1
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Qu J, Xia Z, Liu Y, Li M, Xie Y. Targeting Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin modified dual-gene coexpressing vector enhances gene transport and promotes lung tumor suppression. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130074. [PMID: 38342259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130074] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Poor systemic administration capability, a natural tendency to target CAR-positive cells, nonspecific shedding to normal organs, and poor viral persistence in tumor tissues are major hindrances to the therapeutic benefit of adenovirus (Ad) gene vectors in the clinical setting. Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin (ASF) grafted with targeted peptides was used to coat ING4-IL-24 dual-gene coexpressing adenovirus for targeted gene therapy of lung carcinoma. The dual-gene vector with a diameter of 390 nm could target and infect H460 lung tumor cells, internalize into cells, express the ING4 and IL-24 genes at a high level, effectively inhibit the proliferation of lung tumor cells, and induce their apoptosis. The in vivo treatment of H460 human lung carcinoma xenograft tumors showed that the dual-gene coexpressing vector suppressed the proliferation of lung tumor cells by downregulating the expression of Ki67 and Bcl-2, promoted apoptosis by upregulating the expression of C Caspase-3 and Bax, and blocked tumor angiogenesis by downregulating the expression of VEGF and CD31, thus exerting a multichannel tumor inhibition effect. Surface modification of Ad with targeted cationic silk fibroin is an effective way to solve the natural tendencies and in vivo instability of adenovirus vectors, and such vectors have potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qu
- School of Textile Garment and Design, Changshu Institute of Technology, Suzhou 215500, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Key Laboratory of Textile Industry for Silk Products in Medical and Health Use, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Zhenran Xia
- School of Textile Garment and Design, Changshu Institute of Technology, Suzhou 215500, China
| | - Yu Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Key Laboratory of Textile Industry for Silk Products in Medical and Health Use, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mingzhong Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Key Laboratory of Textile Industry for Silk Products in Medical and Health Use, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yufeng Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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2
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Klinnert S, Schenkel CD, Freitag PC, Günthard HF, Plückthun A, Metzner KJ. Targeted shock-and-kill HIV-1 gene therapy approach combining CRISPR activation, suicide gene tBid and retargeted adenovirus delivery. Gene Ther 2024; 31:74-84. [PMID: 37558852 PMCID: PMC10940146 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00413-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Infections with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are incurable due the long-lasting, latent viral reservoir. The shock-and-kill cure approach aims to activate latent proviruses in HIV-1 infected cells and subsequently kill these cells with strategies such as therapeutic vaccines or immune enhancement. Here, we combined the dCas9-VPR CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) system with gRNA-V, the truncated Bid (tBid)-based suicide gene strategy and CD3-retargeted adenovirus (Ad) delivery vectors, in an all-in-one targeted shock-and-kill gene therapy approach to achieve specific elimination of latently HIV-1 infected cells. Simultaneous transduction of latently HIV-1 infected J-Lat 10.6 cells with a CD3-retargeted Ad-CRISPRa-V and Ad-tBid led to a 57.7 ± 17.0% reduction of productively HIV-1 infected cells and 2.4-fold ± 0.25 increase in cell death. The effective activation of latent HIV-1 provirus by Ad-CRISPRa-V was similar to the activation control TNF-α. The strictly HIV-1 dependent and non-leaky killing by tBid could be demonstrated. Furthermore, the high transduction efficiencies of up to 70.8 ± 0.4% by the CD3-retargeting technology in HIV-1 latently infected cell lines was the basis of successful shock-and-kill. This novel targeted shock-and-kill all-in-one gene therapy approach has the potential to safely and effectively eliminate HIV-1 infected cells in a highly HIV-1 and T cell specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Klinnert
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Corinne D Schenkel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C Freitag
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F Günthard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin J Metzner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Hartmann KP, van Gogh M, Freitag PC, Kast F, Nagy-Davidescu G, Borsig L, Plückthun A. FAP-retargeted Ad5 enables in vivo gene delivery to stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2914-2928. [PMID: 37641405 PMCID: PMC10556229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.08.018] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell surface serine protease that is highly expressed on reactive stromal fibroblasts, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and generally absent in healthy adult tissues. FAP expression in the tumor stroma has been detected in more than 90% of all carcinomas, rendering CAFs excellent target cells for a tumor site-specific adenoviral delivery of cancer therapeutics. Here, we present a tropism-modified human adenovirus 5 (Ad5) vector that targets FAP through trivalent, designed ankyrin repeat protein-based retargeting adapters. We describe the development and validation of these adapters via cell-based screening assays and demonstrate adapter-mediated Ad5 retargeting to FAP+ fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. We further show efficient in vivo delivery and in situ production of a therapeutic payload by CAFs in the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in attenuated tumor growth. We thus propose using our FAP-Ad5 vector to convert CAFs into a "biofactory," secreting encoded cancer therapeutics into the TME to enable a safe and effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Patricia Hartmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Merel van Gogh
