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Wen W, Chen X, Shen XY, Li HY, Zhang F, Fang FQ, Zhang XB. Enhancing cord blood stem cell-derived NK cell growth and differentiation through hyperosmosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:295. [PMID: 37840146 PMCID: PMC10578005 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03461-x] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells hold great promise in treating diverse hematopoietic and solid tumors. Despite their availability from peripheral blood and cord blood, stem cell-derived NK cells offer an 'off-the-shelf' solution. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) derived from cord blood pose no risk to the newborn or mother and are virtually ideal sources for NK cell differentiation. METHODS We developed a modified protocol to differentiate HSPCs to NK cells under serum-free conditions using defined factors. The HSPC-derived NK (HSC-NK) cells could be expanded in a K562 feeder cell-dependent manner. Furthermore, using lentivirus transduction, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified HSPCs could be differentiated into NK cells, leading to the establishment of CAR-NK cells. RESULTS The efficiency of NK cell differentiation from HSPCs was increased through the simple modulation of osmotic pressure by the addition of sodium chloride or glucose. Furthermore, the hyperosmosis-primed HSC-NK cells exhibited enhanced proliferation capacity and maintained normal functional characteristics, including transcriptome and antitumor efficacy. The optimized protocol yielded approximately 1.8 million NK cells from a single CD34-positive cell within a 28-day cycle, which signifies more than a ten-fold increase in efficiency relative to the conventional methods. This optimized protocol was also suitable for generating CAR-NK cells with high yields compared to standard conditions. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study establish high osmotic pressure as a simple yet powerful adjustment that significantly enhances the efficiency and functionality of HSC-NK cells, including CAR-NK cells. This optimized protocol could lead to cost-effective, high-yield NK cell therapies, potentially revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xin-Yi Shen
- College of Computer Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China
| | - Hua-Yu Li
- College of Computer Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng-Qi Fang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China.
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Wang W, Al-Hajj M, Alavi AS. Detection and quantification of integrated vector copy number by multiplex droplet digital PCR in dual-transduced CAR T cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:403-410. [PMID: 37622159 PMCID: PMC10445099 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.07.003] [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: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies in refractory hematologic malignancies has prompted investigation of their efficacy in solid tumors. AUTO6NG is a dual-transduced GD2-targeting CAR that encodes distinct modules designed to enhance T cell activity in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. The ability to detect and precisely quantify vector copy number (VCN) for each integrated vector is essential for assessing the effect of each module on T cell tumor infiltration, persistence, and clinical activity. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) enables accurate, sensitive, and absolute quantification of specific nucleic acid sequences. Compared to standard detection of two targets, multiplex ddPCR assays allow simultaneous detection of up to four targets by selective modulation of signal amplitude while retaining the ability to quantify the target. We have developed a multiplex assay based on the two-channel system for simultaneous detection and quantification of three targets in AUTO6NG CAR T cells. The assay was highly specific, sensitive, accurate, and reproducible across time and samples. No differences were observed in measuring VCN between standard duplex and multiplex assays. Our results demonstrate that ddPCR is an accurate and cost-effective method for simultaneous detection of multiple targets in genomic DNA derived from engineered CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Autolus Therapeutics, The MediaWorks, 191 Wood Lane, W12 7FP London, UK
| | - Muhammad Al-Hajj
- Autolus Therapeutics, The MediaWorks, 191 Wood Lane, W12 7FP London, UK
| | - Alireza S. Alavi
- Autolus Therapeutics, The MediaWorks, 191 Wood Lane, W12 7FP London, UK
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Canella A, Rajappa P. Therapeutic utility of engineered myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41417-023-00600-7. [PMID: 36854896 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00600-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite promising results shown in hematologic tumors, immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors have mostly failed so far. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and phenotype of tumor infiltrating macrophages are among the more prevalent reasons for this failure. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs, M2-macrophages) are circulating myeloid cells recruited to the local tumor microenvironment, and together with regulatory T cells (T-regs), are reprogrammed to become immune suppressive. This results in the inactivation or hampered recruitment of cytotoxic CD8 + T and Natural Killer (NK) cells. Recently, attempts have been made to try to leverage specific myeloid functions and properties, including their ability to reach the TME and to mediate the phagocytosis of cancer cells. Additionally, myeloid cells have been used for drug delivery and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment in cancer patients. This approach, together with the advancements in genome editing, paved the way for the development of novel cell-mediated immunotherapies. This article focuses on the latest studies that detail the therapeutic properties of genetically engineered or pharmacologically modulated myeloid cells in cancer preclinical models, limitations, pitfalls, and evaluations of these approaches in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Canella
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Prajwal Rajappa
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics and Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Sagoo P, Gaspar HB. The transformative potential of HSC gene therapy as a genetic medicine. Gene Ther 2021; 30:197-215. [PMID: 34040164 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00261-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are precursor cells that give rise to blood, immune and tissue-resident progeny in humans. Their position at the starting point of hematopoiesis offers a unique therapeutic opportunity to treat certain hematologic diseases by implementing corrective changes that are subsequently directed through to multiple cell lineages. Attempts to exploit HSCs clinically have evolved over recent decades, from initial approaches that focused on transplantation of healthy donor allogeneic HSCs to treat rare inherited monogenic hematologic disorders, to more contemporary genetic modification of autologous HSCs offering the promise of benefits to a wider range of diseases. We are on the cusp of an exciting new era as the transformative potential of HSC gene therapy to offer durable delivery of gene-corrected cells to a range of tissues and organs, including the central nervous system, is beginning to be realized. This article reviews the rationale for targeting HSCs, the approaches that have been used to date for delivering therapeutic genes to these cells, and the latest technological breakthroughs in manufacturing and vector design. The challenges faced by the biotechnology cell and gene therapy sector in the commercialization of HSC gene therapy are also discussed.
