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Espuche B, Moya SE, Calderón M. Nanogels: Smart tools to enlarge the therapeutic window of gene therapy. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123864. [PMID: 38309484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123864] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy can potentially treat a great number of diseases, from cancer to rare genetic disorders. Very recently, the development and emergency approval of nucleic acid-based COVID-19 vaccines confirmed its strength and versatility. However, gene therapy encounters limitations due to the lack of suitable carriers to vectorize therapeutic genetic material inside target cells. Nanogels are highly hydrated nano-size crosslinked polymeric networks that have been used in many biomedical applications, from drug delivery to tissue engineering and diagnostics. Due to their easy production, tunability, and swelling properties they have called the attention as promising vectors for gene delivery. In this review, nanogels are discussed as vectors for nucleic acid delivery aiming to enlarge gene therapy's therapeutic window. Recent works highlighting the optimization of inherent transfection efficiency and biocompatibility are reviewed here. The importance of the monomer choice, along with the internal structure, surface decoration, and responsive features are outlined for the different transfection modalities. The possible sources of toxicological endpoints in nanogels are analyzed, and the strategies to limit them are compared. Finally, perspectives are discussed to identify the remining challenges for the nanogels before their translation to the market as transfection agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Espuche
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Sergio E Moya
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain.
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2
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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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Buchanan GF. Revoking the Seize Order: Preventing Spontaneous Seizures With AAV in a CLN2 Mouse Model. Epilepsy Curr 2023; 23:386-388. [PMID: 38269343 PMCID: PMC10805085 DOI: 10.1177/15357597231200702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene Therapy Ameliorates Spontaneous Seizures Associated With Cortical Neuron Loss in a Cln2R207X Mouse Model Takahashi K, Eultgen EM, Wang S, Rensing NR, Nelvagal HR, Dearborn JT, Danos O, Buss N, Sands MS, Wong M, Cooper JD. 2023. J Clin Invest. 133(12):e165908. doi:10.1172/JCI165908 Although a disease-modifying therapy for classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease) exists, poor understanding of cellular pathophysiology has hampered the development of more effective and persistent therapies. Here, we investigated the nature and progression of neurological and underlying neuropathological changes in Cln2R207X mice, which carry one of the most common pathogenic mutations in human patients but are yet to be fully characterized. Long-term electroencephalography recordings revealed progressive epileptiform abnormalities, including spontaneous seizures, providing a robust, quantifiable, and clinically relevant phenotype. These seizures were accompanied by the loss of multiple cortical neuron populations, including those stained for interneuron markers. Further histological analysis revealed early localized microglial activation months before neuron loss started in the thalamocortical system and spinal cord, which was accompanied by astrogliosis. This pathology was more pronounced and occurred in the cortex before the thalamus or spinal cord and differed markedly from the staging seen in mouse models of other forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Neonatal administration of adeno-associated virus serotype 9–mediated gene therapy ameliorated the seizure and gait phenotypes and prolonged the life span of Cln2R207X mice, attenuating most pathological changes. Our findings highlight the importance of clinically relevant outcome measures for judging preclinical efficacy of therapeutic interventions for CLN2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon F Buchanan
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa
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Chan C, Harris KK, Zolotukhin S, Keeler GD. Rational Design of AAV-rh74, AAV3B, and AAV8 with Limited Liver Targeting. Viruses 2023; 15:2168. [PMID: 38005848 PMCID: PMC10675213 DOI: 10.3390/v15112168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have become one of the leading gene therapies for treating a variety of diseases. One factor contributing to rAAVs' success is the fact that a wide variety of tissue types can be transduced by different serotypes. However, one commonality amongst most serotypes is the high propensity for liver transduction when rAAVs are administered peripherally. One of the few exceptions is the naturally occurring clade F AAV hematopoietic stem cell 16 (AAVHSC16). AAVHSC16 represents an interesting capsid in that it shows minimal liver transduction when injected peripherally. For capsids other than AAVHSC16, targeting non-liver tissues via peripheral AAV injection represents a challenge due to the high liver transduction. Thus, there is a demand for liver-de-targeted rAAV vectors. The rational design of rAAV capsids relies on current knowledge to design improved capsids and represents one means of developing capsids with reduced liver transduction. Here, we utilized data from the AAVHSC16 capsid to rationally design four non-clade F rAAV capsids that result in reduced liver transduction following peripheral injection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Geoffrey D. Keeler
