1
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Assaf BT. Systemic Toxicity of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy Vectors. Toxicol Pathol 2024:1926233241298892. [PMID: 39576022 DOI: 10.1177/01926233241298892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have emerged as a promising tool for gene therapy. However, the systemic administration of rAAV vectors is not without risks, particularly for dose levels >1 × 1014 viral genome per kilogram of body weight (vg/kg). rAAV-associated toxicities can variably manifest either acutely or in a delayed manner. Acute toxicities often present shortly after administration and can include severe immune responses, hepatotoxicity, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Delayed toxicities, on the other hand, may emerge weeks to months post-treatment, potentially involving chronic liver damage or prolonged immune activation. Thrombotic microangiopathy is often associated with complement activation and endothelial damage. The activation of the complement system can additionally trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses, exacerbating systemic toxicity. While many of these toxicities are reversible with appropriate medical intervention, there have been instances where the adverse effects were severe enough to lead to fatalities. Both human and animal studies have reported these adverse effects, highlighting the critical importance of thorough preclinical testing. However, a differential toxicity profile associated with systemic AAV administration exists between humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs), in which certain toxicities reported in humans are yet to be observed in NHPs, and vice versa. This review aims to explore the recent literature on systemic rAAV toxicities, focusing on dose levels, the role of the complement activation pathway, endothelial injury, TMA, hepatotoxicity, and the bidirectional translational safety profiles from both human and animal studies.
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2
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Hawley ZCE, Pardo ID, Cao S, Zavodszky MI, Casey F, Ferber K, Luo Y, Hana S, Chen SK, Doherty J, Costa R, Cullen P, Liu Y, Carlile TM, Chowdhury T, Doyle B, Clarner P, Mangaudis K, Guilmette E, Bourque S, Koske D, Nadella MVP, Trapa P, Hawes ML, Raitcheva D, Lo SC. Dorsal root ganglion toxicity after AAV intra-CSF delivery of a RNAi expression construct into non-human primates and mice. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00756-1. [PMID: 39563026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.11.029] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) toxicity has been consistently reported as a potential safety concern after delivery of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) containing gene-replacement vectors but has yet to be reported for RNAi-based vectors. Here, we report DRG toxicity after AAV intra-CSF delivery of an RNAi expression construct-artificial microRNA targeting superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-in non-human primates (NHPs) and provide evidence that this can be recapitulated within mice. Histopathology evaluation showed that NHPs and mice develop DRG toxicity after AAV delivery, including DRG neuron degeneration and necrosis and nerve-fiber degeneration that were associated with increases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H). RNA-sequencing analysis of DRGs showed that dysregulated pathways were preserved between NHPs and mice, including increases in innate/adaptive immune responses and decreases in mitochondrial- and neuronal-related genes, following AAV treatment. Finally, endogenous miR-21-5p was upregulated in DRGs of AAV-treated NHPs and mice. Increases in miR-21-5p were also identified within the CSF of NHPs, which significantly correlated with pNF-H, implicating miR-21-5p as a potential biomarker of DRG toxicity in conjunction with other molecular analytes. This work highlights the importance of assessing safety concerns related to DRG toxicity when developing RNAi-based AAV vectors for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi Luo
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
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3
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Benemei S, Gatto F, Marcucci R, Gresele P. Emerging Thrombotic Disorders Associated with Virus-Based Innovative Therapies: From VITT to AAV Gene Therapy-Related Thrombotic Microangiopathy. Thromb Haemost 2024. [PMID: 39260400 DOI: 10.1055/a-2413-4345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for treating life-threatening disorders. Despite the clinical improvements observed with gene therapy, immune responses either innate or adaptive against the vector used for gene delivery, can affect treatment efficacy and lead to adverse reactions. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and small vessel occlusion known to be elicited by several drugs, that has been recently reported as an adverse event of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy. TMA encompasses a heterogenous group of disorders, its classification and underlining mechanisms are still uncertain, and still lacks validated biomarkers. The identification of predictors of TMA, such as vector dose and patient characteristics, is a pressing need to recognize patients at risk before and after AAV-based gene therapy administration. This review aims to explore the literature on TMA associated with AAV-based gene therapy in the larger context of TMA (i.e., hemolytic-uremic syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and other drug-related TMAs). Considering the wide attention recently gained by another TTS associated with a non-gene therapy viral platform (adenovirus, AV COVID-19 vaccine), namely vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), AAV gene therapy-related TMA mechanisms will be discussed and differentiated from those of VITT to avoid recency bias and favor a correct positioning of these two recently emerged syndromes within the heterogenous group of drug-related TTS. Finally, the review will discuss strategies for enhancing the safety and optimize the management of AAV-based gene therapy that is emerging as an efficacious therapeutic option for disparate, severe, and often orphan conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rossella Marcucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Paolo Gresele
- Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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4
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Yu S, Zhao Q, Zhang C, Fu D, Zhu X, Zhou J, Ma W, Dong Z, Zhai X, Jiang L, Han X, Zhang S, Wu X, Dong X. Methodological Validation and Inter-Laboratory Comparison of Microneutralization Assay for Detecting Anti-AAV9 Neutralizing Antibody in Human. Viruses 2024; 16:1512. [PMID: 39459848 PMCID: PMC11512302 DOI: 10.3390/v16101512] [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: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Anti-AAV neutralizing Abs (NAbs) titer is usually measured by cell-based microneutralization (MN) assay and is crucial for patient screening in AAV-based gene therapy clinical trials. However, achieving uniform operation and comparable results among different laboratories remains challenging. Here, we established a standardized MN assay for anti-AAV9 NAbs in human sera or plasma and transferred the method to the other two research teams. Then, we validated its parameters and tested a set of eight human samples in blind across all laboratories. The end-point titer, defined by a transduction inhibition of 50% (IC50), was calculated using curve-fit modelling. A mouse neutralizing monoclonal antibody in human negative serum was used for system quality control (QC), requiring inter-assay titer variation of <4-fold difference or geometric coefficient of variation (%GCV) of <50%. The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 54 ng/mL and no cross-reactivity to 20 μg/mL anti-AAV8 MoAb. The intra-assay and inter-assay variation for the low positive QC were 7-35% and 22-41%, respectively. The titers of the blind samples showed excellent reproducibility within and among laboratories, with a %GCV of 18-59% and 23-46%, respectively. This study provides a commonly transferrable MN assay for evaluating anti-AAV9 NAbs in humans, supporting its application in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Zhao
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK and PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | | | - Diyi Fu
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK and PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xueyang Zhu
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China
| | | | - Wenhao Ma
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Zheyue Dong
- Beijing FivePlus Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 102629, China
| | - Xiaoliang Zhai
- Beijing Joinn Laboratory Co., Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Lijie Jiang
- Beijing Joinn Laboratory Co., Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK and PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shuyang Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK and PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Sever and Rare Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaobing Wu
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China
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5
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Soth S, Takakura M, Suekawa M, Onishi T, Hirohata K, Hashimoto T, Maruno T, Fukuhara M, Tsunaka Y, Torisu T, Uchiyama S. Quantification of full and empty particles of adeno-associated virus vectors via a novel dual fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101291. [PMID: 39070291 PMCID: PMC11283060 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector is one of the most advanced platforms for gene therapy because of its low immunogenicity and non-pathogenicity. The concentrations of both AAV vector empty particles, which do not contain DNA and do not show any efficacy, and AAV vector full particles (FPs), which contain DNA, are important quality attributes. In this study, a dual fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (dFLISA), which uses two fluorescent dyes to quantify capsid and genome titers in a single analysis, was established. In dFLISA, capture of AAV particles, detection of capsid proteins, and release and detection of the viral genome are performed in the same well. We demonstrated that the capsid and genomic titers determined by dFLISA were comparable with those of analytical ultracentrifugation. The FP ratios determined by dFLISA were in good agreement with the expected values. In addition, we showed that dFLISA can quantify the genomic and capsid titers of crude samples. dFLISA can be easily modified for measuring other AAV vector serotypes and AAV vectors with different genome lengths. These features make dFLISA a valuable tool for the future development of AAV-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sereirath Soth
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mikako Takakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahiro Suekawa
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takayuki Onishi
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kiichi Hirohata
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tamami Hashimoto
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maruno
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Fukuhara
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tsunaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Torisu
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Susumu Uchiyama
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
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6
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Araujo AE, Bentler M, Perez Garmendia X, Kaleem A, Fabian C, Morgan M, Hacker UT, Büning H. Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors-a Target of Cellular and Humoral Immunity-are Expanding Their Reach Toward Hematopoietic Stem Cell Modification and Immunotherapies. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:586-603. [PMID: 39193633 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2024.114] [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] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