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6
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Lu A, Liu H, Shi R, Cai Y, Ma J, Shao L, Rong V, Gkitsas N, Lei H, Highfill SL, Panch S, Stroncek DF, Jin P. Application of droplet digital PCR for the detection of vector copy number in clinical CAR/TCR T cell products. J Transl Med 2020; 18:191. [PMID: 32384903 PMCID: PMC7206671 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetically engineered T cells have become an important therapy for B-cell malignancies. Measuring the efficiency of vector integration into the T cell genome is important for assessing the potency and safety of these cancer immunotherapies. Methods A digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay was developed and evaluated for assessing the average number of lenti- and retroviral vectors integrated into Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. Results The ddPCR assay consistently measured the concentration of an empty vector in solution and the average number of CAR and TCR vectors integrated into T cell populations. There was a linear relationship between the average vector copy number per cell measured by ddPCR and the proportion of cells transduced as measured by flow cytometry. Similar vector copy number measurements were obtained by different staff using the ddPCR assay, highlighting the assays reproducibility among technicians. Analysis of fresh and cryopreserved CAR T and TCR engineered T cells yielded similar results. Conclusions ddPCR is a robust tool for accurate quantitation of average vector copy number in CAR and TCR engineered T cells. The assay is also applicable to other types of genetically engineered cells including Natural Killer cells and hematopoietic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Lu
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rongye Shi
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yihua Cai
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jinxia Ma
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lipei Shao
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Victor Rong
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nikolaos Gkitsas
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hong Lei
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven L Highfill
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sandhya Panch
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David F Stroncek
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ping Jin
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Almosailleakh M, Schwaller J. Murine Models of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E453. [PMID: 30669675 PMCID: PMC6358780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a rare but severe form of human cancer that results from a limited number of functionally cooperating genetic abnormalities leading to uncontrolled proliferation and impaired differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Before the identification of genetic driver lesions, chemically, irradiation or viral infection-induced mouse leukaemia models provided platforms to test novel chemotherapeutics. Later, transgenic mouse models were established to test the in vivo transforming potential of newly cloned fusion genes and genetic aberrations detected in patients' genomes. Hereby researchers constitutively or conditionally expressed the respective gene in the germline of the mouse or reconstituted the hematopoietic system of lethally irradiated mice with bone marrow virally expressing the mutation of interest. More recently, immune deficient mice have been explored to study patient-derived human AML cells in vivo. Unfortunately, although complementary to each other, none of the currently available strategies faithfully model the initiation and progression of the human disease. Nevertheless, fast advances in the fields of next generation sequencing, molecular technology and bioengineering are continuously contributing to the generation of better mouse models. Here we review the most important AML mouse models of each category, briefly describe their advantages and limitations and show how they have contributed to our understanding of the biology and to the development of novel therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Carcinogens/administration & dosage
- Cell Transformation, Viral
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Editing
- Heterografts
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Radiation, Ionizing
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Almosailleakh
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital beider Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital beider Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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Ma L, Wang Y, Wang H, Hu Y, Chen J, Tan T, Hu M, Liu X, Zhang R, Xing Y, Zhao Y, Hu X, Li N. Screen and Verification for Transgene Integration Sites in Pigs. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7433. [PMID: 29743638 PMCID: PMC5943519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24481-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient transgene expression in recipient cells constitutes the primary step in gene therapy. However, random integration in host genome comprises too many uncertainties. Our study presents a strategy combining bioinformatics and functional verification to find transgene integration sites in pig genome. Using an in silico approach, we screen out two candidate sites, namely, Pifs302 and Pifs501, located in actively transcribed intergenic regions with low nucleosome formation potential and without potential non-coding RNAs. After CRISPR/Cas9-mediated site-specific integration on Pifs501, we detected high EGFP expression in different pig cell types and ubiquitous EGFP expression in diverse tissues of transgenic pigs without adversely affecting 600 kb neighboring gene expression. Promoters integrated on Pifs501 exhibit hypomethylated modification, which suggest a permissive epigenetic status of this locus. We establish a versatile master cell line on Pifs501, which allows us to achieve site-specific exchange of EGFP to Follistatin with Cre/loxP system conveniently. Through in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this screening method, and take Pifs501 as a potential site for transgene insertion in pigs. We anticipate that Pifs501 will have useful applications in pig genome engineering, though the identification of genomic safe harbor should over long-term various functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyuan Ma
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuzhe Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yiqing Hu
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jingyao Chen
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tan Tan
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Man Hu
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yiming Xing
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China. .,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoxiang Hu
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ning Li
- The State Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Herrera-Carrillo E, Liu YP, Berkhout B. Improving miRNA Delivery by Optimizing miRNA Expression Cassettes in Diverse Virus Vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2018; 28:177-190. [PMID: 28712309 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2017.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA interference pathway is an evolutionary conserved post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism that is exclusively triggered by double-stranded RNA inducers. RNAi-based methods and technologies have facilitated the discovery of many basic science findings and spurred the development of novel RNA therapeutics. Transient induction of RNAi via transfection of synthetic small interfering RNAs can trigger the selective knockdown of a target mRNA. For durable silencing of gene expression, either artificial short hairpin RNA or microRNA encoding transgene constructs were developed. These miRNAs are based on the molecules that induce the natural RNAi pathway in mammals and humans: the endogenously expressed miRNAs. Significant efforts focused on the construction and delivery of miRNA cassettes in order to solve basic biology questions or to design new therapy strategies. Several viral vectors have been developed, which are particularly useful for the delivery of miRNA expression cassettes to specific target cells. Each vector system has its own unique set of distinct properties. Thus, depending on the specific application, a particular vector may be most suitable. This field was previously reviewed for different viral vector systems, and now the recent progress in the field of miRNA-based gene-silencing approaches using lentiviral vectors is reported. The focus is on the unique properties and respective limitations of the available vector systems for miRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Poi Liu
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Boulad F, Mansilla-Soto J, Cabriolu A, Rivière I, Sadelain M. Gene Therapy and Genome Editing. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2018; 32:329-342. [PMID: 29458735 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are inherited blood disorders that result from insufficient production of the β-chain of hemoglobin. More than 200 different mutations have been identified. β-Thalassemia major requires life-long transfusions. The only cure for severe β-thalassemia is to provide patients with hematopoietic stem cells. Globin gene therapy promises a curative autologous stem cell transplantation without the immunologic complications of allogeneic transplantation. The future directions of gene therapy include enhancement of lentiviral vector-based approaches, fine tuning of the conditioning regimen, and the design of safer vectors. Progress in genetic engineering bodes well for finding a cure for severe globin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Boulad
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Jorge Mansilla-Soto
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Annalisa Cabriolu
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Isabelle Rivière
