, current evidence, and future potential for gene therapy in managing cutaneous wounds. Biotechnol Lett 2019; 41:889-898. [PMID: 31256273 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-019-02701-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have investigated the role of gene therapy in the healing process. The aim of this review is to explain the gene delivery systems in wound area. RESULTS Ninety-two studies were included and comprehensively overviewed. We described the importance of viral vectors such as adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and retroviruses, and conventional non-viral vectors such as naked DNA injections, liposomes, gene gun, electroporation, and nanoparticles in achieving high-level expression of genes. Application of viral transfection, liposomal vectors, and electroporation were the main gene delivery systems. Genes encoding for growth factors or cytokines have been shown to result in a better wound closure in comparison to application of the synthetic growth factors. In addition, a combination of stem cell and gene therapy has been found an effective approach in regeneration of cutaneous wounds. CONCLUSIONS This article gives an overview of the methods and investigations applied on gene therapy in wound healing. However, clinical investigations need to be undertaken to gain a better understanding of gene delivery technologies and their roles in stimulating wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Oryan
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Esmat Alemzadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
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12
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Kos S, Lopes A, Preat V, Cemazar M, Lampreht Tratar U, Ucakar B, Vanvarenberg K, Sersa G, Vandermeulen G. Intradermal DNA vaccination combined with dual CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade provides robust tumor immunity in murine melanoma. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217762. [PMID: 31150505 PMCID: PMC6544376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore whether the combination of intradermal DNA vaccination, to boost immune response against melanoma antigens, and immune checkpoint blockade, to alleviate immunosuppression, improves antitumor effectiveness in a murine B16F10 melanoma tumor model. Compared to single treatments, a combination of intradermal DNA vaccination (ovalbumin or gp100 plasmid adjuvanted with IL12 plasmid) and immune checkpoint CTLA-4/PD-1 blockade resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival of treated mice. Strong activation of the immune response induced by combined treatment resulted in a significant antigen-specific immune response, with elevated production of antigen-specific IgG antibodies and increased intratumoral CD8+ infiltration. These results indicate a potential application of the combined DNA vaccination and immune checkpoint blockade, specifically, to enhance the efficacy of DNA vaccines and to overcome the resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in certain cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alessandra Lopes
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronique Preat
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail: (GS); (VP)
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bernard Ucakar
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Vanvarenberg
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- * E-mail: (GS); (VP)
| | - Gaelle Vandermeulen
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Du X, Wang J, Zhou Q, Zhang L, Wang S, Zhang Z, Yao C. Advanced physical techniques for gene delivery based on membrane perforation. Drug Deliv 2018; 25:1516-1525. [PMID: 29968512 PMCID: PMC6058615 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2018.1480674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery as a promising and valid tool has been used for treating many serious diseases that conventional drug therapies cannot cure. Due to the advancement of physical technology and nanotechnology, advanced physical gene delivery methods such as electroporation, magnetoporation, sonoporation and optoporation have been extensively developed and are receiving increasing attention, which have the advantages of briefness and nontoxicity. This review introduces the technique detail of membrane perforation, with a brief discussion for future development, with special emphasis on nanoparticles mediated optoporation that have developed as an new alternative transfection technique in the last two decades. In particular, the advanced physical approaches development and new technology are highlighted, which intends to stimulate rapid advancement of perforation techniques, develop new delivery strategies and accelerate application of these techniques in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Du
- a Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation , School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- a Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation , School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , People's Republic of China
| | - Quan Zhou
- a Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation , School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , People's Republic of China
| | - Luwei Zhang
- a Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation , School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , People's Republic of China
| | - Sijia Wang
- a Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation , School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenxi Zhang
- a Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation , School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiping Yao
- a Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Analytical Technology and Instrumentation , School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , People's Republic of China
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Pasquet L, Chabot S, Bellard E, Markelc B, Rols MP, Reynes JP, Tiraby G, Couillaud F, Teissie J, Golzio M. Safe and efficient novel approach for non-invasive gene electrotransfer to skin. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16833. [PMID: 30443028 PMCID: PMC6237991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer into cells or tissue by application of electric pulses (i.e. gene electrotransfer (GET)) is a non-viral gene delivery method that is becoming increasingly attractive for clinical applications. In order to make GET progress to wide clinical usage its efficacy needs to be improved and the safety of the method has to be confirmed. Therefore, the aim of our study was to increase GET efficacy in skin, by optimizing electric pulse parameters and the design of electrodes. We evaluated the safety of our novel approach by assaying the thermal stress effect of GET conditions and the biodistribution of a cytokine expressing plasmid. Transfection efficacy of different pulse parameters was determined using two reporter genes encoding for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the tdTomato fluorescent protein, respectively. GET was performed using non-invasive contact electrodes immediately after intradermal injection of plasmid DNA into mouse skin. Fluorescence imaging of transfected skin showed that a sophistication in the pulse parameters could be selected to get greater transfection efficacy in comparison to the standard ones. Delivery of electric pulses only mildly induced expression of the heat shock protein Hsp70 in a luminescent reporting transgenic mouse model, demonstrating that there were no drastic stress effects. The plasmid was not detected in other organs and was found only at the site of treatment for a limited period of time. In conclusion, we set up a novel approach for GET combining new electric field parameters with high voltage short pulses and medium voltage long pulses using contact electrodes, to obtain a high expression of both fluorescent reporter and therapeutic genes while showing full safety in living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Pasquet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Sophie Chabot
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Elisabeth Bellard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Jean-Paul Reynes
- Invivogen Cayla SAS, 5 rue Jean Rodier, Zone industrielle de Montaudran, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Gérard Tiraby
- Invivogen Cayla SAS, 5 rue Jean Rodier, Zone industrielle de Montaudran, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Couillaud
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Moléculaire et Thérapies innovantes en Oncologie (IMOTION) EA 7435, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Justin Teissie
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France.
| | - Muriel Golzio
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France.