All current market-approved gene therapy medical products for in vivo gene therapy of monogenic diseases rely on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. Advances in gene editing technologies and vector engineering have expanded the spectrum of target cells and, thus, diseases that can be addressed. Consequently, AAV vectors are now being explored to modify cells of the hematopoietic system, including hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), to develop novel strategies to treat monogenic diseases, but also to generate cell- and vaccine-based immunotherapies. However, the cell types that represent important new targets for the AAV vector system are centrally involved in immune responses against the vector and its transgene product as discussed briefly in the first part of this review. In the second part, studies exploring AAV vectors for genetic engineering of HSPCs, T and B lymphocytes, and beyond are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Araujo
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Bentler
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Asma Kaleem
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claire Fabian
- Laboratory for Vector based immunotherapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Medical Department II, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, Cancer Center Central Germany, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich T Hacker
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Laboratory for Vector based immunotherapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Medical Department II, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, Cancer Center Central Germany, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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7
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Smith TJ, Elmore ZC, Fusco RM, Hull JA, Rosales A, Martinez M, Tarantal AF, Asokan A. Engineered IgM and IgG cleaving enzymes for mitigating antibody neutralization and complement activation in AAV gene transfer. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2080-2093. [PMID: 38715362 PMCID: PMC11286816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.004] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic dosing of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors poses potential risk of adverse side effects including complement activation triggered by anti-capsid immunity. Due to the multifactorial nature of toxicities observed in this setting, a wide spectrum of immune modulatory regimens are being investigated in the clinic. Here, we discover an IgM cleaving enzyme (IceM) that degrades human IgM, a key trigger in the anti-AAV immune cascade. We then engineer a fusion enzyme (IceMG) with dual proteolytic activity against human IgM and IgG. IceMG cleaves B cell surface antigen receptors and inactivates phospholipase gamma signaling in vitro. Importantly, IceMG is more effective at inhibiting complement activation compared with an IgG cleaving enzyme alone. Upon IV dosing, IceMG rapidly and reversibly clears circulating IgM and IgG in macaques. Antisera from these animals treated with IceMG shows decreased ability to neutralize AAV and activate complement. Consistently, pre-conditioning with IceMG restores AAV transduction in mice passively immunized with human antisera. Thus, IgM cleaving enzymes show promise in simultaneously addressing multiple aspects of anti-AAV immunity mediated by B cells, circulating antibodies and complement. These studies have implications for improving safety of AAV gene therapies and possibly broader applications including organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Smith
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Zachary C Elmore
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Robert M Fusco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joshua A Hull
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alan Rosales
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michele Martinez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Aravind Asokan
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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8
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Kropf E, Markusic DM, Majowicz A, Mingozzi F, Kuranda K. Complement System Response to Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:425-438. [PMID: 38251650 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.194] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors represent a novel tool for the delivery of genetic therapeutics and enable the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Success of this new modality is challenged, however, by cases of immune-related toxicities that complicate the clinical management of patients and potentially limit the therapeutic efficacy of AAV gene therapy. While significant progress has been made to manage immune-related liver enzyme elevations following systemic AAV delivery in humans, recent clinical trials utilizing high vector doses have highlighted a new challenge to AAV gene transfer-activation of the complement system. While current in vitro models implicate AAV-specific antibodies in the initiation of the classical complement pathway, evidence from in vivo pre-clinical and clinical studies suggests that the alternative pathway also contributes to complement activation. A convergence of AAV-specific, environmental, and patient-specific factors shaping complement responses likely contributes to differential outcomes seen in clinical trials, from priming of the adaptive immune system to serious adverse events such as hepatotoxicity and thrombotic microangiopathy. Research focused on the interplay of patient-specific and AAV-related factors driving complement activation is needed to understand and identify critical components in the complement cascade to target and devise strategies to mitigate vector-related immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kropf
- Immunology Department, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David M Markusic
- Immunology Department, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna Majowicz
- Immunology Department, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- Immunology Department, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Klaudia Kuranda
