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Duff C, Alexander IE, Baruteau J. Gene therapy for urea cycle defects: An update from historical perspectives to future prospects. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:50-62. [PMID: 37026568 PMCID: PMC10953416 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Urea cycle defects (UCDs) are severe inherited metabolic diseases with high unmet needs which present a permanent risk of hyperammonaemic decompensation and subsequent acute death or neurological sequelae, when treated with conventional dietetic and medical therapies. Liver transplantation is currently the only curative option, but has the potential to be supplanted by highly effective gene therapy interventions without the attendant need for life-long immunosuppression or limitations imposed by donor liver supply. Over the last three decades, pioneering genetic technologies have been explored to circumvent the consequences of UCDs, improve quality of life and long-term outcomes: adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated viral vectors, gene editing, genome integration and non-viral technology with messenger RNA. In this review, we present a summarised view of this historical path, which includes some seminal milestones of the gene therapy's epic. We provide an update about the state of the art of gene therapy technologies for UCDs and the current advantages and pitfalls driving future directions for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Duff
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Ian E. Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals NetworkWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent HealthThe University of SydneyWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
- Metabolic Medicine DepartmentGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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2
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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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3
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Araújo NM, Rubio IGS, Toneto NPA, Morale MG, Tamura RE. The use of adenoviral vectors in gene therapy and vaccine approaches. Genet Mol Biol 2022; 45:e20220079. [PMID: 36206378 PMCID: PMC9543183 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus was first identified in the 1950s and since then this pathogenic group
of viruses has been explored and transformed into a genetic transfer vehicle.
Modification or deletion of few genes are necessary to transform it into a
conditionally or non-replicative vector, creating a versatile tool capable of
transducing different tissues and inducing high levels of transgene expression.
In the early years of vector development, the application in monogenic diseases
faced several hurdles, including short-term gene expression and even a fatality.
On the other hand, an adenoviral delivery strategy for treatment of cancer was
the first approved gene therapy product. There is an increasing interest in
expressing transgenes with therapeutic potential targeting the cancer hallmarks,
inhibiting metastasis, inducing cancer cell death or modulating the immune
system to attack the tumor cells. Replicative adenovirus as vaccines may be even
older and date to a few years of its discovery, application of non-replicative
adenovirus for vaccination against different microorganisms has been
investigated, but only recently, it demonstrated its full potential being one of
the leading vaccination tools for COVID-19. This is not a new vector nor a new
technology, but the result of decades of careful and intense work in this
field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Meneses Araújo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular
do Câncer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ileana Gabriela Sanchez Rubio
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular
do Câncer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. ,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Ciências
Biológicas, Diadema, SP, Brazil. ,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Laboratório de Ciências
Moleculares da Tireóide, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Mirian Galliote Morale
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular
do Câncer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. ,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Ciências
Biológicas, Diadema, SP, Brazil. ,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Laboratório de Ciências
Moleculares da Tireóide, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Esaki Tamura
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular
do Câncer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. ,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Ciências
Biológicas, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
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4
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Phillips S, Ramos PV, Veeraraghavan P, Young SM. VikAD, a Vika site-specific recombinase-based system for efficient and scalable helper-dependent adenovirus production. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 24:117-126. [PMID: 35024378 PMCID: PMC8718833 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant viral vectors have become integral tools for basic in vivo research applications. Helper-dependent adenoviral (HdAd) vectors have a large packaging capacity of ∼36 kb of DNA that mediate long-term transgene expression in vitro and in vivo. The large carrying capacity of HdAd enables basic research or clinical applications requiring the delivery of large genes or multiple transgenes, which cannot be packaged into other widely used viral vectors. Currently, common HdAd production systems use an Ad helper virus (HV) with a packaging signal (Ψ) that is flanked by either loxP or FRT sites, which is excised in producer cells expressing Cre or Flp recombinases to prevent HV packaging. However, these production systems prevent the use of HdAd vectors for genetic strategies that rely on Cre or Flp recombination for cell-type-specific expression. To overcome these limitations, we developed the VikAD production system, which is based on producer cells expressing the Vika recombinase and an HV that contains a Ψ flanked by vox sites. The availability of this production system will greatly expand the utility and flexibility of HdAd vectors for use in research applications to monitor and manipulate cellular activity with increased specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacia Phillips
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, PBDB 5322, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paula Valino Ramos
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, PBDB 5322, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Priyadharishini Veeraraghavan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, PBDB 5322, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Samuel M. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, PBDB 5322, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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5
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Sakurai F, Tsukamoto T, Ono R, Nishimae F, Shiota A, Iizuka S, Shimizu K, Sakai E, Ishida Y, Tateno C, Chayama K, Mizuguchi H. Transduction Properties of an Adenovirus Vector Containing Sequences Complementary to a Liver-Specific microRNA, miR-122a, in the 3'-Untranslated Region of the E4 Gene in Human Hepatocytes from Chimeric Mice with Humanized Liver. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:1506-1513. [PMID: 34602559 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00394] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Replication-incompetent adenovirus (Ad) vectors are promising gene delivery vehicles, especially for hepatocytes, due to their superior hepatic tropism; however, in vivo application of an Ad vector often results in hepatotoxicity, mainly due to the leaky expression of Ad genes from the Ad vector genome. In order to reduce the Ad vector-induced hepatotoxicity, we previously developed an Ad vector containing the sequences perfectly complementary to a liver-specific microRNA (miRNA), miR-122a, in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the E4 gene. This improved Ad vector showed a significant reduction in the leaky expression of Ad genes and hepatotoxicity in the mouse liver and primary mouse hepatocytes; however, the safety profiles and transduction properties of this improved Ad vector in human hepatocytes remained to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the transgene expression and safety profiles of Ad vectors with miR-122a-targeted sequences in the 3'-UTR of the E4 gene in human hepatocytes from chimeric mice with humanized liver. The transgene expression levels of Ad vectors with miR-122a-targeted sequences in the 3'-UTR of the E4 gene were significantly higher than those of the conventional Ad vectors. The leaky expression levels of Ad genes of Ad vectors with miR-122a-targeted sequences in the 3'-UTR of the E4 gene in the primary human hepatocytes were largely reduced, compared with the conventional Ad vectors, resulting in an improvement in Ad vector-induced cytotoxicity. These data indicated that this improved Ad vector was a superior gene delivery vehicle without severe cytotoxicity for not only mouse hepatocytes but also human hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuminori Sakurai
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Tomohito Tsukamoto
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Ryosuke Ono
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Fumitaka Nishimae
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Aoi Shiota
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Shunsuke Iizuka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Kahori Shimizu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Eiko Sakai
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Yuji Ishida
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd.,Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Hiroshima University
| | - Chise Tateno
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd.,Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Hiroshima University
