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Nabi-Afjadi M, Ostadhadi S, Liaghat M, Pasupulla AP, Masoumi S, Aziziyan F, Zalpoor H, Abkhooie L, Tarhriz V. Revolutionizing type 1 diabetes management: Exploring oral insulin and adjunctive treatments. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116808. [PMID: 38805967 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116808] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Insulin pumps or injections are the standard treatment options for this condition. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the several type 1 diabetes treatment options, focusing on oral insulin. The article is divided into parts that include immune-focused treatments, antigen vaccination, cell-directed interventions, cytokine-directed interventions, and non-immunomodulatory adjuvant therapy. Under the section on non-immunomodulatory adjunctive treatment, the benefits and drawbacks of medications such as metformin, amylin, sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 Ras), and verapamil are discussed. The article also discusses the advantages of oral insulin, including increased patient compliance and more dependable and regular blood sugar control. However, several variables, including the enzymatic and physical barriers of the digestive system, impair the administration of insulin via the mouth. Researchers have looked at a few ways to get over these challenges, such as changing the structure of the insulin molecule, improving absorption with the use of absorption enhancers or nanoparticles, and taking oral insulin together with other medications. Even with great advancements in the use of these treatment strategies, T1D still needs improvement in the therapeutic difficulties. Future studies in these areas should focus on creating tailored immunological treatments, looking into combination medications, and refining oral insulin formulations in an attempt to better control Type 1 Diabetes. The ultimate objective is to create accurate, customized strategies that will enhance glycemic management and the quality of life for individuals with the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samane Ostadhadi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun Branch, Kazerun, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ajay Prakash Pasupulla
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Medicine, Colllege of health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
| | - Sajjad Masoumi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Leila Abkhooie
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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2
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Park TY, Jeon J, Cha Y, Kim KS. Past, present, and future of cell replacement therapy for parkinson's disease: a novel emphasis on host immune responses. Cell Res 2024:10.1038/s41422-024-00971-y. [PMID: 38777859 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-024-00971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) stands as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease, and its prevalence continues to rise with the aging global population. Central to the pathophysiology of PD is the specific degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons (mDANs) in the substantia nigra. Consequently, cell replacement therapy (CRT) has emerged as a promising treatment approach, initially supported by various open-label clinical studies employing fetal ventral mesencephalic (fVM) cells. Despite the initial favorable results, fVM cell therapy has intrinsic and logistical limitations that hinder its transition to a standard treatment for PD. Recent efforts in the field of cell therapy have shifted its focus towards the utilization of human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, to surmount existing challenges. However, regardless of the transplantable cell sources (e.g., xenogeneic, allogeneic, or autologous), the poor and variable survival of implanted dopamine cells remains a major obstacle. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of host immune responses following transplantation in influencing the survival of implanted mDANs, underscoring an important area for further research. In this comprehensive review, building upon insights derived from previous fVM transplantation studies, we delve into the functional ramifications of host immune responses on the survival and efficacy of grafted dopamine cells. Furthermore, we explore potential strategic approaches to modulate the host immune response, ultimately aiming for optimal outcomes in future clinical applications of CRT for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Yoon Park
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Jeha Jeon
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Young Cha
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.
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3
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Ma CY, Zhai Y, Li CT, Liu J, Xu X, Chen H, Tse HF, Lian Q. Translating mesenchymal stem cell and their exosome research into GMP compliant advanced therapy products: Promises, problems and prospects. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:919-938. [PMID: 38095832 DOI: 10.1002/med.22002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the few stem cell types used in clinical practice as therapeutic agents for immunomodulation and ischemic tissue repair, due to their unique paracrine capacity, multiple differentiation potential, active components in exosomes, and effective mitochondria donation. At present, MSCs derived from tissues such as bone marrow and umbilical cord are widely applied in preclinical and clinical studies. Nevertheless, there remain challenges to the maintenance of consistently good quality MSCs derived from different donors or tissues, directly impacting their application as advanced therapy products. In this review, we discuss the promises, problems, and prospects associated with translation of MSC research into a pharmaceutical product. We review the hurdles encountered in translation of MSCs and MSC-exosomes from the research bench to an advanced therapy product compliant with good manufacturing practice (GMP). These difficulties include how to set up GMP-compliant protocols, what factors affect raw material selection, cell expansion to product formulation, establishment of quality control (QC) parameters, and quality assurance to comply with GMP standards. To avoid human error and reduce the risk of contamination, an automatic, closed system that allows real-time monitoring of QC should be considered. We also highlight potential advantages of pluripotent stem cells as an alternative source for MSC and exosomes generation and manufacture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chui-Yan Ma
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, HKUMed Laboratory of Cellular Therapeutics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuqing Zhai
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, HKUMed Laboratory of Cellular Therapeutics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chung Tony Li
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, HKUMed Laboratory of Cellular Therapeutics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Medicine, HKUMed Laboratory of Cellular Therapeutics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Cord Blood Bank Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hung-Fat Tse
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, HKUMed Laboratory of Cellular Therapeutics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiac and Vascular Center, Shenzhen Hong Kong University Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qizhou Lian
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, HKUMed Laboratory of Cellular Therapeutics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Cord Blood Bank Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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4
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Bogomiakova ME, Bogomazova AN, Lagarkova MA. Dysregulation of Immune Tolerance to Autologous iPSCs and Their Differentiated Derivatives. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:799-816. [PMID: 38880643 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924050031] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), capable of differentiating into any cell type, are a promising tool for solving the problem of donor organ shortage. In addition, reprogramming technology makes it possible to obtain a personalized, i.e., patient-specific, cell product transplantation of which should not cause problems related to histocompatibility of the transplanted tissues and organs. At the same time, inconsistent information about the main advantage of autologous iPSC-derivatives - lack of immunogenicity - still casts doubt on the possibility of using such cells beyond immunosuppressive therapy protocols. This review is devoted to immunogenic properties of the syngeneic and autologous iPSCs and their derivatives, as well as to the reasons for dysregulation of their immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita E Bogomiakova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia.
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Alexandra N Bogomazova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Maria A Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Bian K, Zheng W, Chen X, Zhang S, Stöhr R, Denisenko A, Yang S, Wrachtrup J, Jiang Y. A scanning probe microscope compatible with quantum sensing at ambient conditions. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2024; 95:053707. [PMID: 38819258 DOI: 10.1063/5.0202756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
We designed and built up a new type of ambient scanning probe microscope (SPM), which is fully compatible with state-of-the-art quantum sensing technology based on the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. We chose a qPlus-type tuning fork (Q up to ∼4400) as the current/force sensor of SPM for its high stiffness and stability under various environments, which yields atomic resolution under scanning tunneling microscopy mode and 1.2-nm resolution under atomic force microscopy mode. The tip of SPM can be used to directly image the topography of nanoscale targets on diamond surfaces for quantum sensing and to manipulate the electrostatic environment of NV centers to enhance their sensitivity up to a single proton spin. In addition, we also demonstrated scanning magnetometry and electrometry with a spatial resolution of ∼20 nm. Our new system not only paves the way for integrating atomic/molecular-scale color-center qubits onto SPM tips to produce quantum tips but also provides the possibility of fabricating color-center qubits with nanoscale or atomic precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Bian
- International Center for Quantum Materials, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wentian Zheng
- International Center for Quantum Materials, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiakun Chen
- International Center for Quantum Materials, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shichen Zhang
- International Center for Quantum Materials, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Rainer Stöhr
- Third Institute of Physics, University of Stuttgart and Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Andrej Denisenko
- Third Institute of Physics, University of Stuttgart and Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Sen Yang
- Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jörg Wrachtrup
- Third Institute of Physics, University of Stuttgart and Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Ying Jiang
- International Center for Quantum Materials, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Quantum Matter, Beijing 100871, China
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Light-Element Quantum Materials and Research Center for Light-Element Advanced Materials, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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6
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Ye C, Zhang X, Wang Y, Jing Y, Song Y, Celentano A, Ni Y. Effects of cancer-associated fibroblasts deletion using HSVtk suicide system in OSCC. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1981-1988. [PMID: 37203377 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14612] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the biological characteristics of oral cancer cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-HSVtk and to assess the reliability of the CAFs-HSVtk suicide system in a co-culture model. METHODS CAFs were lentivirus-transfected with PCDH-HSVtk. Ganciclovir (GCV) was added and the survival rates of the CAFs-HSVtk were measured. In parallel with the selective elimination of CAFs, comparison was made of the effects of CAF-HSVtk on tumor cell proliferation/migration in a CAFs-tumor co-cultural system. Cell death of co-cultured oral cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Q-PCR analysis showed that the expression of HSVtk in the CAFs-HSVtk group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.01). The survival rates of CAFs-HSVtk with GCV were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Following selective depletion of CAFs-HSVtk, the growth and migration rates of oral cancer cells co-cultured with CAFs-HSVtk were reduced in a mixture ratio of 1:2 (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Enhanced proliferation and migration rates of oral cancer cells in co-culture were seriously impaired after deleting CAFs using the HSVtk suicide system, while oral tumor cell death was not affected. Therefore, CAFs-HSVtk can be utilized as a valid model for CAF signature identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjin Ye
- Department of Oral Pathology, Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Jing
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxian Song
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Antonio Celentano