- Immunology Department, Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Switala L, Di L, Gao H, Asase C, Klos M, Rengasamy P, Fedyukina D, Maiseyeu A. Engineered nanoparticles promote cardiac tropism of AAV vectors. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:223. [PMID: 38702815 PMCID: PMC11067271 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02485-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac muscle targeting is a notoriously difficult task. Although various nanoparticle (NP) and adeno-associated viral (AAV) strategies with heart tissue tropism have been developed, their performance remains suboptimal. Significant off-target accumulation of i.v.-delivered pharmacotherapies has thwarted development of disease-modifying cardiac treatments, such as gene transfer and gene editing, that may address both rare and highly prevalent cardiomyopathies and their complications. Here, we present an intriguing discovery: cargo-less, safe poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) particles that drastically improve heart delivery of AAVs and NPs. Our lead formulation is referred to as ePL (enhancer polymer). We show that ePL increases selectivity of AAVs and virus-like NPs (VLNPs) to the heart and de-targets them from the liver. Serotypes known to have high (AAVrh.74) and low (AAV1) heart tissue tropisms were tested with and without ePL. We demonstrate up to an order of magnitude increase in heart-to-liver accumulation ratios in ePL-injected mice. We also show that ePL exhibits AAV/NP-independent mechanisms of action, increasing glucose uptake in the heart, increasing cardiac protein glycosylation, reducing AAV neutralizing antibodies, and delaying blood clearance of AAV/NPs. Current approaches utilizing AAVs or NPs are fraught with challenges related to the low transduction of cardiomyocytes and life-threatening immune responses; our study introduces an exciting possibility to direct these modalities to the heart at reduced i.v. doses and, thus, has an unprecedented impact on drug delivery and gene therapy. Based on our current data, the ePL system is potentially compatible with any therapeutic modality, opening a possibility of cardiac targeting with numerous pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Switala
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Lin Di
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Huiyun Gao
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Courteney Asase
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Matthew Klos
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Palanivel Rengasamy
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Daria Fedyukina
- Bioheights LLC, Cleveland, USA
- Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, ARPA-H, Washington, USA
| | - Andrei Maiseyeu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
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10
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Xicluna R, Avenel A, Vandamme C, Devaux M, Jaulin N, Couzinié C, Le Duff J, Charrier A, Guilbaud M, Adjali O, Gernoux G. Prevalence Study of Cellular Capsid-Specific Immune Responses to AAV2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and rh10 in Healthy Donors. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:355-364. [PMID: 38581431 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.225] [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] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors appear, more than ever, to be efficient viral vectors for in vivo gene transfer as illustrated by the approvals of 7 drugs across Europe and the United States. Nevertheless, preexisting immunity to AAV capsid in humans remains one of the major limits for a successful clinical translation. Whereas a preexisting humoral response to AAV capsid is well documented, the prevalence of preexisting capsid-specific T cell responses still needs to be studied and characterized. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of AAV-specific circulating T cells toward AAV2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and rh10 in a large cohort of healthy donors using the standard IFNγ ELISpot assay. We observed the highest prevalence of preexisting cellular immunity to AAV9 serotype followed by AAV8, AAV4, AAV2, AAVrh10, and AAV5 independently of the donors' serological status. An in-depth analysis of T cell responses toward the 2 most prevalent serotypes 8 and 9 shows that IFNγ secretion is mainly mediated by CD8 T cells for both serotypes. A polyfunctional analysis reveals different cytokine profiles between AAV8 and AAV9. Surprisingly, no IL-2 secretion was mediated by anti-AAV9 immune cells suggesting that these cells may rather be exhausted or terminally differentiated than cytotoxic T cells. Altogether, these results suggest that preexisting immunity to AAV may vary depending on the serotype and support the necessity of using multiparametric monitoring methods to better characterize anticapsid cellular immunity and foresee its impact in rAAV-mediated clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Xicluna
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Allan Avenel
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Céline Vandamme
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Marie Devaux
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Jaulin
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Célia Couzinié
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Johanne Le Duff
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Alicia Charrier
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Mickaël Guilbaud
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Gwladys Gernoux
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
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Rana J, Herzog RW, Muñoz-Melero M, Yamada K, Kumar SR, Lam AK, Markusic DM, Duan D, Terhorst C, Byrne BJ, Corti M, Biswas M. B cell focused transient immune suppression protocol for efficient AAV readministration to the liver. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101216. [PMID: 38440160 PMCID: PMC10911854 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101216] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are used for correcting multiple genetic disorders. Although the goal is to achieve lifelong correction with a single vector administration, the ability to redose would enable the extension of therapy in cases in which initial gene transfer is insufficient to achieve a lasting cure, episomal vector forms are lost in growing organs of pediatric patients, or transgene expression is diminished over time. However, AAV typically induces potent and long-lasting neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against capsid that prevents re-administration. To prevent NAb formation in hepatic AAV8 gene transfer, we developed a transient B cell-targeting protocol using a combination of monoclonal Ab therapy against CD20 (for B cell depletion) and BAFF (to slow B cell repopulation). Initiation of immunosuppression before (rather than at the time of) vector administration and prolonged anti-BAFF treatment prevented immune responses against the transgene product and abrogated prolonged IgM formation. As a result, vector re-administration after immune reconstitution was highly effective. Interestingly, re-administration before the immune system had fully recovered achieved further elevated levels of transgene expression. Finally, this immunosuppression protocol reduced Ig-mediated AAV uptake by immune cell types with implications to reduce the risk of immunotoxicities in human gene therapy with AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Rana
