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Liu Y, Kong J, Liu G, Li Z, Xiao Y. Precise Gene Knock-In Tools with Minimized Risk of DSBs: A Trend for Gene Manipulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401797. [PMID: 38728624 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Gene knock-in refers to the insertion of exogenous functional genes into a target genome to achieve continuous expression. Currently, most knock-in tools are based on site-directed nucleases, which can induce double-strand breaks (DSBs) at the target, following which the designed donors carrying functional genes can be inserted via the endogenous gene repair pathway. The size of donor genes is limited by the characteristics of gene repair, and the DSBs induce risks like genotoxicity. New generation tools, such as prime editing, transposase, and integrase, can insert larger gene fragments while minimizing or eliminating the risk of DSBs, opening new avenues in the development of animal models and gene therapy. However, the elimination of off-target events and the production of delivery carriers with precise requirements remain challenging, restricting the application of the current knock-in treatments to mainly in vitro settings. Here, a comprehensive review of the knock-in tools that do not/minimally rely on DSBs and use other mechanisms is provided. Moreover, the challenges and recent advances of in vivo knock-in treatments in terms of the therapeutic process is discussed. Collectively, the new generation of DSBs-minimizing and large-fragment knock-in tools has revolutionized the field of gene editing, from basic research to clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Mudi Meng Honors College, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jianping Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Gongyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing, 401135, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing, 401135, China
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2
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Bexte T, Reindl LM, Ullrich E. Nonviral technologies can pave the way for CAR-NK cell therapy. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:475-486. [PMID: 37403203 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy. Natural killer cells have high intrinsic killing capability, and the insertion of a chimeric antigen receptor can further enhance their antitumor potential. In first-in-human trials, chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells demonstrated strong clinical activity without therapy-induced side effects. The applicability of natural killer cells as an "off-the-shelf" product makes them highly attractive for gene-engineered cell therapies. Traditionally, viral transduction has been used for gene editing; however, the use of viral vectors remains a safety concern and is associated with high costs and regulatory requirements. Here, we review the current landscape of nonviral approaches for chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cell generation. This includes transfection of vector particles and electroporation of mRNA and DNA vectors, resulting in transient modification and chimeric antigen receptor expression. In addition, using nonviral transposon technologies, natural killer cells can be stably modified ensuring long-lasting chimeric antigen receptor expression. Finally, we discuss CRISPR/Cas9 tools to edit key genes for natural killer cell functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Bexte
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology & Cell Therapy, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ), Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Reindl
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology & Cell Therapy, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology & Cell Therapy, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT), Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ), Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz; Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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3
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Zhang Y, Zhou W, Yang J, Yang J, Wang W. Chimeric antigen receptor engineered natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:70. [PMID: 37563648 PMCID: PMC10413722 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00431-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a unique component of the innate immune system, are inherent killers of stressed and transformed cells. Based on their potent capacity to kill cancer cells and good tolerance of healthy cells, NK cells have been successfully employed in adoptive cell therapy to treat cancer patients. In recent years, the clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has proven the vast potential of gene-manipulated immune cells as the main force to fight cancer. Following the lessons learned from mature gene-transfer technologies and advanced strategies in CAR-T therapy, NK cells have been rapidly explored as a promising candidate for CAR-based therapy. An exponentially growing number of studies have employed multiple sources of CAR-NK cells to target a wide range of cancer-related antigens, showing remarkable outcomes and encouraging safety profiles. Clinical trials of CAR-NK cells have also shown their impressive therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hematological tumors, but CAR-NK cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the initial stages. In this review, we present the favorable profile of NK cells as a potential platform for CAR-based engineering and then summarize the outcomes and strategies of CAR-NK therapies in up-to-date preclinical and clinical investigations. Finally, we evaluate the challenges remaining in CAR-NK therapy and describe existing strategies that can assist us in devising future prospective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangping Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Hematology Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Moretti A, Ponzo M, Nicolette CA, Tcherepanova IY, Biondi A, Magnani CF. The Past, Present, and Future of Non-Viral CAR T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:867013. [PMID: 35757746 PMCID: PMC9218214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.867013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocytes is a powerful technology that has revolutionized the way we conceive immunotherapy. The impressive clinical results of complete and prolonged response in refractory and relapsed diseases have shifted the landscape of treatment for hematological malignancies, particularly those of lymphoid origin, and opens up new possibilities for the treatment of solid neoplasms. However, the widening use of cell therapy is hampered by the