1
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Hoffman JA, Denton N, Sims JJ, Meggersee R, Zhang Z, Olagbegi K, Wilson JM. Modulation of AAV9 Galactose Binding Yields Novel Gene Therapy Vectors and Predicts Cross-Species Differences in Glycan Avidity. Hum Gene Ther 2024. [PMID: 39001819 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2024.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) for clinical gene therapy is limited by their propensity to accumulate in and transduce the liver. This natural liver tropism is associated with severe adverse events at the high doses that can be necessary for achieving therapeutic transgene expression in extra-hepatic tissues. To improve the safety and cost of AAV gene therapy, capsid engineering efforts are underway to redirect in vivo AAV biodistribution away from the liver toward disease-relevant peripheral organs such as the heart. Building on previous work, we generated a series of AAV libraries containing variations at three residues (Y446, N470, and W503) of the galactose-binding pocket of the AAV9 VP1 protein. Screening of this library in mice identified the XRH family of variants (Y446X, N470R, and W503H), the strongest of which, HRH, exhibited a six-fold reduction in liver RNA expression and a ten-fold increase in cardiac RNA expression compared with wild-type AAV9 in the mouse. Screening of our library in a nonhuman primate (NHP) revealed reduced performance of AAV9 and two closely related vectors in the NHP liver compared with the mouse liver. Measurement of the galactose-binding capacity of our library further identified those same three vectors as the only strong galactose binders, suggesting an altered galactose presentation between the mouse and NHP liver. N-glycan profiling of these tissues revealed a 9% decrease in exposed galactose in the NHP liver compared with the mouse liver. In this work, we identified a novel family of AAV variants with desirable biodistribution properties that may be suitable for targeting extra-hepatic tissues such as the heart. These data also provide important insights regarding species- and tissue-specific differences in glycan presentation that may have implications for the development and translation of AAV gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Hoffman
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Nathan Denton
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Joshua J Sims
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Rosemary Meggersee
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Zhe Zhang
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Kanyin Olagbegi
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - James M Wilson
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Suite 1200 TRL, 125 S. 31st Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104;
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2
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Giannelli SG, Luoni M, Iannielli A, Middeldorp J, Philippens I, Bido S, Körbelin J, Broccoli V. New AAV9 engineered variants with enhanced neurotropism and reduced liver off-targeting in mice and marmosets. iScience 2024; 27:109777. [PMID: 38711458 PMCID: PMC11070337 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Although adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) has been highly exploited as delivery platform for gene-based therapies, its efficacy is hampered by low efficiency in crossing the adult blood-brain barrier (BBB) and pronounced targeting to the liver upon intravenous delivery. We generated a new galactose binding-deficient AAV9 peptide display library and selected two new AAV9 engineered capsids with enhanced targeting in mouse and marmoset brains after intravenous delivery. Interestingly, the loss of galactose binding greatly reduced undesired targeting to peripheral organs, particularly the liver, while not compromising transduction of the brain vasculature. However, the galactose binding was necessary to efficiently infect non-endothelial brain cells. Thus, the combinatorial actions of the galactose-binding domain and the incorporated displayed peptide are crucial to enhance BBB crossing along with brain cell transduction. This study describes two novel capsids with high brain endothelial infectivity and extremely low liver targeting based on manipulating the AAV9 galactose-binding domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Gea Giannelli
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Luoni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Angelo Iannielli
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), 2288 GJ Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Philippens
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), 2288 GJ Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Bido
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
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3
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Milagros S, de Erenchun PRR, Guembe M, Carte B, Méndez M, Uribarri A, Aldabe R. The infectivity of AAV9 is influenced by the specific location and extent of chemically modified capsid residues. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:34. [PMID: 38745236 PMCID: PMC11092203 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several treatments for genetic diseases utilizing recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have recently gained approval. However, the development of a greater number of therapeutic AAVs is constrained by certain limitations. While extensive efforts have concentrated on screening AAV genetic libraries, an alternative strategy involves modifying the AAV capsid by attaching various moieties. The capsid of AAV plays a pivotal role in transducing target cells and evading immune responses, making modifications a key avenue for engineering improved variants. RESULTS In our study, we replaced specific AAV9 capsid residues with an unnatural amino acid bearing a bioorthogonal group, identifying four positions with no adverse impact on production. Utilizing click chemistry, we attached varying proportions of Cy5.5 to these positions, allowing us to assess the impact of these modifications on AAV9 infectivity in cultured cells. Our findings reveal that both the position and degree of capsid modification significantly affect AAV transduction. While higher amounts of attached molecules lead to an increased number of AAV genomes within cells, this does not positively impact transgene expression. Conversely, a negative impact on transgene expression is observed when the AAV capsid is highly modified, with the degree of this effect associated with the modified residue. CONCLUSION Careful control of both the degree and specific position of capsid modifications is crucial for optimizing transduction efficiency and minimizing undesired effects on transgene expression. These results underscore the importance of precision in AAV capsid modification to achieve optimal transduction efficiency while mitigating potential drawbacks on transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Milagros
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Maite Guembe
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Carte
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Méndez
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ander Uribarri
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rafael Aldabe
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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4
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Mietzsch M, Nelson AR, Hsi J, Zachary J, Potts L, Chipman P, Ghanem M, Khandekar N, Alexander IE, Logan GJ, Huiskonen JT, McKenna R. Structural characterization of antibody-responses from Zolgensma treatment provides the blueprint for the engineering of an AAV capsid suitable for redosing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.590489. [PMID: 38746165 PMCID: PMC11092599 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.590489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are useful tools to dissect the neutralizing antibody response against the adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids used as gene therapy delivery vectors. This study structurally characterizes the interactions of 21 human-derived antibodies from patients treated with the AAV9 vector, Zolgensma ® , utilizing high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. The majority of the bound antibodies do not conform to the icosahedral symmetry of the capsid, thus requiring localized reconstructions. These complex structures provide unprecedented details of the mAbs binding interfaces, with some antibodies inducing structural perturbations of the capsid upon binding. Key surface capsid amino acid residues were identified facilitating the design of capsid variants with an antibody escape phenotype, with the potential to expand the patient cohort treatable with AAV9 vectors to include those that were previously excluded due to their pre-existing neutralizing antibodies, and possibly also to those requiring redosing.
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5
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Duran T, Naik S, Sharifi L, DiLuzio WR, Chanda A, Chaudhuri B. Studying the ssDNA loaded adeno-associated virus aggregation using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Int J Pharm 2024; 655:123985. [PMID: 38484860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123985] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The aggregation of adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsids in an aqueous environment was investigated via coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) simulations. The primary driving force and mechanism of the aggregation were investigated with or without single-strand DNA (ssDNA) loaded at various process temperatures. Capsid aggregation appeared to involve multiple residue interactions (i.e., hydrophobic, polar and charged residues) leading to complex protein aggregation. In addition, two aggregation mechanisms (i.e., the fivefold face-to-face contact and the edge-to-edge contact) were identified from this study. The ssDNA with its asymmetric structure could be the reason for destabilizing protein subunits and enhancing the interaction between the charged residues, and further result in the non-reversible face-to-face contact. At higher temperature, the capsid structure was found to be unstable with the significant size expansion of the loaded ssDNA which could be attributed to reduced number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, the increased conformational deviations of protein subunits and the higher residue fluctuations. The CG-MD model was further validated with previous experimental and simulation data, including the full capsid size measurement and the capsid internal pressure. Thus, a good understanding of AAV capsid aggregation, instability and the role of ssDNA were revealed by applying the developed computational model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibo Duran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Shivangi Naik
- Technical Operations, Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Leila Sharifi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Willow R DiLuzio
- Technical Operations, Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Arani Chanda
- Technical Operations, Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bodhisattwa Chaudhuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute of Material Sciences (IMS), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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6
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Lopez-Gordo E, Chamberlain K, Riyad JM, Kohlbrenner E, Weber T. Natural Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes and Engineered Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Variants: Tropism Differences and Mechanistic Insights. Viruses 2024; 16:442. [PMID: 38543807 PMCID: PMC10975205 DOI: 10.3390/v16030442] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors are arguably the most promising in vivo gene delivery vehicles for durable therapeutic gene expression. Advances in molecular engineering, high-throughput screening platforms, and computational techniques have resulted in a toolbox of capsid variants with enhanced performance over parental serotypes. Despite their considerable promise and emerging clinical success, there are still obstacles hindering their broader use, including limited transduction capabilities, tissue/cell type-specific tropism and penetration into tissues through anatomical barriers, off-target tissue biodistribution, intracellular degradation, immune recognition, and a lack of translatability from preclinical models to clinical settings. Here, we first describe the transduction mechanisms of natural AAV serotypes and explore the current understanding of the systemic and cellular hurdles to efficient transduction. We then outline progress in developing designer AAV capsid variants, highlighting the seminal discoveries of variants which can transduce the central nervous system upon systemic administration, and, to a lesser extent, discuss the targeting of the peripheral nervous system, eye, ear, lung, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, emphasizing their tissue and cell specificity and translational promise. In particular, we dive deeper into the molecular mechanisms behind their enhanced properties, with a focus on their engagement with host cell receptors previously inaccessible to natural AAV serotypes. Finally, we summarize the main findings of our review and discuss future directions.
