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Gao J, Gunasekar S, Xia ZJ, Shalin K, Jiang C, Chen H, Lee D, Lee S, Pisal ND, Luo JN, Griciuc A, Karp JM, Tanzi R, Joshi N. Gene therapy for CNS disorders: modalities, delivery and translational challenges. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:553-572. [PMID: 38898231 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00829-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is emerging as a powerful tool to modulate abnormal gene expression, a hallmark of most CNS disorders. The transformative potentials of recently approved gene therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and active cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy are encouraging further development of this approach. However, most attempts to translate gene therapy to the clinic have failed to make it to market. There is an urgent need not only to tailor the genes that are targeted to the pathology of interest but to also address delivery challenges and thereby maximize the utility of genetic tools. In this Review, we provide an overview of gene therapy modalities for CNS diseases, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different delivery strategies and routes of administration. Important gaps in understanding that could accelerate the clinical translatability of CNS genetic interventions are addressed, and we present lessons learned from failed clinical trials that may guide the future development of gene therapies for the treatment and management of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
- Center for Bioactive Delivery, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Swetharajan Gunasekar
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ziting Judy Xia
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiruba Shalin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Jiang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Dongtak Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sohyung Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nishkal D Pisal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - James N Luo
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Griciuc
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Karp
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Rudolph Tanzi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nitin Joshi
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Finkel Z, Esteban F, Rodriguez B, Clifford T, Joseph A, Alostaz H, Dalmia M, Gutierrez J, Tamasi MJ, Zhang SM, Simone J, Petekci H, Nath S, Escott M, Garg SK, Gormley AJ, Kumar S, Gulati S, Cai L. AAV6 mediated Gsx1 expression in neural stem progenitor cells promotes neurogenesis and restores locomotor function after contusion spinal cord injury. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00362. [PMID: 38664194 PMCID: PMC11452562 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00362] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic screened homeobox 1 (Gsx1 or Gsh1) is a neurogenic transcription factor required for the generation of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons during spinal cord development. In the adult, lentivirus (LV) mediated Gsx1 expression promotes neural regeneration and functional locomotor recovery in a mouse model of lateral hemisection spinal cord injury (SCI). The LV delivery method is clinically unsafe due to insertional mutations to the host DNA. In addition, the most common clinical case of SCI is contusion/compression. In this study, we identify that adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6) preferentially infects neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the injured spinal cord. Using a rat model of contusion SCI, we demonstrate that AAV6 mediated Gsx1 expression promotes neurogenesis, increases the number of neuroblasts/immature neurons, restores excitatory/inhibitory neuron balance and serotonergic neuronal activity through the lesion core, and promotes locomotor functional recovery. Our findings support that AAV6 preferentially targets NSPCs for gene delivery and confirmed Gsx1 efficacy in clinically relevant rat model of contusion SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Finkel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Fatima Esteban
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Brianna Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Tanner Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Adelina Joseph
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hani Alostaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mridul Dalmia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Juan Gutierrez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Matthew J Tamasi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Samuel Ming Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jonah Simone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hafize Petekci
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Susmita Nath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Miriam Escott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Shivam Kumar Garg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Adam J Gormley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suneel Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sonia Gulati
- NeuroNovus Therapeutics Inc., 135 E 57th St., New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; NeuroNovus Therapeutics Inc., 135 E 57th St., New York, NY 10022, USA.
