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Kos Š, Jesenko T, Blagus T. In Vivo Wound Healing Model for Characterization of Gene Electrotransfer Effects in Mouse Skin. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2773:87-96. [PMID: 38236539 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3714-2_9] [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: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex biological response to injury characterized by a sequence of interdependent and overlapping physiological actions. To study wound healing and cutaneous regeneration processes, the complexity of wound healing requires the use of animal models. In this chapter, we describe the protocol to generate skin wounds in a mouse model. In the mouse splinted excisional wound model, two full-thickness wounds are firstly created on the mouse dorsum, which is followed by application of silicone splint around wounded area. A splinting ring tightly adheres to the skin around full-thickness wound, preventing wound contraction and replicating human processes of re-epithelialization and new tissue formation. The wound is easily accessible for treatment as well as for daily monitoring and quantifying the wound closure.This technique represents valuable approach for the study of wound healing mechanisms and for evaluation of new therapeutic modalities. In this protocol, we describe how to utilize the model to study the effect of gene electrotransfer of plasmid DNA coding for antiangiogenic molecules. Additionally, we also present how to precisely regulate electrical parameters and modify electrode composition to reach optimal therapeutic effectiveness of gene electrotransfer into skin around wounded area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Blagus
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Kranjc Brezar S, Jesenko T, Kos S, Znidar K, Markelc B, Modic Z, Komel T, Gorse T, Rebersek E, Jakopic H, Sersa G. What We Learned about the Feasibility of Gene Electrotransfer for Vaccination on a Model of COVID-19 Vaccine. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1981. [PMID: 37514166 PMCID: PMC10385748 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination is one of the emerging approaches for a wide range of applications, including prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases and therapeutic vaccination against cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of our previously optimized protocols for gene electrotransfer (GET)-mediated delivery of plasmid DNA into skin and muscle tissues on a model of COVID-19 vaccine. Plasmids encoding the SARS-CoV-2 proteins spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) were used as the antigen source, and a plasmid encoding interleukin 12 (IL-12) was used as an adjuvant. Vaccination was performed in the skin or muscle tissue of C57BL/6J mice on days 0 and 14 (boost). Two weeks after the boost, blood, spleen, and transfected tissues were collected to determine the expression of S, N, IL-12, serum interferon-γ, the induction of antigen-specific IgG antibodies, and cytotoxic T-cells. In accordance with prior in vitro experiments that indicated problems with proper expression of the S protein, vaccination with S did not induce S-specific antibodies, whereas significant induction of N-specific antibodies was detected after vaccination with N. Intramuscular vaccination outperformed skin vaccination and resulted in significant induction of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Moreover, both boost and adjuvant were found to be redundant for the induction of an immune response. Overall, the study confirmed the feasibility of the GET for DNA vaccination and provided valuable insights into this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urska Kamensek
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | | | - Tanja Jesenko
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Spela Kos
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena Pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ziva Modic
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tim Gorse
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Rebersek
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Jakopic
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena Pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Lisec B, Markelc B, Ursic Valentinuzzi K, Sersa G, Cemazar M. The effectiveness of calcium electroporation combined with gene electrotransfer of a plasmid encoding IL-12 is tumor type-dependent. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1189960. [PMID: 37304301 PMCID: PMC10247961 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1189960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In calcium electroporation (CaEP), electroporation enables the cellular uptake of supraphysiological concentrations of Ca2+, causing the induction of cell death. The effectiveness of CaEP has already been evaluated in clinical trials; however, confirmatory preclinical studies are still needed to further elucidate its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms. Here, we tested and compared its efficiency on two different tumor models to electrochemotherapy (ECT) and in combination with gene electrotransfer (GET) of a plasmid encoding interleukin-12 (IL-12). We hypothesized that IL-12 potentiates the antitumor effect of local ablative therapies as CaEP and ECT. Methods The effect of CaEP was tested in vitro as well as in vivo in murine melanoma B16-F10 and murine mammary carcinoma 4T1 in comparison to ECT with bleomycin. Specifically, the treatment efficacy of CaEP