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Zhu H, Liu D, Sui M, Zhou M, Wang B, Qi Q, Wang T, Zhang G, Wan F, Zhang B. CRISPRa-based activation of Fgf21 and Fndc5 ameliorates obesity by promoting adipocytes browning. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1326. [PMID: 37462619 PMCID: PMC10353577 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1326] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle-secreted myokines widely participate in lipids metabolism through autocrine, paracrine and endocrine actions. The myokines represented by FGF21 and Irisin can promote the browning of adipocytes and serve as promising targets for treating obesity. Although recombinant myokines replacement therapy and AAV (adeno-associated virus)-based myokines overexpression have shown a definite effect in ameliorating obesity, novel myokine activation strategies with higher efficacy and safety are still in pressing need. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a novel CRISPR-based myokines activation strategy in obesity treatments. METHODS In this study, we used lentivirus and a single AAV vector containing dCas9-VP64 with a single-guide RNA to selectively activate Fgf21 and Fndc5 expression in skeletal muscles both in vitro and in vivo. The activation efficacy of the CRISPRa system was determined by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. The treatment effect of CRISPR-based myokines activation was tested in 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice (male C57BL/6 mice, induced at 6-week-old for 10 weeks). RESULTS The virus upregulates myokines expression in both mRNA and protein levels of muscle cells in vitro and in vivo. Myokines secreted by muscle cells promoted browning of 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes. In vivo activation of myokines by AAVs can reduce body weight and fat mass, increase the adipocytes browning and improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in DIO mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a novel CRISPR-based myokines activation strategy that can ameliorate obesity by promoting adipocytes browning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Sui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiling Zhou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinqin Qi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guo Zhang
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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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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7
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Li X, Le Y, Zhang Z, Nian X, Liu B, Yang X. Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097736. [PMID: 37175441 PMCID: PMC10177981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a technique involving the modification of an individual's genes for treating a particular disease. The key to effective gene therapy is an efficient carrier delivery system. Viral vectors that have been artificially modified to lose their pathogenicity are used widely as a delivery system, with the key advantages of their natural high transduction efficiency and stable expression. With decades of development, viral vector-based gene therapies have achieved promising clinical outcomes. Currently, the three key vector strategies are based on adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, and lentiviruses. However, certain challenges, such as immunotoxicity and "off-target", continue to exist. In the present review, the above three viral vectors are discussed along with their respective therapeutic applications. In addition, the major translational challenges encountered in viral vector-based gene therapies are summarized, and the possible strategies to address these challenges are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan Li
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Yang Le
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Zhegang Zhang
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Xuanxuan Nian
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Bo Liu
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
- China National Biotech Group Company Limited, Beijing 100029, China
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8
