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Lu Y, Ling C, Shoti J, Yang H, Nath A, Keeler GD, Qing K, Srivastava A. Enhanced transgene expression from single-stranded AAV vectors in human cells in vitro and in murine hepatocytes in vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102196. [PMID: 38766527 PMCID: PMC11101737 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
We identified that distal 10 nucleotides in the D-sequence in AAV2 inverted terminal repeat (ITR) share partial sequence homology to 1/2 binding site of glucocorticoid receptor-binding element (GRE). Here, we describe that (1) purified GR binds to AAV2 D-sequence, and the D-sequence competes with GR binding to its cognate binding site; (2) dexamethasone-mediated activation of GR pathway significantly increases the transduction efficiency of AAV2 vectors in human cells; (3) human osteosarcoma cells, U2OS, which lack expression of GR, are poorly transduced by AAV2 vectors, but stable transfection with a GR expression plasmid restores vector-mediated transgene expression; (4) replacement of the distal 10 nucleotides in the D-sequence of the AAV2 ITR with a full-length GRE consensus sequence significantly enhances transgene expression in human cells in vitro and in murine hepatocytes in vivo; and (5) none of the ITRs in AAV1, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, and AAV6 genomes contains the GRE 1/2 binding site, and insertion of a full-length GRE consensus sequence in the AAV6-ITR also significantly enhances transgene expression from AAV6 vectors, both in vitro and in vivo. These novel vectors, termed generation Y AAV vectors, which are serotype, transgene, or promoter agnostic, should be useful in human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lu
- Full Circle Therapeutics, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Ling
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jakob Shoti
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Aneesha Nath
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Translational Research, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Geoffrey D. Keeler
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Keyun Qing
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Shoti J, Qing K, Keeler GD, Duan D, Byrne BJ, Srivastava A. Development of capsid- and genome-modified optimized AAVrh74 vectors for muscle gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101147. [PMID: 38046199 PMCID: PMC10690633 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The first generation of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors composed of the naturally occurring capsids and genomes, although effective in some instances, are unlikely to be optimal for gene therapy in humans. The use of the first generation of two different AAV serotype vectors (AAV9 and AAVrh74) in four separate clinical trials failed to be effective in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, although some efficacy was observed in a subset of patients with AAVrh74 vectors leading to US Food and Drug Administration approval (Elevidys). In two trials with the first generation of AAV9 vectors, several serious adverse events were observed, including the death of a patient in one trial, and more recently, in the death of a second patient in an N-of-1 clinical trial. In a fourth trial with the first generation of AAVrh74 vectors, myositis and myocarditis were also observed. Here, we report that capsid- and genome-modified optimized AAVrh74 vectors are significantly more efficient in transducing primary human skeletal muscle cells in vitro and in all major muscle tissues in vivo following systemic administration in a murine model. The availability of optimized AAVrh74 vectors promises to be safe and effective in the potential gene therapy of muscle diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Shoti
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Keyun Qing
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Geoffrey D. Keeler
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Neurology, Biomedical Sciences, and Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Barry J. Byrne
- Child Health Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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3
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Srivastava A. Rationale and strategies for the development of safe and effective optimized AAV vectors for human gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:949-959. [PMID: 37293185 PMCID: PMC10244667 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been, or are currently in use, in 332 phase I/II/III clinical trials in a number of human diseases, and in some cases, remarkable clinical efficacy has also been achieved. There are now three US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved AAV "drugs," but it has become increasingly clear that the first generation of AAV vectors are not optimal. In addition, relatively large vector doses are needed to achieve clinical efficacy, which has been shown to provoke host immune responses culminating in serious adverse events and, more recently, in the deaths of 10 patients to date. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of the next generation of AAV vectors that are (1) safe, (2) effective, and (3) human tropic. This review describes the strategies to potentially overcome each of the limitations of the first generation of AAV vectors and the rationale and approaches for the development of the next generation of AAV serotype vectors. These vectors promise to be efficacious at significant reduced doses, likely to achieve clinical efficacy, thereby increasing the safety as well as reducing vector production costs, ensuring translation to the clinic with higher probability of success, without the need for the use of immune suppression, for gene therapy of a wide variety of diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Emerging Perspectives on Gene Therapy Delivery for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disorders. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12121979. [PMID: 36556200 PMCID: PMC9788053 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12121979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD), are a group of heterogeneous diseases that mainly affect central nervous system (CNS) functions. A subset of NDDs exhibit CNS dysfunction and muscle degeneration, as observed in Gangliosidosis 1 (GM1) and late stages of PD. Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a group of diseases in which patients show primary progressive muscle weaknesses, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Pompe disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). NDDs and NMDs typically have a genetic component, which affects the physiological functioning of critical cellular processes, leading to pathogenesis. Currently, there is no cure or efficient treatment for most of these diseases. More than 200 clinical trials have been completed or are currently underway in order to establish safety, tolerability, and efficacy of promising gene therapy approaches. Thus, gene therapy-based therapeutics, including viral or non-viral delivery, are very appealing for the treatment of NDDs and NMDs. In particular, adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) are an attractive option for gene therapy for NDDs and NMDs. However, limitations have been identified after systemic delivery, including the suboptimal capacity of these therapies to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), degradation of the particles during the delivery, high reactivity of the patient's immune system during the treatment, and the potential need for redosing. To circumvent these limitations, several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested intrathecal (IT) delivery to target the CNS and peripheral organs via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF administration can vastly improve the delivery of small molecules and drugs to the brain and spinal cord as compared to systemic delivery. Here, we review AAV biology and vector design elements, different therapeutic routes of administration, and highlight CSF delivery as an attractive route of administration. We discuss the different aspects of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, such as pathogenesis, the landscape of mutations, and the biological processes associated with the disease. We also describe the hallmarks of NDDs and NMDs as well as discuss current therapeutic approaches and clinical progress in viral and non-viral gene therapy and enzyme replacement strategies for those diseases.
