1
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Guan X, Pei Y, Song J. DNA-Based Nonviral Gene Therapy─Challenging but Promising. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:427-453. [PMID: 38198640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00907] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in utilizing nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA molecules, for therapeutic purposes. For DNA molecules, although various DNA delivery systems have been established, viral vector systems are the go-to choice for large-scale commercial applications. However, viral systems have certain disadvantages such as immune response, limited payload capacity, insertional mutagenesis and pre-existing immunity. In contrast, nonviral systems are less immunogenic, not size limited, safer, and easier for manufacturing compared with viral systems. What's more, nonviral DNA vectors have demonstrated their capacity to mediate specific protein expression in vivo for diverse therapeutic objectives containing a wide range of diseases such as cancer, rare diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases, yielding promising therapeutic outcomes. However, exogenous plasmid DNA is prone to degrade and has poor immunogenicity in vivo. Thus, various strategies have been developed: (i) designing novel plasmids with special structures, (ii) optimizing plasmid sequences for higher expression, and (iii) developing more efficient nonviral DNA delivery systems. Based on these strategies, many interesting clinical results have been reported. This Review discusses the development of DNA-based nonviral gene therapy, including novel plasmids, nonviral delivery systems, clinical advances, and prospects. These developments hold great potential for enhancing the efficacy and safety of nonviral gene therapy and expanding its applications in the treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocai Guan
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yufeng Pei
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
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2
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Sheng Q, Yi L, Zhong B, Wu X, Liu L, Zhang B. Shikimic acid biosynthesis in microorganisms: Current status and future direction. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 62:108073. [PMID: 36464143 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Shikimic acid (SA), a hydroaromatic natural product, is used as a chiral precursor for organic synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®, an antiviral drug). The process of microbial production of SA has recently undergone vigorous development. Particularly, the sustainable construction of recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum (141.2 g/L) and Escherichia coli (87 g/L) laid a solid foundation for the microbial fermentation production of SA. However, its industrial application is restricted by limitations such as the lack of fermentation tests for industrial-scale and the requirement of growth-limiting factors, antibiotics, and inducers. Therefore, the development of SA biosensors and dynamic molecular switches, as well as genetic modification strategies and optimization of the fermentation process based on omics technology could improve the performance of SA-producing strains. In this review, recent advances in the development of SA-producing strains, including genetic modification strategies, metabolic pathway construction, and biosensor-assisted evolution, are discussed and critically reviewed. Finally, future challenges and perspectives for further reinforcing the development of robust SA-producing strains are predicted, providing theoretical guidance for the industrial production of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Sheng
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Lingxin Yi
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Bin Zhong
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
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3
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Episomes and Transposases-Utilities to Maintain Transgene Expression from Nonviral Vectors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101872. [PMID: 36292757 PMCID: PMC9601623 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficient delivery and stable transgene expression are critical for applications in gene therapy. While carefully selected and engineered viral vectors allowed for remarkable clinical successes, they still bear significant safety risks. Thus, nonviral vectors are a sound alternative and avoid genotoxicity and adverse immunological reactions. Nonviral vector systems have been extensively studied and refined during the last decades. Emerging knowledge of the epigenetic regulation of replication and spatial chromatin organisation, as well as new technologies, such as Crispr/Cas, were employed to enhance the performance of different nonviral vector systems. Thus, nonviral vectors are in focus and hold some promising perspectives for future applications in gene therapy. This review addresses three prominent nonviral vector systems: the Sleeping Beauty transposase, S/MAR-based episomes, and viral plasmid replicon-based EBV vectors. Exemplarily, we review different utilities, modifications, and new concepts that were pursued to overcome limitations regarding stable transgene expression and mitotic stability. New insights into the nuclear localisation of nonviral vector molecules and the potential consequences thereof are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the remaining limitations and provide an outlook on possible future developments in nonviral vector technology.
