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Bunuales M, Garduno A, Chillon M, Bosch A, Gonzalez-Aparicio M, Espelosin M, Garcia-Gomara M, Rico AJ, Garcia-Osta A, Cuadrado-Tejedor M, Lanciego JL, Hernandez-Alcoceba R. Characterization of brain transduction capability of a BBB-penetrant AAV vector in mice, rats and macaques reveals differences in expression profiles. Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41434-024-00466-w. [PMID: 39039204 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Different screening methods are being developed to generate adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) with the ability to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) upon intravenous administration. Recently, the AAV9P31 stood out as the most efficient version among a library of peptide-displaying capsids selected in C57BL/6 mice using RNA-driven biopanning. In this work we have characterized in detail its biodistribution in different mouse strains (C57BL/6 and Balb/c), as well as in Sprague Dawley rats and non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis). Using GFP and NanoLuc reporter genes, we confirmed homogeneous infection and transgene expression across the CNS of mice injected intravenously with AAV9P31. A more restricted pattern was observed upon either intracerebroventricular or intraparenchymal injection. Following intravenous delivery, region- and cell-specific differential patterns of transduction were observed in the mouse brain, including a preferential transduction of astrocytes and neurons in the cerebral cortex and striatum, whereas neurons were the only transduced cell type in subcortical locations across the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, mesencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum. Furthermore, transduced microglial cells were never found in any CNS location. Peripheral organs transduced upon intravenous administration included lung, liver, peritoneum, heart and skeletal muscle. However, a comparable performance of AAV9P31 to bypass the BBB in rats and macaques was not observed, although a more limited neuronal transduction was found in the brainstem of rats upon intravenous delivery. Finally, intracerebroventricular delivery in macaques resulted in neuronal transduction in cortical, subcortical structures and cerebellum following a patchy pattern. In conclusion, the widespread CNS transduction obtained in mice upon intravenous delivery of AAV9P31 represents a powerful tool for modeling a wide variety of neurological disorders as well as an appealing choice for the evaluation of gene therapy-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Bunuales
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Angeles Garduno
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Chillon
- Institut de Neurociències, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; and Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Assumpció Bosch
- Institut de Neurociències, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; and Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria Espelosin
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Garcia-Gomara
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology Department, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alberto J Rico
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Garcia-Osta
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mar Cuadrado-Tejedor
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology Department, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose L Lanciego
- Division of DNA and RNA medicine, CIMA. University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Konno A, Shinohara Y, Hirai H. Production of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Model Mice by Intravenous Injection of AAV-PHP.B Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7205. [PMID: 39000316 PMCID: PMC11241190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to produce a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) using the mouse blood-brain barrier (BBB)-penetrating adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B. Four-to-five-week-old C57BL/6 mice received injections of high-dose (2.0 × 1011 vg/mouse) or low-dose (5.0 × 1010 vg/mouse) AAV-PHP.B encoding a SCA3 causative gene containing abnormally long 89 CAG repeats [ATXN3(Q89)] under the control of the ubiquitous chicken β-actin hybrid (CBh) promoter. Control mice received high doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3 with non-pathogenic 15 CAG repeats [ATXN3(Q15)] or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone. More than half of the mice injected with high doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89) died within 4 weeks after the injection. No mice in other groups died during the 12-week observation period. Mice injected with low doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89) exhibited progressive motor uncoordination starting 4 weeks and a shorter stride in footprint analysis performed at 12 weeks post-AAV injection. Immunohistochemistry showed thinning of the molecular layer and the formation of nuclear inclusions in Purkinje cells from mice injected with low doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89). Moreover, ATXN3(Q89) expression significantly reduced the number of large projection neurons in the cerebellar nuclei to one third of that observed in mice expressing ATXN3(Q15). This AAV-based approach is superior to conventional methods in that the required number of model mice can be created simply by injecting AAV, and the expression levels of the responsible gene can be adjusted by changing the amount of AAV injected. Moreover, this method may be applied to produce SCA3 models in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University, Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Shinohara
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University, Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
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3
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Jagadeeswaran I, Oh J, Sinnett SE. Preclinical Milestones in MECP2 Gene Transfer for Treating Rett Syndrome. Dev Neurosci 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38723617 DOI: 10.1159/000539267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the transcriptional regulator methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). After gene transfer in mice, exogenous MeCP2 expression must be regulated to avoid dose-dependent toxicity. SUMMARY The preclinical gene therapy literature for treating RTT illustrates a duly diligent progression that begins with proof-of-concept studies and advances toward the development of safer, regulated MECP2 viral genome designs. This design progression was partly achieved through international collaborative studies. In 2023, clinicians administered investigational gene therapies for RTT to patients a decade after the first preclinical gene therapy publications for RTT (clinical trial numbers NCT05606614 and NCT05898620). As clinicians take on a more prominent role in MECP2 gene therapy research, preclinical researchers may continue to test more nuanced hypotheses regarding the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of MECP2 gene transfer. KEY MESSAGE This review summarizes the history of preclinical MECP2 gene transfer for treating RTT and acknowledges major contributions among colleagues in the field. The first clinical injections are a shared milestone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indumathy Jagadeeswaran
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC), Dallas, Texas, USA,
| | - Jiyoung Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah E Sinnett
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC), Dallas, Texas, USA
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC), Dallas, Texas, USA
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC), Dallas, Texas, USA
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4
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Hu SW, Lv J, Wang Z, Tang H, Wang H, Wang F, Wang D, Zhang J, Zhang L, Cao Q, Chen Y, Gao Z, Han Y, Wang W, Li GL, Shu Y, Li H. Engineering of the AAV-Compatible Hair Cell-Specific Small-Size Myo15 Promoter for Gene Therapy in the Inner Ear. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0341. [PMID: 38665848 PMCID: PMC11045262 DOI: 10.34133/research.0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is widely applied to treat numerous hereditary diseases in animal models and humans. The specific expression of AAV-delivered transgenes driven by cell type-specific promoters should further increase the safety of gene therapy. However, current methods for screening cell type-specific promoters are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Herein, we designed a "multiple vectors in one AAV" strategy for promoter construction in vivo. Through this strategy, we truncated a native promoter for Myo15 expression in hair cells (HCs) in the inner ear, from 1,611 bp down to 1,157 bp, and further down to 956 bp. Under the control of these 2 promoters, green fluorescent protein packaged in AAV-PHP.eB was exclusively expressed in the HCs. The transcription initiation ability of the 2 promoters was further verified by intein-mediated otoferlin recombination in a dual-AAV therapeutic system. Driven by these 2 promoters, human otoferlin was selectively expressed in HCs, resulting in the restoration of hearing in treated Otof -/- mice for at least 52 weeks. In summary, we developed an efficient screening strategy for cell type-specific promoter engineering and created 2 truncated Myo15 promoters that not only restored hereditary deafness in animal models but also show great potential for treating human patients in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Wei Hu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Lv
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zijing Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Honghai Tang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Daqi Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Longlong Zhang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qi Cao
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ziwen Gao
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Han
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wuqing Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Geng-lin Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huawei Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
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5
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Lopez-Gordo E, Chamberlain K, Riyad JM, Kohlbrenner E, Weber T. Natural Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes and Engineered Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Variants: Tropism Differences and Mechanistic Insights. Viruses 2024; 16:442. [PMID: 38543807 PMCID: PMC10975205 DOI: 10.3390/v16030442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors are arguably the most promising in vivo gene delivery vehicles for durable therapeutic gene expression. Advances in molecular engineering, high-throughput screening platforms, and computational techniques have resulted in a toolbox of capsid variants with enhanced performance over parental serotypes. Despite their considerable promise and emerging clinical success, there are still obstacles hindering their broader use, including limited transduction capabilities, tissue/cell type-specific tropism and penetration into tissues through anatomical barriers, off-target tissue biodistribution, intracellular degradation, immune recognition, and a lack of translatability from preclinical models to clinical settings. Here, we first describe the transduction mechanisms of natural AAV serotypes and explore the current understanding of the systemic and cellular hurdles to efficient transduction. We then outline progress in developing designer AAV capsid variants, highlighting the seminal discoveries of variants which can transduce the central nervous system upon systemic administration, and, to a lesser extent, discuss the targeting of the peripheral nervous system, eye, ear, lung, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, emphasizing their tissue and cell specificity and translational promise. In particular, we dive deeper into the molecular mechanisms behind their enhanced properties, with a focus on their engagement with host cell receptors previously inaccessible to natural AAV serotypes. Finally, we summarize the main findings of our review and discuss future directions.
