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Ha TC, Morgan MA, Thrasher AJ, Schambach A. Alpharetroviral Vector-Mediated Gene Therapy for IL7RA-Deficient Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. Hum Gene Ther 2024. [PMID: 39150017 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2024.103] [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: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) encompasses rare primary immunodeficiency disorders characterized by deficient T-cell development, which leads to a severely compromised immune system and susceptibility to life-threatening infections. Among SCID subtypes, IL7RA-SCID is caused by mutations in the interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain (IL7RA) and represents a significant subset of patients with limited treatment options. This study investigated the efficacy of a self-inactivating (SIN) alpharetroviral vector (ARV) engineered to deliver a codon-optimized IL7RA cDNA to restore T-cell development in Il7r-knockout mice. We compared the elongation factor 1 alpha short (EFS) promoter and the lymphoid-restricted Lck promoter for their ability to drive IL7RA expression and found that the EFS promoter enabled robust and sustained IL7RA expression that led to the functional rescue of T-lymphopoiesis in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, though effective in vitro, the Lck promoter failed to produce viable T-cell populations in vivo. Our results highlight the potential of using SIN-ARVs as a gene therapy (GT) strategy for treating IL7RA-SCID. Importantly, sustained production of T-lymphocytes was found in both primary and secondary transplant recipient animals with no adverse effects, supporting the safety and feasibility of this approach. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the development of GT for IL7RA-SCID and underscores the clinical potential of an EFS-driven SIN-ARV to restore IL7RA-deficient immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Cheong Ha
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH, Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael A Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH, Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation Teaching and Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Center, London, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH, Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Pellaers E, Bhat A, Christ F, Debyser Z. Determinants of Retroviral Integration and Implications for Gene Therapeutic MLV-Based Vectors and for a Cure for HIV-1 Infection. Viruses 2022; 15:32. [PMID: 36680071 PMCID: PMC9861059 DOI: 10.3390/v15010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To complete their replication cycle, retroviruses need to integrate a DNA copy of their RNA genome into a host chromosome. Integration site selection is not random and is driven by multiple viral and cellular host factors specific to different classes of retroviruses. Today, overwhelming evidence from cell culture, animal experiments and clinical data suggests that integration sites are important for retroviral replication, oncogenesis and/or latency. In this review, we will summarize the increasing knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the integration site selection of the gammaretrovirus MLV and the lentivirus HIV-1. We will discuss how host factors of the integration site selection of retroviruses may steer the development of safer viral vectors for gene therapy. Next, we will discuss how altering the integration site preference of HIV-1 using small molecules could lead to a cure for HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zeger Debyser
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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3
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Van Looveren D, Giacomazzi G, Thiry I, Sampaolesi M, Gijsbers R. Improved functionality and potency of next generation BinMLV viral vectors toward safer gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:51-67. [PMID: 34553002 PMCID: PMC8433069 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To develop safer retroviral murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based vectors, we previously mutated and re-engineered the MLV integrase: the W390A mutation abolished the interaction with its cellular tethering factors, BET proteins, and a retargeting peptide (the chromodomain of the CBX1 protein) was fused C-terminally. The resulting BET-independent MLVW390A-CBX was shown to integrate efficiently and more randomly, away from typical retroviral markers. In this study, we assessed the functionality and stability of expression of the redistributed MLVW390A-CBX vector in more depth, and evaluated safety using a clinically more relevant vector design encompassing a self-inactivated (SIN) LTR and a weak internal elongation factor 1α short (EFS) promoter. MLVW390A-CBX-EFS produced like MLVWT and efficiently transduced laboratory cells and primary human CD34+ hematopoetic stem cells (HSC) without transgene silencing over time, while displaying a more preferred, redistributed, and safer integration pattern. In a human mesoangioblast (MAB) stem cell model, the myogenic fusion capacity was hindered following MLVWT transduction, while this remained unaffected when applying MLVW390A-CBX. Likewise, smooth muscle cell differentiation of MABs was unaltered by MLVW390A-CBX-EFS. Taken together, our results underscore the potential of MLVW390A-CBX-EFS as a clinically relevant viral vector for ex-vivo gene therapy, combining efficient production with a preferable integration site distribution profile and stable expression over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Van Looveren
- Laboratory for Viral Vector Technology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giorgia Giacomazzi
- Laboratory of Translational Cardiomyology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Research Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Irina Thiry
- Laboratory for Viral Vector Technology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Laboratory of Translational Cardiomyology, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Research Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- Laboratory for Viral Vector Technology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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4
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Current Trends in the Gene Therapy of Hematologic Disorders. ACTA MEDICA BULGARICA 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/amb-2021-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular genetics and the invention of new technologies led to an advance in the development of gene therapy. Gene therapy is used to correct defective genes in order to cure a disease or help the body better fight a disease. It works by restoring or modifying cellular functions through the introduction of a functional gene into the target cell. The concept of gene therapy is simple, but introducing it to routine clinical practice is not. The main concerns are related to some safety issues as well as to the problem that maintaining a stable and prolonged expression in target cells may not be easily achieved. In spite of the difficulties, gene therapy remains a hope for many hematological disorders that cannot be effectively treated so far. This article reviews the current status of gene therapy with a focus on hematological disorders. In addition, clinically applied approaches are presented through particular examples of approved gene therapy drugs.