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Xie Z, Zeng X. DNA/RNA-based formulations for treatment of breast cancer. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2017; 14:1379-1393. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2017.1317744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolu Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Daping Hospital & Research Institute of Surgery, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianghui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mansilla-Soto J, Riviere I, Boulad F, Sadelain M. Cell and Gene Therapy for the Beta-Thalassemias: Advances and Prospects. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:295-304. [PMID: 27021486 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The beta-thalassemias are inherited anemias caused by mutations that severely reduce or abolish expression of the beta-globin gene. Like sickle cell disease, a related beta-globin gene disorder, they are ideal candidates for performing a genetic correction in patient hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The most advanced approach utilizes complex lentiviral vectors encoding the human β-globin gene, as first reported by May et al. in 2000. Considerable progress toward the clinical implementation of this approach has been made in the past five years, based on effective CD34+ cell mobilization and improved lentiviral vector manufacturing. Four trials have been initiated in the United States and Europe. Of 16 evaluable subjects, 6 have achieved transfusion independence. One of them developed a durable clonal expansion, which regressed after several years without transformation. Although globin lentiviral vectors have so far proven to be safe, this occurrence suggests that powerful insulators with robust enhancer-blocking activity will further enhance this approach. The combined discovery of Bcl11a-mediated γ-globin gene silencing and advances in gene editing are the foundations for another gene therapy approach, which aims to reactivate fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production. Its clinical translation will hinge on the safety and efficiency of gene targeting in true HSCs and the induction of sufficient levels of HbF to achieve transfusion independence. Altogether, the progress achieved over the past 15 years bodes well for finding a genetic cure for severe globin disorders in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Mansilla-Soto
- 1 Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York
| | - Isabelle Riviere
- 1 Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York
| | - Farid Boulad
- 1 Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York.,2 Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York
| | - Michel Sadelain
- 1 Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York
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Felsburg PJ, De Ravin SS, Malech HL, Sorrentino BP, Burtner C, Kiem HP. Gene therapy studies in a canine model of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:50-6. [PMID: 25603151 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2015.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the occurrence of T cell leukemias in the original human γ-retroviral gene therapy trials for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID), considerable effort has been devoted to developing safer vectors. This review summarizes gene therapy studies performed in a canine model of XSCID to evaluate the efficacy of γ-retroviral, lentiviral, and foamy viral vectors for treating XSCID and a novel method of vector delivery. These studies demonstrate that durable T cell reconstitution and thymopoiesis with no evidence of any serious adverse events and, in contrast to the human XSCID patients, sustained marking in myeloid cells and B cells with reconstitution of normal humoral immune function can be achieved for up to 5 years without any pretreatment conditioning. The presence of sustained levels of gene-marked T cells, B cells, and more importantly myeloid cells for almost 5 years is highly suggestive of transduction of either multipotent hematopoietic stem cells or very primitive committed progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Felsburg
- 1 Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Abstract
In recent years, hundreds of genes have been linked to a variety of human diseases, and the field of gene therapy has emerged as a way to treat this wide range of diseases. The main goal of gene therapy is to find a gene delivery vehicle that can successfully target diseased cells and deliver therapeutic genes directly to their cellular compartment. The two main types of gene delivery vectors currently being investigated in clinical trials are recombinant viral vectors and synthetic nonviral vectors. Recombinant viral vectors take advantage of the evolutionarily optimized viral mechanisms to deliver genes, but they can be hard to specifically target in vivo and are also associated with serious side effects. Synthetic nonviral vectors are made out of highly biocompatible lipids or polymers, but they are much less efficient at delivering their genetic payload due to the lack of any active delivery mechanism. This mini review will introduce the current state of gene delivery in clinical trials, and discuss the specific challenges associated with each of these vectors. It will also highlight some specific gaps in knowledge that are limiting the advancement of this field and touch on the current areas of research being explored to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarong Liu
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Rohrs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Induction of antigen-specific tolerance through hematopoietic stem cell-mediated gene therapy: the future for therapy of autoimmune disease? Autoimmun Rev 2012; 12:195-203. [PMID: 23047179 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Based on the principle that immune ablation followed by HSC-mediated recovery purges disease-causing leukocytes to interrupt autoimmune disease progression, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been increasingly used as a treatment for severe autoimmune diseases. Despite clinically-relevant outcomes, HSCT is associated with serious iatrogenic risks and is suitable only for the most serious and intractable diseases. A further limitation of autologous HSCT is that relapse rates can be high, suggesting disease-causing leukocytes are incompletely purged or the environmental and genetic determinants that drive disease remain active. Incorporation of antigen-specific tolerance approaches that synergise with autologous HSCT could reduce or prevent relapse. Further, by reducing the requirement for highly toxic immune-ablation and instead relying on antigen-specific tolerance, the clinical utility of HSCT could be significantly diversified. Substantial progress has been made exploring HSCT-mediated induction of antigen-specific tolerance in animal models but studies have focussed on primarily on prevention of autoimmune diseases. However, as diagnosis of autoimmune disease is often not made until autoimmune disease is well developed and populations of autoantigen-specific pathogenic effector and memory T cells have become well established, immunotherapies must be developed to address effector and memory T-cell responses which have traditionally been considered the key impediment to immunotherapy. Here, focusing on T-cell mediated autoimmune diseases we review progress made in antigen-specific immunotherapy using HSCT-mediated approaches, induction of tolerance in effector and memory T cells and the challenges for progression and clinical application of antigen-specific 'tolerogenic' HSCT therapy.
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17
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Giacca M, Zacchigna S. Virus-mediated gene delivery for human gene therapy. J Control Release 2012; 161:377-88. [PMID: 22516095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
After over 20 years from the first application of gene transfer in humans, gene therapy is now a mature discipline, which has progressively overcome several of the hurdles that prevented clinical success in the early stages of application. So far, the vast majority of gene therapy clinical trials have exploited viral vectors as very efficient nucleic acid delivery vehicles both in vivo and ex vivo. Here we summarize the current status of viral gene transfer for clinical applications, with special emphasis on the molecular properties of the major classes of viral vectors and the information so far obtained from gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy.
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18
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Yang S, Karne NK, Goff SL, Black MA, Xu H, Bischof D, Cornetta K, Rosenberg SA, Morgan RA, Feldman SA. A simple and effective method to generate lentiviral vectors for ex vivo gene delivery to mature human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2012; 23:73-83. [PMID: 22515320 PMCID: PMC3847989 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2011.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human ex vivo gene therapy protocols have been used successfully to treat a variety of genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer. Murine oncoretroviruses (specifically, gammaretroviruses) have served as the primary gene delivery vehicles for these trials. However, in some cases, such vectors have been associated with insertional mutagenesis. As a result, alternative vector platforms such as lentiviral vectors (LVVs) are being developed. LVVs may provide advantages compared with gammaretroviral vectors, including the ability to transduce large numbers of nondividing cells, resistance to gene silencing, and a potentially safer integration profile. The aim of this study was to develop a simplified process for the rapid production of clinical-grade LVVs. To that end, we used a self-inactivating bicistronic LVV encoding an MART (melanoma antigen recognized by T cells)-1-reactive T cell receptor containing oPRE, an optimized and truncated version of woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranslational regulatory element (wPRE). Using our simplified clinical production process, 293T cells were transiently transfected in roller bottles. The LVV supernatant was collected, treated with Benzonase, and clarified by modified step filtration. LVV produced in this manner exhibited titers and a biosafety profile similar to those of cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) LVVs previously manufactured at the Indiana University Vector Production Facility in support of a phase I/II clinical trial. We describe a simple, efficient, and low-cost method for the production of clinical-grade LVV for ex vivo gene therapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Yang
