1
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Zhang C, Liu D. Transcription Factor Binding Site in Promoter Determines the Pattern of Plasmid-Based Transgene Expression In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:544. [PMID: 38675205 PMCID: PMC11055139 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the regulation of transgene expression is critical for the success of plasmid-based gene therapy and vaccine development. In this study, we used two sets of plasmid vectors containing secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase or the mouse IL-10 gene as a reporter and investigated the role of promoter elements in regulating transgene expression in vivo. We demonstrated in mice that hydrodynamic transfer of plasmids with the CMV promoter resulted in a high level of reporter gene expression that declined rapidly over time. In contrast, when plasmids with albumin promoters were used, a lower but sustained gene expression pattern was observed. We also found that plasmids containing a shorter CMV promoter sequence with fewer transcription factor binding sites showed a decrease in the peak level of gene expression without changing the overall pattern of reporter gene expression. The replacement of regulatory elements in the CMV promoter with a single regulatory element of the albumin promoter changed the pattern of transient gene expression seen in the CMV promoter to a pattern of sustained gene expression identical to that of a full albumin promoter. ChIP analyses demonstrated an elevated binding of acetylated histones and TATA box-binding protein to the promoter carrying regulatory elements of the albumin promoter. These results suggest that the strength of a promoter is determined by the number of appropriate transcription factor binding sites, while gene expression persistence is determined by the presence of regulatory elements capable of recruiting epigenetic modifying complexes that make the promoter accessible for transcription. This study provides important insights into the mechanisms underlying gene expression regulation in vivo, which can be used to improve plasmid-based gene therapy and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
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2
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Chiyyeadu A, Asgedom G, Bruhn M, Rocha C, Schlegel TU, Neumann T, Galla M, Vollmer Barbosa P, Hoffmann M, Ehrhardt K, Ha TC, Morgan M, Schoeder CT, Pöhlmann S, Kalinke U, Schambach A. A tetravalent bispecific antibody outperforms the combination of its parental antibodies and neutralizes diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants. Clin Immunol 2024; 260:109902. [PMID: 38218210 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.109902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The devastating impact of COVID-19 on global health shows the need to increase our pandemic preparedness. Recombinant therapeutic antibodies were successfully used to treat and protect at-risk patients from COVID-19. However, the currently circulating Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 are largely resistant to therapeutic antibodies, and novel approaches to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies are urgently needed. Here, we describe a tetravalent bispecific antibody, A7A9 TVB, which actively neutralized many SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including early Omicron subvariants. Interestingly, A7A9 TVB neutralized more variants at lower concentration as compared to the combination of its parental monoclonal antibodies, A7K and A9L. A7A9 also reduced the viral load of authentic Omicron BA.1 virus in infected pseudostratified primary human nasal epithelial cells. Overall, A7A9 displayed the characteristics of a potent broadly neutralizing antibody, which may be suitable for prophylactic and therapeutic applications in the clinics, thus highlighting the usefulness of an effective antibody-designing approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chiyyeadu
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Girmay Asgedom
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Bruhn
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Cheila Rocha
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tom U Schlegel
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Neumann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Philippe Vollmer Barbosa
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Hoffmann
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Ehrhardt
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Teng-Cheong Ha
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara T Schoeder
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
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3
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Reis-Claro I, Silva MI, Moutinho A, Garcia BC, Pereira-Castro I, Moreira A. Application of the iPLUS non-coding sequence in improving biopharmaceuticals production. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1355957. [PMID: 38380261 PMCID: PMC10876878 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1355957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The biotechnological landscape has witnessed significant growth in biological therapeutics particularly in the field of recombinant protein production. Here we investigate the function of 3'UTR cis-regulatory elements in increasing mRNA and protein levels in different biological therapeutics and model systems, spanning from monoclonal antibodies to mRNA vaccines. We explore the regulatory function of iPLUS - a universal sequence capable of consistently augmenting recombinant protein levels. By incorporating iPLUS in a vector to express a monoclonal antibody used in immunotherapy, in a mammalian cell line used by the industry (ExpiCHO), trastuzumab production increases by 2-fold. As yeast Pichia pastoris is widely used in the manufacture of industrial enzymes and pharmaceuticals, we then used iPLUS in tandem (3x) and iPLUSv2 (a variant of iPLUS) to provide proof-of-concept data that it increases the production of a reporter protein more than 100-fold. As iPLUS functions by also increasing mRNA levels, we hypothesize that these sequences could be used as an asset in the mRNA vaccine industry. In fact, by including iPLUSv2 downstream of Spike we were able to double its production. Moreover, the same effect was observed when we introduced iPLUSv2 downstream of MAGEC2, a tumor-specific antigen tested for cancer mRNA vaccines. Taken together, our study provides data (TLR4) showing that iPLUS may be used as a valuable asset in a variety of systems used by the biotech and biopharmaceutical industry. Our results underscore the critical role of non-coding sequences in controlling gene expression, offering a promising avenue to accelerate, enhance, and cost-effectively optimize biopharmaceutical production processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Reis-Claro
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Silva
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Moutinho
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz C. Garcia
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira-Castro
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Moreira
- Gene Regulation, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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4
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Wu J, Chen Y, Shen W, Zhang J, Zeng F. Reducing the transcriptional read-through rate of a lentiviral vector for β-thalassemia gene therapy. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3640. [PMID: 37989259 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3640] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND LentiGlobin BB305 is a self-inactivating lentiviral vector carrying a human β-globin expressing cassette for treating β-thalassemia. Initially, a 2 × 250 bp chicken Locus Control Region fragment of cHS4, functioning as an insulator, was placed at its ΔU3, which was removed after the first clinical trial led by a French team to avoid abnormal splicing, etc. This action could potentially lead to an increasing risk of the transcriptional read-through rate driven by the β-globin promoter to a significant level, posing a biosafety risk in clinical trials. METHODS In the present study, a read-through reducing agent (C-U+ or WPRE) was designed to be placed at the 3' UTR of the β-globin gene. The Enhancer Activities and/or Transcriptional Read-Through (EATRT) rate at the mRNA level and the protein expression level regarding lentiviral preparation titer were examined. RESULTS We found that the insertion of the element (C-U+ or WPRE) reduced the EATRT effectively by 53% or 41%, respectively. C-U+ has less impact on virus package efficiency. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the protein expression level after the C-U+ or WPRE insertion. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study show that inserting C-U+ or WPRE before the polyA sequence of the BB305 would reduce the EATRT rate at no cost of its expressing efficacy and viral preparation titers. Thus, we present an alternative improvement for a safer lentiviral vector for β-thalassemia clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenchen Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingzhi Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanyi Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
- Department of Histo-Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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5
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Alfonsetti M, d’Angelo M, Castelli V. Neurotrophic factor-based pharmacological approaches in neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1220-1228. [PMID: 36453397 PMCID: PMC9838155 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.358619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a physiological event dependent on multiple pathways that are linked to lifespan and processes leading to cognitive decline. This process represents the major risk factor for aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. The incidence of all these pathologies increases exponentially with age. Research on aging biology has currently focused on elucidating molecular mechanisms leading to the development of those pathologies. Cognitive deficit and neurodegeneration, common features of aging-related pathologies, are related to the alteration of the activity and levels of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor. For this reason, treatments that modulate neurotrophin levels have acquired a great deal of interest in preventing neurodegeneration and promoting neural regeneration in several neurological diseases. Those treatments include both the direct administration of neurotrophic factors and the induced expression with viral vectors, neurotrophins' binding with biomaterials or other molecules to increase their bioavailability but also cell-based therapies. Considering neurotrophins' crucial role in aging pathologies, here we discuss the involvement of several neurotrophic factors in the most common brain aging-related diseases and the most recent therapeutic approaches that provide direct and sustained neurotrophic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Alfonsetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy,Correspondence to: Vanessa Castelli, .
