1
|
Zoccali C, Mallamaci F, Lightstone L, Jha V, Pollock C, Tuttle K, Kotanko P, Wiecek A, Anders HJ, Remuzzi G, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Levin A, Vanholder R. A new era in the science and care of kidney diseases. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:460-472. [PMID: 38575770 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00828-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Notable progress in basic, translational and clinical nephrology research has been made over the past five decades. Nonetheless, many challenges remain, including obstacles to the early detection of kidney disease, disparities in access to care and variability in responses to existing and emerging therapies. Innovations in drug development, research technologies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have the potential to improve patient outcomes. Exciting prospects include the availability of new drugs to slow or halt the progression of chronic kidney disease, the development of bioartificial kidneys that mimic healthy kidney functions, and tissue engineering techniques that could enable transplantable kidneys to be created from the cells of the recipient, removing the risk of rejection. Cell and gene therapies have the potential to be applied for kidney tissue regeneration and repair. In addition, about 30% of kidney disease cases are monogenic and could potentially be treated using these genetic medicine approaches. Systemic diseases that involve the kidney, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, might also be amenable to these treatments. Continued investment, communication, collaboration and translation of innovations are crucial to realize their full potential. In addition, increasing sophistication in exploring large datasets, implementation science, and qualitative methodologies will improve the ability to deliver transformational kidney health strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Zoccali
- Kidney Research Institute, New York City, NY, USA.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (Biogem), Ariano Irpino, Italy.
- Associazione Ipertensione Nefrologia Trapianto Kidney (IPNET), c/o Nefrologia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, Reggio Calabria, Italy.
| | - Francesca Mallamaci
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit Azienda Ospedaliera "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
- CNR-IFC, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and Physiopathology of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Liz Lightstone
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Vivek Jha
- George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, New Delhi, India
- School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Medical Education, Manipal, India
| | - Carol Pollock
- Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Tuttle
- Providence Medical Research Center, Providence Inland Northwest, Spokane, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Spokane, Washington, USA
- Kidney Research Institute, Institute of Translational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peter Kotanko
- Kidney Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrzej Wiecek
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, 40-027, Katowice, Poland
| | - Hans Joachim Anders
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine IV, Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCSS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Harold Simmons Center for Kidney Disease Research and Epidemiology, California, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, Irvine, USA
- Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Division of Nephrology, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Adeera Levin
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, Division of Nephrology, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia, Provincial Kidney Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Raymond Vanholder
- European Kidney Health Alliance, Brussels, Belgium
- Nephrology Section, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rossi M, Breman E. Engineering strategies to safely drive CAR T-cells into the future. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1411393. [PMID: 38962002 PMCID: PMC11219585 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1411393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has proven a breakthrough in cancer treatment in the last decade, giving unprecedented results against hematological malignancies. All approved CAR T-cell products, as well as many being assessed in clinical trials, are generated using viral vectors to deploy the exogenous genetic material into T-cells. Viral vectors have a long-standing clinical history in gene delivery, and thus underwent iterations of optimization to improve their efficiency and safety. Nonetheless, their capacity to integrate semi-randomly into the host genome makes them potentially oncogenic via insertional mutagenesis and dysregulation of key cellular genes. Secondary cancers following CAR T-cell administration appear to be a rare adverse event. However several cases documented in the last few years put the spotlight on this issue, which might have been underestimated so far, given the relatively recent deployment of CAR T-cell therapies. Furthermore, the initial successes obtained in hematological malignancies have not yet been replicated in solid tumors. It is now clear that further enhancements are needed to allow CAR T-cells to increase long-term persistence, overcome exhaustion and cope with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To this aim, a variety of genomic engineering strategies are under evaluation, most relying on CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene editing technologies. These approaches are liable to introduce unintended, irreversible genomic alterations in the product cells. In the first part of this review, we will discuss the viral and non-viral approaches used for the generation of CAR T-cells, whereas in the second part we will focus on gene editing and non-gene editing T-cell engineering, with particular regard to advantages, limitations, and safety. Finally, we will critically analyze the different gene deployment and genomic engineering combinations, delineating strategies with a superior safety profile for the production of next-generation CAR T-cell.
Collapse
|
3
|
Minskaia E, Galieva A, Egorov AD, Ivanov R, Karabelsky A. Viral Vectors in Gene Replacement Therapy. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2157-2178. [PMID: 38462459 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120179] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Throughout the years, several hundred million people with rare genetic disorders have been receiving only symptom management therapy. However, research and development efforts worldwide have led to the development of long-lasting, highly efficient, and safe gene therapy for a wide range of hereditary diseases. Improved viral vectors are now able to evade the preexisting immunity and more efficiently target and transduce therapeutically relevant cells, ensuring genome maintenance and expression of transgenes at the relevant levels. Hematological, ophthalmological, neurodegenerative, and metabolic therapeutic areas have witnessed successful treatment of hemophilia and muscular dystrophy, restoration of immune system in children with immunodeficiencies, and restoration of vision. This review focuses on three leading vector platforms of the past two decades: adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), adenoviruses (AdVs), and lentiviruses (LVs). Special attention is given to successful preclinical and clinical studies that have led to the approval of gene therapies: six AAV-based (Glybera® for lipoprotein lipase deficiency, Luxturna® for retinal dystrophy, Zolgensma® for spinal muscular atrophy, Upstaza® for AADC, Roctavian® for hemophilia A, and Hemgenix® for hemophilia B) and three LV-based (Libmeldy® for infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy, Zynteglo® for β-thalassemia, and Skysona® for ALD). The review also discusses the problems that arise in the development of gene therapy treatments, which, nevertheless, do not overshadow the successes of already developed gene therapies and the hope these treatments give to long-suffering patients and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Minskaia
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia.
| | - Alima Galieva
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander D Egorov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| | - Alexander Karabelsky
- Scientific Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Gene Therapy, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354530, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kwak G, Lee D, Suk JS. Advanced approaches to overcome biological barriers in respiratory and systemic routes of administration for enhanced nucleic acid delivery to the lung. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1531-1552. [PMID: 37946533 PMCID: PMC10872418 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2282535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous delivery strategies, primarily novel nucleic acid delivery carriers, have been developed and explored to enable therapeutically relevant lung gene therapy. However, its clinical translation is yet to be achieved despite over 30 years of efforts, which is attributed to the inability to overcome a series of biological barriers that hamper efficient nucleic acid transfer to target cells in the lung. AREAS COVERED This review is initiated with the fundamentals of nucleic acid therapy and a brief overview of previous and ongoing efforts on clinical translation of lung gene therapy. We then walk through the nature of biological barriers encountered by nucleic acid carriers administered via respiratory and/or systemic routes. Finally, we introduce advanced strategies developed to overcome those barriers to achieve therapeutically relevant nucleic acid delivery efficiency in the lung. EXPERT OPINION We are now stepping close to the clinical translation of lung gene therapy, thanks to the discovery of novel delivery strategies that overcome biological barriers via comprehensive preclinical studies. However, preclinical findings should be cautiously interpreted and validated to ultimately realize meaningful therapeutic outcomes with newly developed delivery strategies in humans. In particular, individual strategies should be selected, tailored, and implemented in a manner directly relevant to specific therapeutic applications and goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gijung Kwak
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daiheon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li X, Le Y, Zhang Z, Nian X, Liu B, Yang X. Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097736. [PMID: 37175441 PMCID: PMC10177981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a technique involving the modification of an individual's genes for treating a particular disease. The key to effective gene therapy is an efficient carrier delivery system. Viral vectors that have been artificially modified to lose their pathogenicity are used widely as a delivery system, with the key advantages of their natural high transduction efficiency and stable expression. With decades of development, viral vector-based gene therapies have achieved promising clinical outcomes. Currently, the three key vector strategies are based on adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, and lentiviruses. However, certain challenges, such as immunotoxicity and "off-target", continue to exist. In the present review, the above three viral vectors are discussed along with their respective therapeutic applications. In addition, the major translational challenges encountered in viral vector-based gene therapies are summarized, and the possible strategies to address these challenges are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan Li
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Yang Le
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Zhegang Zhang
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Xuanxuan Nian
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Bo Liu
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