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Ho BX, Teo AKK, Ng NHJ. Innovations in bio-engineering and cell-based approaches to address immunological challenges in islet transplantation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375177. [PMID: 38650946 PMCID: PMC11033429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human allogeneic pancreatic islet transplantation is a life-changing treatment for patients with severe Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who suffer from hypoglycemia unawareness and high risk of severe hypoglycemia. However, intensive immunosuppression is required to prevent immune rejection of the graft, that may in turn lead to undesirable side effects such as toxicity to the islet cells, kidney toxicity, occurrence of opportunistic infections, and malignancies. The shortage of cadaveric human islet donors further limits islet transplantation as a treatment option for widespread adoption. Alternatively, porcine islets have been considered as another source of insulin-secreting cells for transplantation in T1D patients, though xeno-transplants raise concerns over the risk of endogenous retrovirus transmission and immunological incompatibility. As a result, technological advancements have been made to protect transplanted islets from immune rejection and inflammation, ideally in the absence of chronic immunosuppression, to improve the outcomes and accessibility of allogeneic islet cell replacement therapies. These include the use of microencapsulation or macroencapsulation devices designed to provide an immunoprotective environment using a cell-impermeable layer, preventing immune cell attack of the transplanted cells. Other up and coming advancements are based on the use of stem cells as the starting source material for generating islet cells 'on-demand'. These starting stem cell sources include human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that have been genetically engineered to avoid the host immune response, curated HLA-selected donor hiPSCs that can be matched with recipients within a given population, and multipotent stem cells with natural immune privilege properties. These strategies are developed to provide an immune-evasive cell resource for allogeneic cell therapy. This review will summarize the immunological challenges facing islet transplantation and highlight recent bio-engineering and cell-based approaches aimed at avoiding immune rejection, to improve the accessibility of islet cell therapy and enhance treatment outcomes. Better understanding of the different approaches and their limitations can guide future research endeavors towards developing more comprehensive and targeted strategies for creating a more tolerogenic microenvironment, and improve the effectiveness and sustainability of islet transplantation to benefit more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Xuan Ho
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- BetaLife Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natasha Hui Jin Ng
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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8
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Christiansen JR, Kirkeby A. Clinical translation of pluripotent stem cell-based therapies: successes and challenges. Development 2024; 151:dev202067. [PMID: 38564308 PMCID: PMC11057818 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202067] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The translational stem cell research field has progressed immensely in the past decade. Development and refinement of differentiation protocols now allows the generation of a range of cell types, such as pancreatic β-cells and dopaminergic neurons, from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in an efficient and good manufacturing practice-compliant fashion. This has led to the initiation of several clinical trials using hPSC-derived cells to replace lost or dysfunctional cells, demonstrating evidence of both safety and efficacy. Here, we highlight successes from some of the hPSC-based trials reporting early signs of efficacy and discuss common challenges in clinical translation of cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Rågård Christiansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Agnete Kirkeby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
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9
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Harding J, Vintersten-Nagy K, Yang H, Tang JK, Shutova M, Jong ED, Lee JH, Massumi M, Oussenko T, Izadifar Z, Zhang P, Rogers IM, Wheeler MB, Lye SJ, Sung HK, Li C, Izadifar M, Nagy A. Immune-privileged tissues formed from immunologically cloaked mouse embryonic stem cells survive long term in allogeneic hosts. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:427-442. [PMID: 37996616 PMCID: PMC11087263 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01133-y] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The immunogenicity of transplanted allogeneic cells and tissues is a major hurdle to the advancement of cell therapies. Here we show that the overexpression of eight immunomodulatory transgenes (Pdl1, Cd200, Cd47, H2-M3, Fasl, Serpinb9, Ccl21 and Mfge8) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) is sufficient to immunologically 'cloak' the cells as well as tissues derived from them, allowing their survival for months in outbred and allogeneic inbred recipients. Overexpression of the human orthologues of these genes in human ESCs abolished the activation of allogeneic human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and their inflammatory responses. Moreover, by using the previously reported FailSafe transgene system, which transcriptionally links a gene essential for cell division with an inducible and cell-proliferation-dependent kill switch, we generated cloaked tissues from mESCs that served as immune-privileged subcutaneous sites that protected uncloaked allogeneic and xenogeneic cells from rejection in immune-competent hosts. The combination of cloaking and FailSafe technologies may allow for the generation of safe and allogeneically accepted cell lines and off-the-shelf cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Harding
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristina Vintersten-Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huijuan Yang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean Kit Tang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Shutova
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric D Jong
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ju Hee Lee
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Massumi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tatiana Oussenko
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zohreh Izadifar
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Puzheng Zhang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian M Rogers
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael B Wheeler
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hoon-Ki Sung
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - ChengJin Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Izadifar
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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10
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Sun C, Serra C, Kalicharan BH, Harding J, Rao M. Challenges and Considerations of Preclinical Development for iPSC-Based Myogenic Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:596. [PMID: 38607035 PMCID: PMC11011706 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070596] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a promising avenue in the field of regenerative medicine due to iPSCs' expandability, immune compatibility, and pluripotent potential. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out, exploring the application of iPSC-based therapies for challenging diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The unique syncytial nature of skeletal muscle allows stem/progenitor cells to integrate, forming new myonuclei and restoring the expression of genes affected by myopathies. This characteristic makes genome-editing techniques especially attractive in these therapies. With genetic modification and iPSC lineage specification methodologies, immune-compatible healthy iPSC-derived muscle cells can be manufactured to reverse the progression of muscle diseases or facilitate tissue regeneration. Despite this exciting advancement, much of the development of iPSC-based therapies for muscle diseases and tissue regeneration is limited to academic settings, with no successful clinical translation reported. The unknown differentiation process in vivo, potential tumorigenicity, and epigenetic abnormality of transplanted cells are preventing their clinical application. In this review, we give an overview on preclinical development of iPSC-derived myogenic cell transplantation therapies including processes related to iPSC-derived myogenic cells such as differentiation, scaling-up, delivery, and cGMP compliance. And we discuss the potential challenges of each step of clinical translation. Additionally, preclinical model systems for testing myogenic cells intended for clinical applications are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Sun
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| | - Carlo Serra
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mahendra Rao
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
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11
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Ichise T, Ichise H, Shimizu Y. Development of a Mouse Experimental System for the In Vivo Characterization of Bioengineered Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells. Cells 2024; 13:582. [PMID: 38607021 PMCID: PMC11011746 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070582] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Human adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) are an important resource for cell-based therapies. However, the dynamics of ADSCs after transplantation and their mechanisms of action in recipients remain unclear. Herein, we generated genetically engineered mouse ADSCs to clarify their biodistribution and post-transplantation status and to analyze their role in recipient mesenchymal tissue modeling. Immortalized ADSCs (iADSCs) retained ADSC characteristics such as stromal marker gene expression and differentiation potential. iADSCs expressing a fluorescent reporter gene were seeded into biocompatible nonwoven fabric sheets and transplanted into the dorsal subcutaneous region of neonatal mice. Transplanted donor ADSCs were distributed as CD90-positive stromal cells on the sheets and survived 1 month after transplantation. Although accumulation of T lymphocytes or macrophages inside the sheet was not observed with or without donor cells, earlier migration and accumulation of recipient blood vascular endothelial cells (ECs) inside the sheet was observed in the presence of donor cells. Thus, our mouse model can help in studying the interplay between donor ADSCs and recipient cells over a 1-month period. This system may be of value for assessing and screening bioengineered ADSCs in vivo for optimal cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeko Ichise
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of the Ryukyus Hospital, 207 Uehara, Nishihara 903-0215, Japan
| | - Hirotake Ichise
- Institute for Animal Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara 903-0215, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shimizu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of the Ryukyus Hospital, 207 Uehara, Nishihara 903-0215, Japan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara 903-0215, Japan
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12
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Franklin RJM, Bodini B, Goldman SA. Remyelination in the Central Nervous System. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041371. [PMID: 38316552 PMCID: PMC10910446 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The inability of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) to undergo spontaneous regeneration has long been regarded as a central tenet of neurobiology. However, while this is largely true of the neuronal elements of the adult mammalian CNS, save for discrete populations of granule neurons, the same is not true of its glial elements. In particular, the loss of oligodendrocytes, which results in demyelination, triggers a spontaneous and often highly efficient regenerative response, remyelination, in which new oligodendrocytes are generated and myelin sheaths are restored to denuded axons. Yet remyelination in humans is not without limitation, and a variety of demyelinating conditions are associated with sustained and disabling myelin loss. In this work, we will (1) review the biology of remyelination, including the cells and signals involved; (2) describe when remyelination occurs and when and why it fails, including the consequences of its failure; and (3) discuss approaches for therapeutically enhancing remyelination in demyelinating diseases of both children and adults, both by stimulating endogenous oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and by transplanting these cells into demyelinated brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J M Franklin
- Altos Labs Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
| | - Benedetta Bodini
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute, CNRS, INSERM, Paris 75013, France
- Saint-Antoine Hospital, APHP, Paris 75012, France
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
- University of Copenhagen Faculty of Medicine, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
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13
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Ohkura T, Burns AJ, Hotta R. Updates and Challenges in ENS Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Neurointestinal Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:229. [PMID: 38397466 PMCID: PMC10887039 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020229] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurointestinal diseases represent a significant challenge in clinical management with current palliative approaches failing to overcome disease and treatment-related morbidity. The recent progress with cell therapy to restore missing or defective components of the gut neuromusculature offers new hope for potential cures. This review discusses the progress that has been made in the sourcing of putative stem cells and the studies into their biology and therapeutic potential. We also explore some of the practical challenges that must be overcome before cell-based therapies can be applied in the clinical setting. Although a number of obstacles remain, the rapid advances made in the enteric neural stem cell field suggest that such therapies are on the near horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Alan J. Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (T.O.); (A.J.B.)