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6
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Mazinani M, Rahbarizadeh F. CAR-T cell potency: from structural elements to vector backbone components. Biomark Res 2022; 10:70. [PMID: 36123710 PMCID: PMC9487061 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, in which a patient’s own T lymphocytes are engineered to recognize and kill cancer cells, has achieved remarkable success in some hematological malignancies in preclinical and clinical trials, resulting in six FDA-approved CAR-T products currently available in the market. Once equipped with a CAR construct, T cells act as living drugs and recognize and eliminate the target tumor cells in an MHC-independent manner. In this review, we first described all structural modular of CAR in detail, focusing on more recent findings. We then pointed out behind-the-scene elements contributing to CAR expression and reviewed how CAR expression can be drastically affected by the elements embedded in the viral vector backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Mazinani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran. .,Research and Development Center of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Büning H, Fehse B, Ivics Z, Kochanek S, Koehl U, Kupatt C, Mussolino C, Nettelbeck DM, Schambach A, Uckert W, Wagner E, Cathomen T. Gene Therapy "Made in Germany": A Historical Perspective, Analysis of the Status Quo, and Recommendations for Action by the German Society for Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:987-996. [PMID: 34662229 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.29178.hbu] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies have been successfully applied to treat severe inherited and acquired disorders. Although research and development are sufficiently well funded in Germany and while the output of scientific publications and patents is comparable with the leading nations in gene therapy, the country lags noticeably behind with regard to the number of both clinical studies and commercialized gene therapy products. In this article, we give a historical perspective on the development of gene therapy in Germany, analyze the current situation from the standpoint of the German Society for Gene Therapy (DG-GT), and define recommendations for action that would enable our country to generate biomedical and economic advantages from innovations in this sector, instead of merely importing advanced therapy medicinal products. Inter alia, we propose (1) to harmonize and simplify regulatory licensing processes to enable faster access to advanced therapies, and (2) to establish novel coordination, support and funding structures that facilitate networking of the key players. Such a center would provide the necessary infrastructure and know-how to translate cell and gene therapies to patients on the one hand, and pave the way for commercialization of these promising and innovative technologies on the other. Hence, these courses of action would not only benefit the German biotech and pharma landscape but also the society and the patients in need of new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) and Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Kupatt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudio Mussolino
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk M Nettelbeck
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Virotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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8
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López-Sánchez N, Garrido-García A, Ramón-Landreau M, Cano-Daganzo V, Frade JM. E2F4-Based Gene Therapy Mitigates the Phenotype of the Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model 5xFAD. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2484-2503. [PMID: 34766258 PMCID: PMC8804140 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
After decades of unfruitful work, no effective therapies are available for Alzheimer's disease (AD), likely due to its complex etiology that requires a multifactorial therapeutic approach. We have recently shown using transgenic mice that E2 factor 4 (E2F4), a transcription factor that regulates cell quiescence and tissue homeostasis, and controls gene networks affected in AD, represents a good candidate for a multifactorial targeting of AD. Here we show that the expression of a dominant negative form of human E2F4 (hE2F4DN), unable to become phosphorylated in a Thr-conserved motif known to modulate E2F4 activity, is an effective and safe AD multifactorial therapeutic agent. Neuronal expression of hE2F4DN in homozygous 5xFAD (h5xFAD) mice after systemic administration of an AAV.PHP.B-hSyn1.hE2F4DN vector reduced the production and accumulation of Aβ in the hippocampus, attenuated reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis, abolished neuronal tetraploidization, and prevented cognitive impairment evaluated by Y-maze and Morris water maze, without triggering side effects. This treatment also reversed other alterations observed in h5xFAD mice such as paw-clasping behavior and body weight loss. Our results indicate that E2F4DN-based gene therapy is a promising therapeutic approach against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia López-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Garrido-García
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Morgan Ramón-Landreau
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Cano-Daganzo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Frade
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Jadav A, Truong K. Generation of stable cell lines using readthrough expression from lentiviral integration. Biotechnol Lett 2021; 43:2131-2136. [PMID: 34533680 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-021-03186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral infection is often used to integrate genetic material into cells to stably express transgenes of interest. Depending on the location of integration into the host genome, readthrough expression of the lentiviral cargo can occur via an upstream endogenous promoter, which is typically an unwanted phenomenon because it can result in dysfunctional expression. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that readthrough expression can be a wanted phenomenon for expressing functional proteins while at the same time reducing the size of the lentiviral transfer plasmid. Readthrough expression was used to generate HEK293 cell lines stably expressing fluorescent reporter proteins, reporter protein-antibiotic resistance fusion proteins for selection, and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. The generated proteins were all functional, as demonstrated by their ability to fluoresce, confer antibiotic resistance, and participate in receptor-mediated signalling, respectively. Therefore, we suggest that the mechanism of readthrough expression may have further applications in the expression of larger genes or genetic circuits (e.g. cell-based therapeutics), where the lentiviral cargo limit is stretched to the maximum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Jadav
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Kevin Truong
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada.
- Edward S. Rogers, Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street Room 407, Rosebrugh Building, 10 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G4, Canada.
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10
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Wagner JE, Zobel L, Gerhardt MJ, O'Riordan CR, Frederick A, Petersen-Jones SM, Biel M, Michalakis S. In vivo potency testing of subretinal rAAV5.hCNGB1 gene therapy in the Cngb1 knockout mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1158-1170. [PMID: 34376057 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa type 45 (RP45) is an autosomal-recessively inherited blinding disease caused by mutations in the cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit beta 1 (CNGB1) gene. In this study, we developed and tested a novel gene supplementation therapy suitable for clinical translation. To this end, we designed a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector carrying a genome that features a novel human rhodopsin promoter (hRHO194) driving rod-specific expression of full-length human CNGB1 (rAAV5.hCNGB1). rAAV5.hCNGB1 was evaluated for efficacy in the Cngb1 knockout (Cngb1-/-) mouse model of RP45. In particular, increasing doses of rAAV5.hCNGB1 were delivered via single subretinal injection in 4-week-old Cngb1-/- mice and the treatment effect was assessed over a follow-up period of 9 months at the level of (i) retinal morphology, (ii) retinal function, (iii) vision-guided behavior, and (iv) transgene expression. We found that subretinal treatment with rAAV5.hCNGB1 resulted in efficient expression of the human CNGB1 protein in mouse rods and was able to normalize the expression of the endogenous mouse CNGA1 subunit, which together with CNGB1 forms the native heterotetrameric cGMP-gated cation channel in rod photoreceptors. The treatment led to a dose-dependent recovery of rod photoreceptor-driven function and preservation of retinal morphology in Cngb1-/- mice. In summary, these results demonstrate the efficacy of hCNGB1 gene supplementation therapy in the Cngb1-/- mouse model of RP45 and support the translation of this approach towards future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna E Wagner
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 9183, Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Munich, Bayern, Germany;
| | - Lena Zobel
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 9183, Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Munich, Bayern, Germany.,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 9183, University Hospital - Department of Ophthalmology, Munich, Bayern, Germany;
| | - Maximilian Joachim Gerhardt
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 9183, University Hospital - Department of Ophthalmology, Munich, Bayern, Germany;
| | - Catherine R O'Riordan
- Sanofi Genzyme, 2194, Gene Therapy, Rare Diseases, Framingham, Massachusetts, United States; Catherine.O'
| | - Amy Frederick
- Sanofi Genzyme, 2194, Gene Therapy, Rare Diseases, Framingham, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Michigan State University, Veterinary Medical Center, East Lansing, Michigan, United States;
| | - Martin Biel
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 9183, Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Munich, Bayern, Germany;
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 9183, Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Munich, Bayern, Germany.,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 9183, University Hospital - Department of Ophthalmology, Munich, Bayern, Germany;
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11
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12
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Counsell JR, De Brabandere G, Karda R, Moore M, Greco A, Bray A, Diaz JA, Perocheau DP, Mock U, Waddington SN. Re-structuring lentiviral vectors to express genomic RNA via cap-dependent translation. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:357-365. [PMID: 33553484 PMCID: PMC7838728 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral (LV) vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) package two copies of their single-stranded RNA into vector particles. Normally, this RNA genome is reverse transcribed into a double-stranded DNA provirus that integrates into the cell genome, providing permanent gene transfer and long-term expression. Integration-deficient LV vectors have been developed to reduce the frequency of genomic integration and thereby limit their persistence in dividing cells. Here, we describe optimization of a reverse-transcriptase-deficient LV vector, which enables direct translation of LV RNA genomes upon cell entry, for transient expression of vector payloads as mRNA without a DNA intermediate. We have engineered a novel LV genome arrangement in which HIV-1 sequences are removed from the 5' end, to enable ribosomal entry from the 5' 7-methylguanylate cap for efficient translation of the vector payload. We have shown that this LV-mediated mRNA delivery platform provides transient transgene expression in vitro and in vivo. This has a potential application in gene and cell therapy scenarios requiring temporary payload expression in cells and tissues that can be targeted with pseudotyped LV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Counsell
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Guillaume De Brabandere
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, UK
| | - Marc Moore
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Antonio Greco
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Alysha Bray
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Juan Antinao Diaz
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, UK
| | - Dany P Perocheau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, UK
| | - Ulrike Mock
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, UK.,MRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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13
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Munis AM. Gene Therapy Applications of Non-Human Lentiviral Vectors. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101106. [PMID: 33003635 PMCID: PMC7599719 DOI: 10.3390/v12101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent commercialization of lentiviral vector (LV)-based cell therapies and successful reports of clinical studies have demonstrated the untapped potential of LVs to treat diseases and benefit patients. LVs hold notable and inherent advantages over other gene transfer agents based on their ability to transduce non-dividing cells, permanently transform target cell genome, and allow stable, long-term transgene expression. LV systems based on non-human lentiviruses are attractive alternatives to conventional HIV-1-based LVs due to their lack of pathogenicity in humans. This article reviews non-human lentiviruses and highlights their unique characteristics regarding virology and molecular biology. The LV systems developed based on these lentiviruses, as well as their successes and shortcomings, are also discussed. As the field of gene therapy is advancing rapidly, the use of LVs uncovers further challenges and possibilities. Advances in virology and an improved understanding of lentiviral biology will aid in the creation of recombinant viral vector variants suitable for translational applications from a variety of lentiviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altar M Munis
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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14
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Preclinical Development of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Based Gene Therapy for Immune Deficiencies: A Journey from Mouse Cage to Bed Side. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12060549. [PMID: 32545727 PMCID: PMC7357087 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical trials using patient’s own corrected hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), such as for primary immunodeficiencies (Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency, X-linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome (WAS)), have yielded promising results in the clinic; endorsing gene therapy to become standard therapy for a number of diseases. However, the journey to achieve such a successful therapy is not easy, and several challenges have to be overcome. In this review, we will address several different challenges in the development of gene therapy for immune deficiencies using our own experience with Recombinase-activating gene 1 (RAG1) SCID as an example. We will discuss product development (targeting of the therapeutic cells and choice of a suitable vector and delivery method), the proof-of-concept (in vitro and in vivo efficacy, toxicology, and safety), and the final release steps to the clinic (scaling up, good manufacturing practice (GMP) procedures/protocols and regulatory hurdles).
