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Cooney AL, Loza LM, Najdawi K, Brommel CM, McCray PB, Sinn PL. High ionic strength vector formulations enhance gene transfer to airway epithelia. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:9369-9383. [PMID: 39077931 PMCID: PMC11381324 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
A fundamental challenge for cystic fibrosis (CF) gene therapy is ensuring sufficient transduction of airway epithelia to achieve therapeutic correction. Hypertonic saline (HTS) is frequently administered to people with CF to enhance mucus clearance. HTS transiently disrupts epithelial cell tight junctions, but its ability to improve gene transfer has not been investigated. Here, we asked if increasing the concentration of NaCl enhances the transduction efficiency of three gene therapy vectors: adenovirus, AAV, and lentiviral vectors. Vectors formulated with 3-7% NaCl exhibited markedly increased transduction for all three platforms, leading to anion channel correction in primary cultures of human CF epithelial cells and enhanced gene transfer in mouse and pig airways in vivo. The mechanism of transduction enhancement involved tonicity but not osmolarity or pH. Formulating vectors with a high ionic strength solution is a simple strategy to greatly enhance efficacy and immediately improve preclinical or clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Cooney
- University of Iowa, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Laura Marquez Loza
- University of Iowa, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kenan Najdawi
- University of Iowa, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christian M Brommel
- University of Iowa, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B McCray
- University of Iowa, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Patrick L Sinn
- University of Iowa, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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2
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Upadhyay K, Nigam N, Gupta S, Tripathi SK, Jain A, Puri B. Current and future therapeutic approaches of CFTR and airway dysbiosis in an era of personalized medicine. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:2200-2208. [PMID: 39027867 PMCID: PMC11254065 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1085_23] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. This leads to a defective protein that impairs chloride transport, resulting in thick mucus buildup and chronic inflammation in the airways. The review discusses current and future therapeutic approaches for CFTR dysfunction and airway dysbiosis in the era of personalized medicine. Personalized medicine has revolutionized CF treatment with the advent of CFTR modulator therapies that target specific genetic mutations. These therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes, slowing disease progression, and enhancing quality of life. It also highlights the growing recognition of the airway microbiome's role in CF pathogenesis and discusses strategies to modulate the microbiome to further improve patient outcomes. This review discusses various therapeutic approaches for cystic fibrosis (CFTR) mutations, including adenovirus gene treatments, nonviral vectors, CRISPR/cas9 methods, RNA replacement, antisense-oligonucleotide-mediated DNA-based therapies, and cell-based therapies. It also introduces airway dysbiosis with CF and how microbes influence the lungs. The review highlights the importance of understanding the cellular and molecular causes of CF and the development of personalized medicine to improve quality of life and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Upadhyay
- Cytogenetics Lab, Centre for Advance Research, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitu Nigam
- Cytogenetics Lab, Centre for Advance Research, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Surbhi Gupta
- Cytogenetics Lab, Centre for Advance Research, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Surya Kant Tripathi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amita Jain
- Department of Microbiology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bipin Puri
- King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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3
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Cooney AL, Loza LM, Najdawi K, Brommel CM, McCray PB, Sinn PL. High ionic strength vector formulations enhance gene transfer to airway epithelia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576687. [PMID: 38328187 PMCID: PMC10849541 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
A fundamental challenge for cystic fibrosis (CF) gene therapy is ensuring sufficient transduction of airway epithelia to achieve therapeutic correction. Hypertonic saline (HTS) is frequently administered to people with CF to enhance mucus clearance. HTS transiently disrupts epithelial cell tight junctions, but its ability to improve gene transfer has not been investigated. Here we asked if increasing the concentration of NaCl enhances the transduction efficiency of three gene therapy vectors: adenovirus, AAV, and lentiviral vectors. Vectors formulated with 3-7% NaCl exhibited markedly increased transduction for all three platforms, leading to anion channel correction in primary cultures of human CF epithelial cells and enhanced gene transfer in mouse and pig airways in vivo. The mechanism of transduction enhancement involved tonicity but not osmolarity or pH. Formulating vectors with a high ionic strength solution is a simple strategy to greatly enhance efficacy and immediately improve preclinical or clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Cooney
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Laura Marquez Loza
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kenan Najdawi
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christian M. Brommel
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Center for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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4
