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Enayati M, Liu W, Madry H, Neisiany RE, Cucchiarini M. Functionalized hydrogels as smart gene delivery systems to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 331:103232. [PMID: 38889626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103232] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite critical advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy based on the delivery of therapeutic genetic sequences has strong value to offer effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Furthermore, scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy, allowing for the spatiotemporal delivery of candidate genes to sites of injury. Among the many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention in addition to other potent systems (solid, hybrid scaffolds) due to their versatility and competence as drug and cell carriers in tissue engineering and wound dressing. Attractive functionalities of hydrogels for musculoskeletal therapy include their injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, self-healing, and nanocomposition that may further allow to upgrade of them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. Such functionalized hydrogels may also be tuned to successfully transfer therapeutic genes in a minimally invasive manner in order to protect their cargos and allow for their long-term effects. In light of such features, this review focuses on functionalized hydrogels and demonstrates their competence for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to hydrogel functionalization methods and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are being discussed in the perspective of translation in patients. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy has strong value in offering effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy. Among many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention. Functionalities including injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, and self-healing, tune them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. This review introduces functionalized hydrogels for musculoskeletal disorder treatment using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to functionalized hydrogels and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are discussed from the perspective of translation in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadsaeid Enayati
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Wei Liu
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Henning Madry
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; Department of Polymer Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 9617976487, Iran
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany.
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Zhou X, Liu J, Xiao S, Liang X, Li Y, Mo F, Xin X, Yang Y, Gao C. Adeno-Associated Virus Engineering and Load Strategy for Tropism Modification, Immune Evasion and Enhanced Transgene Expression. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:7691-7708. [PMID: 39099791 PMCID: PMC11296317 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s459905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy aims to add, replace or turn off genes to help treat disease. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 14 gene therapy products. With the increasing interest in gene therapy, feasible gene delivery vectors are necessary for inserting new genes into cells. There are different kinds of gene delivery vectors including viral vectors like lentivirus, adenovirus, retrovirus, adeno-associated virus et al, and non-viral vectors like naked DNA, lipid vectors, polymer nanoparticles, exosomes et al, with viruses being the most commonly used. Among them, the most concerned vector is adeno-associated virus (AAV) because of its safety, natural ability to efficiently deliver gene into cells and sustained transgene expression in multiple tissues. In addition, the AAV genome can be engineered to generate recombinant AAV (rAAV) containing transgene sequences of interest and has been proven to be a safe gene vector. Recently, rAAV vectors have been approved for the treatment of various rare diseases. Despite these approvals, some major limitations of rAAV remain, namely nonspecific tissue targeting and host immune response. Additional problems include neutralizing antibodies that block transgene delivery, a finite transgene packaging capacity, high viral titer used for per dose and high cost. To deal with these challenges, several techniques have been developed. Based on differences in engineering methods, this review proposes three strategies: gene engineering-based capsid modification (capsid modification), capsid surface tethering through chemical conjugation (surface tethering), and other formulations loaded with AAV (virus load). In addition, the major advantages and limitations encountered in rAAV engineering strategies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingzhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengzhen Mo
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Pham Q, Glicksman J, Chatterjee A. Chemical approaches to probe and engineer AAV vectors. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:13820-13833. [PMID: 38978480 PMCID: PMC11271820 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01300j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as the most promising vector for in vivo human gene therapy, with several therapeutic approvals in the last few years and countless more under development. Underlying this remarkable success are several attractive features that AAV offers, including lack of pathogenicity, low immunogenicity, long-term gene expression without genomic integration, the ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, etc. However, the commonly used wild-type AAV capsids in therapeutic development present significant challenges, including inadequate tissue specificity and the need for large doses to attain therapeutic effectiveness, raising safety concerns. Additionally, significant preexisting adaptive immunity against most natural capsids, and the development of such anti-capsid immunity after the first treatment, represent major challenges. Strategies to engineer the AAV capsid are critically needed to address these challenges and unlock the full promise of AAV gene therapy. Chemical modification of the AAV capsid has recently emerged as a powerful new approach to engineer its properties. Unlike genetic strategies, which can be more disruptive to the delicate capsid assembly and packaging processes, "late-stage" chemical modification of the assembled capsid-whether at natural amino acid residues or site-specifically installed noncanonical amino acid residues-often enables a versatile approach to introducing new properties to the capsid. This review summarizes the significant recent progress in AAV capsid engineering strategies, with a particular focus on chemical modifications in advancing the next generation of AAV-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Pham
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
| | - Jake Glicksman
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
| | - Abhishek Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
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4
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Huang Q, Chan KY, Wu J, Botticello-Romero NR, Zheng Q, Lou S, Keyes C, Svanbergsson A, Johnston J, Mills A, Lin CY, Brauer PP, Clouse G, Pacouret S, Harvey JW, Beddow T, Hurley JK, Tobey IG, Powell M, Chen AT, Barry AJ, Eid FE, Chan YA, Deverman BE. An AAV capsid reprogrammed to bind human transferrin receptor mediates brain-wide gene delivery. Science 2024; 384:1220-1227. [PMID: 38753766 DOI: 10.1126/science.adm8386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Developing vehicles that efficiently deliver genes throughout the human central nervous system (CNS) will broaden the range of treatable genetic diseases. We engineered an adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, BI-hTFR1, that binds human transferrin receptor (TfR1), a protein expressed on the blood-brain barrier. BI-hTFR1 was actively transported across human brain endothelial cells and, relative to AAV9, provided 40 to 50 times greater reporter expression in the CNS of human TFRC knockin mice. The enhanced tropism was CNS-specific and absent in wild-type mice. When used to deliver GBA1, mutations of which cause Gaucher disease and are linked to Parkinson's disease, BI-hTFR1 substantially increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid glucocerebrosidase activity compared with AAV9. These findings establish BI-hTFR1 as a potential vector for human CNS gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Ken Y Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jason Wu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Nuria R Botticello-Romero
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Shan Lou
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Casey Keyes
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Alexander Svanbergsson
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jencilin Johnston
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Allan Mills
