1
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Du X, Yada E, Terai Y, Takahashi T, Nakanishi H, Tanaka H, Akita H, Itaka K. Comprehensive Evaluation of Lipid Nanoparticles and Polyplex Nanomicelles for Muscle-Targeted mRNA Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2291. [PMID: 37765260 PMCID: PMC10536695 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing significance of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics in diverse medical applications, such as cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders, highlighted the need for efficient and safe delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown great promise for mRNA delivery, but challenges such as toxicity and immunogenicity still remain to be addressed. In this study, we aimed to compare the performance of polyplex nanomicelles, our original cationic polymer-based carrier, and LNPs in various aspects, including delivery efficiency, organ toxicity, muscle damage, immune reaction, and pain. Our results showed that nanomicelles (PEG-PAsp(DET)) and LNPs (SM-102) exhibited distinct characteristics, with the former demonstrating relatively sustained protein production and reduced inflammation, making them suitable for therapeutic purposes. On the other hand, LNPs displayed desirable properties for vaccines, such as rapid mRNA expression and potent immune response. Taken together, these results suggest the different potentials of nanomicelles and LNPs, supporting further optimization of mRNA delivery systems tailored for specific purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Du
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Erica Yada
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
- NANO MRNA, Co., Ltd. Tokyo 104-0031, Japan
| | - Yuki Terai
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Takuya Takahashi
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Nakanishi
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Keiji Itaka
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
- Clinical Biotechnology Team, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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2
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Girardin C, Maze D, Gonçalves C, Le Guen YT, Pluchon K, Pichon C, Montier T, Midoux P. Selective attachment of a microtubule interacting peptide to plasmid DNA via a triplex forming oligonucleotide for transfection improvement. Gene Ther 2022; 30:271-277. [PMID: 35794469 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In nonviral gene therapy approaches, the linkage of signal molecules to plasmid DNA (pDNA) is of interest for guiding its delivery to the nucleus. Here, we report its linkage to a peptide (P79-98) mediating migration on microtubules by using a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO). pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp containing 6 and 36 oligopurine • oligopyrimidine sites (TH), respectively, inserted outside the luciferase gene sequence were used. TFO with a dibenzocyclooctyl (DBCO) group in 3' end comprising some Bridged Nucleic Acid bases was conjugated by click chemistry with the peptide carrying an azide function in the C-terminal end. We found the formation of 6 and 18 triplex with pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp, respectively. A twofold increase of the transfection efficiency was observed in the hind-limbs upon Hydrodynamic Limb Vein (HLV) injection in mice of naked P79-98 -pDNA of 21 kbp. This work paves the way for the selective equipping of pDNA with intracellular targeting molecules while preserving the full expression of the encoded gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Girardin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Delphine Maze
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Cristine Gonçalves
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | | | - Kevin Pluchon
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, F-29200, Brest, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, F-29200, Brest, France. .,Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de référence des maladies rares 'Maladies neuromusculaires', CHRU de Brest, F-29200, Brest, France.
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France.
