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Maji D, Miguela V, Cameron AD, Campbell DA, Sasset L, Yao X, Thompson AT, Sussman C, Yang D, Miller R, Drozdz MM, Liberatore RA. Enhancing In Vivo Electroporation Efficiency through Hyaluronidase: Insights into Plasmid Distribution and Optimization Strategies. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:547. [PMID: 38675208 PMCID: PMC11053992 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) stands out as a promising non-viral plasmid delivery strategy, although achieving optimal transfection efficiency in vivo remains a challenge. A noteworthy advancement in the field of in vivo EP is the application of hyaluronidase, an enzyme with the capacity to degrade hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix, which thereby enhances DNA transfer efficiency by 2- to 3-fold. This paper focuses on elucidating the mechanism of hyaluronidase's impact on transfection efficiency. We demonstrate that hyaluronidase promotes a more uniform distribution of plasmid DNA (pDNA) within skeletal muscle. Additionally, our study investigates the effect of the timing of hyaluronidase pretreatment on EP efficiency by including time intervals of 0, 5, and 30 min between hyaluronidase treatment and the application of pulses. Serum levels of the pDNA-encoded transgene reveal a minimal influence of the hyaluronidase pretreatment time on the final serum protein levels following delivery in both mice and rabbit models. Leveraging bioimpedance measurements, we capture morphological changes in muscle induced by hyaluronidase treatment, which result in a varied pDNA distribution. Subsequently, these findings are employed to optimize EP electrical parameters following hyaluronidase treatment in animal models. This paper offers novel insights into the potential of hyaluronidase in enhancing the effectiveness of in vivo EP, as well as guides optimized electroporation strategies following hyaluronidase use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debnath Maji
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
| | - Verónica Miguela
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Sant Joan d’Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Linda Sasset
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
| | - Xin Yao
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
| | | | | | - David Yang
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Robert Miller
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
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2
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Gaikwad SS, Zanje AL, Somwanshi JD. Advancements in transdermal drug delivery: A comprehensive review of physical penetration enhancement techniques. Int J Pharm 2024; 652:123856. [PMID: 38281692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123856] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Transdermal drug administration has grown in popularity in the pharmaceutical research community due to its potential to improve drug bioavailability, compliance among patients, and therapeutic effectiveness. To overcome the substantial barrier posed by the stratum corneum (SC) and promote drug absorption within the skin, various physical penetration augmentation approaches have been devised. This review article delves into popular physical penetration augmentation techniques, which include sonophoresis, iontophoresis, magnetophoresis, thermophoresis, needle-free injection, and microneedles (MNs) Sonophoresis is a technique that uses low-frequency ultrasonic waves to break the skin's barrier characteristics, therefore improving drug transport and distribution. In contrast, iontophoresis uses an applied electric current to push charged molecules of drugs inside the skin, effectively enhancing medication absorption. Magnetophoresis uses magnetic fields to drive drug carriers into the dermis, a technology that has shown promise in aiding targeted medication delivery. Thermophoresis is the regulated heating of the skin in order to improve drug absorption, particularly with thermally sensitive drug carriers. Needle-free injection technologies, such as jet injectors (JIs) and microprojection arrays, offer another option by producing temporary small pore sizes in the skin, facilitating painless and effective drug delivery. MNs are a painless, minimally invasive method, easy to self-administration, as well as high drug bioavailability. This study focuses on the underlying processes, current breakthroughs, and limitations connected with all of these approaches, with an emphasis on their applicability in diverse therapeutic areas. Finally, a thorough knowledge of these physical enhancement approaches and their incorporation into pharmaceutical research has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, providing more efficient and secure treatment choices for a wide range of health-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin S Gaikwad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Savitribai Phule Pune University, At Sahajanandnagar, Post-Shinganapur, Tal-Kopargaon, Dist-Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 423603, India.