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Hiroshima University.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University.,RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
| | - Hiroyuki Mizuguchi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University.,Laboratory of Hepatocyte Regulation, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition.,Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University.,Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University
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6
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Zabaleta N, Hommel M, Salas D, Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza G. Genetic-Based Approaches to Inherited Metabolic Liver Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:1190-1203. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Zabaleta
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Hommel
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Salas
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gloria Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Vivet Therapeutics, Pamplona, Spain
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7
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Bell P, Wang L, Chen SJ, Yu H, Zhu Y, Nayal M, He Z, White J, Lebel-Hagan D, Wilson JM. Effects of Self-Complementarity, Codon Optimization, Transgene, and Dose on Liver Transduction with AAV8. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2017; 27:228-237. [PMID: 27903094 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2016.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous methods of vector design and delivery have been employed in an attempt to increase transgene expression following AAV-based gene therapy. Here, a gene transfer study was conducted in mice to compare the effects of vector self-complementarity (double- or single-stranded DNA), codon optimization of the transgene, and vector dose on transgene expression levels in the liver. Two different reporter genes were used: human ornithine transcarbamylase (hOTC) detected by immunofluorescence, and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) detected by direct fluorescence. The AAV8 capsid was chosen for all experiments due to its strong liver tropism. While EGFP is already a codon-optimized version of the original gene, both wild-type (WT) and codon-optimized (co) versions of the hOTC transgene were compared in this study. In addition, the study evaluated which of the two hOTC modifications-codon optimization or self-complementarity-would confer the highest increase in expression levels at a given dose. Interestingly, based on morphometric image analysis, it was observed that the difference in detectable expression levels between self-complementary (sc) and single-stranded (ss) hOTCco vectors was dose dependent, with a sevenfold increase in OTC-positive area using sc vectors at a dose of 3 × 109 genome copies (GC) per mouse, but no significant difference at a dose of 1 × 1010 GC/mouse. In contrast, with EGFP as a transgene, the increases in expression levels when using the sc vector were observed at both the 3 × 109 GC/mouse and 1 × 1010 GC/mouse doses. Furthermore, codon optimization of the hOTC transgene generated a more significant improvement in expression than the use of self-complementarity did. Overall, the results demonstrate that increases in expression levels gained by using sc vectors instead of ss vectors can vary between different transgenes, and that codon optimization of the transgene can have an even more powerful effect on the resulting expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lili Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shu-Jen Chen
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yanqing Zhu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mohamad Nayal
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zhenning He
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John White
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Deborah Lebel-Hagan
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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8
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Treatment of osteoarthritis using a helper-dependent adenoviral vector retargeted to chondrocytes. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16008. [PMID: 27626040 PMCID: PMC5008224 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, and secondary inflammation. It is among the top three causes of chronic disability, and currently there are no treatment options to prevent disease progression. The localized nature of OA makes it an ideal candidate for gene and cell therapy. However, gene and cell therapy of OA is impeded by inefficient gene transduction of chondrocytes. In this study, we developed a broadly applicable system that retargets cell surface receptors by conjugating antibodies to the capsid of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDVs). Specifically, we applied this system to retarget chondrocytes by conjugating an HDV to an α-10 integrin monoclonal antibody (a10mab). We show that a10mab-conjugated HDV (a10mabHDV)-infected chondrocytes efficiently in vitro and in vivo while detargeting other cell types. The therapeutic index of an intra-articular injection of 10mabHDV-expressing proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) into a murine model of post-traumatic OA was 10-fold higher than with standard HDV. Moreover, we show that PRG4 overexpression from articular, superficial zone chondrocytes is effective for chondroprotection in postinjury OA and that α-10 integrin is an effective protein for chondrocyte targeting.
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9
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Abi-Nader KN, Rodeck CH, David AL. Prenatal gene therapy for the early treatment of genetic disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/17474108.4.1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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10
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Puntel M, A K M GM, Farrokhi C, Vanderveen N, Paran C, Appelhans A, Kroeger KM, Salem A, Lacayo L, Pechnick RN, Kelson KR, Kaur S, Kennedy S, Palmer D, Ng P, Liu C, Krasinkiewicz J, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Safety profile, efficacy, and biodistribution of a bicistronic high-capacity adenovirus vector encoding a combined immunostimulation and cytotoxic gene therapy as a prelude to a phase I clinical trial for glioblastoma. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:318-30. [PMID: 23403069 PMCID: PMC3641940 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors (Ads) are promising gene delivery vehicles due to their high transduction efficiency; however, their clinical usefulness has been hampered by their immunogenicity and the presence of anti-Ad immunity in humans. We reported the efficacy of a gene therapy approach for glioma consisting of intratumoral injection of Ads encoding conditionally cytotoxic herpes simplex type 1 thymidine kinase (Ad-TK) and the immunostimulatory cytokine fms-like tyrosine kinase ligand 3 (Ad-Flt3L). Herein, we report the biodistribution, efficacy, and neurological and systemic effects of a bicistronic high-capacity Ad, i.e., HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L. HC-Ads elicit sustained transgene expression, even in the presence of anti-Ad immunity, and can encode large therapeutic cassettes, including regulatory elements to enable turning gene expression "on" or "off" according to clinical need. The inclusion of two therapeutic transgenes within a single vector enables a reduction of the total vector load without adversely impacting efficacy. Because clinically the vectors will be delivered into the surgical cavity, normal regions of the brain parenchyma are likely to be transduced. Thus, we assessed any potential toxicities elicited by escalating doses of HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L (1×10(8), 1×10(9), or 1×10(10) viral particles [vp]) delivered into the rat brain parenchyma. We assessed neuropathology, biodistribution, transgene expression, systemic toxicity, and behavioral impact at acute and chronic time points. The results indicate that doses up to 1×10(9) vp of HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L can be safely delivered into the normal rat brain and underpin further developments for its implementation in a phase I clinical trial for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Puntel
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan School of Medicine, MSRB II, RM 4570C, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5689, USA
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11
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Differential type I interferon-dependent transgene silencing of helper-dependent adenoviral vs. adeno-associated viral vectors in vivo. Mol Ther 2013; 21:796-805. [PMID: 23319058 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously dissected the components of the innate immune response to Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAds) using genetic models, and demonstrated that multiple pattern recognition receptor signaling pathways contribute to this host response to HDAds in vivo. Based on analysis of cytokine expression profiles, type I interferon (IFN) mRNA is induced in host mouse livers at 1 hour post-injection. This type I IFN signaling amplifies cytokine expression in liver independent of the nature of vector DNA sequences after 3 hours post-injection. This type I IFN signaling in response to HDAds administration contributes to transcriptional silencing of both HDAd prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA in liver. This silencing occurs early and is mediated by epigenetic modification as shown by in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with anti-histone deacetylase (HDAC) and promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML). In contrast, self-complementary adeno-associated viral vectors (scAAVs) showed significantly lower induction of type I IFN mRNA in liver compared to HDAds at both early and late time points. These results show that the type I IFN signaling dependent transgene silencing differs between AAV and HDAd vectors after liver-directed gene transfer.
