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Cusack RP, Whetstone CE, Xie Y, Ranjbar M, Gauvreau GM. Regulation of Eosinophilia in Asthma-New Therapeutic Approaches for Asthma Treatment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040817. [PMID: 33917396 PMCID: PMC8067385 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a complex and chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, bronchospasm, and airway eosinophilia. As the pathophysiology of asthma is becoming clearer, the identification of new valuable drug targets is emerging. IL-5 is one of these such targets because it is the major cytokine supporting eosinophilia and is responsible for terminal differentiation of human eosinophils, regulating eosinophil proliferation, differentiation, maturation, migration, and prevention of cellular apoptosis. Blockade of the IL-5 pathway has been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma. However, several other inflammatory pathways have been shown to support eosinophilia, including IL-13, the alarmin cytokines TSLP and IL-33, and the IL-3/5/GM-CSF axis. These and other alternate pathways leading to airway eosinophilia will be described, and the efficacy of therapeutics that have been developed to block these pathways will be evaluated.
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Wang Y, Nguyen K, Spitale RC, Chaput JC. A biologically stable DNAzyme that efficiently silences gene expression in cells. Nat Chem 2021; 13:319-326. [DOI: 10.1038/s41557-021-00645-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Al-Jaber H, Al-Mansoori L, Elrayess MA. GATA-3 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Curr Diabetes Rev 2021; 17:169-179. [PMID: 32628587 DOI: 10.2174/1573399816666200705210417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Impaired adipogenesis plays an important role in the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as it leads to ectopic fat deposition. The anti-adipogenic transcription factor GATA-3 was identified as one of the potential molecular targets responsible for the impairment of adipogenesis. The expression of GATA-3 is higher in insulinresistant obese individuals compared to BMI-matched insulin-sensitive counterparts. Adipose tissue inflammation is a crucial mediator of this process. Hyperglycemia mediates the activation of the immune system, partially through upregulation of GATA- 3, causing exacerbation of the inflammatory state associated with obesity. This review discusses the evidence supporting the inhibition of GATA-3 as a useful therapeutic strategy in obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, through up-regulation adipogenesis and amelioration of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Al-Jaber
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Wong CY, Martinez J, Zhao J, Al-Salami H, Dass CR. Development of orally administered insulin-loaded polymeric-oligonucleotide nanoparticles: statistical optimization and physicochemical characterization. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2020; 46:1238-1252. [PMID: 32597264 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1788061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Therapeutic peptides are administered via parenteral route due to poor absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, instability in gastric acid, and GI enzymes. Polymeric drug delivery systems have achieved significant interest in pharmaceutical research due to its feasibility in protecting proteins, tissue targeting, and controlled drug release pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, the size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of insulin-loaded nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler micro-electrophoresis. The main and interaction effects of chitosan concentration and Dz13Scr concentration on the physicochemical properties of the prepared insulin-loaded nanoparticles (size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential) were evaluated statistically using analysis of variance. A robust procedure of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was developed to quantify insulin release in simulated GI buffer. Results and discussion: We reported on the effect of two independent parameters, including polymer concentration and oligonucleotide concentration, on the physical characteristics of particles. Chitosan concentration was significant in predicting the size of insulin-loaded CS-Dz13Scr particles. In terms of zeta potential, both chitosan concentration and squared term of chitosan were significant factors that affect the surface charge of particles, which was attributed to the availability of positively-charged amino groups during interaction with negatively-charged Dz13Scr. The excipients used in this study could fabricate nanoparticles with negligible toxicity in GI cells and skeletal muscle cells. The developed formulation could conserve the physicochemical properties after being stored for 1 month at 4 °C. CONCLUSION The obtained results revealed satisfactory results for insulin-loaded CS-Dz13Scr nanoparticles (159.3 nm, pdi 0.331, -1.08 mV). No such similar study has been reported to date to identify the main and interactive significance of the above parameters for the characterization of insulin-loaded polymeric-oligonucleotide nanoparticles. This research is of importance for the understanding and development of protein-loaded nanoparticles for oral delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Y Wong