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3
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Savid-Frontera C, Viano ME, Baez NS, Reynolds D, Matellon M, Young HA, Rodriguez-Galan MC. Safety levels of systemic IL-12 induced by cDNA expression as a cancer therapeutic. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:115-133. [PMID: 34783257 PMCID: PMC8739399 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this work is to utilize a gene expression procedure to safely express systemic IL-12 and evaluate its effects in mouse tumor models. Materials & methods: Secondary lymphoid organs and tumors from EL4 and B16 tumor-bearing mice were analyzed by supervised and unsupervised methods. Results: IL-12 cDNA induced systemic IL-12 protein levels lower than the tolerated dose in patients. Control of tumor growth was observed in subcutaneous B16 and EL4 tumors. Systemic IL-12 expression induced a higher frequency of both total tumor-infiltrated CD45+ cells and proliferative IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells along with a lower frequency of CD4+FOXP3+ and CD11b+Gr-1+ cells. Conclusion: This approach characterizes the systemic effects of IL-12, helping to improve treatment of metastases or solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Savid-Frontera
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
| | - Maria E Viano
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
| | - Natalia S Baez
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
| | - Della Reynolds
- Cancer & Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
| | - Mariana Matellon
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
| | - Howard A Young
- Cancer & Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
| | - Maria C Rodriguez-Galan
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina
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4
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Le Guen YT, Pichon C, Guégan P, Pluchon K, Haute T, Quemener S, Ropars J, Midoux P, Le Gall T, Montier T. DNA nuclear targeting sequences for enhanced non-viral gene transfer: An in vitro and in vivo study. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:477-486. [PMID: 33898102 PMCID: PMC8053784 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An important bottleneck for non-viral gene transfer commonly relates to translocation of nucleic acids into the nuclear compartment of target cells. So-called 3NFs are optimized short nucleotide sequences able to interact with the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), which can enhance the nuclear import of plasmid DNA (pDNA) carrying such motifs. In this work, we first designed a consistent set of six pDNAs featuring a common backbone and only varying in their 3NF sequences. These constructions were then transfected under various experimental settings. In vitro, cationic polymer-assisted pDNA delivery in five human-derived cell lines showed the potential advantage of 3NF carrying pDNA in diverse cellular contexts. In vivo, naked pDNAs were hydrodynamically delivered to muscle hindlimbs in healthy mice; this direct accurate comparative (in the absence of any gene carrier) revealed modest but consistent trends in favor of the pDNAs equipped with 3NF. In summary, the results reported emphasize the implications of various parameters on NF-κB-mediated pDNA nuclear import; under specific conditions, 3NF can provide modest to substantial advantages for pDNA gene transfer, in vitro as well as in vivo. This study thus further underscores the potential of optimized nuclear import for more efficient non-viral gene transfer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann T Le Guen
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB-GTCA, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Université d'Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Philippe Guégan
- Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, Team Chimie des Polymères, UMR 8232 CNRS, Sorbonne University, 75252 Paris, France
| | - Kévin Pluchon
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB-GTCA, 29200 Brest, France.,Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Brest University Hospital La Cavale Blanche, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Tanguy Haute
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB-GTCA, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Sandrine Quemener
- University of Lille, EGID, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011, 59019 Lille, France
| | - Juliette Ropars
- CHRU de Brest, Service de Pédiatrie, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares "Maladies Neuromusculaires", 29200 Brest, France.,Univ Brest, INSERM, UMR 1101, LaTIM, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Université d'Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Tony Le Gall
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB-GTCA, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB-GTCA, 29200 Brest, France.,CHRU de Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares "Maladies Neuromusculaires", 29200 Brest, France
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5
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Arepally A, Chomas J, Katz SC, Jaroch D, Kolli KP, Prince E, Liddell RP. Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery Approach in the Pancreas with Retrograde Venous Infusion of Lipiodol with Ex Vivo Analysis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2020; 44:141-149. [PMID: 32895782 PMCID: PMC7728652 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-020-02625-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To determine the safety and feasibility of pancreatic retrograde venous infusion (PRVI) utilizing a microvalvular infusion system (MVI) to deliver ethiodized oil (lipiodol) by means of the Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery (PEDD) approach. Methods Utilizing transhepatic access, mapping of the pancreatic body and head venous anatomy was performed in 10 swine. PEDD was performed by cannulation of veins in the head (n = 4) and body (n = 10) of the pancreas with a MVI (Surefire® Infusion System (SIS), Surefire Medical, Inc (DBA TriSalus™ Life Sciences)) followed by infusion with lipiodol. Sets of animals were killed either immediately (n = 8) or at 4 days post-PRVI (n = 2). All pancreata were harvested and studied with micro-CT and histology. We also performed three-dimensional volumetric/multiplanar imaging to assess the vascular distribution of lipiodol within the glands. Results A total of 14 pancreatic veins were successfully infused with an average of 1.7 (0.5–2.0) mL of lipiodol. No notable change in serum chemistries was seen at 4 days. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of lipiodol deposition was statistically increased both within the organ in target relative to non-target pancreatic tissue and compared to extra pancreatic tissue (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation demonstrated no evidence of pancreatic edema or ischemia. Conclusions PEDD using the RVI approach for targeted pancreatic infusions is technically feasible and did not result in organ damage in this pilot animal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Arepally
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Piedmont Radiology, Piedmont Healthcare, 1984 Peachtree Road, Suite 505, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309, USA.