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Morales ED, Yue Y, Watkins TB, Han J, Pan X, Gibson AM, Hu B, Brito‐Estrada O, Yao G, Makarewich CA, Babu GJ, Duan D. Dwarf Open Reading Frame (DWORF) Gene Therapy Ameliorated Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy in Aged mdx Mice. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e027480. [PMID: 36695318 PMCID: PMC9973626 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.027480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Cardiomyopathy is a leading health threat in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Cytosolic calcium upregulation is implicated in DMD cardiomyopathy. Calcium is primarily removed from the cytosol by the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA). SERCA activity is reduced in DMD. Improving SERCA function may treat DMD cardiomyopathy. Dwarf open reading frame (DWORF) is a recently discovered positive regulator for SERCA, hence, a potential therapeutic target. Methods and Results To study DWORF's involvement in DMD cardiomyopathy, we quantified DWORF expression in the heart of wild-type mice and the mdx model of DMD. To test DWORF gene therapy, we engineered and characterized an adeno-associated virus serotype 9-DWORF vector. To determine if this vector can mitigate DMD cardiomyopathy, we delivered it to 6-week-old mdx mice (6×1012 vector genome particles/mouse) via the tail vein. Exercise capacity, heart histology, and cardiac function were examined at 18 months of age. We found DWORF expression was significantly reduced at the transcript and protein levels in mdx mice. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9-DWORF vector significantly enhanced SERCA activity. Systemic adeno-associated virus serotype 9-DWORF therapy reduced myocardial fibrosis and improved treadmill running, electrocardiography, and heart hemodynamics. Conclusions Our data suggest that DWORF deficiency contributes to SERCA dysfunction in mdx mice and that DWORF gene therapy holds promise to treat DMD cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily D. Morales
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
| | - Thais B. Watkins
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
| | - Jin Han
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
| | - Xiufang Pan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
| | - Aaron M. Gibson
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterThe Heart InstituteCincinnatiOH
| | - Bryan Hu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
| | - Omar Brito‐Estrada
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterThe Heart InstituteCincinnatiOH
| | - Gang Yao
- Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of EngineeringThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
| | - Catherine A. Makarewich
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterThe Heart InstituteCincinnatiOH
- Department of PediatricsThe University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOH
| | - Gopal J. Babu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular MedicineRutgers, New Jersey Medical SchoolNewarkNJ
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
- Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of EngineeringThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
- Department of Neurology, School of MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineThe University of MissouriColumbiaMO
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Seo DC, Ju YH, Seo JJ, Oh SJ, Lee CJ, Lee SE, Nam MH. DDC-Promoter-Driven Chemogenetic Activation of SNpc Dopaminergic Neurons Alleviates Parkinsonian Motor Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032491. [PMID: 36768816 PMCID: PMC9916413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with typical motor symptoms. Recent studies have suggested that excessive GABA from reactive astrocytes tonically inhibits dopaminergic neurons and reduces the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the key dopamine-synthesizing enzyme, in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). However, the expression of DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), another dopamine-synthesizing enzyme, is relatively spared, raising a possibility that the live but non-functional TH-negative/DDC-positive neurons could be the therapeutic target for rescuing PD motor symptoms. However, due to the absence of a validated DDC-specific promoter, manipulating DDC-positive neuronal activity has not been tested as a therapeutic strategy for PD. Here, we developed an AAV vector expressing mCherry under rat DDC promoter (AAV-rDDC-mCherry) and validated the specificity in the rat SNpc. Modifying this vector, we expressed hM3Dq (Gq-DREADD) under DDC promoter in the SNpc and ex vivo electrophysiologically validated the functionality. In the A53T-mutated alpha-synuclein overexpression model of PD, the chemogenetic activation of DDC-positive neurons in the SNpc significantly alleviated the parkinsonian motor symptoms and rescued the nigrostriatal TH expression. Altogether, our DDC-promoter will allow dopaminergic neuron-specific gene delivery in rodents. Furthermore, we propose that the activation of dormant dopaminergic neurons could be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Chan Seo
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ha Ju
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ju Seo
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Technological Convergence Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Oh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
| | - C. Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.E.L.); (M.-H.N.)
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02456, Republic of Korea
- Department of KHU-KIST Convergence Science & Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.E.L.); (M.-H.N.)
