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Metanat Y, Viktor P, Amajd A, Kaur I, Hamed AM, Abed Al-Abadi NK, Alwan NH, Chaitanya MVNL, Lakshmaiya N, Ghildiyal P, Khalaf OM, Ciongradi CI, Sârbu I. The paths toward non-viral CAR-T cell manufacturing: A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art methods. Life Sci 2024; 348:122683. [PMID: 38702027 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122683] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Although CAR-T cell therapy has emerged as a game-changer in cancer immunotherapy several bottlenecks limit its widespread use as a front-line therapy. Current protocols for the production of CAR-T cells rely mainly on the use of lentiviral/retroviral vectors. Nevertheless, according to the safety concerns around the use of viral vectors, there are several regulatory hurdles to their clinical use. Large-scale production of viral vectors under "Current Good Manufacturing Practice" (cGMP) involves rigorous quality control assessments and regulatory requirements that impose exorbitant costs on suppliers and as a result, lead to a significant increase in the cost of treatment. Pursuing an efficient non-viral method for genetic modification of immune cells is a hot topic in cell-based gene therapy. This study aims to investigate the current state-of-the-art in non-viral methods of CAR-T cell manufacturing. In the first part of this study, after reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of the clinical use of viral vectors, different non-viral vectors and the path of their clinical translation are discussed. These vectors include transposons (sleeping beauty, piggyBac, Tol2, and Tc Buster), programmable nucleases (ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9), mRNA, plasmids, minicircles, and nanoplasmids. Afterward, various methods for efficient delivery of non-viral vectors into the cells are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekta Metanat
- Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran
| | - Patrik Viktor
- Óbuda University, Karoly Keleti faculty, Tavaszmező u. 15-17, H-1084 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ayesha Amajd
- Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasińskiego 8 Street, 40-019 Katowice, Poland
| | - Irwanjot Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan-303012, India
| | | | | | | | - M V N L Chaitanya
- School of pharmaceutical sciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar-Delhi G.T. Road, Phagwara, Punjab - 144411, India
| | | | - Pallavi Ghildiyal
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Carmen Iulia Ciongradi
- 2nd Department of Surgery-Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania.
| | - Ioan Sârbu
- 2nd Department of Surgery-Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania.
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2
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Renner A, Stahringer A, Ruppel KE, Fricke S, Koehl U, Schmiedel D. Development of KoRV-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors for efficient gene transfer into freshly isolated immune cells. Gene Ther 2024; 31:378-390. [PMID: 38684788 PMCID: PMC11257948 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00454-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic cell therapies, such as those involving macrophages or Natural Killer (NK) cells, are of increasing interest for cancer immunotherapy. However, the current techniques for genetically modifying these cell types using lenti- or gamma-retroviral vectors present challenges, such as required cell pre-activation and inefficiency in transduction, which hinder the assessment of preclinical efficacy and clinical translation. In our study, we describe a novel lentiviral pseudotype based on the Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) envelope protein, which we identified based on homology to existing pseudotypes used in cell therapy. Unlike other pseudotyped viral vectors, this KoRV-based envelope demonstrates remarkable efficiency in transducing freshly isolated primary human NK cells directly from blood, as well as freshly obtained monocytes, which were differentiated to M1 macrophages as well as B cells from multiple donors, achieving up to 80% reporter gene expression within three days post-transduction. Importantly, KoRV-based transduction does not compromise the expression of crucial immune cell receptors, nor does it impair immune cell functionality, including NK cell viability, proliferation, cytotoxicity as well as phagocytosis of differentiated macrophages. Preserving immune cell functionality is pivotal for the success of cell-based therapeutics in treating various malignancies. By achieving high transduction rates of freshly isolated immune cells before expansion, our approach enables a streamlined and cost-effective automated production of off-the-shelf cell therapeutics, requiring fewer viral particles and less manufacturing steps. This breakthrough holds the potential to significantly reduce the time and resources required for producing e.g. NK cell therapeutics, expediting their availability to patients in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Renner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anika Stahringer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Eva Ruppel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases, CIMD, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases, CIMD, Leipzig, Deutschland
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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Stibbs DJ, Silva Couto P, Takeuchi Y, Rafiq QA, Jackson NB, Rayat AC. Quasi-perfusion studies for intensified lentiviral vector production using a continuous stable producer cell line. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101264. [PMID: 38827249 PMCID: PMC11141457 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Quasi-perfusion culture was employed to intensify lentiviral vector (LV) manufacturing using a continuous stable producer cell line in an 8-day process. Initial studies aimed to identify a scalable seeding density, with 3, 4, and 5 × 104 cells cm-2 providing similar specific productivities of infectious LV. Seeding at 3 × 104 cells cm-2 was selected, and the quasi-perfusion was modulated to minimize inhibitory metabolite accumulation and vector exposure at 37°C. Similar specific productivities of infectious LV and physical LV were achieved at 1, 2, and 3 vessel volumes per day (VVD), with 1 VVD selected to minimize downstream processing volumes. The optimized process was scaled 50-fold to 1,264 cm2 flasks, achieving similar LV titers. However, scaling up beyond this to a 6,320 cm2 multilayer flask reduced titers, possibly from suboptimal gas exchange. Across three independent processes in 25 cm2 to 6,320 cm2 flasks, reproducibility was high with a coefficient of variation of 7.7% ± 2.9% and 11.9% ± 3.0% for infectious and physical LV titers, respectively. The optimized flask process was successfully transferred to the iCELLis Nano (Cytiva) fixed-bed bioreactor, with quasi-perfusion at 1 VVD yielding 1.62 × 108 TU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale J. Stibbs
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Pedro Silva Couto
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Yasuhiro Takeuchi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies, Scientific Research and Innovation, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms EN6 3QC, Potters Bar, UK
| | - Qasim A. Rafiq
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Nigel B. Jackson
- Cytiva, 5 Harbourgate Business Park, Southampton Road, Portsmouth PO6 4BQ, UK
| | - Andrea C.M.E. Rayat