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4
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Vermeire G, De Smidt E, Geukens N, Williams JA, Declerck P, Hollevoet K. Improved Potency and Safety of DNA-Encoded Antibody Therapeutics Through Plasmid Backbone and Expression Cassette Engineering. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1200-1209. [PMID: 34482757 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded delivery of antibodies presents a labor- and cost-effective alternative to conventional antibody therapeutics. This study aims to improve the potency and safety of this approach by evaluating various plasmid backbones and expression cassettes. In vitro, antibody levels consistently improved with decreasing sizes of backbone, ranging from conventional to minimal. In vivo, following intramuscular electrotransfer in mice, the correlation was less consistent. While the largest conventional plasmid (10.2 kb) gave the lowest monoclonal antibody (mAb) levels, a regular conventional plasmid (8.6 kb) demonstrated similar levels as a minimal Nanoplasmid (6.8 kb). A reduction in size beyond a standard conventional backbone thus did not improve mAb levels in vivo. Cassette modifications, such as swapping antibody chain order or use of two versus a single encoding plasmid, significantly increased antibody expression in vitro, but failed to translate in vivo. Conversely, a significant improvement in vivo but not in vitro was found with a set of muscle-specific promoters, of which a newly engineered variant gave roughly 1.5- to 2-fold higher plasma antibody concentrations than the ubiquitous CAG promoter. In conclusion, despite the limited translation between in vitro and in vivo, we identified various clinically relevant improvements to our DNA-based antibody platform, both in potency and biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles Vermeire
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elien De Smidt
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Geukens
- PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Paul Declerck
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kevin Hollevoet
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,PharmAbs, the KU Leuven Antibody Center-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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5
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Eusébio D, Neves AR, Costa D, Biswas S, Alves G, Cui Z, Sousa Â. Methods to improve the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA vaccines. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2575-2592. [PMID: 34214667 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA vaccines have emerged as innovative approaches that have great potential to overcome the limitations of current conventional vaccines. Plasmid DNA vaccines are often safer than other vaccines because they carry only antigen genetic information, are more stable and easier to produce, and can stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Although the results of ongoing clinical trials are very promising, some limitations compromise the immunogenicity of these vaccines. Thus, this review describes different strategies that can be explored to improve the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA vaccines, including the optimization of the plasmid vector backbone, the use of different methods for vaccine delivery, the use of alternative administration routes and the inclusion of adjuvants. In combination, these improvements could lead to the successful clinical use of plasmid DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalinda Eusébio
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Neves
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Swati Biswas
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ângela Sousa
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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6
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Bozza M, De Roia A, Correia MP, Berger A, Tuch A, Schmidt A, Zörnig I, Jäger D, Schmidt P, Harbottle RP. A nonviral, nonintegrating DNA nanovector platform for the safe, rapid, and persistent manufacture of recombinant T cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/16/eabf1333. [PMID: 33853779 PMCID: PMC8046366 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf1333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The compelling need to provide adoptive cell therapy (ACT) to an increasing number of oncology patients within a meaningful therapeutic window makes the development of an efficient, fast, versatile, and safe genetic tool for creating recombinant T cells indispensable. In this study, we used nonintegrating minimally sized DNA vectors with an enhanced capability of generating genetically modified cells, and we demonstrate that they can be efficiently used to engineer human T lymphocytes. This vector platform contains no viral components and is capable of replicating extrachromosomally in the nucleus of dividing cells, providing persistent transgene expression in human T cells without affecting their behavior and molecular integrity. We use this technology to provide a manufacturing protocol to quickly generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells at clinical scale in a closed system and demonstrate their enhanced anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo in comparison to previously described integrating vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bozza
- DNA Vector Laboratory, DKFZ Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alice De Roia
- DNA Vector Laboratory, DKFZ Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Margareta P Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Aileen Berger
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumorimmunity, DKFZ Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Medical Oncology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Tuch
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumorimmunity, DKFZ Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Medical Oncology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Inka Zörnig
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Medical Oncology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumorimmunity, DKFZ Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Medical Oncology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schmidt
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Medical Oncology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, Germany
- GMP & T cell Therapy Unit, DKFZ Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard P Harbottle
- DNA Vector Laboratory, DKFZ Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, Heidelberg, Germany.
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7
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Bigot K, Gondouin P, Bénard R, Montagne P, Youale J, Piazza M, Picard E, Bordet T, Behar-Cohen F. Transferrin Non-Viral Gene Therapy for Treatment of Retinal Degeneration. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12090836. [PMID: 32882879 PMCID: PMC7557784 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of iron metabolism is observed in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), possibly contributing to oxidative damage of the retina. Transferrin (TF), an endogenous iron chelator, was proposed as a therapeutic candidate. Here, the efficacy of TF non-viral gene therapy based on the electrotransfection of pEYS611, a plasmid encoding human TF, into the ciliary muscle was evaluated in several rat models of retinal degeneration. pEYS611 administration allowed for the sustained intraocular production of TF for at least 3 and 6 months in rats and rabbits, respectively. In the photo-oxidative damage model, pEYS611 protected both retinal structure and function more efficiently than carnosic acid, a natural antioxidant, reduced microglial infiltration in the outer retina and preserved the integrity of the outer retinal barrier. pEYS611 also protected photoreceptors from N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced apoptosis. Finally, pEYS611 delayed structural and functional degeneration in the RCS rat model of RP while malondialdehyde (MDA) ocular content, a biomarker of oxidative stress, was decreased. The neuroprotective benefits of TF non-viral gene delivery in retinal degenerative disease models further validates iron overload as a therapeutic target and supports the continued development of pEY611 for treatment of RP and dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Bigot
- Eyevensys, Biopark, 11 rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France; (K.B.); (P.G.); (R.B.); (P.M.); (J.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Pauline Gondouin
- Eyevensys, Biopark, 11 rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France; (K.B.); (P.G.); (R.B.); (P.M.); (J.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Romain Bénard
- Eyevensys, Biopark, 11 rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France; (K.B.); (P.G.); (R.B.); (P.M.); (J.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Pierrick Montagne
- Eyevensys, Biopark, 11 rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France; (K.B.); (P.G.); (R.B.); (P.M.); (J.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Jenny Youale
- Eyevensys, Biopark, 11 rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France; (K.B.); (P.G.); (R.B.); (P.M.); (J.Y.); (M.P.)
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Team 17, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Marie Piazza
- Eyevensys, Biopark, 11 rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France; (K.B.); (P.G.); (R.B.); (P.M.); (J.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Emilie Picard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Team 17, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Thierry Bordet
- Eyevensys, Biopark, 11 rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France; (K.B.); (P.G.); (R.B.); (P.M.); (J.Y.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (F.B.-C.)