with increasing calcium concentrations alone or in combination with IL-12 GET in different treatment protocols was investigated. We closely examined the tumor microenvironment by immunofluorescence staining of immune cells, as well as blood vessels and proliferating cells. Results In vitro, CaEP and ECT with bleomycin reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. We observed no differences in sensitivity between the two cell lines. A dose-dependent response was also observed in vivo; however, the efficacy was better in 4T1 tumors than in B16-F10 tumors. In 4T1 tumors, CaEP with 250 mM Ca resulted in more than 30 days of growth delay, which was comparable to ECT with bleomycin. In contrast, adjuvant peritumoral application of IL-12 GET after CaEP prolonged the survival of B16-F10, but not 4T1-bearing mice. Moreover, CaEP with peritumoral IL-12 GET modified tumor immune cell populations and tumor vasculature. Conclusions Mice bearing 4T1 tumors responded better to CaEP in vivo than mice bearing B16-F10 tumors, even though a similar response was observed in vitro. Namely, one of the most important factors might be involvement of the immune system. This was confirmed by the combination of CaEP or ECT with IL-12 GET, which further enhanced antitumor effectiveness. However, the potentiation of CaEP effectiveness was also highly dependent on tumor type; it was more pronounced in poorly immunogenic B16-F10 tumors compared to moderately immunogenic 4T1 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lisec
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Ursic Valentinuzzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
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Design, Development, and Testing of a Device for Gene Electrotransfer to Skin Cells In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091826. [PMID: 36145573 PMCID: PMC9505516 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer (GET) is considered one of the most efficient, safe, reproducible, and cost-effective methods of gene therapy, in which a gene is delivered to the cells in the form of a plasmid DNA vector by a method known as electroporation. To achieve successful electroporation, cells must be exposed to sufficiently high electric fields generated by short-duration, high-voltage electrical pulses that result in a temporary increase in plasma membrane permeability. The electrical pulses are generated by pulse generators (electroporators) and delivered to the cells via electrodes (applicators). However, there is a lack of standardized pulse delivery protocols as well as certified clinical pulse generators and applicators for gene delivery. In this paper, the development of a new pulse generator, applicator, and pulse delivery protocol for GET to skin cells is presented. A numerical model of electroporated skin developed and tested for two electrode configurations and two different pulse delivery protocols is also presented. An alternative pulse delivery protocol was proposed. The developed pulse generator, applicator, and the proposed pulse delivery protocol were then used in vivo for GET to skin cells in mice. The results showed high efficiency of the proposed pulse delivery protocol for the purpose of GET in mouse skin cells. Specifically, electroporation with the developed pulse generator, applicator, and proposed pulse delivery protocol resulted in higher gene expression in skin cells compared to the currently used pulse generator, applicator, and pulse delivery protocol.
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In vitro and in vivo correlation of skin and cellular responses to nucleic acid delivery. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113088. [PMID: 35658241 PMCID: PMC10010056 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin, the largest organ in the body, provides a passive physical barrier against infection and contains elements of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Skin consists of various cells, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells. This diversity of cell types could be important to gene therapies because DNA transfection could elicit different responses in different cell types. Previously, we observed the upregulation and activation of cytosolic DNA sensing pathways in several non-tumor and tumor cell types as well in tumors after the electroporation (electrotransfer) of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Based on this research and the innate immunogenicity of skin, we correlated the effects of pDNA electrotransfer to fibroblasts and keratinocytes to mouse skin using reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and several types of protein quantification. After pDNA electrotransfer, the mRNAs of the putative DNA sensors DEAD (AspGlu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 60 (Ddx60), absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2), Z-DNA binding protein 1 (Zbp1), interferon activated gene 202 (Ifi202), and interferon-inducible protein 204 (Ifi204) were upregulated in keratinocytes, while Ddx60, Zbp1 and Ifi204 were upregulated in fibroblasts. Increased levels of the mRNAs and proteins of several cytokines and chemokines were detected and varied based on cell type. Mouse skin experiments in vivo confirmed our in vitro results with increased expression of putative DNA sensor mRNAs and of the mRNAs and proteins of several cytokines and chemokines. Finally, with immunofluorescent staining, we demonstrated that skin keratinocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages contribute to the immune response observed after pDNA electrotransfer.