- China National Biotech Group Company Limited, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhuniya A, Pattarayan D, Yang D. Lentiviral vector transduction provides nonspecific immunogenicity for syngeneic tumor models. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:1073-1081. [PMID: 36161729 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Lentivirus-based transduction systems are widely used in biological science and cancer biology, including cancer immunotherapy. However, in in vivo transplanted tumor model, the immunogenicity of these transduced cells was not appropriately addressed. Here, we used empty vector-transduced mouse melanoma (B16) and carcinoma (lewis lung carcinoma) cells transplanted tumor model to study the immune response due to the transduction processes. We showed that the overall in vivo tumor growth rate gets reduced in transduced cells only in immune-competent mice but not in nude mice. This data indicate the involvement of the immune system in the in vivo tumor growth restriction in the transduced group. Further studies showed that specific activation of CD8+ T cells might be responsible for restricted tumor growth. Mechanistically, transduced tumor cells show the higher activity of type I interferon, which might play an essential role in this activation. Overall, our data indicate the modulation of the immune system by lentiviral vector transduced tumor cells, which required further studies to explore the mechanisms and better understand the biological significance. Our data also indicate the importance of considering the immunogenicity of transduced cells when analyzing in vivo results, especially in studies related to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Bhuniya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dhamotharan Pattarayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Da Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Michels A, Ho N, Buchholz CJ. Precision Medicine: In Vivo CAR Therapy as a Showcase for Receptor-Targeted Vector Platforms. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2401-2415. [PMID: 35598048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are a cancer immunotherapy of extremes: Unprecedentedly effective, but complex and costly to manufacture, they are not yet a therapeutic option for all who would benefit. This disparity has motivated worldwide efforts to simplify treatment. Among the proposed solutions, the generation of CAR T cells directly in the patient, i.e. in vivo, is arguably simultaneously the most technically challenging and clinically useful approach to convert CAR therapy from a cell-based autologous medicinal product into a universally applicable off-the-shelf treatment. Here we review the current state-of-the-art of in vivo CAR therapy, focusing especially on the vector technologies used. These cover lentiviral vectors, adenovirus-associated vectors as well as synthetic polymer nanocarriers and lipid nanoparticles. Proof-of-concept, i.e. the generation of CAR cells directly in mouse models, has been demonstrated for all vector platforms. Receptor-targeting of vector particles is crucial, as it can prevent CAR gene delivery into off-target cells, thus reducing toxicities. We discuss the properties of the vector platforms, such as their immunogenicity, potency, and modes of CAR delivery (permanent versus transient). Finally, we outline the work required to advance in vivo CAR therapy from proof-of-concept to a robust, scalable technology for clinical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Michels
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Naphang Ho
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany;; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe-University, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Characterization of an immune-evading doxycycline-inducible lentiviral vector for gene therapy in the spinal cord. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
9
|
Li Z, Zhang L, Jiang K, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Hu G, Song J. Biosafety assessment of delivery systems for clinical nucleic acid therapeutics. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
|
10
|
Taha EA, Lee J, Hotta A. Delivery of CRISPR-Cas tools for in vivo genome editing therapy: Trends and challenges. J Control Release 2022; 342:345-361. [PMID: 35026352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing technology opened the door to provide a versatile approach for treating multiple diseases. Promising results have been shown in numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. However, a safe and effective method to deliver genome-editing components is still a key challenge for in vivo genome editing therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most commonly used vector systems to date, but immunogenicity against capsid, liver toxicity at high dose, and potential genotoxicity caused by off-target mutagenesis and genomic integration remain unsolved. Recently developed transient delivery systems, such as virus-like particle (VLP) and lipid nanoparticle (LNP), may solve some of the issues. This review summarizes existing in vivo delivery systems and possible solutions to overcome their limitations. Also, we highlight the ongoing clinical trials for in vivo genome editing therapy and recently developed genome editing tools for their potential applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman A Taha
- Center for iPS cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Ain Shams University Faculty of Science, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Joseph Lee
- Center for iPS cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akitsu Hotta
- Center for iPS cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Takeda-CiRA Joint Program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
van Hees M, Slott S, Hansen AH, Kim HS, Ji HP, Astakhova K. New approaches to moderate CRISPR-Cas9 activity: Addressing issues of cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Mol Ther 2022; 30:32-46. [PMID: 34091053 PMCID: PMC8753288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is rapidly entering molecular biology and biomedicine as a promising gene-editing tool. A unique feature of CRISPR-Cas9 is a single-guide RNA directing a Cas9 nuclease toward its genomic target. Herein, we highlight new approaches for improving cellular uptake and endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9. As opposed to other recently published works, this review is focused on non-viral carriers as a means to facilitate the cellular uptake of CRISPR-Cas9 through endocytosis. The majority of non-viral carriers, such as gold nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and nanoscale zeolitic imidazole frameworks, is developed with a focus toward optimizing the endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9 by taking advantage of the acidic environment in the late endosomes. Among the most broadly used methods for in vitro and ex vivo ribonucleotide protein transfection are electroporation and microinjection. Thus, other delivery formats are warranted for in vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9. Herein, we specifically revise the use of peptide and nanoparticle-based systems as platforms for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in vivo. Finally, we highlight future perspectives of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool and the prospects of using non-viral vectors to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja van Hees
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Slott
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Heon Seok Kim
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Hanlee P. Ji
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark,Corresponding author: Kira Astakhova, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lentiviral vectors have emerged as powerful vectors for vaccination, due to their high efficiency to transduce dendritic cells and to induce long-lasting humoral immunity, CD8+ T cells, and effective protection in numerous preclinical animal models of infection and oncology. AREAS COVERED Here, we reviewed the literature, highlighting the relevance of lentiviral vectors in vaccinology. We recapitulated both their virological and immunological aspects of lentiviral vectors. We compared lentiviral vectors to the gold standard viral vaccine vectors, i.e. adenoviral vectors, and updated the latest results in lentiviral vector-based vaccination in preclinical models. EXPERT OPINION Lentiviral vectors are non-replicative, negligibly inflammatory, and not targets of preexisting immunity in human populations. These are major characteristics to consider in vaccine development. The potential of lentiviral vectors to transduce non-dividing cells, including dendritic cells, is determinant in their strong immunogenicity. Notably, lentiviral vectors can be engineered to target antigen expression to specific host cells. The very weak inflammatory properties of these vectors allow their use in mucosal vaccination, with particular interest in infectious diseases that affect the lungs or brain, including COVID-19. Recent results in various preclinical models have reinforced the interest of these vectors in prophylaxis against infectious diseases and in onco-immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min-Wen Ku
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Charneau
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Paris, France
| | - Laleh Majlessi
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jensen TL, Gøtzsche CR, Woldbye DPD. Current and Future Prospects for Gene Therapy for Rare Genetic Diseases Affecting the Brain and Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:695937. [PMID: 34690692 PMCID: PMC8527017 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.695937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, gene therapy has been raising hopes toward viable treatment strategies for rare genetic diseases for which there has been almost exclusively supportive treatment. We here review this progress at the pre-clinical and clinical trial levels as well as market approvals within diseases that specifically affect the brain and spinal cord, including degenerative, developmental, lysosomal storage, and metabolic disorders. The field reached an unprecedented milestone when Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec) was approved by the FDA and EMA for in vivo adeno-associated virus-mediated gene replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Shortly after EMA approved Libmeldy®, an ex vivo gene therapy with lentivirus vector-transduced autologous CD34-positive stem cells, for treatment of metachromatic leukodystrophy. These successes could be the first of many more new gene therapies in development that mostly target loss-of-function mutation diseases with gene replacement (e.g., Batten disease, mucopolysaccharidoses, gangliosidoses) or, less frequently, gain-of-toxic-function mutation diseases by gene therapeutic silencing of pathologic genes (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease). In addition, the use of genome editing as a gene therapy is being explored for some diseases, but this has so far only reached clinical testing in the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses. Based on the large number of planned, ongoing, and completed clinical trials for rare genetic central nervous system diseases, it can be expected that several novel gene therapies will be approved and become available within the near future. Essential for this to happen is the in depth characterization of short- and long-term effects, safety aspects, and pharmacodynamics of the applied gene therapy platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Leth Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Srivastava V, Singh A, Jain GK, Ahmad FJ, Shukla R, Kesharwani P. Viral vectors as a promising nanotherapeutic approach against neurodegenerative disorders. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
15
|
