1
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Makey DM, Ruotolo BT. Liquid-phase separations coupled with ion mobility-mass spectrometry for next-generation biopharmaceutical analysis. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38934922 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2373707] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pharmaceutical industry continues to expand its search for innovative biotherapeutics. The comprehensive characterization of such therapeutics requires many analytical techniques to fully evaluate critical quality attributes, making analysis a bottleneck in discovery and development timelines. While thorough characterization is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of biotherapeutics, there is a need to further streamline analytical characterization and expedite the overall timeline from discovery to market. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on recent developments in liquid-phase separations coupled with ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) for the development and characterization of biotherapeutics. We cover uses of IM-MS to improve the characterization of monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, host cell proteins, glycans, and nucleic acids. This discussion is based on an extensive literature search using Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SciFinder. EXPERT OPINION IM-MS has the potential to enhance the depth and efficiency of biotherapeutic characterization by providing additional insights into conformational changes, post-translational modifications, and impurity profiles. The rapid timescale of IM-MS positions it well to enhance the information content of existing assays through its facile integration with standard liquid-phase separation techniques that are commonly used for biopharmaceutical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin M Makey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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2
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Banda A, Impomeni O, Singh A, Baloch AR, Hu W, Jaijyan DK. Precision in Action: The Role of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas in Gene Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:636. [PMID: 38932365 PMCID: PMC11209408 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated enzyme-CAS holds great promise for treating many uncured human diseases and illnesses by precisely correcting harmful point mutations and disrupting disease-causing genes. The recent Food and Drug Association (FDA) approval of the first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell anemia marks the beginning of a new era in gene editing. However, delivering CRISPR specifically into diseased cells in vivo is a significant challenge and an area of intense research. The identification of new CRISPR/Cas variants, particularly ultra-compact CAS systems with robust gene editing activities, paves the way for the low-capacity delivery vectors to be used in gene therapies. CRISPR/Cas technology has evolved beyond editing DNA to cover a wide spectrum of functionalities, including RNA targeting, disease diagnosis, transcriptional/epigenetic regulation, chromatin imaging, high-throughput screening, and new disease modeling. CRISPR/Cas can be used to engineer B-cells to produce potent antibodies for more effective vaccines and enhance CAR T-cells for the more precise and efficient targeting of tumor cells. However, CRISPR/Cas technology has challenges, including off-target effects, toxicity, immune responses, and inadequate tissue-specific delivery. Overcoming these challenges necessitates the development of a more effective and specific CRISPR/Cas delivery system. This entails strategically utilizing specific gRNAs in conjunction with robust CRISPR/Cas variants to mitigate off-target effects. This review seeks to delve into the intricacies of the CRISPR/Cas mechanism, explore progress in gene therapies, evaluate gene delivery systems, highlight limitations, outline necessary precautions, and scrutinize the ethical considerations associated with its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Banda
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Olivia Impomeni
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
| | - Aparana Singh
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Agartala, Agartala 799046, India;
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
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3
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Pitarch Castellano I, López Briz E, Ibáñez Albert E, Aguado Codina C, Sevilla T, Poveda Andrés JL. Onasemnogene Abeparvovec Administration via Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: A Case Report. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:590. [PMID: 38790585 PMCID: PMC11120195 DOI: 10.3390/children11050590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA) is the approved intravenous gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). A functional copy of the human SMN1 gene was inserted into the target motor neuron cells via a viral vector, AAV9. In clinical trials, OA was infused through a peripheral venous catheter, and no data are available on central catheter use. Recently, we had a case where OA was administered directly into the right atrium via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) instead of a peripheral line, as recommended. The patient was a female child aged 4 months, diagnosed as SMA type I. For practical reasons, a dose of OA according to the weight of the patient (1.1 × 1014 vectorial genomes/kg) was administered via PICC in 1 h, as the product information recommends. The drug was well tolerated, with no hypersensitivity reactions or initial elevation of transaminases or other adverse effects. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported where OA was administered via a central line. This type of administration is not contraindicated, but it is not specifically contemplated or recommended. It is unknown whether central line administration could have any implications for transduction efficiency and immunogenicity. Future studies should clarify these aspects, as each gene therapy has a specific optimal dose recorded that depends on the site and route of administration of the drug, the AAV variant and the transgene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo López Briz
