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Esposito F, Dell'Aquila F, Rhiel M, Auricchio S, Chmielewski KO, Andrieux G, Ferla R, Horrach PS, Padmanabhan A, Di Cunto R, Notaro S, Santeularia ML, Boerries M, Dell'Anno M, Nusco E, Padula A, Nutarelli S, Cornu TI, Sorrentino NC, Piccolo P, Trapani I, Cathomen T, Auricchio A. Safe and effective liver-directed AAV-mediated homology-independent targeted integration in mouse models of inherited diseases. Cell Rep Med 2024:101619. [PMID: 38897206 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101619] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver-directed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated homology-independent targeted integration (AAV-HITI) by CRISPR-Cas9 at the highly transcribed albumin locus is under investigation to provide sustained transgene expression following neonatal treatment. We show that targeting the 3' end of the albumin locus results in productive integration in about 15% of mouse hepatocytes achieving therapeutic levels of systemic proteins in two mouse models of inherited diseases. We demonstrate that full-length HITI donor DNA is preferentially integrated upon nuclease cleavage and that, despite partial AAV genome integrations in the target locus, no gross chromosomal rearrangements or insertions/deletions at off-target sites are found. In line with this, no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is observed within the 1-year follow-up. Finally, AAV-HITI is effective at vector doses considered safe if directly translated to humans providing therapeutic efficacy in the adult liver in addition to newborn. Overall, our data support the development of this liver-directed AAV-based knockin strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Dell'Aquila
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuel Rhiel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefano Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Kay Ole Chmielewski
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; PhD Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Arjun Padmanabhan
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Cunto
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Simone Notaro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Agnese Padula
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Nutarelli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatjana I Cornu
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicolina Cristina Sorrentino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Gene Therapy Joint lab, Dept. of Advanced Biomedical Sciences and Dept. of Translational Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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Meier N, Fuchs H, Galactionova K, Hermans C, Pletscher M, Schwenkglenks M. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Etranacogene Dezaparvovec Versus Extended Half-Life Prophylaxis for Moderate-to-Severe Haemophilia B in Germany. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024; 8:373-387. [PMID: 38520664 PMCID: PMC11058170 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-024-00480-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Haemophilia B is a rare genetic disease that is caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor IX (FIX) in the blood and leads to internal and external bleeding. Under the current standard of care, haemophilia is treated either prophylactically or on-demand via intravenous infusions of FIX. These treatment strategies impose a high burden on patients and health care systems as haemophilia B requires lifelong treatment, and FIX is costly. Etranacogene dezaparvovec (ED) is a gene therapy for haemophilia B that has been recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and has received a recommendation for conditional marketing authorization by the European Medicines Agency. We aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of ED versus extended half-life FIX (EHL-FIX) prophylaxis for moderate-to-severe haemophilia B from a German health care payer perspective. METHODS A microsimulation model was implemented in R. The model used data from the ED phase 3 clinical trial publication and further secondary data sources to simulate and compare patients receiving ED or EHL-FIX prophylaxis over a lifetime horizon, with the potential for ED patients to switch treatment to EHL-FIX prophylaxis when the effectiveness of ED waned. Primary outcomes of this analysis included discounted total costs, discounted quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness, and the incremental net monetary benefit. The annual discount rate for costs and effects was 3%. Uncertainty was examined via probabilistic analysis and additional univariate sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Probabilistic analysis indicated that patients treated with ED instead of EHL-FIX prophylaxis gained 0.50 QALYs and experienced cost savings of EUR 1,179,829 at a price of EUR 1,500,000 per ED treatment. ED was the dominant treatment strategy. At a willingness to pay of EUR 50,000/QALY, the incremental net monetary benefit amounted to EUR 1,204,840. DISCUSSION Depending on the price, ED can save costs and improve health outcomes of haemophilia patients compared with EHL-FIX prophylaxis, making it a potentially cost-effective alternative. These results are uncertain due to a lack of evidence regarding the long-term effectiveness of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklaus Meier
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Institute of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katya Galactionova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cedric Hermans
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Division of Hematology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark Pletscher