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6
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Murase S, Sakitani N, Maekawa T, Yoshino D, Takano K, Konno A, Hirai H, Saito T, Tanaka S, Shinohara K, Kishi T, Yoshikawa Y, Sakai T, Ayaori M, Inanami H, Tomiyasu K, Takashima A, Ogata T, Tsuchimochi H, Sato S, Saito S, Yoshino K, Matsuura Y, Funamoto K, Ochi H, Shinohara M, Nagao M, Sawada Y. Interstitial-fluid shear stresses induced by vertically oscillating head motion lower blood pressure in hypertensive rats and humans. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1350-1373. [PMID: 37414976 PMCID: PMC10651490 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which physical exercise benefits brain functions are not fully understood. Here, we show that vertically oscillating head motions mimicking mechanical accelerations experienced during fast walking, light jogging or treadmill running at a moderate velocity reduce the blood pressure of rats and human adults with hypertension. In hypertensive rats, shear stresses of less than 1 Pa resulting from interstitial-fluid flow induced by such passive head motions reduced the expression of the angiotensin II type-1 receptor in astrocytes in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, and the resulting antihypertensive effects were abrogated by hydrogel introduction that inhibited interstitial-fluid movement in the medulla. Our findings suggest that oscillatory mechanical interventions could be used to elicit antihypertensive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Murase
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyoshi Sakitani
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maekawa
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoshino
- Division of Advanced Applied Physics, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Japan
| | - Kouji Takano
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Taku Saito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakae Tanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Shinohara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takuya Kishi
- Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Okawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Yoshikawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamasa Sakai
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hirohiko Inanami
- Inanami Spine & Joint Hospital/Iwai Orthopaedic Medical Hospital, Iwai Medical Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Tomiyasu
- Center of Sports Science and Health Promotion, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takashima
- Department of Assistive Technology, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Toru Ogata
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Tsuchimochi
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Shinya Sato
- Department of Advanced Medical Technologies, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Saito
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kohzoh Yoshino
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Japan
| | - Yuiko Matsuura
- Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | | | - Hiroki Ochi
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinohara
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Motoshi Nagao
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Sawada
- Department of Rehabilitation for Motor Functions, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan.
- Division of Advanced Applied Physics, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Research, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.
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7
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Mirjalili Mohanna SZ, Korecki AJ, Simpson EM. rAAV-PHP.B escapes the mouse eye and causes lethality whereas rAAV9 can transduce aniridic corneal limbal stem cells without lethality. Gene Ther 2023; 30:670-684. [PMID: 37072572 PMCID: PMC10506911 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00400-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Recently safety concerns have been raised in connection with high doses of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV). Therefore, we undertook a series of experiments to test viral capsid (rAAV9 and rAAV-PHP.B), dose, and route of administration (intrastromal, intravitreal, and intravenous) focused on aniridia, a congenital blindness that currently has no cure. The success of gene therapy for aniridia may depend on the presence of functional limbal stem cells (LSCs) in the damaged aniridic corneas and whether rAAV can transduce them. Both these concerns were unknown, and thus were also addressed by our studies. For the first time, we report ataxia and lethality after intravitreal or intrastromal rAAV-PHP.B virus injections. We demonstrated virus escape from the eye and transduction of non-ocular tissues by rAAV9 and rAAV-PHP.B capsids. We have also shown that intrastromal and intravitreal delivery of rAAV9 can transduce functional LSCs, as well as all four PAX6-expressing retinal cell types in aniridic eye, respectively. Overall, lack of adverse events and successful transduction of LSCs and retinal cells makes it clear that rAAV9 is the capsid of choice for future aniridia gene therapy. Our finding of rAAV lethality after intraocular injections will be impactful for other researchers developing rAAV-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zeinab Mirjalili Mohanna
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrea J Korecki
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M Simpson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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8
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Yang X, Liu Y, Zhong W, Li Y, Zhang W. Netrin-1 controls inflammation in response to ischemic stroke through altering microglia phenotype. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178638. [PMID: 37388740 PMCID: PMC10304015 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current approaches that are used to treat ischemic stroke suffer from poor targeting, lack of effectiveness, and potential off-target effects, necessitating the development of new therapeutic strategies to enhance neuronal cell survival and regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the role of microglial Netrin-1 in ischemic stroke, a topic that has not been fully understood. Methods Netrin-1 levels and its primary receptor expressions were investigated in cerebral microglia from acute ischemic stroke patients and age-matched control subjects. A public database (GEO148350), which supplied RNAseq results for rat cerebral microglia in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, was analyzed to assess the expression of Netrin-1, its major receptors, and genes related to macrophage function. A microglia-specific gene targeting approach and a delivery system allowing for crossing the blood-brain barrier were applied in a mouse model for ischemic stroke to investigate the role of microglial Netrin-1. Netrin-1 receptor signaling in microglia was observed and the effects on microglial phenotype, apoptosis, and migration were analyzed. Results Across human patients, rat and mouse models, activation of Netrin-1 receptor signaling was mainly conducted via its receptor UNC5a in microglia, which resulted in a shift in microglial phenotype towards an anti-inflammatory or M2-like state, leading to a reduction in apoptosis and migration of microglia. Netrin-1-induced phenotypic change in microglia exerted protective effects on neuronal cells in vivo during ischemic stroke. Conclusion Our study highlights the potential of targeting Netrin-1 and its receptors as a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting post-ischemic survival and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosheng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenchuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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9
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Shay TF, Sullivan EE, Ding X, Chen X, Ravindra Kumar S, Goertsen D, Brown D, Crosby A, Vielmetter J, Borsos M, Wolfe DA, Lam AW, Gradinaru V. Primate-conserved carbonic anhydrase IV and murine-restricted LY6C1 enable blood-brain barrier crossing by engineered viral vectors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg6618. [PMID: 37075114 PMCID: PMC10115422 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major challenge for delivering large molecules to study and treat the central nervous system. This is due in part to the scarcity of targets known to mediate BBB crossing. To identify novel targets, we leverage a panel of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) previously identified through mechanism-agnostic directed evolution for improved BBB transcytosis. Screening potential cognate receptors for enhanced BBB crossing, we identify two targets: murine-restricted LY6C1 and widely conserved carbonic anhydrase IV (CA-IV). We apply AlphaFold-based in silico methods to generate capsid-receptor binding models to predict the affinity of AAVs for these identified receptors. Demonstrating how these tools can unlock target-focused engineering strategies, we create an enhanced LY6C1-binding vector, AAV-PHP.eC, that, unlike our prior PHP.eB, also works in Ly6a-deficient mouse strains such as BALB/cJ. Combined with structural insights from computational modeling, the identification of primate-conserved CA-IV enables the design of more specific and potent human brain-penetrant chemicals and biologicals, including gene delivery vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F. Shay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. (T.F.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Erin E. Sullivan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - David Brown