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Broussau S, Lytvyn V, Simoneau M, Guilbault C, Leclerc M, Nazemi-Moghaddam N, Coulombe N, Elahi SM, McComb S, Gilbert R. Packaging cells for lentiviral vectors generated using the cumate and coumermycin gene induction systems and nanowell single-cell cloning. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 29:40-57. [PMID: 36936448 PMCID: PMC10018046 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are important for cell therapy because of their capacity to stably modify the genome after integration. This study describes a novel and relatively simple approach to generate packaging cells and producer clones for self-inactivating (SIN) LVs pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G). A novel gene regulation system, based on the combination of the cumate and coumermycin induction systems, was developed to ensure tight control for the expression of cytotoxic packaging elements. To accelerate clone isolation and ensure monoclonality, the packaging genes were transfected simultaneously into human embryonic kidney cells (293SF-3F6) previously engineered with the induction system, and clones were isolated after limiting dilution into nanowell arrays using a robotic cell picking instrument with scanning capability. The method's effectiveness to isolate colonies derived from single cells was demonstrated using mixed populations of cells labeled with two different fluorescent markers. Because the recipient cell line grew in suspension culture, and all the procedures were performed without serum, the resulting clones were readily adaptable to serum-free suspension culture. The best producer clone produced LVs expressing GFP at a titer of 2.3 × 108 transduction units (TU)/mL in the culture medium under batch mode without concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Broussau
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Viktoria Lytvyn
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Mélanie Simoneau
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Claire Guilbault
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Mélanie Leclerc
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Nazila Nazemi-Moghaddam
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Nathalie Coulombe
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Seyyed Mehdy Elahi
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Scott McComb
- Department of Immunology, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council, Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rénald Gilbert
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
- Département de Génie chimique, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Corresponding author: Rénald Gilbert, National Research Council Canada, Building Montreal, 6100 Avenue Royalmount, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada.
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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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Delgadillo-Gutiérrez K, Castelán-Vega JA, Jiménez-Alberto A, Fernández-Lizárraga MDC, Aparicio-Ozores G, Monterrubio-López GP, Ribas-Aparicio RM. Characterization and use in neutralization assays of avian influenza codon-optimized H5 and H7 retroviral pseudotypes. J Virol Methods 2021; 300:114391. [PMID: 34890710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Influenza is a relevant problem for public and animal health, with a significant economic impact. In recent years, outbreaks of avian influenza virus have resulted in devastating losses in the poultry industry worldwide, and although its transmission to humans is very rare, there is always a potential risk for an even more severe outbreak. Currently, vaccination is considered the most effective tool for the control and prevention of influenza infections in both humans and animals. The maintenance of animal welfare and the successful implementation of animal health programs depend on the timely administration of vaccines, which must comply with quality specifications indicated by health authorities; for example, the capability to ensure a minimum antibody titer. The production of viral antigens used in these tests can pose a biosafety risk, and some viral strains can be difficult to grow. Therefore, new biotechnological alternatives are required to overcome these disadvantages. In this study, we produced pseudotypes carrying H5 and H7 hemagglutinins from lowly and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. These pseudotypes were used in neutralization assays to detect neutralizing antibodies in avian sera, which were confirmed positive by inhibition of the hemagglutination test. Our results showed that the pseudotype neutralization assay is a viable alternative for the detection of neutralizing antibodies, by demonstrating subtype specificity and requiring reduced biosafety requirements. Therefore, it represents a versatile platform that can facilitate technology transfer protocols between laboratories, and an immediate application in serological tools for quality control of veterinary vaccines against avian influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Delgadillo-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Arturo Castelán-Vega
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alicia Jiménez-Alberto
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Gerardo Aparicio-Ozores
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gloria Paulina Monterrubio-López
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Ribas-Aparicio
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico.
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7
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Xu F, Liu X, Zhang D, Zhao F, Fan Z, Hu S, Mei S, Huang Y, Sun H, Wei L, Guo L, Wang J, Cen S, Liang C, Guo F. The Engineered MARCH8-Resistant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Glycoprotein Enhances Lentiviral Vector Transduction. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:936-948. [PMID: 33678011 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are one of the most commonly used viral delivery systems for gene therapy. Vesicular stomatitis virus-G envelope glycoprotein (VSV G)-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors have been widely used in clinical studies for treatment of virus infections and genetic deficient diseases. However, the efficiency of lentiviral vector transduction has been long recognized as a limiting factor in clinical gene therapy application, especially in transducing hematopoietic stem cells. MARCH8 (membrane-associated RING-CH 8), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, has been reported to target and downregulate VSV G. Results in this study show that MARCH8 induces ubiquitination and lysosome degradation of VSV G, and knockout of MARCH8 in virus-producing cells increases lentiviral vector transduction by elevating the level of VSV G protein. We then engineered VSV G mutant that has the lysine residues in the cytoplasmic domain substituted for arginine, and showed that this G mutant resists degradation by MARCH8, and allows the enhancement of transduction efficiency of lentiviral vector particles than the parental VSV G protein. This engineered VSV G mutant thus further advances the lentiviral vector system as a powerful tool in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwen Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Di Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Fei Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhangling Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Siqi Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shan Mei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hong Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Liang Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Li Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fei Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
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Perry C, Rayat ACME. Lentiviral Vector Bioprocessing. Viruses 2021; 13:268. [PMID: 33572347 PMCID: PMC7916122 DOI: 10.3390/v13020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are potent tools for the delivery of genes of interest into mammalian cells and are now commonly utilised within the growing field of cell and gene therapy for the treatment of monogenic diseases and adoptive therapies such as chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. This is a comprehensive review of the individual bioprocess operations employed in LV production. We highlight the role of envelope proteins in vector design as well as their impact on the bioprocessing of lentiviral vectors. An overview of the current state of these operations provides opportunities for bioprocess discovery and improvement with emphasis on the considerations for optimal and scalable processing of LV during development and clinical production. Upstream culture for LV generation is described with comparisons on the different transfection methods and various bioreactors for suspension and adherent producer cell cultivation. The purification of LV is examined, evaluating different sequences of downstream process operations for both small- and large-scale production requirements. For scalable operations, a key focus is the development in chromatographic purification in addition to an in-depth examination of the application of tangential flow filtration. A summary of vector quantification and characterisation assays is also presented. Finally, the assessment of the whole bioprocess for LV production is discussed to benefit from the broader understanding of potential interactions of the different process options. This review is aimed to assist in the achievement of high quality, high concentration lentiviral vectors from robust and scalable processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Perry