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Neel K. Karne
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Department of Surgery/General Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210
| | - Stephanie L. Goff
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Department of Surgery, College of Physicicans and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Mary A. Black
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Hui Xu
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Daniela Bischof
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Kenneth Cornetta
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Steven A. Rosenberg
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Richard A. Morgan
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Steven A. Feldman
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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Manic G, Maurin-Marlin A, Galluzzi L, Subra F, Mouscadet JF, Bury-Moné S. 3' self-inactivating long terminal repeat inserts for the modulation of transgene expression from lentiviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2012; 23:84-97. [PMID: 22456436 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2011.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer for research or gene therapy requires the design of vectors that allow for adequate and safe transgene expression. Current methods to modulate the safety and expression profile of retroviral vectors can involve the insertion of insulators or scaffold/matrix-attachment regions in self-inactivating long terminal repeats (SIN-LTRs). Here, we generated a set of lentiviral vectors (with internal CMV or PGK promoter) in which we inserted (at the level of SIN-LTRs) sequences of avian (i.e., chicken hypersensitive site-4, cHS4), human (i.e., putative insulator and desert sequence), or bacterial origin. We characterized them with respect to viral titer, integration, transduction efficiency and transgene expression levels, in both integrase-proficient and -deficient contexts. We found that the cHS4 insulator enhanced transgene expression by a factor of 1.5 only when cloned in the antisense orientation. On the other hand, cHS4 in the sense orientation as well as all other inserts decreased transgene expression. This attenuation phenomenon persisted over long periods of time and did not correspond to extinction or variegation. Decreased transgene expression was associated with lower mRNA levels, yet RNA stability was not affected. Insertions within the SIN-LTRs may negatively affect transgene transcription in a direct fashion through topological rearrangements. The lentiviral vectors that we generated constitute valuable genetic tools for manipulating the level of transgene expression. Moreover, this study demonstrates that SIN-LTR inserts can decrease transgene expression, a phenomenon that might be overcome by modifying insert orientation, thereby highlighting the importance of careful vector design for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenola Manic
- Laboratoire de Biologie et de Pharmacologie Appliquée, UMR 8113 CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan, FR-94230 Cachan, France
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20
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Drake AC, Chen Q, Chen J. Engineering humanized mice for improved hematopoietic reconstitution. Cell Mol Immunol 2012; 9:215-24. [PMID: 22425741 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2012.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanized mice are immunodeficient animals engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells that give rise to various lineages of human blood cells throughout the life of the mouse. This article reviews recent advances in the generation of humanized mice, focusing on practical considerations. We discuss features of different immunodeficient recipient mouse strains, sources of human hematopoietic stem cells, advances in expansion and genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells, and techniques to modulate the cytokine environment of recipient mice, in order to enhance reconstitution of specific human blood lineage cells. We highlight the opportunities created by new technologies and discuss practical considerations on how to make best use of the widening array of basic models for specific research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Drake
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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21
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Kanaji S, Kuether EL, Fahs SA, Schroeder JA, Ware J, Montgomery RR, Shi Q. Correction of murine Bernard-Soulier syndrome by lentivirus-mediated gene therapy. Mol Ther 2012; 20:625-32. [PMID: 22044935 PMCID: PMC3293608 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a defect in the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex. The main treatment for BSS is platelet transfusion but it is often limited to severe bleeding episodes or surgical interventions due to the risk of alloimmunization. We have previously reported successful expression of human GPIbα (hGPIbα) in human megakaryocytes using a lentiviral vector (LV) encoding human GP1BA under control of the platelet-specific integrin αIIb promoter (2bIbα). In this study, we examined the efficacy of this strategy for the gene therapy of BSS using GPIbα(null) as a murine model of BSS. GPIbα(null) hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) transduced with 2bIbα LV were transplanted into lethally irradiated GPIbα(null) littermates. Therapeutic levels of hGPIbα expression were achieved that corrected the tail bleeding time and improved the macrothrombocytopenia. Sequential bone marrow (BM) transplants showed sustained expression of hGPIbα with similar phenotypic correction. Antibody response to hGPIbα was documented in 1 of 17 total recipient mice but was tolerated without any further treatment. These results demonstrate that lentivirus-mediated gene transfer can provide sustained phenotypic correction of murine BSS, indicating that this approach may be a promising strategy for gene therapy of BSS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Kanaji
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Erin L Kuether
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scot A Fahs
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Schroeder
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jerry Ware
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Robert R Montgomery
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Qizhen Shi
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Abstract
Interactions between newly integrated DNA and the host genome limit the reliability and safety of transgene integration for therapeutic cell engineering and other applications. Although targeted gene delivery has made considerable progress, the question of where to insert foreign sequences in the human genome to maximize safety and efficacy has received little attention. In this Opinion article, we discuss 'genomic safe harbours' - chromosomal locations where therapeutic transgenes can integrate and function in a predictable manner without perturbing endogenous gene activity and promoting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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23
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Abstract
The genetic engineering of hematopoietic stem cells is the basis for potentially treating a large array of hereditary and acquired diseases, and stands as the paradigm for stem cell engineering in general. Recent clinical reports support the formidable promise of this approach but also highlight the limitations of the technologies used to date, which have on occasion resulted in clonal expansion, myelodysplasia, or leukemogenesis. New research directions, predicated on improved vector designs, targeted gene delivery or the therapeutic use of pluripotent stem cells, herald the advent of safer and more effective hematopoietic stem cell therapies that may transform medical practice. In this review, we place these recent advances in perspective, emphasizing the solutions emerging from a wave of new technologies and highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
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Physiological regulation of transgene expression by a lentiviral vector containing the A2UCOE linked to a myeloid promoter. Gene Ther 2011; 19:1018-29. [PMID: 22071971 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Protection against epigenetic silencing is a desirable feature of future gene therapy vectors, in particular for those applications in which transgene expression will not confer growth advantage to gene-transduced cells. The ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) consisting of the methylation-free CpG island encompassing the dual divergently transcribed promoters of the human HNRPA2B1-CBX3 housekeeping genes (A2UCOE) has been shown to shield constitutive active heterologous promoters from epigenetic modifications and chromosomal position effects. However, it is unclear if this element can be used to improve expression from tissue-specific enhancer/promoters, while maintaining tissue specificity in hematopoietic cells. Here, we evaluated the potential of the A2UCOE in combination with the myeloid-specific myeloid related protein 8 (MRP8) promoter to target transgene expression specifically to myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo from a self-inactivating lentiviral vector. The inclusion of the A2UCOE did not interfere with specific upregulation of MRP8 promoter activity during myeloid differentiation and mediated sustained and vector copy-dependent expression in myeloid cells. Notably, the A2UCOE did not protect the MRP8 promoter from methylation in the P19 embryonal carcinoma cell line, suggesting that this element maintains the inherent epigenetic state and transcriptional activity of cellular promoters in their native configuration. Thus, the A2UCOE could represent a useful protective genetic element in gene therapy vectors, ensuring physiological transcriptional regulation of tissue-specific promoters independent of the chromosomal integration site.
