1
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Wang C, Yuan F. A comprehensive comparison of DNA and RNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115340. [PMID: 38810703 PMCID: PMC11181159 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid technology has revolutionized vaccine development, enabling rapid design and production of RNA and DNA vaccines for prevention and treatment of diseases. The successful deployment of mRNA and plasmid DNA vaccines against COVID-19 has further validated the technology. At present, mRNA platform is prevailing due to its higher efficacy, while DNA platform is undergoing rapid evolution because it possesses unique advantages that can potentially overcome the problems associated with the mRNA platform. To help understand the recent performances of the two vaccine platforms and recognize their clinical potentials in the future, this review compares the advantages and drawbacks of mRNA and DNA vaccines that are currently known in the literature, in terms of development timeline, financial cost, ease of distribution, efficacy, safety, and regulatory approval of products. Additionally, the review discusses the ongoing clinical trials, strategies for improvement, and alternative designs of RNA and DNA platforms for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States.
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2
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Maji D, Miguela V, Cameron AD, Campbell DA, Sasset L, Yao X, Thompson AT, Sussman C, Yang D, Miller R, Drozdz MM, Liberatore RA. Enhancing In Vivo Electroporation Efficiency through Hyaluronidase: Insights into Plasmid Distribution and Optimization Strategies. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:547. [PMID: 38675208 PMCID: PMC11053992 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) stands out as a promising non-viral plasmid delivery strategy, although achieving optimal transfection efficiency in vivo remains a challenge. A noteworthy advancement in the field of in vivo EP is the application of hyaluronidase, an enzyme with the capacity to degrade hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix, which thereby enhances DNA transfer efficiency by 2- to 3-fold. This paper focuses on elucidating the mechanism of hyaluronidase's impact on transfection efficiency. We demonstrate that hyaluronidase promotes a more uniform distribution of plasmid DNA (pDNA) within skeletal muscle. Additionally, our study investigates the effect of the timing of hyaluronidase pretreatment on EP efficiency by including time intervals of 0, 5, and 30 min between hyaluronidase treatment and the application of pulses. Serum levels of the pDNA-encoded transgene reveal a minimal influence of the hyaluronidase pretreatment time on the final serum protein levels following delivery in both mice and rabbit models. Leveraging bioimpedance measurements, we capture morphological changes in muscle induced by hyaluronidase treatment, which result in a varied pDNA distribution. Subsequently, these findings are employed to optimize EP electrical parameters following hyaluronidase treatment in animal models. This paper offers novel insights into the potential of hyaluronidase in enhancing the effectiveness of in vivo EP, as well as guides optimized electroporation strategies following hyaluronidase use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debnath Maji
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
| | - Verónica Miguela
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Sant Joan d’Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Linda Sasset
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
| | - Xin Yao
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
| | | | | | - David Yang
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Robert Miller
- RenBio Inc., Long Island City, New York, NY 11101, USA
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3
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Sussman C, Liberatore RA, Drozdz MM. Delivery of DNA-Based Therapeutics for Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:535. [PMID: 38675196 PMCID: PMC11053842 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy and its role in the medical field have evolved drastically in recent decades. Studies aim to define DNA-based medicine as well as encourage innovation and the further development of novel approaches. Gene therapy has been established as an alternative approach to treat a variety of diseases. Its range of mechanistic applicability is wide; gene therapy has the capacity to address the symptoms of disease, the body's ability to fight disease, and in some cases has the ability to cure disease, making it a more attractive intervention than some traditional approaches to treatment (i.e., medicine and surgery). Such versatility also suggests gene therapy has the potential to address a greater number of indications than conventional treatments. Many DNA-based therapies have shown promise in clinical trials, and several have been approved for use in humans. Whereas current treatment regimens for chronic disease often require frequent dosing, DNA-based therapies can produce robust and durable expression of therapeutic genes with fewer treatments. This benefit encourages the application of DNA-based gene therapy to manage chronic diseases, an area where improving efficiency of current treatments is urgent. Here, we provide an overview of two DNA-based gene therapies as well as their delivery methods: adeno associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy and plasmid DNA (pDNA)-based gene therapy. We will focus on how these therapies have already been utilized to improve treatment of chronic disease, as well as how current literature supports the expansion of these therapies to treat additional chronic indications in the future.
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4
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Siddique AR, Bhagwat GS. Erythrocytes Nanoparticle Delivery: A Boon for Targeting Tumor. Adv Pharm Bull 2024; 14:132-146. [PMID: 38585450 PMCID: PMC10997934 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Although nanoparticles (NPs) have many advantages as drug delivery systems, their poor stability in circulation, premature drug release, and nonspecific uptake in non-target organs have prompted biomimetic approaches to camouflage nano vehicles using natural cell membranes. Among them, which are extensively studied in erythrocytes, are the most abundant circulating blood cells. They are specially used for biomimetic coating on artificial NPs due to their excellent properties of good biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, and long-term blood circulation. Erythrocyte-mimicking nanoparticles (EM-NPs) are prepared by combining nanoparticle cores with naturally derived erythrocyte (red blood cell or RBC) membranes. Compared with conventional nanosystems, EM-NPs hold the preferable characteristics of prolonged blood circulation time and immune evasion. In this review, the biomimetic platform of erythrocyte membrane-coated NPs is described in various aspects, with particular focus placed on the coating mechanism, preparation methods, characterization method, and recent advances in the biomedical applications of EM-NPs concerning cancer and targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geeta Sameer Bhagwat
- Pharmaceutics Department, DY Patil University School of Pharmacy, Sector-7, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400706, India
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5
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Andrade VM, Maricic I, Kalia R, Jachimowicz L, Bedoya O, Kulp DW, Humeau L, Smith TRF. Delineation of DNA and mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-induced immune responses in preclinical animal models. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2281733. [PMID: 38012018 PMCID: PMC10760386 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2281733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid vaccines are designed based on genetic sequences (DNA or mRNA) of a target antigen to be expressed in vivo to drive a host immune response. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA and DNA vaccines based on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike antigen were developed. Surprisingly, head-to-head characterizations of the immune responses elicited by each vaccine type has not been performed to date. Here, we have employed a range of preclinical animal models including the hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, and mouse to compare and delineate the immune response raised by DNA, administered intradermally (ID) with electroporation (EP) and mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273), administered intramuscularly (IM), expressing the SARS-CoV-2 WT spike antigen. The results revealed clear differences in the quality and magnitude of the immune response between the two vaccine platforms. The DNA vaccine immune response was characterized by strong T cell responses, while the mRNA vaccine elicited robust humoral responses. The results may assist in guiding the disease target each vaccine type may be best matched against and suggest mechanisms to further enhance the breadth of each platform's immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Igor Maricic
- Preclinical R&D, Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Richa Kalia
- Preclinical R&D, Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Olivia Bedoya
- Preclinical R&D, Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daniel W. Kulp
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laurent Humeau
- Preclinical R&D, Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
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6
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Wang C, Karlsson A, Oguin TH, Macintyre AN, Sempowski GD, McCarthy KR, Wang Y, Moody MA, Yuan F. Transient inhibition of lysosomal functions potentiates nucleic acid vaccines. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306465120. [PMID: 37871214 PMCID: PMC10622924 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306465120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid vaccines have shown promising results in the clinic against infectious diseases and cancers. To robustly improve the vaccine efficacy and safety, we developed an approach to increase the intracellular stability of nucleic acids by transiently inhibiting lysosomal function in targeted tissues using sucrose. To achieve efficient and localized delivery of sucrose in animals, we designed a biomimetic lipid nanoparticle (LNP) to target the delivery of sucrose into mouse muscle cells. Using this approach, viral antigen expression in mouse muscle after DNA vaccination was substantially increased and prolonged without inducing local or systemic inflammation or toxicity. The same change in antigen expression would be achieved if the vaccine dose could be increased by 3,000 folds, which is experimentally and clinically impractical due to material restrictions and severe toxicity that will be induced by such a high dose of nucleic acids. The increase in antigen expression augmented the infiltration and activation of antigen-presenting cells, significantly improved vaccine-elicited humoral and T cell responses, and fully protected mice against the viral challenge at a low dose of vaccine. Based on these observations, we conclude that transient inhibition of lysosome function in target tissue by sucrose LNPs is a safe and potent approach to substantially improve nucleic acid-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Amelia Karlsson
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Thomas H. Oguin
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Andrew N. Macintyre
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27708
| | - Gregory D. Sempowski
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27708
| | - Kevin R. McCarthy
- Center for vaccine research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA15261
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA15261
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - M. Anthony Moody
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27708
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
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7
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Nakamura S, Morohoshi K, Inada E, Sato Y, Watanabe S, Saitoh I, Sato M. Recent Advances in In Vivo Somatic Cell Gene Modification in Newborn Pups. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15301. [PMID: 37894981 PMCID: PMC10607593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline manipulation at the zygote stage using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been extensively employed for creating genetically modified animals and maintaining established lines. However, this approach requires a long and laborious task. Recently, many researchers have attempted to overcome these limitations by generating somatic mutations in the adult stage through tail vein injection or local administration of CRISPR reagents, as a new strategy called "in vivo somatic cell genome editing". This approach does not require manipulation of early embryos or strain maintenance, and it can test the results of genome editing in a short period. The newborn is an ideal stage to perform in vivo somatic cell genome editing because it is immune-privileged, easily accessible, and only a small amount of CRISPR reagents is required to achieve somatic cell genome editing throughout the entire body, owing to its small size. In this review, we summarize in vivo genome engineering strategies that have been successfully demonstrated in newborns. We also report successful in vivo genome editing through the neonatal introduction of genome editing reagents into various sites in newborns (as exemplified by intravenous injection via the facial vein), which will be helpful for creating models for genetic diseases or treating many genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Kazunori Morohoshi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Yoko Sato