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10
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Westhaus A, Cabanes Creus M, Jonker T, Sallard E, Navarro RG, Zhu E, Baltazar G, Lee S, Wilmott P, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Santilli G, Thrasher AJ, Alexander IE, Lisowski L. AAV-p40 bioengineering platform for variant selection based on transgene expression. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:664-682. [PMID: 35297686 PMCID: PMC10112876 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The power of AAV directed evolution for identifying novel vector variants with improved properties is well established, as evidenced by numerous publications reporting novel AAV variants. However, most capsid variants reported to date have been identified using either replication-competent selection platforms or PCR-based capsid DNA recovery methods, which can bias the selection towards efficient replication or unproductive intracellular trafficking, respectively. A central objective of this study was to validate a functional transduction (FT)-based method for rapid identification of novel AAV variants based on AAV capsid mRNA expression in target cells. We performed a comparison of the FT platform to existing replication competent strategies. Based on the selection kinetics and function of novel capsids identified in an in vivo screen in a xenograft model of human hepatocytes, we identified the mRNA-based FT selection as the most optimal AAV selection method. Lastly, to gain insight into the mRNA-based selection mechanism driven by the native AAV-p40 promoter, we studied its activity in a range of in vitro and in vivo targets. We found AAV-p40 to be a ubiquitously active promoter that can be modified for cell type-specific expression by incorporating binding sites for silencing transcription factors, allowing for cell-type-specific library selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Westhaus
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Translational Vectorology Group, 214 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia, 2145;
| | - Marti Cabanes Creus
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Translational Vectorology Group, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Timo Jonker
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Erwan Sallard
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Translational Vectorology Group, 214 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia, 2145;
| | - Erhua Zhu
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Gene Therapy Research Unit, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Grober Baltazar
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Translational Vectorology Group, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Scott Lee
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Patrick Wilmott
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Translational Vectorology Group, 214 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia, 2145;
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, 522555, Stem Cell & Organoid Facility and Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, 214 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2145;
| | - Giorgia Santilli
- UCL-Institute of Child Health, Centre for Immunodeficiencies, 30 guilford street, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, WC1N 1EH;
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Institute of Child Health, London, UK, Molecular Immunology Unit, 30 guilford street, london, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, wc1n1eh;
| | - Ian Edward Alexander
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and Children's Medical Research Institute, Corner Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia, 2145 Sydney;
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 58454, Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia;
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11
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Rapti K, Grimm D. Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAV) and Host Immunity - A Race Between the Hare and the Hedgehog. Front Immunol 2021; 12:753467. [PMID: 34777364 PMCID: PMC8586419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.753467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have emerged as the lead vector in clinical trials and form the basis for several approved gene therapies for human diseases, mainly owing to their ability to sustain robust and long-term in vivo transgene expression, their amenability to genetic engineering of cargo and capsid, as well as their moderate toxicity and immunogenicity. Still, recent reports of fatalities in a clinical trial for a neuromuscular disease, although linked to an exceptionally high vector dose, have raised new caution about the safety of recombinant AAVs. Moreover, concerns linger about the presence of pre-existing anti-AAV antibodies in the human population, which precludes a significant percentage of patients from receiving, and benefitting from, AAV gene therapies. These concerns are exacerbated by observations of cellular immune responses and other adverse events, including detrimental off-target transgene expression in dorsal root ganglia. Here, we provide an update on our knowledge of the immunological and molecular race between AAV (the “hedgehog”) and its human host (the “hare”), together with a compendium of state-of-the-art technologies which provide an advantage to AAV and which, thus, promise safer and more broadly applicable AAV gene therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleopatra Rapti
