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de Lira de Morais CCP, Cunha DP, de Vasconcelos ZFM. Biotechnological Advances in Gene Therapy of Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:1118-1134. [PMID: 37624748 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.237] [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: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy (GT) has emerged as a promising treatment option for disorders in the hematopoietic system, particularly primary immunodeficiencies (PID). Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have gained attention due to their ability to support long-term hematopoiesis. In this study, we present a summary of research evaluating the most effective method of gene editing in HSCs for translational medicine. We conducted a systematic literature search in various databases, including Cochrane, LILACs, SciELO, and PubMed (MEDLINE), covering the period from January 1989 to June 10, 2023. The aim of this study was to identify articles that assessed the efficiency of gene editing in HSCs and clinical trials focusing on PID. Our research protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42022349850). Of the 470 studies identified in our search, 77 met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 61 studies were included in strategy 1 (gene therapy using HSC [GT-HSC]) of the systematic review (SR). We performed a meta-analysis on 17 of these studies. In addition, 16 studies were categorized under strategy 2 (clinical trials for PID). While clinical trials have demonstrated the potential benefits of GT-HSC, the safety and efficacy of gene editing still pose significant challenges. Various viral and nonviral approaches for gene delivery have been explored in basic and clinical research, with viral vectors being the most commonly used method in HSC therapeutics. Although promising, recent technologies such as CRISPR/Cas are not yet ready for efficient long-term restoration of the immune system as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Cristina Pedrosa de Lira de Morais
- Cell Processing Center/Umbilical and Placental Cord Blood Bank, Bone Marrow Transplant Center, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents' Health Fernandes Figueira, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Prado Cunha
- National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents' Health Fernandes Figueira, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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2
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Sivakumar A, Cherqui S. Advantages and Limitations of Gene Therapy and Gene Editing for Friedreich's Ataxia. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:903139. [PMID: 35663795 PMCID: PMC9157421 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.903139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited, multisystemic disorder predominantly caused by GAA hyper expansion in intron 1 of frataxin (FXN) gene. This expansion mutation transcriptionally represses FXN, a mitochondrial protein that is required for iron metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis, leading to neurodegerative and cardiac dysfunction. Current therapeutic options for FRDA are focused on improving mitochondrial function and increasing frataxin expression through pharmacological interventions but are not effective in delaying or preventing the neurodegeneration in clinical trials. Recent research on in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy methods in FRDA animal and cell models showcase its promise as a one-time therapy for FRDA. In this review, we provide an overview on the current and emerging prospects of gene therapy for FRDA, with specific focus on advantages of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of FXN as a viable option to restore endogenous frataxin expression. We also assess the potential of ex vivo gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as a potential autologous transplantation therapeutic option and discuss its advantages in tackling FRDA-specific safety aspects for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Cherqui
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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3
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Cherqui S. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy for Cystinosis: From Bench-to-Bedside. Cells 2021; 10:3273. [PMID: 34943781 PMCID: PMC8699556 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive metabolic disease that belongs to the family of lysosomal storage disorders. The gene involved is the CTNS gene that encodes cystinosin, a seven-transmembrane domain lysosomal protein, which is a proton-driven cystine transporter. Cystinosis is characterized by the lysosomal accumulation of cystine, a dimer of cysteine, in all the cells of the body leading to multi-organ failure, including the failure of the kidney, eye, thyroid, muscle, and pancreas, and eventually causing premature death in early adulthood. The current treatment is the drug cysteamine, which is onerous and expensive, and only delays the progression of the disease. Employing the mouse model of cystinosis, using Ctns-/- mice, we first showed that the transplantation of syngeneic wild-type murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) led to abundant tissue integration of bone marrow-derived cells, a significant decrease in tissue cystine accumulation, and long-term kidney, eye and thyroid preservation. To translate this result to a potential human therapeutic treatment, given the risks of mortality and morbidity associated with allogeneic HSPC transplantation, we developed an autologous transplantation approach of HSPCs modified ex vivo using a self-inactivated lentiviral vector to introduce a functional version of the CTNS cDNA, pCCL-CTNS, and showed its efficacy in Ctns-/- mice. Based on these promising results, we held a pre-IND meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry out the FDA agreed-upon pharmacological and toxicological studies for our therapeutic candidate, manufacturing development, production of the GMP lentiviral vector, design Phase 1/2 of the clinical trial, and filing of an IND application. Our IND was cleared by the FDA on 19 December 2018, to proceed to the clinical trial using CD34+ HSPCs from the G-CSF/plerixafor-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells of patients with cystinosis, modified by ex vivo transduction using the pCCL-CTNS vector (investigational product name: CTNS-RD-04). The clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of CTNS-RD-04 and takes place at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and will include up to six patients affected with cystinosis. Following leukapheresis and cell manufacturing, the subjects undergo myeloablation before HSPC infusion. Patients also undergo comprehensive assessments before and after treatment to evaluate the impact of CTNS-RD-04 on the clinical outcomes and cystine and cystine crystal levels in the blood and tissues for 2 years. If successful, this treatment could be a one-time therapy that may eliminate or reduce renal deterioration as well as the long-term complications associated with cystinosis. In this review, we will describe the long path from bench-to-bedside for autologous HSPC gene therapy used to treat cystinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Cherqui