- Department of Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick C Freitag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Kast
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela Nagy-Davidescu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lubor Borsig
- Department of Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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4
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Teixeira AP, Xue S, Huang J, Fussenegger M. Evolution of molecular switches for regulation of transgene expression by clinically licensed gluconate. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e85. [PMID: 37497781 PMCID: PMC10450161 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology holds great promise to improve the safety and efficacy of future gene and engineered cell therapies by providing new means of endogenous or exogenous control of the embedded therapeutic programs. Here, we focused on gluconate as a clinically licensed small-molecule inducer and engineered gluconate-sensitive molecular switches to regulate transgene expression in human cell cultures and in mice. Several switch designs were assembled based on the gluconate-responsive transcriptional repressor GntR from Escherichia coli. Initially we assembled OFF- and ON-type switches by rewiring the native gluconate-dependent binding of GntR to target DNA sequences in mammalian cells. Then, we utilized the ability of GntR to dimerize in the presence of gluconate to activate gene expression from a split transcriptional activator. By means of random mutagenesis of GntR combined with phenotypic screening, we identified variants that significantly enhanced the functionality of the genetic devices, enabling the construction of robust two-input logic gates. We also demonstrated the potential utility of the synthetic switch in two in vivo settings, one employing implantation of alginate-encapsulated engineered cells and the other involving modification of host cells by DNA delivery. Then, as proof-of-concept, the gluconate-actuated genetic switch was connected to insulin secretion, and the components encoding gluconate-induced insulin production were introduced into type-1 diabetic mice as naked DNA via hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Normoglycemia was restored, thereby showcasing the suitability of oral gluconate to regulate in situ production of a therapeutic protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Palma Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shuai Xue
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Liu Y, Potts JL, Bloch D, Nian K, McCormick CA, Fanari O, Rouhanifard SH. Paired Capture and FISH Detection of Individual Virions Enable Cell-Free Determination of Infectious Titers. ACS Sens 2023; 8:2563-2571. [PMID: 37368999 PMCID: PMC10621038 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Early detection of viruses can prevent the uncontrolled spread of viral infections. Determination of viral infectivity is also critical for determining the dosage of gene therapies, including vector-based vaccines, CAR T-cell therapies, and CRISPR therapeutics. In both cases, for viral pathogens and viral vector delivery vehicles, fast and accurate measurement of infectious titers is desirable. The most common methods for virus detection are antigen-based (rapid but not sensitive) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based (sensitive but not rapid). Current viral titration methods heavily rely on cultured cells, which introduces variability within labs and between labs. Thus, it is highly desirable to directly determine the infectious titer without using cells. Here, we report the development of a direct, fast, and sensitive assay for virus detection (dubbed rapid capture fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or rapture FISH) and cell-free determination of infectious titers. Importantly, we demonstrate that the virions captured are "infectious," thus serving as a more consistent proxy of infectious titers. This assay is unique because it first captures viruses bearing an intact coat protein using an aptamer and then detects genomes directly in individual virions using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); thus, it is selective for infectious particles (i.e., positive for coat proteins and positive for genomes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jacob L. Potts
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Dylan Bloch
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Keqing Nian
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Caroline A. McCormick
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Oleksandra Fanari
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sara H. Rouhanifard
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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6