| | - Abhijit L Zanje
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Savitribai Phule Pune University, At Sahajanandnagar, Post-Shinganapur, Tal-Kopargaon, Dist-Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 423603, India
| | - Jeevan D Somwanshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Savitribai Phule Pune University, At Sahajanandnagar, Post-Shinganapur, Tal-Kopargaon, Dist-Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 423603, India
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3
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Chastagnier L, Marquette C, Petiot E. In situ transient transfection of 3D cell cultures and tissues, a promising tool for tissue engineering and gene therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108211. [PMID: 37463610 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108211] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Various research fields use the transfection of mammalian cells with genetic material to induce the expression of a target transgene or gene silencing. It is a tool widely used in biological research, bioproduction, and therapy. Current transfection protocols are usually performed on 2D adherent cells or suspension cultures. The important rise of new gene therapies and regenerative medicine in the last decade raises the need for new tools to empower the in situ transfection of tissues and 3D cell cultures. This review will present novel in situ transfection methods based on a chemical or physical non-viral transfection of cells in tissues and 3D cultures, discuss the advantages and remaining gaps, and propose future developments and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chastagnier
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Christophe Marquette
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Emma Petiot
- 3D Innovation Lab - 3d.FAB - ICBMS, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, UMR 5246, bat. Lederer, 5 rue Gaston Berger, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
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4
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Chung C, Kudchodkar SB, Chung CN, Park YK, Xu Z, Pardi N, Abdel-Mohsen M, Muthumani K. Expanding the Reach of Monoclonal Antibodies: A Review of Synthetic Nucleic Acid Delivery in Immunotherapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:46. [PMID: 37489368 PMCID: PMC10366852 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Harnessing the immune system to combat disease has revolutionized medical treatment. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), in particular, have emerged as important immunotherapeutic agents with clinical relevance in treating a wide range of diseases, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. These mAbs are developed from naturally occurring antibodies and target specific epitopes of single molecules, minimizing off-target effects. Antibodies can also be designed to target particular pathogens or modulate immune function by activating or suppressing certain pathways. Despite their benefit for patients, the production and administration of monoclonal antibody therapeutics are laborious, costly, and time-consuming. Administration often requires inpatient stays and repeated dosing to maintain therapeutic levels, limiting their use in underserved populations and developing countries. Researchers are developing alternate methods to deliver monoclonal antibodies, including synthetic nucleic acid-based delivery, to overcome these limitations. These methods allow for in vivo production of monoclonal antibodies, which would significantly reduce costs and simplify administration logistics. This review explores new methods for monoclonal antibody delivery, including synthetic nucleic acids, and their potential to increase the accessibility and utility of life-saving treatments for several diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Curtis N Chung
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | - Young K Park
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | - Ziyang Xu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Kar Muthumani
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
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5
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Joshi LR, Gálvez NM, Ghosh S, Weiner DB, Balazs AB. Delivery platforms for broadly neutralizing antibodies. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2023; 18:191-208. [PMID: 37265268 PMCID: PMC10247185 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Passive administration of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is being evaluated as a therapeutic approach to prevent or treat HIV infections. However, a number of challenges face the widespread implementation of passive transfer for HIV. To reduce the need of recurrent administrations of bNAbs, gene-based delivery approaches have been developed which overcome the limitations of passive transfer. RECENT FINDINGS The use of DNA and mRNA for the delivery of bNAbs has made significant progress. DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs) have shown great promise in animal models of disease and the underlying DNA-based technology is now being tested in vaccine trials for a variety of indications. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the development of mRNA-based technology to induce protective immunity. These advances are now being successfully applied to the delivery of monoclonal antibodies using mRNA in animal models. Delivery of bNAbs using viral vectors, primarily adeno-associated virus (AAV), has shown great promise in preclinical animal models and more recently in human studies. Most recently, advances in genome editing techniques have led to engineering of monoclonal antibody expression from B cells. These efforts aim to turn B cells into a source of evolving antibodies that can improve through repeated exposure to the respective antigen. SUMMARY The use of these different platforms for antibody delivery has been demonstrated across a wide range of animal models and disease indications, including HIV. Although each approach has unique strengths and weaknesses, additional advances in efficiency of gene delivery and reduced immunogenicity will be necessary to drive widespread implementation of these technologies. Considering the mounting clinical evidence of the potential of bNAbs for HIV treatment and prevention, overcoming the remaining technical challenges for gene-based bNAb delivery represents a relatively straightforward path towards practical interventions against HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lok R. Joshi
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nicolás M.S. Gálvez
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sukanya Ghosh
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - David B. Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alejandro B. Balazs
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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6
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Leading Edge: Intratumor Delivery of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032676. [PMID: 36768997 PMCID: PMC9917067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032676] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint blockade have shown remarkable clinical outcomes and durable responses in patients with many tumor types. Nevertheless, these therapies lack efficacy in most cancer patients, even causing severe adverse events in a small subset of patients, such as inflammatory disorders and hyper-progressive disease. To diminish the risk of developing serious toxicities, intratumor delivery of monoclonal antibodies could be a solution. Encouraging results have been shown in both preclinical and clinical studies. Thus, intratumor immunotherapy as a new strategy may retain efficacy while increasing safety. This approach is still an exploratory frontier in cancer research and opens up new possibilities for next-generation personalized medicine. Local intratumor delivery can be achieved through many means, but an attractive approach is the use of gene therapy vectors expressing mAbs inside the tumor mass. Here, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical results of intratumor mAb delivery, together with descriptions of non-viral and viral strategies for mAb delivery in preclinical and clinical development. Currently, this is an expanding research subject that will surely play a key role in the future of oncology.
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7
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Mokhtary P, Pourhashem Z, Mehrizi AA, Sala C, Rappuoli R. Recent Progress in the Discovery and Development of Monoclonal Antibodies against Viral Infections. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081861. [PMID: 36009408 PMCID: PMC9405509 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the new revolutionary class of medications, are fast becoming tools against various diseases thanks to a unique structure and function that allow them to bind highly specific targets or receptors. These specialized proteins can be produced in large quantities via the hybridoma technique introduced in 1975 or by means of modern technologies. Additional methods have been developed to generate mAbs with new biological properties such as humanized, chimeric, or murine. The inclusion of mAbs in therapeutic regimens is a major medical advance and will hopefully lead to significant improvements in infectious disease management. Since the first therapeutic mAb, muromonab-CD3, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986, the list of approved mAbs and their clinical indications and applications have been proliferating. New technologies have been developed to modify the structure of mAbs, thereby increasing efficacy and improving delivery routes. Gene delivery technologies, such as non-viral synthetic plasmid DNA and messenger RNA vectors (DMabs or mRNA-encoded mAbs), built to express tailored mAb genes, might help overcome some of the challenges of mAb therapy, including production restrictions, cold-chain storage, transportation requirements, and expensive manufacturing and distribution processes. This paper reviews some of the recent developments in mAb discovery against viral infections and illustrates how mAbs can help to combat viral diseases and outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Mokhtary
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Zeinab Pourhashem
- Student Research Committee, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Akram Abouei Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Claudia Sala
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery Laboratory, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (R.R.)