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25
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Mansilla-Soto J, Rivière I, Sadelain M. Genetic strategies for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia. Br J Haematol 2011; 154:715-27. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08773.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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26
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Liu YP, Berkhout B. miRNA cassettes in viral vectors: problems and solutions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2011; 1809:732-45. [PMID: 21679781 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2011.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), an evolutionary conserved gene silencing mechanism that is triggered by double stranded RNA, has led to tremendous efforts to use this technology for basic research and new RNA therapeutics. RNAi can be induced via transfection of synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which results in a transient knockdown of the targeted mRNA. For stable gene silencing, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or microRNA (miRNA) constructs have been developed. In mammals and humans, the natural RNAi pathway is triggered via endogenously expressed miRNAs. The use of modified miRNA expression cassettes to elucidate fundamental biological questions or to develop therapeutic strategies has received much attention. Viral vectors are particularly useful for the delivery of miRNA genes to specific target cells. To date, many viral vectors have been developed, each with distinct characteristics that make one vector more suitable for a certain purpose than others. This review covers the recent progress in miRNA-based gene-silencing approaches that use viral vectors, with a focus on their unique properties, respective limitations and possible solutions. Furthermore, we discuss a related topic that involves the insertion of miRNA-target sequences in viral vector systems to restrict their cellular range of gene expression. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: MicroRNAs in viral gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Poi Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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27
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Negri DR, Michelini Z, Bona R, Blasi M, Filati P, Leone P, Rossi A, Franco M, Cara A. Integrase-defective lentiviral-vector-based vaccine: a new vector for induction of T cell immunity. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:739-50. [PMID: 21434847 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.571670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of new strategies for the induction of potent and broad immune responses is of high priority in the vaccine field. In this setting, integrase-defective lentiviral vectors (IDLV) represent a new and promising delivery system for immunization purposes. AREAS COVERED In this review we describe the development and application of IDLV for vaccination. IDLV are turning out to be a new class of vectors endowed with peculiar characteristics, setting them apart from the parental integration-competent lentiviral vectors. Recent data suggest that IDLV are able to induce strong antigen-specific immune responses in terms of quantity, persistence and quality of CD8(+) T cell response following a single immunization in mice. EXPERT OPINION IDLV are a recent acquisition in the field of genetic immunization, thus allowing for the opportunity of further upgrading, including increasing antigen expression and potency of immune response. Based on recent reports showing the potential of IDLV for immunization in mouse models, further development and validation of IDLV, including comparison with other vaccine protocols and use in non-human primate models, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Rm Negri
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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28
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Emery DW. The use of chromatin insulators to improve the expression and safety of integrating gene transfer vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:761-74. [PMID: 21247248 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic application of recombinant retroviruses and other integrating gene transfer vectors has been limited by problems of vector expression and vector-mediated genotoxicity. These problems arise in large part from the interactions between vector sequences and the genomic environment surrounding sites of integration. Strides have been made in overcoming both of these problems through the modification of deleterious vector sequences, the inclusion of better enhancers and promoters, and the use of alternative virus systems. However, these modifications often add other restrictions on vector design, which in turn can further limit therapeutic applications. As an alternative, several groups have been investigating a class of DNA regulatory elements known as chromatin insulators. These elements provide a means of blocking the interaction between an integrating vector and the target cell genome in a manner that is independent of the vector transgene, regulatory elements, or virus of origin. This review outlines the background, rationale, and evidence for using chromatin insulators to improve the expression and safety of gene transfer vectors. Also reviewed are topological factors that constrain the use of insulators in integrating gene transfer vectors, alternative sources of insulators, and the role of chromatin insulators as one of several components for optimal vector design.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Emery
- University of Washington Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, and Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retroviral vectors have been developed for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy and have successfully cured X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID-X1), adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID), adrenoleukodystrophy, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. However, in HSC gene therapy clinical trials, genotoxicity mediated by integrated vector proviruses has led to clonal expansion, and in some cases frank leukemia. Numerous studies have been performed to understand the molecular basis of vector-mediated genotoxicity with the aim of developing safer vectors and safer gene therapy protocols. These genotoxicity studies are critical to advancing HSC gene therapy. AREAS COVERED This review provides an introduction to the mechanisms of retroviral vector genotoxicity. It also covers advances over the last 20 years in designing safer gene therapy vectors, and in integration site analysis in clinical trials and large animal models. Mechanisms of retroviral-mediated genotoxicity, and the risk factors that contribute to clonal expansion and leukemia in HSC gene therapy are introduced. EXPERT OPINION Continued research on virus-host interactions and next-generation vectors should further improve the safety of future HSC gene therapy vectors and protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant D Trobridge
- Washington State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Molecular Biosciences, P.O. Box 646534, Pullman, WA 99164-6534, USA.
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30
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Bagnis C, Chiaroni J, Bailly P. Elimination of blood group antigens: hope and reality. Br J Haematol 2011; 152:392-400. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2010.08561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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31
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Metodologie per il trasferimento genico. TERAPIA GENICA 2011. [PMCID: PMC7120083 DOI: 10.1007/978-88-470-1989-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
L’esito di qualsiasi approccio di terapia genica, sia che esso preveda l’inoculazione del materiale genetico direttamente in vivo sia che venga effettuato ex vivo nelle cellule prelevate dal paziente, dipende strettamente dall’efficienza con cui gli acidi nucleici con funzione terapeutica vengono internalizzati dalle cellule bersaglio. Di fatto, l’efficienza del trasferimento genico probabilmente rappresenta a tutt’oggi il parametro più importante che ancora limita le applicazioni di terapia genica, o comunque ne condiziona il successo.
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Quantification of lentiviral vector copy numbers in individual hematopoietic colony-forming cells shows vector dose-dependent effects on the frequency and level of transduction. Gene Ther 2010; 18:479-87. [PMID: 21160533 PMCID: PMC3130191 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are effective tools for gene transfer and integrate variable numbers of proviral DNA copies in variable proportions of cells. The levels of transduction of a cellular population may therefore depend upon experimental parameters affecting the frequency and/or the distribution of vector integration events in this population. Such analysis would require measuring vector copy numbers (VCN) in individual cells. To evaluate the transduction of hematopoietic progenitor cells at the single-cell level, we measured VCN in individual colony-forming cell (CFC) units, using an adapted quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) method. The feasibility, reproducibility and sensitivity of this approach were tested with characterized cell lines carrying known numbers of vector integration. The method was validated by correlating data in CFC with gene expression or with calculated values, and was found to slightly underestimate VCN. In spite of this, such Q-PCR on CFC was useful to compare transduction levels with different infection protocols and different vectors. Increasing the vector concentration and re-iterating the infection were two different strategies that improved transduction by increasing the frequency of transduced progenitor cells. Repeated infection also augmented the number of integrated copies and the magnitude of this effect seemed to depend on the vector preparation. Thus, the distribution of VCN in hematopoietic colonies may depend upon experimental conditions including features of vectors. This should be carefully evaluated in the context of ex vivo hematopoietic gene therapy studies.
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Abstract
The success of any gene transfer procedure, either through in vivo inoculation of the genetic material or after gene transfer into the patient’s cells ex vivo, strictly depends upon the efficiency of nucleic acid internalization by the target cells. As a matter of fact, making gene transfer more efficient continues to represent the most relevant challenge to the clinical success of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacca
- grid.425196.d0000000417594810International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
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34
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Abstract
The β-thalassaemias are inherited anaemias that form the most common class of monogenic disorders in the world. Treatment options are limited, with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation offering the only hope for lifelong cure. However, this option is not available for many patients as a result of either the lack of compatible donors or the increased risk of transplant-related mortality in subjects with organ damage resulting from accumulated iron. The paucity of alternative treatments for patients that fall into either of these categories has led to the development of a revolutionary treatment strategy based on gene therapy. This approach involves replacing allogeneic stem cell transplantation with the transfer of normal globin genes into patient-derived, autologous haematopoietic stem cells. This highly attractive strategy offers several advantages, including bypassing the need for allogeneic donors and the immunosuppression required to achieve engraftment of the transplanted cells and to eliminate the risk of donor-related graft-versus-host disease. This review discusses the many advances that have been made towards this endeavour as well as the hurdles that must still be overcome before gene therapy for β-thalassaemia, as well as many other gene therapy applications, can be widely applied in the clinic.