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Policy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Health Economics Facility, Department of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Muñoz-Melero M, Biswas M. Role of FoxP3 + Regulatory T Cells in Modulating Immune Responses to Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2024. [PMID: 38450566 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.227] [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: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy is making rapid strides owing to its wide range of therapeutic applications. However, development of serious immune responses to the capsid antigen or the therapeutic transgene product hinders its full clinical impact. Immune suppressive (IS) drug treatments have been used in various clinical trials to prevent the deleterious effects of cytotoxic T cells to the viral vector or transgene, although there is no consensus on the best treatment regimen, dosage, or schedule. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for maintaining tolerance against self or nonself antigens. Of importance, Tregs also play an important role in dampening immune responses to AAV gene therapy, including tolerance induction to the transgene product. Approaches to harness the tolerogenic effect of Tregs include the use of selective IS drugs that expand existing Tregs, and skew activated conventional T cells into antigen-specific peripherally induced Tregs. In addition, Tregs can be expanded ex vivo and delivered as cellular therapy. Furthermore, receptor engineering can be used to increase the potency and specificity of Tregs allowing for suppression at lower doses and reducing the risk of disrupting protective immunity. Because immune-mediated toxicities to AAV vectors are a concern in the clinic, strategies that can enhance or preserve Treg function should be considered to improve both the safety and efficacy of AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Muñoz-Melero
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Moanaro Biswas
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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4
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Silver E, Argiro A, Hong K, Adler E. Gene therapy vector-related myocarditis. Int J Cardiol 2024; 398:131617. [PMID: 38030043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a technique to correct genetic abnormalities, through introduction of a functional gene or through direct genome editing. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene replacement shows promise for targeted therapies in treatment of inherited cardiomyopathies and is the most used approach in clinical trials. However, immune responses from the host to the virus and gene product pose delivery and safety challenges. This review explores the immunological reactions to AAV-based gene therapy, their potential toxic effects, with a focus on myocarditis, and future directions for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Silver
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States.
| | - Alessia Argiro
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Kimberly Hong
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Eric Adler
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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5
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Slezak A, Chang K, Hossainy S, Mansurov A, Rowan SJ, Hubbell JA, Guler MO. Therapeutic synthetic and natural materials for immunoengineering. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1789-1822. [PMID: 38170619 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00805c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Immunoengineering is a rapidly evolving field that has been driving innovations in manipulating immune system for new treatment tools and methods. The need for materials for immunoengineering applications has gained significant attention in recent years due to the growing demand for effective therapies that can target and regulate the immune system. Biologics and biomaterials are emerging as promising tools for controlling immune responses, and a wide variety of materials, including proteins, polymers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, are being developed for this purpose. In this review article, we explore the different types of materials used in immunoengineering applications, their properties and design principles, and highlight the latest therapeutic materials advancements. Recent works in adjuvants, vaccines, immune tolerance, immunotherapy, and tissue models for immunoengineering studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slezak
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Kevin Chang
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Samir Hossainy
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Aslan Mansurov
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Stuart J Rowan
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Mustafa O Guler
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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6
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Castiello MC, Brandas C, Ferrari S, Porcellini S, Sacchetti N, Canarutto D, Draghici E, Merelli I, Barcella M, Pelosi G, Vavassori V, Varesi A, Jacob A, Scala S, Basso Ricci L, Paulis M, Strina D, Di Verniere M, Sergi Sergi L, Serafini M, Holland SM, Bergerson JRE, De Ravin SS, Malech HL, Pala F, Bosticardo M, Brombin C, Cugnata F, Calzoni E, Crooks GM, Notarangelo LD, Genovese P, Naldini L, Villa A. Exonic knockout and knockin gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells rescues RAG1 immunodeficiency. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadh8162. [PMID: 38324638 PMCID: PMC11149094 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh8162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Recombination activating genes (RAGs) are tightly regulated during lymphoid differentiation, and their mutations cause a spectrum of severe immunological disorders. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is the treatment of choice but is limited by donor availability and toxicity. To overcome these issues, we developed gene editing strategies targeting a corrective sequence into the human RAG1 gene by homology-directed repair (HDR) and validated them by tailored two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and in vivo xenotransplant platforms to assess rescue of expression and function. Whereas integration into intron 1 of RAG1 achieved suboptimal correction, in-frame insertion into exon 2 drove physiologic human RAG1 expression and activity, allowing disruption of the dominant-negative effects of unrepaired hypomorphic alleles. Enhanced HDR-mediated gene editing enabled the correction of human RAG1 in HSPCs from patients with hypomorphic RAG1 mutations to overcome T and B cell differentiation blocks. Gene correction efficiency exceeded the minimal proportion of functional HSPCs required to rescue immunodeficiency in Rag1-/- mice, supporting the clinical translation of HSPC gene editing for the treatment of RAG1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmina Castiello