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7
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Hadi M, Qutaiba B Allela O, Jabari M, Jasoor AM, Naderloo O, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Kalantari L. Recent advances in various adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene therapy agents in hepatocellular carcinoma. Virol J 2024; 21:17. [PMID: 38216938 PMCID: PMC10785434 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02286-1] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, which is scientifically referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a significant concern in the field of global health. It has been demonstrated that conventional chemotherapy, chemo-hormonal therapy, and conformal radiotherapy are ineffective against HCC. New therapeutic approaches are thus urgently required. Identifying single or multiple mutations in genes associated with invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and growth regulation has resulted in a more comprehensive comprehension of the molecular genetic underpinnings of malignant transformation, tumor advancement, and host interaction. This enhanced comprehension has notably propelled the development of novel therapeutic agents. Therefore, gene therapy (GT) holds great promise for addressing the urgent need for innovative treatments in HCC. However, the complexity of HCC demands precise and effective therapeutic approaches. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) distinctive life cycle and ability to persistently infect dividing and nondividing cells have rendered it an alluring vector. Another appealing characteristic of the wild-type virus is its evident absence of pathogenicity. As a result, AAV, a vector that lacks an envelope and can be modified to transport DNA to specific cells, has garnered considerable interest in the scientific community, particularly in experimental therapeutic strategies that are still in the clinical stage. AAV vectors emerge as promising tools for HCC therapy due to their non-immunogenic nature, efficient cell entry, and prolonged gene expression. While AAV-mediated GT demonstrates promise across diverse diseases, the current absence of ongoing clinical trials targeting HCC underscores untapped potential in this context. Furthermore, gene transfer through hepatic AAV vectors is frequently facilitated by GT research, which has been propelled by several congenital anomalies affecting the liver. Notwithstanding the enthusiasm associated with this notion, recent discoveries that expose the integration of the AAV vector genome at double-strand breaks give rise to apprehensions regarding their enduring safety and effectiveness. This review explores the potential of AAV vectors as versatile tools for targeted GT in HCC. In summation, we encapsulate the multifaceted exploration of AAV vectors in HCC GT, underlining their transformative potential within the landscape of oncology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meead Hadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mansoureh Jabari
- Medical Campus, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Asna Mahyazadeh Jasoor
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Naderloo
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Gorgan Breanch, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | | | - Leila Kalantari
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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8
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Liu S, Chowdhury EA, Xu V, Jerez A, Mahmood L, Ly BQ, Le HK, Nguyen A, Rajwade A, Meno-Tetang G, Shah DK. Whole-Body Disposition and Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Adeno-Associated Viruses and the Transgene Product. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:141-157. [PMID: 37805073 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.10.005] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
To facilitate model-informed drug development (MIDD) of adeno-associated virus (AAV) therapy, here we have developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for AAVs following preclinical investigation in mice. After 2E11 Vg/mouse dose of AAV8 and AAV9 encoding a monoclonal antibody (mAb) gene, whole-body disposition of both the vector and the transgene mAb was evaluated over 3 weeks. At steady-state, the following tissue-to-blood (T/B) concentration ratios were found for AAV8/9: ∼50 for liver; ∼10 for heart and muscle; ∼2 for brain, lung, kidney, adipose, and spleen; ≤1 for bone, skin, and pancreas. T/B values for mAb were compared with the antibody biodistribution coefficients, and five different clusters of organs were identified based on their transgene expression profile. All the biodistribution data were used to develop a novel AAV PBPK model that incorporates: (i) whole-body distribution of the vector; (ii) binding, internalization, and intracellular processing of the vector; (iii) transgene expression and secretion; and (iv) whole-body disposition of the secreted transgene product. The model was able to capture systemic and tissue PK of the vector and the transgene-produced mAb reasonably well. Pathway analysis of the PBPK model suggested that liver, muscle, and heart are the main contributors for the secreted transgene mAb. Unprecedented PK data and the novel PBPK model developed here provide the foundation for quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) investigations of AAV-mediated gene therapies. The PBPK model can also serve as a quantitative tool for preclinical study design and preclinical-to-clinical translation of AAV-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Vivian Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Anthony Jerez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Leeha Mahmood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Bao Quoc Ly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Huyen Khanh Le
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Anne Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Aneesh Rajwade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Guy Meno-Tetang
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dhaval K Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.
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9
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Yost SA, Firlar E, Glenn JD, Carroll HB, Foltz S, Giles AR, Egley JM, Firnberg E, Cho S, Nguyen T, Henry WM, Janczura KJ, Bruder J, Liu Y, Danos O, Karumuthil-Melethil S, Pannem S, Yost V, Engelson Y, Kaelber JT, Dimant H, Smith JB, Mercer AC. Characterization and biodistribution of under-employed gene therapy vector AAV7. J Virol 2023; 97:e0116323. [PMID: 37843374 PMCID: PMC10688378 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01163-23] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene delivery vectors has vast potential for the treatment of many severe human diseases. Over one hundred naturally existing AAV capsid variants have been described and classified into phylogenetic clades based on their sequences. AAV8, AAV9, AAVrh.10, and other intensively studied capsids have been propelled into pre-clinical and clinical use, and more recently, marketed products; however, less-studied capsids may also have desirable properties (e.g., potency differences, tissue tropism, reduced immunogenicity, etc.) that have yet to be thoroughly described. These data will help build a broader structure-function knowledge base in the field, present capsid engineering opportunities, and enable the use of novel capsids with unique properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A. Yost
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Emre Firlar
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedicine and Rutgers CryoEM & Nanoimaging Facility, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Justin D. Glenn
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Hayley B. Carroll
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven Foltz
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - April R. Giles
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jenny M. Egley
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Elad Firnberg
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sungyeon Cho
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Trang Nguyen
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - William M. Henry
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Joseph Bruder
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ye Liu
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivier Danos
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jason T. Kaelber
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedicine and Rutgers CryoEM & Nanoimaging Facility, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hemi Dimant
- Invicro LLC, Needham, Massachusetts, USA
- Emit Imaging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jared B. Smith
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew C. Mercer
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
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10
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Hsi J, Mietzsch M, Chipman P, Afione S, Zeher A, Huang R, Chiorini J, McKenna R. Structural and antigenic characterization of the avian adeno-associated virus capsid. J Virol 2023; 97:e0078023. [PMID: 37702486 PMCID: PMC10617571 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00780-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE AAVs are extensively studied as promising therapeutic gene delivery vectors. In order to circumvent pre-existing antibodies targeting primate-based AAV capsids, the AAAV capsid was evaluated as an alternative to primate-based therapeutic vectors. Despite the high sequence diversity, the AAAV capsid was found to bind to a common glycan receptor, terminal galactose, which is also utilized by other AAVs already being utilized in gene therapy trials. However, contrary to the initial hypothesis, AAAV was recognized by approximately 30% of human sera tested. Structural and sequence comparisons point to conserved epitopes in the fivefold region of the capsid as the reason determinant for the observed cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Hsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mario Mietzsch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Paul Chipman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sandra Afione
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison Zeher
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School for Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rick Huang
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Chiorini
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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11
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Logan GJ, Mietzsch M, Khandekar N, D'Silva A, Anderson D, Mandwie M, Hsi J, Nelson AR, Chipman P, Jackson J, Schofield P, Christ D, Goodnow CC, Reed JH, Farrar MA, McKenna R, Alexander IE. Structural and functional characterization of capsid binding by anti-AAV9 monoclonal antibodies from infants after SMA gene therapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1979-1993. [PMID: 37012705 PMCID: PMC10362397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.032] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Success in the treatment of infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) underscores the potential of vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV). However, a major obstacle to the full realization of this potential is pre-existing natural and therapy-induced anti-capsid humoral immunity. Structure-guided capsid engineering is one possible approach to surmounting this challenge but necessitates an understanding of capsid-antibody interactions at high molecular resolution. Currently, only mouse-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are available to structurally map these interactions, which presupposes that mouse and human-derived antibodies are functionally equivalent. In this study, we have characterized the polyclonal antibody responses of infants following AAV9-mediated gene therapy for SMA and recovered 35 anti-capsid mAbs from the abundance of switched-memory B (smB) cells present in these infants. For 21 of these mAbs, seven from each of three infants, we have undertaken functional and structural analysis measuring neutralization, affinities, and binding patterns by cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). Four distinct patterns were observed akin to those reported for mouse-derived mAbs, but with early evidence of differing binding pattern preference and underlying molecular interactions. This is the first human and largest series of anti-capsid mAbs to have been comprehensively characterized and will prove to be powerful tools for basic discovery and applied purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant J Logan
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mario Mietzsch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Neeta Khandekar
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Arlene D'Silva
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Anderson
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mawj Mandwie
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Hsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Austin R Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul Chipman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Jackson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Schofield
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Christ
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher C Goodnow
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Joanne H Reed
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
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12
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Chen X, Wolfe DA, Bindu DS, Zhang M, Taskin N, Goertsen D, Shay TF, Sullivan EE, Huang SF, Ravindra Kumar S, Arokiaraj CM, Plattner VM, Campos LJ, Mich JK, Monet D, Ngo V, Ding X, Omstead V, Weed N, Bishaw Y, Gore BB, Lein ES, Akrami A, Miller C, Levi BP, Keller A, Ting JT, Fox AS, Eroglu C, Gradinaru V. Functional gene delivery to and across brain vasculature of systemic AAVs with endothelial-specific tropism in rodents and broad tropism in primates. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3345. [PMID: 37291094 PMCID: PMC10250345 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38582-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivering genes to and across the brain vasculature efficiently and specifically across species remains a critical challenge for addressing neurological diseases. We have evolved adeno-associated virus (AAV9) capsids into vectors that transduce brain endothelial cells specifically and efficiently following systemic administration in wild-type mice with diverse genetic backgrounds, and in rats. These AAVs also exhibit superior transduction of the CNS across non-human primates (marmosets and rhesus macaques), and in ex vivo human brain slices, although the endothelial tropism is not conserved across species. The capsid modifications translate from AAV9 to other serotypes such as AAV1 and AAV-DJ, enabling serotype switching for sequential AAV administration in mice. We demonstrate that the endothelial-specific mouse capsids can be used to genetically engineer the blood-brain barrier by transforming the mouse brain vasculature into a functional biofactory. We apply this approach to Hevin knockout mice, where AAV-X1-mediated ectopic expression of the synaptogenic protein Sparcl1/Hevin in brain endothelial cells rescued synaptic deficits.
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Grants
- DP1 DA048931 NIDA NIH HHS
- P51 OD010425 NIH HHS
- P51 OD011107 NIH HHS
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- DP1 NS111369 NINDS NIH HHS
- OT2 OD024899 NIH HHS
- DP1 MH104069 NIMH NIH HHS
- UF1 MH128336 NIMH NIH HHS
- DP1 EB016986 NIBIB NIH HHS
- DP1 OD000616 NIH HHS
- DP2 NS087949 NINDS NIH HHS
- UG3 MH120095 NIMH NIH HHS
- U42 OD011123 NIH HHS
- NIH Director’s New Innovator DP2NS087949 and PECASE, NIH BRAIN Armamentarium 1UF1MH128336-01, NIH Pioneer 5DP1NS111369-04 and SPARC 1OT2OD024899. Additional funding includes the Vallee Foundation, the Moore Foundation, the CZI Neurodegeneration Challenge Network, and the NSF NeuroNex Technology Hub grant 1707316, the Heritage Medical Research Institute and the Beckman Institute for CLARITY, Optogenetics and Vector Engineering Research (CLOVER) for technology development and dissemination, NIH BRAIN UG3MH120095.
- The Swiss National Science Foundation (310030_188952, A.K), the Synapsis (grant 2019-PI02, A.K.), the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society (A.K.).
