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Zhou X, Liu J, Xiao S, Liang X, Li Y, Mo F, Xin X, Yang Y, Gao C. Adeno-Associated Virus Engineering and Load Strategy for Tropism Modification, Immune Evasion and Enhanced Transgene Expression. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:7691-7708. [PMID: 39099791 PMCID: PMC11296317 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s459905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy aims to add, replace or turn off genes to help treat disease. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 14 gene therapy products. With the increasing interest in gene therapy, feasible gene delivery vectors are necessary for inserting new genes into cells. There are different kinds of gene delivery vectors including viral vectors like lentivirus, adenovirus, retrovirus, adeno-associated virus et al, and non-viral vectors like naked DNA, lipid vectors, polymer nanoparticles, exosomes et al, with viruses being the most commonly used. Among them, the most concerned vector is adeno-associated virus (AAV) because of its safety, natural ability to efficiently deliver gene into cells and sustained transgene expression in multiple tissues. In addition, the AAV genome can be engineered to generate recombinant AAV (rAAV) containing transgene sequences of interest and has been proven to be a safe gene vector. Recently, rAAV vectors have been approved for the treatment of various rare diseases. Despite these approvals, some major limitations of rAAV remain, namely nonspecific tissue targeting and host immune response. Additional problems include neutralizing antibodies that block transgene delivery, a finite transgene packaging capacity, high viral titer used for per dose and high cost. To deal with these challenges, several techniques have been developed. Based on differences in engineering methods, this review proposes three strategies: gene engineering-based capsid modification (capsid modification), capsid surface tethering through chemical conjugation (surface tethering), and other formulations loaded with AAV (virus load). In addition, the major advantages and limitations encountered in rAAV engineering strategies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingzhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengzhen Mo
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Sussman C, Liberatore RA, Drozdz MM. Delivery of DNA-Based Therapeutics for Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:535. [PMID: 38675196 PMCID: PMC11053842 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy and its role in the medical field have evolved drastically in recent decades. Studies aim to define DNA-based medicine as well as encourage innovation and the further development of novel approaches. Gene therapy has been established as an alternative approach to treat a variety of diseases. Its range of mechanistic applicability is wide; gene therapy has the capacity to address the symptoms of disease, the body's ability to fight disease, and in some cases has the ability to cure disease, making it a more attractive intervention than some traditional approaches to treatment (i.e., medicine and surgery). Such versatility also suggests gene therapy has the potential to address a greater number of indications than conventional treatments. Many DNA-based therapies have shown promise in clinical trials, and several have been approved for use in humans. Whereas current treatment regimens for chronic disease often require frequent dosing, DNA-based therapies can produce robust and durable expression of therapeutic genes with fewer treatments. This benefit encourages the application of DNA-based gene therapy to manage chronic diseases, an area where improving efficiency of current treatments is urgent. Here, we provide an overview of two DNA-based gene therapies as well as their delivery methods: adeno associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy and plasmid DNA (pDNA)-based gene therapy. We will focus on how these therapies have already been utilized to improve treatment of chronic disease, as well as how current literature supports the expansion of these therapies to treat additional chronic indications in the future.
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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.