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka 420-0881, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba 305-0901, Japan;
| | - Issei Saitoh
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho 501-0296, Japan;
| | - Masahiro Sato
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
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8
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Kranjc M, Polajžer T, Novickij V, Miklavčič D. Determination of the Impact of High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on the Release of Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14607. [PMID: 37834054 PMCID: PMC10572873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
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 an externally applied pulsed magnetic field. Recently, HI-PEMF has been successfully used in the transfer of plasmid DNA and siRNA in vivo, with no or minimal infiltration of immune cells. In addition to gene electrotransfer, treatment with HI-PEMF has also shown potential for electrochemotherapy, where activation of the immune response contributes to the treatment outcome. The immune response can be triggered by immunogenic cell death that is characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from damaged or/and dying cells. In this study, the release of the best-known DAMP molecules, i.e., adenosine triphosphate (ATP), calreticulin and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMBG1), after HI-PEMF treatment was investigated in vitro on three different cell lines of different tissue origin and compared with conventional electroporation treatment parameters. We have shown that HI-PEMF by itself does not cause the release of HMGB1 or calreticulin, whereas the release of ATP was detected immediately after HI-PEMF treatment. Our results indicate that HI-PEMF treatment causes no to minimal release of DAMP molecules, which results in minimal/limited activation of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Tamara Polajžer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Institute of High Magnetic Fields, Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Plytinės g. 27, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariskiu g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
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9
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Joshi LR, Gálvez NM, Ghosh S, Weiner DB, Balazs AB. Delivery platforms for broadly neutralizing antibodies. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2023; 18:191-208. [PMID: 37265268 PMCID: PMC10247185 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Passive administration of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is being evaluated as a therapeutic approach to prevent or treat HIV infections. However, a number of challenges face the widespread implementation of passive transfer for HIV. To reduce the need of recurrent administrations of bNAbs, gene-based delivery approaches have been developed which overcome the limitations of passive transfer. RECENT FINDINGS The use of DNA and mRNA for the delivery of bNAbs has made significant progress. DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs) have shown great promise in animal models of disease and the underlying DNA-based technology is now being tested in vaccine trials for a variety of indications. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the development of mRNA-based technology to induce protective immunity. These advances are now being successfully applied to the delivery of monoclonal antibodies using mRNA in animal models. Delivery of bNAbs using viral vectors, primarily adeno-associated virus (AAV), has shown great promise in preclinical animal models and more recently in human studies. Most recently, advances in genome editing techniques have led to engineering of monoclonal antibody expression from B cells. These efforts aim to turn B cells into a source of evolving antibodies that can improve through repeated exposure to the respective antigen. SUMMARY The use of these different platforms for antibody delivery has been demonstrated across a wide range of animal models and disease indications, including HIV. Although each approach has unique strengths and weaknesses, additional advances in efficiency of gene delivery and reduced immunogenicity will be necessary to drive widespread implementation of these technologies. Considering the mounting clinical evidence of the potential of bNAbs for HIV treatment and prevention, overcoming the remaining technical challenges for gene-based bNAb delivery represents a relatively straightforward path towards practical interventions against HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lok R. Joshi
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nicolás M.S. Gálvez
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sukanya Ghosh
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - David B. Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alejandro B. Balazs
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Colombani T, Haudebourg T, Pitard B. 704/DNA vaccines leverage cytoplasmic DNA stimulation to promote anti-HIV neutralizing antibody production in mice and strong immune response against alpha-fetoprotein in non-human primates. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:743-757. [PMID: 37251693 PMCID: PMC10213191 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Genetic immunization is an attractive approach for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination using synthetic vectors to deliver antigen-encoding nucleic acids. Recently, DNA delivered by a physical means or RNA by liposomes consisting of four different lipids demonstrated good protection in human phase III clinical trials and received Drugs Controller General of India and US FDA approval to protect against COVID-19, respectively. However, the development of a system allowing for efficient and simple delivery of nucleic acids while improving immune response priming has the potential to unleash the full therapeutic potential of genetic immunization. DNA-based gene therapies and vaccines have the potential for rapid development, as exemplified by the recent approval of Collategene, a gene therapy to treat human critical limb ischemia, and ZyCoV, a DNA vaccine delivered by spring-powered jet injector to protect against SARS-CoV2 infection. Recently, we reported amphiphilic block copolymer 704 as a promising synthetic vector for DNA vaccination in various models of human diseases. This vector allows dose sparing of antigen-encoding plasmid DNA. Here, we report the capacity of 704-mediated HIV and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma DNA vaccines to induce the production of specific antibodies against gp120 HIV envelope proteins in mice and against alpha-fetoprotein antigen in non-human primates, respectively. An investigation of the underlying mechanisms showed that 704-mediated vaccination did trigger a strong immune response by (1) allowing a direct DNA delivery into the cytosol, (2) promoting an intracytoplasmic DNA sensing leading to both interferon and NF-κB cascade stimulation, and (3) inducing antigen expression by muscle cells and presentation by antigen-presenting cells, leading to the induction of a robust adaptive response. Overall, our findings suggest that the 704-mediated DNA vaccination platform is an attractive method to develop both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Colombani
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Haudebourg
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Bruno Pitard
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
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11
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Zhang W, Chen J, Gu J, Bartoli M, Domena JB, Zhou Y, C L B Ferreira B, Kirbas Cilingir E, McGee CM, Sampson R, Arduino C, Tagliaferro A, Leblanc RM. Nano-carrier for gene delivery and bioimaging based on pentaetheylenehexamine modified carbon dots. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 639:180-192. [PMID: 36805743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted much attention due to their excellent properties and applications, especially the use for gene delivery. Considering the risks and concerns involved in the use of viral vectors for gene delivery in vivo, non-viral vectors such as CDs have gradually become an ideal alternative due to their biocompatibility and low toxicity. Therefore, in this study, the potential to apply CDs as a non-viral vector for gene delivery was investigated. The CDs were prepared using citric acid and pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) as precursors via a one-step microwave-mediated approach. The optical, structural, and morphological properties of PEHA-derived CDs (PCDs) were characterized by ultra-violet spectroscopy (UV-vis), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta potential, circular dichroism spectrometry, atomic force (AFM) and transmission electron microscopies (TEM). The analysis demonstrated that the as-prepared PCDs were rich in amine groups and were positively charged. Subsequently, gel retardation assay showed that PCDs could non-covalently bind with DNA at a mass ratio of 2:1 (PCDs: DNA). Additionally, PCDs possessed a tremendously lower cytotoxicity compared with polyethylenimine (PEI), a popular precursor/dopant for many CDs preparations, and their plasmid composite showed a high transfection efficiency. Meanwhile, PCDs were also observed to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by using a zebrafish model. In conclusion, these results significantly indicate that PCDs are a potential non-viral nucleic acid/gene vector to gene therapy. Also, PCDs can be utilized in drug delivery for treating brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Jiuyan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Mattia Bartoli
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
| | - Justin B Domena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; C-Dots, LLC, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | | | - Caitlin M McGee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Chiara Arduino
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; C-Dots, LLC, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
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12
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Baghban R, Ghasemian A, Mahmoodi S. Nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms against the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:150. [PMID: 36995507 PMCID: PMC10062302 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected 673,010,496 patients and caused the death of 6,854,959 cases globally until today. Enormous efforts have been made to develop fundamentally different COVID-19 vaccine platforms. Nucleic acid-based vaccines consisting of mRNA and DNA vaccines (third-generation vaccines) have been promising in terms of rapid and convenient production and efficient provocation of immune responses against the COVID-19. Several DNA-based (ZyCoV-D, INO-4800, AG0302-COVID19, and GX-19N) and mRNA-based (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ARCoV) approved vaccine platforms have been utilized for the COVID-19 prevention. mRNA vaccines are at the forefront of all platforms for COVID-19 prevention. However, these vaccines have lower stability, while DNA vaccines are needed with higher doses to stimulate the immune responses. Intracellular delivery of nucleic acid-based vaccines and their adverse events needs further research. Considering re-emergence of the COVID-19 variants of concern, vaccine reassessment and the development of polyvalent vaccines, or pan-coronavirus strategies, is essential for effective infection prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghayyeh Baghban
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
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Wang Y, Wang N, Yang Y, Chen Y, Zhang Z. Cellular nanomechanics derived from pattern-dependent focal adhesion and cytoskeleton to balance gene transfection of malignant osteosarcoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:499. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGene transfection was supposed to be the most promising technology to overcome the vast majority of diseases and it has been popularly reported in clinical applications of gene therapy. In spite of the rapid development of novel transfection materials and methods, the influence of morphology-dependent nanomechanics of malignant osteosarcoma on gene transfection is still unsettled. In this study, cell spreading and adhesion area was adjusted by the prepared micropatterns to regulate focal adhesion (FA) formation and cytoskeletal organization in osteosarcoma cells. The micropattern-dependent FA and cytoskeleton could induce different cellular nanomechanics to affect cell functions. Our results indicated that transfection efficiency was improved with enlarging FA area and cell nanomechanics in micropatterned osteosarcoma. The difference of gene transfection in micropatterned cells was vigorously supported by cellular internalization capacity, Ki67 proliferation ability and YAP mechanotranduction through the regulation of focal adhesion and cytoskeletal mechanics. This study is an attempt to disclose the relationship of cell nanomechanics and gene transfection for efficient gene delivery and develop multifunctional nanomedicine biomaterials for accurate gene therapy in osteosarcoma cells.