- CNPRC base grant (NIH P51 OD011107)
- The CZI Neurodegeneration Challenge Network. C.E. is an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Damien A Wolfe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Mengying Zhang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Naz Taskin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Timothy F Shay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Erin E Sullivan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Sheng-Fu Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zürich University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Cynthia M Arokiaraj
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Lillian J Campos
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - John K Mich
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deja Monet
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Victoria Ngo
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Natalie Weed
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yeme Bishaw
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bryan B Gore
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Athena Akrami
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cory Miller
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Boaz P Levi
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annika Keller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zürich University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan T Ting
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew S Fox
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
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13
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Issa SS, Shaimardanova AA, Solovyeva VV, Rizvanov AA. Various AAV Serotypes and Their Applications in Gene Therapy: An Overview. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050785. [PMID: 36899921 PMCID: PMC10000783 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite scientific discoveries in the field of gene and cell therapy, some diseases still have no effective treatment. Advances in genetic engineering methods have enabled the development of effective gene therapy methods for various diseases based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Today, many AAV-based gene therapy medications are being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, and new ones are appearing on the market. In this article, we present a review of AAV discovery, properties, different serotypes, and tropism, and a following detailed explanation of their uses in gene therapy for disease of different organs and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza S. Issa
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alisa A. Shaimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(905)-3167599
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14
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Large EE, Chapman MS. Adeno-associated virus receptor complexes and implications for adeno-associated virus immune neutralization. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1116896. [PMID: 36846761 PMCID: PMC9950413 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1116896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are among the foremost vectors for in vivo gene therapy. A number of monoclonal antibodies against several serotypes of AAV have previously been prepared. Many are neutralizing, and the predominant mechanisms have been reported as the inhibition of binding to extracellular glycan receptors or interference with some post-entry step. The identification of a protein receptor and recent structural characterization of its interactions with AAV compel reconsideration of this tenet. AAVs can be divided into two families based on which domain of the receptor is strongly bound. Neighboring domains, unseen in the high-resolution electron microscopy structures have now been located by electron tomography, pointing away from the virus. The epitopes of neutralizing antibodies, previously characterized, are now compared to the distinct protein receptor footprints of the two families of AAV. Comparative structural analysis suggests that antibody interference with protein receptor binding might be the more prevalent mechanism than interference with glycan attachment. Limited competitive binding assays give some support to the hypothesis that inhibition of binding to the protein receptor has been an overlooked mechanism of neutralization. More extensive testing is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael S. Chapman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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15
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Chen X, Wolfe DA, Bindu DS, Zhang M, Taskin N, Goertsen D, Shay TF, Sullivan E, Huang SF, Kumar SR, Arokiaraj CM, Plattner V, Campos LJ, Mich J, Monet D, Ngo V, Ding X, Omstead V, Weed N, Bishaw Y, Gore B, Lein ES, Akrami A, Miller C, Levi BP, Keller A, Ting JT, Fox AS, Eroglu C, Gradinaru V. Functional gene delivery to and across brain vasculature of systemic AAVs with endothelial-specific tropism in rodents and broad tropism in primates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.12.523844. [PMID: 36711773 PMCID: PMC9882234 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.12.523844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Delivering genes to and across the brain vasculature efficiently and specifically across species remains a critical challenge for addressing neurological diseases. We have evolved adeno-associated virus (AAV9) capsids into vectors that transduce brain endothelial cells specifically and efficiently following systemic administration in wild-type mice with diverse genetic backgrounds and rats. These AAVs also exhibit superior transduction of the CNS across non-human primates (marmosets and rhesus macaques), and ex vivo human brain slices although the endothelial tropism is not conserved across species. The capsid modifications translate from AAV9 to other serotypes such as AAV1 and AAV-DJ, enabling serotype switching for sequential AAV administration in mice. We demonstrate that the endothelial specific mouse capsids can be used to genetically engineer the blood-brain barrier by transforming the mouse brain vasculature into a functional biofactory. Vasculature-secreted Hevin (a synaptogenic protein) rescued synaptic deficits in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Damien A. Wolfe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Mengying Zhang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Naz Taskin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Timothy F. Shay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Erin Sullivan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Sheng-Fu Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Cynthia M. Arokiaraj
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Viktor Plattner
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lillian J. Campos
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - John Mich
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deja Monet
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Victoria Ngo
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Natalie Weed
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yeme Bishaw
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bryan Gore
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Athena Akrami
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cory Miller
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Boaz P. Levi
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annika Keller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan T. Ting
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew S. Fox
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
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16
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Nambiar K, Wang Q, Yan H, Wilson JM. Characterizing Complex Populations of Endogenous Adeno-Associated Viruses by Single-Genome Amplification. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:1164-1173. [PMID: 35906801 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.099] [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: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The isolation of adeno-associated virus (AAV) genomes from biomaterials at the molecular level has traditionally relied on polymerase chain reaction-based and cloning-based techniques. However, when applied to samples containing multiple species, traditional techniques for isolating viral genomes can amplify artificial recombinants and introduce polymerase misincorporation errors. In this study, we describe AAV single-genome amplification (AAV-SGA): a powerful technique to isolate, amplify, and sequence single AAV genomes from mammalian genomic DNA, which can then be used to construct vectors for gene therapy. We used AAV-SGA to precisely isolate 15 novel AAV genomes belonging to AAV clades A, D, and E and the Fringe outgroup. This technique also enables investigations of AAV population dynamics and recombination events to provide insights into virus-host interactions and virus biology. Using AAV-SGA, we identified regional heterogeneity within AAV populations from different lobes of the liver of a rhesus macaque and found evidence of frequent genomic recombination between AAV populations. This study highlights the strengths of AAV-SGA and demonstrates its capability to provide valuable insights into the biology and diversity of AAVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Nambiar
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qiang Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hanying Yan
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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El Andari J, Renaud-Gabardos E, Tulalamba W, Weinmann J, Mangin L, Pham QH, Hille S, Bennett A, Attebi E, Bourges E, Leborgne C, Guerchet N, Fakhiri J, Krämer C, Wiedtke E, McKenna R, Guianvarc’h L, Toueille M, Ronzitti G, Hebben M, Mingozzi F, VandenDriessche T, Agbandje-McKenna M, Müller OJ, Chuah MK, Buj-Bello A, Grimm D. Semirational bioengineering of AAV vectors with increased potency and specificity for systemic gene therapy of muscle disorders. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn4704. [PMID: 36129972 PMCID: PMC9491714 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn4704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Bioengineering of viral vectors for therapeutic gene delivery is a pivotal strategy to reduce doses, facilitate manufacturing, and improve efficacy and patient safety. Here, we engineered myotropic adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors via a semirational, combinatorial approach that merges AAV capsid and peptide library screens. We first identified shuffled AAVs with increased specificity in the murine skeletal muscle, diaphragm, and heart, concurrent with liver detargeting. Next, we boosted muscle specificity by displaying a myotropic peptide on the capsid surface. In a mouse model of X-linked myotubular myopathy, the best vectors-AAVMYO2 and AAVMYO3-prolonged survival, corrected growth, restored strength, and ameliorated muscle fiber size and centronucleation. In a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, our lead capsid induced robust microdystrophin expression and improved muscle function. Our pipeline is compatible with complementary AAV genome bioengineering strategies, as demonstrated here with two promoters, and could benefit many clinical applications beyond muscle gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihad El Andari
- Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edith Renaud-Gabardos
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Warut Tulalamba
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jonas Weinmann
- Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Louise Mangin
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Quang Hong Pham
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Susanne Hille
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Innere Medizin III, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Antonette Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | | | - Christian Leborgne
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | | | - Julia Fakhiri
- Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chiara Krämer
- Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ellen Wiedtke
- Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | | | - Federico Mingozzi
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Oliver J. Müller
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Innere Medizin III, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marinee K. Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Ana Buj-Bello
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has a single-stranded DNA genome encapsidated in a small icosahedrally symmetric protein shell with 60 subunits. AAV is the leading delivery vector in emerging gene therapy treatments for inherited disorders, so its structure and molecular interactions with human hosts are of intense interest. A wide array of electron microscopic approaches have been used to visualize the virus and its complexes, depending on the scientific question, technology available, and amenability of the sample. Approaches range from subvolume tomographic analyses of complexes with large and flexible host proteins to detailed analysis of atomic interactions within the virus and with small ligands at resolutions as high as 1.6 Å. Analyses have led to the reclassification of glycan receptors as attachment factors, to structures with a new-found receptor protein, to identification of the epitopes of antibodies, and a new understanding of possible neutralization mechanisms. AAV is now well-enough characterized that it has also become a model system for EM methods development. Heralding a new era, cryo-EM is now also being deployed as an analytic tool in the process development and production quality control of high value pharmaceutical biologics, namely AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott
M. Stagg
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
- Institute
of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Craig Yoshioka
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health
& Science University, Portland Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Omar Davulcu
- Environmental
Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory, 3335 Innovation Boulevard, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Michael S. Chapman
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
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19