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia.,Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Australia
| | - Jorge Martinez
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Jian Zhao
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hani Al-Salami
- Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Australia
| | - Crispin R Dass
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia.,Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Australia
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5
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Khachigian LM. Deoxyribozymes as Catalytic Nanotherapeutic Agents. Cancer Res 2019; 79:879-888. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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6
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Potaczek DP, Unger SD, Zhang N, Taka S, Michel S, Akdağ N, Lan F, Helfer M, Hudemann C, Eickmann M, Skevaki C, Megremis S, Sadewasser A, Alashkar Alhamwe B, Alhamdan F, Akdis M, Edwards MR, Johnston SL, Akdis CA, Becker S, Bachert C, Papadopoulos NG, Garn H, Renz H. Development and characterization of DNAzyme candidates demonstrating significant efficiency against human rhinoviruses. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 143:1403-1415. [PMID: 30114391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with human rhinoviruses (RVs) are responsible for millions of common cold episodes and the majority of asthma exacerbations, especially in childhood. No drugs specifically targeting RVs are available. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify specific anti-RV molecules based on DNAzyme technology as candidates to a clinical study. METHODS A total of 226 candidate DNAzymes were designed against 2 regions of RV RNA genome identified to be sufficiently highly conserved between virus strains (ie, the 5'-untranslated region and cis-acting replication element) by using 3 test strains: RVA1, RVA16, and RVA29. All DNAzymes were screened for their cleavage efficiency against in vitro-expressed viral RNA. Those showing any catalytic activity were subjected to bioinformatic analysis of their reverse complementarity to 322 published RV genomic sequences. Further molecular optimization was conducted for the most promising candidates. Cytotoxic and off-target effects were excluded in HEK293 cell-based systems. Antiviral efficiency was analyzed in infected human bronchial BEAS-2B cells and ex vivo-cultured human sinonasal tissue. RESULTS Screening phase-generated DNAzymes characterized by either good catalytic activity or by high RV strain coverage but no single molecule represented a satisfactory combination of those 2 features. Modifications in length of the binding domains of 2 lead candidates, Dua-01(-L12R9) and Dua-02(-L10R11), improved their cleavage efficiency to an excellent level, with no loss in eminent strain coverage (about 98%). Both DNAzymes showed highly favorable cytotoxic/off-target profiles. Subsequent testing of Dua-01-L12R9 in BEAS-2B cells and sinonasal tissue demonstrated its significant antiviral efficiency. CONCLUSIONS Effective and specific management of RV infections with Dua-01-L12R9 might be useful in preventing asthma exacerbations, which should be verified by clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Potaczek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium; John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sebastian D Unger
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium
| | - Nan Zhang
- PreDicta Consortium; Upper Airway Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Styliani Taka
- PreDicta Consortium; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sven Michel
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Nesibe Akdağ
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium
| | - Feng Lan
- PreDicta Consortium; Upper Airway Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Christoph Hudemann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium
| | - Markus Eickmann
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Chrysanthi Skevaki
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium
| | - Spyridon Megremis
- PreDicta Consortium; Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bilal Alashkar Alhamwe
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium
| | - Fahd Alhamdan
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium
| | - Mübeccel Akdis
- PreDicta Consortium; Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland; Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Michael R Edwards
- PreDicta Consortium; Airway Disease Infection Section, National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council (MRC) and Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian L Johnston
- PreDicta Consortium; Airway Disease Infection Section, National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council (MRC) and Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cezmi A Akdis
- PreDicta Consortium; Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland; Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Claus Bachert
- PreDicta Consortium; Upper Airway Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nikolaos G Papadopoulos
- PreDicta Consortium; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holger Garn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), and the inVIVO Planetary Health, Group of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Marburg, Germany; PreDicta Consortium.