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35
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Toscano MG, Benabdellah K, Muñoz P, Frecha C, Cobo M, Martín F. Was cDNA sequences modulate transgene expression of was promoter-driven lentiviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 20:1279-90. [PMID: 19630517 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The development of vectors that express a therapeutic transgene efficiently and specifically in hematopoietic cells (HCs) is an important goal for gene therapy of hematological disorders. We have previously shown that a 500-bp fragment from the proximal Was gene promoter in a lentiviral vector (LV) was sufficient to achieve more than 100-fold higher levels of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein in HCs than in nonhematopoietic cells (non-HCs). We show now that this differential was reduced up to 10 times when the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene (eGFP) was expressed instead of Was in the same LV backbone. Insertion of Was cDNA sequences downstream of eGFP in these LVs had a negative effect on transgene expression. This effect varied in different cell types but, overall, Was cDNA sequences increased the hematopoietic specificity of Was promoter-driven LV. We have characterized the minimal fragment required to increase hematopoietic specificity and have demonstrated that the mechanism involves Was promoter regulation and RNA processing. In addition, we have shown that Was cDNA sequences interfere with the enhancer activity of the woodchuck posttranscriptional regulatory element. These results represent the first data showing the role of Was intragenic sequences in gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel G Toscano
- Immunology and Cell Biology Department, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López Neyra-CSIC, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Granada, Spain
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36
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Sliva K, Schnierle BS. Selective gene silencing by viral delivery of short hairpin RNA. Virol J 2010; 7:248. [PMID: 20858246 PMCID: PMC2949849 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-7-248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has not only become a powerful tool for functional genomics, but also allows rapid drug target discovery and in vitro validation of these targets in cell culture. Furthermore, RNAi represents a promising novel therapeutic option for treating human diseases, in particular cancer. Selective gene silencing by RNAi can be achieved essentially by two nucleic acid based methods: i) cytoplasmic delivery of short double-stranded (ds) interfering RNA oligonucleotides (siRNA), where the gene silencing effect is only transient in nature, and possibly not suitable for all applications; or ii) nuclear delivery of gene expression cassettes that express short hairpin RNA (shRNA), which are processed like endogenous interfering RNA and lead to stable gene down-regulation. Both processes involve the use of nucleic acid based drugs, which are highly charged and do not cross cell membranes by free diffusion. Therefore, in vivo delivery of RNAi therapeutics must use technology that enables the RNAi therapeutic to traverse biological membrane barriers in vivo. Viruses and the vectors derived from them carry out precisely this task and have become a major delivery system for shRNA. Here, we summarize and compare different currently used viral delivery systems, give examples of in vivo applications, and indicate trends for new developments, such as replicating viruses for shRNA delivery to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Sliva
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Paul-Ehrlich-Str, 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany.
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37
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Hu JJ, Sun C, Lan L, Chen YW, Li DG. Therapeutic effect of transplanting beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) bone marrow-derived hepatocyte stem cells transduced with lentiviral-mediated HGF gene into CCl(4)-injured rats. J Gene Med 2010; 12:244-54. [PMID: 20143305 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) bone marrow-derived hepatocyte stem cells (BDHSCs) isolated from the bone marrow of cholestatic rats by magnetic bead cell sorting consistently express characteristics of both stem and liver cells. These stem cells may be good vehicles for gene transfer. Administration of exogenous hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) may be potentially useful for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Because lentiviral vectors integrate stably into the host-cell genome of nondividing and dividing cells, it may efficiently transfect beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) BDHSCs in vitro and secrete high-level HGF consistently. Transplantation of beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) BDHSCs transduced with lentiviral vectors containing the HGF gene may reduce liver fibrosis in rats. METHODS Lentiviral vectors expressing HGF were constructed and used to transduce beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) BDHSCs sorted from cholestatic rats in vitro. Transduction efficiency was evaluated and then these cells were transplanted into rats through the portal vein. Liver function as well as histological and immunohistochemical examinations were carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy on liver fibrosis. RESULTS We demonstrated that high-level exogenous HGF was detected in supernatants after beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) BDHSCs were transfected with lentiviral vectors expressing HGF. Transplantation of transduced beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) BDHSCs significantly enhanced liver function and attenuated liver fibrosis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that transplantation of beta(2)m(-)/Thy1(+) BDHSCs overexpressing the HGF gene may offer a novel approach for promoting liver function and reverse liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, College of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Galetto R, Duchateau P, Pâques F. Targeted approaches for gene therapy and the emergence of engineered meganucleases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:1289-303. [PMID: 19689185 DOI: 10.1517/14712590903213669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of significant advances in gene transfer strategies in the field of gene therapy, there is a strong emphasis on the development of alternative methods, providing better control of transgene expression and insertion patterns. OBJECTIVE Several new approaches consist of targeting a desired transgene or gene modification in a well defined locus, and we collectively refer to them as 'targeted approaches'. The use of redesigned meganucleases is one of these emerging technologies. Here we try to define the potential of this method, in the larger scope of targeted strategies. METHODS We survey the different types of targeted strategies, presenting the achievements and the potential applications, with a special emphasis on the use of redesigned endonucleases. CONCLUSION redesigned endonucleases represent one of the most promising tools for targeted approaches, and the opening of a clinical trial for AIDS patients has recently shown the maturity of these strategies. However, there is still a 'quest' for the best reagents, that is the endonucleases providing the best efficacy:toxicity ratio. New advances in protein design have allowed the engineering of new scaffolds, such as meganucleases, and the landscape of existing methods is likely to change over the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Galetto
- Cellectis Genome Surgery, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, 93 340 Romainville Cedex, France
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June CH, Blazar BR, Riley JL. Engineering lymphocyte subsets: tools, trials and tribulations. Nat Rev Immunol 2009; 9:704-16. [PMID: 19859065 DOI: 10.1038/nri2635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies with various lymphocyte subsets hold promise for the treatment of several diseases, including cancer and disease resulting from inflammation and infection. The ability to genetically engineer lymphocyte subsets has the potential to improve the natural immune response and correct impaired immunity. In this Review we focus on the lymphocyte subsets that have been modified genetically or by other means for therapeutic benefit, on the technologies used to engineer lymphocytes and on the latest progress and hurdles in translating these technologies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl H June
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Reprogramming erythroid cells for lysosomal enzyme production leads to visceral and CNS cross-correction in mice with Hurler syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:19958-63. [PMID: 19903883 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0908528106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Restricting transgene expression to maturing erythroid cells can reduce the risk for activating oncogenes in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their progeny, yet take advantage of their robust protein synthesis machinery for high-level protein production. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of reprogramming erythroid cells for production of a lysosomal enzyme, alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA). An erythroid-specific hybrid promoter provided inducible IDUA expression and release during in vitro erythroid differentiation in murine erythroleukemia cells, resulting in phenotypical cross-correction in an enzyme-deficient lymphoblastoid cell line derived from patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). Stable and higher than normal plasma IDUA levels were achieved in vivo in primary and secondary MPS I chimeras for at least 9 months after transplantation of HSCs transduced with the erythroid-specific IDUA-containing lentiviral vector (LV). Moreover, long-term metabolic correction was demonstrated by normalized urinary glycosaminoglycan accumulation in all treated MPS I mice. Complete normalization of tissue pathology was observed in heart, liver, and spleen. Notably, neurological function and brain pathology were significantly improved in MPS I mice by erythroid-derived, higher than normal peripheral IDUA protein. These data demonstrate that late-stage erythroid cells, transduced with a tissue-specific LV, can deliver a lysosomal enzyme continuously at supraphysiological levels to the bloodstream and can correct the disease phenotype in both viscera and CNS of MPS I mice. This approach provides a paradigm for the utilization of RBC precursors as a depot for efficient and potentially safer systemic delivery of nonsecreted proteins by ex vivo HSC gene transfer.