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3
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Dong S, Liu X, Bi Y, Wang Y, Antony A, Lee D, Huntoon K, Jeong S, Ma Y, Li X, Deng W, Schrank BR, Grippin AJ, Ha J, Kang M, Chang M, Zhao Y, Sun R, Sun X, Yang J, Chen J, Tang SK, Lee LJ, Lee AS, Teng L, Wang S, Teng L, Kim BYS, Yang Z, Jiang W. Adaptive design of mRNA-loaded extracellular vesicles for targeted immunotherapy of cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6610. [PMID: 37857647 PMCID: PMC10587228 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent success of mRNA therapeutics against pathogenic infections has increased interest in their use for other human diseases including cancer. However, the precise delivery of the genetic cargo to cells and tissues of interest remains challenging. Here, we show an adaptive strategy that enables the docking of different targeting ligands onto the surface of mRNA-loaded small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). This is achieved by using a microfluidic electroporation approach in which a combination of nano- and milli-second pulses produces large amounts of IFN-γ mRNA-loaded sEVs with CD64 overexpressed on their surface. The CD64 molecule serves as an adaptor to dock targeting ligands, such as anti-CD71 and anti-programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies. The resulting immunogenic sEVs (imsEV) preferentially target glioblastoma cells and generate potent antitumour activities in vivo, including against tumours intrinsically resistant to immunotherapy. Together, these results provide an adaptive approach to engineering mRNA-loaded sEVs with targeting functionality and pave the way for their adoption in cancer immunotherapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Dong
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Chemical Engineering, Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA
| | - Ye Bi
- Practice Training Center, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Abin Antony
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - DaeYong Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kristin Huntoon
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Seongdong Jeong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yifan Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weiye Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin R Schrank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Adam J Grippin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - JongHoon Ha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Minjeong Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mengyu Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yarong Zhao
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Rongze Sun
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xiangshi Sun
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Sarah K Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - L James Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Spot Biosystems Ltd., Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Andrew S Lee
- Institute for Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lirong Teng
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Shengnian Wang
- Chemical Engineering, Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA.
| | - Lesheng Teng
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Betty Y S Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Zhaogang Yang
- School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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4
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Butala-Flores E, Nguyen T, Selvan N, Armstrong L, Miller M, Kamen L, Lester T, Wernyj R, Khanna R, McNally J, Hays A. Validation of Anti-Adeno Associated Virus Serotype rh10 (AAVrh.10) Total and Neutralizing Antibody Immunogenicity Assays. Pharm Res 2023; 40:2383-2397. [PMID: 37880551 PMCID: PMC10661749 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03625-7] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenicity assessment of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors is a critical part of gene therapy drug development. Whether the assays are used for inclusion/exclusion criteria or to monitor the safety and efficacy of the gene therapy, they are critical bioanalytical assessments. While total anti-AAV assays are perceived as easier to develop and implement than neutralizing anti-AAV assays, the gene therapy field is still nascent, and it is not yet clear which of the assays should be implemented at what stage of drug development. Recently AAVrh.10 has gained interest for use in gene therapies targeting cardiac, neurological, and other diseases due to its enhanced transduction efficiency. There is limited information on anti-AAVrh.10 antibodies and their clinical impact; thus, the information presented herein documents the validation of both a total antibody assay (TAb) and a neutralizing antibody (NAb) assay for anti-AAVrh.10 antibodies. In this manuscript, the validation was performed in accordance with the 2019 FDA immunogenicity guidance with additional evaluations to comply with CLIA where applicable. The AAVrh.10 TAb and NAb assays were compared in terms of sensitivity, drug tolerance, and precision, along with a concordance analysis using the same individual serum samples. This comparison gave insight into the utility of each format as a screening assay for inclusion into clinical studies.
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5
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Gál L, Bellák T, Marton A, Fekécs Z, Weissman D, Török D, Biju R, Vizler C, Kristóf R, Beattie MB, Lin PJ, Pardi N, Nógrádi A, Pajer K. Restoration of Motor Function through Delayed Intraspinal Delivery of Human IL-10-Encoding Nucleoside-Modified mRNA after Spinal Cord Injury. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0056. [PMID: 36930811 PMCID: PMC10013810 DOI: 10.34133/research.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Efficient in vivo delivery of anti-inflammatory proteins to modulate the microenvironment of an injured spinal cord and promote neuroprotection and functional recovery is a great challenge. Nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (mRNA) has become a promising new modality that can be utilized for the safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic proteins. Here, we used lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated human interleukin-10 (hIL-10)-encoding nucleoside-modified mRNA to induce neuroprotection and functional recovery following rat spinal cord contusion injury. Intralesional administration of hIL-10 mRNA-LNP to rats led to a remarkable reduction of the microglia/macrophage reaction in the injured spinal segment and induced significant functional recovery compared to controls. Furthermore, hIL-10 mRNA treatment induced increased expression in tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and ciliary neurotrophic factor levels in the affected spinal segment indicating a time-delayed secondary effect of IL-10 5 d after injection. Our results suggest that treatment with nucleoside-modified mRNAs encoding neuroprotective factors is an effective strategy for spinal cord injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Gál