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8
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Fausther-Bovendo H, Kobinger G. The road to effective and accessible antibody therapies against Ebola virus. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 54:101210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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9
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Singh P, Muhammad I, Nelson NE, Tran KTM, Vinikoor T, Chorsi MT, D’Orio E, Nguyen TD. Transdermal delivery for gene therapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:2613-2633. [PMID: 35538189 PMCID: PMC9089295 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a critical constituent of treatment approaches for genetic diseases and has gained tremendous attention. Treating and preventing diseases at the genetic level using genetic materials such as DNA or RNAs could be a new avenue in medicine. However, delivering genes is always a challenge as these molecules are sensitive to various enzymes inside the body, often produce systemic toxicity, and suffer from off-targeting problems. In this regard, transdermal delivery has emerged as an appealing approach to enable a high efficiency and low toxicity of genetic medicines. This review systematically summarizes outstanding transdermal gene delivery methods for applications in skin cancer treatment, vaccination, wound healing, and other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parbeen Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - I’jaaz Muhammad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Nicole E. Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Khanh T. M. Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Tra Vinikoor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Meysam T. Chorsi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA ,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Ethan D’Orio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA ,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Systems, Storrs, USA
| | - Thanh D. Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA ,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
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10
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Pagant S, Liberatore RA. In Vivo Electroporation of Plasmid DNA: A Promising Strategy for Rapid, Inexpensive, and Flexible Delivery of Anti-Viral Monoclonal Antibodies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1882. [PMID: 34834297 PMCID: PMC8618954 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first approval of monoclonal antibodies by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986, therapeutic antibodies have become one of the predominant classes of drugs in oncology and immunology. Despite their natural function in contributing to antiviral immunity, antibodies as drugs have only more recently been thought of as tools for combating infectious diseases. Passive immunization, or the delivery of the products of an immune response, offers near-immediate protection, unlike the active immune processes triggered by traditional vaccines, which rely on the time it takes for the host's immune system to develop an effective defense. This rapid onset of protection is particularly well suited to containing outbreaks of emerging viral diseases. Despite these positive attributes, the high cost associated with antibody manufacture and the need for a cold chain for storage and transport limit their deployment on a global scale, especially in areas with limited resources. The in vivo transfer of nucleic acid-based technologies encoding optimized therapeutic antibodies transform the body into a bioreactor for rapid and sustained production of biologics and hold great promise for circumventing the obstacles faced by the traditional delivery of antibodies. In this review, we provide an overview of the different antibody delivery strategies that are currently being developed, with particular emphasis on in vivo transfection of naked plasmid DNA facilitated by electroporation.
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11
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Vermeire G, De Smidt E, Geukens N, Williams JA, Declerck P, Hollevoet K. Improved Potency and Safety of DNA-Encoded Antibody Therapeutics Through Plasmid Backbone and Expression Cassette Engineering. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1200-1209. [PMID: 34482757 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded delivery of antibodies presents a labor- and cost-effective alternative to conventional antibody therapeutics. This study aims to improve the potency and safety of this approach by evaluating various plasmid backbones and expression cassettes. In vitro, antibody levels consistently improved with decreasing sizes of backbone, ranging from conventional to minimal. In vivo, following intramuscular electrotransfer in mice, the correlation was less consistent. While the largest conventional plasmid (10.2 kb) gave the lowest monoclonal antibody (mAb) levels, a regular conventional plasmid (8.6 kb) demonstrated similar levels as a minimal Nanoplasmid (6.8 kb). A reduction in size beyond a standard conventional backbone thus did not improve mAb levels in vivo. Cassette modifications, such as swapping antibody chain order or use of two versus a single encoding plasmid, significantly increased antibody expression in vitro, but failed to translate in vivo. Conversely, a significant improvement in vivo but not in vitro was found with a set of muscle-specific promoters, of which a newly engineered variant gave roughly 1.5- to 2-fold higher plasma antibody concentrations than the ubiquitous CAG promoter. In conclusion, despite the limited translation between in vitro and in vivo, we identified various clinically relevant improvements to our DNA-based antibody platform, both in potency and biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles Vermeire
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elien De Smidt
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Geukens
- PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Paul Declerck
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kevin Hollevoet