accessibility to viral vectors that are commonly used for T cell transfection. In the era of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-CRISPR-associated) precise genome editing, novel and virus-free methods for T cell engineering are emerging as a more versatile, flexible, and sustainable alternative for next-generation CAR T cell manufacturing. Here, we discuss how the use of non-viral vectors can address some of the limitations of the viral methods of gene transfer and allow us to deliver genetic information in a stable, effective and straightforward manner. In particular, we address the main transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB), the utilization of mRNA, and innovative approaches of nanotechnology like Lipid-based and Polymer-based DNA nanocarriers and nanovectors. We also describe the most relevant preclinical data that have recently led to the use of non-viral gene therapy in emerging clinical trials, and the related safety and efficacy aspects. We will also provide practical considerations for future trials to enable successful and safe cell therapy with non-viral methods for CAR T cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Moretti
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
| | - Marianna Ponzo
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Biondi
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Clinica Pediatrica, University of Milano - Bicocca/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara F. Magnani
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma (MBBM), Monza, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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5
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Craig-Mueller N, Hammad R, Elling R, Alzubi J, Timm B, Kolter J, Knelangen N, Bednarski C, Gläser B, Ammann S, Ivics Z, Fischer J, Speckmann C, Schwarz K, Lachmann N, Ehl S, Moritz T, Henneke P, Cathomen T. Modeling MyD88 Deficiency In Vitro Provides New Insights in Its Function. Front Immunol 2021; 11:608802. [PMID: 33424861 PMCID: PMC7786022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.608802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited defects in MyD88 and IRAK4, two regulators in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, are clinically highly relevant, but still incompletely understood. MyD88- and IRAK4-deficient patients are exceedingly susceptible to a narrow spectrum of pathogens, with ∼50% lethality in the first years of life. To better understand the underlying molecular and cellular characteristics that determine disease progression, we aimed at modeling the cellular response to pathogens in vitro. To this end, we determined the immunophenotype of monocytes and macrophages derived from MyD88- and IRAK4-deficient patients. We recognized that macrophages derived from both patients were particularly poorly activated by streptococci, indicating that both signaling intermediates are essential for the immune response to facultative pathogens. To characterize this defect in more detail, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of fibroblasts derived from an MyD88-deficient patient. The underlying genetic defect was corrected using Sleeping Beauty transposon vectors encoding either the long (L) or the short (S) MYD88 isoform, respectively. Macrophages derived from these iPSC lines (iMacs) expressed typical macrophage markers, stably produced either MyD88 isoform, and showed robust phagocytic activity. Notably, iMacs expressing MyD88-L, but not MyD88-S, exhibited similar responses to external stimuli, including cytokine release patterns, as compared to genetically normal iMacs. Thus, the two MyD88 isoforms assume distinct functions in signaling. In conclusion, iPSC technology, in combination with efficient myeloid differentiation protocols, provides a valuable and inexhaustible source of macrophages, which can be used for disease modeling. Moreover, iPSC-derived macrophages may eventually aid in stabilizing MyD88-deficient patients during pyogenic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Craig-Mueller
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,MD Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ruba Hammad
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,PhD Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Elling
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jamal Alzubi
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Timm
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kolter
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nele Knelangen
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christien Bednarski
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Birgitta Gläser
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Ammann
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Judith Fischer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Speckmann
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Schwarz
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, and Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nico Lachmann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster for Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Ehl
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Moritz
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster for Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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6
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Magnani CF, Tettamanti S, Alberti G, Pisani I, Biondi A, Serafini M, Gaipa G. Transposon-Based CAR T Cells in Acute Leukemias: Where are We Going? Cells 2020; 9:cells9061337. [PMID: 32471151 PMCID: PMC7349235 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has become a new therapeutic reality for refractory and relapsed leukemia patients and is also emerging as a potential therapeutic option in solid tumors. Viral vector-based CAR T-cells initially drove these successful efforts; however, high costs and cumbersome manufacturing processes have limited the widespread clinical implementation of CAR T-cell therapy. Here we will discuss the state of the art of the transposon-based gene transfer and its application in CAR T immunotherapy, specifically focusing on the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system, as a valid cost-effective and safe option as compared to the viral vector-based systems. A general overview of SB transposon system applications will be provided, with an update of major developments, current clinical trials achievements and future perspectives exploiting SB for CAR T-cell engineering. After the first clinical successes achieved in the context of B-cell neoplasms, we are now facing a new era and it is paramount to advance gene transfer technology to fully exploit the potential of CAR T-cells towards next-generation immunotherapy.