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Eugenia Ibáñez Albert
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Cristina Aguado Codina
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Teresa Sevilla
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José L. Poveda Andrés
- Management Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
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Han S, Xu Z, Wang S, Tang H, Hu S, Wang H, Guan G, Shu Y. Distributional comparison of different AAV vectors after unilateral cochlear administration. Gene Ther 2024; 31:154-164. [PMID: 38097651 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
The adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy has been widely applied to mouse models for deafness. But, AAVs could transduce non-targeted organs after inner ear delivery due to their low cell-type specificity. This study compares transgene expression and biodistribution of AAV1, AAV2, Anc80L65, AAV9, AAV-PHP.B, and AAV-PHP.eB after round window membrane (RWM) injection in neonatal mice. The highest virus concentration was detected in the injected cochlea. AAV2, Anc80L65, AAV9, AAV-PHP.B, and AAV-PHP.eB transduced both inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs) with high efficiency, while AAV1 transduced IHCs with high efficiency but OHCs with low efficiency. All AAV subtypes finitely transduced contralateral inner ear, brain, heart, and liver compared with the injected cochlea. In most brain regions, the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression of AAV1 and AAV2 was lower than that of other four subtypes. We suggested the cochlear aqueduct might be one of routes for vectors instantaneously infiltrating into the brain from the cochlea through a dye tracking test. In summary, our results provide available data for further investigating the biodistribution of vectors through local inner ear injection and afford a reference for selecting AAV serotypes for gene therapy toward deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Han
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Zhijiao Xu
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Shengyi Wang
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Honghai Tang
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Shaowei Hu
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Guofang Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China.
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China.
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China.
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5
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Chan A, Tsourkas A. Intracellular Protein Delivery: Approaches, Challenges, and Clinical Applications. BME FRONTIERS 2024; 5:0035. [PMID: 38282957 PMCID: PMC10809898 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein biologics are powerful therapeutic agents with diverse inhibitory and enzymatic functions. However, their clinical use has been limited to extracellular applications due to their inability to cross plasma membranes. Overcoming this physiological barrier would unlock the potential of protein drugs for the treatment of many intractable diseases. In this review, we highlight progress made toward achieving cytosolic delivery of recombinant proteins. We start by first considering intracellular protein delivery as a drug modality compared to existing Food and Drug Administration-approved drug modalities. Then, we summarize strategies that have been reported to achieve protein internalization. These techniques can be broadly classified into 3 categories: physical methods, direct protein engineering, and nanocarrier-mediated delivery. Finally, we highlight existing challenges for cytosolic protein delivery and offer an outlook for future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Tsourkas
- Department of Bioengineering,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Imiołek M, Fekete S, Kizekai L, Addepalli B, Lauber M. Fast and efficient size exclusion chromatography of adeno associated viral vectors with 2.5 micrometer particle low adsorption columns. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1714:464587. [PMID: 38150795 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464587] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
More and more transformative gene therapies (GTx) are reaching commercialization stage and many of them use Adeno Associated Viruses (AAVs) as their vector. Being larger than therapeutic antibodies, their size variant analysis poses an analytical challenge that must be addressed to speed up the development processes. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) can provide critical information on the quality and purity of the product, but its full potential is not yet utilized by currently applied columns that are (i) packed with relatively large particles, (ii) prepared exclusively in large formats and (iii) built using metal hardware that is prone to secondary interactions. In this paper, we investigate the use of state-of-the-art sub-3 µm particles to address existing limitations. A prototype 2.5 µm column was found to deliver superior kinetic efficiency, significant reduction in run times and increased resolution of separations. No evidence for shear or sample sieving effects were found during comparisons with conventional 5 µm columns. Moreover, use of low adsorption hardware enabled the application of a wide range of mobile phase conditions and a chance to apply a more robust platform method for several AAV serotypes. The resulting method was tested for its reproducibility as well as utility for critical quality attribute assays, including multiangle light scattering based (MALS) measurements of size and molar mass. Thus, a new tool for higher resolution, higher throughput size variant analysis of AAVs has been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Imiołek
- Waters Corporation, 1 Rue Michel Servet, Geneva 1211, Switzerland.