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15
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Bulysheva A, Hornef J, Edelblute C, Jiang C, Schoenbach K, Lundberg C, Malik MA, Heller R. Coalesced thermal and electrotransfer mediated delivery of plasmid DNA to the skin. Bioelectrochemistry 2018; 125:127-133. [PMID: 30449324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Efficient gene delivery and expression in the skin can be a promising minimally invasive technique for therapeutic clinical applications for immunotherapy, vaccinations, wound healing, cancer, and peripheral artery disease. One of the challenges for efficient gene electrotransfer (GET) to skin in vivo is confinement of expression to the epithelium. Another challenge involves tissue damage. Optimizing gene expression profiles, while minimizing tissue damage are necessary for therapeutic applications. Previously, we established that heating pretreatment to 43 °C enhances GET in vitro. We observed a similar trend in vivo, with an IR-pretreatment for skin heating prior to GET. Currently, we tested a range of GET conditions in vivo in guinea pigs with and without preheating the skin to ~43 °C. IR-laser heating and conduction heating were tested in conjunction with GET. In vivo electrotransfer to the skin by moderately elevating tissue temperature can lead to enhanced gene expression, as well as achieve gene transfer in epidermal, dermal, hypodermal and muscle tissue layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bulysheva
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.
| | - James Hornef
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Chelsea Edelblute
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Chunqi Jiang
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Karl Schoenbach
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Cathryn Lundberg
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Muhammad Arif Malik
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA; School of Medical Diagnostics and Translational Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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16
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Bok M, Lee Y, Park D, Shin S, Zhao ZJ, Hwang B, Hwang SH, Jeon SH, Jung JY, Park SH, Nah J, Lim E, Jeong JH. Microneedles integrated with a triboelectric nanogenerator: an electrically active drug delivery system. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:13502-13510. [PMID: 29972181 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr02192a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a combined system of microneedles and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been developed for drug delivery. A triboelectric device, which converts mechanical energy into alternating current (AC), was chosen to replace the electrophoresis (EP) effect. To directly generate triboelectricity from salmon deoxyribonucleic acid (SDNA)-based microneedles, a triboelectric series of SDNA film and chargeable polymers (polyimide and Teflon) was studied. The electrical output of the two charged polymers was compared to find a material that could be highly charged with SDNA. The electrical output was also compared as a function of the concentration of a drug embedded in the SDNA film, and the results confirmed that drug intercalation affected the carrier diffusion. The mechanical strength of the microneedles was assessed by histological analysis of their penetration into porcine cadaver skin. Furthermore, the output voltage of a system incorporating microneedles and TENG in cadaver skin, and in vitro drug release into gelatin were evaluated to examine potential application as an electrically active drug delivery system. The electrical output voltage of this system was ∼95 V. The mechanism of triboelectric perturbation to the skin has also been discussed. The system developed in this work is a new, facile approach toward effective drug delivery that replaces the existing EP method and expands the application of TENGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moonjeong Bok
- Department of Science Education/Creative Convergent Manufacturing Engineering, Dankook University, Yongin 448-701, Korea.
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17
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Sessions JW, Armstrong DG, Hope S, Jensen BD. A review of genetic engineering biotechnologies for enhanced chronic wound healing. Exp Dermatol 2018; 26:179-185. [PMID: 27574909 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Traditional methods for addressing chronic wounds focus on correcting dysfunction by controlling extracellular elements. This review highlights technologies that take a different approach - enhancing chronic wound healing by genetic modification to wound beds. Featured cutaneous transduction/transfection methods include viral modalities (ie adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, retroviruses and lentiviruses) and conventional non-viral modalities (ie naked DNA injections, microseeding, liposomal reagents, particle bombardment and electroporation). Also explored are emerging technologies, focusing on the exciting capabilities of wound diagnostics such as pyrosequencing as well as site-specific nuclease editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 used to both transiently and permanently genetically modify resident wound bed cells. Additionally, new non-viral transfection methods (ie conjugated nanoparticles, multi-electrode arrays, and microfabricated needles and nanowires) are discussed that can potentially facilitate more efficient and safe transgene delivery to skin but also represent significant advances broadly to tissue regeneration research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Sessions
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - David G Armstrong
- Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sandra Hope
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brian D Jensen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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18
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Hydrodynamic gene delivery in human skin using a hollow microneedle device. J Control Release 2017; 265:120-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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19
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Haidari G, Cope A, Miller A, Venables S, Yan C, Ridgers H, Reijonen K, Hannaman D, Spentzou A, Hayes P, Bouliotis G, Vogt A, Joseph S, Combadiere B, McCormack S, Shattock RJ. Combined skin and muscle vaccination differentially impact the quality of effector T cell functions: the CUTHIVAC-001 randomized trial. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13011. [PMID: 29026141 PMCID: PMC5638927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of different tissues via transcutaneous (TC), intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) injection has the potential to tailor the immune response to DNA vaccination. In this Phase I randomised controlled clinical trial in HIV-1 negative volunteers we investigate whether the site and mode of DNA vaccination influences the quality of the cellular immune responses. We adopted a strategy of concurrent immunization combining IM injection with either ID or TC administration. As a third arm we assessed the response to IM injection administered with electroporation (EP). The DNA plasmid encoded a MultiHIV B clade fusion protein designed to induce cellular immunity. The vaccine and regimens were well tolerated. We observed differential shaping of vaccine induced virus-specific CD4 + and CD8 + cell-mediated immune responses. DNA given by IM + EP promoted strong IFN-γ responses and potent viral inhibition. ID + IM without EP resulted in a similar pattern of response but of lower magnitude. By contrast TC + IM (without EP) shifted responses towards a more Th-17 dominated phenotype, associated with mucosal and epidermal protection. Whilst preliminary, these results offer new perspectives for differential shaping of desired cellular immunity required to fight the wide range of complex and diverse infectious diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Haidari
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Cope
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Miller
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Venables
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Yan
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - H Ridgers
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - D Hannaman
- Ichor Medical Systems Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - A Spentzou
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - P Hayes
- Human Immunology Laboratory, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, London, United Kingdom
| | - G Bouliotis
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Vogt
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Joseph
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - B Combadiere
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, U1135, CNRS, ERL 8255, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 91 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - S McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - R J Shattock
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom.