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Singh P, Muhammad I, Nelson NE, Tran KTM, Vinikoor T, Chorsi MT, D’Orio E, Nguyen TD. Transdermal delivery for gene therapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:2613-2633. [PMID: 35538189 PMCID: PMC9089295 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a critical constituent of treatment approaches for genetic diseases and has gained tremendous attention. Treating and preventing diseases at the genetic level using genetic materials such as DNA or RNAs could be a new avenue in medicine. However, delivering genes is always a challenge as these molecules are sensitive to various enzymes inside the body, often produce systemic toxicity, and suffer from off-targeting problems. In this regard, transdermal delivery has emerged as an appealing approach to enable a high efficiency and low toxicity of genetic medicines. This review systematically summarizes outstanding transdermal gene delivery methods for applications in skin cancer treatment, vaccination, wound healing, and other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parbeen Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - I’jaaz Muhammad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Nicole E. Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Khanh T. M. Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Tra Vinikoor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Meysam T. Chorsi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA ,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Ethan D’Orio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA ,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Systems, Storrs, USA
| | - Thanh D. Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA ,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
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Edelblute C, Mangiamele C, Heller R. Moderate Heat-Assisted Gene Electrotransfer as a Potential Delivery Approach for Protein Replacement Therapy through the Skin. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111908. [PMID: 34834323 PMCID: PMC8624362 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-based approaches for protein replacement therapies have the potential to reduce the number of administrations. Our previous work demonstrated that expression could be enhanced and/or the applied voltage reduced by preheating the tissue prior to pulse administration. In the current study, we utilized our 16-pin multi-electrode array (MEA) and incorporated nine optical fibers, connected to an infrared laser, between each set of four electrodes to heat the tissue to 43 °C. For proof of principle, a guinea pig model was used to test delivery of reporter genes. We observed that when the skin was preheated, it was possible to achieve the same expression levels as gene electrotransfer without preheating, but with a 23% reduction of applied voltage or a 50% reduction of pulse number. With respect to expression distribution, preheating allowed for delivery to the deep dermis and muscle. This suggested that this cutaneous delivery approach has the potential to achieve expression in the systemic circulation, thus this protocol was repeated using a plasmid encoding Human Factor IX. Elevated Factor IX serum protein levels were detected by ELISA up to 100 days post gene delivery. Further work will involve optimizing protein levels and scalability in an effort to reduce application frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Edelblute
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (C.E.); (C.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Cathryn Mangiamele
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (C.E.); (C.M.)
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence:
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da Luz JCDS, Antunes F, Clavijo-Salomon MA, Signori E, Tessarollo NG, Strauss BE. Clinical Applications and Immunological Aspects of Electroporation-Based Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:727. [PMID: 34358144 PMCID: PMC8310106 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible electropermeabilization (RE) is an ultrastructural phenomenon that transiently increases the permeability of the cell membrane upon application of electrical pulses. The technique was described in 1972 by Neumann and Rosenheck and is currently used in a variety of applications, from medicine to food processing. In oncology, RE is applied for the intracellular transport of chemotherapeutic drugs as well as the delivery of genetic material in gene therapies and vaccinations. This review summarizes the physical changes of the membrane, the particularities of bleomycin, and the immunological aspects involved in electrochemotherapy and gene electrotransfer, two important EP-based cancer therapies in human and veterinary oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Carlos dos Santos da Luz
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Fernanda Antunes
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | | | - Emanuela Signori
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nayara Gusmão Tessarollo
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Bryan E. Strauss
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