| | - James Chomas
- Formerly TriSalus Life Sciences, Inc, Westminster, USA
| | - Steven C Katz
- Office of Therapeutic Development and Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, USA.,Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | | | - K Pallav Kolli
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Ethan Prince
- Radiology, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, USA
| | - Robert P Liddell
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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6
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Barbieri AA, Costa ALF, Perez Gomes JP, Ricardo ALF, Braz-Silva PH, Lopes SLPDC. Association of volume and voxel intensity of the articular disc and lateral pterygoid muscle in migraine patients: a study with magnetic resonance imaging. Acta Odontol Scand 2020; 78:189-195. [PMID: 31646924 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2019.1676917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To compare the volume and voxel intensity of articular disc and lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) between a group of migraine patients and a control group (those without history of headache) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Patients and methods: MRI scans of 17 migraine patients and 15 healthy controls subjects were analysed and processed, using ITK-SNAP software, by a single investigator, for calculation of volumes and voxel intensity of articular disc and superior and inferior head of LPM.Results: There were statistically significant differences between migraine patients and controls regarding the volume and voxel intensity of articular disc and inferior head of LPM, increasing in migraine patients. Intra-rater was highly consistent and reproducible (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 1).Conclusions: Higher voxel intensity in disc and inferior head of LPM of MRI scans was linked to the increased volume of articular disc, inferior head of LPM and migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Amelia Barbieri
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José Dos Campos, Brazil
| | | | - João Pedro Perez Gomes
- Department of Stomatology, Division of General Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Henrique Braz-Silva
- Department of Stomatology, Division of General Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Le Guen YT, Le Gall T, Midoux P, Guégan P, Braun S, Montier T. Gene transfer to skeletal muscle using hydrodynamic limb vein injection: current applications, hurdles and possible optimizations. J Gene Med 2020; 22:e3150. [PMID: 31785130 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic limb vein injection is an in vivo locoregional gene delivery method. It consists of administrating a large volume of solution containing nucleic acid constructs in a limb with both blood inflow and outflow temporarily blocked using a tourniquet. The fast, high pressure delivery allows the musculature of the whole limb to be reached. The skeletal muscle is a tissue of choice for a variety of gene transfer applications, including gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy or other myopathies, as well as for the production of antibodies or other proteins with broad therapeutic effects. Hydrodynamic limb vein delivery has been evaluated with success in a large range of animal models. It has also proven to be safe and well-tolerated in muscular dystrophy patients, thus supporting its translation to the clinic. However, some possible limitations may occur at different steps of the delivery process. Here, we have highlighted the interests, bottlenecks and potential improvements that could further optimize non-viral gene transfer following hydrodynamic limb vein injection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony Le Gall
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200, Brest, France
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Université d'Orléans, France
| | - Philippe Guégan
- Laboratoire de chimie des polymères, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8232, UPMC Paris 06, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Serge Braun
- AFM Telethon, 1 rue de l'Internationale, BP59, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200, Brest, France.,Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de référence des maladies rares 'Maladies neuromusculaires', CHRU de Brest, F-29200, Brest, France
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8
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Plasmid-Mediated Gene Therapy in Mouse Models of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2019; 15:294-304. [PMID: 31890729 PMCID: PMC6923511 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We delivered plasmid DNA encoding therapeutic genes to the muscles of mouse models of limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 2A, 2B, and 2D, deficient in calpain3, dysferlin, and alpha-sarcoglycan, respectively. We also delivered the human follistatin gene, which has the potential to increase therapeutic benefit. After intramuscular injection of DNA, electroporation was applied to enhance delivery to muscle fibers. When plasmids encoding the human calpain3 or dysferlin cDNA sequences were injected into quadriceps muscles of LGMD2A and LGMD2B mouse models, respectively, in 3-month studies, robust levels of calpain3 and dysferlin proteins were detected. We observed a statistically significant decrease in Evans blue dye penetration in LGMD2B mouse muscles after delivery of the dysferlin gene, consistent with repair of the muscle membrane defect in these mice. The therapeutic value of delivery of the genes for alpha-sarcoglycan and follistatin was documented by significant drops in Evans blue dye penetration in gastrocnemius muscles of LGMD2D mice. These results indicated for the first time that a combined gene therapy involving both alpha-sarcoglycan and follistatin would be valuable for LGMD2D patients. We suggest that this non-viral gene delivery method should be explored for its translational potential in patients.