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5
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Morgan MA, Galla M, Grez M, Fehse B, Schambach A. Retroviral gene therapy in Germany with a view on previous experience and future perspectives. Gene Ther 2021; 28:494-512. [PMID: 33753908 PMCID: PMC8455336 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy can be used to restore cell function in monogenic disorders or to endow cells with new capabilities, such as improved killing of cancer cells, expression of suicide genes for controlled elimination of cell populations, or protection against chemotherapy or viral infection. While gene therapies were originally most often used to treat monogenic diseases and to improve hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcome, the advent of genetically modified immune cell therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells, has contributed to the increased numbers of patients treated with gene and cell therapies. The advancement of gene therapy with integrating retroviral vectors continues to depend upon world-wide efforts. As the topic of this special issue is "Spotlight on Germany," the goal of this review is to provide an overview of contributions to this field made by German clinical and research institutions. Research groups in Germany made, and continue to make, important contributions to the development of gene therapy, including design of vectors and transduction protocols for improved cell modification, methods to assess gene therapy vector efficacy and safety (e.g., clonal imbalance, insertion sites), as well as in the design and conduction of clinical gene therapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuel Grez
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Guerrouahen B, Elnaggar M, Al-Mohannadi A, Kizhakayil D, Bonini C, Benjamin R, Brentjens R, Buchholz CJ, Casorati G, Ferrone S, Locke FL, Martin F, Schambach A, Turtle C, Veys P, van der Vliet HJ, Maccalli C. Proceedings From the First International Workshop at Sidra Medicine: "Engineered Immune Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy (EICCI): From Discovery to Off-the-Shelf Development", 15 th-16 th February 2019, Doha, Qatar. Front Immunol 2021; 11:589381. [PMID: 33584653 PMCID: PMC7874217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.589381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The progress in the isolation and characterization of tumor antigen (TA)-specific T lymphocytes and in the genetic modification of immune cells allowed the clinical development of adoptive cell therapy (ACT). Several clinical studies highlighted the striking clinical activity of T cells engineered to express either Chimeric Antigen (CAR) or T Cell (TCR) Receptors to target molecularly defined antigens expressed on tumor cells. The breakthrough of immunotherapy is represented by the approval of CAR-T cells specific for advanced or refractory CD19+ B cell malignancies by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicinal Agency (EMA). Moreover, advances in the manufacturing and gene editing of engineered immune cells contributed to the selection of drug products with desired phenotype, refined specificity and decreased toxicity. An important step toward the optimization of CAR-T cell therapy is the development of "off-the shelf" T cell products that allow to reduce the complexity and the costs of the manufacturing and to render these drugs available for a broad number of cancer patients. The Engineered Immune Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy (EICCI) workshop hosted in Doha, Qatar, renowned experts, from both academia and industry, to present and discuss the progress on both pre-clinical and clinical development of genetically modified immune cells, including advances in the "off-the-shelf" manufacturing. These experts have addressed also organizational needs and hurdles for the clinical grade production and application of these biological drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele and Hospital San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Reuben Benjamin
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Renier Brentjens
- Cellular Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Research Unit for Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele and Hospital San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Frederick L Locke
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Francisco Martin
- Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Genomic Medicine Department, Granada, Spain
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boson, MA, United States
| | - Cameron Turtle
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Veys
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Great Ormond Street (GOS) Hospital, and University College London GOS Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Hans van Der Vliet, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University and Cancer Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Lava Therapeutics, Utrecht, Netherlands
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7
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Reindl LM, Albinger N, Bexte T, Müller S, Hartmann J, Ullrich E. Immunotherapy with NK cells: recent developments in gene modification open up new avenues. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1777651. [PMID: 33457093 PMCID: PMC7781759 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1777651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have achieved remarkable success. However, application-related toxicities, such as cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity, moved natural killer (NK) cells into focus as novel players in immunotherapy. CAR-NK cells provide an advantageous dual killing-capacity by CAR-dependent and -independent mechanisms and induce few side effects. While the majority of trials still use CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cell trials are on the rise with 19 ongoing studies worldwide. This review illuminates the current state of research and clinical application of CAR-NK cells, as well as future developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marie Reindl
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nawid Albinger
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Bexte
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Müller
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jessica Hartmann
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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8