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Smith LJ, Schulman LA, Smith S, Van Lieshout L, Barnes CM, Behmoiras L, Scarpitti M, Kivaa M, Duong KL, Benard LO, Ellsworth JL, Avila N, Faulkner D, Hayes A, Lotterhand J, Rivas JI, Sengooba AV, Tzianabos A, Seymour AB, Francone OL. Natural variations in AAVHSC16 significantly reduce liver tropism and maintain broad distribution to periphery and CNS. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:224-238. [PMID: 35859693 PMCID: PMC9287613 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses derived from human hematopoietic stem cells (AAVHSCs) are naturally occurring AAVs. Fifteen AAVHSCs have demonstrated broad biodistribution while displaying differences in transduction. We examine the structure-function relationships of these natural amino acid variations on cellular binding. We demonstrate that AAVHSC16 is the only AAVHSC that does not preferentially bind to terminal galactose. AAVHSC16 contains two unique amino acids, 501I and 706C, compared with other AAVHSCs. Through mutagenesis, we determined that residue 501 contributes to the lack of galactose binding. Structural analysis revealed that residue 501 is in proximity to the galactose binding pocket, hence confirming its functional role in galactose binding. Biodistribution analysis of AAVHSC16 indicated significantly less liver tropism in mice and non-human primates compared with other clade F members, likely associated with overall binding differences observed in vitro. AAVHSC16 maintained robust tropism to other key tissues in the peripheral and central nervous systems after intravenous injection, including to the brain, heart, and gastrocnemius. Importantly, AAVHSC16 did not induce elevated liver enzyme levels in non-human primates after intravenous injection at high doses. The unique glycan binding and tropism of AAVHSC16 makes this naturally occurring capsid an attractive candidate for therapies requiring less liver tropism while maintaining broad biodistribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Smith
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | | | - Samantha Smith
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | | | - Carmen M Barnes
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Liana Behmoiras
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Meghan Scarpitti
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Monicah Kivaa
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Khanh L Duong
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Ludo O Benard
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Jeff L Ellsworth
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Nancy Avila
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Deiby Faulkner
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - April Hayes
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Jason Lotterhand
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | | | | | - Alec Tzianabos
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Albert B Seymour
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Omar L Francone
- Homology Medicines, Inc., 1 Patriots Park, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
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20
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Xu G, Zhang R, Li H, Yin K, Ma X, Lou Z. Structural basis for the neurotropic AAV9 and the engineered AAVPHP.eB recognition with cellular receptors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:52-60. [PMID: 35755945 PMCID: PMC9198364 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Clade F adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9 has been utilized as therapeutic gene delivery vector, and it is capable of crossing blood brain barrier (BBB). Recently, an AAV9-based engineering serotype AAVPHP.eB with enhanced BBB crossing ability further expanded clade F AAVs' usages in the murine central nervous system (CNS) gene delivery. In this study, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the AAVPHP.eB and its parental serotype AAV9 in native form or in complex with their essential receptor AAV receptor (AAVR). These structures reveal the molecular details of their AAVR recognition, where the polycystic kidney disease repeat domain 2 (PKD2) of AAVR interacts with AAV9 and AAVPHP.eB virions at the 3-fold protrusions and the raised capsid regions between the 2- and 5-fold axes, termed the 2/5-fold wall. The interacting patterns of AAVR to AAV9 and AAVPHP.eB are similar to what was observed in AAV1/AAV2-AAVR complexes. Moreover, we found that the AAVPHP.eB variable region VIII (VR-VIII) may independently facilitate the new receptor recognition responsible for enhanced CNS transduction. Our study provides insights into the recognition principles of multiple receptors for engineered AAVPHP.eB and parental serotype AAV9, and further reveal the potential molecular basis underlying their different tropisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxue Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Corresponding author Guangxue Xu, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ran Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huapeng Li
- PackGene Biotech, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaixin Yin
- International School of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Ma
- Beijing No.8 High School, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Lou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Corresponding author Zhiyong Lou, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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21
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Nakahama R, Saito A, Nobe S, Togashi K, Suzuki IK, Uematsu A, Emoto K. The tyrosine capsid mutations on retrograde adeno-associated virus accelerates gene transduction efficiency. Mol Brain 2022; 15:70. [PMID: 35941689 PMCID: PMC9358834 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector is a critical tool for gene delivery through its durable transgene expression and safety profile. Among many serotypes, AAV2-retro is typically utilized for dissecting neural circuits with its retrograde functionality. However, this vector requires a relatively long-term incubation period (over 2 weeks) to obtain enough gene expression levels presumably due to low efficiency in gene transduction. Here, we aimed to enhance transgene expression efficiency of AAV2-retro vectors by substituting multiple tyrosine residues with phenylalanines (YF mutations) in the virus capsid, which is previously reported to improve the transduction efficiency of AAV2-infected cells by evading host cell responses. We found that AAV2-retro with YF mutations (AAV2-retroYF)-mediated transgene expression was significantly enhanced in the primary culture of murine cortical neurons at 1 week after application, comparable to that of the conventional AAV2-retro at 2 week after application. Moreover, transgene expressions in the retrogradely labeled neurons mediated by AAV2-retroYF were significantly increased both in the cortico-cortical circuits and in the subcortical circuits in vivo, while the retrograde functionality of AAV2-retroYF was equally effective as that of AAV2-retro. Our data indicate that YF mutations boost AAV2-retro-mediated retrograde gene transduction in vivo and suggest that the AAV2-retroYF should be useful for efficient targeting of the projection-defined neurons, which is suited to applications for dissecting neural circuits during development as well as future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Nakahama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Aika Saito
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sensho Nobe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuya Togashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ikuo K Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Akira Uematsu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Kazuo Emoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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22
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Gupta M. Parvovirus Vectors: The Future of Gene Therapy. Vet Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.105085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique diversity of parvoviral vectors with innate antioncogenic properties, autonomous replication, ease of recombinant vector production and stable transgene expression in target cells makes them an attractive choice as viral vectors for gene therapy protocols. Amongst various parvoviruses that have been identified so far, recombinant vectors originating from adeno-associated virus, minute virus of mice (MVM), LuIII and parvovirus H1 have shown promising results in many preclinical models of human diseases including cancer. The adeno-associated virus (AAV), a non-pathogenic human parvovirus, has gained attention as a potentially useful vector. The improved understanding of the metabolism of vector genomes and the mechanism of transduction by AAV vectors is leading to advancement in the development of more sophisticated AAV vectors. The in-depth studies of AAV vector biology is opening avenues for more robust design of AAV vectors that have potentially increased transduction efficiency, increased specificity in cellular targeting, and an increased payload capacity. This chapter gives an overview of the application of autonomous parvoviral vectors and AAV vectors, based on our current understanding of viral biology and the state of the platform.
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23
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Bauer A, Puglisi M, Nagl D, Schick JA, Werner T, Klingl A, El Andari J, Hornung V, Kessler H, Götz M, Grimm D, Brack‐Werner R. Molecular Signature of Astrocytes for Gene Delivery by the Synthetic Adeno-Associated Viral Vector rAAV9P1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104979. [PMID: 35398994 PMCID: PMC9165502 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have crucial functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and are major players in many CNS diseases. Research on astrocyte-centered diseases requires efficient and well-characterized gene transfer vectors. Vectors derived from the Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) target astrocytes in the brains of rodents and nonhuman primates. A recombinant (r) synthetic peptide-displaying AAV9 variant, rAAV9P1, that efficiently and selectively transduces cultured human astrocytes, has been described previously. Here, it is shown that rAAV9P1 retains astrocyte-targeting properties upon intravenous injection in mice. Detailed analysis of putative receptors on human astrocytes shows that rAAV9P1 utilizes integrin subunits αv, β8, and either β3 or β5 as well as the AAV receptor AAVR. This receptor pattern is distinct from that of vectors derived from wildtype AAV2 or AAV9. Furthermore, a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide knockout screening revealed the involvement of several astrocyte-associated intracellular signaling pathways in the transduction of human astrocytes by rAAV9P1. This study delineates the unique receptor and intracellular pathway signatures utilized by rAAV9P1 for targeting human astrocytes. These results enhance the understanding of the transduction biology of synthetic rAAV vectors for astrocytes and can promote the development of advanced astrocyte-selective gene delivery vehicles for research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Bauer
- Institute of VirologyHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
| | - Matteo Puglisi
- Physiological GenomicsBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell ResearchHelmholtz Center MunichBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
| | - Dennis Nagl
- Gene Center and Department of BiochemistryLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunich81377Germany
| | - Joel A Schick
- Institute of Molecular Toxicology and PharmacologyGenetics and Cellular Engineering GroupHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics & Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Plant Development and Electron MicroscopyDepartment Biology IBiocenterLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
| | - Jihad El Andari
- BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- Department of Infectious DiseasesVirologyMedical FacultyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
| | - Veit Hornung
- Gene Center and Department of BiochemistryLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunich81377Germany
| | - Horst Kessler
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM)Department ChemieTechnische Universität MünchenGarching85748Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological GenomicsBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Institute for Stem Cell ResearchHelmholtz Center MunichBiomedical Center (BMC)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
- Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY)Munich81377Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- BioQuant Center and Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks at Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- Department of Infectious DiseasesVirologyMedical FacultyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelberg69120Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partner site HeidelbergHeidelberg69120Germany
| | - Ruth Brack‐Werner
- Institute of VirologyHelmholtz Center MunichNeuherberg85764Germany
- Department of Biology IILudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)Planegg‐Martinsried82152Germany
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24
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Bozoglu T, Lee S, Ziegler T, Jurisch V, Maas S, Baehr A, Hinkel R, Hoenig A, Hariharan A, Kim CI, Decker S, Sami H, Koppara T, Oellinger R, Müller OJ, Frank D, Megens R, Nelson P, Weber C, Schnieke A, Sperandio M, Santamaria G, Rad R, Moretti A, Laugwitz K, Soehnlein O, Ogris M, Kupatt C. Endothelial Retargeting of AAV9 In Vivo. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103867. [PMID: 35023328 PMCID: PMC8895123 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are frequently used for gene transfer and gene editing in vivo, except for endothelial cells, which are remarkably resistant to unmodified AAV-transduction. AAVs are retargeted here toward endothelial cells by coating with second-generation polyamidoamine dendrimers (G2) linked to endothelial-affine peptides (CNN). G2CNN AAV9-Cre (encoding Cre recombinase) are injected into mTmG-mice or mTmG-pigs, cell-specifically converting red to green fluorescence upon Cre-activity. Three endothelial-specific functions are assessed: in vivo quantification of adherent leukocytes after systemic injection of - G2CNN AAV9 encoding 1) an artificial adhesion molecule (S1FG) in wildtype mice (day 10) or 2) anti-inflammatory Annexin A1 (Anxa1) in ApoE-/- mice (day 28). Moreover, 3) in Cas9-transgenic mice, blood pressure is monitored till day 56 after systemic application of G2CNN AAV9-gRNAs, targeting exons 6-10 of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), a vasodilatory enzyme. G2CNN AAV9-Cre transduces microvascular endothelial cells in mTmG-mice or mTmG-pigs. Functionally, G2CNN AAV9-S1FG mediates S1FG-leukocyte adhesion, whereas G2CNN AAV9-Anxa1-application reduces long-term leukocyte recruitment. Moreover, blood pressure increases in Cas9-expressing mice subjected to G2CNN AAV9-gRNAeNOS . Therefore, G2CNN AAV9 may enable gene transfer in vascular and atherosclerosis models.