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Garn H, Renz H. GATA-3-specific DNAzyme - A novel approach for stratified asthma therapy. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:22-30. [PMID: 27910098 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that type-2 immune mechanisms drive the inflammation in about 50% of asthma patients. The major cellular and molecular players regulating this important network have been identified. In terms of therapeutic intervention, cytokine and cytokine-receptor pathways have been given major attention, since these molecules are relatively easily accessible for a blockade through monoclonal antibodies, and a number of positive clinical results support this concept. However, targeting events controlling the type-2 immunity network upstream of selective cytokine pathways would be equally attractive. Type-2 immunity is regulated through a delicate interplay of several transcription factors (including GATA-3, STAT-6, NFAT, IRF4, c-maf), with GATA-3 as master regulator in this regard. Since transcription factors are intracellularly located they cannot be directly targeted by monoclonal antibodies. For intracellular targets, antisense technologies such as antisense DNA and siRNA have been shown to be a promising approach, and have recently made major advances toward clinical application. Here, we summarize the development of a GATA-3-specific DNAzyme-a molecule class that combines the superior specificity of antisense molecules with an inherent RNA-cleaving enzymatic activity-for the treatment of type-2-driven asthma from preclinical development toward a proof-of-concept clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Garn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Medical Faculty, Marburg, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Medical Faculty, Marburg, Germany
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8
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Sanden C, Mori M, Jogdand P, Jönsson J, Krishnan R, Wang X, Erjefält JS. Broad Th2 neutralization and anti-inflammatory action of pentosan polysulfate sodium in experimental allergic rhinitis. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2017; 5:300-309. [PMID: 28497614 PMCID: PMC5569365 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Th2 cytokines like interleukin‐4, ‐5, and ‐13 are regarded as important drivers of the immunopathology underlying allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. The present study explores the capacity of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), a semi‐synthetic heparin‐like macromolecular carbohydrate, to bind Th2 cytokines and exert biological neutralization in vitro, as well as anti‐inflammatory actions in vivo. Methodology The capacity of PPS to bind recombinant Th2 cytokines was tested with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology and biological Th2 neutralization was assessed by Th2‐dependent proliferation assays. The in vivo anti‐inflammatory action of PPS was studied using a validated Guinea‐pig model of AR. Results Binding studies revealed a strong and specific binding of PPS to IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 with IC values suggesting as stronger cytokine binding than for heparin. Cytokine binding translated to a biological neutralization as PPS dose dependently inhibited Th2‐dependent cell proliferation. Topical administration of PPS 30 min prior to nasal allergen challenge of sensitized animals significantly reduced late phase plasma extravasation, luminal influx of eosinophils, neutrophils, and total lavage leukocytes. Similar, albeit not statistically secured, effects were found for tissue leukocytes and mucus hyper‐secretion. The anti‐inflammatory effects of PPS compared favorably with established topical nasal steroid treatment. Conclusion This study points out PPS as a potent Th2 cytokine‐binding molecule with biological neutralization capacity and broad anti‐inflammatory effects in vivo. As such PPS fulfills the role as a potential candidate molecule for the treatment of AR and further studies of clinical efficacy seems highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sanden
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Medetect AB, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michiko Mori
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Prajakta Jogdand
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jimmie Jönsson
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Medetect AB, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ravi Krishnan
- Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jonas S Erjefält
- Unit of Airway Inflammation, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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9
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Krug N, Hohlfeld JM, Buhl R, Renz J, Garn H, Renz H. Blood eosinophils predict therapeutic effects of a GATA3-specific DNAzyme in asthma patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:625-628.e5. [PMID: 28342914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Krug
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens M Hohlfeld
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Roland Buhl
- Pulmonary Department, III. Medical Center, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jonas Renz
- Sterna Biologicals GmbH & Co. KG, Marburg, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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10