| | - Szabolcs Fekete
- Waters Corporation, 1 Rue Michel Servet, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Lavelay Kizekai
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford MA 01757, United States of America
| | | | - Matthew Lauber
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple Street, Milford MA 01757, United States of America
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Asokan A, Shen S. Redirecting AAV vectors to extrahepatic tissues. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3371-3375. [PMID: 37805712 PMCID: PMC10727976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.005] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are the current benchmark for systemic delivery of gene therapies to multiple organs in vivo. Despite clinical successes, safe and effective gene delivery to extrahepatic tissues has proven challenging due to dose limiting toxicity arising from high liver uptake of AAV vectors. Deeper understanding of AAV structure, receptor biology, and pharmacology has enabled the design and engineering of liver-de-targeted capsids ushering in several new vector candidates. This next generation of AAVs offers significant promise for extrahepatic gene delivery to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurological tissues with improved safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Asokan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Shen Shen
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
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8
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Minskaia E, Galieva A, Egorov AD, Ivanov R, Karabelsky A. Viral Vectors in Gene Replacement Therapy. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2157-2178. [PMID: 38462459 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Throughout the years, several hundred million people with rare genetic disorders have been receiving only symptom management therapy. However, research and development efforts worldwide have led to the development of long-lasting, highly efficient, and safe gene therapy for a wide range of hereditary diseases. Improved viral vectors are now able to evade the preexisting immunity and more efficiently target and transduce therapeutically relevant cells, ensuring genome maintenance and expression of transgenes at the relevant levels. Hematological, ophthalmological, neurodegenerative, and metabolic therapeutic areas have witnessed successful treatment of hemophilia and muscular dystrophy, restoration of immune system in children with immunodeficiencies, and restoration of vision. This review focuses on three leading vector platforms of the past two decades: adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), adenoviruses (AdVs), and lentiviruses (LVs). Special attention is given to successful preclinical and clinical studies that have led to the approval of gene therapies: six AAV-based (Glybera® for lipoprotein lipase deficiency, Luxturna® for retinal dystrophy, Zolgensma® for spinal muscular atrophy, Upstaza® for AADC, Roctavian® for hemophilia A, and Hemgenix® for hemophilia B) and three LV-based (Libmeldy® for infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy, Zynteglo® for β-thalassemia, and Skysona® for ALD). The review also discusses the problems that arise in the development of gene therapy treatments, which, nevertheless, do not overshadow the successes of already developed gene therapies and the hope these treatments give to long-suffering patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Minskaia
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia.