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25
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Bennett A, Hull J, Jolinon N, Tordo J, Moss K, Binns E, Mietzsch M, Hagemann C, Linden RM, Serio A, Chipman P, Sousa D, Broecker F, Seeberger P, Henckaerts E, McKenna R, Agbandje-McKenna M. Comparative structural, biophysical, and receptor binding study of true type and wild type AAV2. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107795. [PMID: 34509611 PMCID: PMC9918372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are utilized as gene transfer vectors in the treatment of monogenic disorders. A variant, rationally engineered based on natural AAV2 isolates, designated AAV-True Type (AAV-TT), is highly neurotropic compared to wild type AAV2 in vivo, and vectors based on it, are currently being evaluated for central nervous system applications. AAV-TT differs from AAV2 by 14 amino acids, including R585S and R588T, two residues previously shown to be essential for heparan sulfate binding of AAV2. The capsid structures of AAV-TT and AAV2 visualized by cryo-electron microscopy at 3.4 and 3.0 Å resolution, respectively, highlighted structural perturbations at specific amino acid differences. Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) performed at different pH conditions demonstrated that the melting temperature (Tm) of AAV2 was consistently ∼5 °C lower than AAV-TT, but both showed maximal stability at pH 5.5, corresponding to the pH in the late endosome, proposed as required for VP1u externalization to facilitate endosomal escape. Reintroduction of arginines at positions 585 and 588 in AAV-TT caused a reduction in Tm, demonstrating that the lack of basic amino acids at these positions are associated with capsid stability. These results provide structural and thermal annotation of AAV2/AAV-TT residue differences, that account for divergent cell binding, transduction, antigenic reactivity, and transduction of permissive tissues between the two viruses. Specifically, these data indicate that AAV-TT may not utilize a glycan receptor mediated pathway to enter cells and may have lower antigenic properties as compared to AAV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonette Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Joshua Hull
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nelly Jolinon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | | | - Katie Moss
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Enswert Binns
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Mario Mietzsch
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cathleen Hagemann
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE19RT, UK; The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | - Andrea Serio
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE19RT, UK; The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paul Chipman
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Duncan Sousa
- Biological Science Imaging Resource, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, 89 Chieftan Way Rm 119, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Felix Broecker
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Peter Seeberger
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Els Henckaerts
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Laboratory of Viral Cell Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Robert McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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26
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Mietzsch M, Yu JC, Hsi J, Chipman P, Broecker F, Fuming Z, Linhardt RJ, Seeberger PH, Heilbronn R, McKenna R, Agbandje-McKenna M. Structural Study of Aavrh.10 Receptor and Antibody Interactions. J Virol 2021; 95:e0124921. [PMID: 34549984 PMCID: PMC8577363 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01249-21] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are one of the leading tools for the delivery of therapeutic genes in human gene therapy applications. For a successful transfer of their payload, the AAV vectors have to circumvent potential preexisting neutralizing host antibodies and bind to the receptors of the target cells. Both of these aspects have not been structurally analyzed for AAVrh.10. Here, cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction were used to map the binding site of sulfated N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc; previously shown to bind AAVrh.10) and a series of four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). LacNAc was found to bind to a pocket located on the side of the 3-fold capsid protrusion that is mostly conserved to AAV9 and equivalent to its galactose-binding site. As a result, AAVrh.10 was also shown to be able to bind to cell surface glycans with terminal galactose. For the antigenic characterization, it was observed that several anti-AAV8 MAbs cross-react with AAVrh.10. The binding sites of these antibodies were mapped to the 3-fold capsid protrusions. Based on these observations, the AAVrh.10 capsid surface was engineered to create variant capsids that escape these antibodies while maintaining infectivity. IMPORTANCE Gene therapy vectors based on adeno-associated virus rhesus isolate 10 (AAVrh.10) have been used in several clinical trials to treat monogenetic diseases. However, compared to other AAV serotypes little is known about receptor binding and antigenicity of the AAVrh.10 capsid. Particularly, preexisting neutralizing antibodies against capsids are an important challenge that can hamper treatment efficiency. This study addresses both topics and identifies critical regions of the AAVrh.10 capsid for receptor and antibody binding. The insights gained were utilized to generate AAVrh.10 variants capable of evading known neutralizing antibodies. The findings of this study could further aid the utilization of AAVrh.10 vectors in clinical trials and help the approval of the subsequent biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mietzsch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jane Hsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Paul Chipman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Felix Broecker
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zhang Fuming
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Robert J. Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Peter H. Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regine Heilbronn
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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27
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Fischell JM, Fishman PS. A Multifaceted Approach to Optimizing AAV Delivery to the Brain for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:747726. [PMID: 34630029 PMCID: PMC8497810 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.747726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major advancements in gene therapy technologies, there are no approved gene therapies for diseases which predominantly effect the brain. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as the most effective delivery vector for gene therapy owing to their simplicity, wide spread transduction and low immunogenicity. Unfortunately, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes IV delivery of AAVs, to the brain highly inefficient. At IV doses capable of widespread expression in the brain, there is a significant risk of severe immune-mediated toxicity. Direct intracerebral injection of vectors is being attempted. However, this method is invasive, and only provides localized delivery for diseases known to afflict the brain globally. More advanced methods for AAV delivery will likely be required for safe and effective gene therapy to the brain. Each step in AAV delivery, including delivery route, BBB transduction, cellular tropism and transgene expression provide opportunities for innovative solutions to optimize delivery efficiency. Intra-arterial delivery with mannitol, focused ultrasound, optimized AAV capsid evolution with machine learning algorithms, synthetic promotors are all examples of advanced strategies which have been developed in pre-clinical models, yet none are being investigated in clinical trials. This manuscript seeks to review these technological advancements, and others, to improve AAV delivery to the brain, and to propose novel strategies to build upon this research. Ultimately, it is hoped that the optimization of AAV delivery will allow for the human translation of many gene therapies for neurodegenerative and other neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Fischell
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paul S Fishman
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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28
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Wang Q, Nambiar K, Wilson JM. Isolating Natural Adeno-Associated Viruses from Primate Tissues with a High-Fidelity Polymerase. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1439-1449. [PMID: 34448594 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are advantageous as gene-transfer vectors due to their favorable biological and safety characteristics, with discovering novel AAV variants being key to improving this treatment platform. To date, researchers have isolated over 200 AAVs from natural sources using PCR-based methods. We compared two modern DNA polymerases and their utility for isolating and amplifying the AAV genome. Compared to the HotStar polymerase, the higher-fidelity Q5 Hot Start High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase provided more precise and accurate amplification of the input AAV sequences. The lower-fidelity HotStar DNA polymerase introduced mutations during the isolation and amplification processes, thus generating multiple mutant capsids with variable bioactivity compared to the input AAV gene. The Q5 polymerase enabled the successful discovery of novel AAV capsid sequences from human and nonhuman primate tissue sources. Novel AAV sequences from these sources showed evidence of positive evolutionary selection. This study highlights the importance of using the highest fidelity DNA polymerases available to accurately isolate and characterize AAV genomes from natural sources to ultimately develop more effective gene therapy vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kalyani Nambiar
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Pietersz KL, Plessis FD, Pouw SM, Liefhebber JM, van Deventer SJ, Martens GJM, Konstantinova PS, Blits B. PhP.B Enhanced Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated-Expression Following Systemic Delivery or Direct Brain Administration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:679483. [PMID: 34414171 PMCID: PMC8370029 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.679483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), AAV9 is known for its capability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and can, therefore, be used as a noninvasive method to target the central nervous system. Furthermore, the addition of the peptide PhP.B to AAV9 increases its transduction across the BBB by 40-fold. Another neurotropic serotype, AAV5, has been shown as a gene therapeutic delivery vehicle to ameliorate several neurodegenerative diseases in preclinical models, but its administration requires invasive surgery. In this study, AAV9-PhP.B and AAV5-PhP.B were designed and produced in an insect cell–based system. To AAV9, the PhP.B peptide TLAVPFK was added, whereas in AAV5-PhP.B (AQTLAVPFKAQAQ), with AQ-AQAQ sequences used to swap with the corresponding sequence of AAV5. The addition of PhP.B to AAV5 did not affect its capacity to cross the mouse BBB, while increased transduction of liver tissue was observed. Then, intravenous (IV) and intrastriatal (IStr) delivery of AAV9-PhP.B and AAV5 were compared. For AAV9-PhP.B, similar transduction and expression levels were achieved in the striatum and cortex, irrespective of the delivery method used. IStr administration of AAV5 resulted in significantly higher amounts of vector DNA and therapeutic miRNA in the target regions such as striatum and cortex when compared with an IV administration of AAV9-PhP.B. These results illustrate the challenge in developing a vector that can be delivered noninvasively while achieving a transduction level similar to that of direct administration of AAV5. Thus, for therapeutic miRNA delivery with high local expression requirements, intraparenchymal delivery of AAV5 is preferred, whereas a humanized AAV9-PhP.B may be useful when widespread brain (and peripheral) transduction is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L Pietersz
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Francois Du Plessis
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stephan M Pouw
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M Liefhebber
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gerard J M Martens
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Bas Blits
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
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30
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Abstract
One approach to improve the utility of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy is to engineer the AAV capsid to 1) overcome poor transport through tissue barriers and 2) redirect the broadly tropic AAV to disease-relevant cell types. Peptide- or protein-domain insertions into AAV surface loops can achieve both engineering goals by introducing a new interaction surface on the AAV capsid. However, we understand little about the impact of insertions on capsid structure and the extent to which engineered inserts depend on a specific capsid context to function. Here, we examine insert-capsid interactions for the engineered variant AAV9-PHP.B. The 7-amino-acid peptide insert in AAV9-PHP.B facilitates transport across the murine blood-brain barrier via binding to the receptor Ly6a. When transferred to AAV1, the engineered peptide does not bind Ly6a. Comparative structural analysis of AAV1-PHP.B and AAV9-PHP.B revealed that the inserted 7-amino-acid loop is highly flexible and has remarkably little impact on the surrounding capsid conformation. Our work demonstrates that Ly6a binding requires interactions with both the PHP.B peptide and specific residues from the AAV9 HVR VIII region. An AAV1-based vector that incorporates a larger region of AAV9-PHP.B-including the 7-amino-acid loop and adjacent HVR VIII amino acids-can bind to Ly6a and localize to brain tissue. However, unlike AAV9-PHP.B, this AAV1-based vector does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Here we discuss the implications for AAV capsid engineering and the transfer of engineered activities between serotypes. Importance Targeting AAV vectors to specific cellular receptors is a promising strategy for enhancing expression in target cells or tissues while reducing off-target transgene expression. The AAV9-PHP.B/Ly6a interaction provides a model system with a robust biological readout that can be interrogated to better understand the biology of AAV vectors' interactions with target receptors. In this work, we analyzed the sequence and structural features required to successfully transfer the Ly6a receptor-binding epitope from AAV9-PHP.B to another capsid of clinical interest: AAV1. We found that AAV1- and AAV9-based vectors targeted to the same receptor exhibited different brain-transduction profiles. Our work suggests that, in addition to attachment-receptor binding, the capsid context in which this binding occurs is important for a vector's performance.