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Team 17, 75006 Paris, France;
- Ophtalmopole, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (F.B.-C.)
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8
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Bozza M, Green EW, Espinet E, De Roia A, Klein C, Vogel V, Offringa R, Williams JA, Sprick M, Harbottle RP. Novel Non-integrating DNA Nano-S/MAR Vectors Restore Gene Function in Isogenic Patient-Derived Pancreatic Tumor Models. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:957-968. [PMID: 32420409 PMCID: PMC7218229 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We describe herein non-integrating minimally sized nano-S/MAR DNA vectors, which can be used to genetically modify dividing cells in place of integrating vectors. They represent a unique genetic tool, which avoids vector-mediated damage. Previous work has shown that DNA vectors comprising a mammalian S/MAR element can provide persistent mitotic stability over hundreds of cell divisions, resisting epigenetic silencing and thereby allowing sustained transgene expression. The composition of the original S/MAR vectors does present some inherent limitations that can provoke cellular toxicity. Herein, we present a new system, the nano-S/MAR, which drives higher transgene expression and has improved efficiency of establishment, due to the minimal impact on cellular processes and perturbation of the endogenous transcriptome. We show that these features enable the hitherto challenging genetic modification of patient-derived cells to stably restore the tumor suppressor gene SMAD4 to a patient-derived SMAD4 knockout pancreatic cancer line. Nano-S/MAR modification does not alter the molecular or phenotypic integrity of the patient-derived cells in cell culture and xenograft mouse models. In conclusion, we show that these DNA vectors can be used to persistently modify a range of cells, providing sustained transgene expression while avoiding the risks of insertional mutagenesis and other vector-mediated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bozza
- DNA Vector Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edward W Green
- Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisa Espinet
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alice De Roia
- DNA Vector Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Corinna Klein
- Stem Cells and Metastasis, Hi-Stem Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Vogel
- Stem Cells and Metastasis, Hi-Stem Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rienk Offringa
- Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Sprick
- Stem Cells and Metastasis, Hi-Stem Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard P Harbottle
- DNA Vector Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Suschak JJ, Dupuy LC, Shoemaker CJ, Six C, Kwilas SA, Spik KW, Williams JA, Schmaljohn CS. Nanoplasmid Vectors Co-expressing Innate Immune Agonists Enhance DNA Vaccines for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus and Ebola Virus. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:810-821. [PMID: 32296729 PMCID: PMC7158766 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA vaccines expressing codon-optimized Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein genes provide protective immunity to mice and nonhuman primates when delivered by intramuscular (IM) electroporation (EP). To achieve equivalent protective efficacy in the absence of EP, we evaluated VEEV and EBOV DNA vaccines constructed using minimalized Nanoplasmid expression vectors that are smaller than conventional plasmids used for DNA vaccination. These vectors may also be designed to co-express type I interferon inducing innate immune agonist genes that have an adjuvant effect. Nanoplasmid vaccinated mice had increased antibody responses as compared to those receiving our conventional pWRG7077-based vaccines when delivered by IM injection, and these responses were further enhanced by the inclusion of the innate immune agonist genes. The Nanoplasmid VEEV DNA vaccines also significantly increased protection against aerosol VEEV challenge as compared to the pWRG7077 VEEV DNA vaccine. Although all mice receiving the pWRG7077 and Nanoplasmid EBOV DNA vaccines at the dose tested survived EBOV challenge, only mice receiving the Nanoplasmid EBOV DNA vaccine that co-expresses the innate immune agonist genes failed to lose weight after challenge. Our results suggest that Nanoplasmid vectors can improve the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of alphavirus and filovirus DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lesley C Dupuy
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Charles J Shoemaker
- Diagnostic Systems Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Carolyn Six
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Steven A Kwilas
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kristin W Spik
- Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- Headquarters, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, USA
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10
