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Zhan W, Muhuri M, Tai PWL, Gao G. Vectored Immunotherapeutics for Infectious Diseases: Can rAAVs Be The Game Changers for Fighting Transmissible Pathogens? Front Immunol 2021; 12:673699. [PMID: 34046041 PMCID: PMC8144494 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.673699] [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: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional vaccinations and immunotherapies have encountered major roadblocks in preventing infectious diseases like HIV, influenza, and malaria. These challenges are due to the high genomic variation and immunomodulatory mechanisms inherent to these diseases. Passive transfer of broadly neutralizing antibodies may offer partial protection, but these treatments require repeated dosing. Some recombinant viral vectors, such as those based on lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), can confer long-term transgene expression in the host after a single dose. Particularly, recombinant (r)AAVs have emerged as favorable vectors, given their high in vivo transduction efficiency, proven clinical efficacy, and low immunogenicity profiles. Hence, rAAVs are being explored to deliver recombinant antibodies to confer immunity against infections or to diminish the severity of disease. When used as a vaccination vector for the delivery of antigens, rAAVs enable de novo synthesis of foreign proteins with the conformation and topology that resemble those of natural pathogens. However, technical hurdles like pre-existing immunity to the rAAV capsid and production of anti-drug antibodies can reduce the efficacy of rAAV-vectored immunotherapies. This review summarizes rAAV-based prophylactic and therapeutic strategies developed against infectious diseases that are currently being tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Technical challenges and potential solutions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhan
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Manish Muhuri
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Phillip W. L. Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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Abstract
This article focuses on a novel vaccine strategy known as vector-mediated antibody gene transfer, with a particular focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This strategy provides a solution to the problem of current vaccines that fail to generate neutralizing antibodies to prevent HIV-1 infection and AIDS. Antibody gene transfer allows for predetermination of antibody affinity and specificity prior to "immunization" and avoids the need for an active humoral immune response against the HIV envelope protein. This approach uses recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which have been shown to transduce muscle with high efficiency and direct the long-term expression of a variety of transgenes, to deliver the gene encoding a broadly neutralizing antibody into the muscle. Following rAAV vector gene delivery, the broadly neutralizing antibodies are endogenously synthesized in myofibers and passively distributed to the circulatory system. This is an improvement over classical passive immunization strategies that administer antibody proteins to the host to provide protection from infection. Vector-mediated gene transfer studies in mice and monkeys with anti-HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-neutralizing antibodies demonstrated long-lasting neutralizing activity in serum with complete protection against intravenous challenge with virulent HIV and SIV. These results indicate that existing potent anti-HIV antibodies can be rapidly moved into the clinic. However, this methodology need not be confined to HIV. The general strategy of vector-mediated antibody gene transfer can be applied to other difficult vaccine targets such as hepatitis C virus, malaria, respiratory syncytial virus, and tuberculosis.
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Schelkle KM, Griesbaum T, Ollech D, Becht S, Buckup T, Hamburger M, Wombacher R. Lichtinduzierte Proteindimerisierung in lebenden Zellen durch Ein- und Zweiphotonenaktivierung von Gibberellinsäurederivaten. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201409196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Schelkle KM, Griesbaum T, Ollech D, Becht S, Buckup T, Hamburger M, Wombacher R. Light-Induced Protein Dimerization by One- and Two-Photon Activation of Gibberellic Acid Derivatives in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:2825-9. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201409196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Schnepp BC, Johnson PR. Vector-mediated antibody gene transfer for infectious diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 848:149-67. [PMID: 25757620 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2432-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This chapter discusses the emerging field of vector-mediated antibody gene transfer as an alternative vaccine for infectious disease, with a specific focus on HIV. However, this methodology need not be confined to HIV-1; the general strategy of vector-mediated antibody gene transfer can be applied to other difficult vaccine targets like hepatitis C virus, malaria, respiratory syncytial virus, and tuberculosis. This approach is an improvement over classical passive immunization strategies that administer antibody proteins to the host to provide protection from infection. With vector-mediated gene transfer, the antibody gene is delivered to the host, via a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector; this in turn results in long-term endogenous antibody expression from the injected muscle that confers protective immunity. Vector-mediated antibody gene transfer can rapidly move existing, potent broadly cross-neutralizing HIV-1-specific antibodies into the clinic. The gene transfer products demonstrate a potency and breadth identical to the original product. This strategy eliminates the need for immunogen design and interaction with the adaptive immune system to generate protection, a strategy that so far has shown limited promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce C Schnepp
- Infectious Disease, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Abramson Research Center, Room 1216J, 3615 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA,