- The Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Division of Advanced Therapies, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Andrea C. M. E. Rayat
- The Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
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Martínez-Molina E, Chocarro-Wrona C, Martínez-Moreno D, Marchal JA, Boulaiz H. Large-Scale Production of Lentiviral Vectors: Current Perspectives and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111051. [PMID: 33153183 PMCID: PMC7693937 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) have gained value over recent years as gene carriers in gene therapy. These viral vectors are safer than what was previously being used for gene transfer and are capable of infecting both dividing and nondividing cells with a long-term expression. This characteristic makes LVs ideal for clinical research, as has been demonstrated with the approval of lentivirus-based gene therapies from the Food and Drug Administration and the European Agency for Medicine. A large number of functional lentiviral particles are required for clinical trials, and large-scale production has been challenging. Therefore, efforts are focused on solving the drawbacks associated with the production and purification of LVsunder current good manufacturing practice. In recent years, we have witnessed the development and optimization of new protocols, packaging cell lines, and culture devices that are very close to reaching the target production level. Here, we review the most recent, efficient, and promising methods for the clinical-scale production ofLVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Martínez-Molina
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada (D.M.), 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-M.); (C.C.-W.); (D.M.-M.); (J.A.M.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Chocarro-Wrona
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada (D.M.), 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-M.); (C.C.-W.); (D.M.-M.); (J.A.M.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Daniel Martínez-Moreno
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada (D.M.), 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-M.); (C.C.-W.); (D.M.-M.); (J.A.M.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan A. Marchal
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada (D.M.), 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-M.); (C.C.-W.); (D.M.-M.); (J.A.M.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- Biopathology and Medicine Regenerative Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada (D.M.), 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.M.-M.); (C.C.-W.); (D.M.-M.); (J.A.M.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), SAS-Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-241-271
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10
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Munis AM. Gene Therapy Applications of Non-Human Lentiviral Vectors. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101106. [PMID: 33003635 PMCID: PMC7599719 DOI: 10.3390/v12101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent commercialization of lentiviral vector (LV)-based cell therapies and successful reports of clinical studies have demonstrated the untapped potential of LVs to treat diseases and benefit patients. LVs hold notable and inherent advantages over other gene transfer agents based on their ability to transduce non-dividing cells, permanently transform target cell genome, and allow stable, long-term transgene expression. LV systems based on non-human lentiviruses are attractive alternatives to conventional HIV-1-based LVs due to their lack of pathogenicity in humans. This article reviews non-human lentiviruses and highlights their unique characteristics regarding virology and molecular biology. The LV systems developed based on these lentiviruses, as well as their successes and shortcomings, are also discussed. As the field of gene therapy is advancing rapidly, the use of LVs uncovers further challenges and possibilities. Advances in virology and an improved understanding of lentiviral biology will aid in the creation of recombinant viral vector variants suitable for translational applications from a variety of lentiviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altar M Munis
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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11
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Chen YH, Pallant C, Sampson CJ, Boiti A, Johnson S, Brazauskas P, Hardwicke P, Marongiu M, Marinova VM, Carmo M, Sweeney NP, Richard A, Shillings A, Archibald P, Puschmann E, Mouzon B, Grose D, Mendez-Tavio M, Chen MX, Warr SRC, Senussi T, Carter PS, Baker S, Jung C, Brugman MH, Howe SJ, Vink CA. Rapid Lentiviral Vector Producer Cell Line Generation Using a Single DNA Construct. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 19:47-57. [PMID: 32995359 PMCID: PMC7501408 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Stable suspension producer cell lines for the production of vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoprotein (VSVg)-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors represent an attractive alternative to current widely used production methods based on transient transfection of adherent 293T cells with multiple plasmids. We report here a method to rapidly generate such producer cell lines from 293T cells by stable transfection of a single DNA construct encoding all lentiviral vector components. The resulting suspension cell lines yield titers as high as can be achieved with transient transfection, can be readily scaled up in single-use stirred-tank bioreactors, and are genetically and functionally stable in extended cell culture. By removing the requirement for efficient transient transfection during upstream processing of lentiviral vectors and switching to an inherently scalable suspension cell culture format, we believe that this approach will result in significantly higher batch yields than are possible with current manufacturing processes and enable better patient access to medicines based on lentiviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hua Chen
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Celeste Pallant
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | | | - Alessia Boiti
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Sabine Johnson
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Pijus Brazauskas
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Philip Hardwicke
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Michela Marongiu
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Vanesa M Marinova
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Marlene Carmo
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Nathan P Sweeney
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Ashkenaz Richard
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Anthony Shillings
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Peter Archibald
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Eva Puschmann
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Bernadette Mouzon
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - David Grose
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Miriam Mendez-Tavio
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Mao Xiang Chen
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Stephen R C Warr
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Tarik Senussi
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Paul S Carter
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Sean Baker
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Cindy Jung
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Martijn H Brugman