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Anaya Crosby
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Jost Vielmetter
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Máté Borsos
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Damien A. Wolfe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Annie W. Lam
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. (T.F.S.); (V.G.)
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10
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Daw TB, El-Nahal HG, Basso MA, Jun EJ, Bautista AR, Samulski RJ, Sommer MA, Bohlen MO. Direct Comparison of Epifluorescence and Immunostaining for Assessing Viral Mediated Gene Expression in the Primate Brain. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:228-246. [PMID: 36719771 PMCID: PMC10031143 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vector technologies are commonly used in neuroscience research to understand and manipulate neural circuits, but successful applications of these technologies in non-human primate models have been inconsistent. An essential component to improve these technologies is an impartial and accurate assessment of the effectiveness of different viral constructs in the primate brain. We tested a diverse array of viral vectors delivered to the brain and extraocular muscles of macaques and compared three methods for histological assessment of viral-mediated fluorescent transgene expression: epifluorescence (Epi), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Importantly, IF and IHC identified a greater number of transduced neurons compared to Epi. Furthermore, IF and IHC reliably provided enhanced visualization of transgene in most cellular compartments (i.e., dendritic, axonal, and terminal fields), whereas the degree of labeling provided by Epi was inconsistent and predominantly restricted to somas and apical dendrites. Because Epi signals are unamplified (in contrast to IF and IHC), Epi may provide a more veridical assessment for the amount of accumulated transgene and, thus, the potential to chemogenetically or optogenetically manipulate neuronal activity. The comparatively weak Epi signals suggest that the current generations of viral constructs, regardless of delivered transgene, are not optimized for primates. This reinforces an emerging viewpoint that viral vectors tailored for the primate brain are necessary for basic research and human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney B. Daw
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hala G. El-Nahal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michele A. Basso
- Fuster Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biological Structure, Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Jun
- Fuster Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alex R. Bautista
- Fuster Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- R&D Department, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), Research Triangle, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marc A. Sommer
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Martin O. Bohlen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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11
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Rasmussen CLM, Hede E, Routhe LJ, Körbelin J, Helgudottir SS, Thomsen LB, Schwaninger M, Burkhart A, Moos T. A novel strategy for delivering Niemann-Pick type C2 proteins across the blood-brain barrier using the brain endothelial-specific AAV-BR1 virus. J Neurochem 2023; 164:6-28. [PMID: 35554935 PMCID: PMC10084444 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases is complicated by the incapability of numerous therapeutics to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), mainly composed of brain endothelial cells (BECs). Genetically modifying BECs into protein factories that supply the CNS with recombinant proteins is a promising approach to overcome this hindrance, especially in genetic diseases, like Niemann Pick disease type C2 (NPC2), where both CNS and peripheral cells are affected. Here, we investigated the potential of the BEC-specific adeno-associated viral vector (AAV-BR1) encoding NPC2 for expression and secretion from primary BECs cultured in an in vitro BBB model with mixed glial cells, and in healthy BALB/c mice. Transduced primary BECs had significantly increased NPC2 gene expression and secreted NPC2 after viral transduction, which significantly reversed cholesterol deposition in NPC2 deficient fibroblasts. Mice receiving an intravenous injection with AAV-BR1-NCP2-eGFP were sacrificed 8 weeks later and examined for its biodistribution and transgene expression of eGFP and NPC2. AAV-BR1-NPC2-eGFP was distributed mainly to the brain and lightly to the heart and lung, but did not label other organs including the liver. eGFP expression was primarily found in BECs throughout the brain but occasionally also in neurons suggesting transport of the vector across the BBB, a phenomenon also confirmed in vitro. NPC2 gene expression was up-regulated in the brain, and recombinant NPC2 protein expression was observed in both transduced brain capillaries and neurons. Our findings show that AAV-BR1 transduction of BECs is possible and that it may denote a promising strategy for future treatment of NPC2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Hede
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lisa Juul Routhe
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steinunn Sara Helgudottir
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Louiza Bohn Thomsen
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Annette Burkhart
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Torben Moos
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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12
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Pupo A, Fernández A, Low SH, François A, Suárez-Amarán L, Samulski RJ. AAV vectors: The Rubik's cube of human gene therapy. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3515-3541. [PMID: 36203359 PMCID: PMC9734031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective genes account for ∼80% of the total of more than 7,000 diseases known to date. Gene therapy brings the promise of a one-time treatment option that will fix the errors in patient genetic coding. Recombinant viruses are highly efficient vehicles for in vivo gene delivery. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors offer unique advantages, such as tissue tropism, specificity in transduction, eliciting of a relatively low immune responses, no incorporation into the host chromosome, and long-lasting delivered gene expression, making them the most popular viral gene delivery system in clinical trials, with three AAV-based gene therapy drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA). Despite the success of AAV vectors, their usage in particular scenarios is still limited due to remaining challenges, such as poor transduction efficiency in certain tissues, low organ specificity, pre-existing humoral immunity to AAV capsids, and vector dose-dependent toxicity in patients. In the present review, we address the different approaches to improve AAV vectors for gene therapy with a focus on AAV capsid selection and engineering, strategies to overcome anti-AAV immune response, and vector genome design, ending with a glimpse at vector production methods and the current state of recombinant AAV (rAAV) at the clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaury Pupo
- R&D Department, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), 20 T.W. Alexander, Suite 110 RTP, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Audry Fernández
- R&D Department, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), 20 T.W. Alexander, Suite 110 RTP, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Siew Hui Low
- R&D Department, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), 20 T.W. Alexander, Suite 110 RTP, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Achille François
- Viralgen. Parque Tecnológico de Guipuzkoa, Edificio Kuatro, Paseo Mikeletegui, 83, 20009 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Lester Suárez-Amarán
- R&D Department, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), 20 T.W. Alexander, Suite 110 RTP, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Richard Jude Samulski
- R&D Department, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), 20 T.W. Alexander, Suite 110 RTP, Durham, NC 27709, USA,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,Corresponding author: Richard Jude Samulski, R&D Department, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), 20 T.W. Alexander, Suite 110 RTP, NC 27709, USA.
