1
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Agrawal S. Considerations for Creating the Next Generation of RNA Therapeutics: Oligonucleotide Chemistry and Innate Immune Responses to Nucleic Acids. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:37-51. [PMID: 38578231 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2024.29009.sud] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
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2
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Byrnes AE, Roudnicky F, Gogineni A, Soung AL, Xiong M, Hayne M, Heaster-Ford T, Shatz-Binder W, Dominguez SL, Imperio J, Gierke S, Roberts J, Guo J, Ghosh S, Yu C, Roose-Girma M, Elstrott J, Easton A, Hoogenraad CC. A fluorescent splice-switching mouse model enables high-throughput, sensitive quantification of antisense oligonucleotide delivery and activity. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100673. [PMID: 38171361 PMCID: PMC10831955 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
While antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are used in the clinic, therapeutic development is hindered by the inability to assay ASO delivery and activity in vivo. Accordingly, we developed a dual-fluorescence, knockin mouse model that constitutively expresses mKate2 and an engineered EGFP that is alternatively spliced in the presence of ASO to induce expression. We first examined free ASO activity in the brain following intracerebroventricular injection revealing EGFP splice-switching is both ASO concentration and time dependent in major central nervous system cell types. We then assayed the impact of lipid nanoparticle delivery on ASO activity after intravenous administration. Robust EGFP fluorescence was observed in the liver and EGFP+ cells were successfully isolated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Together, these results show the utility of this animal model in quantifying both cell-type- and organ-specific ASO delivery, which can be used to advance ASO therapeutics for many disease indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Byrnes
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Filip Roudnicky
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alvin Gogineni
- Department of Translational Imaging, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Allison L Soung
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Monica Xiong
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Margaret Hayne
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Tiffany Heaster-Ford
- Department of Translational Imaging, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Sara L Dominguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jose Imperio
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sarah Gierke
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; Center for Advanced Light Microscopy, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jasmine Roberts
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jinglong Guo
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Soumitra Ghosh
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Charles Yu
- Molecular Biology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Justin Elstrott
- Department of Translational Imaging, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Amy Easton
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Casper C Hoogenraad
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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3
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Dhuri K, Duran T, Chaudhuri B, Slack FJ, Vikram A, Glazer PM, Bahal R. Head-to-head comparison of in vitro and in vivo efficacy of pHLIP-conjugated anti-seed gamma peptide nucleic acids. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2023; 4:101584. [PMID: 38144419 PMCID: PMC10745205 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Gamma peptide nucleic acids (γPNAs) have recently garnered attention in diverse therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Serine and diethylene-glycol-containing γPNAs have been tested for numerous RNA-targeting purposes. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of pH-low insertion peptide (pHLIP)-conjugated serine and diethylene-based γPNAs. pHLIP targets only the acidic tumor microenvironment and not the normal cells. We synthesized and parallelly tested pHLIP-serine γPNAs and pHLIP-diethylene glycol γPNAs that target the seed region of microRNA-155, a microRNA that is upregulated in various cancers. We performed an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation-based computational study to elucidate the interaction of pHLIP-γPNA constructs with the lipid bilayer. We also determined the biodistribution and efficacy of the pHLIP constructs in the U2932-derived xenograft model. Overall, we established that the pHLIP-serine γPNAs show superior results in vivo compared with the pHLIP-diethylene glycol-based γPNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Dhuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Tibo Duran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Bodhisattwa Chaudhuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Frank J. Slack
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, BIDMC Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ajit Vikram
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Peter M. Glazer
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Lead contact
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4
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Gould S, Templin MV. Off target toxicities and links with physicochemical properties of medicinal products, including antibiotics, oligonucleotides, lipid nanoparticles (with cationic and/or anionic charges). Data review suggests an emerging pattern. Toxicol Lett 2023; 384:14-29. [PMID: 37454775 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology is an essential part of any drug development plan. Circumnavigating the risk of failure because of a toxicity issue can be a challenge, and failure in late development is extremely costly. To identify potential risks, it requires more than just understanding the biological target. The toxicologist needs to consider a compound's structure, it's physicochemical properties (including the impact of the overall formulation), as well as the biological target (e.g., receptor interactions). Understanding the impact of the physicochemical properties can be used to predict potential toxicities in advance by incorporating key endpoints in early screening strategies and/or used to compare toxicity profiles across lead candidates. This review discussed the risks of off-target and/or non-specific toxicities that may be associated with the physicochemical properties of compounds, especially those carrying dominant positive or negative charges, including amphiphilic small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides and lipids/liposomes/lipid nanoparticles. The latter of which are being seen more and more in drug development, including the recent Covid pandemic, where mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technology is playing more of a role in vaccine development. The translation between non-clinical and clinical data is also considered, questioning how a physicochemical driven toxicity may be more universal across species, which means that such toxicity may be reassuringly translatable between species and as such, this information may also be considered as a support to the 3 R's, particularly in the early screening stages of a drug development plan.
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5
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Byrnes AE, Dominguez SL, Yen CW, Laufer BI, Foreman O, Reichelt M, Lin H, Sagolla M, Hötzel K, Ngu H, Soendergaard C, Estevez A, Lin HC, Goyon A, Bian J, Lin J, Hinz FI, Friedman BA, Easton A, Hoogenraad CC. Lipid nanoparticle delivery limits antisense oligonucleotide activity and cellular distribution in the brain after intracerebroventricular injection. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:773-793. [PMID: 37346977 PMCID: PMC10280097 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics are being investigated for a broad range of neurological diseases. While ASOs have been effective in the clinic, improving productive ASO internalization into target cells remains a key area of focus in the field. Here, we investigated how the delivery of ASO-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) affects ASO activity, subcellular trafficking, and distribution in the brain. We show that ASO-LNPs increase ASO activity up to 100-fold in cultured primary brain cells as compared to non-encapsulated ASO. However, in contrast to the widespread ASO uptake and activity observed following free ASO delivery in vivo, LNP-delivered ASOs did not downregulate mRNA levels throughout the brain after intracerebroventricular injection. This lack of activity was likely due to ASO accumulation in cells lining the ventricles and blood vessels. Furthermore, we reveal a formulation-dependent activation of the immune system post dosing, suggesting that LNP encapsulation cannot mask cellular ASO backbone-mediated toxicities. Together, these data provide insights into how LNP encapsulation affects ASO distribution as well as activity in the brain, and a foundation that enables future optimization of brain-targeting ASO-LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Byrnes
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sara L. Dominguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Chun-Wan Yen
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Benjamin I. Laufer
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Oded Foreman
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Mike Reichelt
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Meredith Sagolla
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kathy Hötzel
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hai Ngu
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christoffer Soendergaard
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Alberto Estevez
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hsiu-Chao Lin
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Alexandre Goyon
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Juan Bian
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jessica Lin
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Flora I. Hinz
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Brad A. Friedman
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Amy Easton
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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6
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Introduction and History of the Chemistry of Nucleic Acids Therapeutics. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2434:3-31. [PMID: 35213007 PMCID: PMC7612508 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This introduction charts the history of the development of the major chemical modifications that have influenced the development of nucleic acids therapeutics focusing in particular on antisense oligonucleotide analogues carrying modifications in the backbone and sugar. Brief mention is made of siRNA development and other applications that have by and large utilized the same modifications. We also point out the pitfalls of the use of nucleic acids as drugs, such as their unwanted interactions with pattern recognition receptors, which can be mitigated by chemical modification or used as immunotherapeutic agents.
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7
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Agrawal S. The Evolution of Antisense Oligonucleotide Chemistry-A Personal Journey. Biomedicines 2021; 9:503. [PMID: 34063675 PMCID: PMC8147625 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last four decades, tremendous progress has been made in use of synthetic oligonucleotides as therapeutics. This has been possible largely by introducing chemical modifications to provide drug like properties to oligonucleotides. In this article I have summarized twists and turns on use of chemical modifications and their road to success and highlight areas of future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Agrawal
- ARNAY Sciences LLC, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA; or
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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8
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Abstract
RNA therapeutics are finally taking their place as a main drug category alongside small molecules and proteins. Here, we follow the twists and turns on their road to success and highlight areas of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Agrawal
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Medicine, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Arnay Sciences LLC, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA.