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bellák
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Annamária Marton
- National Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Fekécs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Dénes Török
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rachana Biju
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Vizler
- National Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rebeka Kristóf
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Antal Nógrádi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Pajer
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Petrosyan HA, Alessi V, Lasek K, Gumudavelli S, Muffaletto R, Liang L, Collins WF, Levine J, Arvanian VL. AAV Vector Mediated Delivery of NG2 Function Neutralizing Antibody and Neurotrophin NT-3 Improves Synaptic Transmission, Locomotion, and Urinary Tract Function after Spinal Cord Contusion Injury in Adult Rats. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1492-1508. [PMID: 36653191 PMCID: PMC10008066 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1276-22.2023] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
NG2 is a structurally unique transmembrane chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Its role in damaged spinal cord is dual. NG2 is considered one of key inhibitory factors restricting axonal growth following spinal injury. Additionally, we have recently detected its novel function as a blocker of axonal conduction. Some studies, however, indicate the importance of NG2 presence in the formation of synaptic contacts. We hypothesized that the optimal treatment would be neutralization of inhibitory functions of NG2 without its physical removal. Acute intraspinal injections of anti-NG2 monoclonal antibodies reportedly prevented an acute block of axonal conduction by exogenous NG2. For prolonged delivery of NG2 function neutralizing antibody, we have developed a novel gene therapy: adeno-associated vector (AAV) construct expressing recombinant single-chain variable fragment anti-NG2 antibody (AAV-NG2Ab). We examined effects of AAV-NG2Ab alone or in combination with neurotrophin NT-3 in adult female rats with thoracic T10 contusion injuries. A battery of behavioral tests was used to evaluate locomotor function. In vivo single-cell electrophysiology was used to evaluate synaptic transmission. Lower urinary tract function was assessed during the survival period using metabolic chambers. Terminal cystometry, with acquisition of external urethral sphincter activity and bladder pressure, was used to evaluate bladder function. Both the AAV-NG2Ab and AAV-NG2Ab combined with AAV-NT3 treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in transmission, locomotion, and bladder function compared with the control (AAV-GFP) group. These functional improvements associated with improved remyelination and plasticity of 5-HT fibers. The best results were observed in the group that received combinational AAV-NG2Ab+AAV-NT3 treatment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We recently demonstrated beneficial, but transient, effects of neutralization of the NG2 proteoglycan using monoclonal antibodies delivered intrathecally via osmotic mini-pumps after spinal cord injury. Currently, we have developed a novel gene therapy tool for prolonged and clinically relevant delivery of a recombinant single-chain variable fragment anti-NG2 antibody: AAV-rh10 serotype expressing scFv-NG2 (AAV-NG2Ab). Here, we examined effects of AAV-NG2Ab combined with transgene delivery of Neurotrophin-3 (AAV-NT3) in adult rats with thoracic contusion injuries. The AAV-NG2Ab and AAV-NG2Ab+AAV-NT3 treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements of locomotor function and lower urinary tract function. Beneficial effects of this novel gene therapy on locomotion and bladder function associated with improved transmission to motoneurons and plasticity of axons in damaged spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayk A Petrosyan
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Valentina Alessi
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Kristin Lasek
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Sricharan Gumudavelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Robert Muffaletto
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Li Liang
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
| | - William F Collins
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Joel Levine
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Victor L Arvanian
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
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7
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AAV vectors applied to the treatment of CNS disorders: Clinical status and challenges. J Control Release 2023; 355:458-473. [PMID: 36736907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has become the most important vector for central nervous system (CNS) gene therapy. AAV has already shown promising results in the clinic, for several CNS diseases that cannot be treated with drugs, including neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular diseases, and lysosomal storage disorders. Currently, three of the four commercially available AAV-based drugs focus on neurological disorders, including Upstaza for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency, Luxturna for hereditary retinal dystrophy, and Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy. All these studies have provided paradigms for AAV-based therapeutic intervention platforms. AAV gene therapy, with its dual promise of targeting disease etiology and enabling 'long-term correction' of disease processes, has the advantages of immune privilege, high delivery efficiency, tissue specificity, and cell tropism in the CNS. Although AAV-based gene therapy has been shown to be effective in most CNS clinical trials, limitations have been observed in its clinical applications, which are often associated with side effects. In this review, we summarized the therapeutic progress, challenges, limitations, and solutions for AAV-based gene therapy in 14 types of CNS diseases. We focused on viral vector technologies, delivery routes, immunosuppression, and other relevant clinical factors. We also attempted to integrate several hurdles faced in clinical and preclinical studies with their solutions, to seek the best path forward for the application of AAV-based gene therapy in the context of CNS diseases. We hope that these thoughtful recommendations will contribute to the efficient translation of preclinical studies and wide application of clinical trials.