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9
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Abstract
Non-viral gene delivery to skeletal muscle was one of the first applications of gene therapy that went into the clinic, mainly because skeletal muscle is an easily accessible tissue for local gene transfer and non-viral vectors have a relatively safe and low immunogenic track record. However, plasmid DNA, naked or complexed to the various chemistries, turn out to be moderately efficient in humans when injected locally and very inefficient (and very toxic in some cases) when injected systemically. A number of clinical applications have been initiated however, based on transgenes that were adapted to good local impact and/or to a wide physiological outcome (i.e., strong humoral and cellular immune responses following the introduction of DNA vaccines). Neuromuscular diseases seem more challenging for non-viral vectors. Nevertheless, the local production of therapeutic proteins that may act distantly from the injected site and/or the hydrodynamic perfusion of safe plasmids remains a viable basis for the non-viral gene therapy of muscle disorders, cachexia, as well as peripheral neuropathies.
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10
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Gruntman AM, Gernoux G, Tang Q, Ye GJ, Knop DR, Wang G, Benson J, Coleman KE, Keeler AM, Mueller C, Chicoine LG, Chulay JD, Flotte TR. Bridging from Intramuscular to Limb Perfusion Delivery of rAAV: Optimization in a Non-human Primate Study. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 13:233-242. [PMID: 30828586 PMCID: PMC6383191 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Phase 1 and phase 2 gene therapy trials using intramuscular (IM) administration of a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (rAAV1) for replacement of serum alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency have shown long-term (5-year) stable transgene expression at approximately 2% to 3% of therapeutic levels, arguing for the long-term viability of this approach to gene replacement of secreted serum protein deficiencies. However, achieving these levels required 100 IM injections to deliver 135 mL of vector, and further dose escalation is limited by the scalability of direct IM injection. To further advance the dose escalation, we sought to bridge the rAAV-AAT clinical development program to regional limb perfusion, comparing two methods previously established for gene therapy, peripheral venous limb perfusion (VLP) and an intra-arterial push and dwell (IAPD) using rAAV1 and rAAV8 in a non-human primate (rhesus macaque) study. The rhesus AAT transgene was used with a c-myc tag to enable quantification of transgene expression. 5 cohorts of animals were treated with rAAV1-IM, rAAV1-VLP, rAAV1-IAPD, rAAV8-VLP, and rAAV8-IAPD (n = 2-3), with a dose of 6 × 1012 vg/kg. All methods were well tolerated clinically. Potency, as determined by serum levels of AAT, of rAAV1 by the VLP method was twice that observed with direct IM injection; 90 μg/mL with VLP versus 38 μg/mL with direct IM injection. There was an approximately 25-fold advantage in estimated vector genomes retained within the muscle tissue with VLP and a 5-fold improvement in the ratio of total vector genomes retained within muscle as compared with liver. The other methods were intermediate in the potency and retention of vector genomes. Examination of muscle enzyme (CK) levels indicated rAAV1-VLP to be equally safe as compared with IM injection, while the IAPD method showed significant CK elevation. Overall, rAAV1-VLP demonstrates higher potency per vector genome injected and a greater total vector retention within the muscle, as compared to IM injection, while enabling a much greater total dose to be delivered, with equivalent safety. These data provide the basis for continuation of the dose escalation of the rAAV1-AAT program in patients and bode well for rAAV-VLP as a platform for replacement of secreted proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M Gruntman
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.,Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Gwladys Gernoux
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Qiushi Tang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Guo-Jie Ye
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corp., Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Dave R Knop
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corp., Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Gensheng Wang
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Janet Benson
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Kristen E Coleman
- Powell Gene Therapy Center Toxicology Core, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Allison M Keeler
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Louis G Chicoine
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | | | - Terence R Flotte
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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11
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Xu R, Jia Y, Zygmunt DA, Cramer ML, Crowe KE, Shao G, Maki AE, Guggenheim HN, Hood BC, Griffin DA, Peterson E, Bolon B, Cheatham JP, Cheatham SL, Flanigan KM, Rodino-Klapac LR, Chicoine LG, Martin PT. An Isolated Limb Infusion Method Allows for Broad Distribution of rAAVrh74.MCK. GALGT2 to Leg Skeletal Muscles in the Rhesus Macaque. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2018; 10:89-104. [PMID: 30073180 PMCID: PMC6070685 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)rh74.MCK.GALGT2 is a muscle-specific gene therapy that is being developed to treat forms of muscular dystrophy. Here we report on an isolated limb infusion technique in a non-human primate model, where hindlimb blood flow is transiently isolated using balloon catheters to concentrate vector in targeted leg muscles. A bilateral dose of 2.5 × 1013 vector genomes (vg)/kg/limb was sufficient to induce GALGT2-induced glycosylation in 10%-60% of skeletal myofibers in all leg muscles examined. There was a 19-fold ± 6-fold average limb-wide increase in vector genomes per microgram genomic DNA at a bilateral dose of 2.5 × 1013 vg/kg/limb compared with a bilateral dose of 6 × 1012 vg/kg/limb. A unilateral dose of 6 × 1013 vg/kg/limb showed a 12- ± 3-fold increase in treated limb muscles compared to contralateral untreated limb muscles, which received vector only after release into the systemic circulation from the treated limb. Variability in AAV biodistribution between different segments of the same muscle was 125% ± 18% for any given dose, while variability between the same muscle for any given treatment dose was 45% ± 7%. These experiments demonstrate that treatment of muscles throughout the leg with rAAVrh74.MCK.GALGT2 can be accomplished safely using an isolated limb infusion technique, where balloon catheters transiently isolate the limb vasculature, but that intra- and inter-muscle transduction variability is a significant issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xu
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ying Jia
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Deborah A. Zygmunt
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Megan L. Cramer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kelly E. Crowe
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Guohong Shao
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Agatha E. Maki
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Haley N. Guggenheim
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Hood
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Danielle A. Griffin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ellyn Peterson
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | | | - John P. Cheatham
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sharon L. Cheatham
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kevin M. Flanigan
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Louise R. Rodino-Klapac
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Louis G. Chicoine
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Paul T. Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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12
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Ma J, Pichavant C, du Bois H, Bhakta M, Calos MP. DNA-Mediated Gene Therapy in a Mouse Model of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 7:123-131. [PMID: 29159199 PMCID: PMC5684445 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene for dysferlin cause a degenerative disorder of skeletal muscle known as limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B. To achieve gene delivery of plasmids encoding dysferlin to hind limb muscles of dysferlin knockout mice, we used a vascular injection method that perfused naked plasmid DNA into all major muscle groups of the hind limb. We monitored delivery by luciferase live imaging and western blot, confirming strong dysferlin expression that persisted over the 3-month time course of the experiment. Co-delivery of the follistatin gene, which may promote muscle growth, was monitored by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry documented the presence of dysferlin in muscle fibers in treated limbs, and PCR confirmed the presence of plasmid DNA. Because dysferlin is involved in repair of the sarcolemmal membrane, dysferlin loss leads to fragile sarcolemmal membranes that can be detected by permeability to Evan’s blue dye. We showed that after gene therapy with a plasmid encoding both dysferlin and follistatin, statistically significant reduction in Evan’s blue dye permeability was present in hamstring muscles. These results suggest that vascular delivery of plasmids carrying these therapeutic genes may lead to simple and effective approaches for improving the clinical condition of limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Christophe Pichavant
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Haley du Bois
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Mital Bhakta
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
| | - Michele P Calos
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5120, USA
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13
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Long-term microdystrophin gene therapy is effective in a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Commun 2017; 8:16105. [PMID: 28742067 PMCID: PMC5537486 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms16105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Gene therapy using highly functional microdystrophin genes and recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is an attractive strategy to treat DMD. Here we show that locoregional and systemic delivery of a rAAV2/8 vector expressing a canine microdystrophin (cMD1) is effective in restoring dystrophin expression and stabilizing clinical symptoms in studies performed on a total of 12 treated golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs. Locoregional delivery induces high levels of microdystrophin expression in limb musculature and significant amelioration of histological and functional parameters. Systemic intravenous administration without immunosuppression results in significant and sustained levels of microdystrophin in skeletal muscles and reduces dystrophic symptoms for over 2 years. No toxicity or adverse immune consequences of vector administration are observed. These studies indicate safety and efficacy of systemic rAAV-cMD1 delivery in a large animal model of DMD, and pave the way towards clinical trials of rAAV–microdystrophin gene therapy in DMD patients. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive degenerative disease of muscles caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Here the authors use AAV vectors to deliver microdystrophin to dogs with muscular dystrophy, and show restoration of dystrophin expression and reduction of symptoms up to 26 months of age.