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9
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Doxakis E. Therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides for movement disorders. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2656-2688. [PMID: 32656818 DOI: 10.1002/med.21706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormalities of movement and posture. They are broadly divided into akinetic and hyperkinetic syndromes. Until now, no effective symptomatic or disease-modifying therapies have been available. However, since many of these disorders are monogenic or have some well-defined genetic component, they represent strong candidates for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. ASO therapies are based on the use of short synthetic single-stranded ASOs that bind to disease-related target RNAs via Watson-Crick base-pairing and pleiotropically modulate their function. With information arising from the RNA sequence alone, it is possible to design ASOs that not only alter the expression levels but also the splicing defects of any protein, far exceeding the intervention repertoire of traditional small molecule approaches. Following the regulatory approval of ASO therapies for spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2016, there has been tremendous momentum in testing such therapies for other neurological disorders. This review article initially focuses on the chemical modifications aimed at improving ASO effectiveness, the mechanisms by which ASOs can interfere with RNA function, delivery systems and pharmacokinetics, and the common set of toxicities associated with their application. It, then, describes the pathophysiology and the latest information on preclinical and clinical trials utilizing ASOs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and ataxias 1, 2, 3, and 7. It concludes with issues that require special attention to realize the full potential of ASO-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epaminondas Doxakis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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10
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Human Clinical Relevance of the Porcine Model of Pseudoallergic Infusion Reactions. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8040082. [PMID: 32276476 PMCID: PMC7235862 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8040082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs provide a highly sensitive animal model for pseudoallergic infusion reactions, which are mild-to-severe hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) that arise following intravenous administration of certain nanoparticulate drugs (nanomedicines) and other macromolecular structures. This model has been used in research for three decades and was also proposed by regulatory bodies for preclinical assessment of the risk of HSRs in the clinical stages of nano-drug development. However, there are views challenging the human relevance of the model and its utility in preclinical safety evaluation of nanomedicines. The argument challenging the model refers to the “global response” of pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIM cells) in the lung of pigs, preventing the distinction of reactogenic from non-reactogenic particles, therefore overestimating the risk of HSRs relative to its occurrence in the normal human population. The goal of this review is to present the large body of experimental and clinical evidence negating the “global response” claim, while also showing the concordance of symptoms caused by different reactogenic nanoparticles in pigs and hypersensitive man. Contrary to the model’s demotion, we propose that the above features, together with the high reproducibility of quantifiable physiological endpoints, validate the porcine “complement activation-related pseudoallergy” (CARPA) model for safety evaluations. However, it needs to be kept in mind that the model is a disease model in the context of hypersensitivity to certain nanomedicines. Rather than toxicity screening, its main purpose is specific identification of HSR hazard, also enabling studies on the mechanism and mitigation of potentially serious HSRs.
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11
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Christou M, Wengel J, Sokratous K, Kyriacou K, Nikolaou G, Phylactou LA, Mastroyiannopoulos NP. Systemic Evaluation of Chimeric LNA/2'-O-Methyl Steric Blockers for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Therapy. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 30:80-93. [PMID: 31873063 PMCID: PMC7133450 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominantly inherited, multisystemic disorder characterized clinically by delayed muscle relaxation and weakness. The disease is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the DMPK gene, which leads to the expression of a toxic gain-of-function mRNA. The expanded CUG repeat mRNA sequesters the MBNL1 splicing regulator in nuclear-retained foci structures, resulting in loss of protein function and disruption of alternative splicing homeostasis. In this study, we used CAG repeat antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), composed of locked nucleic acid (LNA)- and 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe)-modified bases in a chimeric design, to alleviate CUGexpanded-mediated toxicity. Chimeric 14–18mer LNA/2′OMe oligonucleotides, exhibiting an LNA incorporation of ∼33%, significantly ameliorated the misregulated alternative splicing of Mbnl1-dependent exons in primary DM1 mouse myoblasts and tibialis anterior muscles of DM1 mice. Subcutaneous delivery of 14mer and 18mer LNA/2′OMe chimeras in DM1 mice resulted in high levels of accumulation in all tested skeletal muscles, as well as in the diaphragm and heart tissue. Despite the efficient delivery, chimeric LNA/2′OMe oligonucleotides were not able, even at a high-dosage regimen (400 mg/kg/week), to correct the misregulated splicing of Serca1 exon 22 in skeletal muscles. Nevertheless, oligonucleotide doses were well-tolerated as determined by histological and plasma biochemistry analyses. Our results provide proof of concept that inhibition of MBNL1 sequestration by systemic delivery of a steric-blocking ASO is extremely challenging, considering the large number of target sites that need to be occupied per RNA molecule. Although not suitable for DM1 therapy, chimeric LNA/2′OMe oligonucleotides could prove to be highly beneficial for other diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, that require inhibition of a single target site per RNA molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Christou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Kleitos Sokratous
- Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics Group, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriacos Kyriacou
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Georgios Nikolaou
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Vet Ex Machina Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos P Mastroyiannopoulos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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12
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Kim TH, Park J, Kim D, Gautam A, Akauliya M, Kim J, Lee H, Park S, Lee Y, Kwon HJ. Anti-Bacterial Effect of CpG-DNA Involves Enhancement of the Complement Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143397. [PMID: 31295956 PMCID: PMC6678731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CpG-DNA activates the host immune system to resist bacterial infections. In this study, we examined the protective effect of CpG-DNA in mice against Escherichia coli (E. coli) K1 infection. Administration of CpG-DNA increased the survival of mice after E. coli K1 infection, which reduces the numbers of bacteria in the organs. Pre-injection of mice with CpG-DNA before E. coli K1 infection increased the levels of the complement C3 but not C3a and C3b. The survival of the mice after E. coli K1 infection was significantly decreased when the mice were pre-injected with the cobra venom factor (CVF) removing the complement compared to the non-CVF-treated mice group. It suggests that the complement has protective roles against E. coli K1 infection. In addition, the survival of complement-depleted mice was increased by CpG-DNA pre-administration before E. coli K1 infection. Therefore, we suggest that CpG-DNA enhances the anti-bacterial activity of the immune system by augmenting the levels of complement systems after E. coli K1 infection and triggering other factors as well. Further studies are required to investigate the functional roles of the CpG-DNA-induced complement regulation and other factors against urgent bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te Ha Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Joongwon Park
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Dongbum Kim
- Center for Medical Science Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Avishekh Gautam
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Madhav Akauliya
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Jinsoo Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Hanseul Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Sangkyu Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Younghee Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyung-Joo Kwon
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
- Center for Medical Science Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
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13
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Toonen LJA, Casaca-Carreira J, Pellisé-Tintoré M, Mei H, Temel Y, Jahanshahi A, van Roon-Mom WMC. Intracerebroventricular Administration of a 2'-O-Methyl Phosphorothioate Antisense Oligonucleotide Results in Activation of the Innate Immune System in Mouse Brain. Nucleic Acid Ther 2018; 28:63-73. [PMID: 29565739 PMCID: PMC5899290 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) are versatile molecules that can be used to modulate gene expression by binding to RNA. The therapeutic potential of AONs appears particularly high in the central nervous system, due to excellent distribution and uptake in brain cells, as well as good tolerability in clinical trials thus far. Nonetheless, immune stimulation in response to AON treatment in the brain remains a concern. For this reason we performed RNA sequencing analysis of brain tissue from mice treated intracerebroventricularly with phosphorothioate, 2′-O-methyl modified AONs. A significant upregulation of immune system associated genes was observed in brains of AON treated mice, with the striatum showing largest transcriptional changes. Strongest upregulation was seen for the antiviral enzyme 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthase-like protein 2 (Oasl2) and Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (Bst2). Histological analysis confirmed activation of microglia and astrocytes in striatum. The upregulation of immune system associated genes was detectable for at least 2 months after the last AON administration, consistent with a continuous immune response to the AON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodewijk J A Toonen
- 1 Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - João Casaca-Carreira
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,3 European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON) , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,4 Department of Physiotherapy, Portuguese Red Cross Health School , Lisbon, Portugal .,5 Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Care , Setubal Polytechnic Institute, Setubal, Portugal
| | - Maria Pellisé-Tintoré
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,6 Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona (UdG) , Girona, Spain
| | - Hailiang Mei
- 7 Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yasin Temel
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,3 European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON) , Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Jahanshahi
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center , Maastricht, the Netherlands .,3 European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON) , Maastricht, the Netherlands
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14