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15
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Buck TM, Wijnholds J. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (rAAV)-Vector Elements in Ocular Gene Therapy Clinical Trials and Transgene Expression and Bioactivity Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4197. [PMID: 32545533 PMCID: PMC7352801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies cause chronic disabling loss of visual function. The development of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) gene therapies in all disease fields have been promising, but the translation to the clinic has been slow. The safety and efficacy profiles of rAAV are linked to the dose of applied vectors. DNA changes in the rAAV gene cassette affect potency, the expression pattern (cell-specificity), and the production yield. Here, we present a library of rAAV vectors and elements that provide a workflow to design novel vectors. We first performed a meta-analysis on recombinant rAAV elements in clinical trials (2007-2020) for ocular gene therapies. We analyzed 33 unique rAAV gene cassettes used in 57 ocular clinical trials. The rAAV gene therapy vectors used six unique capsid variants, 16 different promoters, and six unique polyadenylation sequences. Further, we compiled a list of promoters, enhancers, and other sequences used in current rAAV gene cassettes in preclinical studies. Then, we give an update on pro-viral plasmid backbones used to produce the gene therapy vectors, inverted terminal repeats, production yield, and rAAV safety considerations. Finally, we assess rAAV transgene and bioactivity assays applied to cells or organoids in vitro, explants ex vivo, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M. Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Uchida N, Hsieh MM, Raines L, Haro-Mora JJ, Demirci S, Bonifacino AC, Krouse AE, Metzger ME, Donahue RE, Tisdale JF. Development of a forward-oriented therapeutic lentiviral vector for hemoglobin disorders. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4479. [PMID: 31578323 PMCID: PMC6775231 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy is being evaluated for hemoglobin disorders including sickle cell disease (SCD). Therapeutic globin vectors have demanding requirements including high-efficiency transduction at the HSC level and high-level, erythroid-specific expression with long-term persistence. The requirement of intron 2 for high-level β-globin expression dictates a reverse-oriented globin-expression cassette to prevent its loss from RNA splicing. Current reverse-oriented globin vectors can drive phenotypic correction, but they are limited by low vector titers and low transduction efficiencies. Here we report a clinically relevant forward-oriented β-globin-expressing vector, which has sixfold higher vector titers and four to tenfold higher transduction efficiency for long-term hematopoietic repopulating cells in humanized mice and rhesus macaques. Insertion of Rev response element (RRE) allows intron 2 to be retained, and β-globin production is observed in transplanted macaques and human SCD CD34+ cells. These findings bring us closer to a widely applicable gene therapy for hemoglobin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Uchida
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Matthew M Hsieh
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lydia Raines
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Juan J Haro-Mora
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Selami Demirci
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aylin C Bonifacino
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Allen E Krouse
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark E Metzger
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert E Donahue
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John F Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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17
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Song L, He J, Gao Y, Fang Y, Zhang L, Wang J, Sun F, Zhang F, Zeng Y, Zeng F, Zhang J. Improved biosafety of a lentiviral vector by reducing cellular gene activation. J Gene Med 2019; 21:e3087. [PMID: 30901108 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lentiviral vectors (LVs) have enhancer activity and/or transcriptional read-through (EATRT) properties that can lead to the activation of adjacent genes. Consequently, patients may be at increased risk for adverse effects if such vectors are used clinically. METHODS In the present study, we assessed the abilities of different "pro-LV"-like constructs with respect to decreasing its EATRT, including the "pro-LV" vector bearing a chimeric ΔLTR of the human foamy virus R-U5 region replaced by that of an LV (HF). RESULTS By analyzing the EATRT of "pro-LV" constructs transfected in 293T cells, we observed that the inclusion of the first 400 bp of the chicken β-globin locus HS4 insulator core sequence oriented in the reverse direction (C-) combined with two copies of the simian virus 40 upstream-sequence element (U) at the ΔU3 of ΔLTR region of "pro-LV" tended to shield the adjacent genomic sequences, such that the EATRT rate was lower than when either of the C- or U was included in the "pro-LV". Moreover, upon transduction, the pro-HF appears to reduce the EATRT rate in the chromosomes of 293T (by 80%) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (by 75%) compared to when pro-LV C-U was included (with a 60% and 89% reduction in 293T and PBMCs, respectively). The HF construct had a significant reduction of viral biological titer compared tiowhen the pro-LV C-U was used in 293T cells. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study provide an important basis for the clinical applicability of LVs in gene and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Song
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaping He
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudan Fang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengqiang Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Yitao Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanyi Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Histo-Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingzhi Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Embryogenesis and Developmental Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo and Reproduction Engineering, Shanghai, China
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18
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Liu B, Saber A, Haisma HJ. CRISPR/Cas9: a powerful tool for identification of new targets for cancer treatment. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:955-970. [PMID: 30849442 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated nuclease 9 (Cas9), as a powerful genome-editing tool, has revolutionized genetic engineering. It is widely used to investigate the molecular basis of different cancer types. In this review, we present an overview of recent studies in which CRISPR/Cas9 has been used for the identification of potential molecular targets. Based on the collected data, we suggest here that CRISPR/Cas9 is an effective system to distinguish between mutant and wild-type alleles in cancer. We show that several new potential therapeutic targets, such as CD38, CXCR2, MASTL, and RBX2, as well as several noncoding (nc)RNAs have been identified using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We also discuss the obstacles and challenges that we face for using CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Saber
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hidde J Haisma
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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19
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Mitra S, Behbahani H, Eriksdotter M. Innovative Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease-With Focus on Biodelivery of NGF. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:38. [PMID: 30804738 PMCID: PMC6370742 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal protein modification, inflammation and memory impairment. Aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau proteins are medical diagnostic features. Loss of memory in AD has been associated with central cholinergic dysfunction in basal forebrain, from where the cholinergic circuitry projects to cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Various reports link AD progression with declining activity of cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain. The neurotrophic molecule, nerve growth factor (NGF), plays a major role in the maintenance of cholinergic neurons integrity and function, both during development and adulthood. Numerous studies have also shown that NGF contributes to the survival and regeneration of neurons during aging and in age-related diseases such as AD. Changes in neurotrophic signaling pathways are involved in the aging process and contribute to cholinergic and cognitive decline as observed in AD. Further, gradual dysregulation of neurotrophic factors like NGF and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been reported during AD development thus intensifying further research in targeting these factors as disease modifying therapies against AD. Today, there is no cure available for AD and the effects of the symptomatic treatment like cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine are transient and moderate. Although many AD treatment studies are being carried out, there has not been any breakthrough and new therapies are thus highly needed. Long-term effective therapy for alleviating cognitive impairment is a major unmet need. Discussion and summarizing the new advancements of using NGF as a potential therapeutic implication in AD are important. In summary, the intent of this review is describing available experimental and clinical data related to AD therapy, priming to gain additional facts associated with the importance of NGF for AD treatment, and encapsulated cell biodelivery (ECB) as an efficient tool for NGF delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumonto Mitra
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Homira Behbahani
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Aging Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Knopp Y, Geis FK, Heckl D, Horn S, Neumann T, Kuehle J, Meyer J, Fehse B, Baum C, Morgan M, Meyer J, Schambach A, Galla M. Transient Retrovirus-Based CRISPR/Cas9 All-in-One Particles for Efficient, Targeted Gene Knockout. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:256-274. [PMID: 30317165 PMCID: PMC6187057 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The recently discovered CRISPR/Cas9 system is widely used in basic research and is a useful tool for disease modeling and gene editing therapies. However, long-term expression of DNA-modifying enzymes can be associated with cytotoxicity and is particularly unwanted in clinical gene editing strategies. Because current transient expression methods may still suffer from cytotoxicity and/or low efficiency, we developed non-integrating retrovirus-based CRISPR/Cas9 all-in-one particles for targeted gene knockout. By redirecting the gammaretroviral packaging machinery, we transiently delivered Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) mRNA and single-guide RNA transcripts into various (including primary) cell types. Spatiotemporal co-delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components resulted in efficient disruption of a surrogate reporter gene, as well as functional knockout of endogenous human genes CXCR4 and TP53. Although acting in a hit-and-run fashion, knockout efficiencies of our transient particles corresponded to 52%-80% of those obtained from constitutively active integrating vectors. Stable SpCas9 overexpression at high doses in murine NIH3T3 cells caused a substantial G0/G1 arrest accompanied by reduced cell growth and metabolic activity, which was prevented by transient SpCas9 transfer. In summary, the non-integrating retrovirus-based vector particles introduced here allow efficient and dose-controlled delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components into target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Knopp
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Franziska K Geis
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Dirk Heckl
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Stefan Horn
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Thomas Neumann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Johannes Kuehle
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Janine Meyer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Christopher Baum
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Presidential Office, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Johann Meyer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany.