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De Rosa L, Latella MC, Secone Seconetti A, Cattelani C, Bauer JW, Bondanza S, De Luca M. Toward Combined Cell and Gene Therapy for Genodermatoses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:a035667. [PMID: 31653644 PMCID: PMC7197428 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To date, more than 200 monogenic, often devastating, skin diseases have been described. Because of unmet medical needs, development of long-lasting and curative therapies has been consistently attempted, with the aim of correcting the underlying molecular defect. In this review, we will specifically address the few combined cell and gene therapy strategies that made it to the clinics. Based on these studies, what can be envisioned for the future is a patient-oriented strategy, built on the specific features of the individual in need. Most likely, a combination of different strategies, approaches, and advanced therapies will be required to reach the finish line at the end of the long and winding road hampering the achievement of definitive treatments for genodermatoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Rosa
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Latella
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Secone Seconetti
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Cattelani
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Johann W Bauer
- EB House Austria and Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sergio Bondanza
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Michele De Luca
- Center for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari," Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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9
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Müller S, Bexte T, Gebel V, Kalensee F, Stolzenberg E, Hartmann J, Koehl U, Schambach A, Wels WS, Modlich U, Ullrich E. High Cytotoxic Efficiency of Lentivirally and Alpharetrovirally Engineered CD19-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer Cells Against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3123. [PMID: 32117200 PMCID: PMC7025537 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T cells with specificity for CD19 showed potent antitumor efficacy in clinical trials against relapsed and refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Contrary to T cells, natural killer (NK) cells kill their targets in a non-antigen-specific manner and do not carry the risk of inducing graft vs. host disease (GvHD), allowing application of donor-derived cells in an allogenic setting. Hence, unlike autologous CAR-T cells, therapeutic CD19-CAR-NK cells can be generated as an off-the-shelf product from healthy donors. Nevertheless, genetic engineering of peripheral blood (PB) derived NK cells remains challenging and optimized protocols are needed. In our study, we aimed to optimize the generation of CD19-CAR-NK cells by retroviral transduction to improve the high antileukemic capacity of NK cells. We compared two different retroviral vector platforms, the lentiviral and alpharetroviral, both in combination with two different transduction enhancers (Retronectin and Vectofusin-1). We further explored different NK cell isolation techniques (NK cell enrichment and CD3/CD19 depletion) to identify the most efficacious methods for genetic engineering of NK cells. Our results demonstrated that transduction of NK cells with RD114-TR pseudotyped retroviral vectors, in combination with Vectofusin-1 was the most efficient method to generate CD19-CAR-NK cells. Retronectin was potent in enhancing lentiviral/VSV-G gene delivery to NK cells but not alpharetroviral/RD114-TR. Furthermore, the Vectofusin-based transduction of NK cells with CD19-CARs delivered by alpharetroviral/RD114-TR and lentiviral/RD114-TR vectors outperformed lentiviral/VSV-G vectors. The final generated CD19-CAR-NK cells displayed superior cytotoxic activity against CD19-expressing target cells when compared to non-transduced NK cells achieving up to 90% specific killing activity. In summary, our findings present the use of RD114-TR pseudotyped retroviral particles in combination with Vectofusin-1 as a successful strategy to genetically modify PB-derived NK cells to achieve highly cytotoxic CD19-CAR-NK cells at high yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Müller
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Bexte
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Veronika Gebel
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franziska Kalensee
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eva Stolzenberg
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jessica Hartmann
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Winfried S Wels
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ute Modlich
- Research Group for Gene Modification in Stem Cells, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul-Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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10
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Schott JW, León-Rico D, Ferreira CB, Buckland KF, Santilli G, Armant MA, Schambach A, Cavazza A, Thrasher AJ. Enhancing Lentiviral and Alpharetroviral Transduction of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells for Clinical Application. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 14:134-147. [PMID: 31338385 PMCID: PMC6629974 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo retroviral gene transfer into CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) has demonstrated remarkable clinical success in gene therapy for monogenic hematopoietic disorders. However, little attention has been paid to enhancement of culture and transduction conditions to achieve reliable effects across patient and disease contexts and to maximize potential vector usage and reduce treatment cost. We systematically tested three HSPC culture media manufactured to cGMP and eight previously described transduction enhancers (TEs) to develop a state-of-the-art clinically applicable protocol. Six TEs enhanced lentiviral (LV) and five TEs facilitated alpharetroviral (ARV) CD34+ HSPC transduction when used alone. Combinatorial TE application tested with LV vectors yielded more potent effects, with up to a 5.6-fold increase in total expression of a reporter gene and up to a 3.8-fold increase in VCN. Application of one of the most promising combinations, the poloxamer LentiBOOST and protamine sulfate, for GMP-compliant manufacturing of a clinical-grade advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) increased total VCN by over 6-fold, with no major changes in global gene expression profiles or inadvertent loss of CD34+CD90+ HSPC populations. Application of these defined culture and transduction conditions is likely to significantly improve ex vivo gene therapy manufacturing protocols for HSPCs and downstream clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane W Schott