| | - Alima Galieva
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander D Egorov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander Karabelsky
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
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Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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10
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Ruzycki CA, Montoya D, Irshad H, Cox J, Zhou Y, McDonald JD, Kuehl PJ. Inhalation delivery of nucleic acid gene therapies in preclinical drug development. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1097-1113. [PMID: 37732957 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2261369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhaled gene therapy programs targeting diseases of the lung have seen increasing interest in recent years, though as of yet no product has successfully entered the market. Preclinical research to support such programs is critically important in maximizing the chances of developing successful candidates. AREAS COVERED Aspects of inhalation delivery of gene therapies are reviewed, with a focus on preclinical research in animal models. Various barriers to inhalation delivery of gene therapies are discussed, including aerosolization stresses, aerosol behavior in the respiratory tract, and disposition processes post-deposition. Important aspects of animal models are considered, including determinations of biologically relevant determinations of dose and issues related to translatability. EXPERT OPINION Development of clinically-efficacious inhaled gene therapies has proven difficult owing to numerous challenges. Fit-for-purpose experimental and analytical methods are necessary for determinations of biologically relevant doses in preclinical animal models. Further developments in disease-specific animal models may aid in improving the translatability of results in future work, and we expect to see accelerated interests in inhalation gene therapies for various diseases. Sponsors, researchers, and regulators are encouraged to engage in early and frequent discussion regarding candidate therapies, and additional dissemination of preclinical methodologies would be of immense value in avoiding common pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor A Ruzycki
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Derek Montoya
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Hammad Irshad
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jason Cox
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Yue Zhou
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Philip J Kuehl
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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11
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Tran VK, Nguyen NL, Tran LNT, Le PT, Tran AH, Pham TLA, Lien NTK, Xuan NT, Thanh LT, Ta TV, Tran TH, Nguyen HH. Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1a: detection of LAMA2 variants in Vietnamese patients. Front Genet 2023; 14:1183663. [PMID: 37388928 PMCID: PMC10301838 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1183663] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A), also known as laminin-α2 chain-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-MD), is an autosomal recessive disease caused by biallelic variants in the LAMA2 gene. In MDC1A, laminin- α2 chain expression is absent or significantly reduced, leading to some early-onset clinical symptoms including severe hypotonia, muscle weakness, skeletal deformity, non-ambulation, and respiratory insufficiency. Methods: Six patients from five unrelated Vietnamese families presenting with congenital muscular dystrophy were investigated. Targeted sequencing was performed in the five probands. Sanger sequencing was carried out in their families. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed in one family to examine an exon deletion. Results: Seven variants of the LAMA2 (NM_000426) gene were identified and classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants using American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. Two of these variants were not reported in the literature, including c.7156-5_7157delinsT and c.8974_8975insTGAT. Sanger sequencing indicated their parents as carriers. The mothers of family 4 and family 5 were pregnant and a prenatal testing was performed. The results showed that the fetus of the family 4 only carries c.4717 + 5G>A in the heterozygous form, while the fetus of the family 5 carries compound heterozygous variants, including a deletion of exon 3 and c.4644C>A. Conclusion: Our findings not only identified the underlying genetic etiology for the patients, but also provided genetic counseling for the parents whenever they have an offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Khanh Tran
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc-Lan Nguyen
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Lan Ngoc Thi Tran
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Thi Le
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh Hai Tran
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tuan L. A. Pham
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Kim Lien
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Xuan
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Tat Thanh
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Van Ta
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thinh Huy Tran
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huy-Hoang Nguyen
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hanoi, Vietnam
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12
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Shay TF, Sullivan EE, Ding X, Chen X, Ravindra Kumar S, Goertsen D, Brown D, Crosby A, Vielmetter J, Borsos M, Wolfe DA, Lam AW, Gradinaru V. Primate-conserved carbonic anhydrase IV and murine-restricted LY6C1 enable blood-brain barrier crossing by engineered viral vectors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg6618. [PMID: 37075114 PMCID: PMC10115422 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major challenge for delivering large molecules to study and treat the central nervous system. This is due in part to the scarcity of targets known to mediate BBB crossing. To identify novel targets, we leverage a panel of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) previously identified through mechanism-agnostic directed evolution for improved BBB transcytosis. Screening potential cognate receptors for enhanced BBB crossing, we identify two targets: murine-restricted LY6C1 and widely conserved carbonic anhydrase IV (CA-IV). We apply AlphaFold-based in silico methods to generate capsid-receptor binding models to predict the affinity of AAVs for these identified receptors. Demonstrating how these tools can unlock target-focused engineering strategies, we create an enhanced LY6C1-binding vector, AAV-PHP.eC, that, unlike our prior PHP.eB, also works in Ly6a-deficient mouse strains such as BALB/cJ. Combined with structural insights from computational modeling, the identification of primate-conserved CA-IV enables the design of more specific and potent human brain-penetrant chemicals and biologicals, including gene delivery vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F. Shay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. (T.F.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Erin E. Sullivan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - David Brown
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Anaya Crosby
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Jost Vielmetter
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Máté Borsos
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Damien A. Wolfe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Annie W. Lam
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. (T.F.S.); (V.G.)
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