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20
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Electroporation as a vaccine delivery system and a natural adjuvant to intradermal administration of plasmid DNA in macaques. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28646234 PMCID: PMC5482824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo electroporation (EP) is used to enhance the uptake of nucleic acids and its association with DNA vaccination greatly stimulates immune responses to vaccine antigens delivered through the skin. However, the effect of EP on cutaneous cell behavior, the dynamics of immune cell recruitment and local inflammatory factors, have not been fully described. Here, we show that intradermal DNA vaccination combined with EP extends antigen expression to the epidermis and the subcutaneous skin muscle in non-human primates. In vivo fibered confocal microscopy and dynamic ex vivo imaging revealed that EP promotes the mobility of Langerhans cells (LC) and their interactions with transfected cells prior to their migration from the epidermis. At the peak of vaccine expression, we detected antigen in damaged keratinocyte areas in the epidermis and we characterized recruited immune cells in the skin, the hypodermis and the subcutaneous muscle. EP alone was sufficient to induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the skin and significantly increased local concentrations of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-alpha and IL-12. Our results show the kinetics of inflammatory processes in response to EP of the skin, and reveal its potential as a vaccine adjuvant.
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21
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Jaroszeski MJ, Harvey-Chapman T, Hoff A, Atkins R, Connolly RJ. Direct Current Helium Plasma for In vivo Delivery of Plasmid DNA Encoding Erythropoietin to Murine Skin. PLASMA MEDICINE 2017; 7:261-271. [PMID: 30854158 DOI: 10.1615/plasmamed.2017019506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The use of electric fields in vivo to deliver DNA, called electroporation, has the potential to broadly impact vaccination and disease treatment. The evidence for this has emerged from a large number of recently completed and ongoing clinical trials. The methods for applying electric fields to tissues traditionally involve contact between metal electrodes and the tissue. In this study, we investigated the use of helium plasma as a noncontact method for electrically treating tissue in a manner that results in the uptake and expression of foreign DNA in murine skin. More specifically, our goal was to demonstrate that DNA encoding a model-secreted protein could be delivered, detected in the blood, and remain functional to produce its known biological effect. Murine erythropoietin (EPO) was the model-secreted protein. Results clearly demonstrated that an intradermal DNA injection followed by plasma treatment for 2 min resulted in elevated levels of EPO in the blood and corresponding hemoglobin increases that were statistically significant relative to DNA injection alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Jaroszeski
- Dept of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, College of Engineering, Tampa, FL.,Center for Molecular Delivery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Taryn Harvey-Chapman
- Dept of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, College of Engineering, Tampa, FL.,Center for Molecular Delivery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Andrew Hoff
- Center for Molecular Delivery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.,Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida College of Engineering, Tampa, FL
| | - Reginald Atkins
- Dept of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, College of Engineering, Tampa, FL.,Center for Molecular Delivery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Richard J Connolly
- Dept of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, College of Engineering, Tampa, FL.,Center for Molecular Delivery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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22
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Gene electrotransfer into skin using noninvasive multi-electrode array for vaccination and wound healing. Bioelectrochemistry 2016; 114:33-41. [PMID: 28006672 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Skin is an attractive target for gene electrotransfer due to its easy accessibility and its interesting immune properties. Since electrodes are often invasive and frequently induce discomfort during pulse application, there is a fundamental need for non-invasive electrodes for skin delivery. We developed circular pin non-invasive multi-electrode array (MEA), suitable for different clinical applications. MEA was first employed to deliver a luciferase reporter gene. Then, it was used to deliver a DNA vaccine coding for ovalbumin or a plasmid encoding hCAP-18/LL-37 for promoting wound healing. The results demonstrated a strong gene expression and an efficient delivery of both, DNA vaccine and wound healing agent, dependent on the pulses applied. The use of MEA to deliver the ovalbumin plasmid demonstrated a strong immune response, as evidenced by the presence of antibodies in sera, the IFN-gamma response and the delayed tumor growth when the mice were subsequently challenged with B16-OVA cells. The delivery of a plasmid encoding hCAP-18/LL-37 significantly accelerated wound closure. The easy applicability and non-invasiveness of MEA make it suitable for various clinical applications that require gene electrotransfer to skin. Specifically, by adapting electric pulses to the expected action of a transgene, non-invasive MEA can be employed either for vaccination or for wound healing.