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant Center, BQ0030, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant Center, BQ0030, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Brown D, Altermatt M, Dobreva T, Chen S, Wang A, Thomson M, Gradinaru V. Deep Parallel Characterization of AAV Tropism and AAV-Mediated Transcriptional Changes via Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730825. [PMID: 34759919 PMCID: PMC8574206 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered variants of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are being developed rapidly to meet the need for gene-therapy delivery vehicles with particular cell-type and tissue tropisms. While high-throughput AAV engineering and selection methods have generated numerous variants, subsequent tropism and response characterization have remained low throughput and lack resolution across the many relevant cell and tissue types. To fully leverage the output of these large screening paradigms across multiple targets, we have developed an experimental and computational single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) pipeline for in vivo characterization of barcoded rAAV pools at high resolution. Using this platform, we have both corroborated previously reported viral tropisms and discovered unidentified AAV capsid targeting biases. As expected, we observed that the tropism profile of AAV.CAP-B10 in mice was shifted toward neurons and away from astrocytes when compared with AAV-PHP.eB. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that this neuronal bias is due mainly to increased targeting efficiency for glutamatergic neurons, which we confirmed by RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. We further uncovered cell subtype tropisms of AAV variants in vascular and glial cells, such as low transduction of pericytes and Myoc+ astrocytes. Additionally, we have observed cell-type-specific transitory responses to systemic AAV-PHP.eB administration, such as upregulation of genes involved in p53 signaling in endothelial cells three days post-injection, which return to control levels by day twenty-five. The presented experimental and computational approaches for parallel characterization of AAV tropism will facilitate the advancement of safe and precise gene delivery vehicles, and showcase the power of understanding responses to gene therapies at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brown
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Michael Altermatt
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Tatyana Dobreva
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Sisi Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Wang
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Matt Thomson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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13
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Hoad M, Roby JA, Forwood JK. Structural characterization of the porcine adeno-associated virus Po1 capsid protein binding to the nuclear trafficking protein importin alpha. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:2793-2804. [PMID: 34661283 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are key vectors for gene therapy; thus, many aspects of their cell transduction pathway have been revealed in detail. However, the specific mechanisms AAV virions use to enter the host nucleus remain largely unresolved. We therefore aimed to reveal the structural interactions between the AAV capsid (Cap) protein and the nuclear transport protein importin alpha (IMPα). A putative nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in the virion protein 1 capsid protein of the porcine AAV Po1 was identified. This region was complexed with IMPα and a structure solved at 2.26 Å. This is the first time that an NLS of AAV Cap complexed with IMPα has been determined structurally. Our results support the findings that AAV capsids enter the nucleus through binding the nuclear import adapter IMPα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla Hoad
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin A Roby
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Jade K Forwood
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
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14
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Muhuri M, Maeda Y, Ma H, Ram S, Fitzgerald KA, Tai PW, Gao G. Overcoming innate immune barriers that impede AAV gene therapy vectors. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:143780. [PMID: 33393506 DOI: 10.1172/jci143780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of gene therapy has made considerable progress over the past several years. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as promising and attractive tools for in vivo gene therapy. Despite the recent clinical successes achieved with recombinant AAVs (rAAVs) for therapeutics, host immune responses against the vector and transgene product have been observed in numerous preclinical and clinical studies. These outcomes have hampered the advancement of AAV gene therapies, preventing them from becoming fully viable and safe medicines. The human immune system is multidimensional and complex. Both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system seem to play a concerted role in the response against rAAVs. While most efforts have been focused on the role of adaptive immunity and developing ways to overcome it, the innate immune system has also been found to have a critical function. Innate immunity not only mediates the initial response to the vector, but also primes the adaptive immune system to launch a more deleterious attack against the foreign vector. This Review highlights what is known about innate immune responses against rAAVs and discusses potential strategies to circumvent these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Muhuri
- Horae Gene Therapy Center.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems.,VIDE Program
| | - Yukiko Maeda
- Horae Gene Therapy Center.,VIDE Program.,Department of Medicine
| | | | - Sanjay Ram
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology
| | | | - Phillip Wl Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems.,VIDE Program
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Ito M, Takino N, Nomura T, Kan A, Muramatsu SI. Engineered adeno-associated virus 3 vector with reduced reactivity to serum antibodies. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9322. [PMID: 33927271 PMCID: PMC8084969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88614-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural serotypes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) or their variants, such as AAV8 and AAV5, are commonly used as vectors in the clinical programs for liver-targeted gene therapy. While AAV8 vectors are not highly efficient at targeting primary human hepatocytes, AAV3 vectors have recently demonstrated remarkable efficiency at targeting both human and non-human primate hepatocytes. However, the presence of high levels of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) impedes transduction into hepatocytes, representing a major obstacle to the clinical application of AAV3 vectors. Herein, we engineered the viral capsid to reduce its reactivity with pre-existing NAbs, thereby enhancing the transduction efficiency. By introducing three substitutions (S472A, S587A, and N706A) on the surface loop of AAV3B capsid protein, we generated a triple mutant AAV3 (AAV.GT5) vector with less reactivity to anti-AAV capsid NAbs. While the transduction efficiency of AAV.GT5 into human hepatocellular cell lines was similar to those of parental AAV3B, it was 50-fold higher for hepatocytes derived from humanized mice compared to AAV8 vectors. Moreover, the AAV.GT5 vector yield was similar to those of the AAV2 and AAV3B vectors. Thus, high resistance to pre-existing NAbs makes AAV.GT5 a promising candidate for future liver-targeted gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Ito