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Thalmensi J, Pliquet E, Liard C, Chamel G, Kreuz C, Bestetti T, Escande M, Kostrzak A, Pailhes-Jimenez AS, Bourges E, Julithe M, Bourre L, Keravel O, Clayette P, Huet T, Wain-Hobson S, Langlade-Demoyen P. A DNA telomerase vaccine for canine cancer immunotherapy. Oncotarget 2019; 10:3361-3372. [PMID: 31164958 PMCID: PMC6534364 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is highly expressed in more than 90% of canine cancer cells and low to absent in normal cells. Given that immune tolerance to telomerase is easily broken both naturally and experimentally, telomerase is an attractive tumor associated antigen for cancer immunotherapy. Indeed, therapeutic trials using human telomerase peptides have been performed. We have developed an immunogenic yet catalytically inactive human telomerase DNA construct that is in clinical trials with patients presenting solid tumors. Paralleling this human construct, we have developed a canine telomerase DNA vaccine, called pDUV5. When administered intradermally to mice combined with electrogene transfer, pDUV5 induced canine TERT specific cytotoxic T-cells as measured by IFN-γ ELISpot assay. Intradermal vaccination of healthy dogs with 400 μg of pDUV5 generated strong, broad and long lasting TERT specific cellular immune responses. In vitro immunization with cTERT peptides revealed the maintenance of cTERT specific T-cells in PBMCs from tumor bearing dogs showing that this repertoire was not depleted. This study highlights the potential of pDUV5 as a cancer vaccine and supports its evaluation for the treatment of spontaneous canine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christine Kreuz
- ImmunoPharmacology and Biosafety Lab, Bertin Pharma/CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Clayette
- ImmunoPharmacology and Biosafety Lab, Bertin Pharma/CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France
| | | | - Simon Wain-Hobson
- Invectys, Paris BioPark, Paris 75013, France.,Molecular Retrovirology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS-URA 3015, Paris 75015, France
| | - Pierre Langlade-Demoyen
- Invectys, Paris BioPark, Paris 75013, France.,Molecular Retrovirology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS-URA 3015, Paris 75015, France
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11
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Menezes ME, Das SK, Minn I, Emdad L, Wang XY, Sarkar D, Pomper MG, Fisher PB. Detecting Tumor Metastases: The Road to Therapy Starts Here. Adv Cancer Res 2016; 132:1-44. [PMID: 27613128 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the complex process by which primary tumor cells migrate and establish secondary tumors in an adjacent or distant location in the body. Early detection of metastatic disease and effective therapeutic options for targeting these detected metastases remain impediments to effectively treating patients with advanced cancers. If metastatic lesions are identified early, patients might maximally benefit from effective early therapeutic interventions. Further, monitoring patients whose primary tumors are effectively treated for potential metastatic disease onset is also highly valuable. Finally, patients with metastatic disease can be monitored for efficacy of specific therapeutic interventions through effective metastatic detection techniques. Thus, being able to detect and visualize metastatic lesions is key and provides potential to greatly improve overall patient outcomes. In order to achieve these objectives, researchers have endeavored to mechanistically define the steps involved in the metastatic process as well as ways to effectively detect metastatic progression. We presently overview various preclinical and clinical in vitro and in vivo assays developed to more efficiently detect tumor metastases, which provides the foundation for developing more effective therapies for this invariably fatal component of the cancerous process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Menezes
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - S K Das
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - I Minn
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - L Emdad
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - X-Y Wang
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - D Sarkar
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - M G Pomper
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - P B Fisher
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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12
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Borggren M, Nielsen J, Bragstad K, Karlsson I, Krog JS, Williams JA, Fomsgaard A. Vector optimization and needle-free intradermal application of a broadly protective polyvalent influenza A DNA vaccine for pigs and humans. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1983-90. [PMID: 25746201 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1011987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The threat posed by the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus emphasized the need for new influenza A virus vaccines inducing a broad cross-protective immune response for use in both humans and pigs. An effective and broad influenza vaccine for pigs would greatly benefit the pork industry and contribute to public health by diminishing the risk of emerging highly pathogenic reassortants. Current inactivated protein vaccines against swine influenza produce only short-lived immunity and have no efficacy against heterologous strains. DNA vaccines are a potential alternative with advantages such as the induction of cellular and humoral immunity, inherent safety and rapid production time. We have previously developed a DNA vaccine encoding selected influenza proteins of pandemic origin and demonstrated broad protective immune responses in ferrets and pigs. In this study, we evaluated our DNA vaccine expressed by next-generation vectors. These new vectors can improve gene expression, but they are also efficiently produced on large scales and comply with regulatory guidelines by avoiding antibiotic resistance genes. In addition, a new needle-free delivery of the vaccine, convenient for mass vaccinations, was compared with intradermal needle injection followed by electroporation. We report that when our DNA vaccine is expressed by the new vectors and delivered to the skin with the needle-free device in the rabbit model, it can elicit an antibody response with the same titers as a conventional vector with intradermal electroporation. The needle-free delivery is already in use for traditional protein vaccines in pigs but should be considered as a practical alternative for the mass administration of broadly protective influenza DNA vaccines.