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23
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Schultheis K, Schaefer H, Yung BS, Oh J, Muthumani K, Humeau L, Broderick KE, Smith TRF. Characterization of guinea pig T cell responses elicited after EP-assisted delivery of DNA vaccines to the skin. Vaccine 2016; 35:61-70. [PMID: 27894716 PMCID: PMC5221502 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The skin is an ideal target tissue for vaccine delivery for a number of reasons. It is highly accessible, and most importantly, enriched in professional antigen presenting cells. Possessing strong similarities to human skin physiology and displaying a defined epidermis, the guinea pig is an appropriate model to study epidermal delivery of vaccine. However, whilst we have characterized the humoral responses in the guinea pig associated with skin vaccine protocols we have yet to investigate the T cell responses. In response to this inadequacy, we developed an IFN-γ ELISpot assay to characterize the cellular immune response in the peripheral blood of guinea pigs. Using a nucleoprotein (NP) influenza pDNA vaccination regimen, we characterized host T cell responses. After delivery of the DNA vaccine to the guinea pig epidermis we detected robust and rapid T cell responses. The levels of IFN-γ spot-forming units averaged approximately 5000 per million cells after two immunizations. These responses were broad in that multiple regions across the NP antigen elicited a T cell response. Interestingly, we identified a number of NP immunodominant T cell epitopes to be conserved across an outbred guinea pig population, a phenomenon which was also observed after immunization with a RSV DNA vaccine. We believe this data enhances our understanding of the cellular immune response elicited to a vaccine in guinea pigs, and globally, will advance the use of this model for vaccine development, especially those targeting skin as a delivery site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Schultheis
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 660W. Germantown Pike, Suite 110, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Hubert Schaefer
- Intracelluar Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bryan S Yung
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 660W. Germantown Pike, Suite 110, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Janet Oh
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 660W. Germantown Pike, Suite 110, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Karuppiah Muthumani
- Vaccine Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy & Biology, 3601 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Laurent Humeau
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 660W. Germantown Pike, Suite 110, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Kate E Broderick
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 660W. Germantown Pike, Suite 110, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Trevor R F Smith
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 660W. Germantown Pike, Suite 110, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA.
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24
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Electrotransfer parameters as a tool for controlled and targeted gene expression in skin. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e356. [PMID: 27574782 PMCID: PMC5023408 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Skin is an attractive target for gene electrotransfer. It consists of different cell types that can be transfected, leading to various responses to gene electrotransfer. We demonstrate that these responses could be controlled by selecting the appropriate electrotransfer parameters. Specifically, the application of low or high electric pulses, applied by multi-electrode array, provided the possibility to control the depth of the transfection in the skin, the duration and the level of gene expression, as well as the local or systemic distribution of the transgene. The influence of electric pulse type was first studied using a plasmid encoding a reporter gene (DsRed). Then, plasmids encoding therapeutic genes (IL-12, shRNA against endoglin, shRNA against melanoma cell adhesion molecule) were used, and their effects on wound healing and cutaneous B16F10 melanoma tumors were investigated. The high-voltage pulses resulted in gene expression that was restricted to superficial skin layers and induced a local response. In contrast, the low-voltage electric pulses promoted transfection into the deeper skin layers, resulting in prolonged gene expression and higher transgene production, possibly with systemic distribution. Therefore, in the translation into the clinics, it will be of the utmost importance to adjust the electrotransfer parameters for different therapeutic approaches and specific mode of action of the therapeutic gene.