- Division of Neurological Gene Therapy, Center for Open Innovation, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Naomi Takino
- Division of Neurological Gene Therapy, Center for Open Innovation, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | | | | | - Shin-Ichi Muramatsu
- Division of Neurological Gene Therapy, Center for Open Innovation, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan. .,Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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16
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Rumachik NG, Malaker SA, Paulk NK. VectorMOD: Method for Bottom-Up Proteomic Characterization of rAAV Capsid Post-Translational Modifications and Vector Impurities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:657795. [PMID: 33868302 PMCID: PMC8047074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.657795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in recombinant AAV gene therapy product and process development has advanced our understanding of the basic biology of this critical delivery vector. The discovery of rAAV capsid post-translational modifications (PTMs) has spurred interest in the field for detailed rAAV-specific methods for vector lot characterization by mass spectrometry given the unique challenges presented by this viral macromolecular complex. Recent concerns regarding immunogenic responses to systemically administered rAAV at high doses has highlighted the need for investigators to catalog and track potentially immunogenic vector lot components including capsid PTMs and PTMs on host cell protein impurities. Here we present a simple step-by-step guide for academic rAAV laboratories and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) groups in industry to perform an in-house or outsourced bottom-up mass spectrometry workflow to characterize capsid PTMs and process impurities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil G. Rumachik
- Ion Chromatography and Sample Preparation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sunnyvale, CA, United States
| | - Stacy A. Malaker
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Nicole K. Paulk
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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17
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Viney L, Bürckstümmer T, Eddington C, Mietzsch M, Choudhry M, Henley T, Agbandje-McKenna M. Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) Capsid Chimeras with Enhanced Infectivity Reveal a Core Element in the AAV Genome Critical for both Cell Transduction and Capsid Assembly. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02023-20. [PMID: 33441336 PMCID: PMC8092683 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02023-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have attracted significant attention in the field of gene and cell therapy due to highly effective delivery of therapeutic genes into human cells. The ability to generate recombinant AAV vectors compromised of unique or substituted protein sequences has led to the development of capsid variants with improved therapeutic properties. Seeking novel AAV vectors capable of enhanced transduction for therapeutic applications, we have developed a series of unique capsid variants termed AAV X-Vivo (AAV-XV) derived from chimeras of AAV12 VP1/2 sequences and the VP3 sequence of AAV6. These AAV variants showed enhanced infection of human primary T cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and neuronal cell lines over wildtype parental viruses, and superiority over AAV6 for genomic integration of DNA sequences by AAV alone or in combination with CRISPR gene editing. AAV-XV variants demonstrate transduction efficiency equivalent to AAV6 at multiplicities of infection 2 logs lower, enabling T cell engineering at low AAV doses. The protein coding sequence of these novel AAV chimeras revealed disruptions within the assembly-activating protein (AAP) which likely accounted for observed lower virus yield. A series of genome alterations, reverting the AAP sequence back to wildtype AAV6, had a negative impact on the enhanced transduction seen with AAV-VX, indicating overlapping functions within this sequence for both viral assembly and effective T cell transduction. Our findings show these AAV-XV variants are highly efficient at cell transduction at low dose and demonstrates the importance of the AAP coding region in both viral particle assembly and cell infection.IMPORTANCE A major hurdle to the therapeutic potential of AAV in gene therapy lies in achieving clinically meaningful AAV doses, and secondarily, ability to manufacture commercially viable titers of AAV to support this. By virtue of neutralizing antibodies against AAV that impede patient repeat-dosing, the dose of AAV for in vivo gene delivery has been high, which has resulted in unfortunate recent safety concerns and deaths in patients given higher-dose AAV gene therapy. We have generated new AAV variants possessing unique combinations of capsid proteins for gene and cell therapy applications termed AAV-XV, which have high levels of cell transduction and gene delivery at lower MOI. Furthermore, we demonstrate a novel finding, and an important consideration for recombinant AAV design, that a region of the AAV genome encoding the capsid viral protein and AAP is critical for both virus yield and the enhancement of infection/transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Courtnee Eddington