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Koczulla AR, Vogelmeier CF, Garn H, Renz H. New concepts in asthma: clinical phenotypes and pathophysiological mechanisms. Drug Discov Today 2016; 22:388-396. [PMID: 27867084 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is among the most common chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide. Recent evidence indicates that the pathogenesis shows a high degree of heterogeneity. Patient subsets have been identified that exhibit different cellular and molecular patterns of dysregulation. A prominent example is eosinophilic Th2-driven asthma. These unique and molecular patterns are termed endotypes. Characterization of endotypes has broad implications for therapeutic interventions. Although ∼80% of asthmatic patients respond well to standard anti-inflammatory therapies, the remaining subset particularly consisting of severe patients requires a more specialized endotype-specific approach. This interrelationship between clinical phenotypes, molecular endotypes and endotype-specific therapies is the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas R Koczulla
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Claus F Vogelmeier
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Medical Faculty, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Medical Faculty, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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Krug N, Hohlfeld JM, Kirsten AM, Kornmann O, Beeh KM, Kappeler D, Korn S, Ignatenko S, Timmer W, Rogon C, Zeitvogel J, Zhang N, Bille J, Homburg U, Turowska A, Bachert C, Werfel T, Buhl R, Renz J, Garn H, Renz H. Allergen-induced asthmatic responses modified by a GATA3-specific DNAzyme. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1987-95. [PMID: 25981191 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1411776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most prevalent phenotype of asthma is characterized by eosinophil-dominated inflammation that is driven by a type 2 helper T cell (Th2). Therapeutic targeting of GATA3, an important transcription factor of the Th2 pathway, may be beneficial. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of SB010, a novel DNA enzyme (DNAzyme) that is able to cleave and inactivate GATA3 messenger RNA (mRNA). METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial of SB010 involving patients who had allergic asthma with sputum eosinophilia and who also had biphasic early and late asthmatic responses after laboratory-based allergen provocation. A total of 40 patients could be evaluated; 21 were assigned to receive 10 mg of SB010, and 19 were assigned to receive placebo, with each study drug administered by means of inhalation once daily for 28 days. An allergen challenge was performed before and after the 28-day period. The primary end point was the late asthmatic response as quantified by the change in the area under the curve (AUC) for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). RESULTS After 28 days, SB010 attenuated the mean late asthmatic response by 34%, as compared with the baseline response, according to the AUC for FEV1, whereas placebo was associated with a 1% increase in the AUC for FEV1 (P=0.02). The early asthmatic response with SB010 was attenuated by 11% as measured by the AUC for FEV1, whereas the early response with placebo was increased by 10% (P=0.03). Inhibition of the late asthmatic response by SB010 was associated with attenuation of allergen-induced sputum eosinophilia and with lower levels of tryptase in sputum and lower plasma levels of interleukin-5. Allergen-induced levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine were not affected by either SB010 or placebo. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with SB010 significantly attenuated both late and early asthmatic responses after allergen provocation in patients with allergic asthma. Biomarker analysis showed an attenuation of Th2-regulated inflammatory responses. (Funded by Sterna Biologicals and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01743768.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Krug
- From the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (N.K., J.M.H.) and the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School (J.Z., T.W.), Hannover, Pulmonary Research Institute at Lung Clinic Grosshansdorf, Grosshansdorf (A.-M.K.), Institut für klinische Forschung Pneumologie, Clinical Research Center Respiratory Medicine, Frankfurt (O.K.), Insaf Respiratory Research Institute, Wiesbaden (K.M.B.), Inamed, Gauting (D.K., W.T.), Pulmonary Department, Medical Clinic, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz (S.K., R.B.), Charité Research Organization, Berlin (S.I.), FGK Clinical Research, Munich (C.R.), Sterna Biologicals (J.B., U.H., A.T., J.R.) and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, a member of Universities Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (H.G., H.R.), Marburg - all in Germany; Upper Airways Research Laboratory, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium (N.Z., C.B.); and the Division of Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases, Clintec, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm (N.Z., C.B.)
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Homburg U, Renz H, Timmer W, Hohlfeld JM, Seitz F, Lüer K, Mayer A, Wacker A, Schmidt O, Kuhlmann J, Turowska A, Roller J, Kutz K, Schlüter G, Krug N, Garn H. Safety and tolerability of a novel inhaled GATA3 mRNA targeting DNAzyme in patients with TH2-driven asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 136:797-800. [PMID: 25842286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry-Molecular Diagnostics, Medical Faculty, Philipps University Marburg, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Jens M Hohlfeld
- Department of Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Katrin Lüer
- Department of Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Mayer
- CRS Clinical Research Services Mannheim GmbH, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anja Wacker
- Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH, Niederdorfelden, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Norbert Krug
- Department of Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry-Molecular Diagnostics, Medical Faculty, Philipps University Marburg, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany.