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Program, Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Diego León-Rico
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Program, Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Carolina B Ferreira
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Program, Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Karen F Buckland
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Program, Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Giorgia Santilli
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Program, Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Myriam A Armant
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Axel Schambach
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alessia Cavazza
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Program, Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Program, Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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11
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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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12
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Aranyossy T, Thielecke L, Glauche I, Fehse B, Cornils K. Genetic Barcodes Facilitate Competitive Clonal Analyses In Vivo. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:926-937. [PMID: 28847169 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the fate of individual cell clones is an important task to better understand normal tissue regeneration, for example after hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, but also cancerogenesis. Based on their integration into the host cell's genome, retroviral vectors are commonly used to stably mark target cells and their progeny. The development of genetic barcoding techniques has opened new possibilities to determine clonal composition and dynamics in great detail. A modular genetic barcode was recently introduced consisting of 32 variable positions (BC32) with a customized backbone, and its advantages were demonstrated with regard to barcode calling and quantification. The study presented applied the BC32 system in a complex in vivo situation, namely to analyze clonal reconstitution dynamics for HSC grafts consisting of up to three cell populations with distinguishable barcodes using different alpha- and lentiviral vectors. In a competitive transplantation setup, it was possible to follow the differently marked cell populations within individual animals. This enabled the clonal contribution of the different BC32 constructs during reconstitution and long-term hematopoiesis in the peripheral blood and the spatial distribution in bone marrow and spleen to be identified. Thus, it was demonstrated that the system allows the output of individually marked cells to be tracked in vivo and their influence on clonal dynamics to be analyzed. Successful application of the BC32 system in a complex, competitive in vivo situation provided proof-of-principle that its high complexity and the large Hamming distance between individual barcodes, combined with the easy customization, facilitate efficient and precise quantification, even without prior knowledge of individual barcode sequences. Importantly, simultaneous high-sensitivity analyses of different cell populations in single animals may significantly reduce numbers of animals required to investigate specific scientific questions in accordance with RRR principles. It is concluded that this BC32 system will be excellently suited for various research applications in regenerative medicine and cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Aranyossy
- 1 Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Thielecke
- 2 Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ingmar Glauche
- 2 Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- 1 Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Cornils
- 1 Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany .,3 Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Division Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany .,4 Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Lin HT, Okumura T, Yatsuda Y, Ito S, Nakauchi H, Otsu M. Application of Droplet Digital PCR for Estimating Vector Copy Number States in Stem Cell Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2017; 27:197-208. [PMID: 27763786 PMCID: PMC5111482 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2016.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Stable gene transfer into target cell populations via integrating viral vectors is widely used in stem cell gene therapy (SCGT). Accurate vector copy number (VCN) estimation has become increasingly important. However, existing methods of estimation such as real-time quantitative PCR are more restricted in practicality, especially during clinical trials, given the limited availability of sample materials from patients. This study demonstrates the application of an emerging technology called droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in estimating VCN states in the context of SCGT. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a patient with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease were used as clonable target cells for transduction with alpharetroviral vectors harboring codon-optimized CYBB cDNA. Precise primer–probe design followed by multiplex analysis conferred assay specificity. Accurate estimation of per-cell VCN values was possible without reliance on a reference standard curve. Sensitivity was high and the dynamic range of detection was wide. Assay reliability was validated by observation of consistent, reproducible, and distinct VCN clustering patterns for clones of transduced iPSCs with varying numbers of transgene copies. Taken together, use of ddPCR appears to offer a practical and robust approach to VCN estimation with a wide range of clinical and research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Ting Lin
- 1 Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan .,2 Division of Stem Cell Processing/Stem Cell Bank, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Okumura
- 2 Division of Stem Cell Processing/Stem Cell Bank, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Satoru Ito
- 3 Life Science Division, Bio-Rad Laboratories , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- 1 Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan .,4 Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, California
| | - Makoto Otsu
- 1 Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan .,2 Division of Stem Cell Processing/Stem Cell Bank, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan