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13
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Cendelin J, Cvetanovic M, Gandelman M, Hirai H, Orr HT, Pulst SM, Strupp M, Tichanek F, Tuma J, Manto M. Consensus Paper: Strengths and Weaknesses of Animal Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Their Clinical Implications. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:452-481. [PMID: 34378174 PMCID: PMC9098367 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) represent a large group of hereditary degenerative diseases of the nervous system, in particular the cerebellum, and other systems that manifest with a variety of progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioral deficits with the leading symptom of cerebellar ataxia. SCAs often lead to severe impairments of the patient's functioning, quality of life, and life expectancy. For SCAs, there are no proven effective pharmacotherapies that improve the symptoms or substantially delay disease progress, i.e., disease-modifying therapies. To study SCA pathogenesis and potential therapies, animal models have been widely used and are an essential part of pre-clinical research. They mainly include mice, but also other vertebrates and invertebrates. Each animal model has its strengths and weaknesses arising from model animal species, type of genetic manipulation, and similarity to human diseases. The types of murine and non-murine models of SCAs, their contribution to the investigation of SCA pathogenesis, pathological phenotype, and therapeutic approaches including their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in this paper. There is a consensus among the panel of experts that (1) animal models represent valuable tools to improve our understanding of SCAs and discover and assess novel therapies for this group of neurological disorders characterized by diverse mechanisms and differential degenerative progressions, (2) thorough phenotypic assessment of individual animal models is required for studies addressing therapeutic approaches, (3) comparative studies are needed to bring pre-clinical research closer to clinical trials, and (4) mouse models complement cellular and invertebrate models which remain limited in terms of clinical translation for complex neurological disorders such as SCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic.
| | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mandi Gandelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Harry T Orr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Stefan M Pulst
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Filip Tichanek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tuma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 75, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- The Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7843, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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14
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Challis RC, Ravindra Kumar S, Chen X, Goertsen D, Coughlin GM, Hori AM, Chuapoco MR, Otis TS, Miles TF, Gradinaru V. Adeno-Associated Virus Toolkit to Target Diverse Brain Cells. Annu Rev Neurosci 2022; 45:447-469. [PMID: 35440143 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-111020-100834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used gene delivery vehicles for neuroscience research. They have two engineerable features: the capsid (outer protein shell) and cargo (encapsulated genome). These features can be modified to enhance cell type or tissue tropism and control transgene expression, respectively. Several engineered AAV capsids with unique tropisms have been identified, including variants with enhanced central nervous system transduction, cell type specificity, and retrograde transport in neurons. Pairing these AAVs with modern gene regulatory elements and state-of-the-art reporter, sensor, and effector cargo enables highly specific transgene expression for anatomical and functional analyses of brain cells and circuits. Here, we discuss recent advances that provide a comprehensive (capsid and cargo) AAV toolkit for genetic access to molecularly defined brain cell types. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 45 is July 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary C Challis
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Gerard M Coughlin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Acacia M Hori
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Miguel R Chuapoco
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Thomas S Otis
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy F Miles
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA;
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15
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Lopez-Gordo E, Orlowski A, Wang A, Weinberg A, Sahoo S, Weber T. Hydroxylation of N-acetylneuraminic Acid Influences the in vivo Tropism of N-linked Sialic Acid-Binding Adeno-Associated Viruses AAV1, AAV5, and AAV6. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:732095. [PMID: 35036407 PMCID: PMC8757481 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.732095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are promising candidates for gene therapy. However, a number of recent preclinical large animal studies failed to translate into the clinic. This illustrates the formidable challenge of choosing the animal models that promise the best chance of a successful translation into the clinic. Several of the most common AAV serotypes use sialic acid (SIA) as their primary receptor. However, in contrast to most mammals, humans lack the enzyme CMAH, which hydroxylates cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac) into cytidine monophosphate-N-glycolylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Gc). As a result, human glycans only contain Neu5Ac and not Neu5Gc. Here, we investigate the tropism of AAV1, 5, 6 and 9 in wild-type C57BL/6J (WT) and CMAH knock-out (CMAH−/−) mice. All N-linked SIA-binding serotypes (AAV1, 5 and 6) showed significantly lower transduction of the heart in CMAH−/− when compared to WT mice (5–5.8-fold) and, strikingly, skeletal muscle transduction by AAV5 was almost 30-fold higher in CMAH−/− compared to WT mice. Importantly, the AAV tropism or distribution of expression among different organs was also affected. For AAV1, AAV5 and AAV6, expression in the heart compared to the liver was 4.6–8-fold higher in WT than in CMAH−/− mice, and for AAV5 the expression in the heart compared to the skeletal muscle was 57.3-fold higher in WT than in CMAH−/− mice. These data thus strongly suggest that the relative abundance of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc plays a role in AAV tropism, and that results obtained in commonly used animal models might not translate into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrella Lopez-Gordo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Alejandro Orlowski
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Arthur Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Alan Weinberg
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Susmita Sahoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Thomas Weber
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Thomas Weber
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16
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Kremer LP, Cerrizuela S, Dehler S, Stiehl T, Weinmann J, Abendroth H, Kleber S, Laure A, El Andari J, Anders S, Marciniak-Czochra A, Grimm D, Martin-Villalba A. High throughput screening of novel AAV capsids identifies variants for transduction of adult NSCs within the subventricular zone. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:33-50. [PMID: 34553001 PMCID: PMC8427210 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The adult mammalian brain entails a reservoir of neural stem cells (NSCs) generating glial cells and neurons. However, NSCs become increasingly quiescent with age, which hampers their regenerative capacity. New means are therefore required to genetically modify adult NSCs for re-enabling endogenous brain repair. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are ideal gene-therapy vectors due to an excellent safety profile and high transduction efficiency. We thus conducted a high-throughput screening of 177 intraventricularly injected barcoded AAV variants profiled by RNA sequencing. Quantification of barcoded AAV mRNAs identified two synthetic capsids, peptide-modified derivative of wild-type AAV9 (AAV9_A2) and peptide-modified derivative of wild-type AAV1 (AAV1_P5), both of which transduce active and quiescent NSCs. Further optimization of AAV1_P5 by judicious selection of the promoter and dose of injected viral genomes enabled labeling of 30%–60% of the NSC compartment, which was validated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses and single-cell RNA sequencing. Importantly, transduced NSCs readily produced neurons. The present study identifies AAV variants with a high regional tropism toward the ventricular-subventricular zone (v-SVZ) with high efficiency in targeting adult NSCs, thereby paving the way for preclinical testing of regenerative gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas P.M. Kremer