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Chin-Yen Lin
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Pamela P Brauer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Gabrielle Clouse
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - John W Harvey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Thomas Beddow
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Jenna K Hurley
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Isabelle G Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Megan Powell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Albert T Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Andrew J Barry
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Yujia A Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
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5
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Huang Q, Chan KY, Lou S, Keyes C, Wu J, Botticello-Romero NR, Zheng Q, Johnston J, Mills A, Brauer PP, Clouse G, Pacouret S, Harvey JW, Beddow T, Hurley JK, Tobey IG, Powell M, Chen AT, Barry AJ, Eid FE, Chan YA, Deverman BE. An AAV capsid reprogrammed to bind human Transferrin Receptor mediates brain-wide gene delivery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572615. [PMID: 38187643 PMCID: PMC10769326 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Developing vehicles that efficiently deliver genes throughout the human central nervous system (CNS) will broaden the range of treatable genetic diseases. We engineered an AAV capsid, BI-hTFR1, that binds human Transferrin Receptor (TfR1), a protein expressed on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BI-hTFR1 was actively transported across a human brain endothelial cell layer and, relative to AAV9, provided 40-50 times greater reporter expression in the CNS of human TFRC knock-in mice. The enhanced tropism was CNS-specific and absent in wild type mice. When used to deliver GBA1, mutations of which cause Gaucher disease and are linked to Parkinson's disease, BI-hTFR1 substantially increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid glucocerebrosidase activity compared to AAV9. These findings establish BI-hTFR1 as a promising vector for human CNS gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Ken Y. Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Shan Lou
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Casey Keyes
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Jason Wu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | | | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Jencilin Johnston
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Allan Mills
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Pamela P. Brauer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Gabrielle Clouse
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - John W. Harvey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Thomas Beddow
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Jenna K. Hurley
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Isabelle G. Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Megan Powell
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Albert T. Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Andrew J. Barry
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University; Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yujia A. Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, USA
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6
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Huang Q, Chen AT, Chan KY, Sorensen H, Barry AJ, Azari B, Zheng Q, Beddow T, Zhao B, Tobey IG, Moncada-Reid C, Eid FE, Walkey CJ, Ljungberg MC, Lagor WR, Heaney JD, Chan YA, Deverman BE. Targeting AAV vectors to the central nervous system by engineering capsid-receptor interactions that enable crossing of the blood-brain barrier. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002112. [PMID: 37467291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses have evolved the ability to bind and enter cells through interactions with a wide variety of cell macromolecules. We engineered peptide-modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids that transduce the brain through the introduction of de novo interactions with 2 proteins expressed on the mouse blood-brain barrier (BBB), LY6A or LY6C1. The in vivo tropisms of these capsids are predictable as they are dependent on the cell- and strain-specific expression of their target protein. This approach generated hundreds of capsids with dramatically enhanced central nervous system (CNS) tropisms within a single round of screening in vitro and secondary validation in vivo thereby reducing the use of animals in comparison to conventional multi-round in vivo selections. The reproducible and quantitative data derived via this method enabled both saturation mutagenesis and machine learning (ML)-guided exploration of the capsid sequence space. Notably, during our validation process, we determined that nearly all published AAV capsids that were selected for their ability to cross the BBB in mice leverage either the LY6A or LY6C1 protein, which are not present in primates. This work demonstrates that AAV capsids can be directly targeted to specific proteins to generate potent gene delivery vectors with known mechanisms of action and predictable tropisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Albert T Chen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ken Y Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hikari Sorensen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrew J Barry
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bahar Azari
- Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Qingxia Zheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas Beddow
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Binhui Zhao
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Isabelle G Tobey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Moncada-Reid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Fatma-Elzahraa Eid
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Christopher J Walkey
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - M Cecilia Ljungberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - William R Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yujia A Chan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Hambach J, Mann AM, Bannas P, Koch-Nolte F. Targeting multiple myeloma with nanobody-based heavy chain antibodies, bispecific killer cell engagers, chimeric antigen receptors, and nanobody-displaying AAV vectors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005800. [PMID: 36405759 PMCID: PMC9668101 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005800] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies are well suited for constructing biologics due to their high solubility. We generated nanobodies directed against CD38, a tumor marker that is overexpressed by multiple myeloma and other hematological malignancies. We then used these CD38-specific nanobodies to construct heavy chain antibodies, bispecific killer cell engagers (BiKEs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, and nanobody-displaying AAV vectors. Here we review the utility of these nanobody-based constructs to specifically and effectively target CD38-expressing myeloma cells. The promising results of our preclinical studies warrant further clinical studies to evaluate the potential of these CD38-specific nanobody-based constructs for treatment of multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hambach
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Marei Mann
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bannas
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Friedrich Koch-Nolte,
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8
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Jäschke N, Büning H. Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Design-Moving the Adeno-Associated Virus to a Bioengineered Therapeutic Nanoparticle. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2022; 36:667-685. [PMID: 35778330 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.04.002] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Although the number of market-approved gene therapies is still low, this new class of therapeutics has become an integral part of modern medicine. The success and safety of gene therapy depend on the vectors used to deliver the therapeutic material. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as the most frequently used delivery system for in vivo gene therapy. This success was achieved with first-generation vectors, using capsids derived from natural AAV serotypes. Their broad tropism, the high seroprevalence for many of the AAV serotypes in the human population, and the high vector doses needed to transduce a sufficient number of therapy-relevant target cells are challenges that are addressed by engineering the capsid and the vector genome, improving the efficacy of these biological nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Jäschke
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, Hannover 30625, Germany; REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, Hannover 30625, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig.