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Yang L, Wang P. Passive immunization against HIV/AIDS by antibody gene transfer. Viruses 2014; 6:428-47. [PMID: 24473340 PMCID: PMC3939464 DOI: 10.3390/v6020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts over the course of many years, the quest for an effective HIV vaccine by the classical method of active immunization remains largely elusive. However, two recent studies in mice and macaques have now demonstrated a new strategy designated as Vectored ImmunoProphylaxis (VIP), which involves passive immunization by viral vector-mediated delivery of genes encoding broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) for in vivo expression. Robust protection against virus infection was observed in preclinical settings when animals were given VIP to express monoclonal neutralizing antibodies. This unorthodox approach raises new promise for combating the ongoing global HIV pandemic. In this article, we survey the status of antibody gene transfer, review the revolutionary progress on isolation of extremely bnAbs, detail VIP experiments against HIV and its related virus conduced in humanized mice and macaque monkeys, and discuss the pros and cons of VIP and its opportunities and challenges towards clinical applications to control HIV/AIDS endemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Jazwa A, Florczyk U, Jozkowicz A, Dulak J. Gene therapy on demand: Site specific regulation of gene therapy. Gene 2013; 525:229-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.03.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Anandharaj A, Cinghu S, Park WY. Rapamycin-mediated mTOR inhibition attenuates survivin and sensitizes glioblastoma cells to radiation therapy. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2011; 43:292-300. [PMID: 21367753 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmr012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivin, an antiapoptotic protein, is elevated in most malignancies and attributes to radiation resistance in tumors including glioblastoma multiforme. The downregulation of survivin could sensitize glioblastoma cells to radiation therapy. In this study, we investigated the effect of rapamycin, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), in attenuating survivin and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy for glioblastoma cells, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Here we tested various concentrations of rapamycin (1-8 nM) in combination with radiation dose 4 Gy. Rapamycin effectively modulated the protein kinase B (Akt)/mTOR pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR proteins, and this inhibition was further enhanced by radiation. The expression level of survivin was decreased in rapamycin pre-treatment glioblastoma cells followed by radiation; meanwhile, the phosphorylation of H2A histone family member X (H2AX) at serine-139 (γ-H2AX) was increased. p21 protein was also induced on radiation with rapamycin pre-treatment, which enhanced G1 arrest and the accumulation of cells at G0/subG1 phase. Furthermore, the clonogenic cell survival assay revealed a significant dose-dependent decrease in the surviving fraction for all three cell lines pre-treated with rapamycin. Our studies demonstrated that targeting survivin may be an effective approach for radiosensitization of malignant glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunkumar Anandharaj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
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Liang FS, Ho WQ, Crabtree GR. Engineering the ABA plant stress pathway for regulation of induced proximity. Sci Signal 2011; 4:rs2. [PMID: 21406691 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2001449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chemically induced proximity (CIP) systems use small molecules and engineered proteins to control and study biological processes. However, small molecule-based systems for controlling protein abundance or activities have been limited by toxicity, instability, cost, and slow clearance of the small molecules in vivo. To address these problems, we modified proteins of the plant abscisic acid (ABA) stress response pathway to control the proximity of cellular proteins and showed that the system could be used to regulate transcription, signal transduction, and subcellular localization of proteins in response to exogenously applied ABA. We also showed that the ABA CIP system can be combined with other CIP systems to simultaneously control multiple processes. We found that, when given to mice, ABA was orally available and had a 4-hour half-life. These properties, along with its lack of toxicity and low cost, suggest that ABA may be well suited for therapeutic applications and as an experimental tool to control diverse cellular activities in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Sen Liang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Mussolino C, Sanges D, Marrocco E, Bonetti C, Di Vicino U, Marigo V, Auricchio A, Meroni G, Surace EM. Zinc-finger-based transcriptional repression of rhodopsin in a model of dominant retinitis pigmentosa. EMBO Mol Med 2011; 3:118-28. [PMID: 21268285 PMCID: PMC3085076 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Revised: 12/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent success of gene-based complementation approaches for genetic recessive traits, the development of therapeutic strategies for gain-of-function mutations poses great challenges. General therapeutic principles to correct these genetic defects mostly rely on post-transcriptional gene regulation (RNA silencing). Engineered zinc-finger (ZF) protein-based repression of transcription may represent a novel approach for treating gain-of-function mutations, although proof-of-concept of this use is still lacking. Here, we generated a series of transcriptional repressors to silence human rhodopsin (hRHO), the gene most abundantly expressed in retinal photoreceptors. The strategy was designed to suppress both the mutated and the wild-type hRHO allele in a mutational-independent fashion, to overcome mutational heterogeneity of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa due to hRHO mutations. Here we demonstrate that ZF proteins promote a robust transcriptional repression of hRHO in a transgenic mouse model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Furthermore, we show that specifically decreasing the mutated human RHO transcript in conjunction with unaltered expression of the endogenous murine Rho gene results in amelioration of disease progression, as demonstrated by significant improvements in retinal morphology and function. This zinc-finger-based mutation-independent approach paves the way towards a 'repression-replacement' strategy, which is expected to facilitate widespread applications in the development of novel therapeutics for a variety of disorders that are due to gain-of-function mutations.