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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
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Huang Q, Chen AT, Chan KY, Sorensen H, Barry AJ, Azari B, Zheng Q, Beddow T, Zhao B, Tobey IG, Moncada-Reid C, Eid FE, Walkey CJ, Ljungberg MC, Lagor WR, Heaney JD, Chan YA, Deverman BE. Targeting AAV vectors to the central nervous system by engineering capsid-receptor interactions that enable crossing of the blood-brain barrier. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002112. [PMID: 37467291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses have evolved the ability to bind and enter cells through interactions with a wide variety of cell macromolecules. We engineered peptide-modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids that transduce the brain through the introduction of de novo interactions with 2 proteins expressed on the mouse blood-brain barrier (BBB), LY6A or LY6C1. The in vivo tropisms of these capsids are predictable as they are dependent on the cell- and strain-specific expression of their target protein. This approach generated hundreds of capsids with dramatically enhanced central nervous system (CNS) tropisms within a single round of screening in vitro and secondary validation in vivo thereby reducing the use of animals in comparison to conventional multi-round in vivo selections. The reproducible and quantitative data derived via this method enabled both saturation mutagenesis and machine learning (ML)-guided exploration of the capsid sequence space. Notably, during our validation process, we determined that nearly all published AAV capsids that were selected for their ability to cross the BBB in mice leverage either the LY6A or LY6C1 protein, which are not present in primates. This work demonstrates that AAV capsids can be directly targeted to specific proteins to generate potent gene delivery vectors with known mechanisms of action and predictable tropisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Albert T Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ken Y Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hikari Sorensen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrew J Barry
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bahar Azari
- Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas Beddow
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Binhui Zhao
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Isabelle G Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Moncada-Reid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Christopher J Walkey
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - M Cecilia Ljungberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - William R Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yujia A Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Issa SS, Shaimardanova AA, Solovyeva VV, Rizvanov AA. Various AAV Serotypes and Their Applications in Gene Therapy: An Overview. Cells 2023; 12:785. [PMID: 36899921 PMCID: PMC10000783 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite scientific discoveries in the field of gene and cell therapy, some diseases still have no effective treatment. Advances in genetic engineering methods have enabled the development of effective gene therapy methods for various diseases based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Today, many AAV-based gene therapy medications are being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, and new ones are appearing on the market. In this article, we present a review of AAV discovery, properties, different serotypes, and tropism, and a following detailed explanation of their uses in gene therapy for disease of different organs and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza S. Issa
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alisa A. Shaimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
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Carneiro A, Lee H, Lin L, van Haasteren J, Schaffer DV. Novel Lung Tropic Adeno-Associated Virus Capsids for Therapeutic Gene Delivery. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:996-1009. [PMID: 32799685 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to identify mutations that underlie inherited genetic diseases combined with strides in the development of gene therapy vectors over the last three decades have culminated in the approval of several adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies. Genetic diseases that manifest in the lung such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and surfactant deficiencies, however, have so far proven to be elusive targets. Early clinical trials in CF using AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) achieved safety, but not efficacy endpoints; however, importantly, these studies provided critical information on barriers that need to be surmounted to translate AAV lung gene therapy toward clinical success. Bolstered with an improved understanding of AAV biology and more clinically relevant lung models, next-generation molecular biology and bioinformatics approaches have given rise to novel AAV capsid variants that offer improvements in transduction efficiency, immunological profile, and the ability to circumvent physical barriers in the lung such as mucus. This review discusses the principal limiting barriers to clinical success in lung gene therapy and focuses on novel engineered AAV capsid variants that have been developed to overcome those challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carneiro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Hyuncheol Lee
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Joost van Haasteren
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI), University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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7