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Steven J Howe
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Conrad A Vink
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
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12
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Ferreira MV, Cabral ET, Coroadinha AS. Progress and Perspectives in the Development of Lentiviral Vector Producer Cells. Biotechnol J 2020; 16:e2000017. [PMID: 32686901 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
After two decades of clinical trials, gene therapy demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of a series of diseases. Currently, several gene therapy products are approved and used in the clinic. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are one of the most used transfer vehicles to deliver genetic material and the vector of choice to modify hematopoietic cells to correct primary immunodeficiencies, hemoglobinopathies, and leukodystrophies. LVs are also widely used to modify T cells to treat cancers in immunotherapies (e.g., chimeric antigen receptors T cell therapies, CAR-T). In genome editing, LVs are used to deliver sequence-specific designer nucleases and DNA templates. The approval LV gene therapy products (e.g., Kymriah, for B-cell Acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment; LentiGlobin, for β-thalassemia treatment) reinforced the need to improve their bioprocess manufacturing. The production has been mostly dependent on transient transfection. Production from stable cell lines facilitate GMP compliant processes, providing an easier scale-up, reproducibility and cost-effectiveness. The establishment of stable LV producer cell lines presents, however, several difficulties, with the cytotoxicity of some of the vector proteins being a major challenge. Genome editing technologies pose additional challenges to LV producer cells. Herein the major bottlenecks, recent achievements, and perspectives in the development of LV stable cell lines are revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana V Ferreira
- 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
| | - Elisa T Cabral
- 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
| | - Ana Sofia 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.,The Discoveries centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Nova University Lisbon, Oeiras Campus, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
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13
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Preclinical Development of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Based Gene Therapy for Immune Deficiencies: A Journey from Mouse Cage to Bed Side. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12060549. [PMID: 32545727 PMCID: PMC7357087 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical trials using patient’s own corrected hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), such as for primary immunodeficiencies (Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency, X-linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome (WAS)), have yielded promising results in the clinic; endorsing gene therapy to become standard therapy for a number of diseases. However, the journey to achieve such a successful therapy is not easy, and several challenges have to be overcome. In this review, we will address several different challenges in the development of gene therapy for immune deficiencies using our own experience with Recombinase-activating gene 1 (RAG1) SCID as an example. We will discuss product development (targeting of the therapeutic cells and choice of a suitable vector and delivery method), the proof-of-concept (in vitro and in vivo efficacy, toxicology, and safety), and the final release steps to the clinic (scaling up, good manufacturing practice (GMP) procedures/protocols and regulatory hurdles).
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14
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Gene therapy beyond luxturna: a new horizon of the treatment for inherited retinal disease. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2020; 31:147-154. [DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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15
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Milani M, Annoni A, Bartolaccini S, Biffi M, Russo F, Di Tomaso T, Raimondi A, Lengler J, Holmes MC, Scheiflinger F, Lombardo A, Cantore A, Naldini L. Genome editing for scalable production of alloantigen-free lentiviral vectors for in vivo gene therapy. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:1558-1573. [PMID: 28835507 PMCID: PMC5666310 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LV) are powerful and versatile vehicles for gene therapy. However, their complex biological composition challenges large-scale manufacturing and raises concerns for in vivo applications, because particle components and contaminants may trigger immune responses. Here, we show that producer cell-derived polymorphic class-I major histocompatibility complexes (MHC-I) are incorporated into the LV surface and trigger allogeneic T-cell responses. By disrupting the beta-2 microglobulin gene in producer cells, we obtained MHC-free LV with substantially reduced immunogenicity. We introduce this targeted editing into a novel stable LV packaging cell line, carrying single-copy inducible vector components, which can be reproducibly converted into high-yield LV producers upon site-specific integration of the LV genome of interest. These LV efficiently transfer genes into relevant targets and are more resistant to complement-mediated inactivation, because of reduced content of the vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoprotein G compared to vectors produced by transient transfection. Altogether, these advances support scalable manufacturing of alloantigen-free LV with higher purity and increased complement resistance that are better suited for in vivo gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Milani
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Annoni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bartolaccini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Russo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziano Di Tomaso
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Angelo Lombardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Cantore
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy .,Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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16
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Optogenetic Tractography for anatomo-functional characterization of cortico-subcortical neural circuits in non-human primates. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3362. [PMID: 29463867 PMCID: PMC5820256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissecting neural circuitry in non-human primates (NHP) is crucial to identify potential neuromodulation anatomical targets for the treatment of pharmacoresistant neuropsychiatric diseases by electrical neuromodulation. How targets of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and cortical targets of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) compare and might complement one another is an important question. Combining optogenetics and tractography may enable anatomo-functional characterization of large brain cortico-subcortical neural pathways. For the proof-of-concept this approach was used in the NHP brain to characterize the motor cortico-subthalamic pathway (m_CSP) which might be involved in DBS action mechanism in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Rabies-G-pseudotyped and Rabies-G-VSVg-pseudotyped EIAV lentiviral vectors encoding the opsin ChR2 gene were stereotaxically injected into the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and were retrogradely transported to the layer of the motor cortex projecting to STN. A precise anatomical mapping of this pathway was then performed using histology-guided high angular resolution MRI tractography guiding accurately cortical photostimulation of m_CSP origins. Photoexcitation of m_CSP axon terminals or m_CSP cortical origins modified the spikes distribution for photosensitive STN neurons firing rate in non-equivalent ways. Optogenetic tractography might help design preclinical neuromodulation studies in NHP models of neuropsychiatric disease choosing the most appropriate target for the tested hypothesis.