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Brloznik M, Boc N, Cemazar M, Sersa G, Bosnjak M, Brezar SK, Pavlin D. Tumor perfusion evaluation using dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound after electrochemotherapy and IL-12 plasmid electrotransfer in murine melanoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13446. [PMID: 34188103 PMCID: PMC8242003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92820-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin (ECT BLM) is an effective antitumor treatment already used in clinical oncology. However, ECT alone is still considered a local antitumor therapy because it cannot induce systemic immunity. When combined with adjuvant gene electrotransfer of plasmid DNA encoding IL-12 (GET pIL-12), the combined therapy leads to a systemic effect on untreated tumors and distant metastases. Although the antitumor efficacy of both therapies alone or in combination has been demonstrated at both preclinical and clinical levels, data on the predictors of efficacy of the treatments are still lacking. Herein, we evaluated the results of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) as a predictive factor for ECT BLM and GET pIL-12 in murine melanoma. Melanoma B16F10 tumors grown in female C57Bl/6NCrl mice were treated with GET pIL-12 and ECT BLM. Immediately after therapy, 6 h and 1, 3, 7 and 10 days later, tumors were examined by DCE-US. Statistical analysis was performed to inspect the correlation between tumor doubling time (DT) and DCE-US measurements using semilinear regression models and Bland-Altman plots. Therapeutic groups in which DCE-US showed reduced tumor perfusion had longer tumor DTs. It was confirmed that the DCE-US parameter peak enhancement (PE), reflecting relative blood volume, had predictive value for the outcome of therapy: larger PE correlated with shorter DT. In addition, perfusion heterogeneity was also associated with outcome: tumors that had more heterogeneous perfusion had faster growth, i.e., shorter DTs. This study demonstrates that DCE-US can be used as a method to predict the efficacy of electroporation-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Brloznik
- Clinic for Small Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Boc
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena 5, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Darja Pavlin
- Clinic for Small Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Kranjc M, Kranjc Brezar S, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Contactless delivery of plasmid encoding EGFP in vivo by high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107847. [PMID: 34058542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (HI-PEMF) treatment is an emerging noninvasive and contactless alternative to conventional electroporation, since the electric field inside the tissue is induced remotely by external pulsed magnetic field. Recently, HI-PEMF was applied for delivering siRNA molecules to silence enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in tumors in vivo. Still, delivered siRNA molecules were 21 base pairs long, which is 200-times smaller compared to nucleic acids such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) that are delivered in gene therapies to various targets to generate therapeutic effect. In our study, we demonstrate the use HI-PEMF treatment as a feasible noninvasive approach to achieve in vivo transfection by enabling the transport of larger molecules such as pDNA encoding EGFP into muscle and skin. We obtained a long-term expression of EGFP in the muscle and skin after HI-PEMF, in some mice even up to 230 days and up to 190 days, respectively. Histological analysis showed significantly less infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells in muscle tissue after the delivery of pEGFP using HI-PEMF compared to conventional gene electrotransfer. Furthermore, the antitumor effectiveness using HI-PEMF for electrotransfer of therapeutic plasmid, i.e., silencing MCAM was demonstrated. In conclusion, feasibility of HI-PEMF was demonstrated for transfection of different tissues (muscle, skin, tumor) and could have great potential in gene therapy and in DNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Trzaska 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Trzaska 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Ursic K, Kos S, Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Miceska S, Markelc B, Bucek S, Staresinic B, Kloboves Prevodnik V, Heller R, Sersa G. Potentiation of electrochemotherapy effectiveness by immunostimulation with IL-12 gene electrotransfer in mice is dependent on tumor immune status. J Control Release 2021; 332:623-635. [PMID: 33705828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) exhibits high therapeutic effectiveness in the clinic, achieving up to 80% local tumor control but without a systemic (abscopal) effect. Therefore, we designed a combination therapy consisting of ECT via intratumoral application of bleomycin, oxaliplatin or cisplatin with peritumoral gene electrotransfer of a plasmid encoding interleukin-12 (p. t. IL-12 GET). Our hypothesis was that p. t. IL-12 GET potentiates the effect of ECT on local and systemic levels and that the potentiation varies depending on tumor immune status. Therefore, the combination therapy was tested in three immunologically different murine tumor models. In poorly immunogenic B16F10 melanoma, IL-12 potentiated the antitumor effect of ECT with biologically equivalent low doses of cisplatin, oxaliplatin or bleomycin. The most pronounced potentiation was observed after ECT using cisplatin, resulting in a complete response rate of 38% and an abscopal effect. Compared to B16F10 melanoma, better responsiveness to ECT was observed in more immunogenic 4 T1 mammary carcinoma and CT26 colorectal carcinoma. In both models, p. t. IL-12 GET did not significantly improve the therapeutic outcome of ECT using any of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Collectively, the effectiveness of the combination therapy depends on tumor immune status. ECT was more effective in more immunogenic tumors, but GET exhibited greater contribution in less immunogenic tumors. Thus, the selection of the therapy, namely, either ECT alone or combination therapy with p. t. IL-12, should be predominantly based on tumor immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Ursic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Simona Miceska
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Simon Bucek
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Barbara Staresinic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Veronika Kloboves Prevodnik
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, FL-33612 Tampa, USA.