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Santiago Cerrizuela
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sascha Dehler
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Stiehl
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing and BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Weinmann
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Abendroth
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kleber
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Laure
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jihad El Andari
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Anders
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Marciniak-Czochra
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing and BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana Martin-Villalba
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Corresponding author: Ana Martin-Villalba, Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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17
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Cui F, Xu Z, Lv Y, Hu J. Role of spindle pole body component 25 in neurodegeneration. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1432. [PMID: 34733984 PMCID: PMC8506722 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Aberrant growth and polarization of microglia are critical for pathological initiation and progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular signals that govern the outgrowth of microglia have not yet been fully determined. Spindle pole body component 25 (SPC25) is an important part for forming NDC80 complex, which plays a key role in the assembly of the microtubule-binding domain of kinetochores. Nevertheless, the role of SPC25 in microglial growth during neurodegeneration has not been described before, and was thus addressed in the current study. Methods We generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype PHP.B carrying short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for SPC25 (shSPC25) under a microglia-specific TMEM119 promoter (AAV-pTMEM-shSPC25). Serotype PHP.B allowed the virus to cross blood-brain barrier, while TMEM119 promoter allowed specific targeting microglia in vitro and in vivo. We intravenously administrated AAV-pTMEM-shSPC25 to AD-prone APP/PS1 male and female mice and determined this effect on microglia proliferation and mouse behavior. Results Depletion of SPC25 did not alter polarization of microglia cell polarization in vitro. On the other hand, AD-prone APP/PS1 mice that had received AAV-pTMEM-shSPC25 significantly decreased SPC25 levels in microglia and attenuated microglia proliferation, resulting in significant improvement of the performance of the mice in behavior tests. Conclusions Specific depletion of SPC25 in microglia may prevent AD development through suppression of microglia outgrowth. SPC25 may be a promising novel target for preventing AD through microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilun Cui
- Department of Urology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yumei Lv
- Department of Health Management Section, Zhenjiang College, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianpeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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18
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Pietersz KL, Plessis FD, Pouw SM, Liefhebber JM, van Deventer SJ, Martens GJM, Konstantinova PS, Blits B. PhP.B Enhanced Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated-Expression Following Systemic Delivery or Direct Brain Administration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:679483. [PMID: 34414171 PMCID: PMC8370029 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.679483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), AAV9 is known for its capability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and can, therefore, be used as a noninvasive method to target the central nervous system. Furthermore, the addition of the peptide PhP.B to AAV9 increases its transduction across the BBB by 40-fold. Another neurotropic serotype, AAV5, has been shown as a gene therapeutic delivery vehicle to ameliorate several neurodegenerative diseases in preclinical models, but its administration requires invasive surgery. In this study, AAV9-PhP.B and AAV5-PhP.B were designed and produced in an insect cell–based system. To AAV9, the PhP.B peptide TLAVPFK was added, whereas in AAV5-PhP.B (AQTLAVPFKAQAQ), with AQ-AQAQ sequences used to swap with the corresponding sequence of AAV5. The addition of PhP.B to AAV5 did not affect its capacity to cross the mouse BBB, while increased transduction of liver tissue was observed. Then, intravenous (IV) and intrastriatal (IStr) delivery of AAV9-PhP.B and AAV5 were compared. For AAV9-PhP.B, similar transduction and expression levels were achieved in the striatum and cortex, irrespective of the delivery method used. IStr administration of AAV5 resulted in significantly higher amounts of vector DNA and therapeutic miRNA in the target regions such as striatum and cortex when compared with an IV administration of AAV9-PhP.B. These results illustrate the challenge in developing a vector that can be delivered noninvasively while achieving a transduction level similar to that of direct administration of AAV5. Thus, for therapeutic miRNA delivery with high local expression requirements, intraparenchymal delivery of AAV5 is preferred, whereas a humanized AAV9-PhP.B may be useful when widespread brain (and peripheral) transduction is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L Pietersz
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Francois Du Plessis
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stephan M Pouw
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M Liefhebber
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gerard J M Martens
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Bas Blits
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
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19
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Kondratov O, Kondratova L, Mandel RJ, Coleman K, Savage MA, Gray-Edwards HL, Ness TJ, Rodriguez-Lebron E, Bell RD, Rabinowitz J, Gamlin PD, Zolotukhin S. A comprehensive study of a 29-capsid AAV library in a non-human primate central nervous system. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2806-2820. [PMID: 34298128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) are a preferred animal model for optimizing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CNS gene delivery protocols before clinical trials. In spite of its inherent appeal, it is challenging to compare different serotypes, delivery routes, and disease indications in a well-powered, comprehensive, multigroup NHP experiment. Here, a multiplex barcode recombinant AAV (rAAV) vector-tracing strategy has been applied to a systemic analysis of 29 distinct, wild-type (WT), AAV natural isolates and engineered capsids in the CNS of eight macaques. The report describes distribution of each capsid in 15 areas of the macaques' CNS after intraparenchymal (putamen) injection, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-mediated administration routes (intracisternal, intrathecal, or intracerebroventricular). To trace the vector biodistribution (viral DNA) and targeted tissues transduction (viral mRNA) of each capsid in each of the analyzed CNS areas, quantitative next-generation sequencing analysis, assisted by the digital-droplet PCR technology, was used. The report describes the most efficient AAV capsid variants targeting specific CNS areas after each route of administration using the direct side-by-side comparison of WT AAV isolates and a new generation of rationally designed capsids. The newly developed bioinformatics and visualization algorithms, applicable to the comparative analysis of several mammalian brain models, have been developed and made available in the public domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Kondratov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Liudmyla Kondratova