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Chiara Brandas
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Simona Porcellini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Nicolò Sacchetti
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Daniele Canarutto
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Pediatric Immunohematology Unit and BMT Program, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Matteo Barcella
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate (MI) 20054, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pelosi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Valentina Vavassori
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Angelica Varesi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Aurelien Jacob
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Serena Scala
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luca Basso Ricci
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Dario Strina
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Martina Di Verniere
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Lucia Sergi Sergi
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (DIMET), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza (MI) 20900, Italy
| | - Steven M Holland
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jenna R E Bergerson
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suk See De Ravin
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harry L Malech
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chiara Brombin
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Federica Cugnata
- University Center for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Enrica Calzoni
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Gay M Crooks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pietro Genovese
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
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7
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Rouse CJ, Jensen VN, Heldermon CD. Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB: a current review and exploration of the AAV therapy landscape. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:355-359. [PMID: 37488890 PMCID: PMC10503619 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.377606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidoses type IIIB is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene that encodes for N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase. This results in the aggregation of heparan sulfate polysaccharides within cell lysosomes that leads to progressive and severe debilitating neurological dysfunction. Current treatment options are expensive, limited, and presently there are no approved cures for mucopolysaccharidoses type IIIB. Adeno-associated virus gene therapy has significantly advanced the field forward, allowing researchers to successfully design, enhance, and improve potential cures. Our group recently published an effective treatment using a codon-optimized triple mutant adeno-associated virus 8 vector that restores N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase levels, auditory function, and lifespan in the murine model for mucopolysaccharidoses type IIIB to that seen in healthy mice. Here, we review the current state of the field in relation to the capsid landscape, adeno-associated virus gene therapy and its successes and challenges in the clinic, and how novel adeno-associated virus capsid designs have evolved research in the mucopolysaccharidoses type IIIB field.
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8
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Khalil B, Linsenmeier M, Smith CL, Shorter J, Rossoll W. Nuclear-import receptors as gatekeepers of pathological phase transitions in ALS/FTD. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38254150 PMCID: PMC10804745 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00698-1] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders on a disease spectrum that are characterized by the cytoplasmic mislocalization and aberrant phase transitions of prion-like RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The common accumulation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and other nuclear RBPs in detergent-insoluble aggregates in the cytoplasm of degenerating neurons in ALS/FTD is connected to nuclear pore dysfunction and other defects in the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery. Recent advances suggest that beyond their canonical role in the nuclear import of protein cargoes, nuclear-import receptors (NIRs) can prevent and reverse aberrant phase transitions of TDP-43, FUS, and related prion-like RBPs and restore their nuclear localization and function. Here, we showcase the NIR family and how they recognize cargo, drive nuclear import, and chaperone prion-like RBPs linked to ALS/FTD. We also discuss the promise of enhancing NIR levels and developing potentiated NIR variants as therapeutic strategies for ALS/FTD and related neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Khalil
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - Miriam Linsenmeier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A
| | - Courtney L Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Track, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, U.S.A..
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, U.S.A..