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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12
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Dermol-Černe J, Pirc E, Miklavčič D. Mechanistic view of skin electroporation - models and dosimetry for successful applications: an expert review. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:689-704. [PMID: 32192364 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1745772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Skin electroporation is a promising treatment for transdermal drug delivery, gene electrotransfer, skin rejuvenation, electrochemotherapy, and wound disinfection. Although a considerable amount of in vitro and in vivo studies exists, the translation to clinics is not as fast as one would hope. We hypothesize the reason lies in the inadequate dosimetry, i.e. electrode configurations, pulse parameters, and pulse generators used. We suggest adequate dosimetry can be determined by mathematical modeling which would allow comparison of protocols and facilitate translation into clinics.Areas covered: We introduce the mechanisms and applications of skin electroporation, present existing mathematical models and compare the influence of different model parameters. We review electrodes and pulse generators, prototypes, as well as commercially available models.Expert opinion: The reasons for slow translation of skin electroporation treatments into clinics lie in uncontrolled and inadequate dosimetry, poor reporting rendering comparisons between studies difficult, and significant differences in animal and human skin morphology often dismissed in reports. Mathematical models enable comparison of studies, however, when the parameters of the pulses and electrode configuration are not adequately reported, as is often the case, comparisons are difficult, if not impossible. For each skin electroporation treatment, systematic studies determining optimal parameters should be performed and treatment parameters standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Dermol-Černe
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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13
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Remic T, Sersa G, Ursic K, Cemazar M, Kamensek U. Development of Tumor Cell-Based Vaccine with IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer as Adjuvant. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010111. [PMID: 32121641 PMCID: PMC7157224 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell-based vaccines use tumor cells as a source of tumor-associated antigens. In our study, we aimed to develop and test a tumor vaccine composed of tumor cells killed by irradiation combined with in vivo interleukin-12 gene electrotransfer as an adjuvant. Vaccination was performed in the skin of B16-F10 malignant melanoma or CT26 colorectal carcinoma tumor-bearing mice, distant from the tumor site and combined with concurrent tumor irradiation. Vaccination was also performed before tumor inoculation in both tumor models and tumor outgrowth was followed. The antitumor efficacy of vaccination in combination with tumor irradiation or preventative vaccination varied between the tumor models. A synergistic effect between vaccination and irradiation was observed in the B16-F10, but not in the CT26 tumor model. In contrast, up to 56% of mice were protected from tumor outgrowth in the CT26 tumor model and none were protected in the B16-F10 tumor model. The results suggest a greater contribution of the therapeutic vaccination to tumor irradiation in a less immunogenic B16-F10 tumor model, in contrast to preventative vaccination, which has shown greater efficacy in a more immunogenic CT26 tumor model. Upon further optimization of the vaccination and irradiation regimen, our vaccine could present an alternative tumor cell-based vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinkara Remic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.R.); (G.S.); (K.U.); (M.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.R.); (G.S.); (K.U.); (M.C.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Ursic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.R.); (G.S.); (K.U.); (M.C.)
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.R.); (G.S.); (K.U.); (M.C.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.R.); (G.S.); (K.U.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Kranjc Brezar S, Kranjc M, Čemažar M, Buček S, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Electrotransfer of siRNA to Silence Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein in Tumor Mediated by a High Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E49. [PMID: 32012775 PMCID: PMC7157195 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The contactless high intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF)-induced increase of cell membrane permeability is similar to conventional electroporation, with the important difference of inducing an electric field non-invasively by exposing a treated tissue to a time-varying magnetic field. Due to the limited number of studies in the field of electroporation induced by HI-PEMF, we designed experiments to explore the feasibility of such a contactless delivery technique for the gene electrotransfer of nucleic acids in tissues in vivo. By using HI-PEMF for gene electrotransfer, we silenced enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) with siRNA molecules against EGFP in B16F10-EGFP tumors. Six days after the transfer, the fluorescent tumor area decreased by up to 39% as determined by fluorescence imaging in vivo. In addition, the silencing of EGFP to the same extent was confirmed at the mRNA and protein level. The results obtained in the in vivo mouse model demonstrate the potential use of HI-PEMF-induced cell permeabilization for gene therapy and DNA vaccination. Further studies are thus warranted to improve the equipment, optimize the protocols for gene transfer and the HI-PEMF parameters, and demonstrate the effects of HI-PEMF on a broader range of different normal and tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
| | - Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Simon Buček
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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15
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Forjanic T, Markelc B, Marcan M, Bellard E, Couillaud F, Golzio M, Miklavci D. Electroporation-Induced Stress Response and Its Effect on Gene Electrotransfer Efficacy: In Vivo Imaging and Numerical Modeling. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 66:2671-2683. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2894659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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A Novel Method for Controlled Gene Expression via Combined Bleomycin and Plasmid DNA Electrotransfer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20164047. [PMID: 31430949 PMCID: PMC6720528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy is an efficient method for the local treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases, but its efficacy as a systemic treatment remains low. The application of gene electrotransfer (GET) to transfer DNA coding for immune system modulating molecules could allow for a systemic effect, but its applications are limited because of possible side effects, e.g., immune system overactivation and autoimmune response. In this paper, we present the simultaneous electrotransfer of bleomycin and plasmid DNA as a method to increase the systemic effect of bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy. With appropriately selected concentrations of bleomycin and plasmid DNA, it is possible to achieve efficient cell transfection while killing cells via the cytotoxic effect of bleomycin at later time points. We also show the dynamics of both cell electrotransfection and cell death after the simultaneous electrotransfer of bleomycin and plasmid DNA. Therefore, this method could have applications in achieving the transient, cell death-controlled expression of immune system activating genes while retaining efficient bleomycin mediated cell killing.