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Key Words
- BSA, bovine serum albumin
- DK, Denmark
- DNA vaccine
- DNA, DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
- ELISA, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- EP, electroporation
- FCS, fetal calf serum
- HA, hemagglutinin
- HAI, hemagglutination inhibition assay
- HAU, hemagglutination units
- HI, hemagglutination inhibition
- IDAL®, IntraDermal Application of Liquids®
- IgG, immunoglobulin G
- M, matrix protein
- MDCK cells, Madin-Darby Canine Kidney epithelial cells
- NA, neuraminidase
- NP, nucleoprotein
- NTC8385-VA1
- NTC9385R
- NZW, New Zealand White
- PBS, phosphate buffered saline
- RDE, receptor destroying enzyme
- SEM, standard error mean
- TMB, tetramethylbenzidine
- US, the United States
- WHO, world health organization
- bp, base pair
- i.d., intra-dermal
- influenza
- needle-free
- polyvalent
- tPA, tissue plasminogen activator
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Borggren
- a Virus Research and Development Laboratory ; Department of Microbiological Diagnostic and Virology; Statens Serum Institut ; Copenhagen , Denmark
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13
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Abstract
In the two decades since their initial discovery, DNA vaccines technologies have come a long way. Unfortunately, when applied to human subjects inadequate immunogenicity is still the biggest challenge for practical DNA vaccine use. Many different strategies have been tested in preclinical models to address this problem, including novel plasmid vectors and codon optimization to enhance antigen expression, new gene transfection systems or electroporation to increase delivery efficiency, protein or live virus vector boosting regimens to maximise immune stimulation, and formulation of DNA vaccines with traditional or molecular adjuvants. Better understanding of the mechanisms of action of DNA vaccines has also enabled better use of the intrinsic host response to DNA to improve vaccine immunogenicity. This review summarizes recent advances in DNA vaccine technologies and related intracellular events and how these might impact on future directions of DNA vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
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14
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Jones CH, Hakansson AP, Pfeifer BA. Biomaterials at the interface of nano- and micro-scale vector-cellular interactions in genetic vaccine design. J Mater Chem B 2014; 46:8053-8068. [PMID: 29887986 PMCID: PMC5990286 DOI: 10.1039/c4tb01058b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective vaccines for the prevention of elusive infectious diseases remains a public health priority. Immunization, characterized by adaptive immune responses to specific antigens, can be raised by an array of delivery vectors. However, current commercial vaccination strategies are predicated on the retooling of archaic technology. This review will discuss current and emerging strategies designed to elicit immune responses in the context of genetic vaccination. Selected strategies at the biomaterial-biological interface will be emphasized to illustrate the potential of coupling both fields towards a common goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles H Jones
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-4200, USA
| | - Anders P Hakansson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-4200, USA
- The Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-4200, USA
| | - Blaine A Pfeifer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-4200, USA
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15
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Walters AA, Kinnear E, Shattock RJ, McDonald JU, Caproni LJ, Porter N, Tregoning JS. Comparative analysis of enzymatically produced novel linear DNA constructs with plasmids for use as DNA vaccines. Gene Ther 2014; 21:645-52. [PMID: 24830436 PMCID: PMC4082409 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of DNA to deliver vaccine antigens offers many advantages, including ease of manufacture and cost. However, most DNA vaccines are plasmids and must be grown in bacterial culture, necessitating elements which are either unnecessary for effective gene delivery (e.g. bacterial origins of replication) or undesirable (e.g. antibiotic resistance genes). Removing these elements may improve the safety profile of DNA for the delivery of vaccines. Here we describe a novel, double-stranded, linear DNA construct produced by an enzymatic process that solely encodes an antigen expression cassette, comprising antigen, promoter, polyA tail and telomeric ends. We compared these constructs (called ‘Doggybones’ because of their shape) with conventional plasmid DNA. Using luciferase-expressing constructs, we demonstrated that expression levels were equivalent between Doggybones and plasmids both in vitro and in vivo. When mice were immunized with DNA constructs expressing the HIV envelope protein gp140, equivalent humoral and cellular responses were induced. Immunizations with either construct type expressing haemagluttinin were protective against H1N1 influenza challenge. This is the first example of an effective DNA vaccine which can be produced on a large scale by enzymatic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Walters
- Mucosal Infection & Immunity Group, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, UK
| | - E Kinnear
- Mucosal Infection & Immunity Group, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, UK
| | - R J Shattock
- Mucosal Infection & Immunity Group, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, UK
| | - J U McDonald
- Mucosal Infection & Immunity Group, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, UK
| | - L J Caproni
- Touchlight Genetics Ltd., Leatherhead Food Research Institute, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK
| | - N Porter
- Touchlight Genetics Ltd., Leatherhead Food Research Institute, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK
| | - J S Tregoning
- Mucosal Infection & Immunity Group, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, UK
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16
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Fioretti D, Iurescia S, Rinaldi M. Enhancement of plasmid-mediated transgene expression. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1143:11-20. [PMID: 24715279 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0410-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
A large number of studies aimed at the treatment of cancer, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, allergic diseases, as well as muscle disorders strengthen the fact that gene therapy could represent an alternative method to treat human diseases where conventional approaches are less effective. To improve transgene expression from plasmid vectors, DNA nuclear targeting sequences (DTSs) can be introduced in a vector backbone to increase in vivo expression up to 20-fold using electroporation (EP) delivery in muscle tissue. The purpose of this chapter is to represent a step-by-step strategy for the construction of a plasmid vector with enhanced efficiency of nuclear plasmid uptake and the methodic for the in vivo efficiency evaluation of the obtained expression vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fioretti
- Section of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
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17