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Roland W. Herzog
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Maite Muñoz-Melero
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kentaro Yamada
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sandeep R.P. Kumar
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Anh K. Lam
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - David M. Markusic
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Barry J. Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA
| | - Moanaro Biswas
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Wang H, Zhang C, Dong Z, Zhu X, Zheng X, Liu Z, Zhou J, Yu S, Wu X, Dong X. Using an In Vivo Mouse Model to Determine the Exclusion Criteria of Preexisting Anti-AAV9 Neutralizing Antibody Titer of Pompe Disease Patients in Clinical Trials. Viruses 2024; 16:400. [PMID: 38543765 PMCID: PMC10976115 DOI: 10.3390/v16030400] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy is dependent on effective viral transduction, which might be inhibited by preexisting immunity to AAV acquired from infection or maternal delivery. Anti-AAV neutralizing Abs (NAbs) titer is usually measured by in vitro assay and used for patient enroll; however, this assay could not evaluate NAbs' impacts on AAV pharmacology and potential harm in vivo. Here, we infused a mouse anti-AAV9 monoclonal antibody into Balb/C mice 2 h before receiving 1.2 × 1014 or 3 × 1013 vg/kg of rAAV9-coGAA by tail vein, a drug for our ongoing clinical trials for Pompe disease. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and cellular responses combined with in vitro NAb assay validated the different impacts of preexisting NAbs at different levels in vivo. Sustained GAA expression in the heart, liver, diaphragm, and quadriceps were observed. The presence of high-level NAb, a titer about 1:1000, accelerated vector clearance in blood and completely blocked transduction. The AAV-specific T cell responses tended to increase when the titer of NAb exceeded 1:200. A low-level NAbs, near 1:100, had no effect on transduction in the heart and liver as well as cellular responses, but decreased transduction in muscles slightly. Therefore, we propose to preclude patients with NAb titers > 1:100 from rAAV9-coGAA clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Wang
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Cengceng Zhang
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Zheyue Dong
- Beijing FivePlus Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 102629, China;
| | - Xueyang Zhu
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Xuchu Zheng
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Ziyang Liu
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Jianfang Zhou
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Shuangqing Yu
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Xiaobing Wu
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Genecradle Therapeutics Inc., Beijing 100176, China; (H.W.); (C.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (J.Z.); (X.D.)
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13
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Jacobs R, Dogbey MD, Mnyandu N, Neves K, Barth S, Arbuthnot P, Maepa MB. AAV Immunotoxicity: Implications in Anti-HBV Gene Therapy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2985. [PMID: 38138129 PMCID: PMC10745739 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has afflicted humankind for decades and there is still no treatment that can clear the infection. The development of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapy for HBV infection has become important in recent years and research has made exciting leaps. Initial studies, mainly using mouse models, showed that rAAVs are non-toxic and induce minimal immune responses. However, several later studies demonstrated rAAV toxicity, which is inextricably associated with immunogenicity. This is a major setback for the progression of rAAV-based therapies toward clinical application. Research aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind rAAV immunity and toxicity has contributed significantly to the inception of approaches to overcoming these challenges. The target tissue, the features of the vector, and the vector dose are some of the determinants of AAV toxicity, with the latter being associated with the most severe adverse events. This review discusses our current understanding of rAAV immunogenicity, toxicity, and approaches to overcoming these hurdles. How this information and current knowledge about HBV biology and immunity can be harnessed in the efforts to design safe and effective anti-HBV rAAVs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhwaanah Jacobs
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Makafui Dennis Dogbey
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
| | - Njabulo Mnyandu
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Keila Neves
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Stefan Barth
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
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14
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Schulz M, Bashirians G, Cheng SH, Levy DI, Lundie M, Wilcox L, Winburn I, Somanathan S. Rationale for using centralized transduction inhibition assays in three phase 3 rAAV gene therapy clinical trials. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101119. [PMID: 37868207 PMCID: PMC10585313 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark Lundie
- Pfizer, 235 East 42 Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Lisa Wilcox
- Pfizer, 235 East 42 Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Ian Winburn
- Pfizer, 235 East 42 Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
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