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Karvouni M, Vidal-Manrique M, Susek KH, Hussain A, Gilljam M, Zhang Y, Gray JD, Lund J, Kaufmann G, Ljunggren HG, Ji H, Lundqvist A, Wagner AK, Guo W, Alici E. Challenges in αCD38-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy in multiple myeloma: Harnessing the CD38dim phenotype of cytokine-stimulated NK cells as a strategy to prevent fratricide. Cytotherapy 2023:S1465-3249(23)00068-3. [PMID: 37055320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing natural killer (NK) cells is an emerging approach that holds promise in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the generation of CAR-NK cells targeting CD38 is met with obstacles due to the expression of CD38 on NK cells. Knock-out of CD38 is currently explored as a strategy, although the consequences of the lack of CD38 expression with regards to engraftment and activity in the bone marrow microenvironment are not fully elucidated. Here, we present an alternative approach by harnessing the CD38dim phenotype occurring during long-term cytokine stimulation of primary NK cells. METHODS Primary NK cells were expanded from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by long-term IL-2 stimulation. During expansion, the CD38 expression was monitored in order to identify a time point when introduction of a novel affinity-optimized αCD38-CAR confered optimal viability, i.e. prevented fratricide. CD38dim NK cells were trasduced with retroviral vectors encoding for the CAR trasngene and their functionality was assessed in in vitro activation and cytotoxicity assays. RESULTS We verified the functionality of the αCD38-CAR-NK cells against CD38+ cell lines and primary MM cells. Importantly, we demonstrated that αCD38-CAR-NK cells derived from patients with MM have increased activity against autologous MM samples ex vivo. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results highlight that incorporation of a functional αCD38-CAR construct into a suitable NK-cell expansion and activation protocol results in a potent and feasible immunotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karvouni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcos Vidal-Manrique
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katharina H Susek
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alamdar Hussain
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mari Gilljam
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - J Dixon Gray
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Johan Lund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henry Ji
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arnika K Wagner
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wenzhong Guo
- Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Birtel M, Voss RH, Reinhard K, Rengstl B, Ouchan Y, Michel K, Hayduk N, Tillmann B, Becker R, Suchan M, Theobald M, Oehm P, Türeci Ö, Sahin U. A TCR-like CAR Promotes Sensitive Antigen Recognition and Controlled T-cell Expansion Upon mRNA Vaccination. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:827-841. [PMID: 36923303 PMCID: PMC10010320 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are efficacious in patients with B-cell malignancies, while their activity is limited in patients with solid tumors. We developed a novel heterodimeric TCR-like CAR (TCAR) designed to achieve optimal chain pairing and integration into the T-cell CD3 signaling complex. The TCAR mediated high antigen sensitivity and potent antigen-specific T-cell effector functions in short-term in vitro assays. Both persistence and functionality of TCAR T cells were augmented by provision of costimulatory signals, which improved proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Combination with a nanoparticulate RNA vaccine, developed for in vivo expansion of CAR T cells, promoted tightly controlled expansion, survival, and antitumor efficacy of TCAR T cells in vivo. Significance A novel TCAR is tightly controlled by RNA vaccine-mediated costimulation and may provide an alternative to second-generation CARs for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Birtel
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ralf-Holger Voss
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
- Department of Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Reinhard
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rengstl
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yasmina Ouchan
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristina Michel
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nina Hayduk
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bodo Tillmann
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
| | - René Becker
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Suchan
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Theobald
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center (UMC) of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Petra Oehm
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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3
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Steffin DHM, Muhsen IN, Hill LC, Ramos CA, Ahmed N, Hegde M, Wang T, Wu M, Gottschalk S, Whittle SB, Lulla PD, Mamonkin M, Omer B, Rouce RH, Heczey A, Metelitsa LS, Grilley BJ, Robertson C, Torrano V, Lapteva N, Gee AP, Rooney CM, Brenner MK, Heslop HE. Long-term follow-up for the development of subsequent malignancies in patients treated with genetically modified IECs. Blood 2022; 140:16-24. [PMID: 35325065 PMCID: PMC9346960 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022015728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Subsequent malignancies are well-documented complications in long-term follow-up of cancer patients. Recently, genetically modified immune effector (IE) cells have shown benefit in hematologic malignancies and are being evaluated in clinical trials for solid tumors. Although the short-term complications of IE cells are well described, there is limited literature summarizing long-term follow-up, including subsequent malignancies. We retrospectively reviewed data from 340 patients treated across 27 investigator-initiated pediatric and adult clinical trials at our center. All patients received IE cells genetically modified with γ-retroviral vectors to treat relapsed and/or refractory hematologic or solid malignancies. In a cumulative 1027 years of long-term follow-up, 13 patients (3.8%) developed another cancer with a total of 16 events (4 hematologic malignancies and 12 solid tumors). The 5-year cumulative incidence of a first subsequent malignancy in the recipients of genetically modified IE cells was 3.6% (95% confidence interval, 1.8% to 6.4%). For 11 of the 16 subsequent tumors, biopsies were available, and no sample was transgene positive by polymerase chain reaction. Replication-competent retrovirus testing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was negative in the 13 patients with subsequent malignancies tested. Rates of subsequent malignancy were low and comparable to standard chemotherapy. These results suggest that the administration of IE cells genetically modified with γ retroviral vectors does not increase the risk for subsequent malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H M Steffin
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | | | - LaQuisa C Hill
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Carlos A Ramos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Nabil Ahmed
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Meenakshi Hegde
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Tao Wang
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; and
| | - Mengfen Wu
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; and
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Sarah B Whittle
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Premal D Lulla
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Maksim Mamonkin
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Bilal Omer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Rayne H Rouce
