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Colella P, Sayana R, Suarez-Nieto MV, Sarno J, Nyame K, Xiong J, Pimentel Vera LN, Arozqueta Basurto J, Corbo M, Limaye A, Davis KL, Abu-Remaileh M, Gomez-Ospina N. CNS-wide repopulation by hematopoietic-derived microglia-like cells corrects progranulin deficiency in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5654. [PMID: 38969669 PMCID: PMC11226701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can deliver therapeutic proteins to the central nervous system (CNS) through transplant-derived microglia-like cells. However, current conditioning approaches result in low and slow engraftment of transplanted cells in the CNS. Here we optimized a brain conditioning regimen that leads to rapid, robust, and persistent microglia replacement without adverse effects on neurobehavior or hematopoiesis. This regimen combines busulfan myeloablation and six days of Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX3397. Single-cell analyses revealed unappreciated heterogeneity of microglia-like cells with most cells expressing genes characteristic of homeostatic microglia, brain-border-associated macrophages, and unique markers. Cytokine analysis in the CNS showed transient inductions of myeloproliferative and chemoattractant cytokines that help repopulate the microglia niche. Bone marrow transplant of progranulin-deficient mice conditioned with busulfan and PLX3397 restored progranulin in the brain and eyes and normalized brain lipofuscin storage, proteostasis, and lipid metabolism. This study advances our understanding of CNS repopulation by hematopoietic-derived cells and demonstrates its therapeutic potential for treating progranulin-dependent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualina Colella
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Ruhi Sayana
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Jolanda Sarno
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Kwamina Nyame
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- The Institute for Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health (Sarafan ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jian Xiong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- The Institute for Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health (Sarafan ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | | | - Marco Corbo
- MedGenome, Inc, 348 Hatch Dr, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Anay Limaye
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- MedGenome, Inc, 348 Hatch Dr, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Kara L Davis
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant, and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Monther Abu-Remaileh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- The Institute for Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health (Sarafan ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Natalia Gomez-Ospina
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Seclen E, Jang JC, Lawal AO, Pulicani S, Boyne A, Tkach D, Juillerat A, Duchateau P, Valton J. TALEN-mediated intron editing of HSPCs enables transgene expression restricted to the myeloid lineage. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1643-1657. [PMID: 38582963 PMCID: PMC11184328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) shows great potential for the treatment of inborn metabolic diseases. Typical HSPC gene therapy approaches rely on constitutive promoters to express a therapeutic transgene, which is associated with multiple disadvantages. Here, we propose a novel promoterless intronic gene editing approach that triggers transgene expression only after cellular differentiation into the myeloid lineage. We integrated a splicing-competent eGFP cassette into the first intron of CD11b and observed expression of eGFP in the myeloid lineage but minimal to no expression in HSPCs or differentiated non-myeloid lineages. In vivo, edited HSPCs successfully engrafted in immunodeficient mice and displayed transgene expression in the myeloid compartment of multiple tissues. Using the same approach, we expressed alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA), the defective enzyme in Mucopolysaccharidosis type I, and observed a 10-fold supraendogenous IDUA expression exclusively after myeloid differentiation. Edited cells efficiently populated bone marrow, blood, and spleen of immunodeficient mice, and retained the capacity to secrete IDUA ex vivo. Importantly, cells edited with the eGFP and IDUA transgenes were also found in the brain. This approach may unlock new therapeutic strategies for inborn metabolic and neurological diseases that require the delivery of therapeutics in brain.