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14
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Hicks MR, Saleh KK, Clock B, Gibbs DE, Yang M, Younesi S, Gane L, Gutierrez-Garcia V, Xi H, Pyle AD. Regenerating human skeletal muscle forms an emerging niche in vivo to support PAX7 cells. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1758-1773. [PMID: 37919520 PMCID: PMC10709143 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01271-0] [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: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle stem and progenitor cells including those derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer an avenue towards personalized therapies and readily fuse to form human-mouse myofibres in vivo. However, skeletal muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs) inefficiently colonize chimeric stem cell niches and instead associate with human myofibres resembling foetal niches. We hypothesized competition with mouse satellite cells (SCs) prevented SMPC engraftment into the SC niche and thus generated an SC ablation mouse compatible with human engraftment. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of SC-ablated mice identified the absence of a transient myofibre subtype during regeneration expressing Actc1. Similarly, ACTC1+ human myofibres supporting PAX7+ SMPCs increased in SC-ablated mice, and after re-injury we found SMPCs could now repopulate into chimeric niches. To demonstrate ACTC1+ myofibres are essential to supporting PAX7 SMPCs, we generated caspase-inducible ACTC1 depletion human pluripotent stem cells, and upon SMPC engraftment we found a 90% reduction in ACTC1+ myofibres and a 100-fold decrease in PAX7 cell numbers compared with non-induced controls. We used spatial RNA sequencing to identify key factors driving emerging human niche formation between ACTC1+ myofibres and PAX7+ SMPCs in vivo. This revealed that transient regenerating human myofibres are essential for emerging niche formation in vivo to support PAX7 SMPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Hicks
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Kholoud K Saleh
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ben Clock
- Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Devin E Gibbs
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mandee Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahab Younesi
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lily Gane
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Haibin Xi
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - April D Pyle
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Jonnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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15
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Simpson A, Hewitt AW, Fairfax KA. Universal cell donor lines: A review of the current research. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2038-2046. [PMID: 37832541 PMCID: PMC10679649 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold promise for transplantation medicine. Diverse human leukocyte antigen (HLA) profiles necessitate autologous cells or multiple cell lines for therapeutics, incurring time and cost. Advancements in CRISPR-Cas9 and cellular therapies have led to the conceptualization of "off-the-shelf" universal cell donor lines, free of immune rejection. Overcoming immune rejection is a challenge. This review outlines strategies to modulate the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) to generate a universal cell donor line. Upon bypassing MHC mismatch, multifaceted approaches are required to generate foreign host-tolerated cells. Universal cells harbor risks, namely immune escape and tumor formation. To mitigate, we review safety mechanisms enabling donor cell inactivation or removal. Achieving a universal cell line would reduce treatment wait time, eliminate donor search, and reduce graft-versus-host disease risk without immunosuppression. The pursuit of universally tolerated cells is under way, ready to transform transplantation and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Simpson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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16
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Sawula E, Miersch S, Jong ED, Li C, Chou FY, Tang JK, Saberianfar R, Harding J, Sidhu SS, Nagy A. Cell-based passive immunization for protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:318. [PMID: 37932852 PMCID: PMC10629160 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03556-5] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunologically impaired individuals respond poorly to vaccines, highlighting the need for additional strategies to protect these vulnerable populations from COVID-19. While monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged as promising tools to manage infectious diseases, the transient lifespan of neutralizing mAbs in patients limits their ability to confer lasting, passive prophylaxis from SARS-CoV-2. Here, we attempted to solve this problem by combining cell and mAb engineering in a way that provides durable immune protection against viral infection using safe and universal cell therapy. METHODS Mouse embryonic stem cells equipped with our FailSafe™ and induced allogeneic cell tolerance technologies were engineered to express factors that potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2, which we call 'neutralizing biologics' (nBios). We subcutaneously transplanted the transgenic cells into mice and longitudinally assessed the ability of the cells to deliver nBios into circulation. To do so, we quantified plasma nBio concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity over time in transplant recipients. Finally, using similar cell engineering strategies, we genetically modified FailSafe™ human-induced pluripotent stem cells to express SARS-CoV-2 nBios. RESULTS Transgenic mouse embryonic stem cells engineered for safety and allogeneic-acceptance can secrete functional and potent SARS-CoV-2 nBios. As a dormant, subcutaneous tissue, the transgenic cells and their differentiated derivatives long-term deliver a supply of protective nBio titers in vivo. Moving toward clinical relevance, we also show that human-induced pluripotent stem cells, similarly engineered for safety, can secrete highly potent nBios. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings show the promise and potential of using 'off-the-shelf' cell products that secrete neutralizing antibodies for sustained protective immunity against current and future viral pathogens of public health significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Sawula
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shane Miersch
- The Anvil Institute, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Eric D Jong
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chengjin Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fang-Yu Chou
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jean Kit Tang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Reza Saberianfar
- The Anvil Institute, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Harding
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- The Anvil Institute, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Jong ED, Hacibekiroglu S, Guo L, Sawula E, Li B, Li C, Ho MT, Shoichet MS, Wallace VA, Nagy A. Soluble CX3CL1-expressing retinal pigment epithelium cells protect rod photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:212. [PMID: 37605279 PMCID: PMC10441732 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03434-0] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease that results in photoreceptor degeneration, leading to severe vision loss or blindness. Due to its genetic heterogeneity, developing a new gene therapy to correct every genetic mutation contributing to its progression is infeasible. Photoreceptor transplantation can be harnessed to restore vision; however, this approach is limited by poor cell survival and synaptic integration into the neural retina. Thus, we developed a combined cell and gene therapy that is expected to protect photoreceptors in most, if not all, cases of RP. METHODS Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) modified with our FailSafe™ system were genetically engineered to overexpress sCX3CL1, an inhibitor of microglia activation that has been shown to preserve photoreceptor survival and function in mouse models of RP, independent of the genetic cause. These cells were differentiated into human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells and used as therapeutic cells due to their longevity and safety, both of which have been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. Transgenic hRPE were delivered into the subretinal space of immunodeficient mice and the rd10 mouse model of RP to evaluate donor cell survival and retention of transgene expression. The outer nuclear layer was quantified to assess photoreceptor protection. RESULTS Transgenic FailSafe™ hRPE (FS-hRPE) cells can survive for at least four months in the retina of immunodeficient mice and retain transgene expression. However, these cells do not persist beyond two weeks post-injection in the retina of immunocompetent rd10 recipients, despite Cyclosporine A treatment. Nevertheless, sCX3CL1-expressing FailSafe™ hRPE cells prevented photoreceptor degeneration in a local acting manner during the duration of their presence in the subretinal space. CONCLUSIONS Transgenic hESCs differentiate into hRPE cells and retain sCX3CL1 transgene expression both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, hRPE cells delivered to the subretinal space of rd10 mice prevented photoreceptor degeneration in a local-acting manner, suggesting that this approach could have applications for preserving photoreceptors in specific subregions of the retina, such as the macula. Overall, our study not only reveals the potential of a combined cell and gene therapy for the treatment of RP, but also the possibility of using hRPE cells to deliver therapeutic biologics in situ to treat diseases over long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Jong
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sabiha Hacibekiroglu
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Lily Guo
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Evan Sawula
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Biao Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Chengjin Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Margaret T Ho
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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18