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Kwak G, Lee D, Suk JS. Advanced approaches to overcome biological barriers in respiratory and systemic routes of administration for enhanced nucleic acid delivery to the lung. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1531-1552. [PMID: 37946533 PMCID: PMC10872418 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2282535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous delivery strategies, primarily novel nucleic acid delivery carriers, have been developed and explored to enable therapeutically relevant lung gene therapy. However, its clinical translation is yet to be achieved despite over 30 years of efforts, which is attributed to the inability to overcome a series of biological barriers that hamper efficient nucleic acid transfer to target cells in the lung. AREAS COVERED This review is initiated with the fundamentals of nucleic acid therapy and a brief overview of previous and ongoing efforts on clinical translation of lung gene therapy. We then walk through the nature of biological barriers encountered by nucleic acid carriers administered via respiratory and/or systemic routes. Finally, we introduce advanced strategies developed to overcome those barriers to achieve therapeutically relevant nucleic acid delivery efficiency in the lung. EXPERT OPINION We are now stepping close to the clinical translation of lung gene therapy, thanks to the discovery of novel delivery strategies that overcome biological barriers via comprehensive preclinical studies. However, preclinical findings should be cautiously interpreted and validated to ultimately realize meaningful therapeutic outcomes with newly developed delivery strategies in humans. In particular, individual strategies should be selected, tailored, and implemented in a manner directly relevant to specific therapeutic applications and goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijung Kwak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daiheon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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5
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Allaire NE, Griesenbach U, Kerem B, Lueck JD, Stanleigh N, Oren YS. Gene, RNA, and ASO-based therapeutic approaches in Cystic Fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22 Suppl 1:S39-S44. [PMID: 36658041 PMCID: PMC10012168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Most people with Cystic Fibrosis (PwCF) harbor Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance (CFTR) mutations that respond to highly effective CFTR modulators (HEM); however, a small fraction of non-responsive variants will require alternative approaches for treatment. Furthermore, the long-term goal to develop a cure for CF will require novel therapeutic strategies. Nucleic acid-based approaches offer the potential to address all CF-causing mutations and possibly a cure for all PwCF. In this minireview, we discuss current knowledge, recent progress, and critical questions surrounding the topic of Gene-, RNA-, and ASO-based therapies for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uta Griesenbach
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, UK
| | - Batsheva Kerem
- Department of Genetics, The Life Sciences Institute, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - John D Lueck
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Noemie Stanleigh
- Department of Genetics, The Life Sciences Institute, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yifat S Oren
- SpliSenseTherapeutics, Biohouse Labs, Haddasah Ein Karem, Jerusalem, IL
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6
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Lamichhane P, Schmidt ME, Terhüja M, Varga SM, Snider TA, Rostad CA, Oomens AGP. A live single-cycle RSV vaccine expressing prefusion F protein. Virology 2022; 577:51-64. [PMID: 36306605 PMCID: PMC10104964 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Live-attenuated Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines given intranasally have potential to provide comprehensive protection, including lung-resident immunity. It has however proven challenging to impart both sufficient safety and efficacy in a vaccine. To achieve the latter, we used a trans-complementing approach to generate live single-cycle RSV vaccines expressing the prefusion form (preF) of the viral fusion protein (F), either membrane-anchored or secreted. Both viruses were tested for their ability to induce a protective immune response in mice after intranasal prime-boost vaccination. The secreted preF vaccine failed to induce a protective response. The anchored preF vaccine induced anti-preF antibodies and antiviral T cells, and protected mice from lung pathology and viral shedding after challenge. Neither vaccine induced anti-G antibodies, for reasons unknown. In spite of the latter and single-cycle replication, the membrane-anchored preF vaccine was protective and demonstrates potential for development of an efficacious live vaccine with a stable safety phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramila Lamichhane
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Megan E Schmidt
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Megolhubino Terhüja
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Steven M Varga
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Timothy A Snider
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Christina A Rostad
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Antonius G P Oomens
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
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McLachlan G, Alton EWFW, Boyd AC, Clarke NK, Davies JC, Gill DR, Griesenbach U, Hickmott JW, Hyde SC, Miah KM, Molina CJ. Progress in Respiratory Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:893-912. [PMID: 36074947 PMCID: PMC7615302 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prospect of gene therapy for inherited and acquired respiratory disease has energized the research community since the 1980s, with cystic fibrosis, as a monogenic disorder, driving early efforts to develop effective strategies. The fact that there are still no approved gene therapy products for the lung, despite many early phase clinical trials, illustrates the scale of the challenge: In the 1990s, first-generation non-viral and viral vector systems demonstrated proof-of-concept but low efficacy. Since then, there has been steady progress toward improved vectors with the capacity to overcome at least some of the formidable barriers presented by the lung. In addition, the inclusion of features such as codon optimization and promoters providing long-term expression have improved the expression characteristics of therapeutic transgenes. Early approaches were based on gene addition, where a new DNA copy of a gene is introduced to complement a genetic mutation: however, the advent of RNA-based products that can directly express a therapeutic protein or manipulate gene expression, together with the expanding range of tools for gene editing, has stimulated the development of alternative approaches. This review discusses the range of vector systems being evaluated for lung delivery; the variety of cargoes they deliver, including DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, messenger RNA (mRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and peptide nucleic acids; and exemplifies progress in selected respiratory disease indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry McLachlan