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25
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Bulysheva AA, Burcus N, Lundberg C, Edelblute CM, Francis MP, Heller R. Recellularized human dermis for testing gene electrotransfer ex vivo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 11:035002. [PMID: 27121769 DOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/11/3/035002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer (GET) is a proven and valuable tool for in vivo gene delivery to a variety of tissues such as skin, cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and tumors, with controllable gene delivery and expression levels. Optimizing gene expression is a challenging hurdle in preclinical studies, particularly for skin indications, due to differences in electrical conductivity of animal compared to human dermis. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop an ex vivo model for GET using recellularized human dermis to more closely mimic human skin. Decellularized human dermis (DermACELL(®)) was cultured with human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes for 4 weeks. After one week of fibroblast culture, fibroblasts infiltrated and dispersed throughout the dermis. Air-liquid interface culture led to epithelial cell proliferation, stratification and terminal differentiation with distinct basal, spinous, granular and cornified strata. Firefly luciferase expression kinetics were evaluated after GET of recellularized constructs for testing gene delivery parameters to skin in vitro. Elevated luciferase expression persisted up to a week following GET compared to controls without electrotransfer. In summary, recellularized dermis structurally and functionally resembled native human skin in tissue histological organization and homeostasis, proving an effective 3D human skin model for preclinical gene delivery studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Bulysheva
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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Novickij V, Grainys A, Švedienė J, Paškevičius A, Novickij J. Controlled inactivation of Trichophyton rubrum using shaped electrical pulse bursts: Parametric analysis. Biotechnol Prog 2016; 32:1056-60. [PMID: 27071774 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The dermatophytes infect the skin by adherence to the epidermis followed by germination, growth, and penetration of the fungal hyphae within the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the pulsed electric fields (PEF) of controlled inactivation of Trichophyton rubrum (ATCC 28188). In this work, we have used bursts of the square wave PEF pulses of different intensity (10-30 kV/cm) to induce the irreversible inactivation in vitro. The electric field pulses of 50 µs and 100 µs have been generated in bursts of 5, 10, and 20 pulses with repetition frequency of 1 Hz. The dynamics of the inactivation using different treatment parameters were studied and the inactivation map for the T. rubrum has been defined. Further, the combined effect of PEF with the antifungal agents itraconazole, terbinafine, and naftifine HCl was investigated. It has been demonstrated that the combined effect results in the full inactivation of T. rubrum colony. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1056-1060, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalij Novickij
- High Magnetic Field Inst., Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, 03227, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Grainys
- High Magnetic Field Inst., Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, 03227, Lithuania
| | - Jurgita Švedienė
- Laboratory of Biodeterioration Research, Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, 08412, Lithuania
| | - Algimantas Paškevičius
- Laboratory of Biodeterioration Research, Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, 08412, Lithuania.,Laboratory of Microbiology of the Centre of Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jurij Novickij
- High Magnetic Field Inst., Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, 03227, Lithuania
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Lambricht L, Lopes A, Kos S, Sersa G, Préat V, Vandermeulen G. Clinical potential of electroporation for gene therapy and DNA vaccine delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2015; 13:295-310. [PMID: 26578324 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2016.1121990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electroporation allows efficient delivery of DNA into cells and tissues, thereby improving the expression of therapeutic or immunogenic proteins that are encoded by plasmid DNA. This simple and versatile method holds a great potential and could address unmet medical needs such as the prevention or treatment of many cancers or infectious diseases. AREAS COVERED This review explores the electroporation mechanism and the parameters affecting its efficacy. An analysis of past and current clinical trials focused on DNA electroporation is presented. The pathologies addressed, the protocol used, the treatment outcome and the tolerability are highlighted. In addition, several of the possible optimization strategies for improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy are discussed such as plasmid design, use of genetic adjuvants for DNA vaccines, choice of appropriate delivery site and electrodes as well as pulse parameters. EXPERT OPINION The growing number of clinical trials and the results already available underline the strong potential of DNA electroporation which combines both safety and efficiency. Nevertheless, it remains critical to further increase fundamental knowledge to refine future strategies, to develop concerted and common DNA electroporation protocols and to continue exploring new electroporation-based therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Lambricht
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Alessandra Lopes
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Spela Kos
- b Institute of Oncology Ljubljana , Department of Experimental Oncology , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- b Institute of Oncology Ljubljana , Department of Experimental Oncology , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Véronique Préat
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Vandermeulen
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
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Sersa G, Teissie J, Cemazar M, Signori E, Kamensek U, Marshall G, Miklavcic D. Electrochemotherapy of tumors as in situ vaccination boosted by immunogene electrotransfer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:1315-27. [PMID: 26067277 PMCID: PMC4554735 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1724-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation is a platform technology for drug and gene delivery. When applied to cell in vitro or tissues in vivo, it leads to an increase in membrane permeability for molecules which otherwise cannot enter the cell (e.g., siRNA, plasmid DNA, and some chemotherapeutic drugs). The therapeutic effectiveness of delivered chemotherapeutics or nucleic acids depends greatly on their successful and efficient delivery to the target tissue. Therefore, the understanding of different principles of drug and gene delivery is necessary and needs to be taken into account according to the specificity of their delivery to tumors and/or normal tissues. Based on the current knowledge, electrochemotherapy (a combination of drug and electric pulses) is used for tumor treatment and has shown great potential. Its local effectiveness is up to 80 % of local tumor control, however, without noticeable effect on metastases. In an attempt to increase systemic antitumor effectiveness of electrochemotherapy, electrotransfer of genes with immunomodulatory effect (immunogene electrotransfer) could be used as adjuvant treatment. Since electrochemotherapy can induce immunogenic cell death, adjuvant immunogene electrotransfer to peritumoral tissue could lead to locoregional effect as well as the abscopal effect on distant untreated metastases. Therefore, we propose a combination of electrochemotherapy