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Fokina AA, Stetsenko DA, François JC. DNA enzymes as potential therapeutics: towards clinical application of 10-23 DNAzymes. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15:689-711. [PMID: 25772532 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1025048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ongoing studies on the inhibition of gene expression at the mRNA level have identified several types of specific inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, ribozymes and DNAzymes (Dz). After its discovery in 1997, the 10-23 Dz (which can cleave RNA efficiently and site-specifically, has flexible design, is independent from cell mechanisms, does not require expensive chemical modifications for effective use in vivo) has been employed to downregulate a range of therapeutically important genes. Recently, 10-23 Dzs have taken their first steps into clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This review focuses predominantly on Dz applications as potential antiviral, antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents as well as for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and diseases of CNS, summarizing results of their clinical trials up to the present day. EXPERT OPINION In comparison with antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, Dzs do not usually show off-target effects due to their high specificity and lack of immunogenicity in vivo. As more results of clinical trials carried out so far are gradually becoming available, Dzs may turn out to be safe and well-tolerated therapeutics in humans. Therefore, there is a good chance that we may witness a deoxyribozyme drug reaching the clinic in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesya A Fokina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences , 8 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090 , Russia
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14
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Khanna M, Saxena L, Rajput R, Kumar B, Prasad R. Gene silencing: a therapeutic approach to combat influenza virus infections. Future Microbiol 2015; 10:131-40. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.14.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Selective gene silencing technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) and nucleic acid enzymes have shown therapeutic potential for treating viral infections. Influenza virus is one of the major public health concerns around the world and its management is challenging due to a rapid increase in antiviral resistance. Influenza vaccine also has its limitations due to the emergence of new strains that may escape the immunity developed by the previous year's vaccine. Antiviral drugs are the primary mode of prevention and control against a pandemic and there is an urgency to develop novel antiviral strategies against influenza virus. In this review, we discuss the potential utility of several gene silencing mechanisms and their prophylactic and therapeutic potential against the influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Khanna
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Latika Saxena
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Roopali Rajput
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Binod Kumar
- Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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15
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Hallett MA, Dalal P, Sweatman TW, Pourmotabbed T. The distribution, clearance, and safety of an anti-MMP-9 DNAzyme in normal and MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice. Nucleic Acid Ther 2013; 23:379-88. [PMID: 24083396 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Catalytic oligonucleotides, known as DNAzymes, are a new class of nucleic acid-based gene therapy that have recently been used in preclinical animal studies to treat various cancers. In this study the systemic distribution, pharmacokinetics, and safety of intravenously administered anti-MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-9 DNAzyme (AM9D) were determined in healthy FVB and in MMTV-polyoma virus middle T (PyMT) transgenic mice bearing mammary tumors. MMP-9 is known to be involved in tumor cell development, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Sulfur-35 ((35)S) labeled ([(35)S]-AM9D) administered intravenously, without the use of carrier molecules, to healthy and mammary tumor bearing MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice distributed to all major organs. The order of percentages of [(35)S]-AM9D accumulation in different organs of healthy and MMTV-PyMT mice were blood>liver>kidney>lung>spleen>heart and mammary tumor>blood≈liver>kidney>spleen>lung>heart, respectively. The amount of AM9D accumulated in mammary tumors 2 hours post injection was 0.6% and 0.2% higher than in either blood or liver, respectively, and its rate of initial clearance from mammary tissue was at least 50% slower than the other organs. Approximately 43% of the delivered dosage of [(35)S]-AM9D was cleared from the system via feces and urine over a period of 72 hours. No evidence of acute or chronic cytotoxicity, local or widespread, associated with AM9D treatment (up to 75 mg AM9D /kg of body weight) was observed in the organs examined. These data suggest that DNAzyme in general and AM9D in particular can be used systemically as a therapeutic agent to treat patients with breast cancer or other metastatic and surgically inaccessible tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda A Hallett
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis Tennessee
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16
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Turowska A, Librizzi D, Baumgartl N, Kuhlmann J, Dicke T, Merkel O, Homburg U, Höffken H, Renz H, Garn H. Biodistribution of the GATA-3-specific DNAzyme hgd40 after inhalative exposure in mice, rats and dogs. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 272:365-72. [PMID: 23820074 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The DNAzyme hgd40 was shown to effectively reduce expression of the transcription factor GATA-3 RNA which plays an important role in the regulation of Th2-mediated immune mechanisms such as in allergic bronchial asthma. However, uptake, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of hgd40 have not been investigated yet. We examined local and systemic distribution of hgd40 in naive mice and mice suffering from experimental asthma. Furthermore, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics as a function of dose following single and repeated administration in rats and dogs. Using intranasal administration of fluorescently labeled hgd40 we demonstrated that the DNAzyme was evenly distributed in inflamed asthmatic mouse lungs within minutes after single dose application. Systemic distribution was investigated in mice using radioactive labeled hgd40. After intratracheal application, highest amounts of hgd40 were detected in the lungs. High amounts were also detected in the bladder indicating urinary excretion as a major elimination pathway. In serum, low systemic hgd40 levels were detected already at 5 min post application (p.a.), subsequently decreasing over time to non-detectable levels at 2h p.a. As revealed by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, trace amounts of hgd40 were detectable in lungs up to 7 days p.a. Also in the toxicologically relevant rats and dogs, hgd40 was detectable in blood only shortly after inhalative application. The plasma pharmacokinetic profile was dose and time dependent. Repeated administration did not lead to drug accumulation in plasma of dogs and rats. These pharmacokinetic of hgd40 provide guidance for clinical development, and support an infrequent and convenient dose administration regimen.
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