- The Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric W F W Alton
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Therapy Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Christopher Boyd
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nora K Clarke
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Therapy Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C Davies
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Therapy Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah R Gill
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Medicine Group, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (NDCLS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Uta Griesenbach
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Therapy Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jack W Hickmott
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Therapy Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen C Hyde
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Medicine Group, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (NDCLS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kamran M Miah
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Medicine Group, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (NDCLS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Juarez Molina
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom
- Gene Therapy Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Liu J, Dean DA. Gene Therapy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Front Physiol 2022; 12:786255. [PMID: 35111077 PMCID: PMC8801611 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.786255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating clinical syndrome that leads to acute respiratory failure and accounts for over 70,000 deaths per year in the United States alone, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While its molecular details have been teased apart and its pathophysiology largely established over the past 30 years, relatively few pharmacological advances in treatment have been made based on this knowledge. Indeed, mortality remains very close to what it was 30 years ago. As an alternative to traditional pharmacological approaches, gene therapy offers a highly controlled and targeted strategy to treat the disease at the molecular level. Although there is no single gene or combination of genes responsible for ARDS, there are a number of genes that can be targeted for upregulation or downregulation that could alleviate many of the symptoms and address the underlying mechanisms of this syndrome. This review will focus on the pathophysiology of ARDS and how gene therapy has been used for prevention and treatment. Strategies for gene delivery to the lung, such as barriers encountered during gene transfer, specific classes of genes that have been targeted, and the outcomes of these approaches on ARDS pathogenesis and resolution will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - David A. Dean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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9
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Targovnik AM, Simonin JA, Mc Callum GJ, Smith I, Cuccovia Warlet FU, Nugnes MV, Miranda MV, Belaich MN. Solutions against emerging infectious and noninfectious human diseases through the application of baculovirus technologies. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:8195-8226. [PMID: 34618205 PMCID: PMC8495437 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11615-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Baculoviruses are insect pathogens widely used as biotechnological tools in different fields of life sciences and technologies. The particular biology of these entities (biosafety viruses 1; large circular double-stranded DNA genomes, infective per se; generally of narrow host range on insect larvae; many of the latter being pests in agriculture) and the availability of molecular-biology procedures (e.g., genetic engineering to edit their genomes) and cellular resources (availability of cell lines that grow under in vitro culture conditions) have enabled the application of baculoviruses as active ingredients in pest control, as systems for the expression of recombinant proteins (Baculovirus Expression Vector Systems—BEVS) and as viral vectors for gene delivery in mammals or to display antigenic proteins (Baculoviruses applied on mammals—BacMam). Accordingly, BEVS and BacMam technologies have been introduced in academia because of their availability as commercial systems and ease of use and have also reached the human pharmaceutical industry, as incomparable tools in the development of biological products such as diagnostic kits, vaccines, protein therapies, and—though still in the conceptual stage involving animal models—gene therapies. Among all the baculovirus species, the Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus has been the most highly exploited in the above utilities for the human-biotechnology field. This review highlights the main achievements (in their different stages of development) of the use of BEVS and BacMam technologies for the generation of products for infectious and noninfectious human diseases. Key points • Baculoviruses can assist as biotechnological tools in human health problems. • Vaccines and diagnosis reagents produced in the baculovirus platform are described. • The use of recombinant baculovirus for gene therapy–based treatment is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Marisa Targovnik
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina.