Bulcha JT, Wang Y, Ma H, Tai PWL, Gao G. Viral vector platforms within the gene therapy landscape. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:53. [PMID: 33558455 PMCID: PMC7868676 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00487-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 553] [Impact Index Per Article: 184.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout its 40-year history, the field of gene therapy has been marked by many transitions. It has seen great strides in combating human disease, has given hope to patients and families with limited treatment options, but has also been subject to many setbacks. Treatment of patients with this class of investigational drugs has resulted in severe adverse effects and, even in rare cases, death. At the heart of this dichotomous field are the viral-based vectors, the delivery vehicles that have allowed researchers and clinicians to develop powerful drug platforms, and have radically changed the face of medicine. Within the past 5 years, the gene therapy field has seen a wave of drugs based on viral vectors that have gained regulatory approval that come in a variety of designs and purposes. These modalities range from vector-based cancer therapies, to treating monogenic diseases with life-altering outcomes. At present, the three key vector strategies are based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and lentiviruses. They have led the way in preclinical and clinical successes in the past two decades. However, despite these successes, many challenges still limit these approaches from attaining their full potential. To review the viral vector-based gene therapy landscape, we focus on these three highly regarded vector platforms and describe mechanisms of action and their roles in treating human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jote T Bulcha
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Munis AM. Gene Therapy Applications of Non-Human Lentiviral Vectors. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101106. [PMID: 33003635 PMCID: PMC7599719 DOI: 10.3390/v12101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent commercialization of lentiviral vector (LV)-based cell therapies and successful reports of clinical studies have demonstrated the untapped potential of LVs to treat diseases and benefit patients. LVs hold notable and inherent advantages over other gene transfer agents based on their ability to transduce non-dividing cells, permanently transform target cell genome, and allow stable, long-term transgene expression. LV systems based on non-human lentiviruses are attractive alternatives to conventional HIV-1-based LVs due to their lack of pathogenicity in humans. This article reviews non-human lentiviruses and highlights their unique characteristics regarding virology and molecular biology. The LV systems developed based on these lentiviruses, as well as their successes and shortcomings, are also discussed. As the field of gene therapy is advancing rapidly, the use of LVs uncovers further challenges and possibilities. Advances in virology and an improved understanding of lentiviral biology will aid in the creation of recombinant viral vector variants suitable for translational applications from a variety of lentiviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Altar M Munis
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ates I, Rathbone T, Stuart C, Bridges PH, Cottle RN. Delivery Approaches for Therapeutic Genome Editing and Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1113. [PMID: 32977396 PMCID: PMC7597956 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Impressive therapeutic advances have been possible through the advent of zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases. However, discovery of the more efficient and highly tailorable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and associated proteins (Cas9) has provided unprecedented gene-editing capabilities for treatment of various inherited and acquired diseases. Despite recent clinical trials, a major barrier for therapeutic gene editing is the absence of safe and effective methods for local and systemic delivery of gene-editing reagents. In this review, we elaborate on the challenges and provide practical considerations for improving gene editing. Specifically, we highlight issues associated with delivery of gene-editing tools into clinically relevant cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilayda Ates
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Tanner Rathbone
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Callie Stuart
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
| | - P. Hudson Bridges
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Renee N. Cottle
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (I.A.); (T.R.); (C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rolfes S, Munro DAD, Lyras EM, Matute E, Ouk K, Harms C, Böttcher C, Priller J. Lentiviral delivery of human erythropoietin attenuates hippocampal atrophy and improves cognition in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 144:105024. [PMID: 32702387 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT). The R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD expresses exon 1 of the human HTT gene with approximately 150 CAG repeats. R6/2 mice develop progressive behavioural abnormalities, impaired neurogenesis, and atrophy of several brain regions. In recent years, erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to confer neuroprotection and enhance neurogenesis, rendering it a promising molecule to attenuate HD symptoms. In this study, the therapeutic potential of EPO was evaluated in female R6/2 transgenic mice. A single bilateral injection of a lentivirus encoding human EPO (LV-hEPO) was performed into the lateral ventricles of R6/2 mice at disease onset (8 weeks of age). Control groups were either untreated or injected with a lentivirus encoding green fluorescent protein (LV-GFP). Thirty days after virus administration, hEPO mRNA and protein were present in injected R6/2 brains. Compared to control R6/2 mice, LV-hEPO-treated R6/2 mice exhibited reduced hippocampal atrophy, increased neuroblast branching towards the dentate granular cell layer, and improved spatial cognition. Our results suggest that LV-hEPO administration may be a promising strategy to reduce cognitive impairment in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Rolfes
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - David A D Munro
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Ekaterini-Maria Lyras
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduardo Matute
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Koliane Ouk
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; DZNE Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Harms
- Department of Experimental Neurology and Center for Stroke Research, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Chotima Böttcher
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Priller
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK; DZNE Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Carbonaro-Sarracino DA, Tarantal AF, Lee CCI, Kaufman ML, Wandro S, Jin X, Martinez M, Clark DN, Chun K, Koziol C, Hardee CL, Wang X, Kohn DB. Dosing and Re-Administration of Lentiviral Vector for In Vivo Gene Therapy in Rhesus Monkeys and ADA-Deficient Mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 16:78-93. [PMID: 31871959 PMCID: PMC6909201 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine deaminase (ADA)-deficient mice and healthy rhesus monkeys were studied to determine the impact of age at treatment, vector dosage, dosing schedule, repeat administration, biodistribution, and immunogenicity after systemic delivery of lentiviral vectors (LVs). In Ada -/- mice, neonatal treatment resulted in broad vector marking across all tissues analyzed, whereas adult treatment resulted in marking restricted to the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Intravenous administration to infant rhesus monkeys also resulted in dose-dependent marking in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Using an ELISA to monitor anti-vector antibody development, Ada -/- neonatal mice did not produce an antibody response, whereas Ada -/- adult mice produced a strong antibody response to vector administration. In mice and monkeys with repeat administration of LV, a strong anti-vector antibody response was shown in response to the second LV administration, which resulted in LV inactivation. Three separate doses administered to immune competent mice resulted in acute toxicity. Pegylation of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSV-G)-enveloped LVs showed a less robust anti-vector response but did not prevent the inactivation of the second LV administration. These studies identify important factors to consider related to age and timing of administration when implementing systemic delivery of LVs as a potential therapeutic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise A. Carbonaro-Sarracino
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alice F. Tarantal
- Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - C. Chang I. Lee
- Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Michael L. Kaufman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephen Wandro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiangyang Jin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michele Martinez
- Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Danielle N. Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Krista Chun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Colin Koziol
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Cinnamon L. Hardee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Donald B. Kohn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tong S, Moyo B, Lee CM, Leong K, Bao G. Engineered materials for in vivo delivery of genome-editing machinery. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2019; 4:726-737. [PMID: 34094589 PMCID: PMC8174554 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-019-0145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, are promising for treating otherwise incurable genetic diseases. Great progress has been made for ex vivo genome editing; however, major bottlenecks exist in the development of efficient, safe, and targetable in vivo delivery systems, which are needed for the treatment of many diseases. To achieve high efficacy and safety in therapeutic in vivo genome editing, editing activities must be controlled spatially and temporally in the body, which requires novel materials, delivery strategies, and control mechanisms. Thus, there is currently a tremendous opportunity for the biomaterials research community to develop in vivo delivery systems that overcome the problems of low editing efficiency, off-targeting effect, safety, and cell and tissue specificity. In this Review, we summarize delivery approaches and provide perspectives on the challenges and possible solutions, aiming to stimulate further development of engineered materials for in vivo delivery of genome-editing machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Tong
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Buhle Moyo
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ciaran M. Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kam Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Recent advancements in exon-skipping therapies using antisense oligonucleotides and genome editing for the treatment of various muscular dystrophies. Expert Rev Mol Med 2019; 21:e5. [PMID: 31576784 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2019.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterised by degeneration of muscles. Different forms of muscular dystrophy can show varying phenotypes with a wide range of age, severity and location of muscle deterioration. Many palliative care options are available for muscular dystrophy patients, but no curative treatment is available. Exon-skipping therapy aims to induce skipping of exons with disease-causing mutations and/or nearby exons to restore the reading frame, which results in an internally truncated, partially functional protein. In antisense-mediated exon-skipping synthetic antisense oligonucleotide binds to pre-mRNA to induce exon skipping. Recent advances in exon skipping have yielded promising results; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved eteplirsen (Exondys51) as the first exon-skipping drug for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and in vivo exon skipping has been demonstrated in animal models of dysferlinopathy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C and congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A. Novel methods that induce exon skipping utilizing Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) are also being developed where splice site mutations are created within the genome to induce exon skipping. Challenges remain as exon-skipping agents can have deleterious non-specific effects and different in-frame deletions show phenotypic variance. This article reviews the state of the art of exon skipping for treating muscular dystrophy and discusses challenges and future prospects.