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17
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Mass spectrometry analysis reveals differences in the host cell protein species found in pseudotyped lentiviral vectors. Biologicals 2018; 52:59-66. [PMID: 29361371 PMCID: PMC5910304 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) have been successfully used in clinical trials showing long term therapeutic benefits. Studying the role of cellular proteins in lentivirus HIV-1 life cycle can help understand virus assembly and budding, leading to improvement of LV production for gene therapy. Lentiviral vectors were purified using size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The cellular protein composition of LVs produced by two different methods was compared: the transient transfection system pseudotyped with the VSV-G envelope, currently used in clinical trials, and a stable producer cell system using a non-toxic envelope derived from cat endogenous retrovirus RD114, RDpro. Proteins of LVs purified by size exclusion chromatography were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A smaller number of cellular protein species were detected in stably produced vectors compared to transiently produced vector samples. This may be due to the presence of co-purified VSV-G vesicles in transiently produced vectors. AHNAK (Desmoyokin) was unique to RDpro-Env vectors. The potential role in LV particle production of selected proteins identified by MS analysis including AHNAK was assessed using shRNA gene knockdown technique. Down-regulation of the selected host proteins AHNAK, ALIX, and TSG101 in vector producer cells did not result in a significant difference in vector production.
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18
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Alton EWFW, Beekman JM, Boyd AC, Brand J, Carlon MS, Connolly MM, Chan M, Conlon S, Davidson HE, Davies JC, Davies LA, Dekkers JF, Doherty A, Gea-Sorli S, Gill DR, Griesenbach U, Hasegawa M, Higgins TE, Hironaka T, Hyndman L, McLachlan G, Inoue M, Hyde SC, Innes JA, Maher TM, Moran C, Meng C, Paul-Smith MC, Pringle IA, Pytel KM, Rodriguez-Martinez A, Schmidt AC, Stevenson BJ, Sumner-Jones SG, Toshner R, Tsugumine S, Wasowicz MW, Zhu J. Preparation for a first-in-man lentivirus trial in patients with cystic fibrosis. Thorax 2016; 72:137-147. [PMID: 27852956 PMCID: PMC5284333 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-208406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We have recently shown that non-viral gene therapy can stabilise the decline of lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the effect was modest, and more potent gene transfer agents are still required. Fuson protein (F)/Hemagglutinin/Neuraminidase protein (HN)-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors are more efficient for lung gene transfer than non-viral vectors in preclinical models. In preparation for a first-in-man CF trial using the lentiviral vector, we have undertaken key translational preclinical studies. Regulatory-compliant vectors carrying a range of promoter/enhancer elements were assessed in mice and human air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures to select the lead candidate; cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance receptor (CFTR) expression and function were assessed in CF models using this lead candidate vector. Toxicity was assessed and ‘benchmarked’ against the leading non-viral formulation recently used in a Phase IIb clinical trial. Integration site profiles were mapped and transduction efficiency determined to inform clinical trial dose-ranging. The impact of pre-existing and acquired immunity against the vector and vector stability in several clinically relevant delivery devices was assessed. A hybrid promoter hybrid cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG)- free CMV enhancer/elongation factor 1 alpha promoter (hCEF) consisting of the elongation factor 1α promoter and the cytomegalovirus enhancer was most efficacious in both murine lungs and human ALI cultures (both at least 2-log orders above background). The efficacy (at least 14% of airway cells transduced), toxicity and integration site profile supports further progression towards clinical trial and pre-existing and acquired immune responses do not interfere with vector efficacy. The lead rSIV.F/HN candidate expresses functional CFTR and the vector retains 90–100% transduction efficiency in clinically relevant delivery devices. The data support the progression of the F/HN-pseudotyped lentiviral vector into a first-in-man CF trial in 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W F W Alton
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Jeffery M Beekman
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Christopher Boyd
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - June Brand
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Lung Pathology Unit, Department of Airway Disease Infection, NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marianne S Carlon
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mary M Connolly
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Gene Medicine Research Group, NDCLS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Mario Chan
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Sinead Conlon
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Heather E Davidson
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jane C Davies
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Lee A Davies
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Gene Medicine Research Group, NDCLS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Johanna F Dekkers
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Doherty
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sabrina Gea-Sorli
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Deborah R Gill
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Gene Medicine Research Group, NDCLS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Uta Griesenbach
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Tracy E Higgins
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Laura Hyndman
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gerry McLachlan
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Makoto Inoue
- ID Pharme Co. Ltd. (DNAVEC Center), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Stephen C Hyde
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Gene Medicine Research Group, NDCLS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - J Alastair Innes
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Toby M Maher
- Fibrosis Research Group, Inflammation, Repair & Development Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Caroline Moran
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Cuixiang Meng
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael C Paul-Smith
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Ian A Pringle
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Gene Medicine Research Group, NDCLS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kamila M Pytel
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Barbara J Stevenson
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stephanie G Sumner-Jones
- UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK.,Gene Medicine Research Group, NDCLS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Toshner
- Fibrosis Research Group, Inflammation, Repair & Development Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | - Marguerite W Wasowicz
- Department of Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium, Oxford, UK
| | - Jie Zhu
- Lung Pathology Unit, Department of Airway Disease Infection, NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
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19
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Challenges of up-scaling lentivirus production and processing. J Biotechnol 2016; 240:23-30. [PMID: 27769802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviruses are becoming an increasingly popular choice of gene transfer vehicle for use in the treatment of a variety of genetic and acquired human diseases. As research progresses from basic studies into pre-clinical and clinical phases, there is a growing demand for large volumes of high purity, concentrated vector, and accordingly, the means to produce such quantities. Unlike other viral vectors, lentiviruses are difficult to produce using stable cell lines, therefore transient transfection of adherent cell lines is conventionally used, and this method has proven challenging to up-scale. Furthermore, with the required increases in the volume of vector needed for larger animal and human use, comes the need for more efficient and sophisticated supernatant purification and concentration techniques. This review presents the challenges of up-scaling lentivirus production and processing approaches, novel systems for overcoming these issues, and the quality assessments recommended for producing a clinical grade lentiviral gene therapy product.