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Jorge Alejandro Simonin
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gregorio Juan Mc Callum
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Smith
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Uriel Cuccovia Warlet
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Nugnes
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Miranda
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires, 1113, Argentina
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET -Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Sexto Piso, C1113AAD, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Nicolás Belaich
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Celular y Molecular, Área Virosis de Insectos, Instituto de Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Marquez Loza LI, Cooney AL, Dong Q, Randak CO, Rivella S, Sinn PL, McCray PB. Increased CFTR expression and function from an optimized lentiviral vector for cystic fibrosis gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:94-106. [PMID: 33768133 PMCID: PMC7973238 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) treatments, a one-time treatment for this life-shortening disease remains elusive. Stable complementation of the disease-causing mutation with a normal copy of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene fulfills that goal. Integrating lentiviral vectors are well suited for this purpose, but widespread airway transduction in humans is limited by achievable titers and delivery barriers. Since airway epithelial cells are interconnected through gap junctions, small numbers of cells expressing supraphysiologic levels of CFTR could support sufficient channel function to rescue CF phenotypes. Here, we investigated promoter choice and CFTR codon optimization (coCFTR) as strategies to regulate CFTR expression. We evaluated two promoters-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and elongation factor 1-α (EF1α)-that have been safely used in clinical trials. We also compared the wild-type human CFTR sequence to three alternative coCFTR sequences generated by different algorithms. With the use of the CFTR-mediated anion current in primary human CF airway epithelia to quantify channel expression and function, we determined that EF1α produced greater currents than PGK and identified a coCFTR sequence that conferred significantly increased functional CFTR expression. Optimized promoter and CFTR sequences advance lentiviral vectors toward CF gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Marquez Loza
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ashley L. Cooney
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Qian Dong
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christoph O. Randak
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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11
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Zhang Y, Enden G, Wei W, Zhou F, Chen J, Merchuk JC. Baculovirus transit through insect cell membranes: A mechanistic approach. Chem Eng Sci 2020; 223:115727. [PMID: 32362678 PMCID: PMC7195021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A novel mechanistic model of the early stages of viral infection. Excellent fit to experimental evidence. The maximum number of virions that Sf9 cells can carry: 55 viruses/cell, is reported. Cells that carry virions on their surface, in their interior, or both are distinguished. Analytical mathematical solution renders satisfactory results.