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21
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Morgan MA, Schambach A. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: Extending Translation from Liquid to Solid Tumors. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1083-1097. [PMID: 30156435 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful translation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells designed to target and eradicate CD19+ lymphomas has emboldened scientists and physicians worldwide to explore the possibility of applying CAR T-cell technology to other tumor entities, including solid tumors. Next-generation strategies such as fourth-generation CARs (CAR T cells redirected for universal cytokine killing, also known as TRUCKs) designed to deliver immunomodulatory cytokines to the tumor microenvironment, dual CAR designs to improve tumor control, inclusion of suicide genes as safety switches, and precision genome editing are currently being investigated. One major ongoing goal is to determine how best to generate CAR T cells that modulate the tumor microenvironment, overcome tumor survival mechanisms, and thus allow broader applicability as universal allogeneic T-cell therapeutics. Development of state-of-the-art and beyond viral vector systems to deliver designer CARs coupled with targeted genome editing is expected to generate more effective off-the-shelf CAR T cells with activity against a greater number of cancer types and importantly solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Morgan
- 1 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany .,2 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- 1 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany .,2 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany .,3 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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22
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Hammerschmidt SI, Werth K, Rothe M, Galla M, Permanyer M, Patzer GE, Bubke A, Frenk DN, Selich A, Lange L, Schambach A, Bošnjak B, Förster R. CRISPR/Cas9 Immunoengineering of Hoxb8-Immortalized Progenitor Cells for Revealing CCR7-Mediated Dendritic Cell Signaling and Migration Mechanisms in vivo. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1949. [PMID: 30210501 PMCID: PMC6120996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To present antigens to cognate T cells, dendritic cells (DCs) exploit the chemokine receptor CCR7 to travel from peripheral tissue via afferent lymphatic vessels to directly enter draining lymph nodes through the floor of the subcapsular sinus. Here, we combined unlimited proliferative capacity of conditionally Hoxb8-immortalized hematopoietic progenitor cells with CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a powerful experimental system to investigate DC migration and function. Hematopoietic progenitor cells from the bone marrow of Cas9-transgenic mice were conditionally immortalized by lentiviral transduction introducing a doxycycline-regulated form of the transcription factor Hoxb8 (Cas9-Hoxb8 cells). These cells could be stably cultured for weeks in the presence of doxycycline and puromycin, allowing us to introduce additional genetic modifications applying CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Importantly, modified Cas9-Hoxb8 cells retained their potential to differentiate in vitro into myeloid cells, and GM-CSF-differentiated Cas9-Hoxb8 cells showed the classical phenotype of GM-CSF-differentiated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Following intralymphatic delivery Cas9-Hoxb8 DCs entered the lymph node in a CCR7-dependent manner. Finally, we used two-photon microscopy and imaged Cas9-Hoxb8 DCs that expressed the genetic Ca2+ sensor GCaMP6S to visualize in real-time chemokine-induced Ca2+ signaling of lymph-derived DCs entering the LN parenchyma. Altogether, our study not only allows mechanistic insights in DC migration in vivo, but also provides a platform for the immunoengineering of DCs that, in combination with two-photon imaging, can be exploited to further dissect DC dynamics in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathrin Werth
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc Permanyer
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Anja Bubke
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - David N. Frenk
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anton Selich
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lucas Lange
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Berislav Bošnjak
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reinhold Förster
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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23
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Hacobian A, Hercher D. Pushing the Right Buttons: Improving Efficacy of Therapeutic DNA Vectors. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2017; 24:226-239. [PMID: 29264951 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2017.0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy represents a potent therapeutical application for regenerative medicine. So far, viral and nonviral approaches suffer from major drawbacks hindering efficient gene therapeutic applicability: the immunogenicity of viral systems on the one hand, and the low gene transfer efficiency of nonviral systems on the other hand. Therefore, there is a high demand for improvements of therapeutical systems at several levels. This review summarizes different DNA vector modifications to enhance biological efficacy and efficiency of therapeutical vectors, aiming for low toxicity, high specificity, and biological efficacy-the cornerstones for successful translation of gene therapy into the clinic. We aim to provide a step-by-step instruction to optimize their vectors to achieve the desired outcome of gene therapy. Our review provides the means to either construct a potent gene therapeutic vector de novo or to specifically address a bottleneck in the chain of events mandatory for therapeutic success. Although most of the introduced techniques can be translated into different areas, this review primarily addresses improvements for applications in transient gene therapy in the field of tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ara Hacobian
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Department of Molecular Biology, AUVA Research Center, The Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration , Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Department of Molecular Biology, AUVA Research Center, The Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration , Vienna, Austria
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24
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Scholz SJ, Fronza R, Bartholomä CC, Cesana D, Montini E, von Kalle C, Gil-Farina I, Schmidt M. Lentiviral Vector Promoter is Decisive for Aberrant Transcript Formation. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:875-885. [PMID: 28825370 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors hold great promise for the genetic correction of various inherited diseases. However, lentiviral vector biology is still not completely understood and warrants the precise decoding of molecular mechanisms underlying integration and post-translational modification. This study investigated a series of self-inactivating (SIN) and full long terminal repeat (LTR) lentiviral vectors that contained different types of promoters with or without a transgene to gain deeper insights in lentiviral target site selection and potential perturbation of cellular gene expression. Using an optimized nonrestrictive linear amplification-mediated polymerase chain reaction (nrLAM-PCR) protocol, vector structure-dependent integration site profiles were observed upon transduction of mouse lin- hematopoietic progenitors in vitro. Initial target site selection mainly depended on the presence of the promoter while being independent of its nature. Despite the increased propensity for read-through transcription of SIN lentiviral vectors, the incidence of viral-cellular fusion transcript formation involving the canonical viral splice donor or cryptic splice sites was reduced in both unselected primary lin- cells and transformed 32D cells. Moreover, the strength of the internal promoter in vectors with SIN LTRs is decisive for in vitro selection and for the abundance of chimeric transcripts, which are decreased by moderately active promoters. These results will help to better understand vector biology and to optimize therapeutic vectors for future gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J Scholz
- 1 Department of Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Raffaele Fronza
- 1 Department of Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 GeneWerk GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cynthia C Bartholomä
- 1 Department of Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Cesana
- 3 San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy , Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Montini
- 3 San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy , Milan, Italy
| | - Christof von Kalle
- 1 Department of Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irene Gil-Farina
- 1 Department of Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Schmidt