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20
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Stewart HJ, Ralph GS, Fong-Wong L, Strickland I, McCloskey L, Barnes L, Blount I, Wells O, Truran CJM, Kingsman AJ, Palfi S, Mitrophanous KA. Optimizing Transgene Configuration and Protein Fusions to Maximize Dopamine Production for the Gene Therapy of Parkinson's Disease. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2016; 27:100-10. [PMID: 27470285 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2016.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological dopamine replacement therapies provide the most well-established treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, these long-term treatments can lead to motor complications and off-target effects. ProSavin(®), a lentiviral vector (LV)-based gene therapy approach aimed at restoring local and continuous dopamine production, through delivery of three enzymes in the dopamine biosynthesis pathway, was demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated in a phase I/II clinical study of patients with advanced PD. Although improvements in motor behaviour were observed, the data indicated that higher levels of dopamine replacement might be required to maximize benefit. We attempted to increase production of dopamine, and its precursor L-Dopa in LV-transduced cells, by optimizing the gene order in the ProSavin expression cassette, and by creating fusions of two or three of the transgenes, using linker sequences. In vitro analysis showed that several gene arrangements provided significantly increased dopamine and/or L-Dopa production compared with ProSavin, and that LV titers and transgene expression were not affected by introducing gene fusions. One vector, equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV)-TCiA, was selected for further characterization and showed significant improvements in dopamine and L-Dopa production compared with ProSavin, in human neuronal cells. Further characterization of EIAV-TCiA demonstrated expression of all three dopamine enzymes in vivo and faithful delivery and integration of the expected gene expression cassette within the genome of target cells, as assessed by Northern and Southern blotting. In conclusion, we have developed a novel LV vector with an increased capacity for L-Dopa and dopamine production compared with the current ProSavin vector. Clinical evaluation of this vector will be performed to assess the benefits in patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Scott Ralph
- 1 Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Liang Fong-Wong
- 2 Henry Wellcome L.I.N.E., University of Bristol , Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Strickland
- 2 Henry Wellcome L.I.N.E., University of Bristol , Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lucy Barnes
- 1 Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Blount
- 1 Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Wells
- 1 Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd. , Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Stéphane Palfi
- 3 AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Henri-Mondor, DHU PePsy, Neurochirurgie, INSERM IMRB U955 eq.14, Université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC) , Faculté de Médecine, Creteil, F-94010, France
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21
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Merten OW, Hebben M, Bovolenta C. Production of lentiviral vectors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16017. [PMID: 27110581 PMCID: PMC4830361 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LV) have seen considerably increase in use as gene therapy vectors for the treatment of acquired and inherited diseases. This review presents the state of the art of the production of these vectors with particular emphasis on their large-scale production for clinical purposes. In contrast to oncoretroviral vectors, which are produced using stable producer cell lines, clinical-grade LV are in most of the cases produced by transient transfection of 293 or 293T cells grown in cell factories. However, more recent developments, also, tend to use hollow fiber reactor, suspension culture processes, and the implementation of stable producer cell lines. As is customary for the biotech industry, rather sophisticated downstream processing protocols have been established to remove any undesirable process-derived contaminant, such as plasmid or host cell DNA or host cell proteins. This review compares published large-scale production and purification processes of LV and presents their process performances. Furthermore, developments in the domain of stable cell lines and their way to the use of production vehicles of clinical material will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chiara Bovolenta
- New Technologies Unit, Research Division, MolMed S.p.A. , Milan, Italy
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Sanber KS, Knight SB, Stephen SL, Bailey R, Escors D, Minshull J, Santilli G, Thrasher AJ, Collins MK, Takeuchi Y. Construction of stable packaging cell lines for clinical lentiviral vector production. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9021. [PMID: 25762005 PMCID: PMC4356972 DOI: 10.1038/srep09021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are useful experimental tools for stable gene delivery and have been used to treat human inherited genetic disorders and hematologic malignancies with promising results. Because some of the lentiviral vector components are cytotoxic, transient plasmid transfection has been used to produce the large batches needed for clinical trials. However, this method is costly, poorly reproducible and hard to scale up. Here we describe a general method for construction of stable packaging cell lines that continuously produce lentiviral vectors. This uses Cre recombinase-mediated cassette exchange to insert a codon-optimised HIV-1 Gag-Pol expression construct in a continuously expressed locus in 293FT cells. Subsequently Rev, envelope and vector genome expression cassettes are serially transfected. Vector titers in excess of 106 transducing units/ml can be harvested from the final producer clones, which can be increased to 108 TU/ml by concentration. This method will be of use to all basic and clinical investigators who wish to produce large batches of lentiviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S Sanber
- 1] Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK [2] National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, UK
| | - Sean B Knight
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sam L Stephen
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ranbir Bailey
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Escors
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Giorgia Santilli
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mary K Collins
- 1] Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK [2] National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, UK
| | - Yasuhiro Takeuchi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
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Abstract
Efforts to use gene therapy to create a biological pacemaker as an adjunct or replacement of electronic pacemakers have been ongoing for about 15 years. For the past decade, most of these efforts have focused on the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated-(HCN) gene family of channels alone or in combination with other genes. The HCN gene family is the molecular correlate of the cardiac pacemaker current, If. It is a suitable basis for a biological pacemaker because it generates a depolarizing inward current primarily during diastole and is directly regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), thereby incorporating autonomic responsiveness. However, biological pacemakers based either on native HCN channels or on mutated HCN channels designed to optimize biophysical characteristics have failed to attain the desired basal and maximal physiological heart rates in large animals. More recent work has explored dual gene therapy approaches, combining an HCN variant with another gene to reduce outward current, increase an additional inward current, or enhance cAMP synthesis. Several of these dual gene therapy approaches have demonstrated appropriate basal and maximal heart rates with little or no reliance on a backup electronic pacemaker during the period of study. Future research, besides examining the efficacy of other gene combinations, will need to consider the additional issues of safety and persistence of the viral vectors often used to deliver these genes to a specific cardiac region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J. J. Boink