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7
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Potent CAR-T cells engineered with Sleeping Beauty transposon vectors display a central memory phenotype. Gene Ther 2020; 28:3-5. [PMID: 32139891 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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8
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Hernandez M, Recalde S, Garcia-Garcia L, Bezunartea J, Miskey C, Johnen S, Diarra S, Sebe A, Rodriguez-Madoz JR, Pouillot S, Marie C, Izsvák Z, Scherman D, Kropp M, Prosper F, Thumann G, Ivics Z, Garcia-Layana A, Fernandez-Robredo P. Preclinical Evaluation of a Cell-Based Gene Therapy Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System in Choroidal Neovascularization. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2019; 15:403-417. [PMID: 31890733 PMCID: PMC6909167 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disorder characterized by imbalanced pro- and antiangiogenic signals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ex vivo cell-based gene therapy with stable expression of human pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) release using the non-viral Sleeping Beauty (SB100X) transposon system delivered by miniplasmids free of antibiotic resistance markers (pFAR4). Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells were co-transfected with pFAR4-inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) CMV-PEDF-BGH and pFAR4-CMV-SB100X-SV40 plasmids. Laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was performed in rats, and transfected primary cells (transfected RPE [tRPE] and transfected IPE [tIPE] cells) were injected into the subretinal space. The leakage and CNV areas, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), PEDF protein expression, metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2/9), and microglial/macrophage markers were measured. Injection with tRPE/IPE cells significantly reduced the leakage area at 7 and 14 days and the CNV area at 7 days. There was a significant increase in PEDF and the PEDF/VEGF ratio with tRPE cells and a reduction in the MMP-2 activity. Our data demonstrated that ex vivo non-viral gene therapy reduces CNV and could be an effective and safe therapeutic option for angiogenic retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hernandez
- Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares, Oftared, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Recalde
- Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares, Oftared, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Garcia-Garcia
- Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares, Oftared, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaione Bezunartea
- Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Diarra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Attila Sebe
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Juan Roberto Rodriguez-Madoz
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | | | - Corinne Marie
- Université de Paris, UTCBS, CNRS, INSERM, F-75006 Paris, France
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Scherman
- Université de Paris, UTCBS, CNRS, INSERM, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Martina Kropp
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona 31008, Spain
- Area of Cell Therapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Alfredo Garcia-Layana
- Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares, Oftared, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Fernandez-Robredo
- Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Ophthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares, Oftared, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Querques I, Mades A, Zuliani C, Miskey C, Alb M, Grueso E, Machwirth M, Rausch T, Einsele H, Ivics Z, Hudecek M, Barabas O. A highly soluble Sleeping Beauty transposase improves control of gene insertion. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:1502-1512. [PMID: 31685959 PMCID: PMC6894935 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is an efficient non-viral gene transfer tool in mammalian cells but its broad use has been hampered by uncontrolled transposase gene activity from DNA vectors, posing a risk for genome instability, and by the inability to use transposase protein directly. Here, we used rational protein design based on the crystal structure of the hyperactive SB100X variant to create an SB transposase (hsSB) with enhanced solubility and stability. We demonstrate that hsSB can be delivered with transposon DNA to genetically modify cell lines and embryonic, hematopoietic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), overcoming uncontrolled transposase activity. We used hsSB to generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, which exhibit potent anti-tumor activity in vitro and in xenograft mice. We found that hsSB spontaneously penetrates cells, enabling modification of iPSCs and generation of CAR-T cells without the use of transfection reagents. Titration of hsSB to modulate genomic integration frequency achieved as few as two integrations per genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Querques
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Mades
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cecilia Zuliani
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Miriam Alb
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Esther Grueso
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Markus Machwirth
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Rausch
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Orsolya Barabas
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
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10