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Amberger M, Grueso E, Ivics Z. CRISISS: A Novel, Transcriptionally and Post-Translationally Inducible CRISPR/Cas9-Based Cellular Suicide Switch. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9799. [PMID: 37372948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129799] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the ever-increasing developing rate of gene and cellular therapy applications and growing accessibility due to products receiving regulatory approval, the need for effective and reliable safety mechanisms to prevent or eliminate potentially fatal side effects is of the utmost importance. In this study, we present the CRISPR-induced suicide switch (CRISISS) as a tool to eliminate genetically modified cells in an inducible and highly efficient manner by targeting Cas9 to highly repetitive Alu retrotransposons in the human genome, causing irreparable genomic fragmentation by the Cas9 nuclease and resulting cell death. The suicide switch components, including expression cassettes for a transcriptionally and post-translationally inducible Cas9 and an Alu-specific single-guide RNA, were integrated into the genome of target cells via Sleeping-Beauty-mediated transposition. The resulting transgenic cells did not show signs of any impact on overall fitness when uninduced, as unintended background expression, background DNA damage response and background cell killing were not observed. When induced, however, a strong expression of Cas9, a strong DNA damage response and a rapid halt of cell proliferation coupled with near complete cell death within four days post-induction were seen. With this proof-of-concept study, we present a novel and promising approach for a robust suicide switch with potential utility for gene and cell therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Amberger
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Esther Grueso
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Research Center, Division of Hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
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19
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Copp G, Robb KP, Viswanathan S. Culture-expanded mesenchymal stromal cell therapy: does it work in knee osteoarthritis? A pathway to clinical success. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:626-650. [PMID: 37095295 PMCID: PMC10229578 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01020-1] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative multifactorial disease with concomitant structural, inflammatory, and metabolic changes that fluctuate in a temporal and patient-specific manner. This complexity has contributed to refractory responses to various treatments. MSCs have shown promise as multimodal therapeutics in mitigating OA symptoms and disease progression. Here, we evaluated 15 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and 11 nonrandomized RCTs using culture-expanded MSCs in the treatment of knee OA, and we found net positive effects of MSCs on mitigating pain and symptoms (improving function in 12/15 RCTs relative to baseline and in 11/15 RCTs relative to control groups at study endpoints) and on cartilage protection and/or repair (18/21 clinical studies). We examined MSC dose, tissue of origin, and autologous vs. allogeneic origins as well as patient clinical phenotype, endotype, age, sex and level of OA severity as key parameters in parsing MSC clinical effectiveness. The relatively small sample size of 610 patients limited the drawing of definitive conclusions. Nonetheless, we noted trends toward moderate to higher doses of MSCs in select OA patient clinical phenotypes mitigating pain and leading to structural improvements or cartilage preservation. Evidence from preclinical studies is supportive of MSC anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but additional investigations on immunomodulatory, chondroprotective and other clinical mechanisms of action are needed. We hypothesize that MSC basal immunomodulatory "fitness" correlates with OA treatment efficacy, but this hypothesis needs to be validated in future studies. We conclude with a roadmap articulating the need to match an OA patient subset defined by molecular endotype and clinical phenotype with basally immunomodulatory "fit" or engineered-to-be-fit-for-OA MSCs in well-designed, data-intensive clinical trials to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griffin Copp
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin P Robb
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sowmya Viswanathan
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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20
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Hogrebe NJ, Ishahak M, Millman JR. Developments in stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy for treating type 1 diabetes. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:530-548. [PMID: 37146579 PMCID: PMC10167558 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The generation of islet-like endocrine clusters from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has the potential to provide an unlimited source of insulin-producing β cells for the treatment of diabetes. In order for this cell therapy to become widely adopted, highly functional and well-characterized stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets) need to be manufactured at scale. Furthermore, successful SC-islet replacement strategies should prevent significant cell loss immediately following transplantation and avoid long-term immune rejection. This review highlights the most recent advances in the generation and characterization of highly functional SC-islets as well as strategies to ensure graft viability and safety after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J Hogrebe
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 8127-057-08, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
| | - Matthew Ishahak
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 8127-057-08, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Millman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 8127-057-08, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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21
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Weeratunga P, Harman RM, Van de Walle GR. Induced pluripotent stem cells from domesticated ruminants and their potential for enhancing livestock production. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1129287. [PMID: 36891466 PMCID: PMC9986305 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1129287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruminant livestock, including cattle, sheep, goat, and buffalo, are essential for global food security and serve valuable roles in sustainable agricultural systems. With the limited availability of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from these species, ruminant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-like cells provide a valuable research tool for agricultural, veterinary, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications, as well as for the prospect of translation to human medicine. iPSCs are generated by reprogramming of adult or fetal cells to an ESC-like state by ectopic expression of defined transcription factors. Despite the slow pace the field has evolved in livestock species compared to mice and humans, significant progress has been made over the past 15 years in using different cell sources and reprogramming protocols to generate iPSCs/iPSC-like cells from ruminants. This mini review summarizes the current literature related to the derivation of iPSCs/iPSC-like cells from domesticated ruminants with a focus on reprogramming protocols, characterization, associated limitations, and potential applications in ruminant basic science research and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Weeratunga
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Rebecca M Harman
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Gerlinde R Van de Walle
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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22
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Verhoeff K, Cuesta-Gomez N, Jasra I, Marfil-Garza B, Dadheech N, Shapiro AMJ. Optimizing Generation of Stem Cell-Derived Islet Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2683-2698. [PMID: 35639237 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10391-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Islet transplantation is a highly effective treatment for select patients with type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, current use is limited to those with brittle disease due to donor limitations and immunosuppression requirements. Discovery of factors for induction of pluripotent stem cells from adult somatic cells into a malleable state has reinvigorated the possibility of autologous-based regenerative cell therapies. Similarly, recent progress in allogeneic human embryonic stem cell islet products is showing early success in clinical trials. Describing safe and standardized differentiation protocols with clear pathways to optimize yield and minimize off-target growth is needed to efficiently move the field forward. This review discusses current islet differentiation protocols with a detailed break-down of differentiation stages to guide step-wise controlled generation of functional islet products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Verhoeff
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nerea Cuesta-Gomez
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ila Jasra
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Braulio Marfil-Garza
- National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, and CHRISTUS-LatAm Hub - Excellence and Innovation Center, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Nidheesh Dadheech
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - A M James Shapiro
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- 1-002 Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, 112 St. NW & 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada.
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23
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Nikolouli E, Reichstein J, Hansen G, Lachmann N. In vitro systems to study inborn errors of immunity using human induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024935. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, the exponential progress in the field of genetics could reveal the genetic impact on the onset and progression of several diseases affecting the immune system. This knowledge has led to the discovery of more than 400 monogenic germline mutations, also known as “inborn errors of immunity (IEI)”. Given the rarity of various IEI and the clinical diversity as well as the limited available patients’ material, the continuous development of novel cell-based in vitro models to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases is imperative. Focusing on stem cell technologies, this review aims to provide an overview of the current available in vitro models used to study IEI and which could lay the foundation for new therapeutic approaches. We elaborate in particular on the use of induced pluripotent stem cell-based systems and their broad application in studying IEI by establishing also novel infection culture models. The review will critically discuss the current limitations or gaps in the field of stem cell technology as well as the future perspectives from the use of these cell culture systems.