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17
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Electrotransfer of CpG free plasmids enhances gene expression in skin. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 130:107343. [PMID: 31401517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Skin is a very suitable target for gene therapy and DNA vaccination due to its accessibility, its surface and its ability to produce transgenes. Gene electrotransfer (GET) to the skin is under development for clinical applications for DNA vaccine or local treatment such as wound healing. Local treatments are effective if the expression of the plasmid affects only the local environment (skin) by inducing an efficient concentration over a prolonged period. In this study, we evaluate the control of expression in the skin of a plasmid coding a fluorescent protein by its CpG (cytosine-phosphate-guanine motif) content. Two fluorescent reporter genes are evaluated: tdTomato and GFP. The expression is followed on the long term by in vivo fluorescence imaging. Our results show that GET mediated expression in the skin can be controlled by the CpG content of the plasmid. Long term expression (>120 days) can be obtained at high level with CpG-free constructs associated with a proper design of the electrodes where the field distribution mediating the gene electrotransfer is present deep in the skin.
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18
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Kos S, Lopes A, Preat V, Cemazar M, Lampreht Tratar U, Ucakar B, Vanvarenberg K, Sersa G, Vandermeulen G. Intradermal DNA vaccination combined with dual CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade provides robust tumor immunity in murine melanoma. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217762. [PMID: 31150505 PMCID: PMC6544376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore whether the combination of intradermal DNA vaccination, to boost immune response against melanoma antigens, and immune checkpoint blockade, to alleviate immunosuppression, improves antitumor effectiveness in a murine B16F10 melanoma tumor model. Compared to single treatments, a combination of intradermal DNA vaccination (ovalbumin or gp100 plasmid adjuvanted with IL12 plasmid) and immune checkpoint CTLA-4/PD-1 blockade resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival of treated mice. Strong activation of the immune response induced by combined treatment resulted in a significant antigen-specific immune response, with elevated production of antigen-specific IgG antibodies and increased intratumoral CD8+ infiltration. These results indicate a potential application of the combined DNA vaccination and immune checkpoint blockade, specifically, to enhance the efficacy of DNA vaccines and to overcome the resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in certain cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alessandra Lopes
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronique Preat
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail: (GS); (VP)
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bernard Ucakar
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Vanvarenberg
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- * E-mail: (GS); (VP)
| | - Gaelle Vandermeulen
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Pasquet L, Chabot S, Bellard E, Rols MP, Teissie J, Golzio M. Noninvasive Gene Electrotransfer in Skin. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2019; 30:17-22. [DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2018.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lise Pasquet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Universite de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Chabot
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Universite de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Elisabeth Bellard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Universite de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Universite de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Justin Teissie
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Universite de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Muriel Golzio
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Universite de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
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20
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Pasquet L, Chabot S, Bellard E, Markelc B, Rols MP, Reynes JP, Tiraby G, Couillaud F, Teissie J, Golzio M. Safe and efficient novel approach for non-invasive gene electrotransfer to skin. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16833. [PMID: 30443028 PMCID: PMC6237991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer into cells or tissue by application of electric pulses (i.e. gene electrotransfer (GET)) is a non-viral gene delivery method that is becoming increasingly attractive for clinical applications. In order to make GET progress to wide clinical usage its efficacy needs to be improved and the safety of the method has to be confirmed. Therefore, the aim of our study was to increase GET efficacy in skin, by optimizing electric pulse parameters and the design of electrodes. We evaluated the safety of our novel approach by assaying the thermal stress effect of GET conditions and the biodistribution of a cytokine expressing plasmid. Transfection efficacy of different pulse parameters was determined using two reporter genes encoding for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the tdTomato fluorescent protein, respectively. GET was performed using non-invasive contact electrodes immediately after intradermal injection of plasmid DNA into mouse skin. Fluorescence imaging of transfected skin showed that a sophistication in the pulse parameters could be selected to get greater transfection efficacy in comparison to the standard ones. Delivery of electric pulses only mildly induced expression of the heat shock protein Hsp70 in a luminescent reporting transgenic mouse model, demonstrating that there were no drastic stress effects. The plasmid was not detected in other organs and was found only at the site of treatment for a limited period of time. In conclusion, we set up a novel approach for GET combining new electric field parameters with high voltage short pulses and medium voltage long pulses using contact electrodes, to obtain a high expression of both fluorescent reporter and therapeutic genes while showing full safety in living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Pasquet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Sophie Chabot
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Elisabeth Bellard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France
| | - Jean-Paul Reynes
- Invivogen Cayla SAS, 5 rue Jean Rodier, Zone industrielle de Montaudran, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Gérard Tiraby
- Invivogen Cayla SAS, 5 rue Jean Rodier, Zone industrielle de Montaudran, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Couillaud
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Moléculaire et Thérapies innovantes en Oncologie (IMOTION) EA 7435, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Justin Teissie
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France.