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Peulen O, Rademaker G, Anania S, Turtoi A, Bellahcène A, Castronovo V. Ferlin Overview: From Membrane to Cancer Biology. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090954. [PMID: 31443490 PMCID: PMC6770723 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammal myocytes, endothelial cells and inner ear cells, ferlins are proteins involved in membrane processes such as fusion, recycling, endo- and exocytosis. They harbour several C2 domains allowing their interaction with phospholipids. The expression of several Ferlin genes was described as altered in several tumoural tissues. Intriguingly, beyond a simple alteration, myoferlin, otoferlin and Fer1L4 expressions were negatively correlated with patient survival in some cancer types. Therefore, it can be assumed that membrane biology is of extreme importance for cell survival and signalling, making Ferlin proteins core machinery indispensable for cancer cell adaptation to hostile environments. The evidences suggest that myoferlin, when overexpressed, enhances cancer cell proliferation, migration and metabolism by affecting various aspects of membrane biology. Targeting myoferlin using pharmacological compounds, gene transfer technology, or interfering RNA is now considered as an emerging therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Peulen
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Giga Cancer, University of Liège, B4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Gilles Rademaker
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Giga Cancer, University of Liège, B4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Sandy Anania
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Giga Cancer, University of Liège, B4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Andrei Turtoi
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Institut du Cancer de Montpeiller, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Akeila Bellahcène
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Giga Cancer, University of Liège, B4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Castronovo
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Giga Cancer, University of Liège, B4000 Liège, Belgium
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11
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Morero NR, Zuliani C, Kumar B, Bebel A, Okamoto S, Guynet C, Hickman AB, Chandler M, Dyda F, Barabas O. Targeting IS608 transposon integration to highly specific sequences by structure-based transposon engineering. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:4152-4163. [PMID: 29635476 PMCID: PMC5934647 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements are efficient DNA carriers and thus important tools for transgenesis and insertional mutagenesis. However, their poor target sequence specificity constitutes an important limitation for site-directed applications. The insertion sequence IS608 from Helicobacter pylori recognizes a specific tetranucleotide sequence by base pairing, and its target choice can be re-programmed by changes in the transposon DNA. Here, we present the crystal structure of the IS608 target capture complex in an active conformation, providing a complete picture of the molecular interactions between transposon and target DNA prior to integration. Based on this, we engineered IS608 variants to direct their integration specifically to various 12/17-nt long target sites by extending the base pair interaction network between the transposon and the target DNA. We demonstrate in vitro that the engineered transposons efficiently select their intended target sites. Our data further elucidate how the distinct secondary structure of the single-stranded transposon intermediate prevents extended target specificity in the wild-type transposon, allowing it to move between diverse genomic sites. Our strategy enables efficient targeting of unique DNA sequences with high specificity in an easily programmable manner, opening possibilities for the use of the IS608 system for site-specific gene insertions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rosalía Morero
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Cecilia Zuliani
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Banushree Kumar
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Bebel
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Sachi Okamoto
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Catherine Guynet
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse Cedex 31062, France
| | - Alison Burgess Hickman
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael Chandler
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse Cedex 31062, France
| | - Fred Dyda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Orsolya Barabas
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
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12
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Abstract
The chemical and biological nonproliferation regime stands at a watershed moment, when failure seems a real possibility. After the unsuccessful outcome of the 2016 Eighth Review Conference, the future of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention is uncertain. As the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) approaches its Fourth Review Conference in 2018, it has almost completed removing the huge stocks of chemical weapons, but it now faces the difficult organizational task of moving its focus to preventing the reemergence of chemical weapons at a time when the international security situation appears to be increasingly more difficult and dangerous. In this article, we assess the current and near-term state (5-10 years) and impact of three related areas of science and technology that could be of dual-use concern: targeted delivery of agents to the central nervous system (CNS), particularly by means of nanotechnology; direct impact of nanomaterials on synaptic functions in the CNS; and neuronal circuits in the brain that might be targeted by those with hostile intent. We attempt to assess the implications of our findings, particularly for the consideration of the problem of state-level interest in so-called nonlethal incapacitating chemical agents for law enforcement at the CWC Review Conference in 2018, but also more generally for the longer-term future of the chemical and biological nonproliferation regime.