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Gonzalez-Aparicio M, Bunuales M, de Landazuri IO, Prieto J, Hernandez-Alcoceba R. Application of a split-Cre system for high-capacity adenoviral vector amplification. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2200227. [PMID: 36478401 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS High-capacity adenoviral vectors (HC-AdV) show extended DNA payload and stability of gene expression in vivo due to the absence of viral coding sequences. However, production requires methods to trans-complement viral proteins, usually through Helper Viruses (HV). The Cre/loxP system is frequently employed to remove the packaging signal in HV genomes, in order to avoid their encapsidation. However, chronic exposure to the Cre recombinase in packaging cells is detrimental. We have applied the dimerizable Cre system to overcome this limitation. METHODS AND RESULTS Cre was split in two fragments devoid of recombinase function (N-terminal 244 and C-terminal 99 amino-acids). In one version of the system, interaction with both moieties was favored by rapamycin-dependent heterodimerization domains (DiCre). Other version contained only Cre sequences (oCre). We generated packaging cells and HVs expressing the complementary fragments and studied their performance for HC-AdV production. We found that both conformations avoided interference with the growth of packaging cells, and the oCre system was particularly suitable for HC-AdV amplification. CONCLUSIONS The split-Cre system improves the performance of packaging cells and can reduce the time and cost of HC-AdV amplification up to 30% and 15%, respectively. This may contribute to the standardization of HC-AdV production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gonzalez-Aparicio
- University of Navarra, CIMA, Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Navarra Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Bunuales
- University of Navarra, CIMA, Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Navarra Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Ortiz de Landazuri
- University of Navarra, CIMA, Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Navarra Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jesus Prieto
- University of Navarra, CIMA, Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Navarra Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba
- University of Navarra, CIMA, Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Navarra Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
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7
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Schellhorn S, Brücher D, Wolff NA, Schröer K, Sallard E, Mese K, Zhang W, Ehrke-Schulz E, Thévenod F, Plückthun A, Ehrhardt A. Targeting Oncolytic Adenoviruses to Cancer Cells Using a Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein Lipocalin-2 Fusion Protein. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:203-216. [PMID: 36802735 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are a promising technology to attack cancer cells and to recruit immune cells to the tumor site. Since the Lipocalin-2 receptor (LCN2R) is expressed on most cancer cells, we used its ligand LCN2 to target oncolytic adenoviruses (Ads) to cancer cells. Therefore, we fused a Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein (DARPin) adapter binding the knob of Ad type 5 (knob5) to LCN2 to retarget the virus toward LCN2R with the aim of analyzing the basic characteristics of this novel targeting approach. The adapter was tested in vitro with Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing the LCN2R and on 20 cancer cell lines (CCLs) using an Ad5 vector encoding luciferase and green fluorescent protein. Luciferase assays with the LCN2 adapter (LA) showed 10-fold higher infection compared with blocking adapter (BA) in CHO cells expressing LCN2R and in cells not expressing the LCN2R. Most CCLs showed an increased viral uptake of LA-bound virus compared with BA-bound virus and for five CCLs viral uptake was comparable to unmodified Ad5. Flow cytometry and hexon immunostainings also revealed increased uptake of LA-bound Ads compared with BA-bound Ads in most tested CCLs. Virus spread was studied in 3D cell culture models and nine CCLs showed increased and earlier fluorescence signals for LA-bound virus compared with BA-bound virus. Mechanistically, we show that the LA increases viral uptake only in the absence of its ligand Enterobactin (Ent) and independently of iron. Altogether, we characterized a novel DARPin-based system resulting in enhanced uptake demonstrating potential for future oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schellhorn
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Dominik Brücher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natascha A Wolff
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Training and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Katrin Schröer
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Erwan Sallard
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Kemal Mese
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Eric Ehrke-Schulz
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Frank Thévenod
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Training and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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8