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Dou C, Lay F, Ansari AM, Rees DJ, Ahmed AK, Kovbasnjuk O, Matsangos AE, Du J, Hosseini SM, Steenbergen C, Fox-Talbot K, Tabor AT, Williams JA, Liu L, Marti GP, Harmon JW. Strengthening the skin with topical delivery of keratinocyte growth factor-1 using a novel DNA plasmid. Mol Ther 2014; 22:752-61. [PMID: 24434934 PMCID: PMC3982499 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile skin, susceptible to decubitus ulcers and incidental trauma, is a problem particularly for the elderly and for those with spinal cord injury. Here, we present a simple approach to strengthen the skin by the topical delivery of keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1) DNA. In initial feasibility studies with the novel minimalized, antibiotic-free DNA expression vector, NTC8385-VA1, the reporter genes luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein were delivered. Transfection was documented when luciferase expression significantly increased after transfection. Microscopic imaging of enhanced green fluorescent protein-transfected skin showed green fluorescence in hair follicles, hair shafts, and dermal and superficial epithelial cells. With KGF-1 transfection, KGF-1 mRNA level and protein production were documented with quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Epithelial thickness of the transfected skin in the KGF group was significantly increased compared with the control vector group (26 ± 2 versus 16 ± 4 µm) at 48 hours (P = 0.045). Dermal thickness tended to be increased in the KGF group (255 ± 36 versus 162 ± 16 µm) at 120 hours (P = 0.057). Biomechanical assessment showed that the KGF-1-treated skin was significantly stronger than control vector-transfected skin. These findings indicate that topically delivered KGF-1 DNA plasmid can increase epithelial thickness and strength, demonstrating the potential of this approach to restore compromised skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunqing Dou
- 1] Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China [2] Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank Lay
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amir Mehdi Ansari
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Donald J Rees
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ali Karim Ahmed
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Olga Kovbasnjuk
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aerielle E Matsangos
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Junkai Du
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sayed Mohammad Hosseini
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles Steenbergen
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Karen Fox-Talbot
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Lixin Liu
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Guy P Marti
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John W Harmon
- Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn/Wound Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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Minn I, Menezes ME, Sarkar S, Yarlagadda K, Das SK, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Fisher PB, Pomper MG. Molecular-genetic imaging of cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2014; 124:131-69. [PMID: 25287688 PMCID: PMC4339000 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411638-2.00004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular-genetic imaging of cancer using nonviral delivery systems has great potential for clinical application as a safe, efficient, noninvasive tool for visualization of various cellular processes including detection of cancer, and its attendant metastases. In recent years, significant effort has been expended in overcoming technical hurdles to enable clinical adoption of molecular-genetic imaging. This chapter will provide an introduction to the components of molecular-genetic imaging and recent advances on each component leading to safe, efficient clinical applications for detecting cancer. Combination with therapy, namely, generating molecular-genetic theranostic constructs, will provide further impetus for clinical translation of this promising technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il Minn
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Siddik Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Keerthi Yarlagadda
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Recent developments in DNA vaccine research provide a new momentum for this rather young and potentially disruptive technology. Gene-based vaccines are capable of eliciting protective immunity in humans to persistent intracellular pathogens, such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, for which the conventional vaccine technologies have failed so far. The recent identification and characterization of genes coding for tumor antigens has stimulated the development of DNA-based antigen-specific cancer vaccines. Although most academic researchers consider the production of reasonable amounts of plasmid DNA (pDNA) for immunological studies relatively easy to solve, problems often arise during this first phase of production. In this chapter we review the current state of the art of pDNA production at small (shake flasks) and mid-scales (lab-scale bioreactor fermentations) and address new trends in vector design and strain engineering. We will guide the reader through the different stages of process design starting from choosing the most appropriate plasmid backbone, choosing the right Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain for production, and cultivation media and scale-up issues. In addition, we will address some points concerning the safety and potency of the produced plasmids, with special focus on producing antibiotic resistance-free plasmids. The main goal of this chapter is to make immunologists aware of the fact that production of the pDNA vaccine has to be performed with as much as attention and care as the rest of their research.
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20
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Abstract
Plasmid DNA for immunization applications must be of the highest purity and quality. The ability of downstream purification to efficiently produce a pure final product is directly influenced by the performance of the upstream fermentation process. While several clinical manufacturing facilities already have validated fermentation processes in place to manufacture plasmid DNA for use in humans, a simple and inexpensive laboratory-scale fermentation process can be valuable for in-house production of plasmid DNA for use in animal efficacy studies. This chapter describes a simple fed-batch fermentation process for producing bacterial cell paste enriched with high-quality plasmid DNA. A constant feeding strategy results in a medium cell density culture with continuously increasing plasmid amplification towards the end of the process. Cell banking and seed culture preparation protocols, which can dramatically influence final product yield and quality, are also described. These protocols are suitable for production of research-grade plasmid DNA at the 100 mg-to-1.5 g scale from a typical 10 L laboratory benchtop fermentor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron E Carnes
- Nature Technology Corporation, 4701 Innovation Drive, Lincoln, NE, 68521, USA,
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21
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Abstract
Although safety concerns have been overcome, lower immunogenicity profiles of DNA vaccines have hindered their progress in humans. DNA vaccines need to make up for this limitation by altering plasmid construction through vector design innovations intended for enhancement of transgene expression and immunogenicity. The next-generation vectors also address safety issues such as selection markers. This chapter discusses (a) plasmid backbone design, (b) enhancement of antigenic protein expression and immunogenicity, and (c) vector modification to increase innate immunity. Modifications of the basic design, when combined with improved delivery devices and/or prime/boost regimens, may enhance DNA vaccine performance and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Iurescia
- Section of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
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22