Baculovirus systems are used for various purposes, but the kinetics of the infection process is not fully understood yet. We investigated the dynamics of virion movement from a medium toward the interior of insect cells and established a mechanistic model that shows an excellent fit to experimental results. It also makes possible a description of the viral dynamics on the cell surface. A novel measurement method was used to distinguish between infected cells that carry virions on their surfaces, cells that carry virions in their interior, and those carrying virions both inside and on their surface. The maximum number of virions carried by a cell: 55 viruses/cell, and the time required for viral internalization, 0.8h, are reported. This information is particularly useful for assessing the infection efficacy and the required number of virions needed to infect a given cell population. Although our model specifically concerns the infection process of Sf9 insect cells by baculovirus, it describes general features of viral infection. Some of the model features may eventually be applicable in the studies towards palliation of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhong Zhang
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, Guanggu 1st Road, Wuhan 430205 China.,Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, Guanggu 1st Road, Wuhan 430205 China
| | - Giora Enden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University (Xiang'an), Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, Guanggu 1st Road, Wuhan 430205 China
| | - Jie Chen
- School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, LiuFang Campus, Guanggu 1st Road, Wuhan 430205 China
| | - Jose C Merchuk
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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12
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Vu A, McCray PB. New Directions in Pulmonary Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:921-939. [PMID: 32814451 PMCID: PMC7495918 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung has long been a target for gene therapy, yet efficient delivery and phenotypic disease correction has remained challenging. Although there have been significant advancements in gene therapies of other organs, including the development of several ex vivo therapies, in vivo therapeutics of the lung have been slower to transition to the clinic. Within the past few years, the field has witnessed an explosion in the development of new gene addition and gene editing strategies for the treatment of monogenic disorders. In this review, we will summarize current developments in gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and surfactant protein deficiencies. We will explore the different gene addition and gene editing strategies under investigation and review the challenges of delivery to the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Vu
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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13
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Aulicino F, Capin J, Berger I. Synthetic Virus-Derived Nanosystems (SVNs) for Delivery and Precision Docking of Large Multifunctional DNA Circuitry in Mammalian Cells. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E759. [PMID: 32796680 PMCID: PMC7466058 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12080759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA delivery is at the forefront of current research efforts in gene therapy and synthetic biology. Viral vectors have traditionally dominated the field; however, nonviral delivery systems are increasingly gaining traction. Baculoviruses are arthropod-specific viruses that can be easily engineered and repurposed to accommodate and deliver large sequences of exogenous DNA into mammalian cells, tissues, or ultimately organisms. These synthetic virus-derived nanosystems (SVNs) are safe, readily customized, and can be manufactured at scale. By implementing clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) modalities into this system, we developed SVNs capable of inserting complex DNAs into genomes, at base pair precision. We anticipate a major role for SVNs as an attractive alternative to viral vectors in accelerating genome engineering and gene therapy applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Aulicino
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, School of Biochemistry, 1 Tankard’s Close, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK;
| | - Julien Capin
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, School of Biochemistry, 1 Tankard’s Close, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK;
| | - Imre Berger
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, School of Biochemistry, 1 Tankard’s Close, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK;
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, Cantock’s Close, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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14
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Tang Y, Yan Z, Engelhardt JF. Viral Vectors, Animal Models, and Cellular Targets for Gene Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:524-537. [PMID: 32138545 PMCID: PMC7232698 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After more than two decades since clinical trials tested the first use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, gene therapy for this disorder has undergone a tremendous resurgence. Fueling this enthusiasm has been an enhanced understanding of rAAV transduction biology and cellular processes that limit transduction of airway epithelia, the development of new rAAV serotypes and other vector systems with high-level tropism for airway epithelial cells, an improved understanding of CF lung pathogenesis and the cellular targets for gene therapy, and the development of new animal models that reproduce the human CF disease phenotype. These advances have created a preclinical path for both assessing the efficacy of gene therapies in the CF lung and interrogating the target cell types in the lung required for complementation of the CF disease state. Lessons learned from early gene therapy attempts with rAAV in the CF lung have guided thinking for the testing of next-generation vector systems. Although unknown questions still remain regarding the cellular targets in the lung that are required or sufficient to complement CF lung disease, the field is now well positioned to tackle these challenges. This review will highlight the role that next-generation CF animal models are playing in the preclinical development of gene therapies for CF lung disease and the knowledge gaps in disease pathophysiology that these models are attempting to fill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Tang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ziying Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - John F. Engelhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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15