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31
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AAV9 Structural Rearrangements Induced by Endosomal Trafficking pH and Glycan Attachment. J Virol 2021; 95:e0084321. [PMID: 34260280 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00843-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are small non-enveloped ssDNA viruses, that are currently being developed as gene therapy biologics. After cell entry, AAVs traffic to the nucleus using the endo-lysosomal pathway. The subsequent decrease in pH triggers conformational changes to the capsid that enables the externalization of the capsid protein (VP) N-termini, including the unique domain of the minor capsid protein VP1 (VP1u), which permits phospholipase activity required for the capsid lysosomal egress. Here, we report the AAV9 capsid structure, determined at the endosomal pHs (7.4, 6.0, 5.5, and 4.0) and terminal galactose-bound AAV9 capsids at pHs 7.4 and 5.5 using cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction. Taken together these studies provide insight into AAV9 capsid conformational changes at the 5-fold pore during endosomal trafficking, both in the presence and absence of its cellular glycan receptor. We visualized, for the first time, that acidification induces the externalization of the VP3 and possibly VP2 N-termini, presumably in prelude to the externalization of VP1u at pH 4.0, that is essential for lysosomal membrane disruption. In addition, the structural study of AAV9-galactose interactions demonstrates AAV9 remains attached to its glycan receptor at the late endosome pH 5.5. This interaction significantly alters the conformational stability of the variable region I of the VPs, as well as the dynamics associated with VP N-terminus externalization. Importance There are 13 distinct Adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes that are structurally homologous and whose capsid proteins (VP1-3) are similar in amino acid sequence. However, AAV9 is one of the most commonly studied and used as gene therapy vector. This is part because, AAV9 is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier as well as readily transduces a wide array of tissues, including the central nervous system. In this study we provide AAV9 capsid structural insight during intracellular trafficking. Although the AAV capsid has been shown to externalize the N-termini of its VPs, to enzymatically disrupt the lysosome membrane at low pH, there was no structural evidence to confirm this. By utilizing AAV9 as our model, we provide the first structural evidence that the externalization process occurs at the protein interface at the icosahedral 5-fold symmetry axis and can be triggered by lowering pH.
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32
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Large EE, Silveria MA, Zane GM, Weerakoon O, Chapman MS. Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Gene Delivery: Dissecting Molecular Interactions upon Cell Entry. Viruses 2021; 13:1336. [PMID: 34372542 PMCID: PMC8310307 DOI: 10.3390/v13071336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gene therapy has advanced from twentieth-century conception to twenty-first-century reality. The recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) is a major gene therapy vector. Research continues to improve rAAV safety and efficacy using a variety of AAV capsid modification strategies. Significant factors influencing rAAV transduction efficiency include neutralizing antibodies, attachment factor interactions and receptor binding. Advances in understanding the molecular interactions during rAAV cell entry combined with improved capsid modulation strategies will help guide the design and engineering of safer and more efficient rAAV gene therapy vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael S. Chapman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (E.E.L.); (M.A.S.); (G.M.Z.); (O.W.)
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33
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Delivery of Genetic Information: Viral Vector and Nonviral Vector Gene Therapies. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:35-57. [PMID: 34196317 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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34
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Knockout of the CMP-Sialic Acid Transporter SLC35A1 in Human Cell Lines Increases Transduction Efficiency of Adeno-Associated Virus 9: Implications for Gene Therapy Potency Assays. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051259. [PMID: 34069698 PMCID: PMC8160606 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have emerged as an important tool for gene therapy for human diseases. A prerequisite for clinical approval is an in vitro potency assay that can measure the transduction efficiency of each virus lot produced. The AAV serotypes are typical for gene therapy bind to different cell surface structures. The binding of AAV9 on the surface is mediated by terminal galactose residues present in the asparagine-linked carbohydrates in glycoproteins. However, such terminal galactose residues are rare in cultured cells. They are masked by sialic acid residues, which is an obstacle for the infection of many cell lines with AAV9 and the respective potency assays. The sialic acid residues can be removed by enzymatic digestion or chemical treatment. Still, such treatments are not practical for AAV9 potency assays since they may be difficult to standardize. In this study, we generated human cell lines (HEK293T and HeLa) that become permissive for AAV9 transduction after a knockout of the CMP–sialic acid transporter SLC35A1. Using the human aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA) gene, we show that these cell lines can be used as a model system for establishing potency assays for AAV9-based gene therapy approaches for human diseases.
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35
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Wagner HJ, Weber W, Fussenegger M. Synthetic Biology: Emerging Concepts to Design and Advance Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004018. [PMID: 33977059 PMCID: PMC8097373 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Three recent approvals and over 100 ongoing clinical trials make adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors the leading gene delivery vehicles in gene therapy. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in this small and nonpathogenic gene shuttle to increase the therapeutic portfolios within the coming years. This prospect of marking a new era in gene therapy has fostered both investigations of the fundamental AAV biology as well as engineering studies to enhance delivery vehicles. Driven by the high clinical potential, a new generation of synthetic-biologically engineered AAV vectors is on the rise. Concepts from synthetic biology enable the control and fine-tuning of vector function at different stages of cellular transduction and gene expression. It is anticipated that the emerging field of synthetic-biologically engineered AAV vectors can shape future gene therapeutic approaches and thus the design of tomorrow's gene delivery vectors. This review describes and discusses the recent trends in capsid and vector genome engineering, with particular emphasis on synthetic-biological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J. Wagner
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichMattenstrasse 26Basel4058Switzerland
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1Freiburg79104Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 18Freiburg79104Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1Freiburg79104Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 18Freiburg79104Germany
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichMattenstrasse 26Basel4058Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 50Basel4056Switzerland
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36
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Srivastava A, Mallela KMG, Deorkar N, Brophy G. Manufacturing Challenges and Rational Formulation Development for AAV Viral Vectors. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:2609-2624. [PMID: 33812887 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a leading platform for gene delivery for treating various diseases due to its excellent safety profile and efficient transduction to various target tissues. However, the large-scale production and long-term storage of viral vectors is not efficient resulting in lower yields, moderate purity, and shorter shelf-life compared to recombinant protein therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of upstream, downstream and formulation unit operation challenges encountered during AAV vector manufacturing, and discusses how desired product quality attributes can be maintained throughout product shelf-life by understanding the degradation mechanisms and formulation strategies. The mechanisms of various physical and chemical instabilities that the viral vector may encounter during its production and shelf-life because of various stressed conditions such as thermal, shear, freeze-thaw, and light exposure are highlighted. The role of buffer, pH, excipients, and impurities on the stability of viral vectors is also discussed. As such, the aim of this review is to outline the tools and a potential roadmap for improving the quality of AAV-based drug products by stressing the need for a mechanistic understanding of the involved processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Srivastava
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States.
| | - Krishna M G Mallela
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, MS C238-V20, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
| | - Nandkumar Deorkar
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
| | - Ger Brophy
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
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37
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Abstract
Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) and HBoV2-4 infect children and immunocompromised individuals, resulting in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, respectively. Using cryo-electron microscopy and image reconstruction, the HBoV2 capsid structure was determined to 2.7 Å resolution at pH 7.4 and compared to the previously determined HBoV1, HBoV3, and HBoV4 structures. Consistent with previous findings, surface variable region (VR) III of the capsid protein VP3, proposed as a host tissue-tropism determinant, was structurally similar among the gastrointestinal strains HBoV2-4, but differed from HBoV1 with its tropism for the respiratory tract. Towards understanding the entry and trafficking properties of these viruses, HBoV1 and HBoV2 were further analyzed as species representatives of the two HBoV tropisms. Their cell surface glycan-binding characteristics were analyzed, and capsid structures determined to 2.5-2.7 Å resolution at pH 5.5 and 2.6, conditions normally encountered during infection. The data showed that glycans with terminal sialic acid, galactose, GlcNAc or heparan sulfate moieties do not facilitate HBoV1 or HBoV2 cellular attachment. With respect to trafficking, conformational changes common to both viruses were observed at low pH conditions localized to the VP N-terminus under the 5-fold channel, in the surface loops VR-I and VR-V and specific side-chain residues such as cysteines and histidines. The 5-fold conformational movements provide insight into the potential mechanism of VP N-terminal dynamics during HBoV infection and side-chain modifications highlight pH-sensitive regions of the capsid.IMPORTANCE Human bocaviruses (HBoVs) are associated with disease in humans. However, the lack of an animal model and a versatile cell culture system to study their life cycle limits the ability to develop specific treatments or vaccines. This study presents the structure of HBoV2, at 2.7 Å resolution, determined for comparison to the existing HBoV1, HBoV3, and HBoV4 structures, to enable the molecular characterization of strain and genus-specific capsid features contributing to tissue tropism and antigenicity. Furthermore, HBoV1 and HBoV2 structures determined under acidic conditions provide insight into capsid changes associated with endosomal and gastrointestinal acidification. Structural rearrangements of the capsid VP N-terminus, at the base of the 5-fold channel, demonstrate a disordering of a "basket" motif as pH decreases. These observations begin to unravel the molecular mechanism of HBoV infection and provide information for control strategies.
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38
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Chatterjee D, Marmion DJ, McBride JL, Manfredsson FP, Butler D, Messer A, Kordower JH. Enhanced CNS transduction from AAV.PHP.eB infusion into the cisterna magna of older adult rats compared to AAV9. Gene Ther 2021; 29:390-397. [PMID: 33753910 PMCID: PMC9203269 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The development of high efficiency, central nervous system (CNS) targeting AAV-based gene therapies is necessary to address challenges in both pre-clinical and clinical investigations. The engineered capsids, AAV.PHP.B and AAV.PHP.eB, show vastly improved blood-brain barrier penetration compared to their parent serotype, AAV9, but with variable effect depending on animal system, strain, and delivery route. As most characterizations of AAV.PHP variants have been performed in mice, it is currently unknown whether AAV.PHP variants improve CNS targeting when delivered intrathecally in rats. We evaluated the comparative transduction efficiencies of equititer doses (6 × 1011vg) of AAV.PHP.eB-CAG-GFP and AAV9-CAG-GFP when delivered into the cisterna magna of 6–9-month old rats. Using both quantitative and qualitative assessments, we observed consistently superior biodistribution of GFP+ cells and fibers in animals treated with AAV.PHP.eB compared to those treated with AAV9. Enhanced GFP signal was uniformly observed throughout rostrocaudal brain regions in AAV.PHP.eB-treated animals with matching GFP protein expression detected in the forebrain, midbrain, and cerebellum. Collectively, these data illustrate the benefit of intracisternal infusions of AAV.PHP.eB as an optimal system to distribute CNS gene therapies in preclinical investigations of rats, and may have important translational implications for the clinical CNS targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diptaman Chatterjee
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David J Marmion
- Parkinson's Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jodi L McBride
- Divison of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton; Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience and Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Parkinson's Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - David Butler
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, Rensselaer; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Anne Messer
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, Rensselaer; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. .,ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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39
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Chowdhury EA, Meno-Tetang G, Chang HY, Wu S, Huang HW, Jamier T, Chandran J, Shah DK. Current progress and limitations of AAV mediated delivery of protein therapeutic genes and the importance of developing quantitative pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:214-237. [PMID: 33486008 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While protein therapeutics are one of the most successful class of drug molecules, they are expensive and not suited for treating chronic disorders that require long-term dosing. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated in vivo gene therapy represents a viable alternative, which can deliver the genes of protein therapeutics to produce long-term expression of proteins in target tissues. Ongoing clinical trials and recent regulatory approvals demonstrate great interest in these therapeutics, however, there is a lack of understanding regarding their cellular disposition, whole-body disposition, dose-exposure relationship, exposure-response relationship, and how product quality and immunogenicity affects these important properties. In addition, there is a lack of quantitative studies to support the development of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models, which can support the discovery, development, and clinical translation of this delivery system. In this review, we have provided a state-of-the-art overview of current progress and limitations related to AAV mediated delivery of protein therapeutic genes, along with our perspective on the steps that need to be taken to improve clinical translation of this therapeutic modality.