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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4
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Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for the cure of blood diseases: primary immunodeficiencies. RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-018-0742-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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5
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Odiba A, Ottah V, Anunobi O, Ukegbu C, Uroko R, Ottah C, Edeke A, Omeje K. Current strides in AAV-derived vectors and SIN channels further relieves the limitations of gene therapy. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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6
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Cherqui S, Courtoy PJ. The renal Fanconi syndrome in cystinosis: pathogenic insights and therapeutic perspectives. Nat Rev Nephrol 2016; 13:115-131. [PMID: 27990015 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2016.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive metabolic disease that belongs to the family of lysosomal storage disorders. It is caused by a defect in the lysosomal cystine transporter, cystinosin, which results in an accumulation of cystine in all organs. Despite the ubiquitous expression of cystinosin, a renal Fanconi syndrome is often the first manifestation of cystinosis, usually presenting within the first year of life and characterized by the early and severe dysfunction of proximal tubule cells, highlighting the unique vulnerability of this cell type. The current therapy for cystinosis, cysteamine, facilitates lysosomal cystine clearance and greatly delays progression to kidney failure but is unable to correct the Fanconi syndrome. This Review summarizes decades of studies that have fostered a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the renal Fanconi syndrome associated with cystinosis. These studies have unraveled some of the early molecular changes that occur before the onset of tubular atrophy and identified a role for cystinosin beyond cystine transport, in endolysosomal trafficking and proteolysis, lysosomal clearance, autophagy and the regulation of energy balance. These studies have also led to the identification of new potential therapeutic targets and here, we outline the potential role of stem cell therapy for cystinosis and provide insights into the mechanism of haematopoietic stem cell-mediated kidney protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Cherqui
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0734, La Jolla, California 92093-0734, USA
| | - Pierre J Courtoy
- Cell biology, de Duve Institute and Université catholique de Louvain, UCL-Brussels, 75 Avenue Hippocrate, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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7
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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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8
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Mount NM, Ward SJ, Kefalas P, Hyllner J. Cell-based therapy technology classifications and translational challenges. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:20150017. [PMID: 26416686 PMCID: PMC4634004 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies offer the promise of treating and altering the course of diseases which cannot be addressed adequately by existing pharmaceuticals. Cell therapies are a diverse group across cell types and therapeutic indications and have been an active area of research for many years but are now strongly emerging through translation and towards successful commercial development and patient access. In this article, we present a description of a classification of cell therapies on the basis of their underlying technologies rather than the more commonly used classification by cell type because the regulatory path and manufacturing solutions are often similar within a technology area due to the nature of the methods used. We analyse the progress of new cell therapies towards clinical translation, examine how they are addressing the clinical, regulatory, manufacturing and reimbursement requirements, describe some of the remaining challenges and provide perspectives on how the field may progress for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J Ward
- Cell Therapy Catapult, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Panos Kefalas
- Cell Therapy Catapult, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Johan Hyllner
- Cell Therapy Catapult, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK Division of Biotechnology, IFM, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
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9
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Leon-Rico D, Aldea M, Sanchez-Baltasar R, Mesa-Nuñez C, Record J, Burns SO, Santilli G, Thrasher AJ, Bueren JA, Almarza E. Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Correction of a Mouse Model of Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type I. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:668-78. [PMID: 27056660 PMCID: PMC5035374 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene and is characterized by recurrent and life-threatening bacterial infections. These mutations lead to defective or absent expression of β2 integrins on the leukocyte surface, compromising adhesion and extravasation at sites of infection. Three different lentiviral vectors (LVs) conferring ubiquitous or preferential expression of CD18 in myeloid cells were constructed and tested in human and mouse LAD-I cells. All three hCD18-LVs restored CD18 and CD11a membrane expression in LAD-I patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells. Corrected cells recovered the ability to aggregate and bind to sICAM-1 after stimulation. All vectors induced stable hCD18 expression in hematopoietic cells from mice with a hypomorphic Itgb2 mutation (CD18HYP), both in vitro and in vivo after transplantation of corrected cells into primary and secondary CD18HYP recipients. hCD18+ hematopoietic cells from transplanted CD18HYP mice also showed restoration of mCD11a surface co-expression. The analysis of in vivo neutrophil migration in CD18HYP mice subjected to two different inflammation models demonstrated that the LV-mediated gene therapy completely restored neutrophil extravasation in response to inflammatory stimuli. Finally, these vectors were able to correct the phenotype of human myeloid cells derived from CD34+ progenitors defective in ITGB2 expression. These results support for the first time the use of hCD18-LVs for the treatment of LAD-I patients in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Leon-Rico