- 1 Department of Translational Oncology, German Cancer Research Center and National Center for Tumor Diseases , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 GeneWerk GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Hollensen AK, Thomsen R, Bak RO, Petersen CC, Ermegaard ER, Aagaard L, Damgaard CK, Mikkelsen JG. Improved microRNA suppression by WPRE-linked tough decoy microRNA sponges. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:1247-1258. [PMID: 28487381 PMCID: PMC5513069 DOI: 10.1261/rna.061192.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Our genes are post-transcriptionally regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) inducing translational suppression and degradation of targeted mRNAs. Strategies to inhibit miRNAs in a spatiotemporal manner in a desired cell type or tissue, or at a desired developmental stage, can be crucial for understanding miRNA function and for pushing forward miRNA suppression as a feasible rationale for genetic treatment of disease. For such purposes, RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II)-transcribed tough decoy (TuD) miRNA inhibitors are particularly attractive. Here, we demonstrate augmented miRNA suppression capacity of TuD RNA hairpins linked to the Woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE). This effect is position-dependent and evident only when the WPRE is positioned upstream of the TuD. In accordance, inclusion of the WPRE does not change nuclear export, translation, total levels of TuD-containing RNA transcripts, or cytoplasmic P-body localization, suggesting that previously reported WPRE functions are negligible for improved TuD function. Notably, deletion analysis of TuD-fused WPRE unveils truncated WPRE variants resulting in optimized miRNA suppression. Together, our findings add to the guidelines for production of WPRE-supported anti-miRNA TuDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kruse Hollensen
- Department of Biomedicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rune Thomsen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus O Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | - Eva R Ermegaard
- Department of Biomedicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian Kroun Damgaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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26
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Hudecek M, Izsvák Z, Johnen S, Renner M, Thumann G, Ivics Z. Going non-viral: the Sleeping Beauty transposon system breaks on through to the clinical side. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 52:355-380. [PMID: 28402189 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2017.1304354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular medicine has entered a high-tech age that provides curative treatments of complex genetic diseases through genetically engineered cellular medicinal products. Their clinical implementation requires the ability to stably integrate genetic information through gene transfer vectors in a safe, effective and economically viable manner. The latest generation of Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon vectors fulfills these requirements, and may overcome limitations associated with viral gene transfer vectors and transient non-viral gene delivery approaches that are prevalent in ongoing pre-clinical and translational research. The SB system enables high-level stable gene transfer and sustained transgene expression in multiple primary human somatic cell types, thereby representing a highly attractive gene transfer strategy for clinical use. Here we review several recent refinements of the system, including the development of optimized transposons and hyperactive SB variants, the vectorization of transposase and transposon as mRNA and DNA minicircles (MCs) to enhance performance and facilitate vector production, as well as a detailed understanding of SB's genomic integration and biosafety features. This review also provides a perspective on the regulatory framework for clinical trials of gene delivery with SB, and illustrates the path to successful clinical implementation by using, as examples, gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hudecek
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II , Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- b Mobile DNA , Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Sandra Johnen
- c Department of Ophthalmology , University Hospital RWTH Aachen , Aachen , Germany
| | - Matthias Renner
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- e Département des Neurosciences Cliniques Service d'Ophthalmologie , Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève , Genève , Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- d Division of Medical Biotechnology , Paul Ehrlich Institute , Langen, Germany
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27
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Patrício MI, Barnard AR, Orlans HO, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Inclusion of the Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Posttranscriptional Regulatory Element Enhances AAV2-Driven Transduction of Mouse and Human Retina. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 6:198-208. [PMID: 28325286 PMCID: PMC5363497 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE) has been included in the transgene cassette of adeno-associated virus (AAV) in several gene therapy clinical trials, including those for inherited retinal diseases. However, the extent to which WPRE increases transgene expression in the retina is still unclear. To address this question, AAV2 vectors containing a reporter gene with and without WPRE were initially compared in vitro and subsequently in vivo by subretinal delivery in mice. In both instances, the presence of WPRE led to significantly higher levels of transgene expression as measured by fundus fluorescence, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The two vectors were further compared in human retinal explants derived from patients undergoing clinically indicated retinectomy, where again the presence of WPRE resulted in an enhancement of reporter gene expression. Finally, an analogous approach using a transgene currently employed in a clinical trial for choroideremia delivered similar results both in vitro and in vivo, confirming that the WPRE effect is transgene independent. Our data fully support the inclusion of WPRE in ongoing and future AAV retinal gene therapy trials, where it may allow a therapeutic effect to be achieved at an overall lower dose of vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Patrício
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Alun R Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Harry O Orlans
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK.
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28
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Abstract
Viral vector use in gene therapy has highlighted several safety concerns, including genotoxic events. Generally, vector-mediated genotoxicity results from upregulation of cellular proto-oncogenes via promoter insertion, promoter activation, or gene transcript truncation, with enhancer-mediated activation of nearby genes the primary mechanism reported in gene therapy trials. Vector-mediated genotoxicity can be influenced by virus type, integration target site, and target cell type; different vectors have distinct integration profiles which are cell-specific. Non-viral factors, including patient age, disease, and dose can also influence genotoxic potential, thus the choice of test models and clinical trial populations is important to ensure they are indicative of efficacy and safety. Efforts have been made to develop viral vectors with less risk of insertional mutagenesis, including self-inactivating (SIN) vectors, enhancer-blocking insulators, and microRNA targeting of vectors, although insertional mutagenesis is not completely abrogated. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of viral vector-mediated genotoxicity risk from factors contributing to viral vector-mediated genotoxicity to efforts made to reduce genotoxicity, and testing strategies required to adequately assess the risk of insertional mutagenesis. It is clear that there is not a 'one size fits all' approach to vector modification for reducing genotoxicity, and addressing these challenges will be a key step in the development of therapies such as CRISPR-Cas9 and delivery of future gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon M David
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Ann T Doherty
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
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29
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Cross- and Co-Packaging of Retroviral RNAs and Their Consequences. Viruses 2016; 8:v8100276. [PMID: 27727192 PMCID: PMC5086612 DOI: 10.3390/v8100276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses belong to the family Retroviridae and are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles that contain a dimeric RNA genome. Retroviral particle assembly is a complex process, and how the virus is able to recognize and specifically capture the genomic RNA (gRNA) among millions of other cellular and spliced retroviral RNAs has been the subject of extensive investigation over the last two decades. The specificity towards RNA packaging requires higher order interactions of the retroviral gRNA with the structural Gag proteins. Moreover, several retroviruses have been shown to have the ability to cross-/co-package gRNA from other retroviruses, despite little sequence homology. This review will compare the determinants of gRNA encapsidation among different retroviruses, followed by an examination of our current understanding of the interaction between diverse viral genomes and heterologous proteins, leading to their cross-/co-packaging. Retroviruses are well-known serious animal and human pathogens, and such a cross-/co-packaging phenomenon could result in the generation of novel viral variants with unknown pathogenic potential. At the same time, however, an enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in these specific interactions makes retroviruses an attractive target for anti-viral drugs, vaccines, and vectors for human gene therapy.