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13
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Singer CM, Joy D, Jacobs DJ, Nesmelova IV. Rigidity and flexibility characteristics of DD[E/D]-transposases Mos1 and Sleeping Beauty. Proteins 2018; 87:313-325. [PMID: 30582767 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
DD[E/D]-transposases catalyze the multistep reaction of cut-and-paste DNA transposition. Structurally, several DD[E/D]-transposases have been characterized, revealing a multi-domain structure with the catalytic domain possessing the RNase H-like structural motif that brings three catalytic residues (D, D, and E or D) into close proximity for the catalysis. However, the dynamic behavior of DD[E/D]-transposases during transposition remains poorly understood. Here, we analyze the rigidity and flexibility characteristics of two representative DD[E/D]-transposases Mos1 and Sleeping Beauty (SB) using the minimal distance constraint model (mDCM). We find that the catalytic domain of both transposases is globally rigid, with the notable exception of the clamp loop being flexible in the DNA-unbound form. Within this globally rigid structure, the central β-sheet of the RNase H-like motif is much less rigid in comparison to its surrounding α-helices, forming a cage-like structure. The comparison of the original SB transposase to its hyperactive version SB100X reveals the region where the change in flexibility/rigidity correlates with increased activity. This region is found to be within the RNase H-like structural motif and comprise the loop leading from beta-strand B3 to helix H1, helices H1 and H2, which are located on the same side of the central beta-sheet, and the loop between helix H3 and beta-strand B5. We further identify the RKEN214-217DAVQ mutations of the set of hyperactive mutations within the catalytic domain of SB transposase to be the driving factor that induces change in residue-pair rigidity correlations within SB transposase. Given that a signature RNase H-like structural motif is found in DD[E/D]-transposases and, more broadly, in a large superfamily of polynucleotidyl transferases, our results are relevant to these proteins as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Singer
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Diana Joy
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Donald J Jacobs
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina.,Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Irina V Nesmelova
- Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina.,Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina
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14
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Hudecek M, Ivics Z. Non-viral therapeutic cell engineering with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2018; 52:100-108. [PMID: 29957586 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Widespread treatment of human diseases with gene therapies necessitates the development of gene transfer vectors that integrate genetic information effectively, safely and economically. Indeed, significant efforts have been devoted to engineer novel tools that (i) achieve high-level stable gene transfer at low toxicity to the host cell; (ii) induce low levels of genotoxicity and possess a `safe' integration profile with a high proportion of integrations into safe genomic locations; and (iii) are associated with acceptable cost per treatment, and scalable/exportable vector production to serve large numbers of patients. Two decades after the discovery of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, it has been transformed into a vector system that is fulfilling these requirements. Here we review recent developments in vectorization of SB as a tool for gene therapy, and highlight clinical development of the SB system towards hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy and cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany.
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15
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Magnani CF, Mezzanotte C, Cappuzzello C, Bardini M, Tettamanti S, Fazio G, Cooper LJN, Dastoli G, Cazzaniga G, Biondi A, Biagi E. Preclinical Efficacy and Safety of CD19CAR Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Transfected with Sleeping Beauty Transposon for the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:602-613. [PMID: 29641322 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infusion of patient-derived CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells engineered by viral vectors achieved complete remission and durable response in relapsed and refractory (r/r) B-lineage neoplasms. Here, we expand on those findings by providing a preclinical evaluation of allogeneic non-viral cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells transfected with the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon CD19CAR (CARCIK-CD19). Specifically, thanks to a large-scale 18-day manufacturing process, it was possible to achieve stable CD19CAR expression (62.425 ± 6.399%) and efficient T-cell expansion (23.36 ± 3.00-fold). Frozen/thawed CARCIK-CD19 remained fully functional both in vitro and in an established patient-derived xenograft (PDX) of MLL-ENL rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). CARCIK-CD19 showed a dose-dependent antitumor response and prolonged persistence in a PDX, bearing the feature of a Philadelphia-like ALL with PAX5/AUTS2 translocation, and in a survival model of lymphoma, achieving complete eradication of disseminated tumors. Finally, the infusion of CARCIK-CD19 proved to be safe and well tolerated in a biodistribution and toxicity model. The infused cells persisted in the hematopoietic and post-injection perfused organs until the end of the study and consisted of CD8+, CD56+, and CAR+ T cells. Overall, these findings provide important implications for non-viral technology and the proof-of-concept that donor-derived CARCIK-CD19 are indeed effective against relapsed ALL, a possibility that will be tested in Phase I/II clinical trials after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara F Magnani
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudia Mezzanotte
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudia Cappuzzello
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Michela Bardini
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Sarah Tettamanti
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Grazia Fazio
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Dastoli
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cazzaniga
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Ettore Biagi
- 1 Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca , San Gerardo Hospital/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
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