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Luke JM, Carnes AE, Williams JA. Development of antibiotic-free selection system for safer DNA vaccination. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1143:91-111. [PMID: 24715283 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0410-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The use of antibiotic-resistance markers in DNA vaccines is discouraged by regulatory agencies due to various theoretical safety concerns. This chapter presents methodologies for the design and cloning of synthetic antigen genes into RNA-OUT encoding antibiotic-free DNA vaccine vectors that are additionally optimized to improve protein expression, and immunogenicity, compared to alternative kanamycin-resistant vectors. First, antigen targeting considerations are discussed in the context of immune response customization through MHC class I or class II directed antigen presentation; the example NTC868 series RNA-OUT vector system allows simultaneous cloning into multiple vectors that feature various transgene intracellular targeting destinations. Then a detailed flowchart for codon optimization and synthetic transgene design is presented. Finally in-depth methodologies for cloning transgenes into the NTC868 series RNA-OUT vector system are presented. The resultant antibiotic-free DNA vaccine vectors are a more potent, safer alternative to existing kanamycin resistance marker encoding vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Luke
- Nature Technology Corporation, 4701 Innovation Drive, Lincoln, NE, 68521, USA
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23
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Nelson J, Rodriguez S, Finlayson N, Williams J, Carnes A. Antibiotic-free production of a herpes simplex virus 2 DNA vaccine in a high yield cGMP process. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:2211-5. [PMID: 23899469 DOI: 10.4161/hv.25048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Two DNA vaccine plasmids encoding Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein D, NTC8485-O2-gD2 and NTC8485-O2-UgD2tr, were produced at large scale under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) for use in a Phase I human clinical trial. These DNA vaccines incorporate the regulatory agency compliant, minimal, antibiotic-free (AF) NTC8485 mammalian expression vector. Plasmid yields of>1 g/L were achieved using the HyperGRO™ fed-batch fermentation process, with successful scale up from 10 L process development scale to 320 L culture volume for cGMP production. The DNA vaccines were purified using a low residence time, high shear lysis process and AIRMIX(TM) technology, followed by chromatographic purification. This combination of optimized plasmid vector, high yield upstream production, and efficient downstream purification resulted in purified HSV-2 DNA vaccines with>99% total supercoiled plasmid, ≤ 0.2% RNA, ≤ 0.1% host cell genomic DNA, and ≤ 0.1 endotoxin units per mg.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neil Finlayson
- Coridon Pty Ltd; Level 3, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba, QLD Australia
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24
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Williams JA. Vector Design for Improved DNA Vaccine Efficacy, Safety and Production. Vaccines (Basel) 2013; 1:225-49. [PMID: 26344110 PMCID: PMC4494225 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines1030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination is a disruptive technology that offers the promise of a new rapidly deployed vaccination platform to treat human and animal disease with gene-based materials. Innovations such as electroporation, needle free jet delivery and lipid-based carriers increase transgene expression and immunogenicity through more effective gene delivery. This review summarizes complementary vector design innovations that, when combined with leading delivery platforms, further enhance DNA vaccine performance. These next generation vectors also address potential safety issues such as antibiotic selection, and increase plasmid manufacturing quality and yield in exemplary fermentation production processes. Application of optimized constructs in combination with improved delivery platforms tangibly improves the prospect of successful application of DNA vaccination as prophylactic vaccines for diverse human infectious disease targets or as therapeutic vaccines for cancer and allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Williams
- Nature Technology Corporation/Suite 103, 4701 Innovation Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521, USA.
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25
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Koirala A, Conley SM, Naash MI. A review of therapeutic prospects of non-viral gene therapy in the retinal pigment epithelium. Biomaterials 2013; 34:7158-67. [PMID: 23796578 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ocular gene therapy has been extensively explored in recent years as a therapeutic avenue to target diseases of the cornea, retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy has shown promise in several RPE clinical trials but AAVs have limited payload capacity and potential immunogenicity. Traditionally however, non-viral alternatives have been plagued by low transfection efficiency, short-term expression and low expression levels. Recently, these drawbacks have begun to be overcome by the use of specialty carriers such as polylysine, liposomes, or polyethyleneimines, and by inclusion of suitable DNA elements to enhance gene expression and longevity. Recent advancements in the field have yielded non-viral vectors that have favorable safety profiles, lack immunogenicity, exhibit long-term elevated gene expression, and show efficient transfection in the retina and RPE, making them poised to transition to clinical applications. Here we discuss the advancements in nanotechnology and vector engineering that have improved the prospects for clinical application of non-viral gene therapy in the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsha Koirala
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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26
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Safety and clinical efficacy of rapidly-generated trivirus-directed T cells as treatment for adenovirus, EBV, and CMV infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Mol Ther 2013; 21:2113-21. [PMID: 23783429 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of virus-specific T cells can prevent and treat serious infections with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and adenovirus (Adv) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It has, however, proved difficult to make this approach widely available since infectious virus and viral vectors are required for T cell activation, followed by an intensive and prolonged culture period extending over several months. We now show that T cells targeting a range of viral antigens derived from EBV, CMV, and Adv can be reproducibly generated in a single culture over a 2-3-week period, using methods that exclude all viral components and employ a much-simplified culture technology. When administered to recipients of haploidentical (n = 5), matched unrelated (n = 3), mismatched unrelated (n = 1) or matched related (n = 1) transplants with active CMV (n = 3), Adv (n = 1), EBV (n = 2), EBV+Adv (n = 2) or CMV+Adv (n = 2) infections, the cells produced complete virological responses in 80%, including all patients with dual infections. In each case, a decrease in viral load correlated with an increase in the frequency of T cells directed against the infecting virus(es); both immediate and delayed toxicities were absent. This approach should increase both the feasibility and applicability of T cell therapy. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01070797.