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Smeekens JM, Kesselring JR, Frizzell H, Bagley KC, Kulis MD. Induction of food-specific IgG by Gene Gun-delivered DNA vaccines. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:969337. [PMID: 36340020 PMCID: PMC9632862 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.969337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shellfish and tree nut allergies are among the most prevalent food allergies, now affecting 2%–3% and 1% of the US population, respectively. Currently, there are no approved therapies for shellfish or tree nut allergies, with strict avoidance being the standard of care. However, oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy and subcutaneous immunotherapy for environmental allergens are efficacious and lead to the production of allergen-specific IgG, which causes suppression of allergen effector cell degranulation. Since allergen-specific IgG is a desired response to alleviate IgE-mediated allergies, we tested transcutaneously-delivered DNA vaccines targeting shellfish and tree nut allergens for their ability to induce antigen-specific IgG, which would have therapeutic potential for food allergies. Methods We assessed Gene Gun-delivered DNA vaccines targeting either crustacean shellfish or walnut/pecan allergens, with or without IL-12, in naïve mice. Three strains of mice, BALB/cJ, C3H/HeJ and CC027/GeniUnc, were evaluated for IgG production following vaccination. Vaccines were administered twice via Gene Gun, three weeks apart and then blood was collected three weeks following the final vaccination. Results Vaccination with shellfish allergen DNA led to increased shrimp-specific IgG in all three strains, with the highest production in C3H/HeJ from the vaccine alone, whereas the vaccine with IL-12 led to the highest IgG production in BALB/cJ and CC027/GeniUnc mice. Similar IgG production was also induced against lobster and crab allergens. For walnut/pecan vaccines, BALB/cJ and C3H/HeJ mice produced significantly higher walnut- and pecan-specific IgG with the vaccine alone compared to the vaccine with IL-12, while the CC027 mice made significantly higher IgG with the addition of IL-12. Notably, intramuscular administration of the vaccines did not lead to increased antigen-specific IgG production, indicating that Gene Gun administration is a superior delivery modality. Conclusions Overall, these data demonstrate the utility of DNA vaccines against two lifelong food allergies, shellfish and tree nuts, suggesting their potential as a food allergy therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M. Smeekens
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- UNC Food Allergy Initiative, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Correspondence: Johanna M. Smeekens
| | - Janelle R. Kesselring
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- UNC Food Allergy Initiative, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | - Michael D. Kulis
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- UNC Food Allergy Initiative, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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15
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Wang Y, Chen-Mayfield TJ, Li Z, Younis MH, Cai W, Hu Q. Harnessing DNA for immunotherapy: Cancer, infectious diseases, and beyond. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2112273. [PMID: 36304724 PMCID: PMC9595111 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202112273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the rapid development of immunotherapy, low response rates, poor therapeutic outcomes and severe side effects still limit their implementation, making the augmentation of immunotherapy an important goal for current research. DNA, which has principally been recognized for its functions of encoding genetic information, has recently attracted research interest due to its emerging role in immune modulation. Inspired by the intrinsic DNA-sensing signaling that triggers the host defense in response to foreign DNA, DNA or nucleic acid-based immune stimulators have been used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Besides that, DNA vaccines allow the synthesis of target proteins in host cells, subsequently inducing recognition of these antigens to provoke immune responses. On this basis, researchers have designed numerous vehicles for DNA and nucleic acid delivery to regulate immune systems. Additionally, DNA nanostructures have also been implemented as vaccine delivery systems to elicit strong immune responses against pathogens and diseased cells. This review will introduce the mechanism of harnessing DNA-mediated immunity for the prevention and treatment of diseases, summarize recent progress, and envisage their future applications and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Ting-Jing Chen-Mayfield
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Zhaoting Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Muhsin H. Younis
- Department of Radiology and Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Weibo Cai
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Department of Radiology and Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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16
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In Vivo and Ex Vivo Gene Electrotransfer in Ophthalmological Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081889. [PMID: 36009435 PMCID: PMC9405572 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081889] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this document is to present an overview of gene electrotransfer in ophthalmological disorders. In order to ensure an adequate variety of the assessed studies, several electronic databases were considered and studies published between January 1998 and December 2021 were analysed. Three investigators carried out data extraction and analysis, focusing on both technical (i.e., electrical protocol, type of electrode, plasmid) and medical (i.e., type of study, threated disease) aspects and highlighting the main differences in terms of results obtained. Moreover, the IGEA experience in the project “Transposon-based, targeted ex vivo gene therapy to treat age-related macular degeneration” (TargetAMD) was reported in the results section. No clinical trial was found on international literature and on ClinicalTrials.gov. Twelve preclinical studies were found including in vivo and ex-vivo applications. The studied showed that electrotransfer could be very efficient for plasmid DNA transfection. Many attempts such as modification of the electric field, buffers and electrodes have been made and the optimization of electric field setting seems to be very important. Using this technique, gene replacement can be designed in cases of retinal inheritance or corneal disease and a wide range of human eye diseases could, in the future, benefitfrom these gene therapy technologies.
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Hinke DM, Andersen TK, Gopalakrishnan RP, Skullerud LM, Werninghaus IC, Grødeland G, Fossum E, Braathen R, Bogen B. Antigen bivalency of antigen-presenting cell-targeted vaccines increases B cell responses. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110901. [PMID: 35649357 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are important for vaccine efficacy. Targeting antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) increases antibody levels. Here, we explore the role of antigen valency in MHC class II (MHCII)-targeted vaccines delivered as DNA. We design heterodimeric proteins that carry either two identical (bivalent vaccines), or two different antigens (monovalent vaccines). Bivalent vaccines with two identical influenza hemagglutinins (HA) elicit higher amounts of anti-HA antibodies in mice than monovalent versions with two different HAs. Bivalent vaccines increase the levels of germinal center (GC) B cells and long-lived plasma cells. Only HA-bivalent vaccines completely protect mice against challenge with homologous influenza virus. Similar results are obtained with other antigens by targeting CD11c and Xcr1 on dendritic cells (DCs) or when administering the vaccine as protein with adjuvant. Bivalency probably increases B cell responses by cross-linking BCRs in readily observable DC-B cell synapses. These results are important for generating potent APC-targeted vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëla Maria Hinke
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Tor Kristian Andersen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | | | - Lise Madelene Skullerud
- Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | | | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway.
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway.