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8
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Islam A, Tom VJ. The use of viral vectors to promote repair after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114102. [PMID: 35513025 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that can permanently disrupt multiple modalities. Unfortunately, the combination of the inhibitory environment at a central nervous system (CNS) injury site and the diminished intrinsic capacity of adult axons for growth results in the failure for robust axonal regeneration, limiting the ability for repair. Delivering genetic material that can either positively or negatively modulate gene expression has the potential to counter the obstacles that hinder axon growth within the spinal cord after injury. A popular gene therapy method is to deliver the genetic material using viral vectors. There are considerations when deciding on a viral vector approach for a particular application, including the type of vector, as well as serotypes, and promoters. In this review, we will discuss some of the aspects to consider when utilizing a viral vector approach to as a therapy for SCI. Additionally, we will discuss some recent applications of gene therapy to target extrinsic and/or intrinsic barriers to promote axon regeneration after SCI in preclinical models. While still in early stages, this approach has potential to treat those living with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraful Islam
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Veronica J Tom
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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9
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Nagoshi RN, Goergen G, Koffi D, Agboka K, Adjevi AKM, Du Plessis H, Van den Berg J, Tepa-Yotto GT, Winsou JK, Meagher RL, Brévault T. Genetic studies of fall armyworm indicate a new introduction into Africa and identify limits to its migratory behavior. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1941. [PMID: 35121788 PMCID: PMC8816908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05781-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is native to the Americas and a major pest of corn and several other crops of economic importance. The species has characteristics that make it of particular concern as an invasive pest, including broad host range, long-distance migration behavior, and a propensity for field-evolved pesticide resistance. The discovery of fall armyworm in western Africa in 2016 was followed by what was apparently a remarkably rapid spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa by 2018, causing economic damage estimated in the tens of billions USD and threatening the food security of the continent. Understanding the history of the fall armyworm invasion of Africa and the genetic composition of the African populations is critical to assessing the risk posed to different crop types, the development of effective mitigation strategies, and to make Africa less vulnerable to future invasions of migratory moth pests. This paper tested and expanded on previous studies by combining data from 22 sub-Saharan nations during the period from 2016 to 2019. The results support initial descriptions of the fall armyworm invasion, including the near absence of the strain that prefers rice, millet, and pasture grasses, while providing additional evidence that the magnitude and extent of FAW natural migration on the continent is more limited than expected. The results also show that a second entry of fall armyworm likely occurred in western Africa from a source different than that of the original introduction. These findings indicate that western Africa continues to be at high risk of future introductions of FAW, which could complicate mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney N Nagoshi
- Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Georg Goergen
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Djima Koffi
- West African Center for Applied Researches and Innovations, Lomé, Togo
| | - Komi Agboka
- Ecole Supérieure d'Agronomie, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | - Hannalene Du Plessis
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, IPM Program, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Johnnie Van den Berg
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, IPM Program, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Ghislain T Tepa-Yotto
- Biorisk Management Facility (BIMAF), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA-Benin), Cotonou, Benin
- Ecole de Gestion et de Production Végétale et Semencière (EGPVS), Université Nationale d'Agriculture (UNA), Kétou, Benin
| | - Jeannette K Winsou
- Faculty of Biosciences (BIOVIT), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- Department for Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in Forestry, Horticulture and Agriculture, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås, Norway
| | - Robert L Meagher
- Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thierry Brévault
- CIRAD, UPR AIDA, Centre de Recherche ISRA-IRD, Dakar, Senegal
- AIDA, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
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10
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Stem Cell Secretome for Spinal Cord Repair: Is It More than Just a Random Baseline Set of Factors? Cells 2021; 10:cells10113214. [PMID: 34831436 PMCID: PMC8625005 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of thousands of people suffer spinal cord injuries each year. The experimental application of stem cells following spinal cord injury has opened a new era to promote neuroprotection and neuroregeneration of damaged tissue. Currently, there is great interest in the intravenous administration of the secretome produced by mesenchymal stem cells in acute or subacute spinal cord injuries. However, it is important to highlight that undifferentiated neural stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are able to adapt to the damaged environment and produce the so-called lesion-induced secretome. This review article focuses on current research related to the secretome and the lesion-induced secretome and their roles in modulating spinal cord injury symptoms and functional recovery, emphasizing different compositions of the lesion-induced secretome in various models of spinal cord injury.