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Cooney AL, McCray PB, Sinn PL. Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy: Looking Back, Looking Forward. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9110538. [PMID: 30405068 PMCID: PMC6266271 DOI: 10.3390/genes9110538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that encodes a cAMP-regulated anion channel. Although CF is a multi-organ system disease, most people with CF die of progressive lung disease that begins early in childhood and is characterized by chronic bacterial infection and inflammation. Nearly 90% of people with CF have at least one copy of the ΔF508 mutation, but there are hundreds of CFTR mutations that result in a range of disease severities. A CFTR gene replacement approach would be efficacious regardless of the disease-causing mutation. After the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989, the in vitro proof-of-concept for gene therapy for CF was quickly established in 1990. In 1993, the first of many gene therapy clinical trials attempted to rescue the CF defect in airway epithelia. Despite the initial enthusiasm, there is still no FDA-approved gene therapy for CF. Here we discuss the history of CF gene therapy, from the discovery of the CFTR gene to current state-of-the-art gene delivery vector designs. While implementation of CF gene therapy has proven more challenging than initially envisioned; thanks to continued innovation, it may yet become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Cooney
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Paul B McCray
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Patrick L Sinn
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Qi GB, Gao YJ, Wang L, Wang H. Self-Assembled Peptide-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Imaging and Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1703444. [PMID: 29460400 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-based materials are one of the most important biomaterials, with diverse structures and functionalities. Over the past few decades, a self-assembly strategy is introduced to construct peptide-based nanomaterials, which can form well-controlled superstructures with high stability and multivalent effect. More recently, peptide-based functional biomaterials are widely utilized in clinical applications. However, there is no comprehensive review article that summarizes this growing area, from fundamental research to clinic translation. In this review, the recent progress of peptide-based materials, from molecular building block peptides and self-assembly driving forces, to biomedical and clinical applications is systematically summarized. Ex situ and in situ constructed nanomaterials based on functional peptides are presented. The advantages of intelligent in situ construction of peptide-based nanomaterials in vivo are emphasized, including construction strategy, nanostructure modulation, and biomedical effects. This review highlights the importance of self-assembled peptide nanostructures for nanomedicine and can facilitate further knowledge and understanding of these nanosystems toward clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Bin Qi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yu-Juan Gao
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Lei Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China
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Kim N, Duncan GA, Hanes J, Suk JS. Barriers to inhaled gene therapy of obstructive lung diseases: A review. J Control Release 2016; 240:465-488. [PMID: 27196742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of genetic origins of obstructive lung diseases has made inhaled gene therapy an attractive alternative to the current standards of care that are limited to managing disease symptoms. Initial lung gene therapy clinical trials occurred in the early 1990s following the discovery of the genetic defect responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), a monogenic disorder. However, despite over two decades of intensive effort, gene therapy has yet to help patients with CF or any other obstructive lung disease. The slow progress is due in part to poor understanding of the biological barriers to inhaled gene therapy. Encouragingly, clinical trials have shown that inhaled gene therapy with various viral vectors and non-viral gene vectors is well tolerated by patients, and continued research has provided valuable lessons and resources that may lead to future success of this therapeutic strategy. In this review, we first introduce representative obstructive lung diseases and examine limitations of currently available therapeutic options. We then review key components for successful execution of inhaled gene therapy, including gene delivery systems, primary physiological barriers and strategies to overcome them, and advances in preclinical disease models with which the most promising systems may be identified for human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namho Kim
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Gregg A Duncan
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Justin Hanes
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Environmental and Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