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical & Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute, ICIN, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Richard B. Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Zallocchi M, Binley K, Lad Y, Ellis S, Widdowson P, Iqball S, Scripps V, Kelleher M, Loader J, Miskin J, Peng YW, Wang WM, Cheung L, Delimont D, Mitrophanous KA, Cosgrove D. EIAV-based retinal gene therapy in the shaker1 mouse model for usher syndrome type 1B: development of UshStat. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94272. [PMID: 24705452 PMCID: PMC3976400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 1B is a combined deaf-blindness condition caused by mutations in the MYO7A gene. Loss of functional myosin VIIa in the retinal pigment epithelia (RPE) and/or photoreceptors leads to blindness. We evaluated the impact of subretinally delivered UshStat, a recombinant EIAV-based lentiviral vector expressing human MYO7A, on photoreceptor function in the shaker1 mouse model for Usher type 1B that lacks a functional Myo7A gene. Subretinal injections of EIAV-CMV-GFP, EIAV-RK-GFP (photoreceptor specific), EIAV-CMV-MYO7A (UshStat) or EIAV-CMV-Null (control) vectors were performed in shaker1 mice. GFP and myosin VIIa expression was evaluated histologically. Photoreceptor function in EIAV-CMV-MYO7A treated eyes was determined by evaluating α-transducin translocation in photoreceptors in response to low light intensity levels, and protection from light induced photoreceptor degeneration was measured. The safety and tolerability of subretinally delivered UshStat was evaluated in macaques. Expression of GFP and myosin VIIa was confirmed in the RPE and photoreceptors in shaker1 mice following subretinal delivery of the EIAV-CMV-GFP/MYO7A vectors. The EIAV-CMV-MYO7A vector protected the shaker1 mouse photoreceptors from acute and chronic intensity light damage, indicated by a significant reduction in photoreceptor cell loss, and restoration of the α-transducin translocation threshold in the photoreceptors. Safety studies in the macaques demonstrated that subretinal delivery of UshStat is safe and well-tolerated. Subretinal delivery of EIAV-CMV-MYO7A (UshStat) rescues photoreceptor phenotypes in the shaker1 mouse. In addition, subretinally delivered UshStat is safe and well-tolerated in macaque safety studies These data support the clinical development of UshStat to treat Usher type 1B syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Zallocchi
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Katie Binley
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yatish Lad
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Ellis
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Widdowson
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sharifah Iqball
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vicky Scripps
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Kelleher
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Loader
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - James Miskin
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - You-Wei Peng
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Wei-Min Wang
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Linda Cheung
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Duane Delimont
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | | | - Dominic Cosgrove
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Guy HM, McCloskey L, Lye GJ, Mitrophanous KA, Mukhopadhyay TK. Characterization of lentiviral vector production using microwell suspension cultures of HEK293T-derived producer cells. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2013; 24:125-39. [PMID: 23461548 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ProSavin(®) is a lentiviral vector (LV)-based gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. ProSavin(®) is currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial using material that was generated by transient transfection of adherent human embryonic kidney (HEK)293T cells. For future large-scale productions of ProSavin(®), we have previously reported the development and characterization of two inducible producer cell lines, termed PS5.8 and PS46.2. PS46.2 has been successfully adapted to grow in suspension cultures. The present study describes the creation of a small-scale (<2 ml) microwell-based experimental platform for the parallel investigation of ProSavin(®) production using suspension-adapted PS46.2. This is combined with statistical design of experiments (DoE) techniques to enable rapid characterization of the process conditions that impact cell growth and LV production. The effects of postinduction period, microwell liquid fill volume, and concentration of inducer (doxycycline) on ProSavin(®) titer and the particle:infectivity (P:I) ratio was investigated using three rounds of DoE, in order to identify appropriate factor ranges and optimize production conditions. We identified an optimal "harvest window" between approximately 26-46 hr within which maximal titers of around 6×10(4) transducing units (TU)/ml were obtained (an approximately 30-fold improvement compared to starting microwell conditions), providing that the fill volume was maintained at or below 1 ml and the doxycycline concentration was at least 1.0 μg/ml. Insights from the microwell studies were subsequently used to rapidly establish operating conditions for ProSavin(®) production in a 0.5-L wave bioreactor culture. The information presented herein thus aids the design and evaluation of scalable production processes for LVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Guy
- The Advanced Center for Biochemical Engineering, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
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Segura MM, Mangion M, Gaillet B, Garnier A. New developments in lentiviral vector design, production and purification. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2013; 13:987-1011. [PMID: 23590247 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2013.779249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lentiviruses are a very potent class of viral vectors for which there is presently a rapidly growing interest for a number of gene therapy. However, their construction, production and purification need to be performed according to state-of-the-art techniques in order to obtain sufficient quantities of high purity material of any usefulness and safety. AREAS COVERED The recent advances in the field of recombinant lentivirus vector design, production and purification will be reviewed with an eye toward its utilization for gene therapy. Such a review should be helpful for the potential user of this technology. EXPERT OPINION The principal hurdles toward the use of recombinant lentivirus as a gene therapy vector are the low titer at which it is produced as well as the difficulty to purify it at an acceptable level without degrading it. The recent advances in the bioproduction of this vector suggest these issues are about to be resolved, making the retrovirus gene therapy a mature technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mercedes Segura
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès (08193), Barcelona, Spain
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Digiusto DL, Kiem HP. Current translational and clinical practices in hematopoietic cell and gene therapy. Cytotherapy 2013; 14:775-90. [PMID: 22799276 DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2012.694420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Clinical trials over the last 15 years have demonstrated that cell and gene therapies for cancer, monogenic and infectious disease are feasible and can lead to long-term benefit for patients. However, these trials have been limited to proof-of-principle and were conducted on modest numbers of patients or over long periods of time. In order for these studies to move towards standard practice and commercialization, scalable technologies for the isolation, ex vivo manipulation and delivery of these cells to patients must be developed. Additionally, regulatory strategies and clinical protocols for the collection, creation and delivery of cell products must be generated. In this article we review recent progress in hematopoietic cell and gene therapy, describe some of the current issues facing the field and discuss clinical, technical and regulatory approaches used to navigate the road to product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Digiusto
- Department of Virology and Laboratory for Cellular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA.