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Wicke DC, Meyer J, Buesche G, Heckl D, Kreipe H, Li Z, Welte KH, Ballmaier M, Baum C, Modlich U. Gene therapy of MPL deficiency: challenging balance between leukemia and pancytopenia. Mol Ther 2009; 18:343-52. [PMID: 19844195 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of the thrombopoietin (THPO) receptor MPL is critical for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and megakaryocytic differentiation. Inherited loss-of-function mutations of MPL cause severe thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia, a syndrome called congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT). With the aim to assess the toxicity of retroviral expression of Mpl as a basis for further development of a gene therapy for this disorder, we expressed Mpl in a murine bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model. Treated mice developed a profound yet transient elevation of multilineage hematopoiesis, which showed morphologic features of a chronic myeloproliferative disorder (CMPD) with progressive pancytopenia. Ten percent of mice (3/27) developed erythroleukemia, associated with insertional activation of Sfpi1 and Fli1. The majority of transplanted mice developed a progressive pancytopenia with histopathological features of a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-like disorder. To avoid these adverse reactions, improved retroviral vectors were designed that mediate reduced and more physiological Mpl expression. Self-inactivating gamma-retroviral vectors were constructed that expressed Mpl from the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) or the murine Mpl promoter. Mice that received BM cells expressing Mpl from the Mpl promoter were free of any previously observed adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Wicke
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Sadelain M, Chang A, Lisowski L. Supplying clotting factors from hematopoietic stem cell-derived erythroid and megakaryocytic lineage cells. Mol Ther 2009; 17:1994-9. [PMID: 19844194 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemically distributed proteins such as clotting factors have been traditionally expressed from muscle or liver to achieve therapeutic, long-term expression. As long-lived cell capable of generating an abundant progeny, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) also merit consideration for this purpose. To be clinically relevant, this approach would require that hematopoietic cells be capable of expressing high levels of functional, secreted proteins, that the risk of insertional oncogenesis be minimized, and that sufficient stem cell engraftment be achieved following minimally invasive conditioning. Recent reports demonstrate the feasibility of expressing either factor IX (FIX) or factor VIII (FVIII) in erythroblasts and platelets using lineage-restricted vectors, resulting in effective treatments in mouse models of hemophilia. The erythroid system is especially powerful in providing high protein output, yielding FIX levels approaching 1 micro g/ml per vector copy in the plasma of long-term hematopoietic chimeras, a secretion level that vastly outperforms any other current mammalian constitutive or long-terminal repeat (LTR)-driven vector system. These early but promising studies raise the prospect of further developing these strategies for clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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Kennedy DR, McLellan K, Moore PF, Henthorn PS, Felsburg PJ. Effect of ex vivo culture of CD34+ bone marrow cells on immune reconstitution of XSCID dogs following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2009; 15:662-70. [PMID: 19450750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2009.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Successful genetic treatment of most primary immunodeficiencies or hematological disorders will require the transduction of pluripotent, self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) rather than their progeny to achieve enduring production of genetically corrected cells and durable immune reconstitution. Current ex vivo transduction protocols require manipulation of HSC by culture in cytokines for various lengths of time depending upon the retroviral vector that may force HSC to enter pathways of proliferation, and possibly differentiation, which could limit their engraftment potential, pluripotentiality and long-term repopulating capacity. We have compared the ability of normal CD34(+) cells cultured in a standard cytokine cocktail for 18hours or 4.5 days to reconstitute XSCID dogs following bone marrow transplantation in the absence of any pretransplant conditioning with that of freshly isolated CD34(+) cells. CD34(+) cells cultured under standard gamma-retroviral transduction conditions (4.5 days) showed decreased engraftment potential and ability to sustain long-term thymopoiesis. In contrast, XSCID dogs transplanted with CD34(+) cells cultured for 18hours showed a robust T cell immune reconstitution similar to dogs transplanted with freshly isolated CD34(+) cells, however, the ability to sustain long-term thymopoiesis was impaired. These results emphasize the need to determine ex vivo culture conditions that maintain both the engraftment potential and "stem cell" potential of the cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Kennedy
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Xue X, Huang X, Nodland SE, Mátés L, Ma L, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, LeBien TW, McIvor RS, Wagner JE, Zhou X. Stable gene transfer and expression in cord blood-derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by a hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon system. Blood 2009; 114:1319-30. [PMID: 19414858 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-03-210005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we report stable gene transfer in cord blood-derived CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells using a hyperactive nonviral Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase (SB100X). In colony-forming assays, SB100X mediated the highest efficiency (24%) of stable Discosoma sp red fluorescent protein (DsRed) reporter gene transfer in committed hematopoietic progenitors compared with both the early-generation hyperactive SB11 transposase and the piggyBac transposon system (1.23% and 3.8%, respectively). In vitro differentiation assays further demonstrated that SB100X-transfected CD34(+) cells can develop into DsRed(+) CD4(+)CD8(+) T (3.17%-21.84%; median, 7.97%), CD19(+) B (3.83%-18.66%; median, 7.84%), CD56(+)CD3(-) NK (3.53%-79.98%; median, 7.88%), and CD33(+) myeloid (7.59%-15.63%; median, 9.48%) cells. SB100X-transfected CD34(+) cells achieved approximately 46% engraftment in NOD-scid IL2gammac(null) (NOG) mice. Twelve weeks after transplantation, 0.57% to 28.96% (median, 2.79%) and 0.49% to 34.50% (median, 5.59%) of total human CD45(+) cells in the bone marrow and spleen expressed DsRed, including CD19(+) B, CD14(+) monocytoid, and CD33(+) myeloid cell lineages. Integration site analysis revealed SB transposon sequences in the human chromosomes of in vitro differentiated T, B, NK, and myeloid cells, as well as in human CD45(+) cells isolated from bone marrow and spleen of transplanted NOG mice. Our results support the continuing development of SB-based gene transfer into human hematopoietic stem cells as a modality for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkui Xue
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Berlin, Germany
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Enquist IB, Nilsson E, Månsson JE, Ehinger M, Richter J, Karlsson S. Successful low-risk hematopoietic cell therapy in a mouse model of type 1 Gaucher disease. Stem Cells 2009; 27:744-52. [PMID: 19056909 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2008-0844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell-based gene therapy offers the possibility of permanent correction for genetic disorders of the hematopoietic system. However, optimization of present protocols is required before gene therapy can be safely applied as general treatment of genetic diseases. In this study we have used a mouse model of type 1 Gaucher disease (GD) to demonstrate the feasibility of a low-risk conditioning regimen instead of standard radiation, which is associated with severe adverse effects. We first wanted to establish what level of engraftment and glucosylceramidase (GCase) activity is required to correct the pathology of the type 1 GD mouse. Our results demonstrate that a median wild-type (WT) cell engraftment of 7%, corresponding to GCase activity levels above 10 nmoles/hour and mg protein, was sufficient to reverse pathology in bone marrow and spleen in the GD mouse. Moreover, we applied nonmyeloablative doses of busulfan as a pretransplant conditioning regimen and show that even WT cell engraftment in the range of 1%-10% can confer a beneficial therapeutical outcome in this disease model. Taken together, our data provide encouraging evidence for the possibility of developing safe and efficient conditioning protocols for diseases that require only a low level of normal or gene-corrected cells for a permanent and beneficial therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Berglin Enquist