with peritumoral IL-12 electrotransfer, as a proof of principle, using electrochemotherapy boosted with immunogene electrotransfer as in situ vaccination for successful tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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Kos S, Tesic N, Kamensek U, Blagus T, Cemazar M, Kranjc S, Lavrencak J, Sersa G. Improved Specificity of Gene Electrotransfer to Skin Using pDNA Under the Control of Collagen Tissue-Specific Promoter. J Membr Biol 2015; 248:919-28. [PMID: 25840832 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-015-9799-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In order to ensure safe, efficient and controlled gene delivery to skin, the improvement of delivery methods together with proper design of DNA is required. Non-viral delivery methods, such as gene electrotransfer, and the design of tissue-specific promoters are promising tools to ensure the safety of gene delivery to the skin. In the scope of our study, we evaluated a novel skin-specific plasmid DNA with collagen (COL) promoter, delivered to skin cells and skin tissue by gene electrotransfer. In vitro, we determined the specificity of the COL promoter in fibroblast cells. The specific expression under the control of COL promoter was obtained for the reporter gene DsRed as well as for therapeutic gene encoding cytokine IL-12. In vivo, the plasmid with COL promoter encoding the reporter gene DsRed was efficiently transfected to mouse skin. It resulted in the notable and controlled manner, however, in lower and shorter expression, compared to that obtained with ubiquitous promoter. The concentration of the IL-12 in the skin after the in vivo transfection of plasmid with COL promoter was in the same range as after the treatment in control conditions (injection of distilled water followed by the application of electric pulses). Furthermore, this gene delivery was local, restricted to the skin, without any evident systemic shedding of IL-12. Such specific targeting of skin cells, observed with tissue-specific COL promoter, would improve the effectiveness and safety of cutaneous gene therapies and DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
Electroporation has been used extensively to transfer DNA to bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells in culture for the past 30 years. Over this time, numerous advances have been made, from using fields to facilitate cell fusion, delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to cells and tissues, and most importantly, gene and drug delivery in living tissues from rodents to man. Electroporation uses electrical fields to transiently destabilize the membrane allowing the entry of normally impermeable macromolecules into the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, at the appropriate field strengths, the application of these fields to tissues results in little, if any, damage or trauma. Indeed, electroporation has even been used successfully in human trials for gene delivery for the treatment of tumors and for vaccine development. Electroporation can lead to between 100 and 1000-fold increases in gene delivery and expression and can also increase both the distribution of cells taking up and expressing the DNA as well as the absolute amount of gene product per cell (likely due to increased delivery of plasmids into each cell). Effective electroporation depends on electric field parameters, electrode design, the tissues and cells being targeted, and the plasmids that are being transferred themselves. Most importantly, there is no single combination of these variables that leads to greatest efficacy in every situation; optimization is required in every new setting. Electroporation-mediated in vivo gene delivery has proven highly effective in vaccine production, transgene expression, enzyme replacement, and control of a variety of cancers. Almost any tissue can be targeted with electroporation, including muscle, skin, heart, liver, lung, and vasculature. This chapter will provide an overview of the theory of electroporation for the delivery of DNA both in individual cells and in tissues and its application for in vivo gene delivery in a number of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Young
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - David A Dean
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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DNA vaccination strategy targets epidermal dendritic cells, initiating their migration and induction of a host immune response. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14054. [PMID: 26052522 PMCID: PMC4448738 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The immunocompetence and clinical accessibility of dermal tissue offers an appropriate and attractive target for vaccination. We previously demonstrated that pDNA injection into the skin in combination with surface electroporation (SEP), results in rapid and robust expression of the encoded antigen in the epidermis. Here, we demonstrate that intradermally EP-enhanced pDNA vaccination results in the rapid induction of a host humoral immune response. In the dermally relevant guinea pig model, we used high-resolution laser scanning confocal microscopy to observe direct dendritic cell (DC) transfections in the epidermis, to determine the migration kinetics of these cells from the epidermal layer into the dermis, and to follow them sequentially to the immediate draining lymph nodes. Furthermore, we delineate the relationship between the migration of directly transfected epidermal DCs and the generation of the host immune response. In summary, these data indicate that direct presentation of antigen to the immune system by DCs through SEP-based in vivo transfection in the epidermis, is related to the generation of a humoral immune response.
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Donate A, Burcus N, Schoenbach K, Heller R. Application of increased temperature from an exogenous source to enhance gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2014; 103:120-3. [PMID: 25193443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The presence of increased temperature for gene electrotransfer has largely been considered negative. Many reports have published on the lack of heat from electrotransfer conditions to demonstrate that their effects are from the electrical pulses and not from a rise in temperature. Our hypothesis was to use low levels of maintained heat from an exogenous source to aid in gene electrotransfer. The goal was to increase gene expression and/or reduce electric field. In our study we evaluated high and low electric field conditions from 90 V to 45 V which had been preheated to 40 °C, 43 °C, or 45 °C. Control groups of non-heated as well as DNA only were included for comparison in all experiments. Luciferase gene expression, viability, and percent cell distribution were measured. Our results indicated a 2-4 fold increase in gene expression that is temperature and field dependent. In addition levels of gene expression can be increased without significant decreases in cell death and in the case of high electric fields no additional cell death. Finally, in all conditions percent cell distribution was increased from the application of heat. From these results, we conclude that various methods may be employed depending on the end user's desired goals. Electric field can be reduced 20-30% while maintaining or slightly increasing gene expression and increasing viability or overall gene expression and percent cell distribution can be increased with low viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Donate
- Old Dominion University, Center for Bioelectrics, 4211 Monarch Way Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Niculina Burcus
- Old Dominion University, Center for Bioelectrics, 4211 Monarch Way Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Karl Schoenbach
- Old Dominion University, Center for Bioelectrics, 4211 Monarch Way Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Old Dominion University, Center for Bioelectrics, 4211 Monarch Way Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; Old Dominion University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.