Collapse
|
22
|
Collmann FM, Pijnenburg R, Hamzei-Taj S, Minassian A, Folz-Donahue K, Kukat C, Aswendt M, Hoehn M. Individual in vivo Profiles of Microglia Polarization After Stroke, Represented by the Genes iNOS and Ym1. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1236. [PMID: 31214190 PMCID: PMC6558167 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the brain-innate immune cells which actively surveil their environment and mediate multiple aspects of neuroinflammation, due to their ability to acquire diverse activation states and phenotypes. Simplified, M1-like microglia are defined as pro-inflammatory cells, while the alternative M2-like cells promote neuroprotection. The modulation of microglia polarization is an appealing neurotherapeutic strategy for stroke and other brain lesions, as well as neurodegenerative diseases. However, the activation profile and change of phenotype during experimental stroke is not well understood. With a combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging approach and genetic targeting of two key genes of the M1- and M2-like phenotypes, iNOS and Ym1, we were able to monitor in vivo the dynamic adaption of the microglia phenotype in response to experimental stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Collmann
- In-vivo-NMR, Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rory Pijnenburg
- In-vivo-NMR, Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Somayyeh Hamzei-Taj
- In-vivo-NMR, Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anuka Minassian
- In-vivo-NMR, Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kat Folz-Donahue
- FACS & Imaging Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Kukat
- FACS & Imaging Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Aswendt
- In-vivo-NMR, Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mathias Hoehn
- In-vivo-NMR, Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Radiology Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,PERCUROS, Enschede, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Munis AM, Mattiuzzo G, Bentley EM, Collins MK, Eyles JE, Takeuchi Y. Use of Heterologous Vesiculovirus G Proteins Circumvents the Humoral Anti-envelope Immunity in Lentivector-Based In Vivo Gene Delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:126-137. [PMID: 31254925 PMCID: PMC6599914 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus Indiana strain glycoprotein (VSVind.G) mediates broad tissue tropism and efficient cellular uptake. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are particularly promising, as they can efficiently transduce non-dividing cells and facilitate stable genomic transgene integration; therefore, LVs have an enormous untapped potential for gene therapy applications, but the development of humoral and cell-mediated anti-vector responses may restrict their efficacy. We hypothesized that G proteins from different members of the vesiculovirus genus might allow the generation of a panel of serotypically distinct LV pseudotypes with potential for repeated in vivo administration. We found that mice hyperimmunized with VSVind.G were not transduced to any significant degree following intravenous injection of LVs with VSVind.G envelopes, consistent with the thesis that multiple LV administrations would likely be blunted by an adaptive immune response. Excitingly, bioluminescence imaging studies demonstrated that the VSVind-neutralizing response could be evaded by LV pseudotyped with Piry and, to a lesser extent, Cocal virus glycoproteins. Heterologous dosing regimens using viral vectors and oncolytic viruses with Piry and Cocal envelopes could represent a novel strategy to achieve repeated vector-based interventions, unfettered by pre-existing anti-envelope antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Altar M Munis
- Division of Advanced Therapies, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms EN6 3QG, UK; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Giada Mattiuzzo
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Emma M Bentley
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Mary K Collins
- Division of Advanced Therapies, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms EN6 3QG, UK; Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa 904-0412, Japan
| | - James E Eyles
- Division of Advanced Therapies, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Yasuhiro Takeuchi
- Division of Advanced Therapies, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms EN6 3QG, UK; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Activation of microglia associated with lentiviral transduction: A semiautomated method of assessment. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:368-375. [PMID: 30771905 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral transduction is a powerful tool and widely used in neuroscience research to manipulate gene expression of cells. However, the injection of lentiviral vectors in the brain is not totally benign, it potentially induces focal neuroinflammation. Upon inflammation, microglial cells get activated and can induce major changes in tissue environment, which may interfere with experimental results. In the current study, two weeks after the injection of control viral construction in the dentate gyrus (DG) of rats, an activation of microglia was detected. To access the activation status, we used a fast and accurate method of phenotype detection - measurement of fractal dimension (FD). Microglial morphology is a key indicator of neuroinflammation, therefore FD of microglial cells may serve as a reliable index of inflammation status in the brain. Here we present a detailed description of image processing procedure of images of individual microglial cells. The method allows to preserve the complex structure of microglial cells and their thin processes on the output image, which is important for accurate FD assessment.
Collapse
|
25
|
Quintino L, Namislo A, Davidsson M, Breger LS, Kavanagh P, Avallone M, Elgstrand-Wettergren E, Isaksson C, Lundberg C. Destabilizing Domains Enable Long-Term and Inert Regulation of GDNF Expression in the Brain. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 11:29-39. [PMID: 30324128 PMCID: PMC6187056 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of therapeutic transgene expression can increase the safety of gene therapy interventions, especially when targeting critical organs such as the brain. Although several gene expression systems have been described, none of the current systems has the required safety profile for clinical applications. Our group has previously adapted a system for novel gene regulation based on the destabilizing domain degron technology to successfully regulate glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor in the brain (GDNF-F-DD). In the present study, we used GDNF-F-DD as a proof-of-principle molecule to fully characterize DD regulation in the brain. Our results indicate that DD could be regulated in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, GDNF-F-DD could also be induced in vivo repeatedly, without loss of activity or efficacy in vivo. Finally, DD regulation was able to be sustained for 24 weeks without loss of expression or any overt toxicity. The present study shows that DD has great potential to regulate gene expression in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Quintino
- CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Angrit Namislo
- CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Davidsson
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ludivine S Breger
- CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrick Kavanagh
- CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martino Avallone
- CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Christina Isaksson
- CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Lundberg
- CNS Gene Therapy, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Therapeutic potential of combined viral transduction and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:1827-1835. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3521-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
27
|
Modulation of immune responses in lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer. Cell Immunol 2018; 342:103802. [PMID: 29735164 PMCID: PMC6695505 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LV) are widely used vehicles for gene transfer and therapy in pre-clinical animal models and clinical trials with promising safety and efficacy results. However, host immune responses against vector- and/or transgene-derived antigens remain a major obstacle to the success and broad applicability of gene therapy. Here we review the innate and adaptive immunological barriers to successful gene therapy, both in the context of ex vivo and in vivo LV gene therapy, mostly concerning systemic LV delivery and discuss possible means to overcome them, including vector design and production and immune modulatory strategies.
Collapse
|
28
|
Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Evolutionary basis of a new gene- and immune-therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant brain tumors: from mice to clinical trials for glioma patients. Clin Immunol 2018; 189:43-51. [PMID: 28720549 PMCID: PMC5768465 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioma cells are one of the most aggressive and malignant tumors. Following initial surgery, and radio-chemotherapy they progress rapidly, so that patients' median survival remains under two years. They invade throughout the brain, which makes them difficult to treat, and are universally lethal. Though total resection is always attempted it is not curative. Standard of care in 2016 comprises surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (temozolomide). Median survival is currently ~14-20months post-diagnosis though it can be higher in high complexity medical university centers, or during clinical trials. Why the immune system fails to recognize the growing brain tumor is not completely understood. We believe that one reason for this failure is that the brain lacks cells that perform the role that dendritic cells serve in other organs. The lack of functional dendritic cells from the brain causes the brain to be deficient in priming systemic immune responses to glioma antigens. To overcome this drawback we reconstituted the brain immune system for it to initiate and prime anti-glioma immune responses from within the brain. To achieve brain immune reconstitution adenoviral vectors are injected into the resection cavity or remaining tumor. One adenoviral vector expresses the HSV-1 derived thymidine kinase which converts ganciclovir into phospho-ganciclovir which becomes cytotoxic to dividing cells. The second adenovirus expresses the cytokine fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L). Flt3L differentiates precursors into dendritic cells and acts as a chemokine for dendritic cells. This results in HSV-1/ganciclovir killing of tumor cells, and the release of tumor antigens, which are then taken up by dendritic cells recruited to the brain tumor microenvironment by Flt3L. Concomitant release of HMGB1, a TLR2 agonist that activates dendritic cells, stimulates dendritic cells loaded with glioma antigens to migrate to the cervical lymph nodes to prime a systemic CD8+ T cytotoxic killing of brain tumor cells. This induced immune response causes glioma-specific cytotoxicity, induces immunological memory, and does not cause brain toxicity or autoimmunity. A Phase I Clinical Trial, to test our hypothesis in human patients, was opened in December 2013 (see: NCT01811992, Combined Cytotoxic and Immune-Stimulatory Therapy for Glioma, at ClinicalTrials.gov). This trial is a first in human trial to test whether the re-engineering of the brain immune system can serve to treat malignant brain tumors. The long and winding road from the laboratory to the clinical trial follows below.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro R Lowenstein
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan, The Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, The Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.