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Le BT, Adams AM, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Veedu RN. Rational Design of Short Locked Nucleic Acid-Modified 2'-O-Methyl Antisense Oligonucleotides for Efficient Exon-Skipping In Vitro. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:155-161. [PMID: 29246294 PMCID: PMC5633351 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Locked nucleic acid is a prominent nucleic acid analog with unprecedented target binding affinity to cDNA and RNA oligonucleotides and shows remarkable stability against nuclease degradation. Incorporation of locked nucleic acid nucleotides into an antisense oligonucleotide (AO) sequence can reduce the length required without compromising the efficacy. In this study, we synthesized a series of systematically truncated locked nucleic acid-modified 2′-O-methyl AOs on a phosphorothioate (PS) backbone that were designed to induce skipping exon 23 from the dystrophin transcript in H-2Kb-tsA58 mdx mouse myotubes in vitro. The results clearly demonstrated that shorter AOs (16- to 14-mer) containing locked nucleic acid nucleotides efficiently induced dystrophin exon 23 skipping compared with the corresponding 2′-O-methyl AOs. Our remarkable findings contribute significantly to the existing knowledge about the designing of short LNA-modified oligonucleotides for exon-skipping applications, which will help reduce the cost of exon-skipping AOs and potential toxicities, particularly the 2′-OMe-based oligos, by further reducing the length of AOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao T Le
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Abbie M Adams
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Susan Fletcher
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Stephen D Wilton
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rakesh N Veedu
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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15
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Abstract
microRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) that post-transcriptionally regulate gene (mRNA) expression and are implicated in many biological processes and diseases. Many miRNAs have been reported to be altered in cardiovascular disease (CVD); both cellular and extracellular miRNA levels are affected by hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. We and other groups have reported that lipoproteins transport miRNAs in circulation and these lipoprotein signatures are significantly altered in hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease (CAD). Extracellular miRNAs are a new class of potential biomarkers for CVD; however, they may also be new drug targets as high-density lipoproteins (HDL) transfer functional miRNAs to recipient cells in an endocrine-like form of intercellular communication that likely suppresses vascular inflammation. Recently, RNA-based drugs have emerged as the next frontier in drug therapy, and there are many miRNA inhibitors and mimics in clinical development. Here, we discuss specific miRNA drug targets and how their manipulation may impact CVD. We also address the potential for manipulating HDL-miRNA levels to treat CVD and the use of HDL as a delivery vehicle for RNA and chemical drugs. Finally, we outline the current and future challenges for HDL and miRNA-based therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Michell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kasey C Vickers
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
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16
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Abstract
Worldwide regulatory guidelines for drug safety evaluations recommend testing in both a rodent and a nonrodent species. Non-human primates, which are phylogenetically close to man, are often thought of as the “ideal” nonrodent species. Historically, because of conservation issues, biosafety concerns, and price and supply issues, use of nonhuman primates in toxicology programs has been restricted to special cases. Recently, however, biopharmaceutical scientists have turned to primates as the only nonhuman species in which the biological activities of some drugs are expressed. Also, as the cost of test article for toxicology studies has increased, there has been a corresponding increase in the use of primates because of their smaller body size compared to dogs. With increasing demand, primatologists have solved the price, supply, and conservation issues by worldwide development of breeding centers that produce adequate numbers of well-characterized rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. New international personnel protective standards, shipping and quarantine requirements have addressed some of the public health concerns. However, tuberculosis, Herpesvirus simiae (B virus) and the “Ebola-like” hemorrhagic primate viruses remain of concern to primate researchers. With new requirements for specialized training, housing, equipment, and procedures for primate research and husbandry, many pharmaceutical companies now outsource their primate toxicology work to contract research organizations. The effort to “harmonize” international regulatory requirements for nonclinical toxicology has led to more uniformity in nonhuman primate study design. Typical study designs and procedures are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hobson
- Sierra Biomedical, A Division of Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Sparks, Nevada, USA
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17
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Shen L, Engelhardt JA, Hung G, Yee J, Kikkawa R, Matson J, Tayefeh B, Machemer T, Giclas PC, Henry SP. Effects of Repeated Complement Activation Associated with Chronic Treatment of Cynomolgus Monkeys with 2'-O-Methoxyethyl Modified Antisense Oligonucleotide. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 26:236-49. [PMID: 27140858 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2015.0584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of repeated complement activation in cynomolgus monkeys after chronic antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment were evaluated by using ISIS 104838, a representative 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) modified ASO. The treatment was up to 9 months with a total weekly dose of 30 mg/kg, given either as daily [4.3 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous (s.c.) injection] or once weekly [30 mg/kg, either as s.c. injection or 30-min intravenous (i.v.) infusion]. Acute elevations of complement split products (Bb and C3a) and a transient decrease in C3 occurred after the first dose and were drug plasma concentration dependent. However, with repeated complement activation after chronic ASO treatment, there were progressive increases in basal (predose) levels of Bb and C3a, and a sustained C3 reduction in all treated groups. There was also a progressive increase in C3d-bound circulating immune complex (CIC) that was considered secondary to the C3 depletion. Evidence of vascular inflammation was observed, mostly in the liver, kidney, and heart, and correlated with severe C3 depletion and increases in plasma IgG and IgM. Vascular inflammation was accompanied by increased C3 and IgM immunereactivity in the affected vasculatures and endothelial activation markers in serum. In summary, repeated complement activations in monkeys lead to a sustained decrease in circulating C3 over time. The concomitantly increased inflammatory signals and decreased CIC clearance due to impairment of complement function may lead to vascular inflammation after chronic ASO treatment in monkeys. However, based on the known sensitivity of monkeys to ASO-induced complement activation, these findings have limited relevance to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Shen
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | | | - Gene Hung
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Jenna Yee
- 2 SNBL, USA, Ltd. , Everett, Washington
| | | | - John Matson
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Bryan Tayefeh
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Todd Machemer
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | | | - Scott P Henry
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
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18
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Evans DM, Thorn JM, Arch-Douglas K, Sperry JB, Thompson B, Davis HL, McCluskie MJ. Support for the revocation of general safety test regulations in biologics license applications. Biologicals 2016; 44:178-81. [PMID: 26996102 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States Food and Drug Administration recently removed the requirement for a General Safety Test (GST) for biologics in the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 610.11). The GST, as well as abnormal toxicity (European Pharmacopeia) and innocuity tests (World Health Organization), were designed to test for extraneous toxic contaminants on each product lot intended for human use. Tests require one-week observations for general health and weight following injection of specified volumes of product batches into guinea pigs and mice. At the volumes specified, dose-related toxicity may result when the product is pharmacologically active in rodents. With vaccines, required doses may be > 3 logs higher than intended human dose on a weight-adjusted basis and if an immune modulatory adjuvant is included, systemic immune hyperactivation may cause toxicity. Herein, using the CpG/alum adjuvant combination we evaluated the different test protocols and showed their unsuitability for this adjuvant combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Evans
- Pfizer Vaccine Immunotherapeutics, Ottawa Laboratories, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Thorn
- Pfizer Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Justin B Sperry
- Pfizer Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bruce Thompson
- Pfizer Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Heather L Davis
- Pfizer Vaccine Immunotherapeutics, Ottawa Laboratories, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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19
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Henry SP, Seguin R, Cavagnaro J, Berman C, Tepper J, Kornbrust D. Considerations for the Characterization and Interpretation of Results Related to Alternative Complement Activation in Monkeys Associated with Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 26:210-5. [PMID: 26981618 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2015.0593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the discussions held by the Immunomodulatory Subcommittee of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group on complement activation induced by oligonucleotides, most notably the phosphorothioate-containing oligonucleotides. Alternative complement pathway activation in monkeys is a common effect of single-stranded phosphorothioate backbone oligonucleotides in toxicology studies. This article discusses the mechanism for activation, general investigational strategy, and the impact of various chemical modifications. The goal is to provide the best practice approach to characterizing this effect, understanding the implication of the species specificity, and the interpretation of clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Henry
- 1 Preclinical Development, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Rosanne Seguin
- 2 Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | - Jeff Tepper
- 5 Tepper Nonclinical Consulting , San Carlos, California
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20
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Chi KN, Yu EY, Jacobs C, Bazov J, Kollmannsberger C, Higano CS, Mukherjee SD, Gleave ME, Stewart PS, Hotte SJ. A phase I dose-escalation study of apatorsen (OGX-427), an antisense inhibitor targeting heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and other advanced cancers. Ann Oncol 2016; 27:1116-1122. [PMID: 27022067 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is a chaperone protein that regulates cell survival via androgen receptor and other signaling pathways, thereby mediating cancer progression. Apatorsen (OGX-427) is a 2'-methoxyethyl-modified antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits Hsp27 expression. This study evaluated the safety profile and recommended phase II dosing of apatorsen in patients with advanced cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with castration-resistant prostate (CRPC), breast, ovary, lung, or bladder cancer were enrolled to this phase I dose-escalation study. Apatorsen was administered i.v. weekly in 21-day cycles following 3 loading doses and over 5 dose levels (200-1000 mg). Apatorsen plasma concentrations, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC Hsp27 expression, and serum Hsp27 levels were evaluated. RESULTS Forty-two patients were accrued, of which 52% had CRPC. Patients were heavily pretreated, with 57% having had ≥3 prior chemotherapy regimens. During the loading dose/cycle 1 and overall study period, 93% and 100% of patients (N = 42) experienced treatment-related adverse events, respectively; most were grade 1-2 and included chills, pruritus, flushing, prolonged aPTT, lymphopenia, and anemia. One patient experienced a dose-limiting toxicity at the 600 mg dose level (intracranial hemorrhage in a previously undiagnosed brain metastasis). A maximum tolerated dose was not defined. Apatorsen Cmax increased proportionally with dose. Decreases in tumor markers and declines in CTCs were observed, with a prostate-specific antigen decline >%50% occurring in 10% of patients with CRPC; 29/39 assessable patients (74%) had reductions from ≥5 CTC/7.5 ml at baseline to <5 CTC/7.5 ml post-treatment. Twelve patients had stable measurable disease as best response. CONCLUSIONS Apatorsen was tolerated at the highest dose evaluated (1000 mg). Single-agent activity was suggested by changes in tumor markers, CTC, and stable measurable disease. Phase II studies evaluating apatorsen are underway. CLINICALTRIALSGOV ID NCT00487786.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Chi