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9
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Böldicke T. Therapeutic Potential of Intrabodies for Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11030049. [PMID: 35892709 PMCID: PMC9326752 DOI: 10.3390/antib11030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells are characterized by overexpressed tumor-associated antigens or mutated neoantigens, which are expressed on the cell surface or intracellularly. One strategy of cancer immunotherapy is to target cell-surface-expressed tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) with therapeutic antibodies. For targeting TAAs or neoantigens, adoptive T-cell therapies with activated autologous T cells from cancer patients transduced with novel recombinant TCRs or chimeric antigen receptors have been successfully applied. Many TAAs and most neoantigens are expressed in the cytoplasm or nucleus of tumor cells. As alternative to adoptive T-cell therapy, the mRNA of intracellular tumor antigens can be depleted by RNAi, the corresponding genes or proteins deleted by CRISPR-Cas or inactivated by kinase inhibitors or by intrabodies, respectively. Intrabodies are suitable to knockdown TAAs and neoantigens without off-target effects. RNA sequencing and proteome analysis of single tumor cells combined with computational methods is bringing forward the identification of new neoantigens for the selection of anti-cancer intrabodies, which can be easily performed using phage display antibody repertoires. For specifically delivering intrabodies into tumor cells, the usage of new capsid-modified adeno-associated viruses and lipid nanoparticles coupled with specific ligands to cell surface receptors can be used and might bring cancer intrabodies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Böldicke
- Department Structure and Function of Proteins, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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10
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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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11
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Edwardson TGW, Levasseur MD, Tetter S, Steinauer A, Hori M, Hilvert D. Protein Cages: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9145-9197. [PMID: 35394752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into polyhedral shell-like structures are useful molecular containers both in nature and in the laboratory. Here we review efforts to repurpose diverse protein cages, including viral capsids, ferritins, bacterial microcompartments, and designed capsules, as vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, targeted imaging agents, nanoreactors, templates for controlled materials synthesis, building blocks for higher-order architectures, and more. A deep understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function, and evolution of natural systems has been key to tailoring selective cargo encapsulation and interactions with both biological systems and synthetic materials through protein engineering and directed evolution. The ability to adapt and design increasingly sophisticated capsid structures and functions stands to benefit the fields of catalysis, materials science, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Alyami EM, Tarar A, Peng CA. Less phagocytosis of viral vectors by tethering with CD47 ectodomain. J Mater Chem B 2021; 10:64-77. [PMID: 34846059 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01815a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Many viral vectors, which are effective when administrated in situ, lack efficacy when delivered intravenously. The key reason for this is the rapid clearance of the viruses from the blood circulation via the immune system before they reach target sites. Therefore, avoiding their clearance by the immune system is essential. In this study, lentiviral vectors were tethered with the ectodomain of self-marker protein CD47 to suppress phagocytosis via interacting with SIRPα on the outer membrane of macrophage cells. CD47 ectodomain and core-streptavidin fusion gene (CD47ED-coreSA) was constructed into pET-30a(+) plasmid and transformed into Lemo21 (DE3) competent E. coli cells. The expressed CD47ED-coreSA chimeric protein was purified by cobalt-nitrilotriacetate affinity column and characterized by SDS-PAGE and western blot. The purified chimeric protein was anchored on biotinylated lentivirus via biotin-streptavidin binding. The CD47ED-capped lentiviruses encoding GFP were used to infect J774A.1 macrophage cells to assess the impact on phagocytosis. Our results showed that the overexpressed CD47ED-coreSA chimeric protein was purified and bound on the surface of biotinylated lentivirus which was confirmed via immunoblotting assay. The process to produce biotinylated lentivirus did not affect native viral infectivity. It was shown that the level of GFP expression in J774A.1 macrophages transduced with CD47ED-lentiviruses was threefold lower in comparison to control lentiviruses, indicating an antiphagocytic effect triggered by the interaction of CD47ED and SIRPα. Through the test of blocking antibodies against CD47ED and/or SIRPα, it was confirmed that the phagocytosis inhibition was mediated through the CD47ED-SIRPα axis signaling. In conclusion, surface immobilization of CD47ED on lentiviral vectors inhibits their phagocytosis by macrophages. The chimeric protein of CD47 ectodomain and core-streptavidin is effective in mediating the surface binding and endowing the lentiviral nanoparticles with the antiphagocytic property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmael M Alyami
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Engineering Physics Building 410, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844-0904, USA.
| | - Ammar Tarar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Engineering Physics Building 410, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844-0904, USA.
| | - Ching-An Peng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Engineering Physics Building 410, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844-0904, USA.