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ronald J Mandel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kirsten Coleman
- Powell Gene Therapy Center University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Michael A Savage
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Timothy J Ness
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Robert D Bell
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joseph Rabinowitz
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Paul D Gamlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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20
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Meng Y, Sun D, Qin Y, Dong X, Luo G, Liu Y. Cell-penetrating peptides enhance the transduction of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 in the central nervous system. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:28-41. [PMID: 33768127 PMCID: PMC7960505 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have been widely used in the gene therapy field for decades. However, because of the challenge of effectively delivering rAAV vectors through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), their applications for treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases are quite limited. In this study, we found that several cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can significantly enhance the in vitro transduction efficiency of AAV serotype 9 (AAV9), a promising AAV vector for treatment of CNS diseases, the best of which was the LAH4 peptide. The enhancement of AAV9 transduction by LAH4 relied on binding of the AAV9 capsid to the peptide. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the LAH4 peptide increased the AAV9 transduction in the CNS in vitro and in vivo after systemic administration. Taken together, our results suggest that CPP peptides can interact directly with AAV9 and increase the ability of this AAV vector to cross the BBB, which further induces higher expression of target genes in the brain. Our study will help to improve the applications of AAV gene delivery vectors for the treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yiyan Qin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Xiaoyi Dong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Guangzuo Luo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Corresponding author: Guangzuo Luo, Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Corresponding author: Ying Liu, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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21
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Pickering CA, Mazarakis ND. Viral Vector Delivery of DREADDs for CNS Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:191-206. [PMID: 33573551 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210211102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are genetically modified G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), that can be activated by a synthetic ligand which is otherwise inert at endogenous receptors. DREADDs can be expressed in cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and subsequently offer the opportunity for remote and reversible silencing or activation of the target cells when the synthetic ligand is systemically administered. In neuroscience, DREADDs have thus far shown to be useful tools for several areas of research and offer considerable potential for the development of gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders. However, in order to design a DREADD-based gene therapy, it is necessary to first evaluate the viral vector delivery methods utilised in the literature to deliver these chemogenetic tools. This review evaluates each of the prominent strategies currently utilised for DREADD delivery, discussing their respective advantages and limitations. We focus on adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based and lentivirus-based systems, and the manipulation of these through cell-type specific promoters and pseudotyping. Furthermore, we address how virally mediated DREADD delivery could be improved in order to make it a viable gene therapy strategy and thus expand its translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceri A Pickering
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D Mazarakis
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Jin J, Guo J, Cai H, Zhao C, Wang H, Liu Z, Ge ZM. M2-Like Microglia Polarization Attenuates Neuropathic Pain Associated with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1255-1265. [PMID: 32280102 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Many Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients suffer from persistent neuropathic pain (NP), which is mediated, at least partially, but microglia. Nevertheless, the exact underlying mechanism is unknown. Moreover, a clinically translatable approach through modulating microglia for treating AD-associated NP is not available. Here, in a doxycycline-induced mouse model (rTg4510) for AD, we showed development of NP. We found that the total number of microglia in the CA3 region was not increased, but polarized to pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype, with concomitant increases in production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. To examine whether this microglia polarization plays an essential role in the AD-associated NP, we generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype PHP.B (capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier) carrying shRNA for DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) under a microglia-specific TMEM119 promoter (AAV-pTMEM119-shDNMT1), which specifically targeted microglia and induced a M2-like polarization in vitro and in vivo in doxycycline-treated rTg4510 mice. Intravenous infusion of AAV-pTMEM119-shDNMT1 induced M2-polarization of microglia and attenuated both AD-associated behavior impairment but also NP in the doxycycline-treated rTg4510 mice. Thus, our data suggest that AD-associated NP may be treated through M2-polarization of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jin
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Cai
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chongchong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Ming Ge
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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23
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Mitochondrial targeted meganuclease as a platform to eliminate mutant mtDNA in vivo. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3210. [PMID: 34050192 PMCID: PMC8163834 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23561-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutations have no effective treatment or cure. In recent years, DNA editing enzymes were tested as tools to eliminate mutant mtDNA in heteroplasmic cells and tissues. Mitochondrial-targeted restriction endonucleases, ZFNs, and TALENs have been successful in shifting mtDNA heteroplasmy, but they all have drawbacks as gene therapy reagents, including: large size, heterodimeric nature, inability to distinguish single base changes, or low flexibility and effectiveness. Here we report the adaptation of a gene editing platform based on the I-CreI meganuclease known as ARCUS®. These mitochondrial-targeted meganucleases (mitoARCUS) have a relatively small size, are monomeric, and can recognize sequences differing by as little as one base pair. We show the development of a mitoARCUS specific for the mouse m.5024C>T mutation in the mt-tRNAAla gene and its delivery to mice intravenously using AAV9 as a vector. Liver and skeletal muscle show robust elimination of mutant mtDNA with concomitant restoration of mt-tRNAAla levels. We conclude that mitoARCUS is a potential powerful tool for the elimination of mutant mtDNA. Heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutations lack effective treatments. Here the authors adapt I-CreI meganuclease to target the mitochondria and specifically-eliminate mtDNA with a m.5024C>T mutation in the mttRNA Ala gene.