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Zolotukhin S, Vandenberghe L. AAV capsid design: A Goldilocks challenge. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:183-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Kremer LP, Cerrizuela S, Dehler S, Stiehl T, Weinmann J, Abendroth H, Kleber S, Laure A, El Andari J, Anders S, Marciniak-Czochra A, Grimm D, Martin-Villalba A. High throughput screening of novel AAV capsids identifies variants for transduction of adult NSCs within the subventricular zone. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:33-50. [PMID: 34553001 PMCID: PMC8427210 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.07.001] [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: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The adult mammalian brain entails a reservoir of neural stem cells (NSCs) generating glial cells and neurons. However, NSCs become increasingly quiescent with age, which hampers their regenerative capacity. New means are therefore required to genetically modify adult NSCs for re-enabling endogenous brain repair. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are ideal gene-therapy vectors due to an excellent safety profile and high transduction efficiency. We thus conducted a high-throughput screening of 177 intraventricularly injected barcoded AAV variants profiled by RNA sequencing. Quantification of barcoded AAV mRNAs identified two synthetic capsids, peptide-modified derivative of wild-type AAV9 (AAV9_A2) and peptide-modified derivative of wild-type AAV1 (AAV1_P5), both of which transduce active and quiescent NSCs. Further optimization of AAV1_P5 by judicious selection of the promoter and dose of injected viral genomes enabled labeling of 30%–60% of the NSC compartment, which was validated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses and single-cell RNA sequencing. Importantly, transduced NSCs readily produced neurons. The present study identifies AAV variants with a high regional tropism toward the ventricular-subventricular zone (v-SVZ) with high efficiency in targeting adult NSCs, thereby paving the way for preclinical testing of regenerative gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas P.M. Kremer
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Santiago Cerrizuela
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sascha Dehler
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Stiehl
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing and BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Weinmann
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Abendroth
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kleber
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Laure
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jihad El Andari
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Anders
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Marciniak-Czochra
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing and BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Virus-Host Interaction Group, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, BioQuant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana Martin-Villalba
- Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Corresponding author: Ana Martin-Villalba, Molecular Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Emerging Immunogenicity and Genotoxicity Considerations of Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Gene Therapy for Hemophilia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112471. [PMID: 34199563 PMCID: PMC8199697 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector gene therapy has shown promise as a possible cure for hemophilia. However, immune responses directed against AAV vectors remain a hurdle to the broader use of this gene transfer platform. Both innate and adaptive immune responses can affect the safety and efficacy of AAV vector-mediated gene transfer in humans. These immune responses may be triggered by the viral capsid, the vector's nucleic acid payload, or other vector contaminants or excipients, or by the transgene product encoded by the vector itself. Various preclinical and clinical strategies have been explored to overcome the issues of AAV vector immunogenicity and transgene-related immune responses. Although results of these strategies are encouraging, more efficient approaches are needed to deliver safe, predictable, and durable outcomes for people with hemophilia. In addition to durability, long-term follow-up of gene therapy trial participants will allow us to address potential safety concerns related to vector integration. Herein, we describe the challenges with current methodologies to deliver optimal outcomes for people with hemophilia who choose to undergo AAV vector gene therapy and the potential opportunities to improve on the results.