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12
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Abstract
Prenatal gene therapy aims to deliver genes to cells and tissues early in prenatal life, allowing correction of a genetic defect, before irreparable tissue damage has occurred. In contrast to postnatal gene therapy, prenatal application may target genes to a large population of stem cells, and the smaller fetal size allows a higher vector to target cell ratio to be achieved. Early gestation delivery may allow the development of immune tolerance to the transgenic protein, which would facilitate postnatal repeat vector administration if needed. Moreover, early delivery would avoid anti-vector immune responses which are often acquired in postnatal life. The NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee considered that a candidate disease for prenatal gene therapy should pose serious morbidity and mortality risks to the fetus or neonate, and not have any effective postnatal treatment. Prenatal gene therapy would therefore be appropriate for life-threatening disorders, in which prenatal gene delivery maintains a clear advantage over cell transplantation or postnatal gene therapy. If deemed safer and more efficacious, prenatal gene therapy may be applicable for nonlethal conditions if adult gene transfer is unlikely to be of benefit. Many candidate diseases will be inherited congenital disorders such as thalassaemia or lysosomal storage disorders. However, obstetric conditions such as fetal growth restriction may also be treated using a targeted gene therapy approach. In each disease, the condition must be diagnosed prenatally, either via antenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis, for example, in the case of hemophilias, or by ultrasound assessment of the fetus, for example, congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In this chapter, we describe some examples of the candidate diseases and discuss how a prenatal gene therapy approach might work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L David
- Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
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13
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Wang L, Wang H, Morizono H, Bell P, Jones D, Lin J, McMenamin D, Yu H, Batshaw ML, Wilson JM. Sustained correction of OTC deficiency in spf( ash) mice using optimized self-complementary AAV2/8 vectors. Gene Ther 2012; 19:404-10. [PMID: 21850052 PMCID: PMC3321078 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common inborn error of urea synthesis. Complete OTCD can result in hyperammonemic coma in the neonatal period, which can rapidly become fatal. Current acute therapy involves dialysis; chronic therapy involves the stimulation of alternate nitrogen clearance pathways; and the only curative approach is liver transplantation. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy would add to current treatment options provided the vector delivers high level and stable transgene expression in liver without dose-limiting toxicity. In this study, we employed an AAV2/8-based self-complementary (sc) vector expressing the murine OTC (mOTC) gene under a liver-specific thyroxine-binding globulin promoter and examined the therapeutic effects in a mouse model of OTCD, the spf (ash) mouse. Seven days after a single intravenous injection of vector, treated mice showed complete normalization of urinary orotic acid, a measure of OTC activity. We further improved vector efficacy by incorporating a Kozak or Kozak-like sequence into mOTC complementary DNA, which increased the OTC activity by five or twofold and achieved sustained correction of orotic aciduria for up to 7 months. Our results demonstrate that vector optimizations can significantly improve the efficacy of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Huan Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Vaccine Research Institute, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hiroki Morizono
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - David Jones
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jianping Lin
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Deirdre McMenamin
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Mark L. Batshaw
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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14
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Cotugno G, Annunziata P, Barone MV, Karali M, Banfi S, Auricchio A. Impact of age at administration, lysosomal storage, and transgene regulatory elements on AAV2/8-mediated rat liver transduction. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33286. [PMID: 22428010 PMCID: PMC3302848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver-directed gene transfer is being investigated for the treatment of systemic or liver-specific diseases. Recombinant vectors based on adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV2/8) efficiently transduce liver cells allowing long term transgene expression after a single administration in animal models and in patients.We evaluated the impact on AAV2/8-mediated rat liver transduction of the following variables: i) age at vector administration, ii) presence of lysosomal storage in liver cells, and iii) regulatory elements included in the transgene expression cassette. We found that systemic administration of AAV2/8 to newborn rats results in vector genome dilution and reduced transduction efficacy when compared to adult injected animals, presumably due to hepatocyte proliferation. Accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in lysosomes does not impact on levels and distribution of AAV2/8-mediated liver transduction. Transgene expression occurs in hepatocytes but not in Kupffer or liver endothelial cells when the liver-specific thyroxine-binding-globulin promoter is used. However, extra-hepatic transduction is observed in the spleen and kidney of animals injected at birth. The use of target sequences for the hematopoietic-specific microRNA miR142-3p does not improve liver transduction efficacy neither reduce immune responses to the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase B. The inclusion of a variant of the Woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE-m) decreases AAV2/8-mediated liver transduction levels.As AAV2/8-mediated liver gene transfer is entering in the clinical arena, these data will provide relevant information to the design of efficient AAV2/8-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Cotugno
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of Pediatrics, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Annunziata
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of Pediatrics, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Barone
- Department of Pediatrics and European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of Pediatrics, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
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15
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Wang L, Morizono H, Lin J, Bell P, Jones D, McMenamin D, Yu H, Batshaw ML, Wilson JM. Preclinical evaluation of a clinical candidate AAV8 vector for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency reveals functional enzyme from each persisting vector genome. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 105:203-11. [PMID: 22133298 PMCID: PMC3270700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), the most common and severe urea cycle disorder, is an excellent model for developing liver-directed gene therapy. No curative therapy exists except for liver transplantation which is limited by available donors and carries significant risk of mortality and morbidity. Adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) has been shown to be the most efficient vector for liver-directed gene transfer and is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial for treating hemophilia B. In this study, we generated a clinical candidate vector for a proposed OTC gene therapy trial in humans based on a self-complementary AAV8 vector expressing codon-optimized human OTC (hOTCco) under the control of a liver-specific promoter. Codon-optimization dramatically improved the efficacy of OTC gene therapy. Supraphysiological expression levels and activity of hOTC were achieved in adult spf(ash) mice following a single intravenous injection of hOTCco vector. Vector doses as low as 1×10(10) genome copies (GC) achieved robust and sustained correction of the OTCD biomarker orotic aciduria and clinical protection against an ammonia challenge. Functional expression of hOTC in 40% of liver areas was found in mice treated with a low vector dose of 1×10(9) GC. We suggest that the clinical candidate vector we have developed has the potential to achieve therapeutic effects in OTCD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hiroki Morizono
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Research Institute, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Jianping Lin
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Jones
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Research Institute, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Deirdre McMenamin
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark L. Batshaw