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11
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Suzuki Y, Taguchi K, Kure T, Enoki Y, Otagiri M, Sakai H, Matsumoto K. Long-term pharmaceutical stability of liposome-encapsulated methemoglobin as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. Int J Pharm 2021; 610:121260. [PMID: 34740759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Liposome-encapsulated methemoglobin (metHb@Lipo) has been developed as a novel antidote for cyanide poisoning. Antidotes for lethal acute poisoning should be capable of being easily stored as ready-to-use formulations without temperature restrictions. Here, we investigated the pharmaceutical stability of the metHb@Lipo suspension after one-year storage as a ready-to-use formulation at 4 °C, room temperature (23-28 °C) and 37 °C. The liposomal integrity of metHb@Lipo was observed after one year of storage at all storage temperatures with no physicochemical change or methemoglobin leakage outside the liposome. Furthermore, the encapsulated methemoglobin remained intact without aggregation, fragmentation, denaturation, or dissociation of heme. Fresh and stored metHb@Lipo were equivalent in their binding affinity against cyanide. Moreover, all one-year stored metHb@Lipo suspensions improved the mortality rates of lethal cyanide poisoning mice comparable to fresh metHb@Lipo suspension. Additionally, all stored metHb@Lipo suspensions preserved high biocompatibility, including blood compatibility and the lack of organ toxicity. In conclusion, the metHb@Lipo suspension was a pharmaceutically stable antidote for cyanide poisoning for at least one year without any temperature restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Suzuki
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tomoko Kure
- Department of Chemistry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Yuki Enoki
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Otagiri
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, Kumamoto, Japan; DDS Research Institute, Sojo University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sakai
- Department of Chemistry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
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12
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Peters CW, Maguire CA, Hanlon KS. Delivering AAV to the Central Nervous and Sensory Systems. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:461-474. [PMID: 33863599 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As gene therapy enters mainstream medicine, it is more important than ever to have a grasp of exactly how to leverage it for maximum benefit. The development of new targeting strategies and tools makes treating patients with genetic diseases possible. Many Mendelian disorders are amenable to gene replacement or correction. These often affect post-mitotic tissues, meaning that a single stably expressing therapy can be applied. Recent years have seen the development of a large number of novel viral vectors for delivering specific therapies. These new vectors - predominately recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) variants - target nervous tissues with differing efficiencies. This review gives an overview of current gene therapies in the brain, ear, and eye, and describes the optimal approaches, depending on cell type and transgene. Overall, this work aims to serve as a primer for gene therapy in the central nervous and sensory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole W Peters
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Killian S Hanlon
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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13
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Ocana-Santero G, Díaz-Nido J, Herranz-Martín S. Future Prospects of Gene Therapy for Friedreich's Ataxia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1815. [PMID: 33670433 PMCID: PMC7918362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurogenetic disease that is mainly associated with atrophy of the spinal cord and progressive neurodegeneration in the cerebellum. The disease is caused by a GAA-expansion in the first intron of the frataxin gene leading to a decreased level of frataxin protein, which results in mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, there is no effective treatment to delay neurodegeneration in Friedreich's ataxia. A plausible therapeutic approach is gene therapy. Indeed, Friedreich's ataxia mouse models have been treated with viral vectors en-coding for either FXN or neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor showing promising results. Thus, gene therapy is increasingly consolidating as one of the most promising therapies. However, several hurdles have to be overcome, including immunotoxicity and pheno-toxicity. We review the state of the art of gene therapy in Friedreich's ataxia, addressing the main challenges and the most feasible solutions for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Ocana-Santero
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
| | - Saúl Herranz-Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
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