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13
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Macdonald J, Marx J, Büning H. Capsid-Engineering for Central Nervous System-Directed Gene Therapy with Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1096-1119. [PMID: 34662226 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Closing the gap in knowledge on the cause of neurodegenerative disorders is paving the way toward innovative treatment strategies, among which gene therapy has emerged as a top candidate. Both conventional gene therapy and genome editing approaches are being developed, and a great number of human clinical trials are ongoing. Already 2 years ago, the first gene therapy for a neurodegenerative disease, spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), obtained market approval. To realize such innovative strategies, gene therapy delivery tools are key assets. Here, we focus on recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and report on strategies to improve first-generation vectors. Current efforts focus on the viral capsid to modify the host-vector interaction aiming at increasing the efficacy of target cell transduction, at simplifying vector administration, and at reducing the risk of vector dose-related side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Macdonald
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Marx
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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14
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Kuklik J, Michelfelder S, Schiele F, Kreuz S, Lamla T, Müller P, Park JE. Development of a Bispecific Antibody-Based Platform for Retargeting of Capsid Modified AAV Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158355. [PMID: 34361120 PMCID: PMC8347852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A major limiting factor for systemically delivered gene therapies is the lack of novel tissue specific AAV (Adeno-associated virus) derived vectors. Bispecific antibodies can be used to redirect AAVs to specific target receptors. Here, we demonstrate that the insertion of a short linear epitope “2E3” derived from human proprotein-convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) into different surface loops of the VP capsid proteins can be used for AAV de-targeting from its natural receptor(s), combined with a bispecific antibody-mediated retargeting. We chose to target a set of distinct disease relevant membrane proteins—fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is upregulated on activated fibroblasts within the tumor stroma and in fibrotic tissues, as well as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is strongly upregulated in many cancers. Upon incubation with a bispecific antibody recognizing the 2E3 epitope and FAP or PD-L1, the bispecific antibody/rAAV complex was able to selectively transduce receptor positive cells. In summary, we developed a novel, rationally designed vector retargeting platform that can target AAVs to a new set of cellular receptors in a modular fashion. This versatile platform may serve as a valuable tool to investigate the role of disease relevant cell types and basis for novel gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Kuklik
- Division of Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88387 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Stefan Michelfelder
- Division of Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88387 Biberach an der Riss, Germany; (S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Felix Schiele
- Division of Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88387 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Sebastian Kreuz
- Division of Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88387 Biberach an der Riss, Germany; (S.M.); (S.K.)
- Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund GmbH, 55216 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany;
| | - Thorsten Lamla
- Division of Drug Discovery Sciences Biberach, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88387 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Philipp Müller
- Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund GmbH, 55216 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany;
| | - John E. Park
- Division of Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88387 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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15
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Korneyenkov MA, Zamyatnin AA. Next Step in Gene Delivery: Modern Approaches and Further Perspectives of AAV Tropism Modification. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050750. [PMID: 34069541 PMCID: PMC8160765 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV) is an extremely popular choice for gene therapy delivery. The safety profile and simplicity of the genome organization are the decisive advantages which allow us to claim that AAV is currently among the most promising vectors. Several drugs based on AAV have been approved in the USA and Europe, but AAV serotypes’ unspecific tissue tropism is still a serious limitation. In recent decades, several techniques have been developed to overcome this barrier, such as the rational design, directed evolution and chemical conjugation of targeting molecules with a capsid. Today, all of the abovementioned approaches confer the possibility to produce AAV capsids with tailored tropism, but recent data indicate that a better understanding of AAV biology and the growth of structural data may theoretically constitute a rational approach to most effectively produce highly selective and targeted AAV capsids. However, while we are still far from this goal, other approaches are still in play, despite their drawbacks and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A. Korneyenkov
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-622-9843
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16