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9
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Asokan A, Shen S. Redirecting AAV vectors to extrahepatic tissues. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3371-3375. [PMID: 37805712 PMCID: PMC10727976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.005] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are the current benchmark for systemic delivery of gene therapies to multiple organs in vivo. Despite clinical successes, safe and effective gene delivery to extrahepatic tissues has proven challenging due to dose limiting toxicity arising from high liver uptake of AAV vectors. Deeper understanding of AAV structure, receptor biology, and pharmacology has enabled the design and engineering of liver-de-targeted capsids ushering in several new vector candidates. This next generation of AAVs offers significant promise for extrahepatic gene delivery to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurological tissues with improved safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Asokan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Shen Shen
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
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Leon-Astudillo C, Trivedi PD, Sun RC, Gentry MS, Fuller DD, Byrne BJ, Corti M. Current avenues of gene therapy in Pompe disease. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:464-473. [PMID: 37639402 PMCID: PMC10911405 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001187] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pompe disease is a rare, inherited, devastating condition that causes progressive weakness, cardiomyopathy and neuromotor disease due to the accumulation of glycogen in striated and smooth muscle, as well as neurons. While enzyme replacement therapy has dramatically changed the outcome of patients with the disease, this strategy has several limitations. Gene therapy in Pompe disease constitutes an attractive approach due to the multisystem aspects of the disease and need to address the central nervous system manifestations. This review highlights the recent work in this field, including methods, progress, shortcomings, and future directions. RECENT FINDINGS Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) and lentiviral vectors (LV) are well studied platforms for gene therapy in Pompe disease. These products can be further adapted for safe and efficient administration with concomitant immunosuppression, with the modification of specific receptors or codon optimization. rAAV has been studied in multiple clinical trials demonstrating safety and tolerability. SUMMARY Gene therapy for the treatment of patients with Pompe disease is feasible and offers an opportunity to fully correct the principal pathology leading to cellular glycogen accumulation. Further work is needed to overcome the limitations related to vector production, immunologic reactions and redosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Leon-Astudillo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Prasad D Trivedi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ramon C Sun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL, United States
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative, United States
| | - Matthew S Gentry
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL, United States
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative, United States
| | | | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Seker Yilmaz B, Gissen P. Genetic Therapy Approaches for Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2227. [PMID: 37626723 PMCID: PMC10452060 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common urea cycle disorder with high unmet needs, as current dietary and medical treatments may not be sufficient to prevent hyperammonemic episodes, which can cause death or neurological sequelae. To date, liver transplantation is the only curative choice but is not widely available due to donor shortage, the need for life-long immunosuppression and technical challenges. A field of research that has shown a great deal of promise recently is gene therapy, and OTCD has been an essential candidate for different gene therapy modalities, including AAV gene addition, mRNA therapy and genome editing. This review will first summarise the main steps towards clinical translation, highlighting the benefits and challenges of each gene therapy approach, then focus on current clinical trials and finally outline future directions for the development of gene therapy for OTCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Seker Yilmaz
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
| | - Paul Gissen
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
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Ertl HCJ. Mitigating Serious Adverse Events in Gene Therapy with AAV Vectors: Vector Dose and Immunosuppression. Drugs 2023; 83:287-298. [PMID: 36715794 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01836-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gene transfer with high doses of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors has resulted in serious adverse events and even death of the recipients. Toxicity could most likely be circumvented by repeated injections of lower and less toxic doses of vectors. This has not been pursued as AAV vectors induce potent neutralizing antibodies, which prevent cell transduction upon reinjection of the same vector. This review discusses different types of immune responses against AAV vectors and how they offer targets for the elimination or inhibition of vector-specific neutralizing antibodies. Such antibodies can be circumvented by using different virus serotypes for sequential injections, they can be removed by plasmapheresis, or they can be destroyed by enzymatic degradation. Antibody producing cells can be eliminated by proteasome inhibitors. Drugs that inhibit T-cell responses, B-cell signaling, or presentation of the vector's antigens to B cells can prevent or reduce induction of AAV-specific antibodies. Combinations of different approaches and drugs are likely needed to suppress or eliminate neutralizing antibodies, which would then allow for repeated dosing. Alternatively, novel AAV vectors with higher transduction efficacy are being developed and may allow for a dose reduction, although it remains unknown if this will completely address the problem of high-dose adverse events.
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