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Andras Heczey
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Leonid S Metelitsa
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Bambi J Grilley
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Catherine Robertson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Virginia Torrano
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Natalia Lapteva
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Adrian P Gee
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Cliona M Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Malcolm K Brenner
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Helen E Heslop
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; and
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4
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Karvouni M, Vidal-Manrique M, Lundqvist A, Alici E. Engineered NK Cells Against Cancer and Their Potential Applications Beyond. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825979. [PMID: 35242135 PMCID: PMC8887605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative therapeutic concept where viable cells are implanted, infused, or grafted into a patient to treat impaired or malignant tissues. The term was first introduced circa the 19th century and has since resulted in multiple breakthroughs in different fields of medicine, such as neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Lately, cell and gene therapy are merging to provide cell products with additional or enhanced properties. In this context, adoptive transfer of genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes has emerged as a novel treatment option for cancer patients. To this day, five cell therapy products have been FDA approved, four of which for CD19-positive malignancies and one for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-positive malignancies. These are personalized immunotherapies where patient T cells are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with the aim to redirect the cells against tumor-specific antigens. CAR-T cell therapies show impressive objective response rates in clinical trials that, in certain instances, may reach up to 80%. However, the life-threatening side effects associated with T cell toxicity and the manufacturing difficulties of developing personalized therapies hamper their widespread use. Recent literature suggests that Natural Killer (NK) cells, may provide a safer alternative and an 'off-the-shelf' treatment option thanks to their potent antitumor properties and relatively short lifespan. Here, we will discuss the potential of NK cells in CAR-based therapies focusing on the applications of CAR-NK cells in cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karvouni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcos Vidal-Manrique
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Tan E, Chin CSH, Lim ZFS, Ng SK. HEK293 Cell Line as a Platform to Produce Recombinant Proteins and Viral Vectors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:796991. [PMID: 34966729 PMCID: PMC8711270 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.796991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal cell-based expression platforms enable the production of complex biomolecules such as recombinant proteins and viral vectors. Although most biotherapeutics are produced in animal cell lines, production in human cell lines is expanding. One important advantage of using human cell lines is the increased potential that the resulting biotherapeutics would carry more “human-like” post-translational modifications. Among the human cell lines, HEK293 is widely utilized due to its high transfectivity, rapid growth rate, and ability to grow in a serum-free, suspension culture. In this review, we discuss the use of HEK293 cells and its subtypes in the production of biotherapeutics. We also compare their usage against other commonly used host cell lines in each category of biotherapeutics and summarise the factors influencing the choice of host cell lines used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Tan
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cara Sze Hui Chin
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhi Feng Sherman Lim
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Say Kong Ng
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Arnaud M, Bobisse S, Chiffelle J, Harari A. The Promise of Personalized TCR-Based Cellular Immunotherapy for Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2021; 12:701636. [PMID: 34394096 PMCID: PMC8363295 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.701636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation-derived neoantigens are now established as attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy. The field of adoptive T cell transfer (ACT) therapy was significantly reshaped by tumor neoantigens and is now moving towards the genetic engineering of T cells with neoantigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs). Yet, the identification of neoantigen-reactive TCRs remains challenging and the process needs to be adapted to clinical timelines. In addition, the state of recipient T cells for TCR transduction is critical and can affect TCR-ACT efficacy. Here we provide an overview of the main strategies for TCR-engineering, describe the selection and expansion of optimal carrier cells for TCR-ACT and discuss the next-generation methods for rapid identification of relevant TCR candidates for gene transfer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Arnaud
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Bobisse
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Chiffelle
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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7
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Bouazzaoui A, Abdellatif AAH, Al-Allaf FA, Bogari NM, Al-Dehlawi S, Qari SH. Strategies for Vaccination: Conventional Vaccine Approaches Versus New-Generation Strategies in Combination with Adjuvants. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020140. [PMID: 33499096 PMCID: PMC7911318 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has raised significant economic, social, and psychological concerns. The rapid spread of the virus, coupled with the absence of vaccines and antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2, has galvanized a major global endeavor to develop effective vaccines. Within a matter of just a few months of the initial outbreak, research teams worldwide, adopting a range of different strategies, embarked on a quest to develop effective vaccine that could be effectively used to suppress this virulent pathogen. In this review, we describe conventional approaches to vaccine development, including strategies employing proteins, peptides, and attenuated or inactivated pathogens in combination with adjuvants (including genetic adjuvants). We also present details of the novel strategies that were adopted by different research groups to successfully transfer recombinantly expressed antigens while using viral vectors (adenoviral and retroviral) and non-viral delivery systems, and how recently developed methods have been applied in order to produce vaccines that are based on mRNA, self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), and trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA). Moreover, we discuss the methods that are being used to enhance mRNA stability and protein production, the advantages and disadvantages of different methods, and the challenges that are encountered during the development of effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellatif Bouazzaoui
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.-A.); (N.M.B.)
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Faisal A. Al-Allaf
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.-A.); (N.M.B.)
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank, Molecular Diagnostics Unit, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neda M. Bogari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.-A.); (N.M.B.)