- Department of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver; Department of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver Prostate Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - E Y Yu
- University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - C Jacobs
- Clinical Development, OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bothell, USA
| | - J Bazov
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver Prostate Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - C Kollmannsberger
- Department of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver
| | - C S Higano
- University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
| | - S D Mukherjee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Canada
| | - M E Gleave
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver Prostate Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - P S Stewart
- Clinical Development, OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bothell, USA
| | - S J Hotte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Canada
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21
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Noordeen F, Scougall CA, Grosse A, Qiao Q, Ajilian BB, Reaiche-Miller G, Finnie J, Werner M, Broering R, Schlaak JF, Vaillant A, Jilbert AR. Therapeutic Antiviral Effect of the Nucleic Acid Polymer REP 2055 against Persistent Duck Hepatitis B Virus Infection. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140909. [PMID: 26560490 PMCID: PMC4641618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) have both entry and post-entry inhibitory activity against duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection. The inhibitory activity exhibited by NAPs prevented DHBV infection of primary duck hepatocytes in vitro and protected ducks from DHBV infection in vivo and did not result from direct activation of the immune response. In the current study treatment of primary human hepatocytes with NAP REP 2055 did not induce expression of the TNF, IL6, IL10, IFNA4 or IFNB1 genes, confirming the lack of direct immunostimulation by REP 2055. Ducks with persistent DHBV infection were treated with NAP 2055 to determine if the post-entry inhibitory activity exhibited by NAPs could provide a therapeutic effect against established DHBV infection in vivo. In all REP 2055-treated ducks, 28 days of treatment lead to initial rapid reductions in serum DHBsAg and DHBV DNA and increases in anti-DHBs antibodies. After treatment, 6/11 ducks experienced a sustained virologic response: DHBsAg and DHBV DNA remained at low or undetectable levels in the serum and no DHBsAg or DHBV core antigen positive hepatocytes and only trace amounts of DHBV total and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) were detected in the liver at 9 or 16 weeks of follow-up. In the remaining 5/11 REP 2055-treated ducks, all markers of DHBV infection rapidly rebounded after treatment withdrawal: At 9 and 16 weeks of follow-up, levels of DHBsAg and DHBcAg and DHBV total and cccDNA in the liver had rebounded and matched levels observed in the control ducks treated with normal saline which remained persistently infected with DHBV. These data demonstrate that treatment with the NAP REP 2055 can lead to sustained control of persistent DHBV infection. These effects may be related to the unique ability of REP 2055 to block release of DHBsAg from infected hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faseeha Noordeen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Catherine A. Scougall
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Arend Grosse
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Qiao Qiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Behzad B. Ajilian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Georget Reaiche-Miller
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John Finnie
- SA Pathology, Hanson Institute, Centre For Neurological Diseases, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Melanie Werner
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ruth Broering
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joerg F. Schlaak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Allison R. Jilbert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- * E-mail: (AJ); (AV)
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22
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Therapeutic Effects of Ribunucleinate (Ribonucleotides) in Immuno-Inflammatory and Arthritic Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 70:35-89. [PMID: 26462364 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-0348-0927-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acids from different organs and from yeast have been used for the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases in the context of naturopathic medicine in the last 60 years. This chapter provides general information about ribonucleinates as therapeutic agents. Past and present pharmacological and clinical investigations are discussed in the field of the central nervous system, sensory organs, cancer and degenerative diseases of joints and vertebra.
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23
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Sharma SB, Ruppert JM. MicroRNA-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting Mutant and Wild Type RAS in Cancer. Drug Dev Res 2015; 76:328-42. [PMID: 26284568 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have been causally implicated in the progression and development of a wide variety of cancers. miRs modulate the activity of key cell signaling networks by regulating the translation of pathway component proteins. Thus, the pharmacological targeting of miRs that regulate cancer cell signaling networks, either by promoting (using miR-supplementation) or by suppressing (using antisense oligonucleotide-based strategies) miR activity is an area of intense research. The RAS-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway represents a major miR-regulated signaling network that endows cells with some of the classical hallmarks of cancer, and is often inappropriately activated in malignancies by somatic genetic alteration through point mutation or alteration of gene copy number. In addition, recent progress indicates that many tumors may be deficient in GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) due to the collaborative action of oncogenic miRs. Recent studies also suggest that in tumors harboring a mutant RAS allele there is a critical role for wild type RAS proteins in determining overall RAS-ERK pathway activity. Together, these two advances comprise a new opportunity for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate miR-based therapeutic strategies for modulating RAS-ERK signaling in cancers; in particular for more direct modulation of RAS-GTP levels, with the potential to complement current strategies to yield more durable treatment responses. To this end, we discuss the potential for miR-based therapies focused on three prominent miRs including the pan-RAS regulator let-7 and the GAP regulator comprised of miR-206 and miR-21 (miR-206/21).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriganesh B Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Program in Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - John Michael Ruppert
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
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24
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Wen D, Danquah M, Chaudhary AK, Mahato RI. Small molecules targeting microRNA for cancer therapy: Promises and obstacles. J Control Release 2015; 219:237-247. [PMID: 26256260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of miRNAs is critically implicated in cancer initiation and progression. Therapeutic approaches focused on regulating miRNAs are therefore a promising approach for treating cancer. Antisense oligonucleotides, miRNA sponges, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems are being investigated as tools for regulating miRNAs. Despite the accruing insights in the use of these tools, delivery concerns have mitigated clinical application of such systems. In contrast, little attention has been given to the potential of small molecules to modulate miRNA expression for cancer therapy. In these years, many researches proved that small molecules targeting cancer-related miRNAs might have greater potential for cancer treatment. Small molecules targeting cancer related miRNAs showed significantly promising results in different cancer models. However, there are still several obstacles hindering the progress and clinical application in this area. This review discusses the development, mechanisms and application of small molecules for modulating oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs). Attention has also been given to screening technologies and perspectives aimed to facilitate clinical translation for small molecule-based miRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA
| | - Michael Danquah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive., Chicago, IL 60628, USA
| | - Amit Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA.
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25
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Radzikowska E, Baraniak J. Synthesis of PS/PO-chimeric oligonucleotides using mixed oxathiaphospholane and phosphoramidite chemistry. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:269-76. [PMID: 25363356 DOI: 10.1039/c4ob01837k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric oligonucleotides containing phosphodiester and phosphorothioate linkages have been obtained using the solid phase synthesis. The oligonucleotide parts possessing natural internucleotide phosphate bonds were assembled using commercially available nucleoside 3'-O-(2-cyanoethyl-N,N-diisopropylamino)phosphoramidites 7 whereas the phosphorothioate segment was built using nucleoside 3'-O-(2-thio-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholanes) 3. The oxidation steps, crucial for the conversion of phosphite linkages into the phosphate moieties, were conducted using tert-butylperoxy-trimethylsilane, and this reagent was not harmful to the diester phosphorothioate linkages. When P-diastereopure nucleoside 3'-O-(2-thio-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane) monomers were employed the resulting chimeric backbone retained the P-stereoregularity of the phosphorothioate units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Radzikowska
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland
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26
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Evers MM, Toonen LJ, van Roon-Mom WM. Antisense oligonucleotides in therapy for neurodegenerative disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 87:90-103. [PMID: 25797014 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides are synthetic single stranded strings of nucleic acids that bind to RNA and thereby alter or reduce expression of the target RNA. They can not only reduce expression of mutant proteins by breakdown of the targeted transcript, but also restore protein expression or modify proteins through interference with pre-mRNA splicing. There has been a recent revival of interest in the use of antisense oligonucleotides to treat several neurodegenerative disorders using different approaches to prevent disease onset or halt disease progression and the first clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis showing promising results. For these trials, intrathecal delivery is being used but direct infusion into the brain ventricles and several methods of passing the blood brain barrier after peripheral administration are also under investigation.