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Erasmus JH, Archer J, Fuerte-Stone J, Khandhar AP, Voigt E, Granger B, Bombardi RG, Govero J, Tan Q, Durnell LA, Coler RN, Diamond MS, Crowe JE, Reed SG, Thackray LB, Carnahan RH, Van Hoeven N. Intramuscular Delivery of Replicon RNA Encoding ZIKV-117 Human Monoclonal Antibody Protects against Zika Virus Infection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 18:402-414. [PMID: 32695842 PMCID: PMC7363633 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics are an effective modality for the treatment of infectious, autoimmune, and cancer-related diseases. However, the discovery, development, and manufacturing processes are complex, resource-consuming activities that preclude the rapid deployment of mAbs in outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. Given recent advances in nucleic acid delivery technology, it is now possible to deliver exogenous mRNA encoding mAbs for in situ expression following intravenous (i.v.) infusion of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA. However, the requirement for i.v. administration limits the application to settings where infusion is an option, increasing the cost of treatment. As an alternative strategy, and to enable intramuscular (IM) administration of mRNA-encoded mAbs, we describe a nanostructured lipid carrier for delivery of an alphavirus replicon encoding a previously described highly neutralizing human mAb, ZIKV-117. Using a lethal Zika virus challenge model in mice, our studies show robust protection following alphavirus-driven expression of ZIKV-117 mRNA when given by IM administration as pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H. Erasmus
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacob Archer
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jasmine Fuerte-Stone
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amit P. Khandhar
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Voigt
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian Granger
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robin G. Bombardi
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Jennifer Govero
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Qing Tan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lorellin A. Durnell
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rhea N. Coler
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - James E. Crowe
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pathology Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Steven G. Reed
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Larissa B. Thackray
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert H. Carnahan
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Neal Van Hoeven
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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13
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Schultheis K, Pugh HM, Oh J, Nguyen J, Yung B, Reed C, Cooch N, Chen J, Yan J, Muthumani K, Humeau LM, Weiner DB, Broderick KE, Smith TRF. Active immunoprophylaxis with a synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal anti-respiratory syncytial virus scFv-Fc fusion protein confers protection against infection and durable activity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2165-2175. [PMID: 32544376 PMCID: PMC7553682 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1748979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) is a major threat to many vulnerable populations. There are currently no approved vaccines, and RSV remains a high unmet global medical need. Here we describe the employment of a novel synthetic DNA-encoded antibody technology platform to develop and deliver an engineered human DNA-encoded monoclonal antibody (dMAbTM) targeting the fusion protein (F) of RSV as a new approach to prevention or therapy of at risk populations. In in vivo models, a single administration of synthetic DNA-encoding the single-chain fragment variable-constant fragment (scFv-Fc) RSV-F dMAb resulted in robust and durable circulating levels of a functional antibody systemically and in mucosal tissue. In cotton rats, which are the gold-standard animals to model RSV infection, we observed sustained scFv-Fc RSV-F dMAb in the sera and lung-lavage samples, demonstrating the potential for both long-lasting immunity to RSV and effective biodistribution. The scFv-Fc RSV-F dMAb harbored in the sera exhibited RSV antigen-specific binding and potent viral neutralizing activity. Importantly, in vivo delivery of synthetic DNA-encoding, the scFv-Fc RSV-F dMAb protected animals against viral challenge. Our findings support the significance of dMAbs as a potential platform technology for durable protection against RSV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holly M Pugh
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals , Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Janet Oh
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals , Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | | | - Bryan Yung
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals , Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Charles Reed
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals , Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Neil Cooch
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals , Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals , Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Jian Yan
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals , Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Kar Muthumani
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - David B Weiner
- Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute , Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Gary EN, Weiner DB. DNA vaccines: prime time is now. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 65:21-27. [PMID: 32259744 PMCID: PMC7195337 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently newer synthetic DNA vaccines have been rapidly advanced to clinical study and have demonstrated an impressive degree of immune potency and tolerability. Improvements in DNA delivery over prior needle and syringe approaches include jet delivery, gene gun delivery, among others. Among the most effective of these new delivery methods, advanced electroporation (EP), combined with other advances, induces robust humoral and cellular immunity in both preventative as well as therapeutic studies. Advancements in the design of the DNA inserts include leader sequence changes, RNA and codon optimizations, improved insert designs, increased concentrations of DNA, and skin delivery, appear to complement newer delivery strategies. These advances also provide a framework for the in vivo production of synthetic DNA biologics. In this review, we focus on recent studies of synthetic DNA vaccines in the clinic for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases with a focus on adaptive electroporation for delivery, and briefly summarize novel preclinical data advancing the in vivo delivery of DNA-encoded antibody-like biologics.