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Research Institute, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Phone: 215-898-0226; Fax: 215-494-5444
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16
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Delhove JMKM, Rahim AA, McKay TR, Waddington SN, Buckley SMK. Choice of surrogate and physiological markers for prenatal gene therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 891:273-290. [PMID: 22648777 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-873-3_13] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Surrogate genetically encoded markers have been utilized in order to analyze gene transfer efficacy, location, and persistence. These marker genes have greatly accelerated the development of gene transfer vectors for the ultimate application of gene therapy using therapeutic genes. They have also been used in many other applications, such as gene marking in order to study developmental cell lineages, to track cell migration, and to study tumor growth and metastasis. This chapter aims to describe the analysis of several commonly used marker genes: green fluorescent protein (GFP), β-galactosidase, firefly luciferase, human factor IX, and alkaline phosphatase. The merits and disadvantages of each are briefly discussed. In addition a few short examples are provided for continual and endpoint analysis in different disease models including hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency and Gaucher disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette M K M Delhove
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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17
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Suzuki M, Cela R, Bertin TK, Sule G, Cerullo V, Rodgers JR, Lee B. NOD2 signaling contributes to the innate immune response against helper-dependent adenovirus vectors independently of MyD88 in vivo. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1071-82. [PMID: 21561248 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that Toll-like receptor/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) signaling is required for maximal innate and acquired [T helper cell type 1 (Th1)] immune responses following systemic administration of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAds). However, MyD88-deficient mice injected with HDAdLacZ exhibited only partial reduction of innate immune cytokine expression compared with wild-type mice, suggesting MyD88-independent pathways also respond to HDAds. We now show that NOD2, a nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor known to detect muramyl dipeptides in bacterial peptidoglycans, also contributes to innate responses to HDAds, but not to humoral or Th1 immune responses. We established NOD2/MyD88 double-deficient mice that, when challenged with HDAds, showed a significant reduction of the innate response compared with mice deficient for either gene singly, suggesting that NOD2 signaling contributes to the innate response independently of MyD88 signaling following systemic administration of HDAds. In addition, NOD2-deficient mice exhibited significantly higher transgene expression than did wild-type mice at an early time point (before development of an acquired response), but not at a later time point (after development of an acquired response). These results indicate that the intracellular sensor NOD2 is required for innate responses to HDAds and can limit transgene expression during early phases of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Suzuki
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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18
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Mehta V, Abi Nader K, Waddington S, David AL. Organ targeted prenatal gene therapy--how far are we? Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:720-34. [PMID: 21618255 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal gene therapy aims to deliver genes to cells and tissues early in prenatal life, allowing correction of a genetic defect, before long-term tissue damage has occurred. In contrast to postnatal gene therapy, prenatal application can target genes to a large population of dividing stem cells, and the smaller fetal size allows a higher vector-to-target cell ratio to be achieved. Early-gestation delivery may allow the development of immune tolerance to the transgenic protein which would facilitate postnatal repeat vector administration if needed. Targeting particular organs will depend on manipulating the vector to achieve selective tropism and on choosing the most appropriate gestational age and injection method for fetal delivery. Intra-amniotic injection reaches the skin, and other organs that are bathed in the fluid however since gene transfer to the lung and gut is usually poor more direct injection methods will be needed. Delivery to the liver and blood can be achieved by systemic delivery via the umbilical vein or peritoneal cavity. Gene transfer to the central nervous system in the fetus is difficult but newer vectors are available that transduce neuronal tissue even after systemic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedanta Mehta
- Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Brunetti-Pierri N, Ng P. Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors for liver-directed gene therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:R7-13. [PMID: 21470977 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Helper-dependent adenoviral (HDAd) vectors devoid of all viral-coding sequences are promising non-integrating vectors for liver-directed gene therapy because they have a large cloning capacity, can efficiently transduce a wide variety of cell types from various species independent of the cell cycle and can result in long-term transgene expression without chronic toxicity. The main obstacle preventing clinical applications of HDAd for liver-directed gene therapy is the host innate inflammatory response against the vector capsid proteins that occurs shortly after intravascular vector administration resulting in acute toxicity, the severity of which is dependent on vector dose. Intense efforts have been focused on elucidating the factors involved in this acute response and various strategies have been investigated to improve the therapeutic index of HDAd vectors. These strategies have yielded encouraging results with the potential for clinical translation.
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20
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Darwish AA, McKiernan P, Chardot C. Paediatric liver transplantation for metabolic disorders. Part 1: Liver-based metabolic disorders without liver lesions. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2011; 35:194-203. [PMID: 21376697 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver-based metabolic disorders account for 10 to 15% of the indications for paediatric liver transplantation. In the last three decades, important progress has been made in the understanding of these diseases, and new therapies have emerged. Concomitantly, medical and surgical innovations have lead to improved results of paediatric liver transplantation, patient survival nowadays exceeding 80% 10-year after surgery with close to normal quality of life in most survivors. This review is a practical update on medical therapy, indications and results of liver transplantation, and potential future therapies, for the main liver-based metabolic disorders in which paediatric liver transplantation may be considered. Part 1 focuses on metabolic based liver disorders without liver lesions, and part 2 on metabolic liver diseases with liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Darwish
- University of Geneva Children's hospital, Paediatric Surgery Unit, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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McKay TR, Rahim AA, Buckley SM, Ward NJ, Chan JK, Howe SJ, Waddington SN. Perinatal gene transfer to the liver. Curr Pharm Des 2011; 17:2528-41. [PMID: 21774770 PMCID: PMC3182410 DOI: 10.2174/138161211797247541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The liver acts as a host to many functions hence raising the possibility that any one may be compromised by a single gene defect. Inherited or de novo mutations in these genes may result in relatively mild diseases or be so devastating that death within the first weeks or months of life is inevitable. Some diseases can be managed using conventional medicines whereas others are, as yet, untreatable. In this review we consider the application of early intervention gene therapy in neonatal and fetal preclinical studies. We appraise the tools of this technology, including lentivirus, adenovirus and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors. We highlight the application of these for a range of diseases including hemophilia, urea cycle disorders such as ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, organic acidemias, lysosomal storage diseases including mucopolysaccharidoses, glycogen storage diseases and bile metabolism. We conclude by assessing the advantages and disadvantages associated with fetal and neonatal liver gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan R McKay
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Natalie J Ward
- Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jerry K.Y Chan
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Steven J Howe
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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22
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Hofherr SE, Senac JS, Chen CY, Palmer DJ, Ng P, Barry MA. Short-term rescue of neonatal lethality in a mouse model of propionic acidemia by gene therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 20:169-80. [PMID: 19025475 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Propionic acidemia (PA) is a metabolic disorder that causes mental retardation and that can be fatal if untreated. PA is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion involving mutations in PCCA or PCCB encoding the alpha and beta subunits of propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC). Current treatment is based on dietary restriction of substrate amino acids, which attenuates symptoms. However, patients still experience episodes of hyperammonemia that can cause progressive neurologic damage. In this paper, we have tested gene therapy approaches to PA in a stringent mouse model of PCCA deficiency, in which homozygous knockout mice are born but die within 36 hr. In this work, we have delivered first-generation and helper-dependent adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors expressing the human PCCA cDNA by intraperitoneal injection into newborn mice. Unmodified Ad5 vectors mediated extensive transduction of the peritoneum with weak liver transduction as determined by luciferase imaging and dsRed expression. In contrast, modification of Ad5 with polyethylene glycol detargeted the virus from the peritoneum and retargeted it for transduction in the liver. When vectors expressing PCCA were injected, significant increases in life span were observed for both the unmodified and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified Ad5 vectors. However, this rescue was transient. Similarly, adeno-associated virus serotype 8-mediated transduction also produced only transient rescue. These data show first proof of principle for gene therapy of PA and demonstrate the potential utility of PEG to modify viral tropism in an actual gene therapy application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean E Hofherr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, and Translational Immunovirology Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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23
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Suzuki M, Cerullo V, Bertin TK, Cela R, Clarke C, Guenther M, Brunetti-Pierri N, Lee B. MyD88-dependent silencing of transgene expression during the innate and adaptive immune response to helper-dependent adenovirus. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 21:325-36. [PMID: 19824822 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the host innate immune response after systemic administration of adenoviral vectors constitutes a principal impediment to successful clinical gene replacement therapies. Although helper-dependent adenoviruses (HDAds) lack all viral functional genes, systemic administration of a high dose of HDAd still elicits a potent innate immune response in host animals. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate receptors that sense microbial products and trigger the maturation of antigen-presenting cells and cytokine production via MyD88-dependent signaling (except TLR3). Here we show that mice lacking MyD88 exhibit a dramatic reduction in proinflammatory cytokines after intravenous injection of a high dose of HDAd, and show significantly reduced induction of the adaptive immune response when compared with wild-type and TLR2-deficient mice. Importantly, MyD88(-/-) mice also show significantly higher and longer sustained transgene expression than do wild-type mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies using wild-type and MyD88-deficient primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed significant MyD88-dependent transcriptional silencing of the HDAd-encoded transgenes. Our results demonstrate that MyD88 signaling, activated by systemic delivery of HDAd, initiates an innate immune response that suppresses transgene expression at the transcriptional level before initiation of the adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Suzuki
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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24
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Cunningham SC, Spinoulas A, Carpenter KH, Wilcken B, Kuchel PW, Alexander IE. AAV2/8-mediated correction of OTC deficiency is robust in adult but not neonatal Spf(ash) mice. Mol Ther 2009; 17:1340-6. [PMID: 19384294 PMCID: PMC2835243 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, the most common urea cycle disorder, is associated with severe hyperammonemia accompanied by a high risk of neurological damage and death in patients presenting with the neonatal-onset form. Contemporary therapies, including liver transplantation, remain inadequate with considerable morbidity, justifying vigorous investigation of alternate therapies. Clinical evidence suggests that as little as 3% normal enzyme activity is sufficient to ameliorate the severe neonatal phenotype, making OTC deficiency an ideal model for the development of liver-targeted gene therapy. In this study, we investigated metabolic correction in neonatal and adult male OTC-deficient Spf(ash) mice following adeno-associated virus (AAV)2/8-mediated delivery of the murine OTC complementary DNA under the transcriptional control of a liver-specific promoter. Substantially supraphysiological levels of OTC enzymatic activity were readily achieved in both adult and neonatal mice following a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, with metabolic correction in adults being robust and life-long. In the neonates, however, full metabolic correction was transient, although modest levels of OTC expression persisted into adulthood. Although not directly testable in Spf(ash) mice, these levels were theoretically sufficient to prevent hyperammonemia in a null phenotype. This loss of expression in the neonatal liver is the consequence of hepatocellular proliferation and presents an added challenge to human therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon C Cunningham
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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25
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Jager L, Hausl MA, Rauschhuber C, Wolf NM, Kay MA, Ehrhardt A. A rapid protocol for construction and production of high-capacity adenoviral vectors. Nat Protoc 2009; 4:547-64. [PMID: 19373227 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2009.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
High-capacity adenoviral vectors (HC-AdVs) lacking all viral coding sequences were shown to result in long-term transgene expression and phenotypic correction in small and large animal models. It has been established that HC-AdVs show significantly reduced toxicity profiles compared with early-generation adenoviral vectors. Furthermore, with capsid-modified HC-AdV becoming available, we are just starting to understand the full potential of this vector system. However, for many researchers, the wide-scale use of HC-AdV is hampered by labor-intensive and complex production procedures. Herein, we provide a feasible and detailed protocol for efficient generation of HC-AdV. We introduce an efficient cloning strategy for the generation of recombinant HC-AdV vector genomes. Infection and amplification of the HC-AdV are performed in a spinner culture system. For purification, we routinely apply cesium chloride gradients. Finally, we describe various methods for establishing vector titers. Generation of high-titer HC-AdV can be achieved in 3 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Jager
- Department of Virology, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
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26
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Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase sequence fused to the lacz gene increases levels of {beta}-galactosidase activity per genome of high-capacity but not first-generation adenoviral vectors in vitro and in vivo. J Virol 2008; 83:2004-10. [PMID: 19073729 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01298-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased transgene expression per vector genome is an important goal in the optimization of viral vectors for gene therapy. Herein we demonstrate that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) thymidine kinase (TK) gene sequences (1,131 bp) fused to the 3' end of lacZ increase transgene expression from high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HCAd), but not from first-generation (Ad) vectors. The woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE), in contrast, increased transgene expression levels from Ad but not HCAd vectors. The differential activity of the HSV1 TK gene and WPRE sequences was detected both in vitro and in vivo and suggests potentially different mechanisms of action or the interaction of these elements with vector genomic sequences.