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24
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Wienert B, Cromer MK. CRISPR nuclease off-target activity and mitigation strategies. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:1050507. [PMID: 36439866 PMCID: PMC9685173 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.1050507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of CRISPR has allowed site-specific genomic modification to become a reality and this technology is now being applied in a number of human clinical trials. While this technology has demonstrated impressive efficacy in the clinic to date, there remains the potential for unintended on- and off-target effects of CRISPR nuclease activity. A variety of in silico-based prediction tools and empirically derived experimental methods have been developed to identify the most common unintended effect-small insertions and deletions at genomic sites with homology to the guide RNA. However, large-scale aberrations have recently been reported such as translocations, inversions, deletions, and even chromothripsis. These are more difficult to detect using current workflows indicating a major unmet need in the field. In this review we summarize potential sequencing-based solutions that may be able to detect these large-scale effects even at low frequencies of occurrence. In addition, many of the current clinical trials using CRISPR involve ex vivo isolation of a patient's own stem cells, modification, and re-transplantation. However, there is growing interest in direct, in vivo delivery of genome editing tools. While this strategy has the potential to address disease in cell types that are not amenable to ex vivo manipulation, in vivo editing has only one desired outcome-on-target editing in the cell type of interest. CRISPR activity in unintended cell types (both on- and off-target) is therefore a major safety as well as ethical concern in tissues that could enable germline transmission. In this review, we have summarized the strengths and weaknesses of current editing and delivery tools and potential improvements to off-target and off-tissue CRISPR activity detection. We have also outlined potential mitigation strategies that will ensure that the safety of CRISPR keeps pace with efficacy, a necessary requirement if this technology is to realize its full translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beeke Wienert
- Graphite Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - M. Kyle Cromer
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,*Correspondence: M. Kyle Cromer,
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25
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Wunderlich S, Haase A, Merkert S, Jahn K, Deest M, Frieling H, Glage S, Korte W, Martens A, Kirschning A, Zeug A, Ponimaskin E, Göhring G, Ackermann M, Lachmann N, Moritz T, Zweigerdt R, Martin U. Targeted biallelic integration of an inducible Caspase 9 suicide gene in iPSCs for safer therapies. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:84-94. [PMID: 35795779 PMCID: PMC9234009 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Drug-inducible suicide systems may help to minimize risks of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) therapies. Recent research challenged the usefulness of such systems since rare drug-resistant subclones were observed. We have introduced a drug-inducible Caspase 9 suicide system (iCASP9) into the AAVS1 safe-harbor locus of hiPSCs. In these cells, apoptosis could be efficiently induced in vitro. After transplantation into mice, drug treatment generally led to rapid elimination of teratomas, but single animals subsequently formed tumor tissue from monoallelic iCASP9 hiPSCs. Very rare drug-resistant subclones of monoallelic iCASP9 hiPSCs appeared in vitro with frequencies of ∼ 3 × 10-8. Besides transgene elimination, presumably via loss of heterozygosity (LoH), silencing via aberrant promoter methylation was identified as a major underlying mechanism. In contrast to monoallelic iCASP9 hiPSCs, no escapees from biallelic iCASP9 cells were observed after treatment of up to 0.8 billion hiPSCs. The highly increased safety level provided by biallelic integration of the iCASP9 system may substantially contribute to the safety level of iPSC-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wunderlich
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Haase
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Germany
| | - Sylvia Merkert
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximillian Deest
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Silke Glage
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Korte
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Martens
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Kirschning
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Institute for Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Zeug
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cellular Neurophysiology; Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Department of Cellular Neurophysiology; Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gudrun Göhring
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mania Ackermann
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nico Lachmann
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Germany.,Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Moritz
- REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,RG Reprogramming and Gene Therapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Zweigerdt
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH - Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Germany
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26
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Pellegrini S, Zamarian V, Sordi V. Strategies to Improve the Safety of iPSC-Derived β Cells for β Cell Replacement in Diabetes. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10575. [PMID: 36090777 PMCID: PMC9448870 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic islet transplantation allows for the re-establishment of glycemic control with the possibility of insulin independence, but is severely limited by the scarcity of organ donors. However, a new source of insulin-producing cells could enable the widespread use of cell therapy for diabetes treatment. Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology, particularly pluripotent stem cell (PSC) techniques, have highlighted the therapeutic potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine. An understanding of the stages that regulate β cell development has led to the establishment of protocols for PSC differentiation into β cells, and PSC-derived β cells are appearing in the first pioneering clinical trials. However, the safety of the final product prior to implantation remains crucial. Although PSC differentiate into functional β cells in vitro, not all cells complete differentiation, and a fraction remain undifferentiated and at risk of teratoma formation upon transplantation. A single case of stem cell-derived tumors may set the field back years. Thus, this review discusses four approaches to increase the safety of PSC-derived β cells: reprogramming of somatic cells into induced PSC, selection of pure differentiated pancreatic cells, depletion of contaminant PSC in the final cell product, and control or destruction of tumorigenic cells with engineered suicide genes.
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27
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An JH, Koh H, Ahn Y, Kim J, Han AR, Lee JY, Kim SU, Lee JH. Maintenance of Hypoimmunogenic Features via Regulation of Endogenous Antigen Processing and Presentation Machinery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:936584. [PMID: 36032723 PMCID: PMC9416868 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.936584] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Universally acceptable donor cells have been developed to address the unmet need for immunotypically matched materials for regenerative medicine. Since forced expression of hypoimmunogenic genes represses the immune response, we established universal pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) by replacing endogenous β2-microglobulin (β2m) with β2m directly conjugated to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, thereby simultaneously suppressing HLA-I expression and the natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune response. These modified human PSCs retained their pluripotency and differentiation capacity; however, surface presentation of HLA-G was absent from subsequently differentiated cells, particularly cells of neural lineages, due to the downregulation of antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) genes. Induction of APM genes by overexpression of NLR-family CARD domain-containing 5 (NLRC5) or activator subunit of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) heterodimer (RelA) recovered the surface expression of HLA-G and the hypoimmunogenicity of neural cells. Our findings enhance the utility of hypoimmunogenic cells as universal donors and will contribute to the development of off-the-shelf stem-cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hyun An
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyebin Koh
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yujin Ahn
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- National Primate Research Center (NPRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
| | - A-Reum Han
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Lee
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hee Lee
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- National Primate Research Center (NPRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jong-Hee Lee,
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28
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Ma P, Li J, Gao Y, Wu J, Men K, Li C, Men Y, Duan X. Local and Systemic Delivery of the BimS Gene Nano-Complex for Efficient Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:2925-2941. [PMID: 35814613 PMCID: PMC9270013 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s357702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingchuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jieping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Men
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Men
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yi Men, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Xingmei Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610072, People’s Republic of China
- Xingmei Duan, Department of Pharmacy Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, People’s Republic of China, Email
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29
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Lezmi E, Benvenisty N. The Tumorigenic Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:791-796. [PMID: 35679163 PMCID: PMC9397652 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are currently evaluated for clinical applications due to their proliferation and differentiation capacities, raising the need to both assess and enhance, the safety of hPSC-based treatments. Distinct molecular features contribute to the tumorigenicity of hPSCs, manifested in the formation of teratoma tumors upon transplantation in vivo. Prolonged in vitro culturing of hPSCs can enhance selection for specific genetic aberrations, either at the chromosome or gene level. Some of these aberrations are tightly linked to human tumor pathology and increase the tumorigenic aggressiveness of the abnormal cells. In this perspective, we describe major tumor-associated risk factors entailed in hPSC-based therapy, and present precautionary and safety measures relevant for the development and application of such therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyad Lezmi
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nissim Benvenisty
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
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30
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Wang ZB, Wang ZT, Sun Y, Tan L, Yu JT. The future of stem cell therapies of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 80:101655. [PMID: 35660003 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) places a heavy burden on the global economy. There is no effective disease-modifying treatment available at present. Since the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogrammed from human somatic cells, new approaches using iPSC-derived products provided novel insights into AD pathogenesis and drug candidates for the AD treatment. Multiple recent studies using animal models have increased the possibility of reducing pathology and improving cognitive function by cell replacement therapies. In this review, we summarized the advantages, limitations, and future directions of cell replacement therapy, discussed the safety and ethical concerns of this novel therapeutic approach and the possibility of translation to clinical practice.