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27
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Martínez T, Jiménez AI, Pañeda C. Short-interference RNAs: becoming medicines. EXCLI JOURNAL 2015; 14:714-46. [PMID: 26648823 PMCID: PMC4669907 DOI: 10.17179/excli2015-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference is a cellular mechanism by which small molecules of double stranded RNA modulate gene expression acting on the concentration and/or availability of a given messenger RNA. Almost 10 years after Fire and Mello received the Nobel Prize for the discovery of this mechanism in flat worms, RNA interference is on the edge of becoming a new class of therapeutics. With various phase III studies underway, the following years will determine whether RNAi-therapeutics can rise up to the challenge and become mainstream medicines. The present review gives a thorough overview of the current status of this technology focusing on the path to the clinic of this new class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Martínez
- Sylentis, R&D department c/Santiago Grisolía, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Jiménez
- Sylentis, R&D department c/Santiago Grisolía, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Covadonga Pañeda
- Sylentis, R&D department c/Santiago Grisolía, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
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28
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Monteleone G, Neurath MF, Ardizzone S, Di Sabatino A, Fantini MC, Castiglione F, Scribano ML, Armuzzi A, Caprioli F, Sturniolo GC, Rogai F, Vecchi M, Atreya R, Bossa F, Onali S, Fichera M, Corazza GR, Biancone L, Savarino V, Pica R, Orlando A, Pallone F. Mongersen, an oral SMAD7 antisense oligonucleotide, and Crohn's disease. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1104-13. [PMID: 25785968 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1407250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease-related inflammation is characterized by reduced activity of the immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) due to high levels of SMAD7, an inhibitor of TGF-β1 signaling. Preclinical studies and a phase 1 study have shown that an oral SMAD7 antisense oligonucleotide, mongersen, targets ileal and colonic SMAD7. METHODS In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, we evaluated the efficacy of mongersen for the treatment of persons with active Crohn's disease. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 10, 40, or 160 mg of mongersen or placebo per day for 2 weeks. The primary outcomes were clinical remission at day 15, defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of less than 150, with maintenance of remission for at least 2 weeks, and the safety of mongersen treatment. A secondary outcome was clinical response (defined as a reduction of 100 points or more in the CDAI score) at day 28. RESULTS The proportions of patients who reached the primary end point were 55% and 65% for the 40-mg and 160-mg mongersen groups, respectively, as compared with 10% for the placebo group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the percentage of participants reaching clinical remission between the 10-mg group (12%) and the placebo group. The rate of clinical response was significantly greater among patients receiving 10 mg (37%), 40 mg (58%), or 160 mg (72%) of mongersen than among those receiving placebo (17%) (P=0.04, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). Most adverse events were related to complications and symptoms of Crohn's disease. CONCLUSIONS We found that study participants with Crohn's disease who received mongersen had significantly higher rates of remission and clinical response than those who received placebo. (Funded by Giuliani; EudraCT number, 2011-002640-27.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Monteleone
- From the Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata (G.M., M.C.F., S.O., L.B., F.P.), Gastroenterology Unit-Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini (M.L.S.), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Complesso Integrato Columbus, Catholic University (A.A.), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Sandro Pertini Hospital Rome (R.P.), Rome, Department of Surgery, L. Sacco University Hospital (S.A., M.F.), Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan and Ospedale Policlinico di Milano (F. Caprioli), and Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, and Gastroenterology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese (M.V.), Milan, First Department of Internal Medicine, St. Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia (A.D.S., G.R.C.), Gastroenterologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples (F. Castiglione), Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche-Unita' Operativa di Gastroenterologia-Universita' degli Studi di Padova, Padua (G.C.S.), Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Gastroenterology SOD2, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence (F.R.), Division of Gastroenterology, Casa Sollievo Sofferenza Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo (F.B.), Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa (V.S.), and the Division of Internal Medicine Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, Palermo (A.O.) - all in Italy; and the Department of Medicine, Medical Clinic 1, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (M.F.N., R.A.)
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Shen L, Frazer-Abel A, Reynolds PR, Giclas PC, Chappell A, Pangburn MK, Younis H, Henry SP. Mechanistic understanding for the greater sensitivity of monkeys to antisense oligonucleotide-mediated complement activation compared with humans. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 351:709-17. [PMID: 25301170 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.114.219378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in sensitivity of monkeys and humans to antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-induced complement alternative pathway (AP) activation were evaluated in monkeys, humans, and in serum using biochemical assays. Transient AP activation was evident in monkeys at higher doses of two 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) ASOs (ISIS 426115 and ISIS 183750). No evidence of AP activation was observed in humans for either ASO, even with plasma ASO concentrations that reached the threshold for activation in monkeys. The absence of complement activation in humans is consistent with a query of the Isis Clinical Safety Database containing 767 subjects. The in vivo difference in sensitivity was confirmed in vitro, as monkey and human serum exposed to increasing concentrations of ASO indicated that monkeys were more sensitive to AP activation with this class of compounds. The mechanistic basis for the greater sensitivity of monkeys to AP activation by 2'-MOE ASO was evaluated using purified human or monkey factor H protein. The binding affinities between a representative 2'-MOE ASO and either purified protein are similar. However, the IC50 of fluid-phase complement inhibition for monkey factor H is about 3-fold greater than that for human protein using either monkey serum or factor H-depleted human serum. Interestingly, there is a sequence variant in the monkey complement factor H gene similar to a single nucleotide polymorphism in humans that is correlated with decreased factor H protein function. These findings show that monkeys are more sensitive to 2'-MOE ASO-mediated complement activation than humans likely because of differences in factor H inhibitory capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Shen
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
| | - Ashley Frazer-Abel
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
| | - Paul R Reynolds
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
| | - Patricia C Giclas
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
| | - Alfred Chappell
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
| | - Michael K Pangburn
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
| | - Husam Younis
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
| | - Scott P Henry
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California (L.S., A.C., H.Y., S.P.H.); National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado (A.F.-A., P.R.R., P.C.G.); and University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas (M.K.P.)
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Henry SP, Jagels MA, Hugli TE, Manalili S, Geary RS, Giclas PC, Levin AA. Mechanism of alternative complement pathway dysregulation by a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide in monkey and human serum. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:326-35. [PMID: 25093529 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2014.0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The species sensitivity and mechanism of complement pathway activation by a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide were investigated in monkey and human serum. Increasing concentrations of a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, ISIS 2302, were incubated in either monkey or human serum. Complement activation in monkey serum was selective for the alternative pathway and occurred at concentrations ≥ 50 μg/mL ISIS 2302. By comparison, complement activation in human serum was absent. A similar difference in sensitivity for activation was also observed for a representative 2'-methoxyethyl (MOE)-modified oligonucleotide. The absence of oligonucleotide-induced complement activation was also observed in dogs. Protein binding with ISIS 2302 and enzyme competition studies suggested that factor H was important in oligonucleotide-mediated complement activation process, and addition of factor H to serum effectively prevented the activation in monkey serum. Furthermore, based on the immunoassay for factor H, there was an apparent decrease in factor H concentration as the ISIS 2302 concentration increased. This result suggests that ISIS 2302 binds to factor H and interferes with the factor H antibody from the immunoassay. Factor H is a regulatory protein that limits alternative pathway activation. Disruption of factor H interaction with C3 convertase by oligonucleotide could promote activation in this pathway.
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Therapeutic targeting of microRNAs: current status and future challenges. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2014; 13:622-38. [PMID: 25011539 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 757] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs that have crucial roles in regulating gene expression. Increasing evidence supports a role for miRNAs in many human diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. The function of miRNAs can be efficiently and specifically inhibited by chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides, supporting their potential as targets for the development of novel therapies for several diseases. In this Review we summarize our current knowledge of the design and performance of chemically modified miRNA-targeting antisense oligonucleotides, discuss various in vivo delivery strategies and analyse ongoing challenges to ensure the specificity and efficacy of therapeutic oligonucleotides in vivo. Finally, we review current progress on the clinical development of miRNA-targeting therapeutics.