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27
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Brunetti-Pierri N. Gene therapy for inborn errors of liver metabolism: progress towards clinical applications. Ital J Pediatr 2008; 34:2. [PMID: 19490653 PMCID: PMC2603013 DOI: 10.1186/1824-7288-34-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2008] [Accepted: 11/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment for inborn errors of liver metabolism is based on dietary, drug, and cell therapies (orthotopic liver transplantation). However, significant morbidity and mortality still remain, and alternative strategies are needed. Gene replacement therapy has the potential of providing a definitive cure for patients with these diseases. Significant progress has been made in the pre-clinical arena and achievement of efficacy in different animal models has been reported using multiple gene transfer technologies. This article summarizes the gene transfer strategies being investigated, the pre-clinical data, and the available early clinical results for inborn errors of liver metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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28
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Brunetti-Pierri N, Clarke C, Mane V, Palmer DJ, Lanpher B, Sun Q, O'Brien W, Lee B. Phenotypic correction of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency using low dose helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. J Gene Med 2008; 10:890-6. [PMID: 18563850 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAd) can mediate long-term phenotypic correction in the ornithine transacarbamylase (OTC)-deficient mice model with negligible chronic toxicity. However, the high doses required for metabolic correction will result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome in humans. This acute toxicity represents the major obstacle for clinical applications of HDAd vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency. Strategies for reducing the dose necessary for disease correction are highly desirable because HDAd acute toxicity is clearly dose-dependent. METHODS We analysed a potent expression cassette and the hydrodynamic injection for the ability to reduce the HDAd dose necessary for phenotypic correction in OTC-deficient spf-ash mice. RESULTS We have developed a vector containing a potent expression cassette expressing the OTC transgene, which allowed phenotypic correction at lower doses. Our results suggest that vector expressing greater OTC levels allows correction of orotic acid overproduction at lower doses that make clinical translation more relevant. We were able to further reduce the minimal effective dose by delivering the vector through the hydrodynamic injection technique. CONCLUSIONS Vectors containing the expression cassette used in the present study, combined with other strategies for improving HDAd therapeutic index, will likely permit application of these vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency as well as other urea cycle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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29
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Progress and prospects: gene therapy for genetic diseases with helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. Gene Ther 2008; 15:553-60. [PMID: 18288209 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2008.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical studies in small and large animal models using helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAds) have generated promising results for the treatment of genetic diseases. However, clinical translation is complicated by the dose-dependent, capsid-mediated acute toxic response following systemic vector injection. With the advancements in vectorology, a better understanding of vector-mediated toxicity, and improved delivery methods, HDAds may emerge as an important vector for gene therapy of genetic diseases and this report highlights recent progress and prospects in this field.
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30
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Deignan JL, Cederbaum SD, Grody WW. Contrasting features of urea cycle disorders in human patients and knockout mouse models. Mol Genet Metab 2008; 93:7-14. [PMID: 17933574 PMCID: PMC2692509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2007.08.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2007] [Revised: 08/19/2007] [Accepted: 08/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The urea cycle exists for the removal of excess nitrogen from the body. Six separate enzymes comprise the urea cycle, and a deficiency in any one of them causes a urea cycle disorder (UCD) in humans. Arginase is the only urea cycle enzyme with an alternate isoform, though no known human disorder currently exists due to a deficiency in the second isoform. While all of the UCDs usually present with hyperammonemia in the first few days to months of life, most disorders are distinguished by a characteristic profile of plasma amino acid alterations that can be utilized for diagnosis. While enzyme assay is possible, an analysis of the underlying mutation is preferable for an accurate diagnosis. Mouse models for each of the urea cycle disorders exist (with the exception of NAGS deficiency), and for almost all of them, their clinical and biochemical phenotypes rather closely resemble the phenotypes seen in human patients. Consequently, all of the current mouse models are highly useful for future research into novel pharmacological and dietary treatments and gene therapy protocols for the management of urea cycle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L. Deignan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- The Mental Retardation Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Stephen D. Cederbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- The Mental Retardation Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Wayne W. Grody
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- The Mental Retardation Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
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31
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Marini JC, Erez A, Castillo L, Lee B. Interaction between murine spf-ash mutation and genetic background yields different metabolic phenotypes. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2007; 293:E1764-71. [PMID: 17925451 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00525.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The spf-ash mutation in mice results in reduced hepatic and intestinal ornithine transcarbamylase. However, a reduction in enzyme activity only translates in reduced ureagenesis and hyperammonemia when an unbalanced nitrogen load is imposed. Six-week-old wild-type control and spf-ash mutant male mice from different genetic backgrounds (B6 and ICR) were infused intravenously with [(13)C(18)O]urea, l-[(15)N(2)]arginine, l-[5,5 D(2)]ornithine, l-[6-(13)C, 4,4,5,5, D(4)]citrulline, and l-[ring-D(5)]phenylalanine to investigate the interaction between genetic background and spf-ash mutation on ureagenesis, arginine metabolism, and nitric oxide production. ICR(spf-ash) mice maintained ureagenesis (5.5 +/- 0.3 mmol.kg(-1).h(-1)) and developed mild hyperammonemia (145 +/- 19 micromol/l) when an unbalanced nitrogen load was imposed; however, B6(spf-ash) mice became hyperammonemic (671 +/- 15 micromol/l) due to compromised ureagenesis (3.4 +/- 0.1 mmol.kg(-1).h(-1)). Ornithine supplementation restored ureagenesis and mitigated hyperammonemia. A reduction in citrulline entry rate was observed due to the mutation in both genetic backgrounds (wild-type: 128, spf-ash: 60; SE 4.0 micromol.kg(-1).h(-1)). Arginine entry rate was only reduced in B6(spf-ash) mice (B6(spf-ash): 332, ICR(spf-ash): 453; SE 20.6 micromol.kg(-1).h(-1)). Genetic background and mutation had an effect on nitric oxide production (B6: 3.4, B6(spf-ash): 2.8, ICR: 9.0, ICR(spf-ash): 4.6, SE 0.7 micromol.kg(-1).h(-1)). Protein breakdown was the main source of arginine during the postabsorptive state and was higher in ICR(spf-ash) than in B6(spf-ash) mice (phenylalanine entry rate 479 and 327, respectively; SE 18 micromol.kg(-1).h(-1)). Our results highlight the importance of the interaction between mutation and genetic background on ureagenesis, arginine metabolism, and nitric oxide production. These observations help explain the wide phenotypic variation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Marini
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
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32
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Cerullo V, Seiler MP, Mane V, Cela R, Clarke C, Kaufman RJ, Pipe SW, Lee B. Correction of murine hemophilia A and immunological differences of factor VIII variants delivered by helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. Mol Ther 2007; 15:2080-7. [PMID: 17848960 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioengineering of the factor VIII (FVIII) molecule has led to the production of variants that overcome poor secretion and/or rapid inactivation. We tested six modified FVIII variants for in vivo efficacy by expressing them from helper-dependent adenoviral (HD-Ad) vectors. We constructed a wild-type (WT) variant, a B-domain-deleted (BDD) variant, a point mutant for improved secretion (F309S), a variant with a partial B-domain deletion for improved secretion (N6), a combination of the point mutant and partial BDD variant (F309N6), and an inactivation-resistant (IR8) FVIII variant. All the constructs expressed functional protein after injection of high-dose HD-Ad. Activity ranged from 20 to 50% with WT, to approximately 100% with the N6 and F309N6 variants. Interestingly, mice treated with N6 showed long-term FVIII activity and phenotypic correction for up to 74 weeks, with low anti-FVIII antibody titer. Importantly, the N6 variant was therapeutically efficacious even after a 50% reduction of viral dose, thereby indicating that transgene modification itself can improve the dose efficacy of HD-Ad. This finding is significant, because dose efficacy is a key factor in clinical application. In summary, bioengineering of the FVIII molecule may be an effective approach to improving the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of HD-Ad gene therapy in hemophilia A (HA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cerullo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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33