| | | | - Sameer H. Qari
- Biology Department, Aljumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
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8
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Gödecke N, Herrmann S, Hauser H, Mayer-Bartschmid A, Trautwein M, Wirth D. Rational Design of Single Copy Expression Cassettes in Defined Chromosomal Sites Overcomes Intraclonal Cell-to-Cell Expression Heterogeneity and Ensures Robust Antibody Production. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:145-157. [PMID: 33382574 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The expression of endogenous genes as well as transgenes depends on regulatory elements within and surrounding genes as well as their epigenetic modifications. Members of a cloned cell population often show pronounced cell-to-cell heterogeneity with respect to the expression of a certain gene. To investigate the heterogeneity of recombinant protein expression we targeted cassettes into two preselected chromosomal hot-spots in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Depending on the gene of interest and the design of the expression cassette, we found strong expression variability that could be reduced by epigenetic modifiers, but not by site-specific recruitment of the modulator dCas9-VPR. In particular, the implementation of ubiquitous chromatin opening elements (UCOEs) reduced cell-to-cell heterogeneity and concomitantly increased expression. The application of this method to recombinant antibody expression confirmed that rational design of cell lines for production of transgenes with predictable and high titers is a promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Gödecke
- RG Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Sabrina Herrmann
- RG Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Hauser
- Staff Unit Scientific Strategy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | | | | | - Dagmar Wirth
- RG Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Medical University Hannover, Hannover 30625, Germany
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9
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Dettmer V, Bloom K, Gross M, Weissert K, Aichele P, Ehl S, Cathomen T. Retroviral UNC13D Gene Transfer Restores Cytotoxic Activity of T Cells Derived from Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Type 3 Patients In Vitro. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:975-984. [PMID: 31032638 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a group of life-threatening, autosomal recessive disorders of severe hyperinflammation. FHL type 3 (FHL-3) accounts for about 30% of FHL cases. It is characterized by mutations in the UNC13D gene that give rise to functionally impaired or absent Munc13-4 protein, resulting in impaired secretion of lytic granules by cytotoxic lymphocytes. Etoposide-based therapy is currently used as the standard of care that results in around 60% 5-year survival, illustrating the need for novel treatment approaches. Key problems include treatment toxicity and failure to induce or maintain remission of the hyperinflammation. Instead of immunosuppression, transplantation of autologous gene-corrected T cells can be envisaged as an approach to restore the impaired immune reaction. This study established a protocol that enabled hyperactivated, FHL-3 patient-derived T cells to be cultured and a codon-optimized UNC13D expression cassette to be delivered by either alpha- or gamma-retroviral gene transfer. The data demonstrate that the established protocol can be applied to FHL-3 patient cells with various genetic backgrounds and that gamma-retroviral UNC13D transfer restored expression of functional Munc13-4, as well as degranulation capacity and cell-mediated cytotoxicity of those patient-derived CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the study shows that the co-introduction of a truncated low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor coding sequence enabled the therapeutic effect to be optimized by enriching transduced cells in a Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant manner. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for an adaptive immune cell therapy approach aiming at immunological stabilization of FHL-3 patients with autologous, immune-competent T cells prior to hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Dettmer
- 1Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,2Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,3Institute for Immunodeficiency, and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kristie Bloom
- 1Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,2Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Gross
- 2Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,3Institute for Immunodeficiency, and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,4Institute of Immunology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Weissert
- 2Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,3Institute for Immunodeficiency, and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,5Faculty of Biology and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Aichele
- 2Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,5Faculty of Biology and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Ehl
- 2Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,4Institute of Immunology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,6Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- 1Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,2Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,6Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Park J, Inwood S, Kruthiventi S, Jenkins J, Shiloach J, Betenbaugh M. Progressing from transient to stable packaging cell lines for continuous production of lentiviral and gammaretroviral vectors. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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11
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Odiba A, Ottah V, Anunobi O, Ukegbu C, Uroko R, Ottah C, Edeke A, Omeje K. Current strides in AAV-derived vectors and SIN channels further relieves the limitations of gene therapy. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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12
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Tomás HA, Rodrigues AF, Carrondo MJT, Coroadinha AS. LentiPro26: novel stable cell lines for constitutive lentiviral vector production. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5271. [PMID: 29588490 PMCID: PMC5869598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are excellent tools to promote gene transfer and stable gene expression. Their potential has been already demonstrated in gene therapy clinical trials for the treatment of diverse disorders. For large scale LV production, a stable producer system is desirable since it allows scalable and cost-effective viral productions, with increased reproducibility and safety. However, the development of stable systems has been challenging and time-consuming, being the selection of cells presenting high expression levels of Gag-Pro-Pol polyprotein and the cytotoxicity associated with some viral components, the main limitations. Hereby is described the establishment of a new LV producer cell line using a mutated less active viral protease to overcome potential cytotoxic limitations. The stable transfection of bicistronic expression cassettes with re-initiation of the translation mechanism enabled the generation of LentiPro26 packaging populations supporting high titers. Additionally, by skipping intermediate clone screening steps and performing only one final clone screening, it was possible to save time and generate LentiPro26-A59 cell line, that constitutively produces titers above 106 TU.mL-1.day-1, in less than six months. This work constitutes a step forward towards the development of improved LV producer cell lines, aiming to efficiently supply the clinical expanding gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Tomás
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - A F Rodrigues
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - M J T Carrondo
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516, Monte da Caparica, Portugal
| | - A S Coroadinha
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal.