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40
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Rasmussen SA, Daenzer JM, Fridovich-Keil JL. A pilot study of neonatal GALT gene replacement using AAV9 dramatically lowers galactose metabolites in blood, liver, and brain and minimizes cataracts in GALT-null rat pups. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:272-281. [PMID: 32882063 PMCID: PMC7855732 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Classic galactosemia (CG) is a rare metabolic disorder that results from profound deficiency of galactose-1-P uridylyltransferase (GALT). Despite early detection by newborn screening and rapid and lifelong dietary restriction of galactose, which is the current standard of care, most patients grow to experience a broad constellation of long-term complications. The mechanisms underlying these complications remain unclear and likely differ by tissue. Here we conducted a pilot study testing the safety and efficacy of GALT gene replacement using our recently-described GALT-null rat model for CG. Specifically, we administered AAV9.CMV.HA-hGALT to seven GALT-null rat pups via tail vein injection on day 3 of life; eight GALT-null pups injected with PBS served as the negative control, and four GALT+ heterozygous pups injected with PBS served as the positive control. All pups were returned to their nursing mothers, weighed daily, and euthanized for tissue collection 2 weeks later. Among the AAV9-injected pups in this study, we achieved GALT levels in liver ranging from 64% to 595% wild-type, and in brain ranging from 3% to 42% wild-type. In liver, brain, and blood samples from these animals we also saw a striking drop in galactose, galactitol, and gal-1P. Finally, all treated GALT-null pups showed dramatic improvement in cataracts relative to their mock-treated counterparts. Combined, these results demonstrate that GALT restoration in both liver and brain of GALT-null rats by neonatal tail vein administration using AAV9 is not only attainable but effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna A. Rasmussen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Jennifer M.I. Daenzer
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Judith L. Fridovich-Keil
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Atlanta, GA USA
- Correspondence to: Judith L Fridovich-Keil, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Rm. 325.2 Whitehead Bldg., 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322 TEL 404-727-3924, FAX 404-727-3949,
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41
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Yoon SY, Hunter JE, Chawla S, Clarke DL, Molony C, O'Donnell PA, Bagel JH, Kumar M, Poptani H, Vite CH, Wolfe JH. Global CNS correction in a large brain model of human alpha-mannosidosis by intravascular gene therapy. Brain 2020; 143:2058-2072. [PMID: 32671406 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravascular injection of certain adeno-associated virus vector serotypes can cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver a gene into the CNS. However, gene distribution has been much more limited within the brains of large animals compared to rodents, rendering this approach suboptimal for treatment of the global brain lesions present in most human neurogenetic diseases. The most commonly used serotype in animal and human studies is 9, which also has the property of being transported via axonal pathways to distal neurons. A small number of other serotypes share this property, three of which were tested intravenously in mice compared to 9. Serotype hu.11 transduced fewer cells in the brain than 9, rh8 was similar to 9, but hu.32 mediated substantially greater transduction than the others throughout the mouse brain. To evaluate the potential for therapeutic application of the hu.32 serotype in a gyrencephalic brain of larger mammals, a hu.32 vector expressing the green fluorescent protein reporter gene was evaluated in the cat. Transduction was widely distributed in the cat brain, including in the cerebral cortex, an important target since mental retardation is an important component of many of the human neurogenetic diseases. The therapeutic potential of a hu.32 serotype vector was evaluated in the cat homologue of the human lysosomal storage disease alpha-mannosidosis, which has globally distributed lysosomal storage lesions in the brain. Treated alpha-mannosidosis cats had reduced severity of neurological signs and extended life spans compared to untreated cats. The extent of therapy was dose dependent and intra-arterial injection was more effective than intravenous delivery. Pre-mortem, non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging detected differences between the low and high doses, and showed normalization of grey and white matter imaging parameters at the higher dose. The imaging analysis was corroborated by post-mortem histological analysis, which showed reversal of histopathology throughout the brain with the high dose, intra-arterial treatment. The hu.32 serotype would appear to provide a significant advantage for effective treatment of the gyrencephalic brain by systemic adeno-associated virus delivery in human neurological diseases with widespread brain lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sea Young Yoon
- Research Institute of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jacqueline E Hunter
- Research Institute of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sanjeev Chawla
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Dana L Clarke
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Caitlyn Molony
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Patricia A O'Donnell
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jessica H Bagel
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Harish Poptani
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Charles H Vite
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.,W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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42
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Di Pasquale G, Perez Riveros P, Tora M, Sheikh T, Son A, Teos L, Grewe B, Swaim WD, Afione S, Zheng C, Jang SI, Shitara A, Alevizos I, Weigert R, Chiorini JA. Transduction of Salivary Gland Acinar Cells with a Novel AAV Vector 44.9. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 19:459-466. [PMID: 33294494 PMCID: PMC7689275 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The loss of salivary gland function caused by radiation therapy of the head and neck or autoimmune disease such as Sjögren's syndrome is a serious condition that affects a patient's quality of life. Due to the combined exocrine and endocrine functions of the salivary gland, gene transfer to the salivary glands holds the potential for developing therapies for disorders of the salivary gland and the expression of therapeutic proteins via the exocrine pathway to the mouth, upper gastrointestinal tract, or endocrine pathway, systemically, into the blood. Recent clinical success with viral vector-mediated gene transfer for the treatment of irradiation-induced damage to the salivary glands has highlighted the need for the development of novel vectors with acinar cell tropism able to result in stable long-term transduction. Previous studies with adeno-associated virus (AAV) focused on the submandibular gland and reported mostly ductal cell transduction. In this study, we have screened AAV vectors for acinar cell tropism in the parotid gland utilizing membrane-tomato floxed membrane-GFP transgenic mice to screen CRE recombinase encoding AAV vectors of different clades to rapidly identify capsid isolates able to transduce salivary gland acinar cells. We determined that AAVRh10 and a novel isolate found as a contaminant of a laboratory stock of simian adenovirus SV15, AAV44.9, are both able to transduce parotid and sublingual acinar cells. Persistence and localization of transduction of these AAVs were tested using vectors encoding firefly luciferase, which was detected 6 months after vector administration. Most luciferase expression was localized to the salivary gland compared to that of distal organs. Transduction resulted in robust secretion of recombinant protein in both blood and saliva. Transduction was species specific, with AAVRh10 having stronger transduction activity in rats compared with AAV44.9 or AAV2 but weaker in human primary salivary gland cells. This work demonstrates efficient transduction of parotid acinar cells by AAV that resulted in secretion of recombinant protein in both serum and saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Pasquale
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paola Perez Riveros
- Salivary Gland Biology and Disorder Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Muhibullah Tora
- Intracellular Membrane Trafficking Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tayyab Sheikh
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aran Son
- Epithelial Signaling and Transport Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Leyla Teos
- Secretory Physiology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brigitte Grewe
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - William D. Swaim
- Salivary Gland Biology and Disorder Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sandra Afione
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changyu Zheng
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shyh-Ing Jang
- Salivary Gland Biology and Disorder Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Akiko Shitara
- Intracellular Membrane Trafficking Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ilias Alevizos
- Sjögren’s Syndrome and Salivary Gland Dysfunction Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Roberto Weigert
- Intracellular Membrane Trafficking Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John A. Chiorini
- Adeno-Associated Virus Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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43
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Buscara L, Gross DA, Daniele N. Of rAAV and Men: From Genetic Neuromuscular Disorder Efficacy and Toxicity Preclinical Studies to Clinical Trials and Back. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E258. [PMID: 33260623 PMCID: PMC7768510 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are a large group of rare pathologies characterised by skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness, with the common involvement of respiratory and/or cardiac muscles. These diseases lead to life-long motor deficiencies and specific organ failures, and are, in their worst-case scenarios, life threatening. Amongst other causes, they can be genetically inherited through mutations in more than 500 different genes. In the last 20 years, specific pharmacological treatments have been approved for human usage. However, these "à-la-carte" therapies cover only a very small portion of the clinical needs and are often partially efficient in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, even less so in curing it. Recombinant adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene transfer is a more general strategy that could be adapted for a large majority of these diseases and has proved very efficient in rescuing the symptoms in many neuropathological animal models. On this solid ground, several clinical trials are currently being conducted with the whole-body delivery of the therapeutic vectors. This review recapitulates the state-of-the-art tools for neuron and muscle-targeted gene therapy, and summarises the main findings of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) trials. Despite promising efficacy results, serious adverse events of various severities were observed in these trials. Possible leads for second-generation products are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David-Alexandre Gross
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France; (L.B.); (D.-A.G.)
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
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44
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Journey to the Center of the Cell: Tracing the Path of AAV Transduction. Trends Mol Med 2020; 27:172-184. [PMID: 33071047 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies are being increasingly approved for use in humans, it is important that we understand vector-host interactions in detail. With the advances in genome-wide genetic screening tools, a clear picture of AAV-host interactions is beginning to emerge. Understanding these interactions can provide insights into the viral life cycle. Accordingly, novel strategies to circumvent the current limitations of AAV-based vectors may be explored. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the various stages in the journey of the vector from the cell surface to the nucleus and contextualize the roles of recently identified host factors.