| | - Maria G Castro
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan, The Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, The Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Biswas M, Kumar SRP, Terhorst C, Herzog RW. Gene Therapy With Regulatory T Cells: A Beneficial Alliance. Front Immunol 2018; 9:554. [PMID: 29616042 PMCID: PMC5868074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy aims to replace a defective or a deficient protein at therapeutic or curative levels. Improved vector designs have enhanced safety, efficacy, and delivery, with potential for lasting treatment. However, innate and adaptive immune responses to the viral vector and transgene product remain obstacles to the establishment of therapeutic efficacy. It is widely accepted that endogenous regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for tolerance induction to the transgene product and in some cases the viral vector. There are two basic strategies to harness the suppressive ability of Tregs: in vivo induction of adaptive Tregs specific to the introduced gene product and concurrent administration of autologous, ex vivo expanded Tregs. The latter may be polyclonal or engineered to direct specificity to the therapeutic antigen. Recent clinical trials have advanced adoptive immunotherapy with Tregs for the treatment of autoimmune disease and in patients receiving cell transplants. Here, we highlight the potential benefit of combining gene therapy with Treg adoptive transfer to achieve a sustained transgene expression. Furthermore, techniques to engineer antigen-specific Treg cell populations, either through reprogramming conventional CD4+ T cells or transferring T cell receptors with known specificity into polyclonal Tregs, are promising in preclinical studies. Thus, based upon these observations and the successful use of chimeric (IgG-based) antigen receptors (CARs) in antigen-specific effector T cells, different types of CAR-Tregs could be added to the repertoire of inhibitory modalities to suppress immune responses to therapeutic cargos of gene therapy vectors. The diverse approaches to harness the ability of Tregs to suppress unwanted immune responses to gene therapy and their perspectives are reviewed in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moanaro Biswas
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sandeep R P Kumar
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hossain JA, Ystaas LR, Mrdalj J, Välk K, Riecken K, Fehse B, Bjerkvig R, Grønli J, Miletic H. Lentiviral HSV-Tk.007-mediated suicide gene therapy is not toxic for normal brain cells. J Gene Med 2018; 18:234-43. [PMID: 27490042 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapeutic strategies with suicide genes are currently investigated in clinical trials for brain tumors. Previously, we have shown that lentiviral vectors delivering the suicide gene HSV-Tk to experimental brain tumors promote a highly significant treatment effect and thus are promising vectors for clinical translation. METHODS In the present study, we tested lentiviral vectors delivering the suicide gene HSV-Tk.007, a highly active mutant of HSV-Tk, to rat brains as a preclinical toxicity study. We injected 10(6) vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) pseudotyped functional lentiviral particles harboring the suicide gene HSV-Tk.007 into the brain of healthy, immunocompetent rats. During prodrug treatment with ganciclovir (GCV), we measured weight and assessed the behavior of the rats in an open field test. After 14 days of GCV treatment, we analyzed HSV-Tk.007 expression in different brain cell populations, as well as inflammatory responses and apoptosis. RESULTS During prodrug treatment with GCV, behavior experiments did not reveal differences between the treated rats and the control groups. Analysis of HSV-Tk expression in different brain cell populations showed that transduced normal brain cells survived GCV treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of transduced cells between treatment and control groups. Furthermore, inflammatory responses and apoptosis of brain cells were not observed. CONCLUSIONS We show that HSV-Tk.007-mediated suicide gene therapy is not toxic to normal brain cells. This observation is of high relevance for the translation of lentivirus-mediated suicide gene therapies into the clinic for the treatment of brain tumor patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jubayer A Hossain
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,KG Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Rømo Ystaas
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,KG Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jelena Mrdalj
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristjan Välk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,KG Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Bjerkvig
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,KG Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norlux Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg
| | - Janne Grønli
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hrvoje Miletic
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,KG Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kim K, Kleinman HK, Lee HJ, Pahan K. Safety and potential efficacy of gemfibrozil as a supportive treatment for children with late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and other lipid storage disorders. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017. [PMID: 28623936 PMCID: PMC5474050 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-017-0663-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), also known as Batten disease, is a group of genetically distinct lysosomal disorders that mainly affect the central nervous system, resulting in progressive motor and cognitive decline primarily in children. Multiple distinct genes involved in the metabolism of lipids have been identified to date with various mutations in this family of diseases. There is no cure for these diseases but some new therapeutic approaches have been tested that offer more hope than the standard palliative care. Many of the therapeutic advances require invasive procedures but some progress in slowing the disease has been found and more options can be expected in the future. We also review the literature on children with disease/conditions other than NCL for the non-invasive use, safety, and tolerability of a lipid-lowering drug, gemfibrozil, as a potential treatment for NCLs. Gemfibrozil has shown efficacy in an animal model of NCL known as CLN2 (late infantile classic juvenile) and has been shown to be safe for lowering lipids in children. Among the 200 non-NCL children found in the published literature who were treated with gemfibrozil for NCL-related problems, only 3 experienced adverse events, including 2 with muscle pain and 1 with localized linear IgA bullous dermatitis. We conclude that gemfibrozil is safe for long-term use in children, causes minimal adverse events, is well tolerated, and may delay the progression of NCLs. Gemfibrozil may potentially be an alternative to more invasive therapeutic approaches currently under investigation and has the potential to be used in combination with other therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongsoon Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae, South Korea
| | - Hynda K Kleinman
- Polaryx Therapeutics Inc., Paramus, NJ, USA. .,The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wykes RC, Lignani G. Gene therapy and editing: Novel potential treatments for neuronal channelopathies. Neuropharmacology 2017; 132:108-117. [PMID: 28564577 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical treatment can be inadequate, non-effective, or intolerable for many people suffering from a neuronal channelopathy. Development of novel treatment options, particularly those with the potential to be curative is warranted. Gene therapy approaches can permit cell-specific modification of neuronal and circuit excitability and have been investigated experimentally as a therapy for numerous neurological disorders, with clinical trials for several neurodegenerative diseases ongoing. Channelopathies can arise from a wide array of gene mutations; however they usually result in periods of aberrant network excitability. Therefore gene therapy strategies based on up or downregulation of genes that modulate neuronal excitability may be effective therapy for a wide range of neuronal channelopathies. As many channelopathies are paroxysmal in nature, optogenetic or chemogenetic approaches may be well suited to treat the symptoms of these diseases. Recent advances in gene-editing technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system could in the future result in entirely novel treatment for a channelopathy by repairing disease-causing channel mutations at the germline level. As the brain may develop and wire abnormally as a consequence of an inherited or de novo channelopathy, the choice of optimal gene therapy or gene editing strategy will depend on the time of intervention (germline, neonatal or adult). This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Channelopathies.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R C Wykes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK.
| | - G Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kanungo J. Puromycin-resistant lentiviral control shRNA vector, pLKO.1 induces unexpected cellular differentiation of P19 embryonic stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 486:481-485. [PMID: 28322785 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RNA silencing is used as a common method for investigating loss-of-function effects of genes of interest. In mammalian cells, RNA interference (RNAi) or RNA silencing can be achieved by transient siRNA (small or short interfering RNA) transfection or by stable shRNA (short hairpin RNA) systems. Various vectors are used for efficient delivery of shRNA. Lentiviral vectors offer an efficient delivery system for stable and long-term expression of the shRNA in mammalian cells. The widely used lentiviral pLKO.1 plasmid vector is very popular in RNAi studies. A large RNAi database, a TRC (the RNAi Consortium) library, was established based on the pLKO.1-TRC plasmid vector. This plasmid (also called pLKO.1-puro) has a puromycin-resistant gene for selection in mammalian cells along with designs for generating lentiviral particles as well for RNA silencing. While using the pLKO.1-puro TRC control shRNA plasmid for transfection in murine P19 embryonic stem (ES) cells, it was unexpectedly discovered that this plasmid vector induced robust endodermal differentiation. Since P19 ES cells are pluripotent and respond to external stimuli that have the potential to alter the phenotype and thus its stemness, other cell types used in RNA silencing studies do not display the obvious effect and therefore, may affect experiments in subtle ways that would go undetected. This study for the first time provides evidence that raises concern and warrants extreme caution while using the pLKO.1-puro control shRNA vector because of its unexpected non-specific effects on cellular integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotshna Kanungo
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chen F, Qi X, Zhang R, Wu ZY, Yan CE, Li J, Liu QY, Qi J. Episomal lentiviral vectors confer erythropoietin expression in dividing cells. Plasmid 2017; 90:15-19. [PMID: 28189631 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are now widely considered as one of the most common gene delivery tools for dividing and non-dividing cells. However, insertional mutagenesis has been found in clinical trials with retroviral vectors, which poses a safety risk. The use of non-integrating lentiviral (NIL) vectors, which avoid integration, eliminates the insertional mutagenesis problem. These NIL vectors are unable to mediate stable gene delivery into dividing cells, which makes them of limited use in the clinical practice of gene therapy. In this study, we constructed a NIL vector which harbors the scaffold/matrix attachment region (S/MAR) sequence and a therapeutic gene. NIL retained episomal erythropoietin (EPO) gene expression for 74days in dividing cells both with and without selection. Furthermore, Southern blot analysis showed that the NIL vector was retained extrachromosomally in CHO cells. In conclusion, the NIL vector based on an S/MAR sequence retained the extrachromosomal expression of a therapeutic gene in dividing cells. Our results show that NIL vectors maybe a safe and effective means of gene delivery, which is of potential clinical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10021, PR China.