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18
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Hughes DC, Hardee JP, Waddell DS, Goodman CA. CORP: Gene delivery into murine skeletal muscle using in vivo electroporation. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:41-59. [PMID: 35511722 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00088.2022] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The strategy of gene delivery into skeletal muscles has provided exciting avenues in identifying new potential therapeutics towards muscular disorders and addressing basic research questions in muscle physiology through overexpression and knockdown studies. In vivo electroporation methodology offers a simple, rapidly effective technique for the delivery of plasmid DNA into post-mitotic skeletal muscle fibers and the ability to easily explore the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle plasticity. The purpose of this review is to describe how to robustly electroporate plasmid DNA into different hindlimb muscles of rodent models. Further, key parameters (e.g., voltage, hyaluronidase, plasmid concentration) which contribute to the successful introduction of plasmid DNA into skeletal muscle fibers will be discussed. In addition, details on processing tissue for immunohistochemistry and fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) analysis will be outlined. The overall goal of this review is to provide the basic and necessary information needed for successful implementation of in vivo electroporation of plasmid DNA and thus open new avenues of discovery research in skeletal muscle physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Hughes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Justin P Hardee
- Centre for Muscle Research (CMR), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David S Waddell
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Craig A Goodman
- Centre for Muscle Research (CMR), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Applications of Ultrasound-Mediated Gene Delivery in Regenerative Medicine. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9050190. [PMID: 35621468 PMCID: PMC9137703 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9050190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the capability of non-viral gene delivery systems to induce tissue regeneration is a continued effort as the current use of viral vectors can present with significant limitations. Despite initially showing lower gene transfection and gene expression efficiencies, non-viral delivery methods continue to be optimized to match that of their viral counterparts. Ultrasound-mediated gene transfer, referred to as sonoporation, occurs by the induction of transient membrane permeabilization and has been found to significantly increase the uptake and expression of DNA in cells across many organ systems. In addition, it offers a more favorable safety profile compared to other non-viral delivery methods. Studies have shown that microbubble-enhanced sonoporation can elicit significant tissue regeneration in both ectopic and disease models, including bone and vascular tissue regeneration. Despite this, no clinical trials on the use of sonoporation for tissue regeneration have been conducted, although current clinical trials using sonoporation for other indications suggest that the method is safe for use in the clinical setting. In this review, we describe the pre-clinical studies conducted thus far on the use of sonoporation for tissue regeneration. Further, the various techniques used to increase the effectiveness and duration of sonoporation-induced gene transfer, as well as the obstacles that may be currently hindering clinical translation, are explored.
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20
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Sachdev S, Potočnik T, Rems L, Miklavčič D. Revisiting the role of pulsed electric fields in overcoming the barriers to in vivo gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 144:107994. [PMID: 34930678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapies are revolutionizing medicine by providing a way to cure hitherto incurable diseases. The scientific and technological advances have enabled the first gene therapies to become clinically approved. In addition, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing record speeds in the development and distribution of gene-based vaccines. For gene therapy to take effect, the therapeutic nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) need to overcome several barriers before they can execute their function of producing a protein or silencing a defective or overexpressing gene. This includes the barriers of the interstitium, the cell membrane, the cytoplasmic barriers and (in case of DNA) the nuclear envelope. Gene electrotransfer (GET), i.e., transfection by means of pulsed electric fields, is a non-viral technique that can overcome these barriers in a safe and effective manner. GET has reached the clinical stage of investigations where it is currently being evaluated for its therapeutic benefits across a wide variety of indications. In this review, we formalize our current understanding of GET from a biophysical perspective and critically discuss the mechanisms by which electric field can aid in overcoming the barriers. We also identify the gaps in knowledge that are hindering optimization of GET in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaurya Sachdev
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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21
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Chiarpotti MV, Longo GS, Del Pópolo MG. Voltage-Induced Adsorption of Cationic Nanoparticles on Lipid Membranes. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:2230-2240. [PMID: 35293749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c10499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We evaluate the effects of an applied electric potential on the adsorption/desorption mechanism of cationic nanoparticles on lipid membranes. By applying a molecular theory that allows calculating nanoparticle adsorption isotherms and free-energy profiles, we identify the conditions under which the external voltage promotes the adsorption of nanoparticles coated with cell penetrating peptides. We consider symmetric and asymmetric membranes made of neutral and acidic lipids and cover a wide range of environmental conditions (external voltage, pH, salt, and nanoparticles concentration) relevant to both electrochemical experiments and biological systems. For neutral membranes at low concentration of salt, a moderate external voltage (<100 mV) induces spontaneous adsorption of nanoparticles. For membranes containing a small fraction of anionic lipids, the external potential has little effect on the interfacial concentration of nanoparticles, and the membrane surface charge dominates the adsorption behavior. In all cases, the membrane-particle effective interactions, and its dependence on the external bias, are strongly modulated by the concentration of salt. At 100 mM NaCl, the external potential has almost no effect on the adsorption free energy profiles. In general, we provide a theoretical framework to evaluate the conditions under which nanoparticles are thermodynamically adsorbed or kinetically restrained to the vicinity of the membrane, and to assess the impact of the nanoparticles on the interfacial electrostatic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- María V Chiarpotti
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas (ICB), CONICET & Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNCUYO, Padre Contreras 1300, Mendoza, Argentina, C.P. 5500
| | - Gabriel S Longo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA) UNLP-CONICET, Diagonal 113 & 64 S/N, La Plata, Argentina, C.P. B1904DPI
| | - Mario G Del Pópolo
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas (ICB), CONICET & Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNCUYO, Padre Contreras 1300, Mendoza, Argentina, C.P. 5500
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22
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Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus vaccine development: updating clinical studies using platform technologies. J Microbiol 2022; 60:238-246. [PMID: 35089585 PMCID: PMC8795722 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a contagious zoonotic virus, causes severe respiratory infection with a case fatality rate of approximately 35% in humans. Intermittent sporadic cases in communities and healthcare facility outbreaks have continued to occur since its first identification in 2012. The World Health Organization has declared MERS-CoV a priority pathogen for worldwide research and vaccine development due to its epidemic potential and the insufficient countermeasures available. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is supporting vaccine development against emerging diseases, including MERS-CoV, based on platform technologies using DNA, mRNA, viral vector, and protein subunit vaccines. In this paper, we review the usefulness and structure of a spike glycoprotein as a MERS-CoV vaccine candidate molecule, and provide an update on the status of MERS-CoV vaccine development. Vaccine candidates based on both DNA and viral vectors coding MERS-CoV spike gene have completed early phase clinical trials. A harmonized approach is required to assess the immunogenicity of various candidate vaccine platforms. Platform technologies accelerated COVID-19 vaccine development and can also be applied to developing vaccines against other emerging viral diseases.