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Sallard E, Zhang W, Aydin M, Schröer K, Ehrhardt A. The Adenovirus Vector Platform: Novel Insights into Rational Vector Design and Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Vaccine. Viruses 2023; 15:204. [PMID: 36680244 PMCID: PMC9862123 DOI: 10.3390/v15010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The adenovirus vector platform remains one of the most efficient toolboxes for generation of transfer vehicles used in gene therapy and virotherapy to treat tumors, as well as vaccines to protect from infectious diseases. The adenovirus genome and capsids can be modified using highly efficient techniques, and vectors can be produced at high titers, which facilitates their rapid adaptation to current needs and disease applications. Over recent years, the adenovirus vector platform has been in the center of attention for vaccine development against the ongoing coronavirus SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. The worldwide deployment of these vaccines has greatly deepened the knowledge on virus-host interactions and highlighted the need to further improve the effectiveness and safety not only of adenovirus-based vaccines but also of gene therapy and oncolytic virotherapy vectors. Based on the current evidence, we discuss here how adenoviral vectors can be further improved by intelligent molecular design. This review covers the full spectrum of state-of-the-art strategies to avoid vector-induced side effects ranging from the vectorization of non-canonical adenovirus types to novel genome engineering techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Sallard
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Malik Aydin
- Laboratory of Experimental Pediatric Pneumology and Allergology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research, School of Life Sciences (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany
| | - Katrin Schröer
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
| | - Anja Ehrhardt
- Virology and Microbiology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, 58453 Witten, Germany
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9
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Greber UF, Suomalainen M. Adenovirus entry: Stability, uncoating, and nuclear import. Mol Microbiol 2022; 118:309-320. [PMID: 35434852 PMCID: PMC9790413 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adenoviruses (AdVs) are widespread in vertebrates. They infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, the eyes, heart, liver, and kidney, and are lethal to immunosuppressed people. Mastadenoviruses infecting mammals comprise several hundred different types, and many specifically infect humans. Human adenoviruses are the most widely used vectors in clinical applications, including cancer treatment and COVID-19 vaccination. AdV vectors are physically and genetically stable and generally safe in humans. The particles have an icosahedral coat and a nucleoprotein core with a DNA genome. We describe the concept of AdV cell entry and highlight recent advances in cytoplasmic transport, uncoating, and nuclear import of the viral DNA. We highlight a recently discovered "linchpin" function of the virion protein V ensuring cytoplasmic particle stability, which is relaxed at the nuclear pore complex by cues from the E3 ubiquitin ligase Mind bomb 1 (MIB1) and the proteasome triggering disruption. Capsid disruption by kinesin motor proteins and microtubules exposes the linchpin and renders protein V a target for MIB1 ubiquitination, which dissociates V from viral DNA and enhances DNA nuclear import. These advances uncover mechanisms controlling capsid stability and premature uncoating and provide insight into nuclear transport of nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs F. Greber
- Department of Molecular Life SciencesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Maarit Suomalainen
- Department of Molecular Life SciencesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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10
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Freitag PC, Brandl F, Brücher D, Weiss F, Dreier B, Plückthun A. Modular Adapters Utilizing Binders of Different Molecular Types Expand Cell-Targeting Options for Adenovirus Gene Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1595-1601. [PMID: 35944553 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Efficient and cell-specific delivery of DNA is essential for the effective and safe use of gene delivery technologies. Consequently, a large variety of technologies have been developed and applied in a wide range of ex vivo and in vivo applications, including multiple approaches based on viral vectors. However, widespread success of a technology is largely determined by the versatility of the method and the ease of use. The rationally designed adapter technology previously developed redirects widely used human adenovirus serotype 5 (HAdV-C5) to a defined cell population, by binding and blocking the adenoviral knob tropism while simultaneously allowing fusions of an N-terminal retargeting module. Here we expand modularity, and thus applicability of this adapter technology, by extending the nature of the cell-binding portion. We report successful receptor-specific transduction mediated by a retargeting module consisting of either a DARPin, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody, a peptide, or a small molecule ligand. Furthermore, we show that an adapter can be engineered to carry more than one specificity, allowing dual targeting. Specific HAdV-C5 retargeting was thus demonstrated to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), human folate receptor α, and neurotensin receptor 1, effective at vector concentrations as low as a multiplicity of infection of 2.5. Therefore, we report a modular design which allows plug-and-play combinations of different binding modules, leading to efficient and specific mono- or dual-targeting while circumventing tedious optimization procedures. This extends the technology to combinational applications of cell-specific binding, supporting research in gene therapy, synthetic biology, and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Freitag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Brandl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Brücher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Dreier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Kirchhammer N, Trefny MP, Natoli M, Brücher D, Smith SN, Werner F, Koch V, Schreiner D, Bartoszek E, Buchi M, Schmid M, Breu D, Hartmann KP, Zaytseva P, Thommen DS, Läubli H, Böttcher JP, Stanczak MA, Kashyap AS, Plückthun A, Zippelius A. NK cells with tissue-resident traits shape response to immunotherapy by inducing adaptive antitumor immunity. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabm9043. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abm9043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
T cell–directed cancer immunotherapy often fails to generate lasting tumor control. Harnessing additional effectors of the immune response against tumors may strengthen the clinical benefit of immunotherapies. Here, we demonstrate that therapeutic targeting of the interferon-γ (IFN-γ)–interleukin-12 (IL-12) pathway relies on the ability of a population of natural killer (NK) cells with tissue-resident traits to orchestrate an antitumor microenvironment. In particular, we used an engineered adenoviral platform as a tool for intratumoral IL-12 immunotherapy (AdV5–IL-12) to generate adaptive antitumor immunity. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that AdV5–IL-12 is capable of inducing the expression of CC-chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) in CD49a
+
NK cells both in tumor mouse models and tumor specimens from patients with cancer. AdV5–IL-12 imposed CCL5-induced type I conventional dendritic cell (cDC1) infiltration and thus increased DC-CD8 T cell interactions. A similar observation was made for other IFN-γ–inducing therapies such as Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blockade. Conversely, failure to respond to IL-12 and PD-1 blockade in tumor models with low CD49a
+
CXCR6
+
NK cell infiltration could be overcome by intratumoral delivery of CCL5. Thus, therapeutic efficacy depends on the abundance of NK cells with tissue-resident traits and, specifically, their capacity to produce the DC chemoattractant CCL5. Our findings reveal a barrier for T cell–focused therapies and offer mechanistic insights into how T cell–NK cell–DC cross-talk can be enhanced to promote antitumor immunity and overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kirchhammer
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel P. Trefny
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marina Natoli
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Brücher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sheena N. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Werner
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Koch
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Schreiner
- Immune Cell Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ewelina Bartoszek
- Microscopy Core Facility, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Buchi
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Schmid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Breu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Polina Zaytseva
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela S. Thommen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan P. Böttcher
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Michal A. Stanczak
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abhishek S. Kashyap
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Cancer Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Bieri M, Hendrickx R, Bauer M, Yu B, Jetzer T, Dreier B, Mittl PRE, Sobek J, Plückthun A, Greber UF, Hemmi S. The RGD-binding integrins αvβ6 and αvβ8 are receptors for mouse adenovirus-1 and -3 infection. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010083. [PMID: 34910784 PMCID: PMC8673666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian adenoviruses (AdVs) comprise more than ~350 types including over 100 human (HAdVs) and just three mouse AdVs (MAdVs). While most HAdVs initiate infection by high affinity/avidity binding of their fiber knob (FK) protein to either coxsackievirus AdV receptor (CAR), CD46 or desmoglein (DSG)-2, MAdV-1 (M1) infection requires arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) binding integrins. To identify the receptors mediating MAdV infection we generated five novel reporter viruses for MAdV-1/-2/-3 (M1, M2, M3) transducing permissive murine (m) CMT-93 cells, but not B16 mouse melanoma cells expressing mCAR, human (h) CD46 or hDSG-2. Recombinant M1 or M3 FKs cross-blocked M1 and M3 but not M2 infections. Profiling of murine and human cells expressing RGD-binding integrins suggested that αvβ6 and αvβ8 heterodimers are associated with M1 and M3 infections. Ectopic expression of mβ6 in B16 cells strongly enhanced M1 and M3 binding, infection, and progeny production comparable with mαvβ6-positive CMT-93 cells, whereas mβ8 expressing cells were more permissive to M1 than M3. Anti-integrin antibodies potently blocked M1 and M3 binding and infection of CMT-93 cells and hαvβ8-positive M000216 cells. Soluble integrin αvβ6, and synthetic peptides containing the RGDLXXL sequence derived from FK-M1, FK-M3 and foot and mouth disease virus coat protein strongly interfered with M1/M3 infections, in agreement with high affinity interactions of FK-M1/FK-M3 with αvβ6/αvβ8, determined by surface plasmon resonance measurements. Molecular docking simulations of ternary complexes revealed a bent conformation of RGDLXXL-containing FK-M3 peptides on the subunit interface of αvβ6/β8, where the distal leucine residue dips into a hydrophobic pocket of β6/8, the arginine residue ionically engages αv aspartate215, and the aspartate residue coordinates a divalent cation in αvβ6/β8. Together, the RGDLXXL-bearing FKs are part of an essential mechanism for M1/M3 infection engaging murine and human αvβ6/8 integrins. These integrins are highly conserved in other mammals, and may favour cross-species virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Bieri