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30
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Chira S, Jackson CS, Oprea I, Ozturk F, Pepper MS, Diaconu I, Braicu C, Raduly LZ, Calin GA, Berindan-Neagoe I. Progresses towards safe and efficient gene therapy vectors. Oncotarget 2016; 6:30675-703. [PMID: 26362400 PMCID: PMC4741561 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of genetic engineering at the beginning of the 1970′s opened the era of biomedical technologies, which aims to improve human health using genetic manipulation techniques in a clinical context. Gene therapy represents an innovating and appealing strategy for treatment of human diseases, which utilizes vehicles or vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into the patients' body. However, a few past unsuccessful events that negatively marked the beginning of gene therapy resulted in the need for further studies regarding the design and biology of gene therapy vectors, so that this innovating treatment approach can successfully move from bench to bedside. In this paper, we review the major gene delivery vectors and recent improvements made in their design meant to overcome the issues that commonly arise with the use of gene therapy vectors. At the end of the manuscript, we summarized the main advantages and disadvantages of common gene therapy vectors and we discuss possible future directions for potential therapeutic vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Carlo S Jackson
- Department of Immunology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Iulian Oprea
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ferhat Ozturk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Canik Başari University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Department of Immunology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos-Zsolt Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, Oncological Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuţă", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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31
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Ou L, Przybilla MJ, Koniar BL, Whitley CB. Elements of lentiviral vector design toward gene therapy for treating mucopolysaccharidosis I. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2016; 8:87-93. [PMID: 27556013 PMCID: PMC4987501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a lysosomal disease caused by α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) deficiency and accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Lentiviral vector encoding correct IDUA cDNA could be used for treating MPS I. To optimize the lentiviral vector design, 9 constructs were designed by combinations of various promoters, enhancers, and codon optimization. After in vitro transfection into 293FT cells, 5 constructs achieved the highest IDUA activities (5613 to 7358 nmol/h/mg protein). These 5 candidate vectors were then tested by injection (1 × 107 TU/g) into neonatal MPS I mice. After 30 days, one vector, CCEoIDW, achieved the highest IDUA levels: 2.6% of wildtype levels in the brain, 9.9% in the heart, 200% in the liver and 257% in the spleen. CCEoIDW achieved the most significant GAG reduction: down 49% in the brain, 98% in the heart, 100% in the liver and 95% in the spleen. Further, CCEoIDW had the lowest transgene frequency, especially in the gonads (0.03 ± 0.01 copies/100 cells), reducing the risk of insertional mutagenesis and germ-line transmission. Therefore, CCEoIDW is selected as the optimal lentiviral vector for treating MPS I disease and will be applied in large animal preclinical studies. Further, taken both in vitro and in vivo comparisons together, codon optimization, use of EF-1α promoter and woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional response element (WPRE) could enhance transgene expression. These results provided a better understanding of factors contributing efficient transgene expression in lentiviral gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ou
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, United States; Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Michael J Przybilla
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, United States; Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Brenda L Koniar
- Research Animal Resources, University of Minnesota, United States; Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Chester B Whitley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, United States; Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, United States
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32
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Wang W, Liu Z, Su J, Chen WS, Wang XW, Bai SX, Zhang JZ, Yu SQ. Macrophage micro-RNA-155 promotes lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice and rats. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L494-506. [PMID: 27371731 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00001.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNA (miR)-155 is a novel gene regulator with important roles in inflammation. Herein, our study aimed to explore the role of miR-155 in LPS-induced acute lung injury(ALI). ALI in mice was induced by intratracheally delivered LPS. Loss-of-function experiments performed on miR-155 knockout mice showed that miR-155 gene inactivation protected mice from LPS-induced ALI, as manifested by preserved lung permeability and reduced lung inflammation compared with wild-type controls. Bone marrow transplantation experiments identified leukocytes, but not lung parenchymal-derived miR-155-promoted acute lung inflammation. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of miR-155 in lung tissue was greatly elevated in wild-type mice after LPS stimulation. In situ hybridization showed that miR-155 was mainly expressed in alveolar macrophages. In vitro experiments performed in isolated alveolar macrophages and polarized bone marrow-derived macrophages confirmed that miR-155 expression in macrophages was increased in response to LPS stimulation. Conversely, miR-155 gain-of-function in alveolar macrophages remarkably exaggerated LPS-induced acute lung injury. Molecular studies identified the inflammation repressor suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-1) as the downstream target of miR-155. By binding to the 3'-UTR of the SOCS-1 mRNA, miR-155 downregulated SOCS-1 expression, thus, permitting the inflammatory response during lung injury. Finally, we generated a novel miR-155 knockout rat strain and showed that the proinflammatory role of miR-155 was conserved in rats. Our study identified miR-155 as a proinflammatory factor after LPS stimulation, and alveolar macrophages-derived miR-155 has an important role in LPS-induced ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China; and
| | - Jie Su
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen-Sheng Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Wu Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - San-Xing Bai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shi-Qiang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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33
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Baldwin K, Urbinati F, Romero Z, Campo-Fernandez B, Kaufman ML, Cooper AR, Masiuk K, Hollis RP, Kohn DB. Enrichment of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells facilitates transduction for stem cell gene therapy. Stem Cells 2016; 33:1532-42. [PMID: 25588820 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy for sickle cell disease has the potential to treat this illness without the major immunological complications associated with allogeneic transplantation. However, transduction efficiency by β-globin lentiviral vectors using CD34-enriched cell populations is suboptimal and large vector production batches may be needed for clinical trials. Transducing a cell population more enriched for HSC could greatly reduce vector needs and, potentially, increase transduction efficiency. CD34(+) /CD38(-) cells, comprising ∼1%-3% of all CD34(+) cells, were isolated from healthy cord blood CD34(+) cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and transduced with a lentiviral vector expressing an antisickling form of beta-globin (CCL-β(AS3) -FB). Isolated CD34(+) /CD38(-) cells were able to generate progeny over an extended period of long-term culture (LTC) compared to the CD34(+) cells and required up to 40-fold less vector for transduction compared to bulk CD34(+) preparations containing an equivalent number of CD34(+) /CD38(-) cells. Transduction of isolated CD34(+) /CD38(-) cells was comparable to CD34(+) cells measured by quantitative PCR at day 14 with reduced vector needs, and average vector copy/cell remained higher over time for LTC initiated from CD34(+) /38(-) cells. Following in vitro erythroid differentiation, HBBAS3 mRNA expression was similar in cultures derived from CD34(+) /CD38(-) cells or unfractionated CD34(+) cells. In vivo studies showed equivalent engraftment of transduced CD34(+) /CD38(-) cells when transplanted in competition with 100-fold more CD34(+) /CD38(+) cells. This work provides initial evidence for the beneficial effects from isolating human CD34(+) /CD38(-) cells to use significantly less vector and potentially improve transduction for HSC gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kismet Baldwin
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Single-step cloning-screening method: a new tool for developing and studying high-titer viral vector producer cells. Gene Ther 2015; 22:685-95. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Chaveroux C, Carraro V, Canaple L, Averous J, Maurin AC, Jousse C, Muranishi Y, Parry L, Mesclon F, Gatti E, Mallet J, Ravassard P, Pierre P, Fafournoux P, Bruhat A. In vivo imaging of the spatiotemporal activity of the eIF2 -ATF4 signaling pathway: Insights into stress and related disorders. Sci Signal 2015; 8:rs5. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaa0549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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36
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Knocking down schistosomes - promise for lentiviral transduction in parasites. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:324-32. [PMID: 25933926 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Underpinned by major advances in our understanding of the genomes of schistosomes, progress in the development of functional genomic tools is providing unique prospects to gain insights into the intricacies of the biology of these blood flukes, their host relationships, and the diseases that they cause. This article reviews some key applications of double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi) in Schistosoma mansoni, appraises delivery systems for transgenesis and stable gene silencing, considers ways of increasing efficiency and specificity of gene silencing, and discusses the prospects of using a lentivirus delivery system for future functional genomic-phenomic explorations of schistosomes and other parasites. The ability to achieve effective and stable gene perturbation in parasites has major biological implications and could facilitate the development of new interventions.