- 1 Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) , and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain .,2 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Aldea
- 1 Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) , and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain .,2 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Sanchez-Baltasar
- 1 Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) , and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain .,2 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Mesa-Nuñez
- 1 Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) , and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain .,2 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Julien Record
- 3 Section of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, University College London Institute of Child Health , London, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan O Burns
- 4 Department of Immunology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust , London, United Kingdom .,5 University College London Institute of Immunity and Transplantation , London, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgia Santilli
- 3 Section of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, University College London Institute of Child Health , London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- 3 Section of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, University College London Institute of Child Health , London, United Kingdom .,6 Great Ormond Street Hospital Foundation Trust NHS Trust , London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan A Bueren
- 1 Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) , and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain .,2 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Almarza
- 1 Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) , and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain .,2 Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM) , Madrid, Spain
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10
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Osamor VC, Chinedu SN, Azuh DE, Iweala EJ, Ogunlana OO. The interplay of post-translational modification and gene therapy. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:861-71. [PMID: 27013864 PMCID: PMC4778776 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s80496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several proteins interact either to activate or repress the expression of other genes during transcription. Based on the impact of these activities, the proteins can be classified into readers, modifier writers, and modifier erasers depending on whether histone marks are read, added, or removed, respectively, from a specific amino acid. Transcription is controlled by dynamic epigenetic marks with serious health implications in certain complex diseases, whose understanding may be useful in gene therapy. This work highlights traditional and current advances in post-translational modifications with relevance to gene therapy delivery. We report that enhanced understanding of epigenetic machinery provides clues to functional implication of certain genes/gene products and may facilitate transition toward revision of our clinical treatment procedure with effective fortification of gene therapy delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Chukwudi Osamor
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe) Unit, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, College of Science and Technology (CST), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Institute of Informatics (Computational biology and Bioinformatics), Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw (Uniwersytet Warszawski), Warszawa, Poland; Covenant University Public Health and Well-being Research Group (CUPHWERG), Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria
| | - Shalom N Chinedu
- Covenant University Public Health and Well-being Research Group (CUPHWERG), Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria
| | - Dominic E Azuh
- Covenant University Public Health and Well-being Research Group (CUPHWERG), Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria; Department of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Joshua Iweala
- Covenant University Public Health and Well-being Research Group (CUPHWERG), Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria
| | - Olubanke Olujoke Ogunlana
- Covenant University Public Health and Well-being Research Group (CUPHWERG), Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria
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11
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Cicalese MP, Aiuti A. Clinical applications of gene therapy for primary immunodeficiencies. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 26:210-9. [PMID: 25860576 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) have represented a paradigmatic model for successes and pitfalls of hematopoietic stem cells gene therapy. First clinical trials performed with gamma retroviral vectors (γ-RV) for adenosine deaminase severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID), X-linked SCID (SCID-X1), and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) showed that gene therapy is a valid therapeutic option in patients lacking an HLA-identical donor. No insertional mutagenesis events have been observed in more than 40 ADA-SCID patients treated so far in the context of different clinical trials worldwide, suggesting a favorable risk-benefit ratio for this disease. On the other hand, the occurrence of insertional oncogenesis in SCID-X1, WAS, and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) RV clinical trials prompted the development of safer vector construct based on self-inactivating (SIN) retroviral or lentiviral vectors (LVs). Here we present the recent results of LV-mediated gene therapy for WAS showing stable multilineage engraftment leading to hematological and immunological improvement, and discuss the differences with respect to the WAS RV trial. We also describe recent clinical results of SCID-X1 gene therapy with SIN γ-RV and the perspectives of targeted genome editing techniques, following early preclinical studies showing promising results in terms of specificity of gene correction. Finally, we provide an overview of the gene therapy approaches for other PIDs and discuss its prospects in relation to the evolving arena of allogeneic transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Cicalese