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45
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Croci S, Carriero ML, Capitani K, Daga S, Donati F, Papa FT, Frullanti E, Lopergolo D, Lamacchia V, Tita R, Giliberti A, Benetti E, Niccheri F, Furini S, Lo Rizzo C, Conticello SG, Renieri A, Meloni I. AAV-mediated FOXG1 gene editing in human Rett primary cells. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 28:1446-1458. [PMID: 32541681 PMCID: PMC7608362 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-0652-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in the Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) gene cause FOXG1 syndrome spectrum, including the congenital variant of Rett syndrome, characterized by early onset of regression, Rett-like and jerky movements, and cortical visual impairment. Due to the largely unknown pathophysiological mechanisms downstream the impairment of this transcriptional regulator, a specific treatment is not yet available. Since both haploinsufficiency and hyper-expression of FOXG1 cause diseases in humans, we reasoned that adding a gene under nonnative regulatory sequences would be a risky strategy as opposed to a genome editing approach where the mutated gene is reversed into wild-type. Here, we demonstrate that an adeno-associated viruses (AAVs)-coupled CRISPR/Cas9 system is able to target and correct FOXG1 variants in patient-derived fibroblasts, induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived neurons. Variant-specific single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) and donor DNAs have been selected and cloned together with a mCherry/EGFP reporter system. Specific sgRNA recognition sequences were inserted upstream and downstream Cas9 CDS to allow self-cleavage and inactivation. We demonstrated that AAV serotypes vary in transduction efficiency depending on the target cell type, the best being AAV9 in fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons, and AAV2 in iPSCs. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of mCherry+/EGFP+ transfected cells demonstrated that the mutated alleles were repaired with high efficiency (20–35% reversion) and precision both in terms of allelic discrimination and off-target activity. The genome editing strategy tested in this study has proven to precisely repair FOXG1 and delivery through an AAV9-based system represents a step forward toward the development of a therapy for Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katia Capitani
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Molecular Mechanisms of Oncogenesis, ISPRO Core Research Laboratory (CRL), Firenze, Italy
| | - Sergio Daga
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Donati
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Molecular Mechanisms of Oncogenesis, ISPRO Core Research Laboratory (CRL), Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | - Diego Lopergolo
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Vittoria Lamacchia
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Tita
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Benetti
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Niccheri
- Molecular Mechanisms of Oncogenesis, ISPRO Core Research Laboratory (CRL), Firenze, Italy
| | - Simone Furini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Lo Rizzo
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. .,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy.
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46
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Cabanes-Creus M, Westhaus A, Navarro RG, Baltazar G, Zhu E, Amaya AK, Liao SHY, Scott S, Sallard E, Dilworth KL, Rybicki A, Drouyer M, Hallwirth CV, Bennett A, Santilli G, Thrasher AJ, Agbandje-McKenna M, Alexander IE, Lisowski L. Attenuation of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Binding Enhances In Vivo Transduction of Human Primary Hepatocytes with AAV2. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:1139-1154. [PMID: 32490035 PMCID: PMC7260615 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Use of the prototypical adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) capsid delivered unexpectedly modest efficacy in an early liver-targeted gene therapy trial for hemophilia B. This result is consistent with subsequent data generated in chimeric mouse-human livers showing that the AAV2 capsid transduces primary human hepatocytes in vivo with low efficiency. In contrast, novel variants generated by directed evolution in the same model, such as AAV-NP59, transduce primary human hepatocytes with high efficiency. While these empirical data have immense translational implications, the mechanisms underpinning this enhanced AAV capsid transduction performance in primary human hepatocytes are yet to be fully elucidated. Remarkably, AAV-NP59 differs from the prototypical AAV2 capsid by only 11 aa and can serve as a tool to study the correlation between capsid sequence/structure and vector function. Using two orthogonal vectorological approaches, we have determined that just 2 of the 11 changes present in AAV-NP59 (T503A and N596D) account for the enhanced transduction performance of this capsid variant in primary human hepatocytes in vivo, an effect that we have associated with attenuation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) binding affinity. In support of this hypothesis, we have identified, using directed evolution, two additional single amino acid substitution AAV2 variants, N496D and N582S, which are highly functional in vivo. Both substitution mutations reduce AAV2's affinity for HSPG. Finally, we have modulated the ability of AAV8, a highly murine-hepatotropic serotype, to interact with HSPG. The results support our hypothesis that enhanced HSPG binding can negatively affect the in vivo function of otherwise strongly hepatotropic variants and that modulation of the interaction with HSPG is critical to ensure maximum efficiency in vivo. The insights gained through this study can have powerful implications for studies into AAV biology and capsid development for preclinical and clinical applications targeting liver and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marti Cabanes-Creus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Adrian Westhaus
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Renina Gale Navarro
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Grober Baltazar
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Erhua Zhu
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Anais K Amaya
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sophia H Y Liao
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Suzanne Scott
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Erwan Sallard
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Kimberley L Dilworth
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Arkadiusz Rybicki
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Matthieu Drouyer
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Claus V Hallwirth
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Antonette Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Giorgia Santilli
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Adrian J Thrasher
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Structural Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute & The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.,Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Center, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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47
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Comparative Analysis of the Capsid Structures of AAVrh.10, AAVrh.39, and AAV8. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01769-19. [PMID: 31826994 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01769-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) from clade E are often used as vectors in gene delivery applications. This clade includes rhesus isolate 10 (AAVrh.10) and 39 (AAVrh.39) which, unlike representative AAV8, are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thereby enabling the delivery of therapeutic genes to the central nervous system. Here, the capsid structures of AAV8, AAVrh.10 and AAVrh.39 have been determined by cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction to 3.08-, 2.75-, and 3.39-Å resolution, respectively, to enable a direct structural comparison. AAVrh.10 and AAVrh.39 are 98% identical in amino acid sequence but only ∼93.5% identical to AAV8. However, the capsid structures of all three viruses are similar, with only minor differences observed in the previously described surface variable regions, suggesting that specific residues S269 and N472, absent in AAV8, may confer the ability to cross the BBB in AAVrh.10 and AAVrh.39. Head-to-head comparison of empty and genome-containing particles showed DNA ordered in the previously described nucleotide-binding pocket, supporting the suggested role of this pocket in DNA packaging for the Dependoparvovirus The structural characterization of these viruses provides a platform for future vector engineering efforts toward improved gene delivery success with respect to specific tissue targeting, transduction efficiency, antigenicity, or receptor retargeting.IMPORTANCE Recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAVs), based on AAV8 and AAVrh.10, have been utilized in multiple clinical trials to treat different monogenetic diseases. The closely related AAVrh.39 has also shown promise in vivo As recently attained for other AAV biologics, e.g., Luxturna and Zolgensma, based on AAV2 and AAV9, respectively, the vectors in this study will likely gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for commercialization in the near future. This study characterized the capsid structures of these clinical vectors at atomic resolution using cryo-electron microscopy and image reconstruction for comparative analysis. The analysis suggested two key residues, S269 and N472, as determinants of BBB crossing for AAVrh.10 and AAVrh.39, a feature utilized for central nervous system delivery of therapeutic genes. The structure information thus provides a platform for engineering to improve receptor retargeting or tissue specificity. These are important challenges in the field that need attention. Capsid structure information also provides knowledge potentially applicable for regulatory product approval.
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48
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Kaelber JT, Yost SA, Webber KA, Firlar E, Liu Y, Danos O, Mercer AC. Structure of the AAVhu.37 capsid by cryoelectron microscopy. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2020; 76:58-64. [PMID: 32039886 PMCID: PMC7010358 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x20000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are used as in vivo gene-delivery vectors in gene-therapy products and have been heavily investigated for numerous indications. Over 100 naturally occurring AAV serotypes and variants have been isolated from primate samples. Many reports have described unique properties of these variants (for instance, differences in potency, target cell or evasion of the immune response), despite high amino-acid sequence conservation. AAVhu.37 is of interest for clinical applications owing to its proficient transduction of the liver and central nervous system. The sequence identity of the AAVhu.37 VP1 to the well characterized AAVrh.10 serotype, for which no structure is available, is greater than 98%. Here, the structure of the AAVhu.37 capsid at 2.56 Å resolution obtained via single-particle cryo-electron microscopy is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T. Kaelber
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedicine and Rutgers New Jersey CryoEM/CryoET Core Facility, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Samantha A. Yost
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Keith A. Webber
- Technical Operations, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Emre Firlar
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedicine and Rutgers New Jersey CryoEM/CryoET Core Facility, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ye Liu
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Olivier Danos
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Andrew C. Mercer
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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49
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Acosta W, Cramer CL. Targeting Macromolecules to CNS and Other Hard-to-Treat Organs Using Lectin-Mediated Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030971. [PMID: 32024082 PMCID: PMC7037663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The greatest challenges for therapeutic efficacy of many macromolecular drugs that act on intracellular are delivery to key organs and tissues and delivery into cells and subcellular compartments. Transport of drugs into critical cells associated with disease, including those in organs protected by restrictive biological barriers such as central nervous system (CNS), bone, and eye remains a significant hurdle to drug efficacy and impacts commercial risk and incentives for drug development for many diseases. These limitations expose a significant need for the development of novel strategies for macromolecule delivery. RTB lectin is the non-toxic carbohydrate-binding subunit B of ricin toxin with high affinity for galactose/galactosamine-containing glycolipids and glycoproteins common on human cell surfaces. RTB mediates endocytic uptake into mammalian cells by multiple routes exploiting both adsorptive-mediated and receptor-mediated mechanisms. In vivo biodistribution studies in lysosomal storage disease models provide evidence for the theory that the RTB-lectin transports corrective doses of enzymes across the blood–brain barrier to treat CNS pathologies. These results encompass significant implications for protein-based therapeutic approaches to address lysosomal and other diseases having strong CNS involvement.
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50
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Structure comparison of the chimeric AAV2.7m8 vector with parental AAV2. J Struct Biol 2019; 209:107433. [PMID: 31859208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2019.107433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The AAV2.7m8 vector is an engineered capsid with a 10-amino acid insertion in adeno-associated virus (AAV) surface variable region VIII (VR-VIII) resulting in the alteration of an antigenic region of AAV2 and the ability to efficiently transduce retina cells following intravitreal administration. Directed evolution and in vivo screening in the mouse retina isolated this vector. In the present study, we sought to identify the structural differences between a recombinant AAV2.7m8 (rAAV2.7m8) vector packaging a GFP genome and its parental serotype, AAV2, by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and image reconstruction. The structures of rAAV2.7m8 and AAV2 were determined to 2.91 and 3.02 Å resolution, respectively. The rAAV2.7m8 amino acid side-chains for residues 219-745 (the last C-terminal residue) were interpretable in the density map with the exception of the 10 inserted amino acids. While observable in a low sigma threshold density, side-chains were only resolved at the base of the insertion, likely due to flexibility at the top of the loop. A comparison to parental AAV2 (ordered from residues 217-735) showed the structures to be similar, except at some side-chains that had different orientations and, in VR-VIII containing the 10 amino acid insertion. VR-VIII is part of an AAV2 antigenic epitope, and the difference is consistent with rAAV2.7m8's escape from a known AAV2 monoclonal antibody, C37-B. The observations provide valuable insight into the configuration of inserted surface peptides on the AAV capsid and structural differences to be leveraged for future AAV vector rational design, especially for retargeted tropism and antibody escape.
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