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Wong SP, Argyros O, Harbottle RP. Sustained expression from DNA vectors. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2014; 89:113-152. [PMID: 25620010 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA vectors have the potential to become powerful medical tools for treatment of human disease. The human body has, however, developed a range of defensive strategies to detect and silence foreign or misplaced DNA, which is more typically encountered during infection or chromosomal damage. A clinically relevant human gene therapy vector must overcome or avoid these protections whilst delivering sustained levels of therapeutic gene product without compromising the vitality of the recipient host. Many non-viral DNA vectors trigger these defense mechanisms and are subsequently destroyed or rendered silent. Thus, without modification or considered design, the clinical utility of a typical DNA vector is fundamentally limited due to the transient nature of its transgene expression. The development of safe and persistently expressing DNA vectors is a crucial prerequisite for its successful clinical application and subsequently remains, therefore, one of the main strategic tasks of non-viral gene therapy research. In this chapter we will describe our current understanding of the mechanisms that can destroy or silence DNA vectors and discuss strategies, which have been utilized to improve their sustenance and the level and duration of their transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suet Ping Wong
- Leukocyte Biology Section, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Orestis Argyros
- Division of Pharmacology-Pharmacotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Richard P Harbottle
- DNA Vector Research, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Mock U, Riecken K, Berdien B, Qasim W, Chan E, Cathomen T, Fehse B. Novel lentiviral vectors with mutated reverse transcriptase for mRNA delivery of TALE nucleases. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6409. [PMID: 25230987 PMCID: PMC4166709 DOI: 10.1038/srep06409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
TAL-effector nucleases (TALENs) are attractive tools for sequence-specific genome modifications, but their delivery still remains problematic. It is well known that the presence of multiple sequence repeats in TALEN genes hampers the use of lentiviral vectors. We report that lentiviral vectors readily package full-length vector mRNAs encoding TALENs, but recombination during reverse transcription prevents successful delivery. We reasoned that preventing reverse transcription of lentiviral-vector RNA would allow transfer of TALENs as mRNA. We demonstrate that lentiviral particles containing genetically inactivated reverse transcriptase (RT) mediated efficient transduction of cultured cells and supported transient transgene expression. For proof-of-principle, we transferred CCR5- and TCR-specific TALEN pairs for efficient targeted genome editing and abrogated expression for each of the receptor proteins in different cell lines. Combining the high specificity of TALENs with efficient lentiviral gene delivery should advance genome editing in vitro and potentially in vivo, and RT-deficient lentiviral vectors may be useful for transient expression of various other genes-of-interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Mock
- Research Dept. Cell and Gene Therapy, Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Dept. Cell and Gene Therapy, Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Belinda Berdien
- Research Dept. Cell and Gene Therapy, Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Waseem Qasim
- Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Chan
- Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Toni Cathomen
- 1] Institute for Cell and Gene Therapy, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany [2] Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Dept. Cell and Gene Therapy, Clinic for Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Feldman SA, Xu H, Black MA, Park TS, Robbins PF, Kochenderfer JN, Morgan RA, Rosenberg SA. Use of the piggyBac transposon to create stable packaging cell lines for the production of clinical-grade self-inactivating γ-retroviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2014; 25:253-60. [PMID: 25072603 PMCID: PMC4142856 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2014.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to improve the biosafety of γ-retroviral-mediated gene therapy have resulted in a shift toward the use of self-inactivating (SIN) γ-retroviral vectors. However, scale-up and manufacturing of such vectors requires significant optimization of transient transfection-based processes or development of novel platforms for the generation of stable producer cell clones. To that end, we describe the use of the piggybac transposon to generate stable producer cell clones for the production of SIN γ-retroviral vectors. The piggybac transposon is a universal tool allowing for the stable integration of SIN γ-retroviral constructs into murine (PG13) and human 293-based Phoenix (GALV and RD114, respectively) packaging cell lines without reverse transcription. Following transposition, a high-titer clone is selected for manufacture of a master cell bank and subsequent γ-retroviral vector supernatant production. Packaging cell clones created using the piggybac transposon have comparable titers to non-SIN vectors generated via conventional methods. We describe herein the use of the piggybac transposon for the production of stable packaging cell clones for the manufacture of clinical-grade SIN γ-retroviral vectors for ex vivo gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui Xu
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - Mary A. Black
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - Tristen S. Park
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - Paul F. Robbins
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
| | - James N. Kochenderfer
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201
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Volkova NA, Fomina EG, Smolnikova VV, Zinovieva NA, Fomin IK. The U3 region of Moloney murine leukemia virus contains position-independent cis-acting sequences involved in the nuclear export of full-length viral transcripts. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:20158-69. [PMID: 24878957 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.545855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The distinguishing feature of self-inactivating (SIN) retroviral vectors is the deletion of the enhancer/promoter sequences in the U3 region of the 3' long terminal repeat. This design is used to overcome transcriptional interference and prevent downstream transcription from the 3' long terminal repeat. SIN vectors were derived from a number of different retroviruses. Studies of SIN vectors show that extensive U3 deletions in HIV-based vectors do not alter viral titers or the in vitro and in vivo properties of the vectors. However, deletion of the U3 sequences in γ- and α-retroviruses correlates with defects in 3' RNA processing and reduces viral titers by >10-fold. Here, we studied the steps in the retroviral life cycle that are affected by the deletion of sequences in the 3' U3 region of Moloney murine leukemia virus-derived retroviral vectors. The results show that the amounts of both full-length and internal RNA transcripts of U3-minus vectors are reduced in the nuclei of transfected cells, an effect that is probably due to a general defect in 3' RNA processing. Furthermore, full-length RNA transcripts were also defective in terms of nuclear export. This defect was complemented by transferring the U3 region to another position within the retroviral vector, indicating that the U3 region contains position-independent cis-acting sequences that are required for the transport of full-length viral transcripts. The results also suggest that the leader region of Moloney murine leukemia virus contains inhibitory/regulatory sequences, which prevent export and mediate nuclear retention of full-length viral RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Volkova
- From the The Laboratory of Cellular Engineering, All-Russian State Research Institute of Animal Breeding, 142132 Moscow region, Russia
| | - Elena G Fomina
- The Laboratory for Biotechnology and Immunodiagnosis, The Republic Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 220114 Minsk, Belarus, and
| | - Viktoryia V Smolnikova
- The Republic Center of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, 220116 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Natalia A Zinovieva
- From the The Laboratory of Cellular Engineering, All-Russian State Research Institute of Animal Breeding, 142132 Moscow region, Russia,
| | - Igor K Fomin
- From the The Laboratory of Cellular Engineering, All-Russian State Research Institute of Animal Breeding, 142132 Moscow region, Russia,
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Choi JH, Yu NK, Baek GC, Bakes J, Seo D, Nam HJ, Baek SH, Lim CS, Lee YS, Kaang BK. Optimization of AAV expression cassettes to improve packaging capacity and transgene expression in neurons. Mol Brain 2014; 7:17. [PMID: 24618276 PMCID: PMC3975461 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors can deliver transgenes to diverse cell types and are therefore useful for basic research and gene therapy. Although AAV has many advantages over other viral vectors, its relatively small packaging capacity limits its use for delivering large genes. The available transgene size is further limited by the existence of additional elements in the expression cassette without which the gene expression level becomes much lower. By using alternative combinations of shorter elements, we generated a series of AAV expression cassettes and systematically evaluated their expression efficiency in neurons to maximize the transgene size available within the AAV packaging capacity while not compromising the transgene expression. We found that the newly developed smaller expression cassette shows comparable expression efficiency with an efficient vector generally used for strong gene expression. This new expression cassette will allow us to package larger transgenes without compromising expression efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, Korea.
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Olszko ME, Trobridge GD. Foamy virus vectors for HIV gene therapy. Viruses 2013; 5:2585-600. [PMID: 24153061 PMCID: PMC3814606 DOI: 10.3390/v5102585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has vastly improved outcomes for patients infected with HIV, yet it is a lifelong regimen that is expensive and has significant side effects. Retroviral gene therapy is a promising alternative treatment for HIV/AIDS; however, inefficient gene delivery to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has so far limited the efficacy of this approach. Foamy virus (FV) vectors are derived from non-pathogenic viruses that are not endemic to the human population. FV vectors have been used to deliver HIV-inhibiting transgenes to human HSCs, and they have several advantages relative to other retroviral vectors. These include an attractive safety profile, broad tropism, a large transgene capacity, and the ability to persist in quiescent cells. In addition, the titers of FV vectors are not reduced by anti-HIV transgenes that affect the production of lentivirus (LV) vectors. Thus FV vectors are very promising for anti-HIV gene therapy. This review covers the advantages of FV vectors and describes their preclinical development for anti-HIV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles E. Olszko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Grant D. Trobridge
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; E-Mail:
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Hauber I, Hofmann-Sieber H, Chemnitz J, Dubrau D, Chusainow J, Stucka R, Hartjen P, Schambach A, Ziegler P, Hackmann K, Schröck E, Schumacher U, Lindner C, Grundhoff A, Baum C, Manz MG, Buchholz F, Hauber J. Highly significant antiviral activity of HIV-1 LTR-specific tre-recombinase in humanized mice. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003587. [PMID: 24086129 PMCID: PMC3784474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable integration of HIV proviral DNA into host cell chromosomes, a hallmark and essential feature of the retroviral life cycle, establishes the infection permanently. Current antiretroviral combination drug therapy cannot cure HIV infection. However, expressing an engineered HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) site-specific recombinase (Tre), shown to excise integrated proviral DNA in vitro, may provide a novel and highly promising antiviral strategy. We report here the conditional expression of Tre-recombinase from an advanced lentiviral self-inactivation (SIN) vector in HIV-infected cells. We demonstrate faithful transgene expression, resulting in accurate provirus excision in the absence of cytopathic effects. Moreover, pronounced Tre-mediated antiviral effects are demonstrated in vivo, particularly in humanized Rag2−/−γc−/− mice engrafted with either Tre-transduced primary CD4+ T cells, or Tre-transduced CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSC). Taken together, our data support the use of Tre-recombinase in novel therapy strategies aiming to provide a cure for HIV. Current antiretroviral combination therapy can efficiently suppress virus replication, but cannot eliminate HIV. Therefore, no cure for HIV exists. A main hurdle for virus eradication is seen in the existence of resting cells that contain integrated replication-competent, but temporarily silenced, HIV genomes. Therefore, the most direct approach to eliminating virus reservoirs is to remove HIV genomes from infected cells. As previous studies suggested, this may be achievable by Tre-recombinase, an engineered enzyme that can excise integrated HIV from host cell chromosomes. The present work analyzes the expression of Tre-recombinase in human cells and demonstrates highly accurate Tre activity in complete absence of Tre-related cytopathic effects. Furthermore, in vivo analysis of Tre-recombinase demonstrates highly significant antiviral effects of Tre in HIV-infected humanized mice. The presented data suggest that Tre-recombinase might become a valuable component of a future therapy that aims at virus eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Hauber