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Suzuki S, Crane AM, Anirudhan V, Barillà C, Matthias N, Randell SH, Rab A, Sorscher EJ, Kerschner JL, Yin S, Harris A, Mendel M, Kim K, Zhang L, Conway A, Davis BR. Highly Efficient Gene Editing of Cystic Fibrosis Patient-Derived Airway Basal Cells Results in Functional CFTR Correction. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1684-1695. [PMID: 32402246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a strong rationale to consider future cell therapeutic approaches for cystic fibrosis (CF) in which autologous proximal airway basal stem cells, corrected for CFTR mutations, are transplanted into the patient's lungs. We assessed the possibility of editing the CFTR locus in these cells using zinc-finger nucleases and have pursued two approaches. The first, mutation-specific correction, is a footprint-free method replacing the CFTR mutation with corrected sequences. We have applied this approach for correction of ΔF508, demonstrating restoration of mature CFTR protein and function in air-liquid interface cultures established from bulk edited basal cells. The second is targeting integration of a partial CFTR cDNA within an intron of the endogenous CFTR gene, providing correction for all CFTR mutations downstream of the integration and exploiting the native CFTR promoter and chromatin architecture for physiologically relevant expression. Without selection, we observed highly efficient, site-specific targeted integration in basal cells carrying various CFTR mutations and demonstrated restored CFTR function at therapeutically relevant levels. Significantly, Omni-ATAC-seq analysis revealed minimal impact on the positions of open chromatin within the native CFTR locus. These results demonstrate efficient functional correction of CFTR and provide a platform for further ex vivo and in vivo editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Suzuki
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ana M Crane
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Varada Anirudhan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristina Barillà
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nadine Matthias
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Scott H Randell
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andras Rab
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Eric J Sorscher
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jenny L Kerschner
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Shiyi Yin
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ann Harris
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Kim
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | | | - Brian R Davis
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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16
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Yan Z, McCray Jr PB, Engelhardt JF. Advances in gene therapy for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:R88-R94. [PMID: 31332440 PMCID: PMC6796993 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multiorgan recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Gene therapy efforts have focused on treating the lung, since it manifests the most significant life-threatening disease. Over two decades have past since the first CF lung gene therapy trials and significant advances in the therapeutic implementation of pharmacologic CFTR modulators have renewed the field's focus on developing gene therapies for the 10% of CF patients these modulators cannot help. This review summarizes recent progress made in developing vectors for airway transduction and CF animal models required for understanding the relevant cellular targets in the lung and testing the efficacy of gene therapy approaches. We also highlight future opportunities in emerging gene editing strategies that may offer advantages for treating diseases like CF where the gene target is highly regulated at the cellular level. The outcomes of CF lung gene therapy trials will likely inform productive paths toward gene therapy for other complex genetic disorders, while also advancing treatments for all CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B McCray Jr
- Department of Pediatrics, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - John F Engelhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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17
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Jonsdottir HR, Marti S, Geerts D, Rodriguez R, Thiel V, Dijkman R. Establishment of Primary Transgenic Human Airway Epithelial Cell Cultures to Study Respiratory Virus-Host Interactions. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080747. [PMID: 31412613 PMCID: PMC6723040 DOI: 10.3390/v11080747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary human airway epithelial cell (hAEC) cultures represent a universal platform to propagate respiratory viruses and characterize their host interactions in authentic target cells. To further elucidate specific interactions between human respiratory viruses and important host factors in the airway epithelium, it is important to make hAEC cultures amenable to genetic modification. However, the short and finite lifespan of primary cells in cell culture creates a bottleneck for the genetic modification of these cultures. In the current study, we show that the incorporation of the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Y-27632) during cell propagation extends the life span of primary human cells in vitro and thereby facilitates the incorporation of lentivirus-based expression systems. Using fluorescent reporters for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based sorting, we generated homogenously fluorescent hAEC cultures that differentiate normally after lentiviral transduction. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate that host gene expression can be modulated post-differentiation via inducible short hairpin (sh)RNA-mediated knockdown. Importantly, functional characterization of these transgenic hAEC cultures with exogenous poly (I:C), as a proxy for virus infection, demonstrates that such modifications do not influence the host innate immune response. Moreover, the propagation kinetics of both human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) were not affected. Combined, these results validate our newly established protocol for the genetic modification of hAEC cultures, thereby unlocking a unique potential for detailed molecular characterization of virus–host interactions in human respiratory epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hulda R Jonsdottir