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Nance ME, Duan D. Perspective on Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Modification for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:786-800. [PMID: 26414293 PMCID: PMC4692109 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a X-linked, progressive childhood myopathy caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, one of the largest genes in the genome. It is characterized by skeletal and cardiac muscle degeneration and dysfunction leading to cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a highly promising gene therapy vector. AAV gene therapy has resulted in unprecedented clinical success for treating several inherited diseases. However, AAV gene therapy for DMD remains a significant challenge. Hurdles for AAV-mediated DMD gene therapy include the difficulty to package the full-length dystrophin coding sequence in an AAV vector, the necessity for whole-body gene delivery, the immune response to dystrophin and AAV capsid, and the species-specific barriers to translate from animal models to human patients. Capsid engineering aims at improving viral vector properties by rational design and/or forced evolution. In this review, we discuss how to use the state-of-the-art AAV capsid engineering technologies to overcome hurdles in AAV-based DMD gene therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Capsid/chemistry
- Capsid/metabolism
- Capsid Proteins/genetics
- Capsid Proteins/metabolism
- Dependovirus/genetics
- Dependovirus/metabolism
- Dystrophin/deficiency
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Gene Expression
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Genetic Vectors/chemistry
- Genetic Vectors/metabolism
- Humans
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/therapy
- Mutation
- Protein Engineering
- Species Specificity
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Nance
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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Salganik M, Hirsch ML, Samulski RJ. Adeno-associated Virus as a Mammalian DNA Vector. Microbiol Spectr 2015; 3:10.1128/microbiolspec.MDNA3-0052-2014. [PMID: 26350320 PMCID: PMC4677393 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.mdna3-0052-2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the nearly five decades since its accidental discovery, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a highly versatile vector system for both research and clinical applications. A broad range of natural serotypes, as well as an increasing number of capsid variants, has combined to produce a repertoire of vectors with different tissue tropisms, immunogenic profiles and transduction efficiencies. The story of AAV is one of continued progress and surprising discoveries in a viral system that, at first glance, is deceptively simple. This apparent simplicity has enabled the advancement of AAV into the clinic, where despite some challenges it has provided hope for patients and a promising new tool for physicians. Although a great deal of work remains to be done, both in studying the basic biology of AAV and in optimizing its clinical application, AAV vectors are currently the safest and most efficient platform for gene transfer in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Salganik
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Matthew L Hirsch
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Richard Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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12
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Yan Z, Stewart ZA, Sinn PL, Olsen JC, Hu J, McCray PB, Engelhardt JF. Ferret and pig models of cystic fibrosis: prospects and promise for gene therapy. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:38-49. [PMID: 25675143 PMCID: PMC4367511 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2014.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Large animal models of genetic diseases are rapidly becoming integral to biomedical research as technologies to manipulate the mammalian genome improve. The creation of cystic fibrosis (CF) ferrets and pigs is an example of such progress in animal modeling, with the disease phenotypes in the ferret and pig models more reflective of human CF disease than mouse models. The ferret and pig CF models also provide unique opportunities to develop and assess the effectiveness of gene and cell therapies to treat affected organs. In this review, we examine the organ disease phenotypes in these new CF models and the opportunities to test gene therapies at various stages of disease progression in affected organs. We then discuss the progress in developing recombinant replication-defective adenoviral, adeno-associated viral, and lentiviral vectors to target genes to the lung and pancreas in ferrets and pigs, the two most affected organs in CF. Through this review, we hope to convey the potential of these new animal models for developing CF gene and cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
- Center for Gene Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Zoe A. Stewart
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- Center for Gene Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - John C. Olsen
- Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research and Treatment Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jim Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Center for Gene Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - John F. Engelhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
- Center for Gene Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242
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13
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Yan Z, Stewart ZA, Sinn PL, Olsen JC, Hu J, McCray, Jr. PB, Engelhardt JF. Ferret and Pig Models of Cystic Fibrosis: Prospects and Promise for Gene Therapy. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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14
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Abstract