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15
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Andrews CD, Huang Y, Ho DD, Liberatore RA. In vivo expressed biologics for infectious disease prophylaxis: rapid delivery of DNA-based antiviral antibodies. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:1523-1533. [PMID: 32579067 PMCID: PMC7473320 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1787108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
With increasing frequency, humans are facing outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) with the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. In the most extreme instances, such outbreaks can become pandemics, as we are now witnessing with COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, this new disease, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has already infected more than 10 million people worldwide and led to 499,913 deaths as of 29 June, 2020. How high these numbers will eventually go depends on many factors, including policies on travel and movement, availability of medical support, and, because there is no vaccine or highly effective treatment, the pace of biomedical research. Other than an approved antiviral drug that can be repurposed, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) hold the most promise for providing a stopgap measure to lessen the impact of an outbreak while vaccines are in development. Technical advances in mAb identification, combined with the flexibility and clinical experience of mAbs in general, make them ideal candidates for rapid deployment. Furthermore, the development of mAb cocktails can provide a faster route to developing a robust medical intervention than searching for a single, outstanding mAb. In addition, mAbs are well-suited for integration into platform technologies for delivery, in which minimal components need to be changed in order to be redirected against a novel pathogen. In particular, utilizing the manufacturing and logistical benefits of DNA-based platform technologies in order to deliver one or more antiviral mAbs has the potential to revolutionize EID responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yaoxing Huang
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, USA.,Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicans and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - David D Ho
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, USA.,Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicans and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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16
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Jacobs L, De Smidt E, Geukens N, Declerck P, Hollevoet K. DNA-Based Delivery of Checkpoint Inhibitors in Muscle and Tumor Enables Long-Term Responses with Distinct Exposure. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1068-1077. [PMID: 32101701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies elicit impressive clinical responses, but still face several issues. The current study evaluated whether DNA-based delivery can broaden the application of checkpoint inhibitors, specifically by pursuing cost-efficient in vivo production, facilitating combination therapies, and exploring administration routes that lower immune-related toxicity risks. We therefore optimized plasmid-encoded anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, and studied their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics when delivered alone and in combination via intramuscular or intratumoral electroporation in mice. Intramuscular electrotransfer of these DNA-based antibodies induced complete regressions in a subcutaneous MC38 tumor model, with plasma concentrations up to 4 and 14 μg/mL for anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, respectively, and antibody detection for at least 6 months. Intratumoral antibody gene electrotransfer gave similar anti-tumor responses as the intramuscular approach. Antibody plasma levels, however, were up to 70-fold lower and substantially more transient, potentially improving biosafety of the expressed checkpoint inhibitors. Intratumoral delivery also generated a systemic anti-tumor response, illustrated by moderate abscopal effects and prolonged protection of cured mice against a tumor rechallenge. In conclusion, intramuscular and intratumoral DNA-based delivery of checkpoint inhibitors both enabled long-term anti-tumor responses despite distinct systemic antibody exposure, highlighting the potential of the tumor as delivery site for DNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl Jacobs
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elien De Smidt
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; PharmAbs - The KU Leuven Antibody Center, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Geukens
- PharmAbs - The KU Leuven Antibody Center, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Declerck
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; PharmAbs - The KU Leuven Antibody Center, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kevin Hollevoet
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Abstract
Antibody immunotherapy is revolutionizing modern medicine. The field has advanced dramatically over the past 40 years, driven in part by major advances in isolation and manufacturing technologies that have brought these important biologics to the forefront of modern medicine. However, the global uptake of monoclonal antibody (mAb) biologics is impeded by biophysical and biochemical liabilities, production limitations, the need for cold-chain storage and transport, as well as high costs of manufacturing and distribution. Some of these hurdles may be overcome through transient in vivo gene delivery platforms, such as non-viral synthetic plasmid DNA and messenger RNA vectors that are engineered to encode optimized mAb genes. These approaches turn the body into a biological factory for antibody production, eliminating many of the steps involved in bioprocesses and providing several other significant advantages, and differ from traditional gene therapy (permanent delivery) approaches. In this review, we focus on nucleic acid delivery of antibody employing synthetic plasmid DNA vector platforms, and RNA delivery, these being important approaches that are advancing simple, rapid, in vivo expression and having an impact in animal models of infectious diseases and cancer, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Patel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mamadou A Bah