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Detailed comparison of retroviral vectors and promoter configurations for stable and high transgene expression in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Gene Ther 2017; 24:298-307. [PMID: 28346436 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Correction of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) upon gene delivery through retroviral vectors offers new treatment perspectives for monogenetic diseases. Gene-modified iPSC clones can be screened for safe integration sites and differentiated into transplantable cells of interest. However, the current bottleneck is epigenetic vector silencing. In order to identify the most suitable retroviral expression system in iPSC, we systematically compared vectors from different retroviral genera, different promoters and their combination with ubiquitous chromatin opening elements (UCOE), and several envelope pseudotypes. Lentiviral vectors (LV) pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein were superior to gammaretroviral and alpharetroviral vectors and other envelopes tested. The elongation factor 1α short (EFS) promoter mediated the most robust expression, whereas expression levels were lower from the potent but more silencing-prone spleen focus forming virus (SFFV) promoter. Both full-length (A2UCOE) and minimal (CBX3) UCOE juxtaposed to two physiological and one viral promoter reduced transgene silencing with equal efficiency. However, a promoter-specific decline in expression levels was not entirely prevented. Upon differentiation of transgene-positive iPSC into endothelial cells, A2UCOE.EFS and CBX3.EFS vectors maintained highest transgene expression in a larger fraction of cells as compared with all other constructs tested here. The function of UCOE diminished, but did not fully counteract, vector silencing and possibilities for improvements remain. Nevertheless, the CBX3.EFS in a LV background exhibited the most promising promoter and vector configuration for both high titer production and long-term genetic modification of human iPSC and their progeny.
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El Ashkar S, Van Looveren D, Schenk F, Vranckx LS, Demeulemeester J, De Rijck J, Debyser Z, Modlich U, Gijsbers R. Engineering Next-Generation BET-Independent MLV Vectors for Safer Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624199 PMCID: PMC5415309 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retroviral vectors have shown their curative potential in clinical trials correcting monogenetic disorders. However, therapeutic benefits were compromised due to vector-induced dysregulation of cellular genes and leukemia development in a subset of patients. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins act as cellular cofactors that tether the murine leukemia virus (MLV) pre-integration complex to host chromatin via interaction with the MLV integrase (IN) and thereby define the typical gammaretroviral integration distribution. We engineered next-generation BET-independent (Bin) MLV vectors to retarget their integration to regions where they are less likely to dysregulate nearby genes. We mutated MLV IN to uncouple BET protein interaction and fused it with chromatin-binding peptides. The addition of the CBX1 chromodomain to MLV INW390A efficiently targeted integration away from gene regulatory elements. The retargeted vector produced at high titers and efficiently transduced CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells, while fewer colonies were detected in a serial colony-forming assay, a surrogate test for genotoxicity. Our findings underscore the potential of the engineered vectors to reduce the risk of insertional mutagenesis without compromising transduction efficiency. Ultimately, combined with other safety features in vector design, next-generation BinMLV vectors can improve the safety of gammaretroviral vectors for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Ashkar
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Van Looveren
- Laboratory for Viral Vector Technology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Franziska Schenk
- RG Gene Modification in Stem Cells, LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Lenard S Vranckx
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonas Demeulemeester
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan De Rijck
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ute Modlich
- RG Gene Modification in Stem Cells, LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- Laboratory for Viral Vector Technology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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16
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HAMDOUN Z, EHSAN H. Aftermath of the Human Genome Project: an era of struggle and discovery. Turk J Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.3906/biy-1609-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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17
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Towards a Safer, More Randomized Lentiviral Vector Integration Profile Exploring Artificial LEDGF Chimeras. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164167. [PMID: 27788138 PMCID: PMC5082951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity to integrate transgenes into the host cell genome makes retroviral vectors an interesting tool for gene therapy. Although stable insertion resulted in successful correction of several monogenic disorders, it also accounts for insertional mutagenesis, a major setback in otherwise successful clinical gene therapy trials due to leukemia development in a subset of treated patients. Despite improvements in vector design, their use is still not risk-free. Lentiviral vector (LV) integration is directed into active transcription units by LEDGF/p75, a host-cell protein co-opted by the viral integrase. We engineered LEDGF/p75-based hybrid tethers in an effort to elicit a more random integration pattern to increase biosafety, and potentially reduce proto-oncogene activation. We therefore truncated LEDGF/p75 by deleting the N-terminal chromatin-reading PWWP-domain, and replaced this domain with alternative pan-chromatin binding peptides. Expression of these LEDGF-hybrids in LEDGF-depleted cells efficiently rescued LV transduction and resulted in LV integrations that distributed more randomly throughout the host-cell genome. In addition, when considering safe harbor criteria, LV integration sites for these LEDGF-hybrids distributed more safely compared to LEDGF/p75-mediated integration in wild-type cells. This approach should be broadly applicable to introduce therapeutic or suicide genes for cell therapy, such as patient-specific iPS cells.