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31
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Basile G, Qadir MMF, Mauvais-Jarvis F, Vetere A, Shoba V, Modell AE, Pastori RL, Russ HA, Wagner BK, Dominguez-Bendala J. Emerging diabetes therapies: Bringing back the β-cells. Mol Metab 2022; 60:101477. [PMID: 35331962 PMCID: PMC8987999 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell therapies are finally coming of age as a viable alternative to pancreatic islet transplantation for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes. Several clinical trials using human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived β-like cells are currently underway, with encouraging preliminary results. Remaining challenges notwithstanding, these strategies are widely expected to reduce our reliance on human isolated islets for transplantation procedures, making cell therapies available to millions of diabetic patients. At the same time, advances in our understanding of pancreatic cell plasticity and the molecular mechanisms behind β-cell replication and regeneration have spawned a multitude of translational efforts aimed at inducing β-cell replenishment in situ through pharmacological means, thus circumventing the need for transplantation. SCOPE OF REVIEW We discuss here the current state of the art in hESC transplantation, as well as the parallel quest to discover agents capable of either preserving the residual mass of β-cells or inducing their proliferation, transdifferentiation or differentiation from progenitor cells. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Stem cell-based replacement therapies in the mold of islet transplantation are already around the corner, but a permanent cure for type 1 diabetes will likely require the endogenous regeneration of β-cells aided by interventions to restore the immune balance. The promise of current research avenues and a strong pipeline of clinical trials designed to tackle these challenges bode well for the realization of this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Basile
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M M F Qadir
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA; Southeast Louisiana Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - F Mauvais-Jarvis
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA; Southeast Louisiana Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - A Vetere
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - V Shoba
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - R L Pastori
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - H A Russ
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Colorado University Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | | | - J Dominguez-Bendala
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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32
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Abstract
The pancreatic β-cells are essential for regulating glucose homeostasis through the coordinated release of the insulin hormone. Dysfunction of the highly specialized β-cells results in diabetes mellitus, a growing global health epidemic. In this review, we describe the development and function of β-cells the emerging concept of heterogeneity within insulin-producing cells, and the potential of other cell types to assume β-cell functionality via transdifferentiation. We also discuss emerging routes to design cells with minimal β-cell properties and human stem cell differentiation efforts that carry the promise to restore normoglycemia in patients suffering from diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natanya Kerper
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Sudipta Ashe
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Matthias Hebrok
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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33
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Anliker B, Childs L, Rau J, Renner M, Schüle S, Schuessler-Lenz M, Sebe A. Regulatory Considerations for Clinical Trial Applications with CRISPR-Based Medicinal Products. CRISPR J 2022; 5:364-376. [PMID: 35452274 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since first proposed as a new tool for gene targeting and genome editing, CRISPR technology has quickly advanced into the clinical stage. Initial studies highlight the potential for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated therapeutic approaches in human medicine to correct incurable genetic diseases and enhance cell-based therapeutic approaches. While acknowledging the opportunities this technology brings for the treatment of patients with severe diseases, timely development of these innovative medicinal products requires regulatory oversight and adaptation of regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicinal products based on CRISPR technology. We briefly present the current regulatory framework applicable for CRISPR-Cas-based developments as advanced therapy medicinal products. Moreover, scientific- and regulatory-driven considerations relevant for advancing product development toward clinical trial applications in Germany are highlighted by discussing the key aspects of quality and nonclinical and clinical development requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Anliker
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Liam Childs
- Division Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Juliane Rau
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Matthias Renner
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Silke Schüle
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Attila Sebe
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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34
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Liu Y, Yang Y, Suo Y, Li C, Chen M, Zheng S, Li H, Tang C, Fan N, Lan T, Zhou J, Li Y, Wang J, Chen H, Zou Q, Lai L. Inducible caspase-9 suicide gene under control of endogenous oct4 to safeguard mouse and human pluripotent stem cell therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 24:332-341. [PMID: 35229007 PMCID: PMC8851157 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are promising in regenerative medicine. A major challenge of PSC therapy is the risk of teratoma formation because of the contamination of undifferentiated stem cells. Constitutive promoters or endogenous SOX2 promoters have been used to drive inducible caspase-9 (iCasp9) gene expression but cannot specifically eradicate undifferentiated PSCs. Here, we inserted iCasp9 gene into the endogenous OCT4 locus of human and mouse PSCs without affecting their pluripotency. A chemical inducer of dimerization (CID), AP1903, induced iCasp9 activation, which led to the apoptosis of specific undifferentiated PSCs in vitro and in vivo. Differentiated cell lineages survived because of the silence of the endogenous OCT4 gene. Human and mouse PSCs were controllable when CID was administrated within 2 weeks after PSC injection in immunodeficient mice. However, an interval longer than 2 weeks caused teratoma formation and mouse death because a mass of somatic cells already differentiated from the PSCs. In conclusion, we have developed a specific and efficient PSC suicide system that will be of value in the clinical applications of PSC-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yangyang Suo
- Joint School of Life Science, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academic and Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Shuwen Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Hao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Nana Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Ting Lan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jizeng Zhou
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yingying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jiaowei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Huangyao Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, China.,Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou 510530, China
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35
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Zhong C, Liu M, Pan X, Zhu H. Tumorigenicity Risk of iPSCs in vivo: Nip it in the Bud. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2022; 5:pbac004. [PMID: 35692443 PMCID: PMC9026204 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2006, Takahashi and Yamanaka first created induced pluripotent stem cells from mouse fibroblasts via the retroviral introduction of genes encoding the transcription factors Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf44, and c-Myc. Since then, the future clinical application of somatic cell reprogramming technology has become an attractive research topic in the field of regenerative medicine. Of note, considerable interest has been placed in circumventing ethical issues linked to embryonic stem cell research. However, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and heterogeneity may hamper attempts to deploy this technology therapeutically. This review highlights the progress aimed at reducing induced pluripotent stem cells tumorigenicity risk and how to assess the safety of induced pluripotent stem cells cell therapy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoliang Zhong
- Department of Cell Biology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghua Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single Cell Technology and Application, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518032, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiying Zhu
- Department of Cell Biology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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36
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Wang X, Gao M, Wang Y, Zhang Y. The progress of pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic β-cells regeneration for diabetic therapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:927324. [PMID: 35966093 PMCID: PMC9365963 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.927324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, characterized by high blood glucose levels either due to an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion or an ineffective response of cells to insulin, a hormone synthetized by β-cells in the pancreas. Despite the current substantial progress of new drugs and strategies to prevent and treat diabetes, we do not understand precisely the exact cause of the failure and impairment of β-cells. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new methods to restore β-cells. In recent years, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can serve as an ideal alternative source for the pancreatic β-cells. In this review, we systematically summarize the current progress and protocols of generating pancreatic β-cells from human PSCs. Meanwhile, we also discuss some challenges and future perspectives of human PSCs treatments for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- The Third Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mengxi Gao
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- The Third Norman Bethune Clinical College of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yucheng Zhang, ; Yali Wang,
| | - Yucheng Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yucheng Zhang, ; Yali Wang,
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37
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Lou Z, Post A, Rodgers CE, Chamankhah M, Hong J, Ahuja CS, Khazaei M, Fehlings MG. Neural Progenitor Cells Expressing Herpes Simplex Virus-Thymidine Kinase for Ablation Have Differential Chemosensitivity to Brivudine and Ganciclovir. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:638021. [PMID: 34938162 PMCID: PMC8685296 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.638021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplants are a promising therapy for treating spinal cord injury (SCI), however, their long-term role after engraftment and the relative contribution to ongoing functional recovery remains a key knowledge gap. Selective human cell ablation techniques, currently being developed to improve the safety of progenitor cell transplant therapies in patients, may also be used as tools to probe the regenerative effects attributable to individual grafted cell populations. The Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase (HSV-TK) and ganciclovir (GCV) system has been extensively studied in the context of SCI and broader CNS disease. However, the efficacy of brivudine (BVDU), another HSV-TK prodrug with potentially reduced bystander cytotoxic effects and in vivo toxicity, has yet to be investigated for NPC ablation. In this study, we demonstrate successful generation and in vitro ablation of HSV-TK-expressing human iPSC-derived NPCs with a >80% reduction in survival over controls. We validated an HSV-TK and GCV/BVDU synergistic system with iPSC-NPCs using an efficient gene-transfer method and in vivo ablation in a translationally relevant model of SCI. Our findings demonstrate enhanced ablation efficiency and reduced bystander effects when targeting all rapidly dividing cells with combinatorial GCV and BVDU treatment. However, for use in loss of function studies, BVDU alone is optimal due to reduced nonselective cell ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Lou
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Post
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rodgers
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mahmood Chamankhah
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher S Ahuja
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamad Khazaei
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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38
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Gene Editing in Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Derived Organoids. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:8130828. [PMID: 34887928 PMCID: PMC8651378 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8130828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid rise in gene-editing technology, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and their derived organoids have increasingly broader and practical applications in regenerative medicine. Gene-editing technologies, from large-scale nucleic acid endonucleases to CRISPR, have ignited a global research and development boom with significant implications in regenerative medicine. The development of regenerative medicine technologies, regardless of whether it is PSCs or gene editing, is consistently met with controversy. Are the tools for rewriting the code of life a boon to humanity or a Pandora's box? These technologies raise concerns regarding ethical issues, unexpected mutations, viral infection, etc. These concerns remain even as new treatments emerge. However, the potential negatives cannot obscure the virtues of PSC gene editing, which have, and will continue to, benefit mankind at an unprecedented rate. Here, we briefly introduce current gene-editing technology and its application in PSCs and their derived organoids, while addressing ethical concerns and safety risks and discussing the latest progress in PSC gene editing. Gene editing in PSCs creates visualized in vitro models, providing opportunities for examining mechanisms of known and unknown mutations and offering new possibilities for the treatment of cancer, genetic diseases, and other serious or refractory disorders. From model construction to treatment exploration, the important role of PSCs combined with gene editing in basic and clinical medicine studies is illustrated. The applications, characteristics, and existing challenges are summarized in combination with our lab experiences in this field in an effort to help gene-editing technology better serve humans in a regulated manner. Current preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated initial safety and efficacy of PSC gene editing; however, for better application in clinical settings, additional investigation is warranted.