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O'Carroll SJ, Cook WH, Young D. AAV Targeting of Glial Cell Types in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Relevance to Human Gene Therapy. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:618020. [PMID: 33505247 PMCID: PMC7829478 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.618020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different glial cell types are found throughout the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), where they have important functions. These cell types are also involved in nervous system pathology, playing roles in neurodegenerative disease and following trauma in the brain and spinal cord (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), nerve degeneration and development of pain in peripheral nerves (Schwann cells, satellite cells), retinal diseases (Müller glia) and gut dysbiosis (enteric glia). These cell type have all been proposed as potential targets for treating these conditions. One approach to target these cell types is the use of gene therapy to modify gene expression. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been shown to be safe and effective in targeting cells in the nervous system and have been used in a number of clinical trials. To date, a number of studies have tested the use of different AAV serotypes and cell-specific promoters to increase glial cell tropism and expression. However, true glial-cell specific targeting for a particular glial cell type remains elusive. This review provides an overview of research into developing glial specific gene therapy and discusses some of the issues that still need to be addressed to make glial cell gene therapy a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J O'Carroll
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William H Cook
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Young
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Lugin ML, Lee RT, Kwon YJ. Synthetically Engineered Adeno-Associated Virus for Efficient, Safe, and Versatile Gene Therapy Applications. ACS NANO 2020; 14:14262-14283. [PMID: 33073995 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c03850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy directly targets mutations causing disease, allowing for a specific treatment at a molecular level. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been of increasing interest as a gene delivery vehicle, as AAV vectors are safe, effective, and capable of eliciting a relatively contained immune response. With the recent FDA approval of two AAV drugs for treating rare genetic diseases, AAV vectors are now on the market and are being further explored for other therapies. While showing promise in immune privileged tissue, the use of AAV for systemic delivery is still limited due to the high prevalence of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). To avoid nAb-mediated inactivation, engineered AAV vectors with modified protein capsids, materials tethered to the capsid surface, or fully encapsulated in a second, larger carrier have been explored. Many of these engineered AAVs have added benefits, including avoided immune response, overcoming the genome size limit, targeted and stimuli-responsive delivery, and multimodal therapy of two or more therapeutic modalities in one platform. Native and engineered AAV vectors have been tested to treat a broad range of diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy, retinal diseases, cancers, and tissue damage. This review will cover the benefits of AAV as a promising gene vector by itself, the progress and advantages of engineered AAV vectors, particularly synthetically engineered ones, and the current state of their clinical translation in therapy.
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18
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Yoo S, Kang B, Oh S, Kim Y, Jang JH. A Versatile Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Cross-Linking Platform Capable of Tuning Cellular Tropisms and Simultaneously Inducing Solid-Phase Gene Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:4847-4857. [PMID: 35021729 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00351] [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: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Developing gene carriers with improved affinities for target cells and the simultaneous diversification of their delivery modes will be pivotal for upgrading gene therapy technologies. In this study, a simple and versatile adeno-associated virus (AAV) conjugation platform using the cross-linker 3,3'-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl propionate) (DTSSP) is proposed. Depending on the quantity of the DTSSP molecules, the AAV-DTSSP complexes could either be linked with the relevant biomolecules for altering cellular tropisms or further form a self-assembled AAV-DTSSP pellet capable of mimicking a polymeric gene delivery system. At lower quantities of DTSSP, the AAV-DTSSP complexes were conjugated with aminated l-fucose molecules, whose levels are typically upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in enhanced gene delivery efficiencies in pancreatic cancer cells. At higher concentrations of DTSSP, visible solid forms of the AAV-DTSSP pellets were formed, and the AAV pellets demonstrated the capability to induce a localized, sustained gene expression pattern comparable to that of conventional biomaterial-based approaches. Thus, a multipurpose AAV cross-linking platform, which can enable AAV vector systems that are capable of altering cellular tropisms and simultaneously inducing solid-phase delivery, will provide crucial insights into vector design for further upgrading of gene delivery technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungju Yoo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Byunguk Kang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005-1892, United States
| | - Seokmin Oh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yunha Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
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19
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Hacker UT, Bentler M, Kaniowska D, Morgan M, Büning H. Towards Clinical Implementation of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Vectors for Cancer Gene Therapy: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1889. [PMID: 32674264 PMCID: PMC7409174 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have gained tremendous attention as in vivo delivery systems in gene therapy for inherited monogenetic diseases. First market approvals, excellent safety data, availability of large-scale production protocols, and the possibility to tailor the vector towards optimized and cell-type specific gene transfer offers to move from (ultra) rare to common diseases. Cancer, a major health burden for which novel therapeutic options are urgently needed, represents such a target. We here provide an up-to-date overview of the strategies which are currently developed for the use of AAV vectors in cancer gene therapy and discuss the perspectives for the future translation of these pre-clinical approaches into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich T. Hacker
- Department of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pulmonology, and Infectious Diseases, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Martin Bentler
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Dorota Kaniowska
- Department of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pulmonology, and Infectious Diseases, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.B.); (M.M.)
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (M.B.); (M.M.)