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Helga Hofmann-Sieber
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Chemnitz
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Danilo Dubrau
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janet Chusainow
- Department of Medical Systems Biology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rolf Stucka
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philip Hartjen
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Patrick Ziegler
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Klinik für Onkologie, Hämatologie und Stammzelltransplantation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karl Hackmann
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Evelin Schröck
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute for Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Lindner
- Department of Gynecology, Day Kimball Healthcare Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Baum
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus G. Manz
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- University and University Hospital Zürich, Division of Hematology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Buchholz
- Department of Medical Systems Biology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joachim Hauber
- Heinrich Pette Institute – Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Schambach A, Zychlinski D, Ehrnstroem B, Baum C. Biosafety features of lentiviral vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:132-42. [PMID: 23311447 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, lentiviral vectors have evolved as a benchmark tool for stable gene transfer into cells with a high replicative potential. Their relatively flexible genome and ability to transduce many forms of nondividing cells, combined with the potential for cell-specific pseudotyping, provides a rich resource for numerous applications in experimental platforms and therapeutic settings. Here, we give an overview of important biosafety features of lentiviral vectors, with detailed discussion of (i) the principles of the lentiviral split-genome design used for the construction of packaging cells; (ii) the relevance of modifications introduced into the lentiviral long terminal repeat (deletion of enhancer/promoter sequences and introduction of insulators); (iii) the basic features of mRNA processing, including the Rev/Rev-responsive element (RRE) interaction and the modifications of the 3' untranslated region of lentiviral vectors with various post-transcriptional regulatory elements affecting transcriptional termination, polyadenylation, and differentiation-specific degradation of mRNA; and (iv) the characteristic integration pattern with the associated risk of transcriptional interference with cellular genes. We conclude with considerations regarding the importance of cell targeting via envelope modifications. Along this course, we address canonical biosafety issues encountered with any type of viral vector: the risks of shedding, mobilization, germline transmission, immunogenicity, and insertional mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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Fang Y, Gong X, Xu M, Zeng F, Zhang J. A self-deletion lentiviral vector to reduce the risk of replication-competent virus formation. J Gene Med 2013; 15:102-12. [PMID: 23408520 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major improvements have been made progressively on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 based lentiviral vectors to minimize the probability of replication-competent lentivirus formation. This includes the deletion of U3 promoter and the use of packaging cells, which has increased their potential for use in gene therapy and other in vivo applications. However, the risk of forming replication-competent lentiviruses remains. METHODS We investigated the use of Cre-loxP mediation with the insertion of the transgene-expressing cassette in ΔU3 to remove additional parts of the HIV-1 backbone upon cre expression, after integration. This, leads to deletion of the packaging signal, primer binding site and Rev response element, including cre itself. RESULTS This approach left a split truncated form of long terminal repeat flanked by a loxP and a transgene-expressing cassette in the genome, which made replication-competent lentivirus formation almost impossible. This self-deletion vector could stably express transgenes both in cell lines and transgenic mice with only modest losses of viral titer. The maximum size of the inserts was approximately 3 kb, which was sufficient for most transgenic applications. Moreover, the addition of some enhancer blocking agents downstream of the transgene could reduce the probability of transcriptional read-through in transfected 293T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our approach could improve the biosafety of lentiviral vectors, thus improving their potential application for use in clinical trials and other in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Fang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, PR China
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Evaluation of γ-retroviral vectors that mediate the inducible expression of IL-12 for clinical application. J Immunother 2013; 35:430-9. [PMID: 22576348 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e31825898e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The clinical application of interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been hindered by the toxicity associated with its systemic administration. To potentially overcome this problem, we developed a promoter designed to direct IL-12 expression within the tumor environment using an inducible composite promoter containing binding motifs for the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) linked to a minimal IL-2 promoter. In this study, the NFAT promoter was coupled to a single-chain human IL-12 gene and inserted into 2 γ-retroviral self-inactivating vectors (SERS.NFAT.hIL12 and SERS.NFAT.hIL12.PA2) and 1 γ-retroviral vector (MSGV1.NFAT.hIL.12 PA2). Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were double transduced with an antigen-specific T-cell receptor and the 3 NFAT.hIL12 vectors. Evaluation of inducible IL-12 expression, transduction efficiency, and vector production considerations led to the choice of the MSGV1.NFAT.hIL12.PA2 vector for clinical application. MSGV1.NFAT.hIL12.PA2 PG13 retroviral vector producer cell clones were screened by transduction of tumor antigen-specific PBLs. On the basis of expression studies in PBL, clone D3 was chosen to produce clinical-grade viral vector supernatant and was demonstrated to efficiently transduce young tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). The vector-transduced young TIL with known tumor recognition demonstrated specific inducible IL-12 production after coculture with HLA-matched tumor targets and had augmented effector function as demonstrated by increased IFN-γ secretion. These results support the clinical application of adoptive transfer of young TIL engineered with the NFAT.hIL12 vector as a new approach for cancer immunotherapy.
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47
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Prel A, Sensébé L, Pagès JC. Influence of untranslated regions on retroviral mRNA transfer and expression. BMC Biotechnol 2013; 13:35. [PMID: 23586982 PMCID: PMC3640953 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-13-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deliberate cellular reprogramming is becoming a realistic objective in the clinic. While the origin of the target cells is critical, delivery of bioactive molecules to trigger a shift in cell-fate remains the major hurdle. To date, several strategies based either on non-integrative vectors, protein transfer or mRNA delivery have been investigated. In a recent study, a unique modification in the retroviral genome was shown to enable RNA transfer and its expression. Results Here, we used the retroviral mRNA delivery approach to study the impact of modifying gene-flanking sequences on RNA transfer. We designed modified mRNAs for retroviral packaging and used the quantitative luciferase assay to compare mRNA expression following viral transduction of cells. Cloning the untranslated regions of the vimentin or non-muscular myosin heavy chain within transcripts improved expression and stability of the reporter gene while slightly modifying reporter-RNA retroviral delivery. We also observed that while the modified retroviral platform was the most effective for retroviral mRNA packaging, the highest expression in target cells was achieved by the addition of a non-viral UTR to mRNAs containing the packaging signal. Conclusions Through molecular engineering we have assayed a series of constructs to improve retroviral mRNA transfer. We showed that an authentic RNA retroviral genomic platform was most efficiently transferred but that adding UTR sequences from highly expressed genes could improve expression upon transfection while having only a slight effect on expression from transferred RNA. Together, these data should contribute to the optimisation of retroviral mRNA-delivery systems that test combinations of UTRs and packaging platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Prel
- INSERM U966, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, Tours 37000, France
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Heinz N, Hennig K, Loew R. Graded or threshold response of the tet-controlled gene expression: all depends on the concentration of the transactivator. BMC Biotechnol 2013; 13:5. [PMID: 23336718 PMCID: PMC3556329 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-13-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the step-wise integration of tet-dependent transactivator and tet-responsive expression unit is considered to be the most promising tool to achieve stable tet-controlled gene expression in cell populations. However, disadvantages of this strategy for integration into primary cells led us to develop an "All-In-One" vector system, enabling simultaneous integration of both components. The effect on tet-controlled gene expression was analyzed for retroviral "All-In-One" vectors expressing the M2-transactivator either under control of a constitutive or a new type of autoregulated promoter. RESULTS Determination of luciferase activity in transduced cell populations indicated improvement of the dynamic range of gene expression for the autoregulated system. Further differences were observed regarding induction kinetics and dose-response. Most notably, introduction of the autoregulated system resulted in a threshold mode of induction, whereas the constitutive system exhibited pronounced effector-dose dependence. CONCLUSION Tet-regulated gene expression in the applied autoregulated system resembles a threshold mode, whereby full induction of the tet-unit can be achieved at otherwise limiting doxycycline concentrations.
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Abstract
Retrovirus-mediated mRNA transfer (RMT) combines the advantageous features of retrovirus-mediated cell targeting and entry with the controlled transfer of mRNAs. We have recently exploited this strategy for the dose-controlled transfer of recombinases and DNA transposases, avoiding cytotoxicity and potential insertional mutagenesis. Further applications can be envisaged, especially when low expression levels are sufficient to modify cell fate or function. Here we describe a step-by-step protocol for the generation of RMT vector particles, their titration and their application in a model cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Galla
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover, Germany
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Bire S, Rouleux-Bonnin F. Transgene Site-Specific Integration: Problems and Solutions. SITE-DIRECTED INSERTION OF TRANSGENES 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4531-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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