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24
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Smith EJ, Farshim PP, Flomen R, Jones ST, McAteer SJ, Deverman BE, Gradinaru V, Bates GP. Use of high-content imaging to quantify transduction of AAV-PHP viruses in the brain following systemic delivery. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab105. [PMID: 34131644 PMCID: PMC8200048 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The engineering of the AAV-PHP capsids was an important development for CNS research and the modulation of gene expression in the brain. They cross the blood brain barrier and transduce brain cells after intravenous systemic delivery, a property dependent on the genotype of Ly6a, the AAV-PHP capsid receptor. It is important to determine the transduction efficiency of a given viral preparation, as well as the comparative tropism for different brain cells; however, manual estimation of adeno-associated viral transduction efficiencies can be biased and time consuming. Therefore, we have used the Opera Phenix high-content screening system, equipped with the Harmony processing and analysis software, to reduce bias and develop an automated approach to determining transduction efficiency in the mouse brain. We used R Studio and 'gatepoints' to segment the data captured from coronal brain sections into brain regions of interest. C57BL/6J and CBA/Ca mice were injected with an AAV-PHP.B virus containing a green fluorescent protein reporter with a nuclear localization signal. Coronal sections at 600 μm intervals throughout the entire brain were stained with Hoechst dye, combined with immunofluorescence to NeuN and green fluorescent protein to identify all cell nuclei, neurons and transduced cells, respectively. Automated data analysis was applied to give an estimate of neuronal percentages and transduction efficiencies throughout the entire brain as well as for the cortex, striatum and hippocampus. The data from each coronal section from a given mouse were highly comparable. The percentage of neurons in the C57BL/6J and CBA/Ca brains was approximately 40% and this was higher in the cortex than striatum and hippocampus. The systemic injection of AAV-PHP.B resulted in similar transduction rates across the entire brain for C57BL/6J mice. Approximately 10-15% of all cells were transduced, with neuronal transduction efficiencies ranging from 5% to 15%, estimates that were similar across brain regions, and were in contrast to the much more localized transduction efficiencies achieved through intracerebral injection. We confirmed that the delivery of the AAV-PHP.B viruses to the brain from the vasculature resulted in widespread transduction. Our methodology allows the rapid comparison of transduction rates between brain regions producing comparable data to more time-consuming approaches. The methodology developed here can be applied to the automated quantification of any parameter of interest that can be captured as a fluorescent signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Smith
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Pamela P Farshim
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rachel Flomen
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Samuel T Jones
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sean J McAteer
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- The Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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25
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Sinnett SE, Boyle E, Lyons C, Gray SJ. Engineered microRNA-based regulatory element permits safe high-dose miniMECP2 gene therapy in Rett mice. Brain 2021; 144:3005-3019. [PMID: 33950254 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MECP2 gene transfer has been shown to extend the survival of Mecp2-/y knockout (KO) mice modeling Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder. However, controlling deleterious overexpression of MeCP2 remains the critical unmet obstacle towards a safe and effective gene therapy approach for RTT. A recently developed truncated miniMECP2 gene has also been shown to be therapeutic after AAV9-mediated gene transfer in KO neonates. We show that AAV9/miniMECP2 has a similar dose-dependent toxicity profile to that of a published second-generation AAV9/MECP2 vector after treatment in adolescent mice. To overcome that toxicity, we developed a risk-driven viral genome design strategy rooted in high-throughput profiling and genome mining to rationally develop a compact, synthetic miRNA target panel (miR-Responsive Auto-Regulatory Element, "miRARE") to minimize the possibility of miniMECP2 transgene overexpression in the context of RTT gene therapy. The goal of miRARE is to have a built-in inhibitory element responsive to MeCP2 overexpression. The data provided herein show that insertion of miRARE into the miniMECP2 gene expression cassette greatly improved the safety of miniMECP2 gene transfer without compromising efficacy. Importantly, this built-in regulation system does not require any additional exogenous drug application, and no miRNAs are expressed from the transgene cassette. Although broad applications of miRARE have yet to be determined, the design of miRARE suggests a potential use in gene therapy approaches for other dose-sensitive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Sinnett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Emily Boyle
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Christopher Lyons
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
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26
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O'Carroll SJ, Cook WH, Young D. AAV Targeting of Glial Cell Types in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Relevance to Human Gene Therapy. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:618020. [PMID: 33505247 PMCID: PMC7829478 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.618020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different glial cell types are found throughout the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), where they have important functions. These cell types are also involved in nervous system pathology, playing roles in neurodegenerative disease and following trauma in the brain and spinal cord (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), nerve degeneration and development of pain in peripheral nerves (Schwann cells, satellite cells), retinal diseases (Müller glia) and gut dysbiosis (enteric glia). These cell type have all been proposed as potential targets for treating these conditions. One approach to target these cell types is the use of gene therapy to modify gene expression. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been shown to be safe and effective in targeting cells in the nervous system and have been used in a number of clinical trials. To date, a number of studies have tested the use of different AAV serotypes and cell-specific promoters to increase glial cell tropism and expression. However, true glial-cell specific targeting for a particular glial cell type remains elusive. This review provides an overview of research into developing glial specific gene therapy and discusses some of the issues that still need to be addressed to make glial cell gene therapy a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J O'Carroll
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William H Cook
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Young
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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27
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Reynaud-Dulaurier R, Decressac M. PHP.B/eB Vectors Bring New Successes to Gene Therapy for Brain Diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:582979. [PMID: 33178675 PMCID: PMC7593648 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.582979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Decressac
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
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28
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Silva-Pinheiro P, Cerutti R, Luna-Sanchez M, Zeviani M, Viscomi C. A Single Intravenous Injection of AAV-PHP.B- hNDUFS4 Ameliorates the Phenotype of Ndufs4 -/- Mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:1071-1078. [PMID: 32478122 PMCID: PMC7248291 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leigh syndrome, or infantile necrotizing subacute encephalopathy (OMIM #256000), is one of the most common manifestations of mitochondrial dysfunction, due to mutations in more than 75 genes, with mutations in respiratory complex I subunits being the most common cause. In the present study, we used the recently described PHP.B serotype, characterized by efficient capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, to express the hNDUFS4 gene in the Ndufs4 -/- mouse model of Leigh disease. A single intravenous injection of PHP.B-hNDUFS4 in adult Ndufs4 -/- mice led to a normalization of the body weight, marked amelioration of the rotarod performance, delayed onset of neurodegeneration, and prolongation of the lifespan up to 1 year of age. hNDUFS4 protein was expressed in virtually all brain regions, leading to a partial recovery of complex I activity. Our findings strongly support the feasibility and effectiveness of adeno-associated viral vector (AAV)-mediated gene therapy for mitochondrial disease, particularly with new serotypes showing increased permeability to the blood-brain barrier in order to achieve widespread expression in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Silva-Pinheiro
- MRC/University of Cambridge Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Raffaele Cerutti
- MRC/University of Cambridge Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Marta Luna-Sanchez
- MRC/University of Cambridge Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Massimo Zeviani
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Viscomi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
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29
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Reynaud-Dulaurier R, Benegiamo G, Marrocco E, Al-Tannir R, Surace EM, Auwerx J, Decressac M. Gene replacement therapy provides benefit in an adult mouse model of Leigh syndrome. Brain 2020; 143:1686-1696. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Mutations in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes are responsible for a broad spectrum of disorders among which Leigh syndrome is the most common in infancy. No effective therapies are available for this severe disease mainly because of the limited capabilities of the standard adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to transduce both peripheral organs and the CNS when injected systemically in adults. Here, we used the brain-penetrating AAV-PHP.B vector to reinstate gene expression in the Ndufs4 knockout mouse model of Leigh syndrome. Intravenous delivery of an AAV.PHP.B-Ndufs4 vector in 1-month-old knockout mice restored mitochondrial complex I activity in several organs including the CNS. This gene replacement strategy extended lifespan, rescued metabolic parameters, provided behavioural improvement, and corrected the pathological phenotype in the brain, retina, and heart of Ndufs4 knockout mice. These results provide a robust proof that gene therapy strategies targeting multiple organs can rescue fatal neurometabolic disorders with CNS involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Reynaud-Dulaurier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Giorgia Benegiamo
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Racha Al-Tannir
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Decressac
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
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30
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Multiplexed Cre-dependent selection yields systemic AAVs for targeting distinct brain cell types. Nat Methods 2020; 17:541-550. [PMID: 32313222 PMCID: PMC7219404 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-0799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are efficient gene delivery vectors via intravenous delivery; however, natural serotypes display a finite set of tropisms. To expand their utility, we evolved AAV capsids to efficiently transduce specific cell types in adult mouse brains. Building upon our Cre-recombination-based AAV targeted evolution (CREATE) platform, we developed Multiplexed-CREATE (M-CREATE) to identify variants of interest in a given selection landscape through multiple positive and negative selection criteria. M-CREATE incorporates next-generation sequencing, synthetic library generation and a dedicated analysis pipeline. We have identified capsid variants that can transduce the central nervous system broadly, exhibit bias toward vascular cells and astrocytes, target neurons with greater specificity or cross the blood-brain barrier across diverse murine strains. Collectively, the M-CREATE methodology accelerates the discovery of capsids for use in neuroscience and gene-therapy applications.