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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20
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Thadani NN, Yang J, Moyo B, Lee CM, Chen MY, Bao G, Suh J. Site-Specific Post-translational Surface Modification of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Using Leucine Zippers. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:461-467. [PMID: 32068391 PMCID: PMC7323921 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is widely favored as a gene therapy vector, tested in over 200 clinical trials internationally. To improve targeted delivery a variety of genetic capsid modifications, such as insertion of targeting proteins/peptides into the capsid shell, have been explored with some success but larger insertions often have unpredictable deleterious impacts on capsid formation and gene delivery. Here, we demonstrate a modular platform for the integration of exogenous peptides and proteins onto the AAV capsid post-translationally while preserving vector functionality. We decorated the AAV capsid with leucine-zipper coiled-coil binding motifs that exhibit specific noncovalent heterodimerization. AAV capsids successfully display hexahistidine tagged-peptides using this approach, as demonstrated through nickel column affinity. This protein display platform may facilitate the incorporation of biological moieties on the AAV surface, expanding possibilities for vector enhancement and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole N Thadani
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Joanna Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Buhle Moyo
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ciaran M Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Maria Y Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Junghae Suh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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21
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Eichhoff AM, Börner K, Albrecht B, Schäfer W, Baum N, Haag F, Körbelin J, Trepel M, Braren I, Grimm D, Adriouch S, Koch-Nolte F. Nanobody-Enhanced Targeting of AAV Gene Therapy Vectors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 15:211-220. [PMID: 31687421 PMCID: PMC6819893 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A limiting factor for the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors in gene therapy is the broad tropism of AAV serotypes, i.e., the parallel infection of several cell types. Nanobodies are single immunoglobulin variable domains from heavy chain antibodies that naturally occur in camelids. Their small size and high solubility allow easy reformatting into fusion proteins. Herein we show that a membrane protein-specific nanobody can be inserted into a surface loop of the VP1 capsid protein of AAV2. Using three structurally distinct membrane proteins—a multispan ion channel, a single-span transmembrane protein, and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored ectoenzyme—we show that this strategy can dramatically enhance the transduction of specific target cells by recombinant AAV2. Moreover, we show that the nanobody-VP1 fusion of AAV2 can be incorporated into the capsids of AAV1, AAV8, and AAV9 and thereby effectively redirect the target specificity of other AAV serotypes. Nanobody-mediated targeting provides a highly efficient AAV targeting strategy that is likely to open up new avenues for genetic engineering of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marei Eichhoff
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, INSERM U1234, Normandy University, Rouen, France
| | - Kathleen Börner
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birte Albrecht
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Waldemar Schäfer
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Baum
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Center for Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Trepel
- Center for Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingke Braren
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sahil Adriouch
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, INSERM U1234, Normandy University, Rouen, France
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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22
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Khan N, Bammidi S, Jayandharan GR. A CD33 Antigen-Targeted AAV6 Vector Expressing an Inducible Caspase-9 Suicide Gene Is Therapeutic in a Xenotransplantation Model of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:2404-2416. [PMID: 31436412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Current chemotherapeutic regimens for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been modestly effective in patients and are associated with poor long-term survival (<30% at 5 years). Viral vector-based suicide gene therapy is an attractive option, if these vectors can target the AML cells with high specificity and efficiency. In this study, we have developed a receptor-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV) based vector to target the CD33 antigen which is overexpressed in leukemic cells. A targeting peptide was rationally designed from the antigen-binding regions of a CD33 monoclonal antibody. This peptide was further expressed on the capsid of the AAV6 vector, since this serotype was most efficient among AAV1-rh10 vectors to infect the pro-monocytic, human myeloid leukemia cells (U937). AAV6-CD33 vectors expressing a suicide gene, the inducible caspase 9 (iCasp9), and its prodrug AP20187 significantly reduced (∼59%) the viability of U937 cells. To further test its efficacy and specificity in vivo, AAV6-CD33 vectors were administered into a xenotransplantation model of AML in zebrafish through systemic delivery. We observed a significant antileukemic effect with AAV6-CD33 vectors, with a markedly higher survival (100% for AAV6-CD33 vectors vs 15% for mock-treated) and a higher number of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells after systemic vector delivery. Taken together, our work demonstrates the efficacy and translational potential of CD33-targeted AAV6 vectors for cytotoxic gene therapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kanpur , 208016 , Uttar Pradesh , India
| | - Sridhar Bammidi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kanpur , 208016 , Uttar Pradesh , India
| | - Giridhara R Jayandharan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kanpur , 208016 , Uttar Pradesh , India
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23
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Chen MY, Butler SS, Chen W, Suh J. Physical, chemical, and synthetic virology: Reprogramming viruses as controllable nanodevices. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 11:e1545. [PMID: 30411529 PMCID: PMC6461522 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The fields of physical, chemical, and synthetic virology work in partnership to reprogram viruses as controllable nanodevices. Physical virology provides the fundamental biophysical understanding of how virus capsids assemble, disassemble, display metastability, and assume various configurations. Chemical virology considers the virus capsid as a chemically addressable structure, providing chemical pathways to modify the capsid exterior, interior, and subunit interfaces. Synthetic virology takes an engineering approach, modifying the virus capsid through rational, combinatorial, and bioinformatics-driven design strategies. Advances in these three subfields of virology aim to develop virus-based materials and tools that can be applied to solve critical problems in biomedicine and biotechnology, including applications in gene therapy and drug delivery, diagnostics, and immunotherapy. Examples discussed include mammalian viruses, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV), plant viruses, such as cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), and bacterial viruses, such as Qβ bacteriophage. Importantly, research efforts in physical, chemical, and synthetic virology have further unraveled the design principles foundational to the form and function of viruses. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan S Butler