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Nafissi N, Slavcev R. Construction and characterization of an in-vivo linear covalently closed DNA vector production system. Microb Cell Fact 2012; 11:154. [PMID: 23216697 PMCID: PMC3540006 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-11-154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While safer than their viral counterparts, conventional non-viral gene delivery DNA vectors offer a limited safety profile. They often result in the delivery of unwanted prokaryotic sequences, antibiotic resistance genes, and the bacterial origins of replication to the target, which may lead to the stimulation of unwanted immunological responses due to their chimeric DNA composition. Such vectors may also impart the potential for chromosomal integration, thus potentiating oncogenesis. We sought to engineer an in vivo system for the quick and simple production of safer DNA vector alternatives that were devoid of non-transgene bacterial sequences and would lethally disrupt the host chromosome in the event of an unwanted vector integration event. RESULTS We constructed a parent eukaryotic expression vector possessing a specialized manufactured multi-target site called "Super Sequence", and engineered E. coli cells (R-cell) that conditionally produce phage-derived recombinase Tel (PY54), TelN (N15), or Cre (P1). Passage of the parent plasmid vector through R-cells under optimized conditions, resulted in rapid, efficient, and one step in vivo generation of mini lcc--linear covalently closed (Tel/TelN-cell), or mini ccc--circular covalently closed (Cre-cell), DNA constructs, separated from the backbone plasmid DNA. Site-specific integration of lcc plasmids into the host chromosome resulted in chromosomal disruption and 10(5) fold lower viability than that seen with the ccc counterpart. CONCLUSION We offer a high efficiency mini DNA vector production system that confers simple, rapid and scalable in vivo production of mini lcc DNA vectors that possess all the benefits of "minicircle" DNA vectors and virtually eliminate the potential for undesirable vector integration events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Nafissi
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Li L, Saade F, Petrovsky N. The future of human DNA vaccines. J Biotechnol 2012; 162:171-82. [PMID: 22981627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA vaccines have evolved greatly over the last 20 years since their invention, but have yet to become a competitive alternative to conventional protein or carbohydrate based human vaccines. Whilst safety concerns were an initial barrier, the Achilles heel of DNA vaccines remains their poor immunogenicity when compared to protein vaccines. A wide variety of strategies have been developed to optimize DNA vaccine immunogenicity, including codon optimization, genetic adjuvants, electroporation and sophisticated prime-boost regimens, with each of these methods having its advantages and limitations. Whilst each of these methods has contributed to incremental improvements in DNA vaccine efficacy, more is still needed if human DNA vaccines are to succeed commercially. This review foresees a final breakthrough in human DNA vaccines will come from application of the latest cutting-edge technologies, including "epigenetics" and "omics" approaches, alongside traditional techniques to improve immunogenicity such as adjuvants and electroporation, thereby overcoming the current limitations of DNA vaccines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park, Adelaide 5042, Australia
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Vandermeulen G, Marie C, Scherman D, Préat V. New generation of plasmid backbones devoid of antibiotic resistance marker for gene therapy trials. Mol Ther 2011; 19:1942-9. [PMID: 21878901 PMCID: PMC3222533 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since it has been established that the injection of plasmid DNA can lead to an efficient expression of a specific protein in vivo, nonviral gene therapy approaches have been considerably improved, allowing clinical trials. However, the use of antibiotic resistance genes as selection markers for plasmid production raises safety concerns which are often pointed out by the regulatory authorities. Indeed, a horizontal gene transfer to patient's bacteria cannot be excluded, and residual antibiotic in the final product could provoke allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. A new generation of plasmid backbones devoid of antibiotic resistance marker has emerged to increase the safety profile of nonviral gene therapy trials. This article reviews the existing strategies for plasmid maintenance and, in particular, those that do not require the use of antibiotic resistance genes. They are based either on the complementation of auxotrophic strain, toxin-antitoxin systems, operator-repressor titration, RNA markers, or on the overexpression of a growth essential gene. Minicircles that allow removing of the antibiotic resistance gene from the initial vector will also be discussed. Furthermore, reported use of antibiotic-free plasmids in preclinical or clinical studies will be listed to provide a comprehensive view of these innovative technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Vandermeulen
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Brussels, Belgium
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How to screen non-viral gene delivery systems in vitro? J Control Release 2011; 154:218-32. [PMID: 21600249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Screening of new gene delivery candidates regarding transfection efficiency and toxicity is usually performed by reading out transgene expression levels relative to a reference formulation after in vitro transfection. However, over the years and among different laboratories, this screening has been performed in a variety of cell lines, using a variety of conditions and read-out systems, and by comparison to a variety of reference formulations. This makes a direct comparison of results difficult, if not impossible. Reaching a consensus would enable placing new results into context of previous findings and estimate the overall contribution to the improvement of non-viral gene delivery. In this paper we illustrate the sensitivity of transfection outcomes on testing conditions chosen, and propose a screening protocol with the aim of standardization within the field.
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Carnes AE, Luke JM, Vincent JM, Schukar A, Anderson S, Hodgson CP, Williams JA. Plasmid DNA fermentation strain and process-specific effects on vector yield, quality, and transgene expression. Biotechnol Bioeng 2010; 108:354-63. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.22936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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