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14
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene and loss of the protein dystrophin. The absence of dystrophin leads to myofiber membrane fragility and necrosis, with eventual muscle atrophy and contractures. Affected boys typically die in their second or third decade due to either respiratory failure or cardiomyopathy. Despite extensive attempts to develop definitive therapies for DMD, the standard of care remains prednisone, which has only palliative benefits. Animal models, mainly the mdx mouse and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog, have played a key role in studies of DMD pathogenesis and treatment development. Because the GRMD clinical syndrome is more severe than in mice, better aligning with the progressive course of DMD, canine studies may translate better to humans. The original founder dog for all GRMD colonies worldwide was identified in the early 1980s before the discovery of the DMD gene and dystrophin. Accordingly, analogies to DMD were initially drawn based on similar clinical features, ranging from the X-linked pattern of inheritance to overlapping histopathologic lesions. Confirmation of genetic homology between DMD and GRMD came with identification of the underlying GRMD mutation, a single nucleotide change that leads to exon skipping and an out-of-frame DMD transcript. GRMD colonies have subsequently been established to conduct pathogenetic and preclinical treatment studies. Simultaneous with the onset of GRMD treatment trials, phenotypic biomarkers were developed, allowing definitive characterization of treatment effect. Importantly, GRMD studies have not always substantiated findings from mdx mice and have sometimes identified serious treatment side effects. While the GRMD model may be more clinically relevant than the mdx mouse, usage has been limited by practical considerations related to expense and the number of dogs available. This further complicates ongoing broader concerns about the poor rate of translation of animal model preclinical studies to humans with analogous diseases. Accordingly, in performing GRMD trials, special attention must be paid to experimental design to align with the approach used in DMD clinical trials. This review provides context for the GRMD model, beginning with its original description and extending to its use in preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Mail Stop 4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
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15
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Gruntman AM, Flotte TR. Delivery of Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy by Intravascular Limb Infusion Methods. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:159-64. [PMID: 26357010 PMCID: PMC4606036 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2015.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) can be delivered to the skeletal muscle of the limb (pelvic or thoracic) by means of regional intravascular delivery. This review summarizes the evolution of this technique to deliver rAAV either via the arterial blood supply or via the peripheral venous circulation. The focus of this review is on applications in large animal models, including preclinical studies. Based on this overview of past research, we aim to inform the design of preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M. Gruntman
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Terence R. Flotte
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Microbiology & Physiologic Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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16
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Gruntman AM, Flotte TR. Progress with Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Gene Therapy of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2015; 26:77-81. [PMID: 26067712 PMCID: PMC4559188 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2015.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathway to a clinical gene therapy product often involves many changes of course and strategy before obtaining successful results. Here we outline the methodologies, both clinical and preclinical, that went into developing a gene therapy approach to the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency lung disease using muscle-targeted recombinant adeno-associated virus. From initial gene construct development in mouse models through multiple rounds of safety and biodistribution studies in rodents, rabbits, and nonhuman primates to ultimate human trials, this review seeks to provide insight into what clinical translation entails and could thereby inform the process for future investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M. Gruntman
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Terence R. Flotte
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
- Microbiology & Physiologic Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
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