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Weitong Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Junghae Suh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas
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Zhang C, Zhou X, Yao T, Tian Z, Zhou D. Precision Fluorescent Labeling of an Adeno-Associated Virus Vector to Monitor the Viral Infection Pathway. Biotechnol J 2018; 13:e1700374. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Xueying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Tianzhuo Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Zhenyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | - Demin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
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Wooley DP, Sharma P, Weinstein JR, Kotha Lakshmi Narayan P, Schaffer DV, Excoffon KJDA. A directed evolution approach to select for novel Adeno-associated virus capsids on an HIV-1 producer T cell line. J Virol Methods 2017; 250:47-54. [PMID: 28918073 PMCID: PMC6112236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A directed evolution approach was used to select for Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids that would exhibit more tropism toward an HIV-1 producer T cell line with the long-term goal of developing improved gene transfer vectors. A library of AAV variants was used to infect H9 T cells previously infected or uninfected by HIV-1 followed by AAV amplification with wild-type adenovirus. Six rounds of biological selection were performed, including negative selection and diversification after round three. The H9 T cells were successfully infected with all three wild-type viruses (AAV, adenovirus, and HIV-1). Four AAV cap mutants best representing the small number of variants emerging after six rounds of selection were chosen for further study. These mutant capsids were used to package an AAV vector and subsequently used to infect H9 cells that were previously infected or uninfected by HIV-1. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to measure cell-associated AAV genomes. Two of the four cap mutants showed a significant increase in the amount of cell-associated genomes as compared to wild-type AAV2. This study shows that directed evolution can be performed successfully to select for mutants with improved tropism for a T cell line in the presence of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn P Wooley
- Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| | - John R Weinstein
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | | | - David V Schaffer
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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Chanda D, Hensel JA, Higgs JT, Grover R, Kaza N, Ponnazhagan S. Effects of Cellular Methylation on Transgene Expression and Site-Specific Integration of Adeno-Associated Virus. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8090232. [PMID: 28926997 PMCID: PMC5615365 DOI: 10.3390/genes8090232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a major epigenetic event that affects not only cellular gene expression but that also has the potential to influence bacterial and viral DNA in their host-dependent functions. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome contains a high degree of CpG sequences capable of methylation in its terminal repeat sequences, which are the sole elements retained in AAV-based vectors used in gene therapy. The present study determined the influence of methylation status of the host cell on wild type (wt) AAV integration and recombinant (r) AAV transgene expression in HeLa cells. Results of the study indicated that hypo-methylation significantly enhanced both wtAAV chromosomal integration and transgene expression of rAAV. A direct influence of methylation on AAV integration was further confirmed by methylating the AAVS1 integration sites prior to viral infection with DNA trans-complementation assay. These results signify the importance of epigenetic status of target cells as one of the key factors in long-term transgene expression in AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diptiman Chanda
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Jonathan A Hensel
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Jerome T Higgs
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Rajat Grover
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Niroop Kaza
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Brillault L, Jutras PV, Dashti N, Thuenemann EC, Morgan G, Lomonossoff GP, Landsberg MJ, Sainsbury F. Engineering Recombinant Virus-like Nanoparticles from Plants for Cellular Delivery. ACS NANO 2017; 11:3476-3484. [PMID: 28198180 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b07747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Understanding capsid assembly following recombinant expression of viral structural proteins is critical to the design and modification of virus-like nanoparticles for biomedical and nanotechnology applications. Here, we use plant-based transient expression of the Bluetongue virus (BTV) structural proteins, VP3 and VP7, to obtain high yields of empty and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-encapsidating core-like particles (CLPs) from leaves. Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy of both types of particles revealed considerable differences in CLP structure compared to the crystal structure of infection-derived CLPs; in contrast, the two recombinant CLPs have an identical external structure. Using this insight, we exploited the unencumbered pore at the 5-fold axis of symmetry and the absence of encapsidated RNA to label the interior of empty CLPs with a fluorescent bioconjugate. CLPs containing 120 GFP molecules and those containing approximately 150 dye molecules were both shown to bind human integrin via a naturally occurring Arg-Gly-Asp motif found on an exposed loop of the VP7 trimeric spike. Furthermore, fluorescently labeled CLPs were shown to interact with a cell line overexpressing the surface receptor. Thus, BTV CLPs present themselves as a useful tool in targeted cargo delivery. These results highlight the importance of detailed structural analysis of VNPs in validating their molecular organization and the value of such analyses in aiding their design and further modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eva C Thuenemann
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre , Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norfolk NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | | | - George P Lomonossoff
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre , Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norfolk NR4 7UH, United Kingdom