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Berman CL, Cannon K, Cui Y, Kornbrust DJ, Lagrutta A, Sun SZ, Tepper J, Waldron G, Younis HS. Recommendations for safety pharmacology evaluations of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:291-301. [PMID: 24946015 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This document was prepared by the Safety Pharmacology Subcommittee of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group (OSWG), a group of industry and regulatory scientists involved in the development and regulation of therapeutic oligonucleotides. The mission of the Subcommittee was to develop scientific recommendations for the industry regarding the appropriate scope and strategies for safety pharmacology evaluations of oligonucleotides (ONs). These recommendations are the consensus opinion of the Subcommittee and do not necessarily reflect the current expectations of regulatory authorities. 1) Safety pharmacology testing, as described in the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) S7 guidance, is as applicable to ONs as it is to small molecule drugs and biotherapeutics. 2) Study design considerations for ONs are similar to those for other classes of drugs. In general, as with other therapeutics, studies should evaluate the drug product administered via the clinical route. Species selection should ideally consider relevance of the model with regard to the endpoints of interest, pharmacological responsiveness, and continuity with the nonclinical development program. 3) Evaluation of potential effects in the core battery (cardiovascular, central nervous, and respiratory systems) is recommended. In general: a. In vitro human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) testing does not provide any specific value and is not warranted. b. Emphasis should be placed on in vivo evaluation of cardiovascular function, typically in nonhuman primates (NHPs). c. Due to the low level of concern, neurologic and respiratory function can be assessed concurrently with cardiovascular safety pharmacology evaluation in NHPs, within repeat-dose toxicity studies, or as stand-alone studies. In the latter case, rodents are most commonly used. 4) Other dedicated safety pharmacology studies, beyond the core battery, may have limited value for ONs. Although ONs can accumulate in the kidney and liver, evaluation of functional changes in these organs, as well as gastrointestinal (GI) and unintended "pro-inflammatory" effects, may be best evaluated during repeat-dose toxicity studies. Broad receptor- or ligand-binding profiling has not historically been informative for most ON subclasses, but may have value for investigative purposes.
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Franco R, Rodriguez JM, Elías F, Hernando-Insúa A, Fló J, López R, Nagle C, Lago N, Zorzopulos J, Horn DL, Montaner AD. Non-clinical safety studies of IMT504, a unique non-CpG oligonucleotide. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:267-82. [PMID: 24720569 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IMT504 is a non-CpG 24-mer oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) with immunomodulatory as well as tissue repair activity. IMT504 has been previously proven to be effective in animal models of vaccine potency, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, tissue regeneration, and sepsis. Here, we assessed the safety, including pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies in rats and monkeys, of IMT504 in a single- or repeated-dose administration by the subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) routes. In rats, the maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 50 mg/kg when administered SC. Adverse effects at 50 mg/kg were mild and reversible liver injury, revealed as lobular inflammation, focal necrosis, and small changes in the transaminase profile. Dose-dependent splenomegaly and lymphoid hyperplasia, most probably associated with immune stimulation, were commonly observed. Rats and monkeys were also IV injected with a single dose of 10 or 3.5 mg/kg, and no adverse effects were observed. Rats injected IV with 10 mg/kg showed a transient increase in spleen weight, together with a slight increase in the marginal zone of the white pulp and in leukocyte count 2 days post-administration. In monkeys, this dosage caused slight changes in total serum complement and leukocyte count on day 14. No adverse effects were observed at 3.5 mg/kg IV in rats or monkeys. Therefore, this dose was defined as the "no observed adverse effect level" for this route. Furthermore, repeated-dose toxicity studies were performed in these species using 3.5 or 0.35 mg/kg/day IV for 6 weeks. A transient increase in the spleen and liver weight was observed at 3.5 mg/kg/day only in female rats. No changes in clotting time and activation of the alternative complement pathway were observed. The toxicity profile of IMT504 herein reported suggests a dose range in which IMT504 can be used safely in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Franco
- 1 Immunotech S.A. , Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Everds NE, Tarrant JM. Unexpected hematologic effects of biotherapeutics in nonclinical species and in humans. Toxicol Pathol 2013; 41:280-302. [PMID: 23471185 DOI: 10.1177/0192623312467400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Biotherapeutics are expanding the arsenal of therapeutics available for treating and preventing disease. Although initially thought to have limited side effects due to the specificity of their binding, these drugs have now been shown to have potential for adverse drug reactions including effects on peripheral blood cell counts or function. Hematotoxicity caused by a biotherapeutic can be directly related to the activity of the biotherapeutic or can be indirect and due to autoimmunity, biological cascades, antidrug antibodies, or other immune system responses. Biotherapeutics can cause hematotoxicity primarily as a result of cellular activation, cytotoxicity, drug-dependent and independent immune responses, and sequelae from initiating cytokine and complement cascades. The underlying pathogenesis of biotherapeutic-induced hematotoxicity often is poorly understood. Nonclinical studies have generally predicted clinical hematotoxicity for recombinant cytokines and growth factors. However, most hematologic liabilities of biotherapeutics are not based on drug class but are species specific, immune-mediated, and of low incidence. Despite the potential for unexpected hematologic toxicity, the risk-benefit profile of most biotherapeutics is favorable; hematologic effects are readily monitorable and managed by dose modification, drug withdrawal, and/or therapeutic intervention. This article reviews examples of biotherapeutics that have unexpected hematotoxicity in nonclinical or clinical studies.
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Hildebrandt-Eriksen ES, Aarup V, Persson R, Hansen HF, Munk ME, Ørum H. A locked nucleic acid oligonucleotide targeting microRNA 122 is well-tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012; 22:152-61. [PMID: 22545703 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2011.0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA 122 (miR-122) is liver specific, fine-tunes lipid metabolism, and is required for hepatitis C virus (HCV) abundance. Miravirsen, an oligonucleotide with locked nucleic acid, binds to miR-122, potently inhibiting its activity. We aimed at determining the safety of the miR-122 antagonism in vivo in 6 to 10 cynomolgus monkeys/group intravenously treated with a range of dose levels twice weekly for 4 weeks. Survival, body weights, clinical signs, and cardiovascular and ophthalmologic parameters were unaffected. Anticipated hypolipidemia due to the inhibition of miR-122 was observed in all treated animals. Only the highest dose level produced distinct transient prolongations of clotting times, slight alternative complement pathway activation, and a reversible increase of hepatic transaminases. Distribution half-life was 10-20 minutes, and accumulation was mainly in the kidney and liver with slow elimination. Microscopic examinations revealed granulated Kupffer cells and lymph node macrophages, cytoplasmic vacuolation in proximal renal tubules, and hepatocytes. The granules were most likely phagolysosomes containing miravirsen. A slightly increased incidence of hepatocyte apoptosis was observed in some monkeys given the highest dose; otherwise, there was no evidence of treatment-related degenerative changes in any organ. In conclusion, the maximal inhibition of miR-122 was associated with limited phenotypic changes, indicating that the clinical assessment of miravirsen as host factor antagonist for treatment of HCV infections is warranted.
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Lopes-Costa T, Gámez F, Lago S, Pedrosa JM. Adsorption of DNA to octadecylamine monolayers at the air–water interface. J Colloid Interface Sci 2011; 354:733-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2010.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Revised: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are part of the innate immune system, and they belong to the pattern recognition receptors (PRR) family. The PRR family is designed to recognize and bind conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns, which are not generated by the host and are restricted and essential to micro-organisms. TLR9, which recognizes unmethylated CpG (cytosine guanosine dinucleotide), is a very promising target for therapeutic activation. Stimulation of TLR9 activates human plasmacytoid dendritic cells and B cells, and results in potent T helper-1 (T(h)1)-type immune responses and antitumor responses in mouse tumor models and in patients. Several pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer, Idera, and Dynavax, are developing CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) for the treatment of cancer, along with other conditions, such as infections and allergy. CpG ODNs have shown promising results as vaccine adjuvants and in combination with cancer immunotherapy. Several TLR9 agonists are being developed and have entered clinical trials to evaluate their safety and efficacy for the treatment of several hematopoietic and solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the use of CpG ODNs in several phase I and II clinical trials for the treatment of NHL, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer, either alone or in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanal M Murad
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 401 MSRB, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Manchanda R, Nimesh S. Controlled size chitosan nanoparticles as an efficient, biocompatible oligonucleotides delivery system. J Appl Polym Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/app.32508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Hernando-Insúa A, Rodriguez JM, Elías F, Fló J, López R, Franco R, Lago N, Zorzopulos J, Montaner AD. A high dose of IMT504, the PyNTTTTGT prototype immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, does not alter embryonic development in rats. Oligonucleotides 2010; 20:33-6. [PMID: 19943802 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2009.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are currently being evaluated as vaccine adjuvants for inducing protective immunity. As maternal vaccination is becoming increasingly common, the potential risk of vaccine formulation using ODN adjuvants should be warranted. A recent study performed in mice suggests that exposure to CpG motifs during pregnancy could result (although at very high doses as compared to the ones proposed for human vaccination) in fetal loss and morphological defects. PyNTTTTGT ODNs are immunostimulatory ODNs not bearing CpG motifs, which are very efficient vaccine adjuvants. In this report, we analyzed the potential teratogenic effect of its prototype IMT504 in rats. This animal model was chosen because PyNTTTTGT ODNs are barely active in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of IMT504 at a dose of 20 mg/kg (more than 1000 times higher than the one proposed for a vaccine dose in humans) at day 6 of pregnancy did not produce a significant decrease in the mean number of implanted fetuses or in the number of live pups delivered. Neither the fetuses nor the offspring presented malformations.