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18
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Labenski V, Suerth JD, Barczak E, Heckl D, Levy C, Bernadin O, Charpentier E, Williams DA, Fehse B, Verhoeyen E, Schambach A. Alpharetroviral self-inactivating vectors produced by a superinfection-resistant stable packaging cell line allow genetic modification of primary human T lymphocytes. Biomaterials 2016; 97:97-109. [PMID: 27162078 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary human T lymphocytes represent an important cell population for adoptive immunotherapies, including chimeric-antigen and T-cell receptor applications, as they have the capability to eliminate non-self, virus-infected and tumor cells. Given the increasing numbers of clinical immunotherapy applications, the development of an optimal vector platform for genetic T lymphocyte engineering, which allows cost-effective high-quality vector productions, remains a critical goal. Alpharetroviral self-inactivating vectors (ARV) have several advantages compared to other vector platforms, including a more random genomic integration pattern and reduced likelihood for inducing aberrant splicing of integrated proviruses. We developed an ARV platform for the transduction of primary human T lymphocytes. We demonstrated functional transgene transfer using the clinically relevant herpes-simplex-virus thymidine kinase variant TK.007. Proof-of-concept of alpharetroviral-mediated T-lymphocyte engineering was shown in vitro and in a humanized transplantation model in vivo. Furthermore, we established a stable, human alpharetroviral packaging cell line in which we deleted the entry receptor (SLC1A5) for RD114/TR-pseudotyped ARVs to prevent superinfection and enhance genomic integrity of the packaging cell line and viral particles. We showed that superinfection can be entirely prevented, while maintaining high recombinant virus titers. Taken together, this resulted in an improved production platform representing an economic strategy for translating the promising features of ARVs for therapeutic T-lymphocyte engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Labenski
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia D Suerth
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Barczak
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Regulation in Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Camille Levy
- CIRI, EVIR Team, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Université de Lyon-1, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ornellie Bernadin
- CIRI, EVIR Team, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Université de Lyon-1, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charpentier
- Department of Regulation in Infection Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Dept. of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Els Verhoeyen
- CIRI, EVIR Team, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Université de Lyon-1, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France; Inserm, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), équipe "contrôle métabolique des morts cellulaires", Nice, France
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Abstract
Advances in molecular technologies have led to the discovery of many disease-related genetic mutations as well as elucidation of aberrant gene and protein expression patterns in several human diseases, including cancer. This information has driven the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as the utilization of small molecules to target specific cellular pathways and the use of retroviral vectors to retarget immune cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. Retroviral-mediated gene transfer has allowed efficient production of T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which have demonstrated marked success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. As a safety point, these modified cells can be outfitted with suicide genes. Customized gene editing tools, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated nucleases (CRISPR-Cas9), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), or TAL-effector nucleases (TALENs), may also be combined with retroviral delivery to specifically delete oncogenes, inactivate oncogenic signaling pathways, or deliver wild-type genes. Additionally, the feasibility of retroviral gene transfer strategies to protect the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from the dose-limiting toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy was demonstrated. While some of these approaches have yet to be translated into clinical application, the potential implications for improved cellular replacement therapies to enhance and/or support the current treatment modalities are enormous.