| | - Xin Qi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130031, Jilin, PR China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Central Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao 266042, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zong-Yong Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10021, PR China
| | - Cui-E Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10021, PR China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10021, PR China
| | - Qiu-Ying Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10021, PR China
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10021, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Destination Brain: the Past, Present, and Future of Therapeutic Gene Delivery. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2017; 12:51-83. [PMID: 28160121 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurological diseases and disorders (NDDs) present a significant societal burden and currently available drug- and biological-based therapeutic strategies have proven inadequate to alleviate it. Gene therapy is a suitable alternative to treat NDDs compared to conventional systems since it can be tailored to specifically alter select gene expression, reverse disease phenotype and restore normal function. The scope of gene therapy has broadened over the years with the advent of RNA interference and genome editing technologies. Consequently, encouraging results from central nervous system (CNS)-targeted gene delivery studies have led to their transition from preclinical to clinical trials. As we shift to an exciting gene therapy era, a retrospective of available literature on CNS-associated gene delivery is in order. This review is timely in this regard, since it analyzes key challenges and major findings from the last two decades and evaluates future prospects of brain gene delivery. We emphasize major areas consisting of physiological and pharmacological challenges in gene therapy, function-based selection of a ideal cellular target(s), available therapy modalities, and diversity of viral vectors and nanoparticles as vehicle systems. Further, we present plausible answers to key questions such as strategies to circumvent low blood-brain barrier permeability and most suitable CNS cell types for targeting. We compare and contrast pros and cons of the tested viral vectors in the context of delivery systems used in past and current clinical trials. Gene vector design challenges are also evaluated in the context of cell-specific promoters. Key challenges and findings reported for recent gene therapy clinical trials, assessing viral vectors and nanoparticles are discussed from the perspective of bench to bedside gene therapy translation. We conclude this review by tying together gene delivery challenges, available vehicle systems and comprehensive analyses of neuropathogenesis to outline future prospects of CNS-targeted gene therapies.
Collapse
|
36
|
Nicholls FJ, Liu JR, Modo M. A Comparison of Exogenous Labels for the Histological Identification of Transplanted Neural Stem Cells. Cell Transplant 2016; 26:625-645. [PMID: 27938486 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x693680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The interpretation of cell transplantation experiments is often dependent on the presence of an exogenous label for the identification of implanted cells. The exogenous labels Hoechst 33342, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), PKH26, and Qtracker were compared for their labeling efficiency, cellular effects, and reliability to identify a human neural stem cell (hNSC) line implanted intracerebrally into the rat brain. Hoechst 33342 (2 mg/ml) exhibited a delayed cytotoxicity that killed all cells within 7 days. This label was hence not progressed to in vivo studies. PKH26 (5 μM), Qtracker (15 nM), and BrdU (0.2 μM) labeled 100% of the cell population at day 1, although BrdU labeling declined by day 7. BrdU and Qtracker exerted effects on proliferation and differentiation. PKH26 reduced viability and proliferation at day 1, but this normalized by day 7. In an in vitro coculture assay, all labels transferred to unlabeled cells. After transplantation, the reliability of exogenous labels was assessed against the gold standard of a human-specific nuclear antigen (HNA) antibody. BrdU, PKH26, and Qtracker resulted in a very small proportion (<2%) of false positives, but a significant amount of false negatives (∼30%), with little change between 1 and 7 days. Exogenous labels can therefore be reliable to identify transplanted cells without exerting major cellular effects, but validation is required. The interpretation of cell transplantation experiments should be presented in the context of the label's limitations.
Collapse
|
37
|
Xu Z, Chen F, Zhang L, Lu J, Xu P, Liu G, Xie X, Mu W, Wang Y, Liu D. Non-integrating lentiviral vectors based on the minimal S/MAR sequence retain transgene expression in dividing cells. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2016; 59:1024-1033. [PMID: 27614752 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0067-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Safe and efficient gene transfer systems are the basis of gene therapy applications. Non-integrating lentiviral (NIL) vectors are among the most promising candidates for gene transfer tools, because they exhibit high transfer efficiency in both dividing and non-dividing cells and do not present a risk of insertional mutagenesis. However, non-integrating lentiviral vectors cannot introduce stable exogenous gene expression to dividing cells, thereby limiting their application. Here, we report the design of a non-integrating lentiviral vector that contains the minimal scaffold/matrix attachment region (S/MAR) sequence (SNIL), and this SNIL vector is able to retain episomal transgene expression in dividing cells. Using SNIL vectors, we detected the expression of the eGFP gene for 61 days in SNIL-transduced stable CHO cells, either with selection or not. In the NIL group without the S/MAR sequence, however, the transduced cells died under selection for the transient expression of NIL vectors. Furthermore, Southern blot assays demonstrated that the SNIL vectors were retained extrachromosomally in the CHO cells. In conclusion, the minimal S/MAR sequence retained the non-integrating lentiviral vectors in dividing cells, which indicates that SNIL vectors have the potential for use as a gene transfer tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Peng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Guang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Xuemin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Wenli Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Depei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Skoumal M, Seidlits S, Shin S, Shea L. Localized lentivirus delivery via peptide interactions. Biotechnol Bioeng 2016; 113:2033-40. [PMID: 26913962 PMCID: PMC11322858 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery from biomaterial scaffolds has been employed to induce the expression of tissue inductive factors for applications in regenerative medicine. The delivery of viral vectors has been described as reflecting a balance between vector retention and release. Herein, we investigated the design of hydrogels in order to retain the vector at the material in order to enhance transgene expression. Poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG) hydrogels were modified with poly-l-lysine (PLL) to non-covalently bind lentivirus. For cells cultured on the hydrogels, increasing the PLL molecular weight from 1 to 70 kDa led to increased transgene expression. The incubation time of the virus with the hydrogel and the PLL concentration modulated the extent of virus adsorption, and adsorbed virus had a 20% increase in the half-life at 37°C. Alternatives to high molecular weight PLL were identified through phage display technology, with peptide sequences specific for the VSV-G ectodomain, an envelope protein pseudotyped on the virus. These affinity peptides could easily be incorporated into the hydrogel, and expression was increased 20-fold relative to control peptide, and comparable to levels observed with the high molecular weight PLL. The modification of hydrogels with affinity proteins or peptides to bind lentivirus can be a powerful strategy to enhance and localized transgene expression. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2033-2040. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Skoumal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stephanie Seidlits
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Seungjin Shin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Lonnie Shea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, 1119 Gerstacker, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Qudrat A, Unni N. Theoretical Approaches to Lentiviral Mediated Neurotrophin Delivery in Potential Treatments of Parkinson's Disease. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 89:215-25. [PMID: 27354847 PMCID: PMC4918865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease, characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms include postural instability, rigidity, and tremor, while non-motor symptoms include anxiety, dementia, and depression. In this integrative review, we discuss PD disease pathophysiology in detail and introduce how neurotrophic growth factor delivery via a retroviral-based system can be used as efficacious tools for targeted gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anam Qudrat
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Anam Qudrat, Rosebrugh Building, Rm. 407, 164 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9; Tele: 647-627-4049; anam.qudrat@mail.utoronto.ca
| | - Netra Unni
- Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Meneghini V, Lattanzi A, Tiradani L, Bravo G, Morena F, Sanvito F, Calabria A, Bringas J, Fisher-Perkins JM, Dufour JP, Baker KC, Doglioni C, Montini E, Bunnell BA, Bankiewicz K, Martino S, Naldini L, Gritti A. Pervasive supply of therapeutic lysosomal enzymes in the CNS of normal and Krabbe-affected non-human primates by intracerebral lentiviral gene therapy. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:489-510. [PMID: 27025653 PMCID: PMC5128736 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD or Krabbe disease) are severe neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) caused by arylsulfatase A (ARSA) and galactosylceramidase (GALC) deficiency, respectively. Our previous studies established lentiviral gene therapy (GT) as a rapid and effective intervention to provide pervasive supply of therapeutic lysosomal enzymes in CNS tissues of MLD and GLD mice. Here, we investigated whether this strategy is similarly effective in juvenile non-human primates (NHP). To provide proof of principle for tolerability and biological efficacy of the strategy, we established a comprehensive study in normal NHP delivering a clinically relevant lentiviral vector encoding for the human ARSA transgene. Then, we injected a lentiviral vector coding for the human GALC transgene in Krabbe-affected rhesus macaques, evaluating for the first time the therapeutic potential of lentiviral GT in this unique LSD model. We showed favorable safety profile and consistent pattern of LV transduction and enzyme biodistribution in the two models, supporting the robustness of the proposed GT platform. We documented moderate inflammation at the injection sites, mild immune response to vector particles in few treated animals, no indication of immune response against transgenic products, and no molecular evidence of insertional genotoxicity. Efficient gene transfer in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes close to the injection sites resulted in robust production and extensive spreading of transgenic enzymes in the whole CNS and in CSF, leading to supraphysiological ARSA activity in normal NHP and close to physiological GALC activity in the Krabbe NHP, in which biological efficacy was associated with preliminary indication of therapeutic benefit. These results support the rationale for the clinical translation of intracerebral lentiviral GT to address CNS pathology in MLD, GLD, and other neurodegenerative LSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Meneghini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lattanzi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Tiradani
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bravo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanvito
- Anatomy and Histopathology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Calabria
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - John Bringas
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeanne M Fisher-Perkins
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Jason P Dufour
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Kate C Baker
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Anatomy and Histopathology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Montini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruce A Bunnell
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | | | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. The Long and Winding Road: From the High-Affinity Choline Uptake Site to Clinical Trials for Malignant Brain Tumors. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2016; 76:147-73. [PMID: 27288077 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are one of the most lethal cancers. They originate from glial cells which infiltrate throughout the brain. Current standard of care involves surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; median survival is currently ~14-20 months postdiagnosis. Given that the brain immune system is deficient in priming systemic immune responses to glioma antigens, we proposed to reconstitute the brain immune system to achieve immunological priming from within the brain. Two adenoviral vectors are injected into the resection cavity or remaining tumor. One adenoviral vector expresses the HSV-1-derived thymidine kinase which converts ganciclovir into a compound only cytotoxic to dividing glioma cells. The second adenovirus expresses the cytokine fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L). Flt3L differentiates precursors into dendritic cells and acts as a chemokine that attracts dendritic cells to the brain. HSV-1/ganciclovir killing of tumor cells releases tumor antigens that are taken up by dendritic cells within the brain tumor microenvironment. Tumor killing also releases HMGB1, an endogenous TLR2 agonist that activates dendritic cells. HMGB1-activated dendritic cells, loaded with glioma antigens, migrate to cervical lymph nodes to stimulate a systemic CD8+ T cells cytotoxic immune response against glioma. This immune response is specific to glioma tumors, induces immunological memory, and does neither cause brain toxicity nor autoimmune responses. An IND was granted by the FDA on 4/7/2011. A Phase I, first in person trial, to test whether reengineering the brain immune system is potentially therapeutic is ongoing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P R Lowenstein
- The Medical School, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - M G Castro
- The Medical School, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Li X, Liu Z, Li W, Sun N, Xu Y, Xie Z, Zhang K. PTPRR regulates ERK dephosphorylation in depression mice model. J Affect Disord 2016; 193:233-41. [PMID: 26773914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type R (PTPRR), which regulates the dephosphorylation of the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) steering cell proliferation, apoptosis and synaptic plasticity, may be involved in the pathogenesis of depression. METHODS Lentiviral vectors were utilized to express the PTPRR constitutively in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of mice before or after chronic mild stress. Behavior tests, MAPK levels, neuronal apoptosis and cell proliferation in the hippocampal DG were examined. RESULTS Without chronic mild stress (CMS), the lenti-shPTPRR mice showed shorter immobility time in the tail suspension test than controls, while the lenti-PTPRR mice exhibited significantly less sucrose intake and increased immobility time in the forced swim tests than control mice, indicating increased prodepressant-like effects of PTPRR in lenti-PTPRR mice. Similarly, under CMS, the lenti-shPTPRR mice had more sucrose intake, shorter immobility time in the forced swim test and tail suspension test compared to controls, and lenti-PTPRR mice had less sucrose intake and longer immobility time in forced swim test and tail suspension test, exhibiting increased susceptibility to depressive-like behaviors and greater sensitivity to CMS. Besides, the Phospho-ERK1/2(p-ERK) had significant lower phosphorylation in lenti-PTPRR group and higher expression in lenti-shPTPRR group, both without CMS. The Lenti-PTPRR mice exposed to CMS had significant lower p-ERK, and the lenti-shPTPRR mice exposed to CMS had significant higher p-ERK and lower p-P38. Moreover, there were more cells underwent apoptosis in lenti-PTPRR group ,with and without CMS. In cell proliferation, less BrdU positive cells were observed in lenti-PTPRR mice than controls. CONCLUSION The site-specific lentiviral injections resulted in the PTPRR over-expression in the hippocampal DG and subsequent increased ERK dephosphorylation, which leads to more neuron apoptosis, less cell proliferation, depression onset and increased sensitivity to CMS. PTPRR/ERK pathway could be potential target for depression therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhifen Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhongchen Xie
- Animal center of Tsinghua university, Beijing, China
| | - Kerang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Xu Y, Liu Z, Song X, Zhang K, Li X, Li J, Yan X, Li Y, Xie Z, Zhang H. Cerebralcare Granule® attenuates cognitive impairment in rats continuously overexpressing microRNA-30e. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:8032-40. [PMID: 26498486 PMCID: PMC4758320 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of micro (mi)RNAs is associated with the etiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. Cerebralcare Granule® (CG) is a Chinese herbal medicine, which has been reported to have an ameliorative effect on brain injury by attenuating blood-brain barrier disruption and improving hippocampal neural function. The present study aimed to evaluate the cognitive behavior of rats continuously overexpressing miRNA-30e (lenti-miRNA-30e), prior to and following the administration of CG. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effects of CG were investigated. The cognitive ability of the rats was assessed using an open-field test and a Morris water maze spatial reference/working memory test. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting were conducted to detect the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9), in order to examine neuronal apoptosis. The lenti-miRNA-30e rats exhibited increased signs of anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and schizophrenia, which resulted in a severe impairment in cognitive ability. Furthermore, in the dentate gyrus of these rats, the expression levels of BCL-2 and UBC9 were reduced and apoptosis was increased. The administration of CG alleviated cognitive impairment, enhanced the expression levels of BCL-2 and UBC9, and reduced apoptosis in the dentate gyrus in the lenti-miRNA-30e rats. No significant differences were detected in behavioral indicators between the lenti-miRNA-30e rats treated with CG and the normal controls. These findings suggested that CG exerts a potent therapeutic effect, conferred by its ability to enhance the expression levels of BCL-2 and UBC9, which inhibits the apoptotic process in neuronal cells. Therefore, CG may be considered a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cognitive impairment in mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Zhifen Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Xi Song
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Kerang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Xingrong Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Jianhong Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Xu Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Interventional Radiography, Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongchen Xie
- Laboratory Animal Facility Biomedical Analysis Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Radiology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sargiannidou I, Kagiava A, Bashiardes S, Richter J, Christodoulou C, Scherer SS, Kleopa KA. Intraneural GJB1 gene delivery improves nerve pathology in a model of X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Ann Neurol 2015; 78:303-16. [PMID: 26010264 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1X) is a common inherited neuropathy caused by mutations in the GJB1 gene encoding the gap junction protein connexin32 (Cx32). Clinical studies and disease models indicate that neuropathy mainly results from Schwann cell autonomous, loss-of-function mechanisms; therefore, CMT1X may be treatable by gene replacement. METHODS A lentiviral vector LV.Mpz-GJB1 carrying the GJB1 gene under the Schwann cell-specific myelin protein zero (Mpz) promoter was generated and delivered into the mouse sciatic nerve by a single injection immediately distal to the sciatic notch. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene expression was quantified and Cx32 expression was examined on a Cx32 knockout (KO) background. A gene therapy trial was performed in a Cx32 KO model of CMT1X. RESULTS EGFP was expressed throughout the length of the sciatic nerve in up to 50% of Schwann cells starting 2 weeks after injection and remaining stable for up to 16 weeks. Following LV.Mpz-GJB1 injection into Cx32 KO nerves, we detected Cx32 expression and correct localization in non-compact myelin areas where gap junctions are normally formed. Gene therapy trial by intraneural injection in groups of 2-month-old Cx32 KO mice, before demyelination onset, significantly reduced the ratio of abnormally myelinated fibers (p = 0.00148) and secondary inflammation (p = 0.0178) at 6 months of age compared to mock-treated animals. INTERPRETATION Gene delivery using a lentiviral vector leads to efficient gene expression specifically in Schwann cells. Restoration of Cx32 expression ameliorates nerve pathology in a disease model and provides a promising approach for future treatments of CMT1X and other inherited neuropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stavros Bashiardes