Gene therapy has been considered as the most ideal medical intervention for genetic diseases because it is intended to target the cause of diseases instead of disease symptoms. Availability of techniques for identification of genetic mutations and for in vitro manipulation of genes makes it practical and attractive. After the initial hype in 1990s and later disappointments in clinical trials for more than a decade, light has finally come into the tunnel in recent years, especially in the field of eye gene therapy where it has taken big strides. Clinical trials in gene therapy for retinal degenerative diseases such as Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA) and choroideremia demonstrated clear therapeutic efficacies without apparent side effects. Although these successful examples are still rare and sporadic in the field, they provide the proof of concept for harnessing the power of gene therapy to treat genetic diseases and to modernize our medication. In addition, those success stories illuminate the path for the development of gene therapy treating other genetic diseases. Because of the differences in target organs and cells, distinct barriers to gene delivery exist in gene therapy for each genetic disease. It is not feasible for authors to review the current development in the entire field. Thus, in this article, we will focus on what we can learn from the current success in gene therapy for retinal degenerative diseases to speed up the gene therapy development for lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Powell Gray
- Department of Internal Medicine and The Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-8807, United States
| | - Kathlynn C. Brown
- Department of Internal Medicine and The Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-8807, United States
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16
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Bevan AK, Kaspar BK. CNS Gene Therapy Utilizing Intravenously Administered Viral Vectors. DRUG DELIVERY TO THE BRAIN 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9105-7_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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17
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Keswani SG, Balaji S, Le L, Leung A, Katz AB, Lim FY, Habli M, Jones HN, Wilson JM, Crombleholme TM. Pseudotyped AAV vector-mediated gene transfer in a human fetal trachea xenograft model: implications for in utero gene therapy for cystic fibrosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43633. [PMID: 22937069 PMCID: PMC3427158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lung disease including airway infection and inflammation currently causes the majority of morbidities and mortalities associated with cystic fibrosis (CF), making the airway epithelium and the submucosal glands (SMG) novel target cells for gene therapy in CF. These target cells are relatively inaccessible to postnatal gene transfer limiting the success of gene therapy. Our previous work in a human-fetal trachea xenograft model suggests the potential benefit for treating CF in utero. In this study, we aim to validate adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) gene transfer in a human fetal trachea xenograft model and to compare transduction efficiencies of pseudotyping AAV2 vectors in fetal xenografts and postnatal xenograft controls. Methodology/Principal Findings Human fetal trachea or postnatal bronchus controls were xenografted onto immunocompromised SCID mice for a four-week engraftment period. After injection of AAV2/2, 2/1, 2/5, 2/7 or 2/8 with a LacZ reporter into both types of xenografts, we analyzed for transgene expression in the respiratory epithelium and SMGs. At 1 month, transduction by AAV2/2 and AAV2/8 in respiratory epithelium and SMG cells was significantly greater than that of AAV2/1, 2/5, and 2/7 in xenograft tracheas. Efficiency in SMG transduction was significantly greater in AAV2/8 than AAV2/2. At 3 months, AAV2/2 and AAV2/8 transgene expression was >99% of respiratory epithelium and SMG. At 1 month, transduction efficiency of AAV2/2 and AAV2/8 was significantly less in adult postnatal bronchial xenografts than in fetal tracheal xenografts. Conclusions/Significance Based on the effectiveness of AAV vectors in SMG transduction, our findings suggest the potential utility of pseudotyped AAV vectors for treatment of cystic fibrosis. The human fetal trachea xenograft model may serve as an effective tool for further development of fetal gene therapy strategies for the in utero treatment of cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundeep G Keswani
- Center for Molecular Fetal Therapy, Division of Pediatric, General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.
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18
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Recombinant adeno-associated virus: clinical application and development as a gene-therapy vector. Ther Deliv 2012; 3:835-56. [DOI: 10.4155/tde.12.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is gaining momentum as a method of treating human disease. Initially conceived as a strategy to complement defective genes in monogenic disorders, the scope of gene therapy has expanded to encompass a variety of applications. Likewise, the molecular tools for gene delivery have evolved and diversified to meet these various therapeutic needs. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has made significant strides toward clinical application with an excellent safety profile and successes in several clinical trials. This review covers the basic biology of rAAV as a gene therapy vector as well as its advantages compared with other methods of gene delivery. The status of clinical trials utilizing rAAV is also discussed in detail. In conclusion, methods of engineering the vector to overcome challenges identified from these trials are covered, with emphasis on modification of the viral capsid to increase the tissue/cell-specific targeting and transduction efficiency.