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An assessment of the effects of ectopic gp91phox expression in XCGD iPSC-derived neutrophils. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 2:15046. [PMID: 26682238 PMCID: PMC4674005 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For the treatment of monogenetic hematological disorders, restoration of transgene expression in affected cell populations is generally considered to have beneficial effects. However, X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (XCGD) is unique since the appearance of functional neutrophils in the peripheral blood following hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy is transient only. One contributing factor could be the occurrence of detrimental effects secondary to ectopic gp91phox expression in neutrophils, which has not been formally demonstrated previously. This study uses iPSCs to model XCGD, which allows the process of differentiation to be studied intensely in vitro. Alpharetroviral vectors carrying a ubiquitous promoter were used to drive the “ectopic” expression of codon optimized gp91phox cDNA. In the mature fraction of neutrophils differentiated from transduced XCGD-iPSCs, cellular recovery in terms of gp91phox expression and reactive oxygen species production was abruptly lost before cells had fully differentiated. Most critically, ectopic gp91phox expression could be identified clearly in the developing fraction of the transduced groups, which appeared to correspond with reduced cell viability. It is possible that this impedes further differentiation of developing neutrophils. Therefore, affording cellular protection from the detrimental effects of ectopic gp91phox expression may improve XCGD clinical outcomes.
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Retrovirus-based vectors for transient and permanent cell modification. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 24:135-46. [PMID: 26433198 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Retroviral vectors are commonly employed for long-term transgene expression via integrating vector technology. However, three alternative retrovirus-based platforms are currently available that allow transient cell modification. Gene expression can be mediated from either episomal DNA or RNA templates, or selected proteins can be directly transferred through retroviral nanoparticles. The different technologies are functionally graded with respect to safety, expression magnitude and expression duration. Improvement of the initial technologies, including modification of vector designs, targeted increase in expression strength and duration as well as improved safety characteristics, has allowed maturation of retroviral systems into efficient and promising tools that meet the technological demands of a wide variety of potential application areas.
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Alpharetroviral vectors: from a cancer-causing agent to a useful tool for human gene therapy. Viruses 2014; 6:4811-38. [PMID: 25490763 PMCID: PMC4276931 DOI: 10.3390/v6124811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy using integrating retroviral vectors has proven its effectiveness in several clinical trials for the treatment of inherited diseases and cancer. However, vector-mediated adverse events related to insertional mutagenesis were also observed, emphasizing the need for safer therapeutic vectors. Paradoxically, alpharetroviruses, originally discovered as cancer-causing agents, have a more random and potentially safer integration pattern compared to gammaretro- and lentiviruses. In this review, we provide a short overview of the history of alpharetroviruses and explain how they can be converted into state-of-the-art gene delivery tools with improved safety features. We discuss development of alpharetroviral vectors in compliance with regulatory requirements for clinical translation, and provide an outlook on possible future gene therapy applications. Taken together, this review is a broad overview of alpharetroviral vectors spanning the bridge from their parental virus discovery to their potential applicability in clinical settings.
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Advanced cell-based therapies for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency (Cell-PID). HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014; 25:54-6. [PMID: 24933560 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2014.2503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Gene and cell therapy for children--new medicines, new challenges? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 73:162-9. [PMID: 24583376 PMCID: PMC4074676 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The range of possible gene and cell therapy applications is expanding at an extremely rapid rate and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are currently the hottest topic in novel medicines, particularly for inherited diseases. Paediatric patients stand to gain enormously from these novel therapies as it now seems plausible to develop a gene or cell therapy for a vast number of inherited diseases. There are a wide variety of potential gene and cell therapies in various stages of development. Patients who received first gene therapy treatments for primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) are reaching 10 and 15 years post-treatment, with robust and sustained immune recovery. Cell therapy clinical trials are underway for a variety of tissues including corneal, retinal and muscle repair and islet cell transplantation. Various cell therapy approaches are also being trialled to enhance the safety of bone marrow transplants, which should improve survival rates in childhood cancers and PIDs. Progress in genetic engineering of lymphocyte populations to target and kill cancerous cells is also described. If successful these ATMPs may enhance or replace the existing chemo-ablative therapy for several paediatric cancers. Emerging applications of gene therapy now include skin and neurological disorders such as epidermolysis bullosa, epilepsy and leukodystrophy. Gene therapy trials for haemophilia, muscular dystrophy and a range of metabolic disorders are underway. There is a vast array of potential advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), and these are likely to be more cost effective than existing medicines. However, the first clinical trials have not been without setbacks and some of the key adverse events are discussed. Furthermore, the arrival of this novel class of therapies brings many new challenges for the healthcare industry. We present a summary of the key non-clinical factors required for successful delivery of these potential treatments. Technological advances are needed in vector design, raw material manufacture, cell culture and transduction methodology, and particularly in making all these technologies readily scalable.