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Mangsbo SM, Sanchez J, Anger K, Lambris JD, Ekdahl KN, Loskog AS, Nilsson B, Tötterman TH. Complement activation by CpG in a human whole blood loop system: mechanisms and immunomodulatory effects. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2009; 183:6724-32. [PMID: 19864604 PMCID: PMC2857538 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides can activate complement, and experimental murine studies have revealed differential effects upon simultaneous TLR stimulation and complement activation compared with either event alone. We set out to investigate the immune stimulatory effects of CpG 2006 in fresh non-anticoagulated human blood with or without presence of active complement. We also sought to elucidate the mechanism behind complement activation upon stimulation with phosphorothioate CpG 2006. In a human blood loop system, both backbone and sequence-specific effects by CpG were counteracted by selective inhibition of C3. Furthermore, DNA backbone-mediated CD40 and CD83 expression on monocytes and sequence-specific IL-6 and TNF production were reduced by complement inhibition. CpG-induced complement activation occurred via either the classical or the alternative pathway and deposits of both IgM and properdin, two activators of complement, were detected on CpG after incubation with EDTA plasma. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring demonstrated alternative pathway convertase build-up onto CpG as a likely pathway to initiate and sustain complement activation. Specific inhibition of C3 suppressed CpG 2006 uptake into monocytes indicating that C3 fragments are involved in CpG internalization. The interplay between complement and TLR9 signaling demonstrated herein warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Mangsbo
- Department of Oncology, Radiology and Clinical Immunology, Division of Clinical Immunology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Shibata SI, Doroshow JH, Frankel P, Synold TW, Yen Y, Gandara DR, Lenz HJ, Chow WA, Leong LA, Lim D, Margolin KA, Morgan RJ, Somlo G, Newman EM. Phase I trial of GTI-2040, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine in the treatment of advanced metastatic solid tumors: a California Cancer Consortium Study. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2009; 64:1149-55. [PMID: 19322566 PMCID: PMC3046108 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-009-0977-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GTI-2040 is a 20-mer antisense oligonucleotide targeting the mRNA of ribonucleotide reductase M2. It was combined with oxaliplatin and capecitabine in a phase I trial in patients with advance solid tumors based on previous studies demonstrating potentiation of chemotherapy with ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors. METHODS Patients at least 18 years of age with advanced incurable solid tumors and normal organ function as well as a Karnofsky performance status of > or =60% were eligible. One prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced disease or relapse within 12 months of adjuvant chemotherapy was required. Patients could have received prior fluoropyrimidines, including capecitabine, but not oxaliplatin. Treatment cycles were 21 days. In each cycle, GTI-2040 was given as a continuous intravenous infusion over 14 days, oxaliplatin as a 2-h intravenous infusion on day 1, and capecitabine orally twice a day for 14 days. In cycle 1 only, oxaliplatin and capecitabine were started on day 2 to allow ribonucleotide reductase mRNA levels to be measured with and without oxaliplatin and capecitabine. Doses were escalated in cohorts of three patients using a standard 3 + 3 design until the maximum tolerated dose was established, defined as no more than one first-cycle dose-limiting toxicity among six patients treated at a given dose level. RESULTS The maximum tolerated dose was estimated to be the combination of GTI-2040 3 mg/kg per day for 14 days, capecitabine 600 mg/m(2) twice daily for 14 days, and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2) every 21 days. Dose-limiting toxicities were hematologic. GTI-2040 pharmacokinetics, obtained at steady-state on days 7 and 14, showed the high inter-patient variability previously reported. Two of six patients had stable disease at the maximum tolerated dose and one patient, with heavily pre-treated non-small cell lung cancer, had a partial response at a higher dose level. In samples from a limited number of patients, there was no clear decrease in ribonucleotide reductase expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during treatment. CONCLUSION A combination of GTI-2040, capecitabine and oxaliplatin is feasible in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen I Shibata
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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Lack of toxicity of a STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2008; 63:983-95. [PMID: 18766340 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-008-0823-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND STAT3 overexpression has been detected in several cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Previous studies using intratumoral administration of a STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide that abrogates STAT3-mediated gene transcription in preclinical cancer models have demonstrated antitumor efficacy. This study was conducted to observe the toxicity and biologic effects of the STAT3 decoy in a non-human primate model, in anticipation of initiating a clinical trial in HNSCC patients. METHODS Three study groups (two monkeys/sex/group) were administered a single intramuscular injection of low dose of STAT3 decoy (0.8 mg total dose/monkey), high dose of STAT3 decoy (3.2 mg total dose/monkey) or vehicle control (PBS alone) on day 1 and necropsies were performed on days 2 and 15 (one monkey/sex/group/day). Low and high doses of the decoy were administered in the muscle in a volume of 0.9 ml. Tissue and blood were harvested for toxicology and biologic analyses. RESULTS Upon observation, the STAT3 decoy-treated animals exhibited behavior that was similar to the vehicle control group. Individual animal body weights remained within 1% of pretreatment weights throughout the study. Hematological parameters were not significantly different between the control and the treatment groups. Clinical chemistry fluctuations were considered within normal limits and were not attributed to the STAT3 decoy. Assessment of complement activation breakdown product (Bb) levels demonstrated no activation of the alternative pathway of complement in any animal at any dose level. At necropsy, there were no gross or microscopic findings attributed to STAT3 decoy in any organ examined. STAT3 target gene expression at the injection site revealed decreased Bcl-X(L) and cyclin D1 expression levels in the animals treated with high dose of STAT3 decoy compared to the animals injected with low dose of STAT3 decoy or the vehicle as control. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, the no-observable-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was greater than 3.2 mg/kg when administered as a single dose to male and female Cynomolgus monkeys. Plans are underway to test the safety and biologic effects of intratumoral administration of the STAT3 decoy in HNSCC patients.