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and the Lund Strategic Research Center for Stem Cell Biology and Cell Therapy, Lund University, Sweden
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Clinical-scale lentiviral vector transduction of PBL for TCR gene therapy and potential for expression in less-differentiated cells. J Immunother 2009; 31:830-9. [PMID: 18833004 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e31818817c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In human gene therapy applications, lentiviral vectors may have advantages over gamma-retroviral vectors because of their ability to transduce nondividing cells, their resistance to gene silencing, and a lack of integration site preference. In this study, we used VSV-G pseudotype third generation lentiviral vectors harboring specific antitumor T-cell receptor (TCR) to establish clinical-scale lentiviral transduction of peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL). Spinoculation (1000g, 32 degrees C for 2 h) in the presence of protamine sulfate represents the most efficient and economical approach to transduce a large number of PBLs compared with RetroNectin-based methods. Up to 20 million cells per well of a 6-well plate were efficiently transduced and underwent an average 50-fold expansion in 2 weeks. TCR transduced PBL-mediated specific antitumor activities including interferon-gamma release and cell lysis. Compared with gamma-retroviral vectors, the TCR transgene could be preferentially expressed on a less-differentiated cell population.
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Dorer DE, Nettelbeck DM. Targeting cancer by transcriptional control in cancer gene therapy and viral oncolysis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2009; 61:554-71. [PMID: 19394376 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-specificity is the key requirement for a drug or treatment regimen to be effective against malignant disease--and has rarely been achieved adequately to date. Therefore, targeting strategies need to be implemented for future therapies to ensure efficient activity at the site of patients' tumors or metastases without causing intolerable side-effects. Gene therapy and viral oncolysis represent treatment modalities that offer unique opportunities for tumor targeting. This is because both the transfer of genes with anti-cancer activity and viral replication-induced cell killing, respectively, facilitate the incorporation of multiple mechanisms restricting their activity to cancer. To this end, cellular mechanisms of gene regulation have been successfully exploited to direct therapeutic gene expression and viral cell lysis to cancer cells. Here, transcriptional targeting has been the role model and most widely investigated. This approach exploits cellular gene regulatory elements that mediate cell type-specific transcription to restrict the expression of therapeutic genes or essential viral genes, ideally to cancer cells. In this review, we first discuss the rationale for such promoter targeting and its limitations. We then give an overview how tissue-/tumor-specific promoters are being identified and characterized. Strategies to apply and optimize such promoters for the engineering of targeted viral gene transfer vectors and oncolytic viruses-with respect to promoter size, selectivity and activity in the context of viral genomes-are described. Finally, we discuss in more detail individual examples for transcriptionally targeted virus drugs. First highlighting oncolytic viruses targeted by prostate-specific promoters and by the telomerase promoter as representatives of tissue-targeted and pan-cancer-specific virus drugs respectively, and secondly recent developments of the last two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik E Dorer
- Helmholtz-University Group Oncolytic Adenoviruses, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Dermatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Scheller E, Krebsbach P. Gene therapy: design and prospects for craniofacial regeneration. J Dent Res 2009; 88:585-96. [PMID: 19641145 PMCID: PMC2907101 DOI: 10.1177/0022034509337480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 11/22/2008] [Accepted: 11/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is defined as the treatment of disease by transfer of genetic material into cells. This review will explore methods available for gene transfer as well as current and potential applications for craniofacial regeneration, with emphasis on future development and design. Though non-viral gene delivery methods are limited by low gene transfer efficiency, they benefit from relative safety, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacture, and lack of DNA insert size limitation. In contrast, viral vectors are nature's gene delivery machines that can be optimized to allow for tissue-specific targeting, site-specific chromosomal integration, and efficient long-term infection of dividing and non-dividing cells. In contrast to traditional replacement gene therapy, craniofacial regeneration seeks to use genetic vectors as supplemental building blocks for tissue growth and repair. Synergistic combination of viral gene therapy with craniofacial tissue engineering will significantly enhance our ability to repair and replace tissues in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.L. Scheller
- Department. of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
| | - P.H. Krebsbach
- Department. of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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Bagnis C, Chapel S, Chiaroni J, Bailly P. A genetic strategy to control expression of human blood group antigens in red blood cells generated in vitro. Transfusion 2009; 49:967-76. [PMID: 19175544 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2008.02078.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to generate red blood cells of a chosen blood group phenotype would be a major advance in transfusion when considering low- and high-frequency blood group antigens. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Cord blood CD34+ cells undergoing erythroid differentiation in vitro were genetically manipulated with human immunodeficiency virus Type 1-derived lentiviral vectors expressing hUT-B1 cDNA (overexpression strategy) or bicistronic vectors expressing both enhanced green fluorescent protein and a short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) designed to silence SLC14A1(JK) gene that encodes hUT-B1 protein (silencing strategy). Resulting cell populations were analyzed by fluorescent-activated cell sorting and gel affinity column assay. RESULTS When transduced with hUT-B1 cDNA lentiviral vectors encoding JK*B and JK*A alleles, respectively, CD34+ cell-derived erythroid populations from Jk(a+b-) and Jk(a-b+) donors exhibited a Jk(a+b+) phenotype different from the original phenotype. In concomitant tests, Jk(a+b+) donor cells transduced with lentiviral vectors carrying a shRNA designed to interfere with hUT-B1 transcription showed a marked decrease in hUT-B1 expression and were assessed as null for Jk antigen by a routine assay. CONCLUSION In this work focusing on the Kidd blood group system that relies on expression of hUT-B1 glycoprotein under the Jk(a) or Jk(b) antigenic configurations, we demonstrated that hematopoietic progenitors could be genetically modified to exhibit a chosen Kidd phenotype. Beyond production of atypical Kidd phenotypes, this genetic strategy could allow generation of rare blood phenotypes from hematopoietic stem cells regardless of initial donor phenotype. Potential applications for genetically modified blood include production of control samples for immunohematologic testing and for resolution of antibody detection in multiply transfused patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Bagnis
- Etablissement Français du Sang Alpes Méditerranée, UMR 6578-CNRS/Université de la Méditerranée/EFS, Laboratoire Hématologie Moléculaire, Marseille, France.
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