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
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Bandeira VS, Tomás HA, Alici E, Carrondo MJ, Coroadinha AS. Disclosing the Parameters Leading to High Productivity of Retroviral Producer Cells Lines: Evaluating Random Versus Targeted Integration. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2017; 28:78-90. [DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2016.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa S. Bandeira
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Hélio A. Tomás
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Evren Alici
- Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manuel J.T. Carrondo
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana S. Coroadinha
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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14
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Labenski V, Suerth JD, Barczak E, Heckl D, Levy C, Bernadin O, Charpentier E, Williams DA, Fehse B, Verhoeyen E, Schambach A. Alpharetroviral self-inactivating vectors produced by a superinfection-resistant stable packaging cell line allow genetic modification of primary human T lymphocytes. Biomaterials 2016; 97:97-109. [PMID: 27162078 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary human T lymphocytes represent an important cell population for adoptive immunotherapies, including chimeric-antigen and T-cell receptor applications, as they have the capability to eliminate non-self, virus-infected and tumor cells. Given the increasing numbers of clinical immunotherapy applications, the development of an optimal vector platform for genetic T lymphocyte engineering, which allows cost-effective high-quality vector productions, remains a critical goal. Alpharetroviral self-inactivating vectors (ARV) have several advantages compared to other vector platforms, including a more random genomic integration pattern and reduced likelihood for inducing aberrant splicing of integrated proviruses. We developed an ARV platform for the transduction of primary human T lymphocytes. We demonstrated functional transgene transfer using the clinically relevant herpes-simplex-virus thymidine kinase variant TK.007. Proof-of-concept of alpharetroviral-mediated T-lymphocyte engineering was shown in vitro and in a humanized transplantation model in vivo. Furthermore, we established a stable, human alpharetroviral packaging cell line in which we deleted the entry receptor (SLC1A5) for RD114/TR-pseudotyped ARVs to prevent superinfection and enhance genomic integrity of the packaging cell line and viral particles. We showed that superinfection can be entirely prevented, while maintaining high recombinant virus titers. Taken together, this resulted in an improved production platform representing an economic strategy for translating the promising features of ARVs for therapeutic T-lymphocyte engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Labenski
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia D Suerth
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Barczak
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Regulation in Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Camille Levy
- CIRI, EVIR Team, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Université de Lyon-1, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ornellie Bernadin
- CIRI, EVIR Team, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Université de Lyon-1, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charpentier
- Department of Regulation in Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Dept. of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Els Verhoeyen
- CIRI, EVIR Team, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Université de Lyon-1, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France; Inserm, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), équipe "contrôle métabolique des morts cellulaires", Nice, France
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Morgan RA, Boyerinas B. Genetic Modification of T Cells. Biomedicines 2016; 4:biomedicines4020009. [PMID: 28536376 PMCID: PMC5344249 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines4020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer technology and its application to human gene therapy greatly expanded in the last decade. One area of investigation that appears particularly promising is the transfer of new genetic material into T cells for the potential treatment of cancer. Herein, we describe several core technologies that now yield high-efficiency gene transfer into primary human T cells. These gene transfer techniques include viral-based gene transfer methods based on modified Retroviridae and non-viral methods such as DNA-based transposons and direct transfer of mRNA by electroporation. Where specific examples are cited, we emphasize the transfer of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to T cells, which permits engineered T cells to recognize potential tumor antigens.
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17
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Troyanovsky B, Bitko V, Fouty B, Solodushko V. Simple viral/minimal piggyBac hybrid vectors for stable production of self-inactivating gamma-retroviruses. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:379. [PMID: 26306622 PMCID: PMC4549879 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1354-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Transient production of gamma-retroviruses, including self-inactivating (SIN) retroviruses, is a common method for rapidly generating virus capable of gene delivery. Stable (continuous) production of virus is preferable to transient production for clinical and biotechnology purposes, however, because it allows for significant quantities of a uniform virus to be generated over a prolonged period of time, thus allowing for longitudinal functional studies and quality analysis. Unfortunately, stable production of SIN retroviruses is difficult to achieve.
Results We describe a novel method to rapidly and cost-effectively create packaging cells capable of continuously producing self-inactivating gamma-retroviruses. We imbedded the SIN proviral construct into a minimal piggyBac transposon vector and then integrated the hybrid vector into packaging cells that already stably expressed the viral gag-pro-pol and envelope genes. Cells that stably produced self-inactivating gamma-retroviruses could be identified (and purified) as early as 3 weeks after initial transfection; these cells produced virus for at least 9 weeks without a decline in titer. Conclusions This viral-minimal piggyBac hybrid vector allowed for the rapid generation and purification of packaging cells capable of stably producing self-inactivated gamma-retroviruses. This method can be applied to the large-scale production of viruses for use in research, biotechnology, and potentially, clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vira Bitko
- NanoBio Corporation, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
| | - Brian Fouty
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA. .,Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
| | - Victor Solodushko
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama School of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
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18
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Single-step cloning-screening method: a new tool for developing and studying high-titer viral vector producer cells. Gene Ther 2015; 22:685-95. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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19
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Niess H, von Einem JC, Thomas MN, Michl M, Angele MK, Huss R, Günther C, Nelson PJ, Bruns CJ, Heinemann V. Treatment of advanced gastrointestinal tumors with genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (TREAT-ME1): study protocol of a phase I/II clinical trial. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:237. [PMID: 25879229 PMCID: PMC4393860 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1241-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adenocarcinoma originating from the digestive system is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths worldwide. Tumor recurrence, advanced local growth and metastasis are key factors that frequently prevent these tumors from curative surgical treatment. Preclinical research has demonstrated that the dependency of these tumors on supporting mesenchymal stroma results in susceptibility to cell-based therapies targeting this stroma. Methods/Design TREAT-ME1 is a prospective, uncontrolled, single-arm phase I/II study assessing the safety and efficacy of genetically modified autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) as delivery vehicles for a cell-based gene therapy for advanced, recurrent or metastatic gastrointestinal or hepatopancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma. Autologous bone marrow will be drawn from each eligible patient after consent for bone marrow donation has been obtained (under a separate EC-approved protocol). In the following ~10 weeks the investigational medicinal product (IMP) is developed for each patient. To this end, the patient’s MSCs are stably transfected with a gamma-retroviral, replication-incompetent and self-inactivating (SIN) vector system containing a therapeutic promoter - gene construct that allows for tumor-specific expression of the therapeutic gene. After release of the IMP the patients are enrolled after given informed consent for participation in the TREAT-ME 1 trial. In the phase I part of the study, the safety of the IMP is tested in six patients by three treatment cycles consisting of re-transfusion of MSCs at different concentrations followed by administration of the prodrug Ganciclovir. In the phase II part of the study, sixteen patients will be enrolled receiving IMP treatment. A subgroup of patients that qualifies for surgery will be treated preoperatively with the IMP to verify homing of the MSCs to tumors as to be confirmed in the surgical specimen. Discussion The TREAT-ME1 clinical study involves a highly innovative therapeutic strategy combining cell and gene therapy and is conducted at a high level of pharmaceutical quality ensuring patient safety. This patient-tailored approach represents the first clinical study worldwide utilizing genetically engineered MSCs in humans. Trial registration EU Clinical Trials Register/European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database number: 2012-003741-15
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanno Niess
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jobst C von Einem
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Michael N Thomas
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Marlies Michl
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Martin K Angele
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ralf Huss
- Apceth GmbH and Co. KG, Munich, Germany.
| | | | - Peter J Nelson
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Campus Innenstadt, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Arbeitsgruppe Klinische Biochemie, Munich, Germany.