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23
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Liu J, Dean DA. Gene Therapy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Front Physiol 2022; 12:786255. [PMID: 35111077 PMCID: PMC8801611 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.786255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating clinical syndrome that leads to acute respiratory failure and accounts for over 70,000 deaths per year in the United States alone, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While its molecular details have been teased apart and its pathophysiology largely established over the past 30 years, relatively few pharmacological advances in treatment have been made based on this knowledge. Indeed, mortality remains very close to what it was 30 years ago. As an alternative to traditional pharmacological approaches, gene therapy offers a highly controlled and targeted strategy to treat the disease at the molecular level. Although there is no single gene or combination of genes responsible for ARDS, there are a number of genes that can be targeted for upregulation or downregulation that could alleviate many of the symptoms and address the underlying mechanisms of this syndrome. This review will focus on the pathophysiology of ARDS and how gene therapy has been used for prevention and treatment. Strategies for gene delivery to the lung, such as barriers encountered during gene transfer, specific classes of genes that have been targeted, and the outcomes of these approaches on ARDS pathogenesis and resolution will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - David A. Dean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: David A. Dean,
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24
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Xuan Y, Ghatak S, Clark A, Li Z, Khanna S, Pak D, Agarwal M, Roy S, Duda P, Sen CK. Fabrication and use of silicon hollow-needle arrays to achieve tissue nanotransfection in mouse tissue in vivo. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:5707-5738. [PMID: 34837085 PMCID: PMC9104164 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00631-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Tissue nanotransfection (TNT) is an electromotive gene transfer technology that was developed to achieve tissue reprogramming in vivo. This protocol describes how to fabricate the required hardware, commonly referred to as a TNT chip, and use it for in vivo TNT. Silicon hollow-needle arrays for TNT applications are fabricated in a standardized and reproducible way. In <1 s, these silicon hollow-needle arrays can be used to deliver plasmids to a predetermined specific depth in murine skin in response to pulsed nanoporation. Tissue nanotransfection eliminates the need to use viral vectors, minimizing the risk of genomic integration or cell transformation. The TNT chip fabrication process typically takes 5-6 d, and in vivo TNT takes 30 min. This protocol does not require specific expertise beyond a clean room equipped for basic nanofabrication processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xuan
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Subhadip Ghatak
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew Clark
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Zhigang Li
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Savita Khanna
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dongmin Pak
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mangilal Agarwal
- Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sashwati Roy
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Peter Duda
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chandan K Sen
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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25
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An ultra-low-cost electroporator with microneedle electrodes (ePatch) for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110817118. [PMID: 34670842 PMCID: PMC8609327 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110817118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-cost and rapidly distributable vaccines are urgently needed to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics, especially for developing countries and other low-resource settings. DNA vaccines are inexpensive, rapidly developed, and safe, but require bulky and expensive electroporation devices for effective vaccination, which presents challenges to affordable and mass vaccination. We developed an ultra-low-cost (<1 USD), handheld (<50 g), battery-free electroporation system combining a thumb-actuated piezoelectric pulser and a microneedle electrode array skin interface for DNA vaccination against COVID-19, which was shown to be immunogenic and well-tolerated in animal studies. This study provides a proof-of-concept that DNA vaccination against epidemics can be achieved using an ultra-low-cost electroporator that is inexpensive enough for single use and robust enough for repeated use if desired. Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other pathogens with pandemic potential requires safe, protective, inexpensive, and easily accessible vaccines that can be developed and manufactured rapidly at a large scale. DNA vaccines can achieve these criteria, but induction of strong immune responses has often required bulky, expensive electroporation devices. Here, we report an ultra-low-cost (<1 USD), handheld (<50 g) electroporation system utilizing a microneedle electrode array (“ePatch”) for DNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The low cost and small size are achieved by combining a thumb-operated piezoelectric pulser derived from a common household stove lighter that emits microsecond, bipolar, oscillatory electric pulses and a microneedle electrode array that targets delivery of high electric field strength pulses to the skin’s epidermis. Antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 induced by this electroporation system in mice were strong and enabled at least 10-fold dose sparing compared to conventional intramuscular or intradermal injection of the DNA vaccine. Vaccination was well tolerated with mild, transient effects on the skin. This ePatch system is easily portable, without any battery or other power source supply, offering an attractive, inexpensive approach for rapid and accessible DNA vaccination to combat COVID-19, as well as other epidemics.
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Pagant S, Liberatore RA. In Vivo Electroporation of Plasmid DNA: A Promising Strategy for Rapid, Inexpensive, and Flexible Delivery of Anti-Viral Monoclonal Antibodies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1882. [PMID: 34834297 PMCID: PMC8618954 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first approval of monoclonal antibodies by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986, therapeutic antibodies have become one of the predominant classes of drugs in oncology and immunology. Despite their natural function in contributing to antiviral immunity, antibodies as drugs have only more recently been thought of as tools for combating infectious diseases. Passive immunization, or the delivery of the products of an immune response, offers near-immediate protection, unlike the active immune processes triggered by traditional vaccines, which rely on the time it takes for the host's immune system to develop an effective defense. This rapid onset of protection is particularly well suited to containing outbreaks of emerging viral diseases. Despite these positive attributes, the high cost associated with antibody manufacture and the need for a cold chain for storage and transport limit their deployment on a global scale, especially in areas with limited resources. The in vivo transfer of nucleic acid-based technologies encoding optimized therapeutic antibodies transform the body into a bioreactor for rapid and sustained production of biologics and hold great promise for circumventing the obstacles faced by the traditional delivery of antibodies. In this review, we provide an overview of the different antibody delivery strategies that are currently being developed, with particular emphasis on in vivo transfection of naked plasmid DNA facilitated by electroporation.
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Ye R, Wang HL, Zeng DW, Chen T, Sun JJ, Xi QY, Zhang YL. GHRH expression plasmid improves osteoporosis and skin damage in aged mice. Growth Horm IGF Res 2021; 60-61:101429. [PMID: 34507253 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2021.101429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The hormone secretion of GHRH-GH-IGF-1 axis in animals was decreased as aging. These hormones play an important role in maintaining bone mass and bone structure, and also affect the normal structure and function of the skin. We used plasmid-based technology to deliver growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) to elderly mice. In the current study, 80 and 120 μg/kg pVAX-GHRH plasmid expression plasmid were injected into old mice, the serum GHRH and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) content were increased within three weeks (P < 0.05). In the groups of 80 and 120 μg/kg plasmid, the content of procollagen type I N-terminal pro-peptide (PINP) in the serum was increased(P < 0.05), and the content of C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-1) in the serum was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteocalcin (OCN) in the femur also was increased(P < 0.05). The bone mineral density(BMD)、trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number(Tb.N) of mouse femur were increased significantly (P < 0.05) and trabecular separation(Tb.Sp) was decreased(P < 0.05). There were more trabecular bones in the bone marrow cavity and the trabecular bones are thicker in the groups of 80 and 120 μg/kg plasmid relative to control. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in the skin was increased(P < 0.05), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the skin moisture content also increased significantly(P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3) and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9) was decreased in the skin(P < 0.05). The thickness of the dermis and epidermis of the skin had increased significantly(P < 0.05). Skin structure is more dense and complete in the two groups. These results indicate that 80 and 120 μg/kg plasmid-mediated GHRH supplementation can improve osteoporosis and skin aging in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Hai-Long Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - De-Wei Zeng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Jia-Jie Sun
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Qian-Yun Xi
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yong-Liang Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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28
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Zamponi M, Petrella R, Mollica PA. Picosecond Pulsed Electric Fields and Promise in Neurodegeneration Research. Bioelectricity 2021. [DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2021.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zamponi
- School of Medical Diagnostic and Translational Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Ross Petrella
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter A. Mollica
- School of Medical Diagnostic and Translational Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Atkins RM, Fawcett TJ, Gilbert R, Hoff AM, Connolly R, Brown DW, Jaroszeski MJ. Real-time impedance feedback to enhance cutaneous gene electrotransfer in a murine skin model. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 142:107885. [PMID: 34303064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Electric field mediated gene delivery methods have the ability to efficiently transfect cells in vivo with an excellent safety profile. The method has historically used a fixed number of electric pulses with identical characteristics in induce delivery. Electrical treatment does not typically compensate for subject-to-subject variation and other differences. This study was designed to investigate if delivery/expression could be increased using a novel electropulsation method that compensated for variation using real-time electrical impedance measurements. The method involved delivering plasmid DNA encoding luciferase to murine skin. Tissue impedance in a 1-3 KHz range was measured before electric pulses were applied. Impedance was also measured after each successive pulse. Pulsation was stopped when impedance values were reduced by either 80% or 95% relative to prepulse values. Standard/fixed pulsing parameters were also used for comparison. The results indicated that up to 15-fold increases in luciferase expression could be obtained when electrical treatment was ceased based upon impedance reductions. Furthermore, peak expression levels of all treatment groups pulsed using the novel pulsing method were statistically higher than those that employed standard pulsing. These results strongly suggest that applying pulses until a defined impedance-based endpoint results in higher expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald M Atkins
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Timothy J Fawcett
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Research Computing, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Richard Gilbert
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Andrew M Hoff
- Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Richard Connolly
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Douglas W Brown
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 777 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Mark J Jaroszeski
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Molecular Delivery at USF, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue ENG 030, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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30
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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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In vivo partial reprogramming of myofibers promotes muscle regeneration by remodeling the stem cell niche. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3094. [PMID: 34035273 PMCID: PMC8149870 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-term, systemic expression of the Yamanaka reprogramming factors (Oct-3/4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc [OSKM]) has been shown to rejuvenate aging cells and promote tissue regeneration in vivo. However, the mechanisms by which OSKM promotes tissue regeneration are unknown. In this work, we focus on a specific tissue and demonstrate that local expression of OSKM, specifically in myofibers, induces the activation of muscle stem cells or satellite cells (SCs), which accelerates muscle regeneration in young mice. In contrast, expressing OSKM directly in SCs does not improve muscle regeneration. Mechanistically, expressing OSKM in myofibers regulates the expression of genes important for the SC microenvironment, including upregulation of p21, which in turn downregulates Wnt4. This is critical because Wnt4 is secreted by myofibers to maintain SC quiescence. Thus, short-term induction of the Yamanaka factors in myofibers may promote tissue regeneration by modifying the stem cell niche. Short term systemic expression of the reprogramming factors Oct-3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc (OSKM) rejuvenates aging cells and promotes tissue regeneration. Here the authors show that myofiber-specific expression of OSKM accelerates muscle regeneration by reducing secretion of muscle stem cell quiescence promoting Wnt4.