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Anwar MM, Pérez-Martínez L, Pedraza-Alva G. Exploring the Significance of Microglial Phenotypes and Morphological Diversity in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Mechanisms to Potential Therapeutic Targets. Immunol Invest 2024:1-56. [PMID: 38836373 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2024.2358446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Studying various microglial phenotypes and their functions in neurodegenerative diseases is crucial due to the intricate nature of their phenomics and their vital immunological role. Microglia undergo substantial phenomic changes, encompassing morphological, transcriptional, and functional aspects, resulting in distinct cell types with diverse structures, functions, properties, and implications. The traditional classification of microglia as ramified, M1 (proinflammatory), or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes is overly simplistic, failing to capture the wide range of recently identified microglial phenotypes in various brain regions affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Altered and activated microglial phenotypes deviating from the typical ramified structure are significant features of many neurodegenerative conditions. Understanding the precise role of each microglial phenotype is intricate and sometimes contradictory. This review specifically focuses on elucidating recent modifications in microglial phenotypes within neurodegenerative diseases. Recognizing the heterogeneity of microglial phenotypes in diseased states can unveil novel therapeutic strategies for targeting microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the exploration of the use of healthy isolated microglia to mitigate disease progression has provided an innovative perspective. In conclusion, this review discusses the dynamic landscape of mysterious microglial phenotypes, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding to pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai M Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR)/Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Leonor Pérez-Martínez
- Neuroimmunobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Pedraza-Alva
- Neuroimmunobiology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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Luo EY, Sugimura RR. Taming microglia: the promise of engineered microglia in treating neurological diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:19. [PMID: 38212785 PMCID: PMC10785527 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the CNS-resident immune cells, are implicated in many neurological diseases. Nearly one in six of the world's population suffers from neurological disorders, encompassing neurodegenerative and neuroautoimmune diseases, most with dysregulated neuroinflammation involved. Activated microglia become phagocytotic and secret various immune molecules, which are mediators of the brain immune microenvironment. Given their ability to penetrate through the blood-brain barrier in the neuroinflammatory context and their close interaction with neurons and other glial cells, microglia are potential therapeutic delivery vehicles and modulators of neuronal activity. Re-engineering microglia to treat neurological diseases is, thus, increasingly gaining attention. By altering gene expression, re-programmed microglia can be utilized to deliver therapeutics to targeted sites and control neuroinflammation in various neuroinflammatory diseases. This review addresses the current development in microglial engineering, including genetic targeting and therapeutic modulation. Furthermore, we discuss limitations to the genetic engineering techniques and models used to test the functionality of re-engineered microglia, including cell culture and animal models. Finally, we will discuss future directions for the application of engineered microglia in treating neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Echo Yongqi Luo
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Rio Ryohichi Sugimura
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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Catalano F, Vlaar EC, Katsavelis D, Dammou Z, Huizer TF, van den Bosch JC, Hoogeveen-Westerveld M, van den Hout HJ, Oussoren E, Ruijter GJ, Schaaf G, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJ, van der Ploeg AT, Pijnappel WP. Tagged IDS causes efficient and engraftment-independent prevention of brain pathology during lentiviral gene therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis type II. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101149. [PMID: 38033460 PMCID: PMC10684800 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (OMIM 309900) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) deficiency and accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, leading to progressive neurodegeneration. As intravenously infused enzyme replacement therapy cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), it fails to treat brain pathology, highlighting the unmet medical need to develop alternative therapies. Here, we test modified versions of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC)-mediated lentiviral gene therapy (LVGT) using IDS tagging in combination with the ubiquitous MND promoter to optimize efficacy in brain and to investigate its mechanism of action. We find that IDS tagging with IGF2 or ApoE2, but not RAP12x2, improves correction of brain heparan sulfate and neuroinflammation at clinically relevant vector copy numbers. HSPC-derived cells engrafted in brain show efficiencies highest in perivascular areas, lower in choroid plexus and meninges, and lowest in parenchyma. Importantly, the efficacy of correction was independent of the number of brain-engrafted cells. These results indicate that tagged versions of IDS can outperform untagged IDS in HSPC-LVGT for the correction of brain pathology in MPS II, and they imply both cell-mediated and tag-mediated correction mechanisms, including passage across the BBB and increased uptake, highlighting their potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Catalano
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Eva C. Vlaar
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Drosos Katsavelis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Zina Dammou
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa F. Huizer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C. van den Bosch
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Marianne Hoogeveen-Westerveld
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Hannerieke J.M.P. van den Hout
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Esmeralda Oussoren
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - George J.G. Ruijter
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Gerben Schaaf
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J.T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Ans T. van der Ploeg
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - W.W.M. Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
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