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Farley DC, Bannister R, Leroux-Carlucci MA, Evans NE, Miskin JE, Mitrophanous KA. Development of an equine-tropic replication-competent lentivirus assay for equine infectious anemia virus-based lentiviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2012; 23:309-23. [PMID: 23121195 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The release of lentiviral vectors for clinical use requires the testing of vector material, production cells, and, if applicable, ex vivo-transduced cells for the presence of replication-competent lentivirus (RCL). Vectors derived from the nonprimate lentivirus equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) have been directly administered to patients in several clinical trials, with no toxicity observed to date. Because EIAV does not replicate in human cells, and because putative RCLs derived from vector components within human vector production cells would most likely be human cell-tropic, we previously developed an RCL assay using amphotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV) as a surrogate positive control and human cells as RCL amplification/indicator cells. Here we report an additional RCL assay that tests for the presence of theoretical "equine-tropic" RCLs. This approach provides further assurance of safety by detecting putative RCLs with an equine cell-specific tropism that might not be efficiently amplified by the human cell-based RCL assay. We tested the ability of accessory gene-deficient EIAV mutant viruses to replicate in a highly permissive equine cell line to direct our choice of a suitable EIAV-derived positive control. In addition, we report for the first time the mathematical rationale for use of the Poisson distribution to calculate minimal infectious dose of positive control virus and for use in monitoring assay positive/spike control failures in accumulating data sets. No RCLs have been detected in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant RCL assays to date, further demonstrating that RCL formation is highly unlikely in contemporary minimal lentiviral vector systems.
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Binley K, Widdowson PS, Kelleher M, de Belin J, Loader J, Ferrige G, Carlucci M, Esapa M, Chipchase D, Angell-Manning D, Ellis S, Mitrophanous K, Miskin J, Bantseev V, Nork TM, Miller P, Naylor S. Safety and Biodistribution of an Equine Infectious Anemia Virus-Based Gene Therapy, RetinoStat®, for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:980-91. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Binley
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Peter S. Widdowson
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Kelleher
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie de Belin
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Loader
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina Ferrige
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Carlucci
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Esapa
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Chipchase
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | | | - Scott Ellis
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | | | - James Miskin
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
| | - Vlad Bantseev
- Covance Laboratories, Madison, WI 53704
- Present address: Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - T. Michael Nork
- Comparative Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53792
| | - Paul Miller
- Comparative Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53792
| | - Stuart Naylor
- Oxford BioMedica (UK) Ltd, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common age-related motoric neurodegenerative disease initially described in the 1800's by James Parkinson as the 'Shaking Palsy'. Loss of the neurotransmitter dopamine was recognized as underlying the pathophysiology of the motor dysfunction; subsequently discovery of dopamine replacement therapies brought substantial symptomatic benefit to PD patients. However, these therapies do not fully treat the clinical syndrome nor do they alter the natural history of this disorder motivating clinicians and researchers to further investigate the clinical phenotype, pathophysiology/pathobiology and etiology of this devastating disease. Although the exact cause of sporadic PD remains enigmatic studies of familial and rare toxicant forms of this disorder have laid the foundation for genome wide explorations and environmental studies. The combination of methodical clinical evaluation, systematic pathological studies and detailed genetic analyses have revealed that PD is a multifaceted disorder with a wide-range of clinical symptoms and pathology that include regions outside the dopamine system. One common thread in PD is the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions that contain the protein, α-synuclein. The presence of toxic aggregated forms of α-synuclein (e.g., amyloid structures) are purported to be a harbinger of subsequent pathology. In fact, PD is both a cerebral amyloid disease and the most common synucleinopathy, that is, diseases that display accumulations of α-synuclein. Here we present our current understanding of PD etiology, pathology, clinical symptoms and therapeutic approaches with an emphasis on misfolded α-synuclein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R. Mhyre
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, NRB EP08, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, 20057, Washington, DC, USA,
| | - James T. Boyd
- University of Vermont College of Medicine, 1 South Prospect Street, DU-Arnold 4416-UHC, 05401, Burlington, VT, USA,
| | - Robert W. Hamill
- Department of Neurology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Given Hall Room C225, 05405, Burlington, VT, USA,
| | - Kathleen A. Maguire-Zeiss
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neural Injury and RecoveryGeorgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Road, NW NRB EP08, 20057, Washington, DC, USA,
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Stewart HJ, Fong-Wong L, Strickland I, Chipchase D, Kelleher M, Stevenson L, Thoree V, McCarthy J, Ralph GS, Mitrophanous KA, Radcliffe PA. A stable producer cell line for the manufacture of a lentiviral vector for gene therapy of Parkinson's disease. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:357-69. [PMID: 21070114 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ProSavin is an equine infectious anemia virus vector-based gene therapy for Parkinson's disease for which inducible HEK293T-based producer cell lines (PCLs) have been developed. These cell lines demonstrate stringent tetracycline-regulated expression of the packaging components and yield titers comparable to the established transient production system. A prerequisite for the use of PCL-derived lentiviral vectors (LVs) in clinical applications is the thorough characterization of both the LV and respective PCL with regard to identity and genetic stability. We describe the detailed characterization of two ProSavin PCLs (PS5.8 and PS46.2) and resultant ProSavin vector. The two cell lines demonstrate stable production of vector over a time period sufficient to allow generation of master and working cell banks, and subsequent large-scale vector production. ProSavin generated from the PCLs performs comparably in vivo to that produced by the standard transient transfection process with respect to transduction efficiency and immunogenicity. The development of ProSavin PCLs, and the detailed characterization described here, will aid the advancement of ProSavin for clinical application.
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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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Snyder BR, Boulis NM, Federici T. Viral vector-mediated gene transfer for CNS disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:381-94. [DOI: 10.1517/14712590903514074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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