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19
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Lee NC, Falk DJ, Byrne BJ, Conlon TJ, Clement N, Porvasnik S, Jorgensen ML, Potter M, Erger KE, Watson R, Ghivizzani SC, Chiu HC, Chien YH, Hwu WL. An acidic oligopeptide displayed on AAV2 improves axial muscle tropism after systemic delivery. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2012; 10:3. [PMID: 22709483 PMCID: PMC3416570 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-10-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background The appropriate tropism of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors that are systemically injected is crucial for successful gene therapy when local injection is not practical. Acidic oligopeptides have been shown to enhance drug delivery to bones. Methods In this study six-L aspartic acids (D6) were inserted into the AAV2 capsid protein sequence between amino acid residues 587 and 588. 129SVE mice were injected with double-stranded wild-type- (WT-) or D6-AAV2 mCherry expression vectors (3.24 x 1010 vg per animal) via the superficial temporal vein within 24 hours of birth. Results Fluorescence microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed higher levels of mCherry expression in the paraspinal and gluteus muscles in the D6-AAV2 injected mice. The results revealed that although D6-AAV2 was less efficient in the transduction of immortalized cells stronger mCherry signals were detected over the spine and pelvis by live imaging in the D6-AAV2-injected mice than were detected in the WT-AAV2-injected mice. In addition, D6-AAV2 lost the liver tropism observed for WT-AAV2. Conclusions An acidic oligopeptide displayed on AAV2 improves axial muscle tropism and decreases liver tropism after systemic delivery. This modification should be useful in creating AAV vectors that are suitable for gene therapy for diseases involving the proximal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Chung Lee
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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20
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Lee HS, Kim JY, Lee WI, Kim SJ, Ko MJ, Jeong S, Park K, Choe H, Lee H. Acquisition of selective antitumoral effects of recombinant adeno-associated virus by genetically inserting tumor-targeting peptides into capsid proteins. Oncol Lett 2011; 2:1113-1119. [PMID: 22848276 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2011.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (rAAV5) is considered to be a promising gene transfer vehicle. However, preferential gene delivery to the tumor remains a requirement for cancer treatment. We generated rAAV5 mutants bearing tumor marker-binding peptides and analyzed their properties as viral vectors, as well as their transduction efficiencies and preferential antitumoral potencies. All of the mutants were successfully produced. Transduction analyses showed that rAAV5 mutants harboring tumor-homing peptides, including RGD and TnC, transduced human cancer cells expressing corresponding receptors on their surfaces. RGDS peptides and TnC antibodies significantly suppressed transduction by rAAV5-RGD and rAAV5-TnC. Cytotoxicity was evident upon transfer of HSV-TK to cells by re-targeted rAAV5. These results provide evidence that rAAV5 vectors, genetically armed with tumor-targeting ligands, preferentially infect human cancer cells harboring the corresponding receptors, thereby inducing antitumoral effects. Further optimization of rAAV5 mutant viruses should thus facilitate practical exploitation of these vectors for gene-based cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Saem Lee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul
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21
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Sinn PL, Anthony RM, McCray PB. Genetic therapies for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:R79-86. [PMID: 21422098 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is to efficiently and safely express the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the appropriate pulmonary cell types. Although CF patients experience multi-organ disease, the chronic bacterial lung infections and associated inflammation are the primary cause of shortened life expectancy. Gene transfer-based therapeutic approaches are feasible, in part, because the airway epithelium is directly accessible by aerosol delivery or instillation. Improvements in standard delivery vectors and the development of novel vectors, as well as emerging technologies and new animal models, are propelling exciting new research forward. Here, we review recent developments that are advancing this field of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Sinn
- Program in Gene Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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22
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Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator with a shortened R domain rescues the intestinal phenotype of CFTR-/- mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:2921-6. [PMID: 21285372 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1019752108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer could provide a novel therapeutic approach for cystic fibrosis (CF), and adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising vector. However, the packaging capacity of AAV limits inclusion of the full-length cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA together with other regulatory and structural elements. To overcome AAV size constraints, we recently developed a shortened CFTR missing the N-terminal portion of the R domain (residues 708-759, CFTRΔR) and found that it retained regulated anion channel activity in vitro. To test the hypothesis that CFTRΔR could correct in vivo defects, we generated CFTR(-/-) mice bearing a transgene with a fatty acid binding protein promoter driving expression of human CFTRΔR in the intestine (CFTR(-/-);TgΔR). We found that intestinal crypts of CFTR(-/-);TgΔR mice expressed CFTRΔR and the intestine appeared histologically similar to that of WT mice. Moreover, like full-length CFTR transgene, the CFTRΔR transgene produced CFTR Cl(-) currents and rescued the CFTR(-/-) intestinal phenotype. These results indicate that the N-terminal part of the CFTR R domain is dispensable for in vivo intestinal physiology. Thus, CFTRΔR may have utility for AAV-mediated gene transfer in CF.