| | - Muriel Golzio
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, BP 64182, 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, F-31077, France.
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21
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Petkov S, Starodubova E, Latanova A, Kilpeläinen A, Latyshev O, Svirskis S, Wahren B, Chiodi F, Gordeychuk I, Isaguliants M. DNA immunization site determines the level of gene expression and the magnitude, but not the type of the induced immune response. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197902. [PMID: 29864114 PMCID: PMC5986124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimization of DNA vaccine delivery improves the potency of the immune response and is crucial to clinical success. Here, we inquired how such optimization impacts the magnitude of the response, its specificity and type. BALB/c mice were DNA-immunized with two model immunogens, HIV-1 protease and reverse transcriptase by intramuscular or intradermal injections with electroporation. DNA immunogens were co-delivered with DNA encoding luciferase. Delivery and expression were monitored by in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). The endpoint immune responses were assessed by IFN-γ/IL-2 FluoroSpot, multiparametric flow cytometry and antibody ELISA. Expression and immunogenicity were compared in relation to the delivery route. Regardless of the route, protease generated mainly IFN-γ, and reverse transcriptase, IL-2 and antibody response. BLI of mice immunized with protease- or reverse transcriptase/reporter plasmid mixtures, demonstrated significant loss of luminescence over time. The rate of decline of luminescence strongly correlated with the magnitude of immunogen-specific response, and depended on the immunogenicity profile and the immunization route. In vitro and in vivo BLI-based assays demonstrated that intradermal delivery strongly improved the immunogenicity of protease, and to a lesser extent, of reverse transcriptase. Immune response polarization and epitope hierarchy were not affected. Thus, by changing delivery/immunogen expression sites, it is possible to modulate the magnitude, but not the type or fine specificity of the induced immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Petkov
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elizaveta Starodubova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Latanova
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- NF Gamaleja Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Athina Kilpeläinen
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oleg Latyshev
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- NF Gamaleja Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Britta Wahren
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesca Chiodi
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ilya Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Isaguliants
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- NF Gamaleja Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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22
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Lampreht Tratar U, Kos S, Kamensek U, Ota M, Tozon N, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Antitumor effect of antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmids encoding interleukin-12 in canine melanoma model. Cancer Gene Ther 2018; 25:260-273. [PMID: 29593358 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-018-0014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The electrotransfer of interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been demonstrated as an efficient and safe treatment for tumors in veterinary oncology. However, the plasmids used encode human or feline IL-12 and harbor the gene for antibiotic resistance. Therefore, our aim was to construct plasmids encoding canine IL-12 without the antibiotic resistance genes driven by two different promoters: constitutive and fibroblast-specific. The results obtained in vitro in different cell lines showed that following gene electrotransfer, the newly constructed plasmids had cytotoxicity and expression profiles comparable to plasmids with antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, in vivo studies showed a statistically significant prolonged tumor growth delay of CMeC-1 tumors compared to control vehicle-treated mice after intratumoral gene electrotransfer. Besides the higher gene expression obtained by plasmids with constitutive promoters, the main difference between both plasmids was in the distribution of the transgene expression. Namely, after gene electrotransfer, plasmids with constitutive promoters showed an increase of serum IL-12, whereas the gene expression of IL-12, encoded by plasmids with fibroblast-specific promoters, was restricted to the tumor. Furthermore, after the gene electrotransfer of plasmids with constitutive promoters, granzyme B-positive cells were detected in the tumor and spleen, indicating a systemic effect of the therapy. Therefore, plasmids with different promoters present valuable tools for focused therapy with local or systemic effects. The results of the present study demonstrated that plasmids encoding canine IL-12 under constitutive and fibroblast-specific promoters without the gene for antibiotic resistance provide feasible tools for controlled gene delivery that could be used for the treatment of client-owned dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Ota
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Tozon
- Clinic for Surgery and Small Animals, University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Cesta v mestni log 47, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, Izola, 6310, Slovenia.