- 1 San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (TIGET), San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
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12
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[Therapeutic approaches using genetically modified cells]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2015; 58:1274-80. [PMID: 26349563 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-015-2245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal products containing genetically modified cells are, in most cases, classified as gene therapy and cell therapy medicinal products. Although no medicinal product containing genetically modified cells has been licensed in Europe yet, a variety of therapeutic strategies using genetically modified cells are in different stages of clinical development for the treatment of acquired and inherited diseases. In this chapter, several examples of promising approaches are presented, with an emphasis on gene therapy for inherited immunodeficiencies and on tumour immunotherapy with genetically modified T-cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.
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13
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Kmiec EB. Is the age of genetic surgery finally upon us? Surg Oncol 2015; 24:95-9. [PMID: 25936245 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses gene editing and its potential in oncology. Gene editing has not evolved faster towards clinical application because of its difficulty in implementation. There have been many limitations of the tools thought to be useful in therapeutic gene editing. However, recently the combinatorial use of multiple biological tools appears to have broken the barrier impending clinical development. This review gives a short primer on gene editing followed by some of the foundational work in gene editing and subsequently a discussion of programmable nucleases leading to a description of Zinc Finger Nuclease, TALENs and CRISPRs. Gene editing tools are now being used routinely to re-engineer the human genome. Theoretically, any gene or chromosomal sequence for which a targeting site can be identified could be rendered nonfunctional by the chromosomal breakage activity of Zinc Finger Nucleases, TALENs or a CRISPR/Cas9 system. Since the initial work started on the mechanism and regulation of gene editing, investigators have been searching for a way to develop these technologies as a treatment for cancer. The issue is finding a practical application of gene editing in oncology. However, progressive ideas are working their way through the research arena which may have an impact on cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B Kmiec
- Gene Editing Institute, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Suite 4300, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
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14
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Calero-Garcia M, Gaspar HB. Gene Therapy for SCID. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-014-0069-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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15
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Huang TT, Parab S, Burnett R, Diago O, Ostertag D, Hofman FM, Espinoza FL, Martin B, Ibañez CE, Kasahara N, Gruber HE, Pertschuk D, Jolly DJ, Robbins JM. Intravenous administration of retroviral replicating vector, Toca 511, demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in orthotopic immune-competent mouse glioma model. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:82-93. [PMID: 25419577 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toca 511 (vocimagene amiretrorepvec), a nonlytic, amphotropic retroviral replicating vector (RRV), encodes and delivers a functionally optimized yeast cytosine deaminase (CD) gene to tumors. In orthotopic glioma models treated with Toca 511 and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) the CD enzyme within infected cells converts 5-FC to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), resulting in tumor killing. Toca 511, delivered locally either by intratumoral injection or by injection into the resection bed, in combination with subsequent oral extended-release 5-FC (Toca FC), is under clinical investigation in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG). If feasible, intravenous administration of vectors is less invasive, can easily be repeated if desired, and may be applicable to other tumor types. Here, we present preclinical data that support the development of an intravenous administration protocol. First we show that intravenous administration of Toca 511 in a preclinical model did not lead to widespread or uncontrolled replication of the RVV. No, or low, viral DNA was found in the blood and most of the tissues examined 180 days after Toca 511 administration. We also show that RRV administered intravenously leads to efficient infection and spread of the vector carrying the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-encoding gene (Toca GFP) through tumors in both immune-competent and immune-compromised animal models. However, initial vector localization within the tumor appeared to depend on the mode of administration. Long-term survival was observed in immune-competent mice when Toca 511 was administered intravenously or intracranially in combination with 5-FC treatment, and this combination was well tolerated in the preclinical models. Enhanced survival could also be achieved in animals with preexisting immune response to vector, supporting the potential for repeated administration. On the basis of these and other supporting data, a clinical trial investigating intravenous administration of Toca 511 in patients with recurrent HGG is currently open and enrolling.