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31
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Membrane fusion FerA domains enhance adeno-associated virus vector transduction. Biomaterials 2020; 241:119906. [PMID: 32114218 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector has been successfully employed in clinical trials for patients with blindness and bleeding diseases as well as neuromuscular disorders. To date, it remains a major challenge to achieve higher transduction efficiency with a lower dose of rAAV vector. Our previous studies have demonstrated that serum proteins are able to directly interact with AAV virions for transduction enhancement. Herein, we explored the effect of the FerA domains, which are derived from ferlin proteins and possess membrane-fusion activity, on AAV transduction. Our results show that FerA domains from dysferlin, myoferlin, and otoferlin proteins are able to directly interact with AAV vectors and enhance AAV transduction in vitro and in mice through either intravenous or intramuscular injections. The enhanced AAV transduction induced by human/mouse FerA domains is achieved in various cell lines and in mice regardless of AAV serotypes. Mechanism studies demonstrated that the FerA domains could effectively enhance the ability of AAV vectors to bind to target cells and cross the vascular barrier. Additionally, FerA domains slow down the blood clearance of AAV. Systemic administration of AAV8/hFIX-FerA complex induced approximate 4-fold more human coagulation factor IX expression and improved hemostasis in hemophilia B mice than that of AAV8/hFIX. Collectively, we show, for the first time, that multiple FerA domains could be tethered on the AAV capsid and enhance widespread tissue distribution in an AAV serotypes-independent manner. This approach therefore holds a promise for future clinical application.
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32
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Pre-arrayed Pan-AAV Peptide Display Libraries for Rapid Single-Round Screening. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1016-1032. [PMID: 32105604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Display of short peptides on the surface of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) is a powerful technology for the generation of gene therapy vectors with altered cell specificities and/or transduction efficiencies. Following its extensive prior use in the best characterized AAV serotype 2 (AAV2), recent reports also indicate the potential of other AAV isolates as scaffolds for peptide display. In this study, we systematically explored the respective capacities of 13 different AAV capsid variants to tolerate 27 peptides inserted on the surface followed by production of reporter-encoding vectors. Single-round screening in pre-arrayed 96-well plates permitted rapid and simple identification of superior vectors in >90 cell types, including T cells and primary cells. Notably, vector performance depended not only on the combination of capsid, peptide, and cell type, but also on the position of the inserted peptide and the nature of flanking residues. For optimal data availability and accessibility, all results were assembled in a searchable online database offering multiple output styles. Finally, we established a reverse-transduction pipeline based on vector pre-spotting in 96- or 384-well plates that facilitates high-throughput library panning. Our comprehensive illustration of the vast potential of alternative AAV capsids for peptide display should accelerate their in vivo screening and application as unique gene therapy vectors.
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33
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Zengel J, Carette JE. Structural and cellular biology of adeno-associated virus attachment and entry. Adv Virus Res 2020; 106:39-84. [PMID: 32327148 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a nonenveloped, ssDNA virus in the parvovirus family, which has become one of the leading candidate vectors for human gene therapy. AAV has been studied extensively to identify host cellular factors involved in infection, as well as to identify capsid variants that confer clinically favorable transduction profiles ex vivo and in vivo. Recent advances in technology have allowed for direct genetic approaches to be used to more comprehensively characterize host factors required for AAV infection and allowed for identification of a critical multi-serotype receptor, adeno-associated virus receptor (AAVR). In this chapter, we will discuss the interactions of AAV with its glycan and proteinaceous receptors and describe the host and viral components involved in AAV entry, which requires cellular attachment, endocytosis, trafficking to the trans-Golgi network and nuclear import. AAV serves as a paradigm for entry of nonenveloped viruses. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential of utilizing our increased understanding of virus-host interactions during AAV entry to develop better AAV-based therapeutics, with a focus on host factors and capsid interactions involved in in vivo tropism.
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34
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Hanlon KS, Meltzer JC, Buzhdygan T, Cheng MJ, Sena-Esteves M, Bennett RE, Sullivan TP, Razmpour R, Gong Y, Ng C, Nammour J, Maiz D, Dujardin S, Ramirez SH, Hudry E, Maguire CA. Selection of an Efficient AAV Vector for Robust CNS Transgene Expression. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 15:320-332. [PMID: 31788496 PMCID: PMC6881693 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid libraries have generated improved transgene delivery vectors. We designed an AAV library construct, iTransduce, that combines a peptide library on the AAV9 capsid with a Cre cassette to enable sensitive detection of transgene expression. After only two selection rounds of the library delivered intravenously in transgenic mice carrying a Cre-inducible fluorescent protein, we flow sorted fluorescent cells from brain, and DNA sequencing revealed two dominant capsids. One of the capsids, termed AAV-F, mediated transgene expression in the brain cortex more than 65-fold (astrocytes) and 171-fold (neurons) higher than the parental AAV9. High transduction efficiency was sex-independent and sustained in two mouse strains (C57BL/6 and BALB/c), making it a highly useful capsid for CNS transduction of mice. Future work in large animal models will test the translation potential of AAV-F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian S Hanlon
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonah C Meltzer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Tetyana Buzhdygan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Shriners Hospital's Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ming J Cheng
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Rachel E Bennett
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Timothy P Sullivan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Shriners Hospital's Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Roshanak Razmpour
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Shriners Hospital's Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Yi Gong
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Carrie Ng
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Josette Nammour
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniela Maiz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Simon Dujardin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Servio H Ramirez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Shriners Hospital's Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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