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23
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Chen X. Current and future technological advances in transdermal gene delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 127:85-105. [PMID: 29273516 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Transdermal gene delivery holds significant advantages as it is able to minimize the problems of systemic administration such as enzymatic degradation, systemic toxicity, and poor delivery to target tissues. This technology has the potential to transform the treatment and prevention of a range of diseases. However, the skin poses a great barrier for gene delivery because of the "bricks-and-mortar" structure of the stratum corneum and the tight junctions between keratinocytes in the epidermis. This review systematically summarizes the typical physical and chemical approaches to overcome these barriers and facilitate gene delivery via skin for applications in vaccination, wound healing, skin cancers and skin diseases. Next, the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches are discussed and the insights for future development are provided.
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Haidari G, Cope A, Miller A, Venables S, Yan C, Ridgers H, Reijonen K, Hannaman D, Spentzou A, Hayes P, Bouliotis G, Vogt A, Joseph S, Combadiere B, McCormack S, Shattock RJ. Combined skin and muscle vaccination differentially impact the quality of effector T cell functions: the CUTHIVAC-001 randomized trial. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13011. [PMID: 29026141 PMCID: PMC5638927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of different tissues via transcutaneous (TC), intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) injection has the potential to tailor the immune response to DNA vaccination. In this Phase I randomised controlled clinical trial in HIV-1 negative volunteers we investigate whether the site and mode of DNA vaccination influences the quality of the cellular immune responses. We adopted a strategy of concurrent immunization combining IM injection with either ID or TC administration. As a third arm we assessed the response to IM injection administered with electroporation (EP). The DNA plasmid encoded a MultiHIV B clade fusion protein designed to induce cellular immunity. The vaccine and regimens were well tolerated. We observed differential shaping of vaccine induced virus-specific CD4 + and CD8 + cell-mediated immune responses. DNA given by IM + EP promoted strong IFN-γ responses and potent viral inhibition. ID + IM without EP resulted in a similar pattern of response but of lower magnitude. By contrast TC + IM (without EP) shifted responses towards a more Th-17 dominated phenotype, associated with mucosal and epidermal protection. Whilst preliminary, these results offer new perspectives for differential shaping of desired cellular immunity required to fight the wide range of complex and diverse infectious diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Haidari
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Cope
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Miller
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Venables
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Yan
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - H Ridgers
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - D Hannaman
- Ichor Medical Systems Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - A Spentzou
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - P Hayes
- Human Immunology Laboratory, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, London, United Kingdom
| | - G Bouliotis
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Vogt
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Joseph
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - B Combadiere
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, U1135, CNRS, ERL 8255, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 91 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - S McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - R J Shattock
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, Section of Virology, Group of Mucosal Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom.
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25
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Gene electrotransfer into skin using noninvasive multi-electrode array for vaccination and wound healing. Bioelectrochemistry 2016; 114:33-41. [PMID: 28006672 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Skin is an attractive target for gene electrotransfer due to its easy accessibility and its interesting immune properties. Since electrodes are often invasive and frequently induce discomfort during pulse application, there is a fundamental need for non-invasive electrodes for skin delivery. We developed circular pin non-invasive multi-electrode array (MEA), suitable for different clinical applications. MEA was first employed to deliver a luciferase reporter gene. Then, it was used to deliver a DNA vaccine coding for ovalbumin or a plasmid encoding hCAP-18/LL-37 for promoting wound healing. The results demonstrated a strong gene expression and an efficient delivery of both, DNA vaccine and wound healing agent, dependent on the pulses applied. The use of MEA to deliver the ovalbumin plasmid demonstrated a strong immune response, as evidenced by the presence of antibodies in sera, the IFN-gamma response and the delayed tumor growth when the mice were subsequently challenged with B16-OVA cells. The delivery of a plasmid encoding hCAP-18/LL-37 significantly accelerated wound closure. The easy applicability and non-invasiveness of MEA make it suitable for various clinical applications that require gene electrotransfer to skin. Specifically, by adapting electric pulses to the expected action of a transgene, non-invasive MEA can be employed either for vaccination or for wound healing.
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