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Berns KI, Srivastava A. Next Generation of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Gene Therapy for Human Liver Diseases. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2019; 48:319-330. [PMID: 31046978 PMCID: PMC6501830 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant vectors based on a nonpathogenic parvovirus, the adeno-associated virus (AAV), have taken center stage in the past decade. The safety of AAV vectors in clinical trials and clinical efficacy in several human diseases are now well documented. Despite these achievements, it is increasingly clear that the full potential of AAV vectors composed of the naturally occurring capsids is unlikely to be realized. This article describes advances that have been made and challenges that remain in the optimal use of AAV vectors in human gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth I. Berns
- Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2033 Mowry Road, Room 492-A, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2033 Mowry Road, Room 492-A, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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10
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Büning H, Srivastava A. Capsid Modifications for Targeting and Improving the Efficacy of AAV Vectors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 12:248-265. [PMID: 30815511 PMCID: PMC6378346 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, recombinant vectors based on a non-pathogenic parvovirus, the adeno-associated virus (AAV), have taken center stage as a gene delivery vehicle for the potential gene therapy for a number of human diseases. To date, the safety of AAV vectors in 176 phase I, II, and III clinical trials and their efficacy in at least eight human diseases are now firmly documented. Despite these remarkable achievements, it has also become abundantly clear that the full potential of first generation AAV vectors composed of naturally occurring capsids is not likely to be realized, since the wild-type AAV did not evolve for the purpose of therapeutic gene delivery. In this article, we provide a brief historical account of the progress that has been made in the development of capsid-modified, next-generation AAV vectors to ensure both the safety and efficacy of these vectors in targeting a wide variety of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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11
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Ling C, Li B, Ma W, Srivastava A. Development of Optimized AAV Serotype Vectors for High-Efficiency Transduction at Further Reduced Doses. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2017; 27:143-9. [PMID: 27431826 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2016.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have described the development of capsid-modified next-generation AAV vectors for both AAV2 and AAV3 serotypes, in which specific surface-exposed tyrosine (Y), serine (S), threonine (T), and lysine (K) residues on viral capsids were modified to achieve high-efficiency transduction at lower doses. We have also described the development of genome-modified AAV vectors, in which the transcriptionally inactive, single-stranded AAV genome was modified to achieve improved transgene expression. Here, we describe that combination of capsid modifications and genome modifications leads to the generation of optimized AAV serotype vectors, which transduce cells and tissues more efficiently, both in vitro and in vivo, at ∼20-30-fold reduced doses. These studies have significant implications in the potential use of the optimized AAV serotype vectors in human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ling
- 1 Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida.,2 Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida.,3 Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Baozheng Li
- 1 Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Wenqin Ma
- 1 Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Arun Srivastava
- 1 Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida.,2 Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida.,3 Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida.,4 Genetics Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida.,5 Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida
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12
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Markusic DM, Nichols TC, Merricks EP, Palaschak B, Zolotukhin I, Marsic D, Zolotukhin S, Srivastava A, Herzog RW. Evaluation of engineered AAV capsids for hepatic factor IX gene transfer in murine and canine models. J Transl Med 2017; 15:94. [PMID: 28460646 PMCID: PMC5412045 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy vectors have shown the best outcomes in human clinical studies for the treatment of genetic diseases such as hemophilia. However, these pivotal investigations have also identified several challenges. For example, high vector doses are often used for hepatic gene transfer, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against viral capsid may occur. Therefore, achieving therapy at reduced vector doses and other strategies to reduce capsid antigen presentation are desirable. Methods We tested several engineered AAV capsids for factor IX (FIX) expression for the treatment of hemophilia B by hepatic gene transfer. These capsids lack potential phosphorylation or ubiquitination sites, or had been generated through molecular evolution. Results AAV2 capsids lacking either a single lysine residue or 3 tyrosine residues directed substantially higher coagulation FIX expression in mice compared to wild-type sequence or other mutations. In hemophilia B dogs, however, expression from the tyrosine-mutant vector was merely comparable to historical data on AAV2. Evolved AAV2-LiC capsid was highly efficient in hemophilia B mice but lacked efficacy in a hemophilia B dog. Conclusions Several alternative strategies for capsid modification improve the in vivo performance of AAV vectors in hepatic gene transfer for correction of hemophilia. However, capsid optimization solely in mouse liver may not predict efficacy in other species and thus is of limited translational utility. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-017-1200-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Timothy C Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Merricks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Brett Palaschak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Irene Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Damien Marsic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Natarajan G, Leibowitz JA, Zhou J, Zhao Y, McElroy JA, King MA, Ormerod BK, Carney PR. Adeno-associated viral vector-mediated preprosomatostatin expression suppresses induced seizures in kindled rats. Epilepsy Res 2017; 130:81-92. [PMID: 28167431 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Somatostatin is expressed widely in the hippocampus and notably in hilar GABAergic neurons that are vulnerable to seizure neuropathology in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy. We previously demonstrated that sustained bilateral preprosomatostatin (preproSST) expression in the hippocampus prevents the development of generalized seizures in the amygdala kindling model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Here we tested whether sustained preproSST expression is anticonvulsant in rats already kindled to high-grade seizures. Rats were kindled until they exhibited 3 consecutive Racine Grade 5 seizures before adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) vector driving either eGFP (AAV5-CBa-eGFP) or preproSST and eGFP (AAV5-CBa-preproSST-eGFP) expression was injected bilaterally into the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 region. Retested 3 weeks later, rats that received control vector (AAV5-CBa-eGFP) continued to exhibit high-grade seizures whereas 6/13 rats that received preproSST vector (AAV5-CBa-preproSST-eGFP) were seizure-free. Of these rats, 5/6 remained seizure-free after repeated stimulation sessions and when the stimulation current was increased. These results suggest that vector-mediated expression of preproSST may be a viable therapeutic strategy for temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowri Natarajan
- Wilder Center of Excellence for Epilepsy Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Leibowitz
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Junli Zhou
- Wilder Center of Excellence for Epilepsy Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jessica A McElroy
- Wilder Center of Excellence for Epilepsy Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Michael A King
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; NF/SG VA Medical Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Brandi K Ormerod
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Paul R Carney
- Wilder Center of Excellence for Epilepsy Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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14
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Abstract
There are conflicting reports that integration of the wild-type adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) genome is associated with induction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a small subset of patients. However, there are several lines of evidence that contradict this assertion: (i) AAV2 has long been known to be a non-pathogenic virus, although ∼90% of the human population is seropositive for AAV2 antibodies; (ii) AAV2 has been shown to possess anticancer activity; (iii) epidemiological evidence suggests that AAV2 infection plays a protective role against cervical carcinoma; and (iv) five different AAV serotype vectors (AAV1, AAV2, AAV5, AAV8, and AAV9) have been or are currently being used in 162 Phase I/II clinical trials and one Phase III clinical trial in humans to date, and no cancer of any type has ever been observed or reported. A brief historical account of the putative role of infection by AAV in the etiology of cancer, or lack thereof, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Srivastava
- 1 Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center; Genetics Institute; University of Florida College of Medicine , Gainesville, Florida
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15
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Ling C, Bhukhai K, Yin Z, Tan M, Yoder MC, Leboulch P, Payen E, Srivastava A. High-Efficiency Transduction of Primary Human Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells by AAV6 Vectors: Strategies for Overcoming Donor-Variation and Implications in Genome Editing. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35495. [PMID: 27759036 PMCID: PMC5069717 DOI: 10.1038/srep35495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have reported that of the 10 commonly used AAV serotype vectors, AAV6 is the most efficient in transducing primary human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, the transduction efficiency of the wild-type (WT) AAV6 vector varies greatly in HSPCs from different donors. Here we report two distinct strategies to further increase the transduction efficiency in HSPCs from donors that are transduced less efficiently with the WT AAV6 vectors. The first strategy involved modifications of the viral capsid proteins where specific surface-exposed tyrosine (Y) and threonine (T) residues were mutagenized to generate a triple-mutant (Y705 + Y731F + T492V) AAV6 vector. The second strategy involved the use of ex vivo transduction at high cell density. The combined use of these strategies resulted in transduction efficiency exceeding ~90% in HSPCs at significantly reduced vector doses. Our studies have significant implications in the optimal use of capsid-optimized AAV6 vectors in genome editing in HSPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ling
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Powell Gene Therapy Center; University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kanit Bhukhai
- CEA/Paris Sud University (UMR-E 007), Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies (iMETI), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Zifei Yin
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Powell Gene Therapy Center; University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengqun Tan
- Department of Physiology, Xiang-Ya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mervin C Yoder
- Herman B Well Center for Pediatrics Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Philippe Leboulch
- CEA/Paris Sud University (UMR-E 007), Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies (iMETI), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Emmanuel Payen
- CEA/Paris Sud University (UMR-E 007), Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies (iMETI), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Powell Gene Therapy Center; University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics &Microbiology; University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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16
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Srivastava A. In vivo tissue-tropism of adeno-associated viral vectors. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 21:75-80. [PMID: 27596608 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In this review, a brief account of the historical perspective of the discovery of the first cellular receptor and co-receptor of the prototype adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) will be presented. The Subsequent discovery of a number of AAV serotypes, and attempts to identify the cellular receptors and co-receptors for these serotype vectors has had significant implications in their use in human gene therapy. As additional AAV serotypes are discovered and isolated, a detailed understanding of their tropism is certainly likely to play a key role in all future studies, both basic science as well as clinical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
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