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Volker Heinemann
- Department of Medical Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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20
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Hennig K, Raasch L, Kolbe C, Weidner S, Leisegang M, Uckert W, Titeux M, Hovnanian A, Kuehlcke K, Loew R. HEK293-Based Production Platform for γ-Retroviral (Self-Inactivating) Vectors: Application for Safe and Efficient Transfer ofCOL7A1cDNA. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014; 25:218-28. [DOI: 10.1089/humc.2014.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13092 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Titeux
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases: From Disease Mechanism to Therapies, 75730 Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes–Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75730 Paris, France
| | - Alain Hovnanian
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases: From Disease Mechanism to Therapies, 75730 Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes–Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75730 Paris, France
- Department of Genetics, Necker Hospital, 75730 Paris, France
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21
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Feldman SA, Xu H, Black MA, Park TS, Robbins PF, Kochenderfer JN, Morgan RA, Rosenberg SA. Use of the piggyBac transposon to create stable packaging cell lines for the production of clinical-grade self-inactivating γ-retroviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2014; 25:253-60. [PMID: 25072603 PMCID: PMC4142856 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2014.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to improve the biosafety of γ-retroviral-mediated gene therapy have resulted in a shift toward the use of self-inactivating (SIN) γ-retroviral vectors. However, scale-up and manufacturing of such vectors requires significant optimization of transient transfection-based processes or development of novel platforms for the generation of stable producer cell clones. To that end, we describe the use of the piggybac transposon to generate stable producer cell clones for the production of SIN γ-retroviral vectors. The piggybac transposon is a universal tool allowing for the stable integration of SIN γ-retroviral constructs into murine (PG13) and human 293-based Phoenix (GALV and RD114, respectively) packaging cell lines without reverse transcription. Following transposition, a high-titer clone is selected for manufacture of a master cell bank and subsequent γ-retroviral vector supernatant production. Packaging cell clones created using the piggybac transposon have comparable titers to non-SIN vectors generated via conventional methods. We describe herein the use of the piggybac transposon for the production of stable packaging cell clones for the manufacture of clinical-grade SIN γ-retroviral vectors for ex vivo gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui Xu
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - Mary A. Black
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - Tristen S. Park
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - Paul F. Robbins
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - James N. Kochenderfer
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
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Kaufmann KB, Büning H, Galy A, Schambach A, Grez M. Gene therapy on the move. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1642-61. [PMID: 24106209 PMCID: PMC3840483 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201202287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The first gene therapy clinical trials were initiated more than two decades ago. In the early days, gene therapy shared the fate of many experimental medicine approaches and was impeded by the occurrence of severe side effects in a few treated patients. The understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to treatment- and/or vector-associated setbacks has resulted in the development of highly sophisticated gene transfer tools with improved safety and therapeutic efficacy. Employing these advanced tools, a series of Phase I/II trials were started in the past few years with excellent clinical results and no side effects reported so far. Moreover, highly efficient gene targeting strategies and site-directed gene editing technologies have been developed and applied clinically. With more than 1900 clinical trials to date, gene therapy has moved from a vision to clinical reality. This review focuses on the application of gene therapy for the correction of inherited diseases, the limitations and drawbacks encountered in some of the early clinical trials and the revival of gene therapy as a powerful treatment option for the correction of monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of CologneCologne, Germany
| | | | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical SchoolHannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - Manuel Grez
- Institute for Biomedical ResearchGeorg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
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23
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Stein S, Scholz S, Schwäble J, Sadat MA, Modlich U, Schultze-Strasser S, Diaz M, Chen-Wichmann L, Müller-Kuller U, Brendel C, Fronza R, Kaufmann KB, Naundorf S, Pech NK, Travers JB, Matute JD, Presson RG, Sandusky GE, Kunkel H, Rudolf E, Dillmann A, von Kalle C, Kühlcke K, Baum C, Schambach A, Dinauer MC, Schmidt M, Grez M. From bench to bedside: preclinical evaluation of a self-inactivating gammaretroviral vector for the gene therapy of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2013; 24:86-98. [PMID: 23845071 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2013.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by impaired antimicrobial activity in phagocytic cells. As a monogenic disease affecting the hematopoietic system, CGD is amenable to gene therapy. Indeed in a phase I/II clinical trial, we demonstrated a transient resolution of bacterial and fungal infections. However, the therapeutic benefit was compromised by the occurrence of clonal dominance and malignant transformation demanding alternative vectors with equal efficacy but safety-improved features. In this work we have developed and tested a self-inactivating (SIN) gammaretroviral vector (SINfes.gp91s) containing a codon-optimized transgene (gp91(phox)) under the transcriptional control of a myeloid promoter for the gene therapy of the X-linked form of CGD (X-CGD). Gene-corrected cells protected X-CGD mice from Aspergillus fumigatus challenge at low vector copy numbers. Moreover, the SINfes.gp91s vector generates substantial amounts of superoxide in human cells transplanted into immunodeficient mice. In vitro genotoxicity assays and longitudinal high-throughput integration site analysis in transplanted mice comprising primary and secondary animals for 11 months revealed a safe integration site profile with no signs of clonal dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stein
- Institute for Biomedical Research, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
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Carulli S, Contin R, De Rosa L, Pellegrini G, De Luca M. The long and winding road that leads to a cure for epidermolysis bullosa. Regen Med 2013; 8:467-81. [DOI: 10.2217/rme.13.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Bryson PD, Zhang C, Lee CL, Wang P. A tetracycline-regulated cell line produces high-titer lentiviral vectors that specifically target dendritic cells. J Vis Exp 2013. [PMID: 23851977 DOI: 10.3791/50606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are a powerful means of delivering genetic material to many types of cells. Because of safety concerns associated with these HIV-1 derived vectors, producing large quantities of LVs is challenging. In this paper, we report a method for producing high titers of self-inactivating LVs. We retrovirally transduce the tet-off stable producer cell line GPR to generate a cell line, GPRS, which can express all the viral components, including a dendritic cell-specific glycoprotein, SVGmu. Then, we use concatemeric DNA transfection to transfect the LV transfer plasmid encoding a reporter gene GFP in combination with a selectable marker. Several of the resulting clones can produce LV at a titer 10-fold greater than what we achieve with transient transfection. Plus, these viruses efficiently transduce dendritic cells in vitro and generate a strong T cell immune response to our reporter antigen. This method may be a good option for producing strong LV-based vaccines for clinical studies of cancer or infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Bryson