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Basu G, Downey H, Guo S, Israel A, Asmar A, Hargrave B, Heller R. Prevention of distal flap necrosis in a rat random skin flap model by gene electrotransfer delivering VEGF165plasmid. J Gene Med 2014; 16:55-65. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Basu
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
| | - Harre Downey
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
| | - Siqi Guo
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
| | - Annelise Israel
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
| | - Anthony Asmar
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
| | - Barbara Hargrave
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
- School of Medical Diagnostics and Translational Science; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
- School of Medical Diagnostics and Translational Science; Old Dominion University; Norfolk VA USA
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Electroporation-based gene therapy: recent evolution in the mechanism description and technology developments. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1121:3-23. [PMID: 24510808 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9632-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Thirty years after the publication of the first report on gene electrotransfer in cultured cells by the delivery of delivering electric pulses, this technology is starting to be applied to humans. In 2008, at the time of the publication of the first edition of this book, reversible cell electroporation for gene transfer and gene therapy (nucleic acids electrotransfer) was at a cross roads in its development. In 5 years, basic and applied developments have brought gene electrotransfer into a new status. Present knowledge on the effects of cell exposure to appropriate electric field pulses, particularly at the level of the cell membrane, is reported here, as an introduction to the large range of applications described in this book. The importance of the models of electric field distribution in tissues and of the correct choice of electrodes and applied voltages is highlighted, as well as the large range of new specialized electrodes, developed also in the frame of the other electroporation-based treatments (electrochemotherapy). Indeed, electric pulses are now routinely applied for localized drug delivery in the treatment of solid tumors by electrochemotherapy. The mechanisms involved in DNA electrotransfer, which include cell electropermeabilization and DNA electrophoresis, are also surveyed: noticeably, the first molecular description of the crossing of a lipid membrane by a nucleic acid was reported in 2012. The progress in the understanding of cell electroporation as well as developments of technological aspects, in silico, in vitro and in vivo, have contributed to bring gene electrotransfer development to the clinical stage. However, spreading of the technology will require not only more clinical trials but also further homogenization of the protocols and the preparation and validation of Standard Operating Procedures.
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Petchsangsai M, Rojanarata T, Opanasopit P, Ngawhirunpat T. The Combination of Microneedles with Electroporation and Sonophoresis to Enhance Hydrophilic Macromolecule Skin Penetration. Biol Pharm Bull 2014; 37:1373-82. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b14-00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maleenart Petchsangsai
- Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University
| | - Theerasak Rojanarata
- Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University
| | - Praneet Opanasopit
- Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University
| | - Tanasait Ngawhirunpat
- Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University
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Design, synthesis of novel lipids as chemical permeation enhancers and development of nanoparticle system for transdermal drug delivery. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82581. [PMID: 24349315 PMCID: PMC3861410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we designed and developed novel lipids that include (Z)-1-(Octadec-9-en-1-yl)-pyrrolidine (Cy5T), 1, 1-Di-((Z)-octadec-9-en-1-yl)pyrrolidin-1-ium iodide (Cy5), (Z)-1-(Octadec-9-en-1-yl)-piperidine (Cy6T), and 1, 1-Di-((Z)-octadec-9-en-1-yl) piperidin-1-ium iodide (Cy6) to enhance the transdermal permeation of some selected drugs. Firstly, we evaluated the transdermal permeation efficacies of these lipids as chemical permeation enhancers in vehicle formulations for melatonin, ß-estradiol, caffeine, α-MSH, and spantide using franz diffusion cells. Among them Cy5 lipid was determined to be the most efficient by increasing the transdermal permeation of melatonin, ß-estradiol, caffeine, α-MSH, and spantide by 1.5 to 3.26-fold more at the epidermal layer and 1.3 to 2.5-fold more at the dermal layer, in comparison to either NMP or OA. Hence we developed a nanoparticle system (cy5 lipid ethanol drug nanoparticles) to evaluate any further improvement in the drug penetration. Cy5 lipid formed uniformly sized nanoparticles ranging from 150–200 nm depending on the type of drug. Further, Cy5 based nanoparticle system significantly (p<0.05) increased the permeation of all the drugs in comparison to the lipid solution and standard permeation enhancers. There were about 1.54 to 22-fold more of drug retained in the dermis for the Cy5 based nanoparticles compared to OA/NMP standard enhancers and 3.87 to 66.67-fold more than lipid solution. In addition, epifluorescent microscopic analysis in rhodamine-PE permeation studies confirmed the superior permeation enhancement of LEDs (detection of fluorescence up to skin depth of 340 μm) more than lipid solution, which revealed fluorescence up to skin depth of only 260 μm. In summary the present findings demonstrate that i) cationic lipid with 5 membered amine heterocyclic ring has higher permeating efficacy than the 6 membered amine hertocyclic ring. ii) The nanoparticle system prepared with Cy5 showed significant (p<0.05) increase in the permeation of the drugs than the control penetration enhancers, oleic acid and NMP.