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16
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Yue P, Zhang Y, Guo ZF, Cao AC, Lu ZL, Zhai YG. Synthesis of bifunctional molecules containing [12]aneN3 and coumarin moieties as effective DNA condensation agents and new non-viral gene vectors. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:4494-505. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ob02676d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Bifunctional molecules with different combinations of [12]aneN3 and coumarin moieties were successfully applied in DNA condensation and gene transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yue
- College of Chemistry
- Beijing Normal University
- Beijing
- China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Chemistry
- Beijing Normal University
- Beijing
- China
| | - Zhi-Fo Guo
- College of Chemistry
- Beijing Normal University
- Beijing
- China
- College of Life Science
| | - Ao-Cheng Cao
- Institute of Plant Protection
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Beijing
- China
| | - Zhong-Lin Lu
- College of Chemistry
- Beijing Normal University
- Beijing
- China
| | - Yong-Gong Zhai
- College of Life Science
- Beijing Normal University
- Beijing
- China
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17
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Lentiviral MGMT(P140K)-mediated in vivo selection employing a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (A2UCOE) linked to a cellular promoter. Biomaterials 2014; 35:7204-13. [PMID: 24875758 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding recent successes, insertional mutagenesis as well as silencing and variegation of transgene expression still represent considerable obstacles to hematopoietic gene therapy. This also applies to O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-mediated myeloprotection, a concept recently proven clinically effective in the context of glioblastoma therapy. To improve on this situation we here evaluate a SIN-lentiviral vector expressing the MGMT(P140K)-cDNA from a combined A2UCOE/PGK-promoter. In a murine in vivo chemoselection model the A2UCOE.PGK.MGMT construct allowed for significant myeloprotection as well as robust and stable selection of transgenic hematopoietic cells. In contrast, only transient enrichment and severe myelotoxicity was observed for a PGK.MGMT control vector. Selection of A2UCOE.PGK.MGMT-transduced myeloid and lymphoid mature and progenitor cells was demonstrated in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus. Unlike the PGK and SFFV promoters used as controls, the A2UCOE.PGK promoter allowed for sustained vector copy number-related transgene expression throughout the experiment indicating an increased resistance to silencing, which was further confirmed by CpG methylation studies of the PGK promoter. Thus, our data support a potential role of the A2UCOE.PGK.MGMT-vector in future MGMT-based myeloprotection and chemoselection strategies, and underlines the suitability of the A2UCOE element to stabilize lentiviral transgene expression in hematopoietic gene therapy.
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18
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Jauhari S, Rizvi SAM. Mining Gene Expression Data Focusing Cancer Therapeutics: A Digest. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2014; 11:533-547. [PMID: 26356021 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2014.2312002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
An understanding towards genetics and epigenetics is essential to cope up with the paradigm shift which is underway. Personalized medicine and gene therapy will confluence the days to come. This review highlights traditional approaches as well as current advancements in the analysis of the gene expression data from cancer perspective. Due to improvements in biometric instrumentation and automation, it has become easier to collect a lot of experimental data in molecular biology. Analysis of such data is extremely important as it leads to knowledge discovery that can be validated by experiments. Previously, the diagnosis of complex genetic diseases has conventionally been done based on the non-molecular characteristics like kind of tumor tissue, pathological characteristics, and clinical phase. The microarray data can be well accounted for high dimensional space and noise. Same were the reasons for ineffective and imprecise results. Several machine learning and data mining techniques are presently applied for identifying cancer using gene expression data. While differences in efficiency do exist, none of the well-established approaches is uniformly superior to others. The quality of algorithm is important, but is not in itself a guarantee of the quality of a specific data analysis.
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19
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The Case for Mandatory Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). J Clin Immunol 2014; 34:393-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-014-0029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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20
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Lentiviral vector transduction of spermatozoa as a tool for the study of early development. FEBS Open Bio 2014; 4:266-75. [PMID: 24918038 PMCID: PMC4048842 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm are mature cell types that can be transduced by lentiviral vectors. Lentiviral integration in sperm has been demonstrated. Lentivirally transduced sperm is useful for the study of early development.