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23
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Henderson MJ, Singh OV, Zeitlin PL. Applications of proteomic technologies for understanding the premature proteolysis of CFTR. Expert Rev Proteomics 2010; 7:473-86. [PMID: 20653504 DOI: 10.1586/epr.10.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes an ATP-dependent anion channel. Disease-causing mutations can affect channel biogenesis, trafficking or function, and result in reduced ion transport at the apical surface of many tissues. The most common CFTR mutation is a deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 (DeltaF508), which results in a misfolded protein that is prematurely targeted for degradation. This article focuses on how proteomic approaches have been utilized to explore the mechanisms of premature proteolysis in CF. Additionally, we emphasize the potential for proteomic-based technologies in expanding our understanding of CF pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Henderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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24
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Wang J, Faust SM, Rabinowitz JE. The next step in gene delivery: molecular engineering of adeno-associated virus serotypes. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2010; 50:793-802. [PMID: 21029739 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2010.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Delivery is at the heart of gene therapy. Viral DNA delivery systems are asked to avoid the immune system, transduce specific target cell types while avoiding other cell types, infect dividing and non-dividing cells, insert their cargo within the host genome without mutagenesis or to remain episomal, and efficiently express transgenes for a substantial portion of a lifespan. These sought-after features cannot be associated with a single delivery system, or can they? The Adeno-associated virus family of gene delivery vehicles has proven to be highly malleable. Pseudotyping, using AAV serotype 2 terminal repeats to generate designer shells capable of transducing selected cell types, enables the packaging of common genomes into multiple serotypes virions to directly compare gene expression and tropism. In this review the ability to manipulate this virus will be examined from the inside out. The influence of host cell factors and organism biology including the immune response on the molecular fate of the viral genome will be discussed as well as differences in cellular trafficking patterns and uncoating properties that influence serotype transduction. Re-engineering the prototype vector AAV2 using epitope insertion, chemical modification, and molecular evolution not only demonstrated the flexibility of the best-studied serotype, but now also expanded the tool kit for molecular modification of all AAV serotypes. Current AAV research has changed its focus from examination of wild-type AAV biology to the feedback of host cell/organism on the design and development of a new generation of recombinant AAV delivery vehicles. This article is part of a Special Section entitled "Special Section: Cardiovascular Gene Therapy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Wang
- Thomas Jefferson University Center for Translational Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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25
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Li W, Zhang L, Johnson JS, Zhijian W, Grieger JC, Ping-Jie X, Drouin LM, Agbandje-McKenna M, Pickles RJ, Samulski RJ. Generation of novel AAV variants by directed evolution for improved CFTR delivery to human ciliated airway epithelium. Mol Ther 2009; 17:2067-77. [PMID: 19603002 PMCID: PMC2801879 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene have been used to deliver CFTR to the airway epithelium of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. However, no significant CFTR function has been demonstrated likely due to low transduction efficiencies of the AAV vectors. To improve AAV transduction efficiency for human airway epithelium (HAE), we generated a chimeric AAV library and performed directed evolution of AAV on an in vitro model of human ciliated airway epithelium. Two independent and novel AAV variants were identified that contained capsid components from AAV-1, AAV-6, and/or AAV-9. The transduction efficiencies of the two novel AAV variants for human ciliated airway epithelium were three times higher than that for AAV-6. The novel variants were then used to deliver CFTR to ciliated airway epithelium from CF patients. Here we show that our novel AAV variants, but not the parental, AAV provide sufficient CFTR delivery to correct the chloride ion transport defect to ~25% levels measured in non-CF cells. These results suggest that directed evolution of AAV on relevant in vitro models will enable further improvements in CFTR gene transfer efficiency and the development of an efficacious and safe gene transfer vector for CF lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuping Li
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7352, USA
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