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32
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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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33
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Sözer EB, Pakhomov AG, Semenov I, Casciola M, Kim V, Vernier PT, Zemlin CW. Analysis of electrostimulation and electroporation by high repetition rate bursts of nanosecond stimuli. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107811. [PMID: 33862549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Exposures to short-duration, strong electric field pulses have been utilized for stimulation, ablation, and the delivery of molecules into cells. Ultrashort, nanosecond duration pulses have shown unique benefits, but they require higher field strengths. One way to overcome this requirement is to use trains of nanosecond pulses with high repetition rates, up to the MHz range. Here we present a theoretical model to describe the effects of pulse trains on the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes modeled as resistively charged capacitors. We derive the induced membrane potential and the stimulation threshold as functions of pulse number, pulse duration, and repetition rate. This derivation provides a straightforward method to calculate the membrane charging time constant from experimental data. The derived excitation threshold agrees with nerve stimulation experiments, indicating that nanosecond pulses are not more effective than longer pulses in charging nerve fibers. The derived excitation threshold does not, however, correctly predict the nanosecond stimulation of cardiomyocytes. We show that a better agreement is possible if multiple charging time constants are considered. Finally, we expand the model to intracellular membranes and show that pulse trains do not lead to charge buildup, but can create significant oscillations of the intracellular membrane potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esin B Sözer
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.
| | - Andrei G Pakhomov
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Iurii Semenov
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Maura Casciola
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Vitalii Kim
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - P Thomas Vernier
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Christian W Zemlin
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.
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34
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Morshedi Rad D, Alsadat Rad M, Razavi Bazaz S, Kashaninejad N, Jin D, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. A Comprehensive Review on Intracellular Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005363. [PMID: 33594744 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery is considered an indispensable process for various studies, ranging from medical applications (cell-based therapy) to fundamental (genome-editing) and industrial (biomanufacture) approaches. Conventional macroscale delivery systems critically suffer from such issues as low cell viability, cytotoxicity, and inconsistent material delivery, which have opened up an interest in the development of more efficient intracellular delivery systems. In line with the advances in microfluidics and nanotechnology, intracellular delivery based on micro- and nanoengineered platforms has progressed rapidly and held great promises owing to their unique features. These approaches have been advanced to introduce a smorgasbord of diverse cargoes into various cell types with the maximum efficiency and the highest precision. This review differentiates macro-, micro-, and nanoengineered approaches for intracellular delivery. The macroengineered delivery platforms are first summarized and then each method is categorized based on whether it employs a carrier- or membrane-disruption-mediated mechanism to load cargoes inside the cells. Second, particular emphasis is placed on the micro- and nanoengineered advances in the delivery of biomolecules inside the cells. Furthermore, the applications and challenges of the established and emerging delivery approaches are summarized. The topic is concluded by evaluating the future perspective of intracellular delivery toward the micro- and nanoengineered approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorsa Morshedi Rad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Maryam Alsadat Rad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sajad Razavi Bazaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Navid Kashaninejad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Dayong Jin
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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35
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Hu Q, Joshi RP. Continuum analysis to assess field enhancements for tailoring electroporation driven by monopolar or bipolar pulsing based on nonuniformly distributed nanoparticles. Phys Rev E 2021; 103:022402. [PMID: 33736030 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.103.022402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate that nanoparticle (NP) clusters near cell membranes could enhance local electric fields, leading to heightened electroporation. This aspect is quantitatively analyzed through numerical simulations whereby time dependent transmembrane potentials are first obtained on the basis of a distributed circuit mode, and the results then used to calculate pore distributions from continuum Smoluchowski theory. For completeness, both monopolar and bipolar nanosecond-range pulse responses are presented and discussed. Our results show strong increases in TMP with the presence of multiple NP clusters and demonstrate that enhanced poration could be possible even over sites far away from the poles at the short pulsing regime. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that nonuniform distributions would work to enable poration at regions far away from the poles. The NP clusters could thus act as distributed electrodes. Our results were roughly in line with recent experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Hu
- School of Engineering, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, USA
| | - R P Joshi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
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36
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Pushparajah D, Jimenez S, Wong S, Alattas H, Nafissi N, Slavcev RA. Advances in gene-based vaccine platforms to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:113-141. [PMID: 33422546 PMCID: PMC7789827 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel betacoronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), has spread across the globe at an unprecedented rate since its first emergence in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. Scientific communities around the world have been rigorously working to develop a potent vaccine to combat COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), employing conventional and novel vaccine strategies. Gene-based vaccine platforms based on viral vectors, DNA, and RNA, have shown promising results encompassing both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in previous studies, supporting their implementation for COVID-19 vaccine development. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the emergency use of two RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. We review current gene-based vaccine candidates proceeding through clinical trials, including their antigenic targets, delivery vehicles, and route of administration. Important features of previous gene-based vaccine developments against other infectious diseases are discussed in guiding the design and development of effective vaccines against COVID-19 and future derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Pushparajah
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Salma Jimenez
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada; Theraphage, 151 Charles St W Suite # 199, Kitchener, ON, N2G 1H6, Canada
| | - Shirley Wong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Hibah Alattas
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Nafiseh Nafissi
- Mediphage Bioceuticals, 661 University Avenue, Suite 1300, Toronto, ON, M5G 0B7, Canada
| | - Roderick A Slavcev
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria St S, Kitchener N2G 1C5, Canada; Mediphage Bioceuticals, 661 University Avenue, Suite 1300, Toronto, ON, M5G 0B7, Canada; Theraphage, 151 Charles St W Suite # 199, Kitchener, ON, N2G 1H6, Canada.
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37
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Hamaguchi-Tsuru E, Korenaga M, Bruschi F. In Vivo Eosinophil Expansion Using Gene Transfer by Electroporation. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2241:133-137. [PMID: 33486733 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1095-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Eosinophils are differentiated in the bone marrow and transit through the blood circulation to home into tissues primarily under the regulation of IL-5. Because the number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood is relatively low under normal conditions, in vivo functional studies of eosinophils remain extremely difficult. Increasing their numbers in vivo might be useful for assessing eosinophil activities during parasite infections, allergic inflammation, and so on. Here, we provide a method for eosinophil expansion using IL-5 gene transfer by electroporation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Hamaguchi-Tsuru
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Research, Section of Life and Function Materials, Science Research Center, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan
| | - Masataka Korenaga
- Department of Parasitology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan.
| | - Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Medical School, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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38
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Mozneb M, Mirtaheri E, Sanabria AO, Li CZ. Bioelectronic properties of DNA, protein, cells and their applications for diagnostic medical devices. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 167:112441. [PMID: 32763825 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
From a couple of centuries ago, understanding physical properties of biological material, their interference with their natural host and their potential manipulation for employment as a conductor in medical devices, has gathered substantial interest in the field of bioelectronics. With the fast-emerging technologies for fabrication of diagnostic modalities, wearable biosensors and implantable devices, which electrical components are of essential importance, a need for developing novel conductors within such devices has evolved over the past decades. As the possibility of electron transport within small biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, as well as larger elements such as cells was established, several discoveries of the modern charge characterization technologies were evolved. Development of Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance among many other techniques were of vital importance, following the discoveries made in sub-micron scales of biological material. This review covers the most recent understandings of electronic properties within different scale of biological material starting from nanometer range to millimeter-sized organs. We also discuss the state-of-the-art technology that's been made taking advantage of electronic properties of biological material for addressing diseases like Parkinson's Disease and Epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maedeh Mozneb
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
| | - Elnaz Mirtaheri
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
| | - Arianna Ortega Sanabria
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
| | - Chen-Zhong Li
- Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering Department, 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
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Sonam Chopra, Ruzgys P, Maciulevičius M, Šatkauskas S. Effect of Cell Passage Time on the Electrotransfection Efficiency. BIOL BULL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359020550014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kiełbik A, Szlasa W, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Electroporation-Based Treatments in Urology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2208. [PMID: 32784598 PMCID: PMC7465806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation that an application of a pulsed electric field (PEF) resulted in an increased permeability of the cell membrane has led to the discovery of the phenomenon called electroporation (EP). Depending on the parameters of the electric current and cell features, electroporation can be either reversible or irreversible. The irreversible electroporation (IRE) found its use in urology as a non-thermal ablative method of prostate and renal cancer. As its mechanism is based on the permeabilization of cell membrane phospholipids, IRE (as well as other treatments based on EP) provides selectivity sparing extracellular proteins and matrix. Reversible EP enables the transfer of genes, drugs, and small exogenous proteins. In clinical practice, reversible EP can locally increase the uptake of cytotoxic drugs such as cisplatin and bleomycin. This approach is known as electrochemotherapy (ECT). Few in vivo and in vitro trials of ECT have been performed on urological cancers. EP provides the possibility of transmission of genes across the cell membrane. As the protocols of gene electrotransfer (GET) over the last few years have improved, EP has become a well-known technique for non-viral cell transfection. GET involves DNA transfection directly to the cancer or the host skin and muscle tissue. Among urological cancers, the GET of several plasmids encoding prostate cancer antigens has been investigated in clinical trials. This review brings into discussion the underlying mechanism of EP and an overview of the latest progress and development perspectives of EP-based treatments in urology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Kiełbik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.K.); (W.S.)