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) — A rapidly-expanding toolbox for targeted genomic modifications. Gene 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Heinz N, Hennig K, Loew R. Graded or threshold response of the tet-controlled gene expression: all depends on the concentration of the transactivator. BMC Biotechnol 2013; 13:5. [PMID: 23336718 PMCID: PMC3556329 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-13-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the step-wise integration of tet-dependent transactivator and tet-responsive expression unit is considered to be the most promising tool to achieve stable tet-controlled gene expression in cell populations. However, disadvantages of this strategy for integration into primary cells led us to develop an "All-In-One" vector system, enabling simultaneous integration of both components. The effect on tet-controlled gene expression was analyzed for retroviral "All-In-One" vectors expressing the M2-transactivator either under control of a constitutive or a new type of autoregulated promoter. RESULTS Determination of luciferase activity in transduced cell populations indicated improvement of the dynamic range of gene expression for the autoregulated system. Further differences were observed regarding induction kinetics and dose-response. Most notably, introduction of the autoregulated system resulted in a threshold mode of induction, whereas the constitutive system exhibited pronounced effector-dose dependence. CONCLUSION Tet-regulated gene expression in the applied autoregulated system resembles a threshold mode, whereby full induction of the tet-unit can be achieved at otherwise limiting doxycycline concentrations.
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Suerth JD, Schambach A, Baum C. Genetic modification of lymphocytes by retrovirus-based vectors. Curr Opin Immunol 2012; 24:598-608. [PMID: 22995202 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The genetic modification of lymphocytes is an important topic in the emerging field of gene therapy. Many clinical trials targeting immunodeficiency syndromes or cancer have shown therapeutic benefit; further applications address inflammatory and infectious disorders. Retroviral vector development requires a detailed understanding of the interactions with the host. Most researchers have used simple gammaretroviral vectors to modify lymphocytes, either directly or via hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Lentiviral, spumaviral (foamyviral) and alpharetroviral vectors were designed to reduce the necessity for cell stimulation and to utilize potentially safer integration properties. Novel surface modifications (pseudotyping) and transgenes, built using synthetic components, expand the retroviral toolbox, altogether promising increased specificity and potency. Product consistency will be an important criterion for routine clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Suerth
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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29
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Botezatu L, Sievers S, Gama-Norton L, Schucht R, Hauser H, Wirth D. Genetic aspects of cell line development from a synthetic biology perspective. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2012; 127:251-284. [PMID: 22068842 DOI: 10.1007/10_2011_117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Animal cells can be regarded as factories for the production of relevant proteins. The advances described in this chapter towards the development of cell lines with higher productivity capacities, certain metabolic and proliferation properties, reduced apoptosis and other features must be regarded in an integrative perspective. The systematic application of systems biology approaches in combination with a synthetic arsenal for targeted modification of endogenous networks are proposed to lead towards the achievement of a predictable and technologically advanced cell system with high biotechnological impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Botezatu
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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30
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Howe SJ, Chandrashekran A. Vector systems for prenatal gene therapy: principles of retrovirus vector design and production. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 891:85-107. [PMID: 22648769 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-873-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Vectors derived from the Retroviridae family have several attributes required for successful gene delivery. Retroviral vectors have an adequate payload size for the coding regions of most genes; they are safe to handle and simple to produce. These vectors can be manipulated to target different cell types with low immunogenicity and can permanently insert genetic information into the host cells' genome. Retroviral vectors have been used in gene therapy clinical trials and successfully applied experimentally in vitro, in vivo, and in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Howe
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Wolfson Centre for Gene Therapy, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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31
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van der Loo JCM, Swaney WP, Grassman E, Terwilliger A, Higashimoto T, Schambach A, Baum C, Thrasher AJ, Williams DA, Nordling DL, Reeves L, Malik P. Scale-up and manufacturing of clinical-grade self-inactivating γ-retroviral vectors by transient transfection. Gene Ther 2011; 19:246-54. [PMID: 21753795 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The need for γ-retroviral (gRV) vectors with a self-inactivating (SIN) design for clinical application has prompted a shift in methodology of vector manufacturing from the traditional use of stable producer lines to transient transfection-based techniques. Herein, we set out to define and optimize a scalable manufacturing process for the production of gRV vectors using transfection in a closed-system bioreactor in compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). The process was based on transient transfection of 293T cells on Fibra-Cel disks in the Wave Bioreactor. Cells were harvested from tissue culture flasks and transferred to the bioreactor containing Fibra-Cel in the presence of vector plasmid, packaging plasmids and calcium-phosphate in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and 10% fetal bovine serum. Virus supernatant was harvested at 10-14 h intervals. Using optimized procedures, a total of five ecotropic cGMP-grade gRV vectors were produced (9 liters each) with titers up to 3.6 × 10(7) infectious units per milliliter on 3T3 cells. One GMP preparation of vector-like particles was also produced. These results describe an optimized process for the generation of SIN viral vectors by transfection using a disposable platform that allows for the generation of clinical-grade viral vectors without the need for cleaning validation in a cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C M van der Loo
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
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32
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Gama-Norton L, Botezatu L, Herrmann S, Schweizer M, Alves PM, Hauser H, Wirth D. Lentivirus production is influenced by SV40 large T-antigen and chromosomal integration of the vector in HEK293 cells. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1269-79. [PMID: 21554103 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, lentiviral vectors for research and gene therapy are produced from 293-T cells that are transiently transfected with plasmids encoding the vector and helper functions. However, transiently transfected vectors as well as the presence of SV40 virus large T-antigen (T-Ag) cause serious technical and safety considerations. We aimed to exploit single copy integration sites in the HEK293 genome supporting lentiviral vector production. We found that lentiviral vectors result in minimal infectious particle production from single copy integrants in HEK293. Moreover, once this cell line harbors single copy integrations of lentiviral vectors, its ability to transiently produce lentiviral vectors becomes strongly impaired. T-Ag has a dramatic effect on virus production. Low levels of constitutive T-Ag expression can overcome the production restriction imposed by integrated lentiviral vectors copies. Interestingly, T-Ag does not exert its role at the level of transcriptional activity of the vector; rather, it seems to impose an indirect effect on the cell thereby enabling lentiviral vector production. Altogether, our study highlights the restrictions for integrated lentiviral vectors that are relevant for the establishment of stable and safe producer cell lines.