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mario Mietzsch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Tom Henley
- Intima Bioscience, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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18
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Bulcha JT, Wang Y, Ma H, Tai PWL, Gao G. Viral vector platforms within the gene therapy landscape. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:53. [PMID: 33558455 PMCID: PMC7868676 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00487-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 533] [Impact Index Per Article: 177.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout its 40-year history, the field of gene therapy has been marked by many transitions. It has seen great strides in combating human disease, has given hope to patients and families with limited treatment options, but has also been subject to many setbacks. Treatment of patients with this class of investigational drugs has resulted in severe adverse effects and, even in rare cases, death. At the heart of this dichotomous field are the viral-based vectors, the delivery vehicles that have allowed researchers and clinicians to develop powerful drug platforms, and have radically changed the face of medicine. Within the past 5 years, the gene therapy field has seen a wave of drugs based on viral vectors that have gained regulatory approval that come in a variety of designs and purposes. These modalities range from vector-based cancer therapies, to treating monogenic diseases with life-altering outcomes. At present, the three key vector strategies are based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and lentiviruses. They have led the way in preclinical and clinical successes in the past two decades. However, despite these successes, many challenges still limit these approaches from attaining their full potential. To review the viral vector-based gene therapy landscape, we focus on these three highly regarded vector platforms and describe mechanisms of action and their roles in treating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jote T Bulcha
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic medical sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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19
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Rodríguez-Márquez E, Meumann N, Büning H. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid engineering in liver-directed gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:749-766. [PMID: 33331201 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1865303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Gene therapy clinical trials with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors report impressive clinical efficacy data. Nevertheless, challenges have become apparent, such as the need for high vector doses and the induction of anti-AAV immune responses that cause the loss of vector-transduced hepatocytes. This fostered research focusing on development of next-generation AAV vectors capable of dealing with these hurdles.Areas Covered: While both the viral vector genome and the capsid are subjects to engineering, this review focuses on the latter. Specifically, we summarize the principles of capsid engineering strategies, and describe developments and applications of engineered capsid variants for liver-directed gene therapy.Expert Opinion: Capsid engineering is a promising strategy to significantly improve efficacy of the AAV vector system in clinical application. Reduction in vector dose will further improve vector safety, lower the risk of host immune responses and the cost of manufacturing. Capsid engineering is also expected to result in AAV vectors applicable to patients with preexisting immunity toward natural AAV serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Rodríguez-Márquez
- Universidad Autónoma De Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadja Meumann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
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20
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Srivastava A. When the Capsid Meets the Promoter: A New Insight into Transgene Expression from Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:1144-1145. [PMID: 33200964 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.29138.asr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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21
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Zhao J, Yue Y, Patel A, Wasala L, Karp JF, Zhang K, Duan D, Lai Y. High-Resolution Histological Landscape of AAV DNA Distribution in Cellular Compartments and Tissues following Local and Systemic Injection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 18:856-868. [PMID: 32953935 PMCID: PMC7479330 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most important gene delivery vehicles for in vivo gene therapy. Intramuscular (i.m.) and intravascular (i.v.) injection are commonly used for AAV gene transfer. Unfortunately, the fate of AAV vectors following administration remains unclear at the histological level. Taking advantage of RNAscope, a recently developed in situ hybridization technique that can reveal high-resolution viral DNA localization information, in this study, we evaluated body-wide distribution of an AAV9 vector in the context of the cell and tissue microenvironments. We observed distinctive kinetics of cell and nuclear entry of the AAV DNA in striated muscle and liver following i.m. and i.v. injection. We also found characteristic distribution patterns of the AAV DNA in various histological structures in internal organs, including gonads and lymph nodes, following i.v. injection. Finally, we showed significantly body-wide spreading of the AAV DNA following i.m. injection. These results add a new dimension to our understanding of AAV transduction biology and provide a basis for assessing the full impact of AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Zhao
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Aman Patel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Lakmini Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Jacob F. Karp
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Keqing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yi Lai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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