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39
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Nguyen TPT, Li F, Shrestha S, Tuan RS, Thissen H, Forsythe JS, Frith JE. Cell-laden injectable microgels: Current status and future prospects for cartilage regeneration. Biomaterials 2021; 279:121214. [PMID: 34736147 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels have been employed extensively as versatile materials for cartilage regeneration due to their excellent biocompatibility, tunable structure, and ability to accommodate bioactive factors, as well as their ability to be locally delivered via minimally invasive injection to fill irregular defects. More recently, in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that processing these materials to produce cell-laden microgels can enhance cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and boost nutrient and metabolite exchange. Moreover, these studies have demonstrated gene expression profiles and matrix regeneration that are superior compared to conventional injectable bulk hydrogels. As cell-laden microgels and their application in cartilage repair are moving closer to clinical translation, this review aims to present an overview of the recent developments in this field. Here we focus on the currently used biomaterials and crosslinking strategies, the innovative fabrication techniques being used for the production of microgels, the cell sources used, the signals used for induction of chondrogenic differentiation and the resultant biological responses, and the ability to create three-dimensional, functional cartilage tissues. In addition, this review also covers the current clinical approaches for repairing cartilage as well as specific challenges faced when attempting the regeneration of damaged cartilage tissue. New findings related to the macroporous nature of the structures formed by the assembled microgel building blocks and the novel use of microgels in 3D printing for cartilage tissue engineering are also highlighted. Finally, we outline the challenges and future opportunities for employing cell-laden microgels in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy P T Nguyen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Fanyi Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Surakshya Shrestha
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Helmut Thissen
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - John S Forsythe
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia; Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Jessica E Frith
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia; Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia; Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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40
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Eschenhagen T, Ridders K, Weinberger F. How to repair a broken heart with pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 163:106-117. [PMID: 34687723 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Heart regeneration addresses a central problem in cardiology, the irreversibility of the loss of myocardium that eventually leads to heart failure. True restoration of heart function can only be achieved by remuscularization, i.e. replacement of lost myocardium by new, force-developing heart muscle. With the availability of principally unlimited human cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells, one option to remuscularize the injured heart is to produce large numbers of cardiomyocytes plus/minus other cardiovascular cell types or progenitors ex vivo and apply them to the heart, either by injection or application as a patch. Exciting progress over the past decade has led to the first clinical applications, but important questions remain. Academic and increasingly corporate activity is ongoing to answer them and optimize the approach to finally develop a true regenerative therapy of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eschenhagen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - Florian Weinberger
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
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41
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Boyer O, Butler-Browne G, Chinoy H, Cossu G, Galli F, Lilleker JB, Magli A, Mouly V, Perlingeiro RCR, Previtali SC, Sampaolesi M, Smeets H, Schoewel-Wolf V, Spuler S, Torrente Y, Van Tienen F. Myogenic Cell Transplantation in Genetic and Acquired Diseases of Skeletal Muscle. Front Genet 2021; 12:702547. [PMID: 34408774 PMCID: PMC8365145 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.702547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This article will review myogenic cell transplantation for congenital and acquired diseases of skeletal muscle. There are already a number of excellent reviews on this topic, but they are mostly focused on a specific disease, muscular dystrophies and in particular Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. There are also recent reviews on cell transplantation for inflammatory myopathies, volumetric muscle loss (VML) (this usually with biomaterials), sarcopenia and sphincter incontinence, mainly urinary but also fecal. We believe it would be useful at this stage, to compare the same strategy as adopted in all these different diseases, in order to outline similarities and differences in cell source, pre-clinical models, administration route, and outcome measures. This in turn may help to understand which common or disease-specific problems have so far limited clinical success of cell transplantation in this area, especially when compared to other fields, such as epithelial cell transplantation. We also hope that this may be useful to people outside the field to get a comprehensive view in a single review. As for any cell transplantation procedure, the choice between autologous and heterologous cells is dictated by a number of criteria, such as cell availability, possibility of in vitro expansion to reach the number required, need for genetic correction for many but not necessarily all muscular dystrophies, and immune reaction, mainly to a heterologous, even if HLA-matched cells and, to a minor extent, to the therapeutic gene product, a possible antigen for the patient. Finally, induced pluripotent stem cell derivatives, that have entered clinical experimentation for other diseases, may in the future offer a bank of immune-privileged cells, available for all patients and after a genetic correction for muscular dystrophies and other myopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Boyer
- Department of Immunology & Biotherapy, Rouen University Hospital, Normandy University, Inserm U1234, Rouen, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Hector Chinoy
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Giulio Cossu
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- InSpe and Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Galli
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James B. Lilleker
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Magli
- Department of Medicine, Lillehei Heart Institute, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Rita C. R. Perlingeiro
- Department of Medicine, Lillehei Heart Institute, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Stefano C. Previtali
- InSpe and Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hubert Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School for Developmental Biology and Oncology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Verena Schoewel-Wolf
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Spuler
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yvan Torrente
- Unit of Neurology, Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Florence Van Tienen
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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42
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Goswami D, Domingo‐Lopez DA, Ward NA, Millman JR, Duffy GP, Dolan EB, Roche ET. Design Considerations for Macroencapsulation Devices for Stem Cell Derived Islets for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100820. [PMID: 34155834 PMCID: PMC8373111 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell derived insulin producing cells or islets have shown promise in reversing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), yet successful transplantation currently necessitates long-term modulation with immunosuppressant drugs. An alternative approach to avoiding this immune response is to utilize an islet macroencapsulation device, where islets are incorporated into a selectively permeable membrane that can protect the transplanted cells from acute host response, whilst enabling delivery of insulin. These macroencapsulation systems have to meet a number of stringent and challenging design criteria in order to achieve the ultimate goal of reversing T1D. In this progress report, the design considerations and functional requirements of macroencapsulation systems are reviewed, specifically for stem-cell derived islets (SC-islets), highlighting distinct design parameters. Additionally, a perspective on the future for macroencapsulation systems is given, and how incorporating continuous sensing and closed-loop feedback can be transformative in advancing toward an autonomous biohybrid artificial pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debkalpa Goswami
- Institute for Medical Engineering and ScienceMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Daniel A. Domingo‐Lopez
- Department of AnatomyCollege of Medicine, Nursing, and Health SciencesNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayH91 TK33Ireland
| | - Niamh A. Ward
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringCollege of Science and EngineeringNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayH91 TK33Ireland
| | - Jeffrey R. Millman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid ResearchWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMO63110USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMO63110USA
| | - Garry P. Duffy
- Department of AnatomyCollege of Medicine, Nursing, and Health SciencesNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayH91 TK33Ireland
- Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER)Trinity College DublinDublinD02 PN40Ireland
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical DevicesNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayH91 TK33Ireland
| | - Eimear B. Dolan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringCollege of Science and EngineeringNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayH91 TK33Ireland
| | - Ellen T. Roche
- Institute for Medical Engineering and ScienceMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
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Gao Y, Men K, Pan C, Li J, Wu J, Chen X, Lei S, Gao X, Duan X. Functionalized DMP-039 Hybrid Nanoparticle as a Novel mRNA Vector for Efficient Cancer Suicide Gene Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:5211-5232. [PMID: 34366664 PMCID: PMC8335320 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s319092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gene therapy has emerged as a new strategy for cancer therapy. As an alternative nucleic acid material, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is being increasingly utilized in cancer gene therapy. However, unfulfilled requirements and a lack of ideal mRNA delivery vectors persist. Methods We developed an advanced mRNA delivery system, DMP-039, by fusing a cell-penetrating peptide, cRGD-R9, and a cationic nano-sized DMP backbone together. The DMP gene vector backbone was synthesized by the self-assembly of DOTAP lipid and mPEG-PCL polymer. Introduction of the cRGD-R9 peptide onto the DMP backbone was performed to elevate the mRNA delivery capacity, which resulted in a peptide-functionalized hybrid delivery system. Results The average size of the synthesized DMP-039 was 268.9 ± 12.4 nm (PDI = 0.382), with a potential of 17.4 ± 0.5 mV. The synthesized DMP-039 hybrid nanoparticles exhibited high mRNA delivery efficiency through multiple mechanisms during transmembrane transportation. By loading the encoding mRNA from the suicide gene Bim, a locally administered mBim/DMP-039 complex strongly inhibited growth in two colon cancer models. Moreover, intravenous administration of the mBim/DMP-039 complex efficiently suppressed C26 pulmonary metastatic tumor progression with high safety. The in vivo distribution, degradation, and excretion were also investigated in detail. Conclusion Our results suggest that the DMP-039 peptide-functionalized hybrid nanoparticle is an advanced candidate for mRNA-based suicide gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Men