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Blagus T, Markelc B, Cemazar M, Kosjek T, Preat V, Miklavcic D, Sersa G. In vivo real-time monitoring system of electroporation mediated control of transdermal and topical drug delivery. J Control Release 2013; 172:862-71. [PMID: 24113487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) is a physical method for the delivery of molecules into cells and tissues, including the skin. In this study, in order to control the degree of transdermal and topical drug delivery, EP at different amplitudes of electric pulses was evaluated. A new in vivo real-time monitoring system based on fluorescently labeled molecules was developed, for the quantification of transdermal and topical drug delivery. EP of the mouse skin was performed with new non-invasive multi-array electrodes, delivering different amplitudes of electric pulses ranging from 70 to 570 V, between the electrode pin pairs. Patches, soaked with 4 kDa fluorescein-isothiocyanate labeled dextran (FD), doxorubicin (DOX) or fentanyl (FEN), were applied to the skin before and after EP. The new monitoring system was developed based on the delivery of FD to and through the skin. FD relative quantity was determined with fluorescence microscopy imaging, in the treated region of the skin for topical delivery and in a segment of the mouse tail for transdermal delivery. The application of electric pulses for FD delivery resulted in enhanced transdermal delivery. Depending on the amplitude of electric pulses, it increased up to the amplitude of 360 V, and decreased at higher amplitudes (460 and 570 V). Topical delivery steadily enhanced with increasing the amplitude of the delivered electric pulses, being even higher than after tape stripping used as a positive control. The non-invasive monitoring of the delivery of DOX, a fluorescent chemotherapeutic drug, qualitatively and quantitatively confirmed the effects of EP at 360 and 570 V pulse amplitudes on topical and transdermal drug delivery. Delivery of FEN at 360 and 570 V pulse amplitudes verified the observed effects as obtained with FD and DOX, by the measured physiological responses of the mice as well as FEN plasma concentration. This study demonstrates that with the newly developed non-invasive multi-array electrodes and with the varying electric pulse amplitude, the amount of topical and transdermal drug delivery to the skin can be controlled. Furthermore, the newly developed monitoring system provides a tool for rapid real-time determination of both, transdermal and topical delivery, when the delivered molecule is fluorescent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Blagus
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Guo S, Israel AL, Basu G, Donate A, Heller R. Topical gene electrotransfer to the epidermis of hairless guinea pig by non-invasive multielectrode array. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73423. [PMID: 24015305 PMCID: PMC3756005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Topical gene delivery to the epidermis has the potential to be an effective therapy for skin disorders, cutaneous cancers, vaccinations and systemic metabolic diseases. Previously, we reported on a non-invasive multielectrode array (MEA) that efficiently delivered plasmid DNA and enhanced expression to the skin of several animal models by in vivo gene electrotransfer. Here, we characterized plasmid DNA delivery with the MEA in a hairless guinea pig model, which has a similar histology and structure to human skin. Significant elevation of gene expression up to 4 logs was achieved with intradermal DNA administration followed by topical non-invasive skin gene electrotransfer. This delivery produced gene expression in the skin of hairless guinea pig up to 12 to 15 days. Gene expression was observed exclusively in the epidermis. Skin gene electrotransfer with the MEA resulted in only minimal and mild skin changes. A low level of human Factor IX was detected in the plasma of hairless guinea pig after gene electrotransfer with the MEA, although a significant increase of Factor IX was obtained in the skin of animals. These results suggest gene electrotransfer with the MEA can be a safe, efficient, non-invasive skin delivery method for skin disorders, vaccinations and potential systemic diseases where low levels of gene products are sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Guo
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Annelise L. Israel
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Gaurav Basu
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Amy Donate
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Assessment of delivery parameters with the multi-electrode array for development of a DNA vaccine against Bacillus anthracis. Bioelectrochemistry 2013; 94:1-6. [PMID: 23727769 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer (GET) enhances delivery of DNA vaccines by increasing both gene expression and immune responses. Our lab has developed the multi-electrode array (MEA) for DNA delivery to skin. The MEA was used at constant pulse duration (150 ms) and frequency (6.67 Hz). In this study, delivery parameters including applied voltage (5-45 V), amount of plasmid (100-300 μg), and number of treatments (2-3) were evaluated for delivery of a DNA vaccine. Mice were intradermally injected with plasmid expressing Bacillus anthracis protective antigen with or without GET and αPA serum titers measured. Within this experiment no significant differences were noted in antibody levels from varying dose or treatment number. However, significant differences were measured from applied voltages of 25 and 35 V. These voltages generated antibody levels between 20,000 and 25,000. Serum from animals vaccinated with these conditions also resulted in toxin neutralization in 40-60% of animals. Visual damage was noted at MEA conditions of 40 V. No damage was noted either visually or histologically from conditions of 35 V or below. These results reflect the importance of establishing appropriate electrical parameters and the potential for the MEA in non-invasive DNA vaccination against B. anthracis.
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40
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Kardos TJ, Rabussay DP. Contactless magneto-permeabilization for intracellular plasmid DNA delivery in-vivo. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 8:1707-13. [PMID: 22894955 DOI: 10.4161/hv.21576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation, an attractive process for delivering DNA and other molecules into target cells in vivo and in vitro is limited by the necessity of electrodes that need to be in contact with the subject or object to be electroporated. We have used magnetic fields, which do not require material contact with the subject, to temporarily permeabilize cells in guinea pig skin in vivo to enhance uptake and expression of GFP plasmid DNA. The results show for the first time that magnetic fields can trigger a process likely similar to electroporation. In designing the magnetic pulses, our most important criterion was a high rate of change of the magnetic field, based on the principle described by Michael Faraday which is expressed by the formula: E = -dB/dt, (E, electric field, B, magnetic field, t, time). Magnetic fields were generated by a flat electromagnet in a hand-held applicator positioned above the target tissue. The magnetic pulses had a peak magnetic flux density of 4 tesla; 50 pulses were applied in 5 sec. Biphasic magnetic pulses were twice as effective as monophasic pulses and about equally effective as traditional electroporation pulses . Advantages of magnetopermeabilization over electoporation include: No contact between applicator and subject ("contact-less"); no need for invasive, disposable, sterile electrodes ("needle-less"); no pain from needles and reduced overall pain; no known side effects; easier and faster to administer than electroporation; less expensive due to absence of disposables; and, importantly, greater tissue penetration of the magnetic field allowing treatment of anatomical areas inaccessible by electroporation.
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