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.K.); (W.S.)
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Andrews CD, Huang Y, Ho DD, Liberatore RA. In vivo expressed biologics for infectious disease prophylaxis: rapid delivery of DNA-based antiviral antibodies. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:1523-1533. [PMID: 32579067 PMCID: PMC7473320 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1787108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
With increasing frequency, humans are facing outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) with the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. In the most extreme instances, such outbreaks can become pandemics, as we are now witnessing with COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, this new disease, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has already infected more than 10 million people worldwide and led to 499,913 deaths as of 29 June, 2020. How high these numbers will eventually go depends on many factors, including policies on travel and movement, availability of medical support, and, because there is no vaccine or highly effective treatment, the pace of biomedical research. Other than an approved antiviral drug that can be repurposed, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) hold the most promise for providing a stopgap measure to lessen the impact of an outbreak while vaccines are in development. Technical advances in mAb identification, combined with the flexibility and clinical experience of mAbs in general, make them ideal candidates for rapid deployment. Furthermore, the development of mAb cocktails can provide a faster route to developing a robust medical intervention than searching for a single, outstanding mAb. In addition, mAbs are well-suited for integration into platform technologies for delivery, in which minimal components need to be changed in order to be redirected against a novel pathogen. In particular, utilizing the manufacturing and logistical benefits of DNA-based platform technologies in order to deliver one or more antiviral mAbs has the potential to revolutionize EID responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yaoxing Huang
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, USA.,Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicans and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - David D Ho
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, New York, NY, USA.,Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicans and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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Induction of a local muscular dystrophy using electroporation in vivo: an easy tool for screening therapeutics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11301. [PMID: 32647247 PMCID: PMC7347864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular injection and electroporation of naked plasmid DNA (IMEP) has emerged as a potential alternative to viral vector injection for transgene expression into skeletal muscles. In this study, IMEP was used to express the DUX4 gene into mouse tibialis anterior muscle. DUX4 is normally expressed in germ cells and early embryo, and silenced in adult muscle cells where its pathological reactivation leads to Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. DUX4 encodes a potent transcription factor causing a large deregulation cascade. Its high toxicity but sporadic expression constitutes major issues for testing emerging therapeutics. The IMEP method appeared as a convenient technique to locally express DUX4 in mouse muscles. Histological analyses revealed well delineated muscle lesions 1-week after DUX4 IMEP. We have therefore developed a convenient outcome measure by quantification of the damaged muscle area using color thresholding. This method was used to characterize lesion distribution and to assess plasmid recirculation and dose–response. DUX4 expression and activity were confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels and through a quantification of target gene expression. Finally, this study gives a proof of concept of IMEP model usefulness for the rapid screening of therapeutic strategies, as demonstrated using antisense oligonucleotides against DUX4 mRNA.
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Dermol-Černe J, Batista Napotnik T, Reberšek M, Miklavčič D. Short microsecond pulses achieve homogeneous electroporation of elongated biological cells irrespective of their orientation in electric field. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9149. [PMID: 32499601 PMCID: PMC7272635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65830-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In gene electrotransfer and cardiac ablation with irreversible electroporation, treated muscle cells are typically of elongated shape and their orientation may vary. Orientation of cells in electric field has been reported to affect electroporation, and hence electrodes placement and pulse parameters choice in treatments for achieving homogeneous effect in tissue is important. We investigated how cell orientation influences electroporation with respect to different pulse durations (ns to ms range), both experimentally and numerically. Experimentally detected electroporation (evaluated separately for cells parallel and perpendicular to electric field) via Ca2+ uptake in H9c2 and AC16 cardiomyocytes was numerically modeled using the asymptotic pore equation. Results showed that cell orientation affects electroporation extent: using short, nanosecond pulses, cells perpendicular to electric field are significantly more electroporated than parallel (up to 100-times more pores formed), and with long, millisecond pulses, cells parallel to electric field are more electroporated than perpendicular (up to 1000-times more pores formed). In the range of a few microseconds, cells of both orientations were electroporated to the same extent. Using pulses of a few microseconds lends itself as a new possible strategy in achieving homogeneous electroporation in tissue with elongated cells of different orientation (e.g. electroporation-based cardiac ablation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Dermol-Černe
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Batista Napotnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Sieni E, Dettin M, De Robertis M, Bazzolo B, Conconi MT, Zamuner A, Marino R, Keller F, Campana LG, Signori E. The Efficiency of Gene Electrotransfer in Breast-Cancer Cell Lines Cultured on a Novel Collagen-Free 3D Scaffold. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12041043. [PMID: 32340405 PMCID: PMC7226458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12041043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene Electro-Transfer (GET) is a powerful method of DNA delivery with great potential for medical applications. Although GET has been extensively studied in vitro and in vivo, the optimal parameters remain controversial. 2D cell cultures have been widely used to investigate GET protocols, but have intrinsic limitations, whereas 3D cultures may represent a more reliable model thanks to the capacity of reproducing the tumor architecture. Here we applied two GET protocols, using a plate or linear electrode, on 3D-cultured HCC1954 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell lines grown on a novel collagen-free 3D scaffold and compared results with conventional 2D cultures. To evaluate the electrotransfer efficiency, we used the plasmid pEGFP-C3 encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene. The novel 3D scaffold promoted extracellular matrix deposition, which particularly influences cell behavior in both in vitro cell cultures and in vivo tumor tissue. While the transfection efficiency was similar in the 2D-cultures, we observed significant differences in the 3D-model. The transfection efficiency in the 3D vs 2D model was 44% versus 15% (p < 0.01) and 24% versus 17% (p < 0.01) in HCC1954 and MDA-MB231 cell cultures, respectively. These findings suggest that the novel 3D scaffold allows reproducing, at least partially, the peculiar morphology of the original tumor tissues, thus allowing us to detect meaningful differences between the two cell lines. Following GET with plate electrodes, cell viability was higher in 3D-cultured HCC1954 (66%) and MDA-MB231 (96%) cell lines compared to their 2D counterpart (53% and 63%, respectively, p < 0.001). Based on these results, we propose the novel 3D scaffold as a reliable support for the preparation of cell cultures in GET studies. It may increase the reliability of in vitro assays and allow the optimization of GET parameters of in vivo protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Sieni
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0332-421405 (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0-649-934-232 (E.S.)
| | - Monica Dettin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.); (A.Z.)
| | - Mariangela De Robertis
- CNR-Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, 70126 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Itay
| | - Bianca Bazzolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (B.B.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Maria Teresa Conconi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (B.B.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Annj Zamuner
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ramona Marino
- Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Roma, Italy; (R.M.); (F.K.)
| | - Flavio Keller
- Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Roma, Italy; (R.M.); (F.K.)
| | - Luca Giovanni Campana
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences DISCOG, University of Padova, 35124 Padova, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Signori
- Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Roma, Italy; (R.M.); (F.K.)
- CNR-Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0332-421405 (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0-649-934-232 (E.S.)