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, 3012 Bern & 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Marti
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, 3012 Bern & 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Regulo Rodriguez
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, 3012 Bern & 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ronald Dijkman
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, 3012 Bern & 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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18
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Miah KM, Hyde SC, Gill DR. Emerging gene therapies for cystic fibrosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2019; 13:709-725. [PMID: 31215818 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2019.1634547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) remains a life-threatening genetic disease, with few clinically effective treatment options. Gene therapy and gene editing strategies offer the potential for a one-time CF cure, irrespective of the CFTR mutation class. Areas covered: We review emerging gene therapies and gene delivery strategies for the treatment of CF particularly viral and non-viral approaches with potential to treat CF. Expert opinion: It was initially anticipated that the challenge of developing a gene therapy for CF lung disease would be met relatively easily. Following early proof-of-concept clinical studies, CF gene therapy has entered a new era with innovative vector designs, approaches to subvert the humoral immune system and increase gene delivery and gene correction efficiencies. Developments include integrating adenoviral vectors, rapamycin-loaded nanoparticles, and lung-tropic lentiviral vectors. The characterization of novel cell types in the lung epithelium, including pulmonary ionocytes, may also encourage cell type-specific targeting for CF correction. We anticipate preclinical studies to further validate these strategies, which should pave the way for clinical trials. We also expect gene editing efficiencies to improve to clinically translatable levels, given advancements in viral and non-viral vectors. Overall, gene delivery technologies look more convincing in producing an effective CF gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran M Miah
- a Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Stephen C Hyde
- a Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Deborah R Gill
- a Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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19
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Hu L, Li Y, Deng F, Hu Z, Wang H, Wang M. Improving Baculovirus Transduction of Mammalian Cells by Incorporation of Thogotovirus Glycoproteins. Virol Sin 2019; 34:454-466. [PMID: 31201733 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-019-00133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculovirus can transduce a wide range of mammalian cells and is considered a promising gene therapy vector. However, the low transduction efficiency of baculovirus into many mammalian cells limits its practical application. Co-expressing heterologous viral glycoproteins (GPs), such as vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSV G), with baculovirus native envelope protein GP64 is one of the feasible strategies for improving virus transduction. Tick-borne thogotoviruses infect mammals and their GPs share sequence/structure homology and common evolutionary origins with baculovirus GP64. Herein, we tested whether thogotovirus GPs could facilitate the entry of the prototype baculovirus Autographa californica multiple multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) into mammalian cells. The gp genes of two thogotoviruses, Thogoto virus and Dhori virus, were inserted into the AcMNPV genome. Both GPs were properly expressed and incorporated into the envelope of the recombinant AcMNPVs. The transduction rates of recombinant AcMNPVs expressing the two thogotovirus GPs increased for approximately 4-12 fold compared to the wild type AcMNPV in six of the 12 tested mammalian cell lines. It seemed that thogotovirus GPs provide the recombinant AcMNPVs with different cell tropisms and showed better performance in several mammalian cells compared to VSV G incorporated AcMNPV. Further studies showed that the improved transduction was a result of augmented virus-endosome fusion and endosome escaping, rather than increased cell binding or internalization. We found the AcMNPV envelope protein GP64-mediated fusion was enhanced by the thogotovirus GPs at relatively higher pH conditions. Therefore, the thogotovirus GPs represent novel candidates to improve baculovirus-based gene delivery vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangbo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yimeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hualin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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20
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Marquez Loza LI, Yuen EC, McCray PB. Lentiviral Vectors for the Treatment and Prevention of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10030218. [PMID: 30875857 PMCID: PMC6471883 DOI: 10.3390/genes10030218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the continued development of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator drugs for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF), the need for mutation agnostic treatments remains. In a sub-group of CF individuals with mutations that may not respond to modulators, such as those with nonsense mutations, CFTR gene transfer to airway epithelia offers the potential for an effective treatment. Lentiviral vectors are well-suited for this purpose because they transduce nondividing cells, and provide long-term transgene expression. Studies in primary cultures of human CF airway epithelia and CF animal models demonstrate the long-term correction of CF phenotypes and low immunogenicity using lentiviral vectors. Further development of CF gene therapy requires the investigation of optimal CFTR expression in the airways. Lentiviral vectors with improved safety features have minimized insertional mutagenesis safety concerns raised in early clinical trials for severe combined immunodeficiency using γ-retroviral vectors. Recent clinical trials using improved lentiviral vectors support the feasibility and safety of lentiviral gene therapy for monogenetic diseases. While work remains to be done before CF gene therapy reaches the bedside, recent advances in lentiviral vector development reviewed here are encouraging and suggest it could be tested in clinical studies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I Marquez Loza