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Rupprecht S, Hagedorn C, Seruggia D, Magnusson T, Wagner E, Ogris M, Lipps HJ. Controlled removal of a nonviral episomal vector from transfected cells. Gene 2010; 466:36-42. [PMID: 20621169 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
An ideal vector to be used in gene therapy should allow long-term and regulated expression of the therapeutic sequence, but in many cases, it would be most desirable to remove all ectopic vector sequences from the cell once expression is no longer required. The vector pEPI is the first nonviral autonomous replicon that was constructed for mammalian cells. It represents a minimal model system to study the epigenetic regulation of replication and transcription but is also regarded as a promising alternative to currently used viral vector systems in gene therapy. Its function relies on a transcription unit linked to an S/MAR sequence. We constructed an inducible pEPI vector system based on the Tet ON system in which transcription is switched on in the presence of doxycycline. We show that for vector replication and long-term maintenance an ongoing transcription running into the S/MAR element is required. Once established, the vector is lost from the cell upon switching off transcription from the gene linked to the S/MAR. This feature provides not only controlled transgene expression but also the possibility to remove all vector molecules from the cells upon demand. This inducible episomal nonviral vector system will find broad application in gene therapy but also in reprogramming of somatic cells or modification of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Rupprecht
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZBAF, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Cao L, Lin EJD, Cahill MC, Wang C, Liu X, During MJ. Molecular therapy of obesity and diabetes by a physiological autoregulatory approach. Nat Med 2009; 15:447-54. [PMID: 19270710 DOI: 10.1038/nm.1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2008] [Accepted: 01/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key element in the regulation of energy balance. Here we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of BDNF by gene transfer in mouse models of obesity and diabetes. Gene transfer of BDNF led to marked weight loss and alleviation of obesity-associated insulin resistance. To facilitate clinical translation and ensure that BDNF protein expression was appropriately decreased as weight loss progressed, thus preventing cachexia, we developed a molecular autoregulatory system involving a single recombinant adeno-associated virus vector harboring two expression cassettes, one constitutively driving BDNF and the other driving a specific microRNA targeting BDNF. The microRNA element was controlled by a promoter (that controlling the Agrp gene encoding agouti-related peptide) responsive to BDNF-induced physiological changes. Hence, as body weight decreased and agouti-related protein is induced, microRNA expression was activated, inhibiting transgene expression. In contrast to the progressive weight loss associated with a nonregulated approach, this microRNA-approach led to a sustainable plateau of body weight after notable weight loss was achieved. This strategy mimics the body's endogenous physiological feedback mechanisms, thereby resetting the hypothalamic set point to reverse obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cao
- Cancer Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Fang J, Yi S, Simmons A, Tu GH, Nguyen M, Harding TC, VanRoey M, Jooss K. An antibody delivery system for regulated expression of therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies in vivo. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1153-9. [PMID: 17375065 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) delivery by gene transfer in vivo may be an attractive alternative to current mAb therapies for applications that require long-term therapy. This article describes a transfer system that allows inducible high-level expression of unmodified mAbs in vivo. A recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector is used that comprises an expression cassette consisting of a dimerizer-regulated promoter that drives expression of the antibody heavy and light chains linked by a 2A self-processing peptide and a furin cleavage site. Following intravenous injection of the rAAV vector, serum mAb levels >1 mg/ml were attained by administration of the inducer, rapamycin. Antibody expression could be rapidly shut off by discontinuing treatment with rapamycin. By optimizing the furin cleavage sequence, this system generated native antibody in vivo, decreasing the likelihood of a host immune response to foreign sequences. In summary, this optimized mAb expression system allows regulated high-level expression of native full-length mAbs in vivo and may offer a new opportunity for delivery of therapeutic mAbs in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Fang
- Department of Preclinical Oncology and Immunology, Cell Genesys, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, USA.
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