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33
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Gammaretroviral vectors: biology, technology and application. Viruses 2011; 3:677-713. [PMID: 21994751 PMCID: PMC3185771 DOI: 10.3390/v3060677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses are evolutionary optimized gene carriers that have naturally adapted to their hosts to efficiently deliver their nucleic acids into the target cell chromatin, thereby overcoming natural cellular barriers. Here we will review—starting with a deeper look into retroviral biology—how Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV), a simple gammaretrovirus, can be converted into an efficient vehicle of genetic therapeutics. Furthermore, we will describe how more rational vector backbones can be designed and how these so-called self-inactivating vectors can be pseudotyped and produced. Finally, we will provide an overview on existing clinical trials and how biosafety can be improved.
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34
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Carrondo M, Panet A, Wirth D, Coroadinha AS, Cruz P, Falk H, Schucht R, Dupont F, Geny-Fiamma C, Merten OW, Hauser H. Integrated strategy for the production of therapeutic retroviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:370-9. [PMID: 21043806 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The broad application of retroviral vectors for gene delivery is still hampered by the difficulty to reproducibly establish high vector producer cell lines generating sufficient amounts of highly concentrated virus vector preparations of high quality. To enhance the process for producing clinically relevant retroviral vector preparations for therapeutic applications, we have integrated novel and state-of-the-art technologies in a process that allows rapid access to high-efficiency vector-producing cells and consistent production, purification, and storage of retroviral vectors. The process has been designed for various types of retroviral vectors for clinical application and to support a high-throughput process. New modular helper cell lines that permit rapid insertion of DNA encoding the therapeutic vector of interest at predetermined, optimal chromosomal loci were developed to facilitate stable and high vector production levels. Packaging cell lines, cultivation methods, and improved medium composition were coupled with vector purification and storage process strategies that yield maximal vector infectivity and stability. To facilitate GMP-grade vector production, standard of operation protocols were established. These processes were validated by production of retroviral vector lots that drive the expression of type VII collagen (Col7) for the treatment of a skin genetic disease, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The potential efficacy of the Col7-expressing vectors was finally proven with newly developed systems, in particular in target primary keratinocyte cultures and three-dimensional skin tissues in organ culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Carrondo
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica/Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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35
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Abstract
Gene therapy based on the use of viral vectors is entirely dependent on the use of animal cell lines, mainly of mammalian origin, but also of insect origin. As for any biotechnology product for clinical use, viral -vectors have to be produced with cells derived from an extensively characterized cell bank to maintain the appropriate standard for assuring the lowest risk for the patients to be treated. Although many different cell types and lines have been used for the production of viral vectors, HEK293 cells or their derivatives have been extensively used for production of different vector types: adenovirus, oncorectrovirus, lentivirus, and AAV vectors, because of their easy handling and the possibility to grow them adherently in serum-containing medium as well as in suspension in serum-free culture medium. Despite this, these cells are not necessarily the best for the production of a given viral vector, and there are many other cell lines with significant advantages including superior growth and/or production characteristics, which have been tested and also used for the production of clinical vector batches. This chapter presents basic -considerations concerning the characterization of cell banks, in the first part, and, in the second part, practically all cell lines (at least when public information was available) established and developed for the production of the most important viral vectors (adenoviral, oncoretroviral, lentiviral, AAV, baculovirus).