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Congbin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, People's Republic of China
| | - Sibei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, People's Republic of China
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Vasan L, Park E, David LA, Fleming T, Schuurmans C. Direct Neuronal Reprogramming: Bridging the Gap Between Basic Science and Clinical Application. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681087. [PMID: 34291049 PMCID: PMC8287587 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming is an innovative new technology that involves the conversion of somatic cells to induced neurons (iNs) without passing through a pluripotent state. The capacity to make new neurons in the brain, which previously was not achievable, has created great excitement in the field as it has opened the door for the potential treatment of incurable neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries such as stroke. These neurological disorders are associated with frank neuronal loss, and as new neurons are not made in most of the adult brain, treatment options are limited. Developmental biologists have paved the way for the field of direct neuronal reprogramming by identifying both intrinsic cues, primarily transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, and extrinsic cues, including growth factors and other signaling molecules, that induce neurogenesis and specify neuronal subtype identities in the embryonic brain. The striking observation that postmitotic, terminally differentiated somatic cells can be converted to iNs by mis-expression of TFs or miRNAs involved in neural lineage development, and/or by exposure to growth factors or small molecule cocktails that recapitulate the signaling environment of the developing brain, has opened the door to the rapid expansion of new neuronal reprogramming methodologies. Furthermore, the more recent applications of neuronal lineage conversion strategies that target resident glial cells in situ has expanded the clinical potential of direct neuronal reprogramming techniques. Herein, we present an overview of the history, accomplishments, and therapeutic potential of direct neuronal reprogramming as revealed over the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmy Vasan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eunjee Park
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luke Ajay David
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Generation of human embryonic stem cell models to exploit the EWSR1-CREB fusion promiscuity as a common pathway of transformation in human tumors. Oncogene 2021; 40:5095-5104. [PMID: 34193943 PMCID: PMC8364490 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations constitute driver mutations in solid tumors and leukemias. The mechanisms of how related or even identical gene fusions drive the pathogenesis of various tumor types remain elusive. One remarkable example is the presence of EWSR1 fusions with CREB1 and ATF1, members of the CREB family of transcription factors, in a variety of sarcomas, carcinomas and mesotheliomas. To address this, we have developed in vitro models of oncogenic fusions, in particular, EWSR1-CREB1 and EWSR1-ATF1, in human embryonic stem (hES) cells, which are capable of multipotent differentiation, using CRISPR-Cas9 technology and HDR together with conditional fusion gene expression that allows investigation into the early steps of cellular transformation. We show that expression of EWSR1-CREB1/ATF1 fusion in hES cells recapitulates the core gene signatures, respectively, of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) and gastrointestinal clear cell sarcoma (GI-CCS), although both fusions lead to cell lethality. Conversely, expression of the fusions in hES cells differentiated to mesenchymal progenitors is compatible with prolonged viability while maintaining the core gene signatures. Moreover, in the context of a mesenchymal lineage, the proliferation of cells expressing the EWSR1-CREB1 fusion is further extended by deletion of the tumor suppressor TP53. We expect the generation of isogenic lines carrying oncogenic fusions in various cell lineages to expand our general understanding of how those single genetic events drive tumorigenesis while providing valuable resources for drug discovery.
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Petrus-Reurer S, Romano M, Howlett S, Jones JL, Lombardi G, Saeb-Parsy K. Immunological considerations and challenges for regenerative cellular therapies. Commun Biol 2021; 4:798. [PMID: 34172826 PMCID: PMC8233383 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The central goal of regenerative medicine is to replace damaged or diseased tissue with cells that integrate and function optimally. The capacity of pluripotent stem cells to produce unlimited numbers of differentiated cells is of considerable therapeutic interest, with several clinical trials underway. However, the host immune response represents an important barrier to clinical translation. Here we describe the role of the host innate and adaptive immune responses as triggers of allogeneic graft rejection. We discuss how the immune response is determined by the cellular therapy. Additionally, we describe the range of available in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches to examine the immunogenicity of cellular therapies, and finally we review potential strategies to ameliorate immune rejection. In conclusion, we advocate establishment of platforms that bring together the multidisciplinary expertise and infrastructure necessary to comprehensively investigate the immunogenicity of cellular therapies to ensure their clinical safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Petrus-Reurer
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Marco Romano
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Howlett
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Louise Jones
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanna Lombardi
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Tissue Engineering Strategies for Improving Beta Cell Transplantation Outcome. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-021-00333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Beta cell replacement therapy as a form of islet transplantation is a promising alternative therapy with the possibility to make selected patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) insulin independent. However, this technique faces challenges such as extensive activation of the host immune system post-transplantation, lifelong need for immunosuppression, and the scarcity of islet donor pancreas. Advancement in tissue engineering strategies can improve these challenges and allow for a more widespread application of this therapy. This review will discuss the recent development and clinical translation of tissue engineering strategies in beta cell replacement therapy.
Recent Findings
Tissue engineering offers innovative solutions for producing unlimited glucose responsive cells and fabrication of appropriate devices/scaffolds for transplantation applications. Generation of pancreatic organoids with supporting cells in biocompatible biomaterials is a powerful technique to improve the function of insulin-producing cell clusters. Fabrication of physical barriers such as encapsulation strategies can protect the cells from the host immune system and allow for graft retrieval, although this strategy still faces major challenges to fully restore physiological glucose regulation.
Summary
The three main components of tissue engineering strategies including the generation of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells and organoids and the possibilities for therapeutic delivery of cell-seeded devices to extra-hepatic sites need to come together in order to provide safe and functional insulin-producing devices for clinical beta cell replacement therapy.
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Human stem cells harboring a suicide gene improve the safety and standardisation of neural transplants in Parkinsonian rats. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3275. [PMID: 34045451 PMCID: PMC8160354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) differentiation protocols to generate appropriate neuronal progenitors suitable for transplantation in Parkinson's disease, resultant grafts contain low proportions of dopamine neurons. Added to this is the tumorigenic risk associated with the potential presence of incompletely patterned, proliferative cells within grafts. Here, we utilised a hPSC line carrying a FailSafeTM suicide gene (thymidine kinase linked to cyclinD1) to selectively ablate proliferative cells in order to improve safety and purity of neural transplantation in a Parkinsonian model. The engineered FailSafeTM hPSCs demonstrated robust ventral midbrain specification in vitro, capable of forming neural grafts upon transplantation. Activation of the suicide gene within weeks after transplantation, by ganciclovir administration, resulted in significantly smaller grafts without affecting the total yield of dopamine neurons, their capacity to innervate the host brain or reverse motor deficits at six months in a rat Parkinsonian model. Within ganciclovir-treated grafts, other neuronal, glial and non-neural populations (including proliferative cells), were significantly reduced-cell types that may pose adverse or unknown influences on graft and host function. These findings demonstrate the capacity of a suicide gene-based system to improve both the standardisation and safety of hPSC-derived grafts in a rat model of Parkinsonism.
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Abstract
The discovery of insulin in 1921 enabled pharmaceutical production of animal insulins for the treatment of people with type 1 diabetes by 1922. The last several decades have witnessed enormous scientific progress in the therapy of type 1 diabetes, yet some developments have been incremental, and insulin is not a cure. Herein, I highlight key scientific advances potentially poised to improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes in type 1 diabetes. These innovations range from newer insulin analogues to the development of smart insulins, oral and weekly insulins, glucose sensors and closed-loop insulin-delivery devices, as well as strategies for durable human beta cell replacement coupled with selective immune manipulation to preserve beta cell function. Finally, progress in the prediction and prevention of type 1 diabetes highlights the ongoing challenges and potential for altering the natural history of the disease or eliminating type 1 diabetes altogether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Drucker
- Department of Medicine, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Abstract
Present-day treatments for people that are insulin dependent require multiple insulin injections, sometimes with an insulin pump, coupled with regular blood glucose monitoring. The availability of modified insulins, each with peaks of activity at varying times, has improved diabetes management. On the other hand, there have been impressive results leading to insulin independence by transplantation of cadaveric islets coupled with immune suppression. This review focuses on the possibility of treating diabetes with cellular transplants, specifically with the use of pluripotent stem cells, to produce a virtually unlimited and uniform supply of human islet-like clusters by directed differentiation. Prospects for improving the in vitro differentiation of human endocrine cells for the study of endocrine function and their possible clinical uses are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard College and Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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