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Cerullo V, Seiler MP, Mane V, Brunetti-Pierri N, Clarke C, Bertin TK, Rodgers JR, Lee B. Toll-like Receptor 9 Triggers an Innate Immune Response to Helper-dependent Adenoviral Vectors. Mol Ther 2007; 15:378-85. [PMID: 17235317 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle to the clinical application of systemic adenoviral gene replacement therapy is the host innate immune response. Although recent studies have attempted to characterize the cellular basis for this response to systemically administered helper-dependent adenoviral vector (HD-Ad), the underlying molecular components of the innate immune repertoire required to recognize the viral vector have yet to be identified. Here, we show that primary macrophages can sense HD-Ad vectors via the Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9) and respond by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Moreover, TLR9 sensing is involved in the rapid innate immune response to HD-Ad in vivo. TLR9 deficiency attenuates the innate immune response to HD-Ad, whereas TLR9 blockade reduces the acute inflammatory response after intravenous injection of the vector. Moreover, HD-Ad upregulates TLR9 gene expression independent of TLR9 function, suggesting that additional innate signaling pathways work cooperatively with TLR9. The identification of the components of the innate immune response to adenovirus will facilitate the development of combinatorial therapy directed at increasing the maximal tolerated dose of systemically delivered adenoviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cerullo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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34
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Kitajima K, Marchadier DHL, Miller GC, Gao GP, Wilson JM, Rader DJ. Complete Prevention of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice by Hepatic Human ApoE Gene Transfer With Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes 7 and 8. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2006; 26:1852-7. [PMID: 16763161 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.0000231520.26490.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using intravenous injection of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors based on novel serotypes 7 and 8, we examined whether liver-specific expression of human apolipoprotein E (apoE) in apoE-deficient mice would completely prevent atherosclerosis after 1 year of sustained expression. METHODS AND RESULTS Chow-fed apoE-/- mice were injected via the tail vein with vectors based on AAV2 or novel serotypes AAV7 and AAV8 encoding human apoE3 driven by a liver-specific promoter. In contrast to the first-generation AAV2 vector, apoE levels of mice injected with chimeric AAV2/7 and AAV2/8 vectors reached approximately 2-fold greater than normal human plasma levels by week 4 and maintained therapeutic levels up to 1 year. Cholesterol levels of AAV2/7-apoE and AAV2/8-apoE-treated mice were reduced to normal murine wild-type levels and were maintained for 1 year. At termination after 1 year, extensive atherosclerosis was present in the thoracic aortas and aortic roots of control AAV2/8-lacZ and AAV2-apoE-injected mice, but was completely prevented in both the AAV2/7 and AAV2/8-apoE-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that intravenous administration of AAV2/7- and AAV2/8-apoE vectors effectively mediated robust and sustained hepatic-specific expression of apoE and completely prevented atherosclerosis at 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Kitajima
- Institution for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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35
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McCORMACK WM, Seiler MP, Bertin TK, Ubhayakar K, Palmer DJ, Ng P, Nichols TC, Lee B. Helper-dependent adenoviral gene therapy mediates long-term correction of the clotting defect in the canine hemophilia A model. J Thromb Haemost 2006; 4:1218-1225. [PMID: 16706963 PMCID: PMC3947717 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2006.01901.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenoviral vector-mediated gene therapy might have potential for long-term correction of the monogenic disease hemophilia A. OBJECTIVE In this study, we tested the efficacy of administering a helper-dependent adenoviral vector (HDV) designed for maximal liver-restricted canine factor VIII (cFVIII) expression on three out-bred hemophilia A dogs. METHODS Three FVIII-deficient animals from the University of North Carolina colony were injected with 1 x 10(12) (Dog A), and 3 x 10(12) (Dog B and C) vp kg(-1) helper-dependent adenoviral vector, and we performed systematic analysis of toxicity, persistence of therapeutic gene expression, and molecular analysis of gene transfer. RESULTS We observed acute dose-dependent elevation in liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia after injection, although both were transient and resolved within 2 weeks. The whole blood clotting time (WBCT), plasma FVIII concentration, FVIII activity, and activated partial thromboplastin time in all animals improved significantly after treatment, and two animals receiving a higher dose reached near normal WBCT with low-level FVIII activity until terminal sacrifice at 3 months, and 2 years. Importantly, the treated dogs suffered no bleeding events after injection. Moreover, we observed persistent vector-specific DNA and RNA in liver tissue collected from one high-dose animal at days 18 and 79, and could not detect the formation of inhibitory antibodies. CONCLUSION Although vector-associated toxicity remains an obstacle, a single injection of HDV led to long-term transgene expression and vector persistence in two FVIII-deficient animals with conversion of their severe phenotype to a moderate one.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M P Seiler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
- Interdepartmental Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - T K Bertin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | | | - D J Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - P Ng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - T C Nichols
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - B Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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36
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Marini JC, Lee B, Garlick PJ. Reduced ornithine transcarbamylase activity does not impair ureagenesis in Otc(spf-ash) mice. J Nutr 2006; 136:1017-20. [PMID: 16549467 DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.4.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models for urea cycle disorders have been available for the past 30 y; however, until now, no measurements of urea production in vivo have been conducted. Urea entry rate was determined in Otc(spf-ash) and littermate controls employing a primed-continuous infusion of 15N15N urea. A saline infusion control, a complete mixture of amino acids (AA), or a glycine-alanine (GA) mixture was infused at 86 (AA1 and GA1) and 172 mg N.kg(-1).h(-1) (AA2 and GA2) to impose a defined nitrogen load on the urea cycle. Urea entry rate and plasma urea concentration increased (P < 0.001) as a consequence of the increase in the infusion rate of the complete mixture of amino acids, but the 2 genotypes did not differ (P = 0.96 and P = 0.44, respectively). The infusion of the GA mixture, however, decreased (P < 0.001) the plasma urea concentration and urea entry rate in Otc(spf-ash) mice compared with controls. At the highest level (GA2), urea entry rate was further depressed (P < 0.001), Otc(spf-ash) mice became hyperammonemic (1701 +/- 150 micromol/L), and hyperammonemic symptoms were evident. An acute hepatic enlargement (P < 0.001) was also evident in Otc(spf-ash) mice infused with GA2. These results show that despite vestigial OTC activity, Otc(spf-ash) mice were able to maintain ureagenesis at the same rate of control animals when a complete mixture of amino acids was infused. This implies that Otc(spf-ash) mice are able to dispose of ammonia, without apparent adverse effects, when a balance mixture of amino acids is provided, despite reduced enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Marini
- Animal Science Department, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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37
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Young LS, Searle PF, Onion D, Mautner V. Viral gene therapy strategies: from basic science to clinical application. J Pathol 2006; 208:299-318. [PMID: 16362990 DOI: 10.1002/path.1896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A major impediment to the successful application of gene therapy for the treatment of a range of diseases is not a paucity of therapeutic genes, but the lack of an efficient non-toxic gene delivery system. Having evolved to deliver their genes to target cells, viruses are currently the most effective means of gene delivery and can be manipulated to express therapeutic genes or to replicate specifically in certain cells. Gene therapy is being developed for a range of diseases including inherited monogenic disorders and cardiovascular disease, but it is in the treatment of cancer that this approach has been most evident, resulting in the recent licensing of a gene therapy for the routine treatment of head and neck cancer in China. A variety of virus vectors have been employed to deliver genes to cells to provide either transient (eg adenovirus, vaccinia virus) or permanent (eg retrovirus, adeno-associated virus) transgene expression and each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. Paramount is the safety of these virus vectors and a greater understanding of the virus-host interaction is key to optimizing the use of these vectors for routine clinical use. Recent developments in the modification of the virus coat allow more targeted approaches and herald the advent of systemic delivery of therapeutic viruses. In the context of cancer, the ability of attenuated viruses to replicate specifically in tumour cells has already yielded some impressive results in clinical trials and bodes well for the future of this approach, particularly when combined with more traditional anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence S Young
- Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham Medical School, UK.