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Gupta K, Cooper C. A review of the role of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides as toll-like receptor 9 agonists in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine development in infectious diseases. Drugs R D 2008; 9:137-45. [PMID: 18457466 DOI: 10.2165/00126839-200809030-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the biology of Toll-like receptors, the current understanding of the mechanism by which CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) perturb immune function and the published literature describing their evaluation in the development of vaccines in humans. The role of these molecules as immune modulators in HCV treatment is also considered. There has been considerable research evaluating the role of CpG ODNs as an adjuvant and immune modulator in hepatitis B, hepatitis C and influenza. The safety and immunogenicity of the 1018 ISS compound in combination with Engerix-B was assessed in 99 healthy, adult seronegative volunteers. One month following the first immunization dose, 78.7% in the rHBsAg plus 1018 ISS group versus 11.8% in the Engerix-B group achieved protective titres. One hundred percent of rHBsAg plus 1018 ISS and 18.0% of hepatitis B vaccine-alone recipients were seroprotected 1 week following the second dose of study vaccine. After all doses of vaccine had been administered, seroprotection rates were 100% and 64%, respectively (p < 0.001). CPG 7909 was co-administered with Engerix-B in 56 healthy adults. After the second injection (week 6 time point), seroprotection was achieved in 100% of CPG 7909 recipients (0.5 mg 13/13; 1.0 mg 12/12; 0.125 mg 12/12) compared with 55% (6/11) of control participants (p = 0.0003). Twelve months post prime, all subjects who had received the full course of vaccination maintained seroprotective anti-HBs titres. The safety and immunogenicity of Engerix B plus CPG 7909 was assessed in HIV seropositive patients. All CPG 7909 recipients (n = 19) and 17/19 (89%) control subjects achieved seroprotection by 2 weeks after the third and final injection (10 weeks). Seroprotective titres remained in all CPG 7909 recipients at 48 weeks (100%) versus 12/19 (63%) for controls (p = 0.008). This cohort of HIV-infected patients was followed at 6-month intervals for up to 60 months after enrolment. The difference in seroprotection (> or =10 mIU/L) and GMT between study arms remained significant (p < 0.05) at all time points from month 24 to month 60. There is great potential for CpG ODN as vaccine adjuvants and as therapeutic immune modulators. The use of these molecules as a hepatitis B vaccine adjuvant is most promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveri Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Fraser GL, Wahlestedt C. Section Review: Biologicals & Immunologicals: Applications of antisense technology to both basic and clinical research. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2008. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.4.7.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Osako MK, Tomita N, Nakagami H, Kunugiza Y, Yoshino M, Yuyama K, Tomita T, Yoshikawa H, Ogihara T, Morishita R. Increase in nuclease resistance and incorporation of NF-kappaB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides by modification of the 3'-terminus. J Gene Med 2008; 9:812-9. [PMID: 17640082 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For the development of molecular therapy based on oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), ODN have to be stable against nucleases and be specific to the target transcription factor. To decrease non-specific binding and degradation from the 3'-terminus of ODN, we designed partially annealed ODN by binding the extremities of two single strands, resulting in a ribbon-shaped ODN, so called ribbon-type decoy ODN (R-ODN). METHODS We evaluated the efficiency in the process of enzymatic ligation of R-ODN, the binding activity to nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and the stability against Exonuclease III and nucleases present in serum. The functional activity of R-ODN to inhibit NF-kappaB in vitro was evaluated in human aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMC): TNF-alpha-induced proliferation rate and MMP-9 expression were assessed after R-ODN transfection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Although R-ODN have a phosphodiester backbone, their physical conformation was designed to provide nuclease resistance without interfering with their binding activity. As expected, R-ODN showed more resistance to exonucleases and stability in 100% serum than non-modified decoy ODN (N-ODN). Importantly, the R-ODN construction did not interfere with its binding activity to NF-kappaB, similar to N-ODN. Transfection of R-ODN significantly inhibited the expression of MMP-9 induced by TNF-alpha in VSMC as assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and R-ODN also inhibited the proliferation of VSMC induced by TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml), similar to phosphorothioate decoy ODN. Overall, the development of ribbon NF-kappaB decoy ODN could provide a useful tool for basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Kiomy Osako
- Division of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Anai S, Brown BD, Nakamura K, Goodison S, Hirao Y, Rosser CJ. Irradiation of human prostate cancer cells increases uptake of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007; 68:1161-8. [PMID: 17637391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2007.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2006] [Revised: 03/29/2007] [Accepted: 03/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether irradiation before antisense Bcl-2 oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) administration enhances tissue uptake, and whether periodic dosing enhances cellular uptake of fluorescently labeled ODN relative to constant dosing. METHODS AND MATERIALS PC-3-Bcl-2 cells (prostate cancer cell line engineered to overexpress Bcl-2) were subjected to increasing doses of irradiation (0-10 Gy) with or without increasing concentrations of fluorescently labeled antisense Bcl-2 ODN (G4243). The fluorescent signal intensity was quantified as the total grain area with commercial software. In addition, PC-3-Bcl-2 subcutaneous xenograft tumors were treated with or without irradiation in combination with various dosing schemas of G4243. The uptake of fluorescent G4243 in tumors was quantitated. RESULTS The uptake of G4243 was increased in prostate cancer cells exposed to low doses of irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. Irradiation before G4243 treatment resulted in increased fluorescent signal intensity in xenograft tumors compared with those irradiated after G4243 treatment. A single weekly dose of G4243 produced higher G4243 uptake in xenograft tumors than daily dosing, even when the total dose administered per week was held constant. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that ionizing radiation increases the uptake of therapeutic ODN in target tissues and, thus, has potential to increase the efficacy of ODN in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Anai
- Prostate Cancer Translational Working Group, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Peng J, He X, Wang K, Tan W, Li H, Xing X, Wang Y. An antisense oligonucleotide carrier based on amino silica nanoparticles for antisense inhibition of cancer cells. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2007; 2:113-20. [PMID: 17292123 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2006.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2006] [Accepted: 04/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (anti-ODNs), which are able to interfere with gene expression at the mRNA level, have potential activity in the treatment of viral infections or cancer. However, the application of therapies based on anti-ODNs is hampered by their instability to cellular nuclease and their weak intracellular penetration. Among the many efforts to increase their stability and cellular penetration have been modifications of ODNs and introduction of particulate carriers. Here we report an anti-ODNs carrier based on amino silica nanoparticles (NH(2)SiNPs) and its preliminary applications in cancer cells. The positively charged NH(2)SiNPs were synthesized by a water-in-oil microemulsion method. The NH(2)SiNP-ODN complexes were formed by electrostatic interaction, and their cellular uptake was visualized by using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled ODNs and NH(2)SiNPs doped with rhodamine 6G isothiocyanate (RITC) as fluorescent signal indicators. The antisense inhibition efficiency of anti-ODNs delivered by NH(2)SiNPs was evaluated using MTT (3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and western blot analysis. Uniform NH(2)SiNPs with an average diameter of 25 nm were obtained and could combine with anti-ODNs to form a bioconjugate favorable for cellular uptake. The NH(2)SiNPs were able to protect anti-ODNs from degradation by DNase I. In vitro experiments showed that the NH(2)SiNPs could greatly improve the inhibition efficiency of anti-ODNs for the proliferation and survivin expression in Hela cells and A549 cells. Compared with liposomes, the NH(2)SiNPs presented a better biocompatibility and had almost no cytotoxicity at the concentrations required for efficient transfection. Our results suggest that the NH(2)SiNPs may be a promising carrier for delivery of anti-ODNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaofeng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Research Center of Bio-nanotechnology Engineering in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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Lambert G. Polyalkylcyanoacrylate Nanospheres and Nanocapsules for the Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides. J DISPER SCI TECHNOL 2007. [DOI: 10.1081/dis-120021800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Lambert
- a Novagali SAS , Genopole Industries , 4 rue Pierre Fontaine, 91058 , Evry , France
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Schlingensiepen R, Goldbrunner M, Szyrach MNI, Stauder G, Jachimczak P, Bogdahn U, Schulmeyer F, Hau P, Schlingensiepen KH. Intracerebral and intrathecal infusion of the TGF-beta 2-specific antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide AP 12009 in rabbits and primates: toxicology and safety. Oligonucleotides 2006; 15:94-104. [PMID: 15989424 DOI: 10.1089/oli.2005.15.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Here, we provide first evidence that long-term continuous infusion of highly purified antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODN) into brain parenchyma is well tolerated and thus highly suitable for in vivo application. AP 12009 is an S-ODN for the therapy of malignant glioma. It is directed against human transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta2) mRNA. In the clinical setting, AP 12009 is administered intratumorally by continuous infusion directly into the brain tumor. In view of this clinical application, the focus of our data is on local toxicology studies in rabbits and monkeys to evaluate the safety of AP 12009. AP 12009 was administered either by intrathecal bolus injection into the subarachnoidal space of the lumbar region of both cynomolgus monkeys and rabbits or by continuous intraparenchymatous infusion directly into the brain tissue of rabbits. Intrathecal bolus administration of 0.1 ml of 500 microM AP 12009 showed neither clinical signs of toxicity nor macroscopically visible or histomorphologic changes. After a 7-day intraparenchymatous continuous infusion of 500 microM AP 12009 at 1 microl/h in rabbits, there was no evidence of toxicity except for local mild to moderate lymphocytic leptomeningoencephalitis. Additionally, AP 12009 showed good tolerability in safety pharmacology as well as in acute toxicity studies and 4-week subchronic toxicity studies in mice, rats, and monkeys. This favorable safety profile proves the suitability of AP 12009 for local administration in brain tumor patients from the point of view of toxicology.
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Abstract
Hyperlipidaemia, due to elevations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or triglycerides (TGs), is recognised as a significant risk factor contributing to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Even though a variety of established antihyperlipidaemic agents are available, the majority of high-risk patients do not reach their lipid goals, indicating the need for new and more effective therapeutics to be used alone or as combination agents with existing drugs. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), designed to specifically and selectively inhibit novel targets involved in cholesterol/TG homeostasis, represent a new class of agents that may prove beneficial for the treatment of hyperlipidaemias resulting from various genetic, metabolic or behavioural factors. This article describes the antisense technology platform, highlights the advantages of these novel drugs for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia and reviews the current research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne M Crooke
- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 1896 Rutherford Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
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