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Molecular Life Sciences Graduate School, ETH and University Of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rodinde Hendrickx
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Molecular Life Sciences Graduate School, ETH and University Of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bin Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tania Jetzer
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Dreier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peer R. E. Mittl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jens Sobek
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs F. Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvio Hemmi
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Transfer of SCN1A to the brain of adolescent mouse model of Dravet syndrome improves epileptic, motor, and behavioral manifestations. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 25:585-602. [PMID: 34589280 PMCID: PMC8463324 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a genetic encephalopathy characterized by severe epilepsy combined with motor, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities. Current antiepileptic drugs achieve only partial control of seizures and provide little benefit on the patient’s neurological development. In >80% of cases, the disease is caused by haploinsufficiency of the SCN1A gene, which encodes the alpha subunit of the Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel. Novel therapies aim to restore SCN1A expression in order to address all disease manifestations. We provide evidence that a high-capacity adenoviral vector harboring the 6-kb SCN1A cDNA is feasible and able to express functional Nav1.1 in neurons. In vivo, the best biodistribution was observed after intracerebral injection in basal ganglia, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex. SCN1A A1783V knockin mice received the vector at 5 weeks of age, when most neurological alterations were present. Animals were protected from sudden death, and the epileptic phenotype was attenuated. Improvement of motor performance and interaction with the environment was observed. In contrast, hyperactivity persisted, and the impact on cognitive tests was variable (success in novel object recognition and failure in Morris water maze tests). These results provide proof of concept for gene supplementation in Dravet syndrome and indicate new directions for improvement.
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14
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Aledo-Serrano A, Gil-Nagel A, Isla J, Mingorance A, Mendez-Hermida F, Hernandez-Alcoceba R. Gene therapies and COVID-19 vaccines: a necessary discussion in relation with viral vector-based approaches. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:316. [PMID: 34271959 PMCID: PMC8284696 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01958-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is adding an unanticipated concern for those affected by genetic diseases. Most of the new treatment achievements for these patients are made possible as a result of advances in viral-based products. Among them, adenoviruses (AdV) and especially adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are important players. The concerns and the conversation around this issue have increased as COVID-19 vaccines approach the market. What if the viral vectors become the mainstream strategy for vaccine development? Will the immune response elicited against the vector compromise the efficacy of future gene therapies? Patients with genetic diseases and patient advocacy groups are requesting information to the medical community about the potential impact of these vaccines in future gene therapy treatments, and physicians and scientists are not able to provide satisfactory answer yet. Importantly, the frequency of cross-reactivity among different AAV serotypes can be as high as 50%. This would have potential implications for patients with genetic disorders who could benefit from gene therapies, often coming in the form of AAV-based gene therapies. As in many other aspects, this pandemic is challenging our capacity to coordinate, plan ahead and align different medical objectives. In this case, having such conversation early on might allow us to make the right choices while we are still on time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Aledo-Serrano
- Genetic Epilepsy Program. Neurology Department, Ruber Internacional Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Antonio Gil-Nagel
- Genetic Epilepsy Program. Neurology Department, Ruber Internacional Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Isla
- Dravet Syndrome European Federation, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Fernando Mendez-Hermida
- Vaccines and Advanced Therapies, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices, Agencia Española de Medicamentos Y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba
- Gene Therapy Program CIMA, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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