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Eric C Yuen
- Talee Bio, 3001 Market Street, Suite 140, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Paul B McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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21
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Baculovirus as a Tool for Gene Delivery and Gene Therapy. Viruses 2018; 10:v10090510. [PMID: 30235841 PMCID: PMC6164903 DOI: 10.3390/v10090510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on its ability to express high levels of protein, baculovirus has been widely used for recombinant protein production in insect cells for more than thirty years with continued technical improvements. In addition, baculovirus has been successfully applied for foreign gene delivery into mammalian cells without any viral replication. However, several CpG motifs are present throughout baculoviral DNA and induce an antiviral response in mammalian cells, resulting in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferon through a Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent or -independent signaling pathway, and ultimately limiting the efficiency of transgene expression. On the other hand, by taking advantage of this strong adjuvant activity, recombinant baculoviruses encoding neutralization epitopes can elicit protective immunity in mice. Moreover, immunodeficient cells, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV)- or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cells, are more susceptible to baculovirus infection than normal cells and are selectively eliminated by the apoptosis-inducible recombinant baculovirus. Here, we summarize the application of baculovirus as a gene expression vector and the mechanism of the host innate immune response induced by baculovirus in mammalian cells. We also discuss the future prospects of baculovirus vectors.
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22
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van Haasteren J, Hyde SC, Gill DR. Lessons learned from lung and liver in-vivo gene therapy: implications for the future. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:959-972. [PMID: 30067117 PMCID: PMC6134476 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1506761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ex-vivo gene therapy has had significant clinical impact over the last couple of years and in-vivo gene therapy products are being approved for clinical use. Gene therapy and gene editing approaches have huge potential to treat genetic disease and chronic illness. AREAS COVERED This article provides a review of in-vivo approaches for gene therapy in the lung and liver, exploiting non-viral and viral vectors with varying serotypes and pseudotypes to target-specific cells. Antibody responses inhibiting viral vectors continue to constrain effective repeat administration. Lessons learned from ex-vivo gene therapy and genome editing are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The fields of lung and liver in-vivo gene therapy are thriving and a comparison highlights obstacles and opportunities for both. Overcoming immunological issues associated with repeated administration of viral vectors remains a key challenge. The addition of targeted small molecules in combination with viral vectors may offer one solution. A substantial bottleneck to the widespread adoption of in-vivo gene therapy is how to ensure sufficient capacity for clinical-grade vector production. In the future, the exploitation of gene editing approaches for in-vivo disease treatment may facilitate the resurgence of non-viral gene transfer approaches, which tend to be eclipsed by more efficient viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost van Haasteren
- Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen C. Hyde
- Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deborah R. Gill
- Gene Medicine Group, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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23
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Mansouri M, Berger P. Baculovirus for gene delivery to mammalian cells: Past, present and future. Plasmid 2018; 98:1-7. [PMID: 29842913 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Baculovirus is an insect virus which has been used for more than thirty years for production of recombinant proteins in insect cells. However, baculovirus can also be harnessed for efficient gene delivery to mammalian cells if it is equipped with mammalian promoters. This technology is known as BacMam and has been used for gene delivery to immortalized cell lines, stem cells, and primary cells, as well as for gene delivery in animals. Baculovirus has unique features when compared to mammalian viruses. Besides the fact that it is replication-incompetent and does not integrate into the host genome, it has large capacity for foreign DNA. This capacity can for example be used to deliver multiple genes for reprogramming of stem cells, or for delivery of large homology constructs for genome editing. In this review, we provide a brief overview of baculovirus-based gene delivery and its recent applications in therapy and basic research. We also describe how baculovirus is manipulated for efficient transduction in mammalian cells and we highlight possible future improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysam Mansouri
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Biomolecular Research, Applied Molecular Biology, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland; ETH Zürich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Berger
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Biomolecular Research, Applied Molecular Biology, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
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