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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18
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Differential requirements for FcγR engagement by protective antibodies against Ebola virus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20054-20062. [PMID: 31484758 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911842116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) continues to pose significant threats to global public health, requiring ongoing development of multiple strategies for disease control. To date, numerous monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target the EBOV glycoprotein (GP) have demonstrated potent protective activity in animal disease models and are thus promising candidates for the control of EBOV. However, recent work in a variety of virus diseases has highlighted the importance of coupling Fab neutralization with Fc effector activity for effective antibody-mediated protection. To determine the contribution of Fc effector activity to the protective function of mAbs to EBOV GP, we selected anti-GP mAbs targeting representative, protective epitopes and characterized their Fc receptor (FcγR) dependence in vivo in FcγR humanized mouse challenge models of EBOV disease. In contrast to previous studies, we find that anti-GP mAbs exhibited differential requirements for FcγR engagement in mediating their protective activity independent of their distance from the viral membrane. Anti-GP mAbs targeting membrane proximal epitopes or the GP mucin domain do not rely on Fc-FcγR interactions to confer activity, whereas antibodies against the GP chalice bowl and the fusion loop require FcγR engagement for optimal in vivo antiviral activity. This complexity of antibody-mediated protection from EBOV disease highlights the structural constraints of FcγR binding for specific viral epitopes and has important implications for the development of mAb-based immunotherapeutics with optimal potency and efficacy.
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Abstract
Curing HIV infection has been impossible, with the exception of the "Berlin Patient." Martinez-Navio et al. (2019) in Miami herein present a rare monkey whose virus was controlled for >3 years after a single genetic intervention that led to persistent production of HIV-neutralizing antibodies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David D Ho
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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Patel A, Park DH, Davis CW, Smith TRF, Leung A, Tierney K, Bryan A, Davidson E, Yu X, Racine T, Reed C, Gorman ME, Wise MC, Elliott STC, Esquivel R, Yan J, Chen J, Muthumani K, Doranz BJ, Saphire EO, Crowe JE, Broderick KE, Kobinger GP, He S, Qiu X, Kobasa D, Humeau L, Sardesai NY, Ahmed R, Weiner DB. In Vivo Delivery of Synthetic Human DNA-Encoded Monoclonal Antibodies Protect against Ebolavirus Infection in a Mouse Model. Cell Rep 2018; 25:1982-1993.e4. [PMID: 30428362 PMCID: PMC6319964 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetically engineered DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs) are an in vivo platform for evaluation and delivery of human mAb to control against infectious disease. Here, we engineer DMAbs encoding potent anti-Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP) mAbs isolated from Ebola virus disease survivors. We demonstrate the development of a human IgG1 DMAb platform for in vivo EBOV-GP mAb delivery and evaluation in a mouse model. Using this approach, we show that DMAb-11 and DMAb-34 exhibit functional and molecular profiles comparable to recombinant mAb, have a wide window of expression, and provide rapid protection against lethal mouse-adapted EBOV challenge. The DMAb platform represents a simple, rapid, and reproducible approach for evaluating the activity of mAb during clinical development. DMAbs have the potential to be a mAb delivery system, which may be advantageous for protection against highly pathogenic infectious diseases, like EBOV, in resource-limited and other challenging settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Patel
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel H Park
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carl W Davis
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA
| | | | - Anders Leung
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Kevin Tierney
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | | | | | - Xiaoying Yu
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Trina Racine
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Charles Reed
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Marguerite E Gorman
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Boston College, Newton, MA 02467, USA
| | - Megan C Wise
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Sarah T C Elliott
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rianne Esquivel
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jian Yan
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - Kar Muthumani
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shihua He
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Xiangguo Qiu
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada; University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | | | | | - Rafi Ahmed
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30317, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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