Spermatozoa and lentiviruses are two of nature’s most efficient gene delivery vehicles. Both can be genetically modified and used independently for the generation of transgenic animals or gene transfer/therapy of inherited disorders. Here we show that mature spermatozoa can be directly transduced with various pseudotyped lentiviral vectors and used in in vitro fertilisation studies. Lentiviral vectors encoding Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) were shown to be efficiently processed and expressed in sperm. When these transduced sperm were used in in vitro fertilisation studies, GFP expression was observed in arising blastocysts. This simple technique of directly transducing spermatozoa has potential to be a powerful tool for the study of early and pre-implantation development and could be used as a technique in transgenic development and vertical viral transmission studies.
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Key Words
- 293T, Human embryonic kidney cells
- 7-AAD, 7-Aminoactinomycin D
- AZT, azidodeoxythimidine
- CMV, Cytomegalovirus promoter
- Development
- EF-1, Elongation factor 1 alpha promoter
- GFP, Green Fluorescent Protein
- IVF, in vitro fertilisation
- In vitro fertilisation
- LTR, Long Terminal Repeat
- Lentiviral vectors
- PGK, Phosphoglycerate kinase promoter
- Spermatozoa
- Transduction
- Transgenics
- UCOE, ubiquitous chromatin opening element promoter
- VSV-g, vesicular stomatitis virus
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Phaltane R, Haemmerle R, Rothe M, Modlich U, Moritz T. Efficiency and safety of O⁶-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT(P140K))-mediated in vivo selection in a humanized mouse model. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:144-55. [PMID: 24218991 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient O⁶-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT(P140K))-mediated myeloprotection and in vivo selection have been demonstrated in numerous animal models and most recently in a phase I clinical study in glioblastoma patients. However, this strategy may augment the genotoxic risk of integrating vectors because of chemotherapy-induced DNA damage and the proliferative stress exerted during the in vivo selection. Thus, to improve the safety of the procedure, we evaluated a self-inactivating lentiviral MGMT(P140K) vector for transduction of human cord blood-derived CD34⁺ cells followed by transplantation of the cells into NOD/LtSz-scid/Il2rγ⁻/⁻ mice. These experiments demonstrated significant and stable enrichment of MGMT(P140K) transgenic human cells in the murine peripheral blood and bone marrow. Clonal inventory analysis utilizing linear amplification-mediated polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing revealed a characteristic lentiviral integration profile. Among the bone marrow insertions retrieved, we observed considerable overlap to previous MGMT(P140K) preclinical models or the clinical study. However, no significant differences between our chemotherapy-treated and nontreated cohorts were observed. This also hold true when specific cancer gene databases and a functional annotation of hit genes by the Panther Database with respect to molecular function, biological process, or cellular component were assessed. Thus, in summary, our data demonstrate efficient and long-term in vivo selection without overt hematological abnormalities using the lentiviral MGMT(P140K) vector. Furthermore, the study introduces humanized mouse models as a novel tool for the pre-clinical assessment of human gene therapy related toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhi Phaltane
- 1 REBIRTH Research Group Reprogramming and Gene Therapy, Hannover Medical School , 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Kaufmann KB, Büning H, Galy A, Schambach A, Grez M. Gene therapy on the move. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1642-61. [PMID: 24106209 PMCID: PMC3840483 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201202287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The first gene therapy clinical trials were initiated more than two decades ago. In the early days, gene therapy shared the fate of many experimental medicine approaches and was impeded by the occurrence of severe side effects in a few treated patients. The understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to treatment- and/or vector-associated setbacks has resulted in the development of highly sophisticated gene transfer tools with improved safety and therapeutic efficacy. Employing these advanced tools, a series of Phase I/II trials were started in the past few years with excellent clinical results and no side effects reported so far. Moreover, highly efficient gene targeting strategies and site-directed gene editing technologies have been developed and applied clinically. With more than 1900 clinical trials to date, gene therapy has moved from a vision to clinical reality. This review focuses on the application of gene therapy for the correction of inherited diseases, the limitations and drawbacks encountered in some of the early clinical trials and the revival of gene therapy as a powerful treatment option for the correction of monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of CologneCologne, Germany
| | | | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical SchoolHannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - Manuel Grez
- Institute for Biomedical ResearchGeorg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
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