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38
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Alba R, Bosch A, Chillon M. Gutless adenovirus: last-generation adenovirus for gene therapy. Gene Ther 2006; 12 Suppl 1:S18-27. [PMID: 16231052 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Last-generation adenovirus vectors, also called helper-dependent or gutless adenovirus, are very attractive for gene therapy because the associated in vivo immune response is highly reduced compared to first- and second-generation adenovirus vectors, while maintaining high transduction efficiency and tropism. Nowadays, gutless adenovirus is administered in different organs, such as the liver, muscle or the central nervous system achieving high-level and long-term transgene expression in rodents and primates. However, as devoid of all viral coding regions, gutless vectors require viral proteins supplied in trans by a helper virus. To remove contamination by a helper virus from the final preparation, different systems based on the excision of the helper-packaging signal have been generated. Among them, Cre-loxP system is mostly used, although contamination levels still are 0.1-1% too high to be used in clinical trials. Recently developed strategies to avoid/reduce helper contamination were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alba
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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39
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Jia Z, Dankó I. Long-term correction of hyperbilirubinemia in the Gunn rat by repeated intravenous delivery of naked plasmid DNA into muscle. Mol Ther 2005; 12:860-6. [PMID: 16019265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2004] [Revised: 04/04/2005] [Accepted: 04/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated nonviral gene delivery into skeletal muscle via femoral artery and great saphenous vein for correction of hyperbilirubinemia in the Gunn rat, the animal model of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I. A single injection of pDNA expressing hUGT1A1 under the CMV promoter resulted in excretion of bilirubin glucuronides in bile and a significant decrease in serum bilirubin for at least 2 or 4 weeks, respectively. Loss of metabolic effect was associated with a decrease in recombinant protein in muscle, while pDNA and transcript were detectable 4 weeks after gene delivery. Monthly intravenous gene delivery maintained metabolic correction for at least 5 months. Fibrosis around vessels in the arterial group limited the number of successful repeat gene transfer sessions to 3. Animals expressing hUGT1A1 developed anti-hUGT1A1 antibodies and lymphocytic infiltrate in muscle. Immunosuppression abrogated antibody response, ameliorated lymphocytic inflammation, and enhanced metabolic correction but did not prevent a decrease in the amount of recombinant protein. In conclusion, repeated intravenous delivery of pDNA into muscle enables long-term correction of hyperbilirubinemia in the Gunn rat. The procedure is safe and simple, with great clinical potential. Further studies are needed to explain the mechanisms of loss and improve the stability of recombinant hUGT1A1 in muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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40
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Mian A, Guenther M, Finegold M, Ng P, Rodgers J, Lee B. Toxicity and adaptive immune response to intracellular transgenes delivered by helper-dependent vs. first generation adenoviral vectors. Mol Genet Metab 2005; 84:278-88. [PMID: 15694178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2004.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2004] [Revised: 11/08/2004] [Accepted: 11/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The host immune response to intracellular transgenes delivered by helper-dependent (HDV) vs. first generation (FGV) adenoviral vectors has been relatively unstudied. Previous studies showed short-term correction of bovine and murine argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) deficiency after first generation adenoviral-mediated liver gene therapy. To determine whether the host adaptive immune response against the intracellular transgene human ASS (hASS) contributed to loss of gene expression in this setting, the same vector (FGV-CAG-hASS) was injected into Rag-/- (immunodeficient) mice. As in wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice, Rag-/- mice also showed significant loss of hASS expression and vector by week 4 post-injection, with concomitant elevation of liver enzymes and disruption of liver architecture. Therefore, direct toxicity due to vector rather than adaptive immune response against hASS primarily accounted for loss of expression with FGVs. In contrast to hASS, beta-galactosidase is strongly immunogenic and activates the host adaptive immune response. Loss of transgene expression was observed in B6 mice with either a FGV or a HDV expressing beta-galactosidase. However, the drop in gene expression observed with the HDV was primarily due to the adaptive immune response, since both beta-galactosidase expression and vector genome were sustained in immunodeficient mice treated with HDV. As expected, with weakly immunogenic hASS, vector genome and hASS expression were sustained with a HDV in spite of ubiquitous expression of the transgene. Therefore, viral gene expression is a primary determinant of intermediate and chronic toxicities at day 3 and week 4 post-injection. However, even in the absence of viral gene expression, strongly immunogenic intracellular transgenes can stimulate clearance of transduced hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Mian
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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41
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Abstract
Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors possess a number of characteristics that make them attractive gene therapy vectors. These vectors are completely devoid of viral coding sequences and are able to mediate high-efficiency transduction in vivo to direct sustain high-level transgene expression with negligible chronic toxicity. This review focuses on advances in helper-dependent adenoviral vector technology, selected examples of in vivo studies of particular interest, and the issue of vector-mediated acute toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna J Palmer
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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42
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McConnell MJ, Imperiale MJ. Biology of adenovirus and its use as a vector for gene therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2004; 15:1022-33. [PMID: 15610603 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2004.15.1022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J McConnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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