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Zhao Y, Louie KW, Tingle CF, Sha C, Heisel CJ, Unsworth SP, Kish PE, Kahana A. Twist3 is required for dedifferentiation during extraocular muscle regeneration in adult zebrafish. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231963. [PMID: 32320444 PMCID: PMC7176127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Severely damaged adult zebrafish extraocular muscles (EOMs) regenerate through dedifferentiation of residual myocytes involving a muscle-to-mesenchyme transition. Members of the Twist family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and are also involved in craniofacial development in humans and animal models. During zebrafish embryogenesis, twist family members (twist1a, twist1b, twist2, and twist3) function to regulate craniofacial skeletal development. Because of their roles as master regulators of stem cell biology, we hypothesized that twist TFs regulate adult EOM repair and regeneration. In this study, utilizing an adult zebrafish EOM regeneration model, we demonstrate that inhibiting twist3 function using translation-blocking morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) impairs muscle regeneration by reducing myocyte dedifferentiation and proliferation in the regenerating muscle. This supports our hypothesis that twist TFs are involved in the early steps of dedifferentiation and highlights the importance of twist3 during EOM regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ke’ale W. Louie
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Christina F. Tingle
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Cuilee Sha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Curtis J. Heisel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shelby P. Unsworth
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Phillip E. Kish
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alon Kahana
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Peri D, Deville M, Poignard C, Signori E, Natalini R. Numerical optimization of plasmid DNA delivery combined with hyaluronidase injection for electroporation protocol. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 186:105204. [PMID: 31760303 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2019.105204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The paper focuses on the numerical strategies to optimize a plasmid DNA delivery protocol, which combines hyaluronidase and electroporation. METHODS A well-defined continuum mechanics model of muscle porosity and advanced numerical optimization strategies have been used, to propose a substantial improvement of a pre-existing experimental protocol of DNA transfer in mice. Our work suggests that a computational model might help in the definition of innovative therapeutic procedures, thanks to the fine tuning of all the involved experimental steps. This approach is particularly interesting in optimizing complex and costly protocols, to make in vivo DNA therapeutic protocols more effective. RESULTS Our preliminary work suggests that computational model might help in the definition of innovative therapeutic protocol, thanks to the fine tuning of all the involved operations. CONCLUSIONS This approach is particularly interesting in optimizing complex and costly protocols for which the number of degrees of freedom prevents a experimental test of the possible configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Peri
- CNR-IAC - National Research Council, Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo "Mauro Picone" Via dei Taurini 19, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Manon Deville
- Team MONC, INRIA Bordeaux-Sud-Ouest, Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5251 & Université de Bordeaux, 351 cours de la Libération, Talence Cedex 33405, France
| | - Clair Poignard
- Team MONC, INRIA Bordeaux-Sud-Ouest, Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5251 & Université de Bordeaux, 351 cours de la Libération, Talence Cedex 33405, France
| | - Emanuela Signori
- CNR-IFT - National Research Council - Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Roberto Natalini
- CNR-IAC - National Research Council, Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo "Mauro Picone" Via dei Taurini 19, Rome 00185, Italy
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Fadlallah GM, Ma F, Zhang Z, Hao M, Hu J, Li M, Liu H, Liang B, Yao Y, Gong R, Zhang B, Liu D, Chen J. Vaccination with Consensus H7 Elicits Broadly Reactive and Protective Antibodies against Eurasian and North American Lineage H7 Viruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E143. [PMID: 32210092 PMCID: PMC7157604 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
H7 subtype avian influenza viruses have caused outbreaks in poultry, and even human infection, for decades in both Eurasia and North America. Although effective vaccines offer the best protection against avian influenza viruses, antigenically distinct Eurasian and North American lineage subtype H7 viruses require the development of cross-protective vaccine candidates. In this study, a methodology called computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA) was used to develop four consensus H7 antigens (CH7-22, CH7-24, CH7-26, and CH7-28). In vitro experiments confirmed the binding of monoclonal antibodies to the head and stem domains of cell surface-expressed consensus HAs, indicating display of their antigenicity. Immunization with DNA vaccines encoding the four antigens was evaluated in a mouse model. Broadly reactive antibodies against H7 viruses from Eurasian and North American lineages were elicited and detected by binding, inhibition, and neutralizing analyses. Further infection with Eurasian H7N9 and North American H7N3 virus strains confirmed that CH7-22 and CH7-24 conferred the most effective protection against hetero-lethal challenge. Our data showed that the consensus H7 vaccines elicit a broadly reactive, protective response against Eurasian and North American lineage H7 viruses, which are suitable for development against other zoonotic influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gendeal M. Fadlallah
- Department of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (G.M.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Fuying Ma
- Department of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (G.M.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Zherui Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Mengchan Hao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Juefu Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Mingxin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Haizhou Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Biling Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Yanfeng Yao
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Rui Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Di Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (Z.Z.); (M.H.); (J.H.); (M.L.); (H.L.); (B.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.); (D.L.)
- National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
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Schommer NN, Nguyen J, Yung BS, Schultheis K, Muthumani K, Weiner DB, Humeau L, Broderick KE, Smith TRF. Active Immunoprophylaxis and Vaccine Augmentations Mediated by a Novel Plasmid DNA Formulation. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 30:523-533. [PMID: 30860399 PMCID: PMC6479233 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmid DNA (pDNA) gene delivery is a highly versatile technology that has the potential to address a multitude of unmet medical needs. Advances in pDNA delivery to host tissue with the employment of in vivo electroporation (EP) have led to significantly enhanced gene expression and the recent demonstration of clinical efficacy with the platform. Building upon this platform, this study reports that enzyme-mediated modification of the muscle tissue extracellular matrix structure at the site of pDNA delivery operates in a synergistic manner with EP to enhance both local and systemic gene expression further. Specifically, administration of chondroitinase ABC (Cho ABC) to the site of intramuscular delivery of pDNA led to transient disruption of chondroitin sulfate scaffolding barrier, permitting enhanced gene distribution and expression across the tissue. The employment of Cho ABC in combination with CELLECTRA® intramuscular EP resulted in increased gene expression by 5.5-fold in mice and 17.98-fold in rabbits. The study demonstrates how this protocol can be universally applied to an active prophylaxis platform to increase the in vivo production of functional immunoglobulin G, and to DNA vaccine protocols to permit drug dose sparing. The data indicate the Cho ABC formulation to be of significant value upon combination with EP to drive enhanced gene expression levels in pDNA delivery protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina N Schommer
- 1 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Jacklyn Nguyen
- 1 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Bryan S Yung
- 1 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Kar Muthumani
- 2 The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David B Weiner
- 2 The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Laurent Humeau
- 1 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
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Braathen R, Spång HCL, Hinke DM, Blazevski J, Bobic S, Fossum E, Bogen B. A DNA Vaccine That Encodes an Antigen-Presenting Cell-Specific Heterodimeric Protein Protects against Cancer and Influenza. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:378-392. [PMID: 32128342 PMCID: PMC7044496 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenicity of DNA vaccines can be increased by constructing the DNA in such a way that it encodes secreted homodimeric fusion proteins that target antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this study, we have developed novel APC-targeting vaccine molecules with an increased flexibility due to introduction of a heterodimerization motif. The heterodimeric proteins permit four different fusions within a single molecule, thus allowing expression of two different APC-targeting moieties and two different antigens. Two types of heterodimeric fusion proteins were developed that employed either the ACID/BASE or the Barnase/Barstar motifs, respectively. The ACID/BASE heterodimeric vaccines conferred protection against challenges with either influenza virus or tumor cells in separate preclinical models. The ACID/BASE motif was flexible since a large number of different targeting moieties and antigens could be introduced with maintenance of specificity, antigenicity, and secretion. APC-targeting ACID/BASE vaccines expressing two different antigens induced antibody and T cell responses against either of the two antigens. Heterodimeric ACID/BASE DNA vaccines were of approximately the same potency as previously reported homodimeric DNA vaccines. The flexibility and potency of the ACID/BASE format suggest that it could be a useful platform for DNA vaccines that encode APC-targeting fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranveig Braathen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Cecilie Larsen Spång
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniëla Maria Hinke
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jana Blazevski
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Bobic
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
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Almeida CF, Vainzof M. Skeletal Muscle Injury by Electroporation: A Model to Study Degeneration/Regeneration Pathways in Muscle. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2063:157-169. [PMID: 31667769 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0138-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after injuries mainly due to a reservoir of precursor cells named satellite cells (SCs), which are responsible for after-birth growth and response to lesions, either by exercise or disease. Upon injury, the regenerative response includes SCs exit of quiescence, activation, proliferation, and fusion to repair or form new myofibers. This process is accompanied by inflammation, with infiltration of immune cells, primarily macrophages. Every phase of regeneration is highly regulated and orchestrated by many molecules and signaling pathways. The elucidation of players and mechanisms involved in muscle degeneration and regeneration is of extreme importance, especially for therapeutic strategies for muscle diseases.Here we are proposing a model of muscle injury induced by electroporation, which is an efficient method to induce muscle damage in order to follow the steps involved in degeneration and regeneration. Three days after electroporation, the muscle shows prominent signals of degeneration, like areas of necrosis and infiltration of macrophages, followed by regeneration, observed by the presence of centrally nucleated myofibers. After 5 days the regeneration is very active, with small dMyHC positive fibers. Fifteen days later, we observe a general regeneration of the muscle, with fibers with increased diameter after 60 days. This methodology is an easy and simple alternative to induce muscle lesion. It can be employed to study alterations in gene expression and the process of satellite cell recruitment, both in healthy and dystrophic/myopathic animal models for muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila F Almeida
- Laboratory of Muscle Proteins and Comparative Histopathology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariz Vainzof
- Laboratory of Muscle Proteins and Comparative Histopathology, Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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