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36
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Heinz N, Schambach A, Galla M, Maetzig T, Baum C, Loew R, Schiedlmeier B. Retroviral and transposon-based tet-regulated all-in-one vectors with reduced background expression and improved dynamic range. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 22:166-76. [PMID: 20825282 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulated expression of therapeutic genes may become crucial in gene therapy when their constitutive expression interferes with cell fate in vivo. The efficient regulation of transgene expression requires tightly controlled inducible promoters, as shown for the tetracycline regulatory system (tet-system). However, its application requires the introduction of two components into the target cell genome: the tet-responsive transactivator and the regulated expression cassette. In order to facilitate the usage of the tet-system for approaches in gene therapy, both components have to be transferred by a single vector, thus eliminating the preselection of transactivator positive cells. Published "all-in-one" vectors for regulated transgene expression display a relatively low signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in regulatory windows of around 500-fold even in selected clones. In this study, we show that a modified vector architecture combined with the introduction of new tet-responsive promoters, Ptet, improved the dynamic range of such all-in-one vectors to levels up to 14,000-fold for viral and 25,000-fold for nonviral transfer vectors in nonclonal human cell lines, and up to 2,800-fold in murine hematopoietic cell lines. This improved regulation was the result of a strong reduction of background expression in the off-state, even if cells were transduced at high multiplicity of infection, while induction remained at high levels. In addition, the results indicated that successful regulation of gene expression in different target cells depended on vector architecture as well as the choice of the Ptet-promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Heinz
- Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, Hannover, Germany
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37
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Jang J, Lee JT, Lee K, Kim S, Kim JY, Yoon K, Kim S. Development of murine leukemia virus-based retroviral vectors with a minimum possibility of cis-activation. Gene Ther 2010; 18:240-9. [PMID: 20944681 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of insertional mutagenesis in retroviral gene therapy can be reduced by using a vector lacking the enhancer sequence present in the U3 of the long-terminal repeats. However, such vectors suffer from many pitfalls. We attempted to improve a murine leukemia virus-based retroviral vector containing the enhancer-free U3, first by making it easier to construct a producer line and then by introducing the cellular RPL10 promoter as an internal promoter. The reverse orientation of the expression cassette of the transgene was found to give higher transducing titer and higher-level gene expression. The deletion analysis revealed that the 54-bp-long sequence of U3 (34 and 20 bp present at 5' and 3' extreme ends, respectively) was sufficient for the functions of retroviral vectors. The data from the in vitro cell culture assay indicated that the final construct, ROK, containing all these features, had little cis-activation activity, even if it was placed right upstream from the RNA start site of the neighboring gene. Our data suggested that the newly developed vector might provide increased safety, while still producing high viral titer from a stable producer line and high-level gene expression in various target cells including human CD34(+) stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jang
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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38
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Buceta M, Galbete JL, Kostic C, Arsenijevic Y, Mermod N. Use of human MAR elements to improve retroviral vector production. Gene Ther 2010; 18:7-13. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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39
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Gama-Norton L, Herrmann S, Schucht R, Coroadinha A, Löw R, Alves P, Bartholomae C, Schmidt M, Baum C, Schambach A, Hauser H, Wirth D. Retroviral Vector Performance in Defined Chromosomal Loci of Modular Packaging Cell Lines. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 21:979-91. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L. Gama-Norton
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica-Universidade Nova de Lisboa/Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (ITQB-UNL/IBET), P-2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - S. Herrmann
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - R. Schucht
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - A.S. Coroadinha
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica-Universidade Nova de Lisboa/Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (ITQB-UNL/IBET), P-2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - R. Löw
- EUFETS, D-55743 Idar-Oberstein, Germany
| | - P.M. Alves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica-Universidade Nova de Lisboa/Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (ITQB-UNL/IBET), P-2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - C.C. Bartholomae
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M. Schmidt
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C. Baum
- Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - A. Schambach
- Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - H. Hauser
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - D. Wirth
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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Abstract
Many inherited and acquired pulmonary disorders without satisfactory therapies may be amenable to gene therapy. Despite numerous advances, efficient delivery and expression of the therapeutic transgene at physiological levels for phenotypic correction of disease has proved elusive. This article focuses on various strategies aimed at achieving targeted delivery to the lungs. Both physical methods and biological targeting have been successfully applied in various gene delivery systems. Targeting of different cell types has been achieved by pseudotyping of viral vectors with capsids from different serotypes and modification of nonviral vectors with targeting ligands. Both classes of vectors are discussed with respect to their gene delivery and expression efficiencies, longevity of expression and immunogenicity. Moreover, gene therapy clinical trials for different lung diseases are discussed.
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41
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Titeux M, Pendaries V, Zanta-Boussif MA, Décha A, Pironon N, Tonasso L, Mejia JE, Brice A, Danos O, Hovnanian A. SIN retroviral vectors expressing COL7A1 under human promoters for ex vivo gene therapy of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther 2010; 18:1509-18. [PMID: 20485266 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in COL7A1 encoding type VII collagen which forms key structures (anchoring fibrils) for dermal-epidermal adherence. Patients suffer since birth from skin blistering, and develop severe local and systemic complications resulting in poor prognosis. We lack a specific treatment for RDEB, but ex vivo gene transfer to epidermal stem cells shows a therapeutic potential. To minimize the risk of oncogenic events, we have developed new minimal self-inactivating (SIN) retroviral vectors in which the COL7A1 complementary DNA (cDNA) is under the control of the human elongation factor 1alpha (EF1alpha) or COL7A1 promoters. We show efficient ex vivo genetic correction of primary RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts without antibiotic selection, and use either of these genetically corrected cells to generate human skin equivalents (SEs) which were grafted onto immunodeficient mice. We achieved long-term expression of recombinant type VII collagen with restored dermal-epidermal adherence and anchoring fibril formation, demonstrating in vivo functional correction. In few cases, rearranged proviruses were detected, which were probably generated during the retrotranscription process. Despite this observation which should be taken under consideration for clinical application, this preclinical study paves the way for a therapy based on grafting the most severely affected skin areas of patients with fully autologous SEs genetically corrected using a SIN COL7A1 retroviral vector.
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42
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Briesemeister D, Sommermeyer D, Loddenkemper C, Loew R, Uckert W, Blankenstein T, Kammertoens T. Tumor rejection by local interferon gamma induction in established tumors is associated with blood vessel destruction and necrosis. Int J Cancer 2010; 128:371-8. [PMID: 20333679 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that injecting a suspension of IFN-γ-secreting tumor cells results in their rejection. This effect has been attributed to IFN-γ preventing tumor stroma formation but not to a direct effect on the cancer cells. However, it is not known, which influence IFN-γ has on tumors with an established stroma. To address this question, the plasmacytoma cell line J558L was transduced with a vector allowing doxycycline-inducible IFN-γ gene expression. After the injection of the tumor cells into mice, IFN-γ was induced at different time points. Tumors did not grow when inducing IFN-γ immediately after tumor cell inoculation, while approximately half of the tumors were rejected when IFN-γ was induced in early established tumors within 2 weeks. Induction of IFN-γ 2-3 weeks after tumor cell inoculation was less efficient (0-17% rejection). IFN-γ induction in established tumors led to a reduction of CD146(+) endothelial cells and massive necrosis. Together, we show that vascularized tumors can be rejected by local IFN-γ expression, but that rejection of established tumors was less efficient over time. This suggests that transplanted tumors became less susceptible to local IFN-γ treatment the better they are established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Briesemeister
- Institute of Immunology, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
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