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Moiani A, Suerth JD, Gandolfi F, Rizzi E, Severgnini M, De Bellis G, Schambach A, Mavilio F. Genome-wide analysis of alpharetroviral integration in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Genes (Basel) 2014; 5:415-29. [PMID: 24840152 PMCID: PMC4094940 DOI: 10.3390/genes5020415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer vectors derived from gamma-retroviruses or lentiviruses are currently used for the gene therapy of genetic or acquired diseases. Retroviral vectors display a non-random integration pattern in the human genome, targeting either regulatory regions (gamma-retroviruses) or the transcribed portion of expressed genes (lentiviruses), and have the potential to deregulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. A recently developed alternative vector system derives from the avian sarcoma-leukosis alpha-retrovirus (ASLV) and shows favorable safety features compared to both gamma-retroviral and lentiviral vectors in preclinical models. We performed a high-throughput analysis of the integration pattern of self-inactivating (SIN) alpha-retroviral vectors in human CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and compared it to previously reported gamma-retroviral and lentiviral vectors integration profiles obtained in the same experimental setting. Compared to gamma-retroviral and lentiviral vectors, the SIN-ASLV vector maintains a preference for open chromatin regions, but shows no bias for transcriptional regulatory elements or transcription units, as defined by genomic annotations and epigenetic markers (H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 histone modifications). Importantly, SIN-ASLV integrations do not cluster in hot spots and target potentially dangerous genomic loci, such as the EVI2A/B, RUNX1 and LMO2 proto-oncogenes at a virtually random frequency. These characteristics predict a safer profile for ASLV-derived vectors for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Moiani
- Genethon, 1bis Rue de l'Internationale, 91020 Evry, France.
| | - Julia Debora Suerth
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | | | - Ermanno Rizzi
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan 20132, Italy.
| | - Marco Severgnini
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan 20132, Italy.
| | - Gianluca De Bellis
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan 20132, Italy.
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Fulvio Mavilio
- Genethon, 1bis Rue de l'Internationale, 91020 Evry, France.
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Brendel C, Kaufmann KB, Krattenmacher A, Pahujani S, Grez M. Generation of X-CGD cells for vector evaluation from healthy donor CD34(+) HSCs by shRNA-mediated knock down of gp91(phox). MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14037. [PMID: 26015977 PMCID: PMC4362359 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Innovative approaches for the treatment of rare inherited diseases are hampered by limited availability of patient derived samples for preclinical research. This also applies for the evaluation of novel vector systems for the gene therapy of monogenic hematological diseases like X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD), a severe primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the gp91phox subunit of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase. Since current gene therapy protocols involve ex vivo gene modification of autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), the ideal preclinical model should simulate faithfully this procedure. However, the low availability of patient-derived CD34+ cells limits the feasibility of this approach. Here, we describe a straightforward experimental strategy that circumvents this limitation. The knock down of gp91phox expression upon lentiviral delivery of shRNAs into CD34+ cells from healthy donors generates sufficient amounts of X-CGD CD34+ cells which subsequently can be used for the evaluation of novel gene therapeutic strategies using a codon-optimized gp91phox transgene. We have used this strategy to test the potential of a novel gene therapy vector for X-CGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Brendel
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus , Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kerstin B Kaufmann
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus , Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anja Krattenmacher
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus , Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Shweta Pahujani
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus , Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manuel Grez
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus , Frankfurt, 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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Nienhuis AW. Development of gene therapy for blood disorders: an update. Blood 2013; 122:1556-64. [PMID: 23843498 PMCID: PMC3757369 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-04-453209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the current status of gene therapy for immunodeficiencies, chronic granulomatous disease, suicide gene therapy for graft-versus-host disease, viral infections, malignant hematologic disorders, hemophilia, and the hemoglobin disorders. New developments in vector design have fostered improved expression as well as enhanced safety, particularly of integrating retroviral vectors. Several immunodeficiencies have been treated successfully by stem cell-targeted, retroviral-mediated gene transfer with reconstitution of the immune system following infusion of the transduced cells. In a trial for hemophilia B, long-term expression of human FIX has been observed following adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene transfer into the liver. This approach should be successful in treating any disorder in which liver production of a specific protein is therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur W Nienhuis
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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