- Department of Molecular Virology, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Molecular Virology, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Christodoulou
- Department of Molecular Virology, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Steven S Scherer
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- Neuroscience Laboratory
- Neurology Clinics, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang C, Hu B, Xiao L, Liu Y, Wang P. Pseudotyping lentiviral vectors with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus glycoproteins for transduction of dendritic cells and in vivo immunization. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2015; 25:328-38. [PMID: 25416034 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2014.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are promising delivery systems for gene therapy, and they can be further engineered to increase their potential for effectively delivering transgenes to desired cell populations. Here, we have engineered LVs pseudotyped with envelope glycoproteins derived from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) for antigen delivery to elicit vaccine-directed immune responses. Two variants, LCMV-WE and LCMV-Arm53b, were evaluated for their ability to mediate LV-based cellular transduction in vitro. LCMV-WE with a leucine residue at position 260 (260L) is known for its high-affinity binding with a cellular receptor, α-dystroglycan (α-DG), whereas LCMV-Arm53b has low-affinity binding resulting from a phenylalanine residue at the same position. In contrast to LCMV-Arm53b, we found that LVs pseudotyped with LCMV-WE could transduce 293T cells and murine dendritic cells much more efficiently based, at least in part, on their favorable interaction with α-DG. In mice, LCMV-WE-bearing LVs encoding a model antigen, invariant chain ovalbumin, could elicit substantial antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell immune response. The response could be further enhanced by a homologous boosting immunization with the same vector. These findings offer evidence to support the potential utilization of LCMV-WE-bearing LVs for vectored vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chupei Zhang
- 1 Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Luo YW, Xu Y, Cao WY, Zhong XL, Duan J, Wang XQ, Hu ZL, Li F, Zhang JY, Zhou M, Dai RP, Li CQ. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mitigates depressive behavior in a rat model of chronic stress. Neuropharmacology 2015; 89:318-24. [PMID: 25446675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder associated with chronic stress. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a growth factor that serves important roles in the brain during development and at adulthood. Here, the role of IGF2 expression in the hippocampus was investigated in a rat model of depression. A chronic restraint stress (CRS) model of depression was established in rats, exhibiting depression-like behavior as assessed with the sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST), and with evaluation of the corticosterone levels. Hippocampal IGF2 levels were significantly lower in rats suffering CRS than in controls, as were levels of pERK1/2 and GluR1. Lentivirus-mediated hippocampal IGF2 overexpression alleviated depressive behavior in restrained rats, elevated the levels of pERK1/2 and GluR1 proteins, but it did not affect the expression of pGSK3β, GluR2, NMDAR1, and NMDAR2A. These results suggest the chronic restraint stress induces depressive behavior, which may be mediated by ERK-dependent IGF2 signaling, pointing to an antidepressant role for this molecular pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Wei Luo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Parr-Brownlie LC, Bosch-Bouju C, Schoderboeck L, Sizemore RJ, Abraham WC, Hughes SM. Lentiviral vectors as tools to understand central nervous system biology in mammalian model organisms. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:14. [PMID: 26041987 PMCID: PMC4434958 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviruses have been extensively used as gene delivery vectors since the mid-1990s. Usually derived from the human immunodeficiency virus genome, they mediate efficient gene transfer to non-dividing cells, including neurons and glia in the adult mammalian brain. In addition, integration of the recombinant lentiviral construct into the host genome provides permanent expression, including the progeny of dividing neural precursors. In this review, we describe targeted vectors with modified envelope glycoproteins and expression of transgenes under the regulation of cell-selective and inducible promoters. This technology has broad utility to address fundamental questions in neuroscience and we outline how this has been used in rodents and primates. Combining viral tract tracing with immunohistochemistry and confocal or electron microscopy, lentiviral vectors provide a tool to selectively label and trace specific neuronal populations at gross or ultrastructural levels. Additionally, new generation optogenetic technologies can be readily utilized to analyze neuronal circuit and gene functions in the mature mammalian brain. Examples of these applications, limitations of current systems and prospects for future developments to enhance neuroscience knowledge will be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss how these vectors may be translated from gene therapy trials into the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise C. Parr-Brownlie
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Lucia Schoderboeck
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rachel J. Sizemore
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wickliffe C. Abraham
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie M. Hughes
- Brain Research New Zealand Centre of Research ExcellenceDunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Health Research Centre, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Snowball A, Schorge S. Changing channels in pain and epilepsy: Exploiting ion channel gene therapy for disorders of neuronal hyperexcitability. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1620-34. [PMID: 25979170 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain and epilepsy together affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. While traditional pharmacotherapy provides essential relief to the majority of patients, a large proportion remains resistant, and surgical intervention is only possible for a select few. As both disorders are characterised by neuronal hyperexcitability, manipulating the expression of the most direct modulators of excitability - ion channels - represents an attractive common treatment strategy. A number of viral gene therapy approaches have been explored to achieve this. These range from the up- or down-regulation of channels that control excitability endogenously, to the delivery of exogenous channels that permit manipulation of excitability via optical or chemical means. In this review we highlight the key experimental successes of each approach and discuss the challenges facing their clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Snowball
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Neverman NJ, Best HL, Hofmann SL, Hughes SM. Experimental therapies in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2292-300. [PMID: 25957554 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses represent a group of severe childhood lysosomal storage diseases. With at least 13 identified variants they are the most common cause of inherited neurodegeneration in children. These diseases share common pathological characteristics including motor problems, vision loss, seizures, and cognitive decline, culminating in premature death. Currently, no form of the disease can be treated or cured, with only palliative care to minimise discomfort. This review focuses on current and potentially ground-breaking clinical trials, including small molecule, enzyme replacement, stem cell, and gene therapies, in the development of effective treatments for the various disease subtypes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: "Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease)".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Neverman
- Department of Biochemistry, and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Batten Animal Research Network (BARN), New Zealand
| | - Hannah L Best
- Department of Biochemistry, and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Batten Animal Research Network (BARN), New Zealand
| | - Sandra L Hofmann
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Batten Animal Research Network (BARN), New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pharmacological induction of CCL5 in vivo prevents gp120-mediated neuronal injury. Neuropharmacology 2015; 92:98-107. [PMID: 25623966 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope protein gp120 promotes neuronal injury which is believed to cause HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Therefore, blocking the neurotoxic effect of gp120 may lead to alternative strategies to reduce the neurotoxic effect of HIV. In vitro, the neurotoxic effect of M-tropic gp120BaL is reduced by the chemokine CCL5, the natural ligand of CCR5 receptors. To determine whether CCL5 reduces the toxic effect of gp120BaL in vivo, animals were intrastriatally injected with lentiviral vectors overexpressing CCL5 prior to an intrastriatal injection of gp120BaL (400 ng). Neuronal injury was determined by silver staining, cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL. Overexpression of CCL5 decreased gp120-mediated neuronal injury. CCL5 expression can be up-regulated by chronic morphine. Therefore, we examined whether morphine reduces the neurotoxic effect of gp120BaL. Rats stereotaxically injected with gp120BaL into the striatum received saline or chronic morphine for five days (10 mg/kg escalating to 30 mg/kg twice a day). Morphine-treated rats showed a decrease in all markers used to determine neuronal degeneration compared to saline-treated rats. The neuroprotective effect of morphine was significantly attenuated by expressing CCL5 shRNA. Our results suggest that compounds that increase the endogenous production of CCL5 may be used to reduce the pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Collapse
|