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Körbelin J, Dogbevia G, Michelfelder S, Ridder DA, Hunger A, Wenzel J, Seismann H, Lampe M, Bannach J, Pasparakis M, Kleinschmidt JA, Schwaninger M, Trepel M. A brain microvasculature endothelial cell-specific viral vector with the potential to treat neurovascular and neurological diseases. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:609-25. [PMID: 27137490 PMCID: PMC4888852 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201506078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy critically relies on vectors that combine high transduction efficiency with a high degree of target specificity and that can be administered through a safe intravenous route. The lack of suitable vectors, especially for gene therapy of brain disorders, represents a major obstacle. Therefore, we applied an in vivo screening system of random ligand libraries displayed on adeno‐associated viral capsids to select brain‐targeted vectors for the treatment of neurovascular diseases. We identified a capsid variant showing an unprecedented degree of specificity and long‐lasting transduction efficiency for brain microvasculature endothelial cells as the primary target of selection. A therapeutic vector based on this selected viral capsid was used to markedly attenuate the severe cerebrovascular pathology of mice with incontinentia pigmenti after a single intravenous injection. Furthermore, the versatility of this selection system will make it possible to select ligands for additional in vivo targets without requiring previous identification of potential target‐specific receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Körbelin
- Hubertus Wald Cancer Center, Department of Oncology and Hematology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Godwin Dogbevia
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Stefan Michelfelder
- Hubertus Wald Cancer Center, Department of Oncology and Hematology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dirk A Ridder
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Agnes Hunger
- Hubertus Wald Cancer Center, Department of Oncology and Hematology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wenzel
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Henning Seismann
- Hubertus Wald Cancer Center, Department of Oncology and Hematology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Lampe
- Hubertus Wald Cancer Center, Department of Oncology and Hematology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Bannach
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Manolis Pasparakis
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), Institute for Genetics University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin Trepel
- Hubertus Wald Cancer Center, Department of Oncology and Hematology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg Medical Center, Augsburg, Germany
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Rey-Rico A, Cucchiarini M. Controlled release strategies for rAAV-mediated gene delivery. Acta Biomater 2016; 29:1-10. [PMID: 26472612 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of efficient and safe gene transfer vectors capable of achieving appropriate levels of therapeutic gene expression in a target is one of the most challenging issues in clinical gene therapy. Diverse nonviral and viral gene vehicles have been developed to modify human cells and tissues that may be affected in a variety of diseases, among which the nonpathogenic, effective, and relatively safe recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors that make them a preferred gene delivery system to treat human disorders. Yet, their adapted clinical application is still limited by several hurdles including the presence of immune responses in the host organism and the existence of rate-limiting steps associated with physiological barriers. The use of controlled release strategies to deliver gene vectors such as rAAV may provide powerful tools to enhance the temporal and spatial presentation of therapeutic agents in a defined target and to overcome such obstacles in vivo. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the most recent advances in gene therapy with a focus on rAAV vectors for clinical translation based on the controlled release from adapted biomaterials as a means to improve the performance of the gene transfer procedure. We also discuss the challenges that remain to be addressed for a safe and efficient adaptation and use of such approaches in the patient. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The development of effective gene vectors to achieve suitable levels of a therapeutic agent in a target is a critical issue in clinical gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Diverse vehicles are currently available among which the nonpathogenic recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors, a preferred system to effectively treat human disorders. Yet, the clinical use of rAAV is impaired by the host immune responses and by rate-limiting steps of transgene expression. Controlled rAAV delivery systems may provide workable approaches to overcome such obstacles. Here, we give an overview of the most recent advances on the controlled release of vectors with a focus on rAAV using adapted biomaterials and discuss the key challenges for a safe translation in patients.
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Castle MJ, Turunen HT, Vandenberghe LH, Wolfe JH. Controlling AAV Tropism in the Nervous System with Natural and Engineered Capsids. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1382:133-49. [PMID: 26611584 PMCID: PMC4993104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3271-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than one hundred naturally occurring variants of adeno-associated virus (AAV) have been identified, and this library has been further expanded by an array of techniques for modification of the viral capsid. AAV capsid variants possess unique antigenic profiles and demonstrate distinct cellular tropisms driven by differences in receptor binding. AAV capsids can be chemically modified to alter tropism, can be produced as hybrid vectors that combine the properties of multiple serotypes, and can carry peptide insertions that introduce novel receptor-binding activity. Furthermore, directed evolution of shuffled genome libraries can identify engineered variants with unique properties, and rational modification of the viral capsid can alter tropism, reduce blockage by neutralizing antibodies, or enhance transduction efficiency. This large number of AAV variants and engineered capsids provides a varied toolkit for gene delivery to the CNS and retina, with specialized vectors available for many applications, but selecting a capsid variant from the array of available vectors can be difficult. This chapter describes the unique properties of a range of AAV variants and engineered capsids, and provides a guide for selecting the appropriate vector for specific applications in the CNS and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Castle
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Heikki T Turunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Büning H, Huber A, Zhang L, Meumann N, Hacker U. Engineering the AAV capsid to optimize vector–host-interactions. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 24:94-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION An estimated 25 million Americans are living with rare diseases. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is an emerging therapeutic option for the more than 7,000 identified rare diseases. This paper highlights the benefits of AAV therapy compared to conventional small molecules, discusses current pre-clinical and clinical applications of AAV-mediated gene therapy, and offers insights into cutting edge research that will shape the future of AAV for broad therapeutic use. AREAS COVERED In this review the biology of AAV and our ability to generate disease-specific variants is summarized. Limitations of current therapy are reviewed, with an emphasis on immune detection of virus, viral tropism and tissue targeting, and limitations of gene expression. Information for this review was found using PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION Currently the scope of clinical trials of AAV gene therapy is concentrated in an array of phase I/II safety trials with less than two dozen rare diseases featured. Pre-clinical, translational studies are expanding in number as developments within the last decade have made generation of improved AAV vectors available to more researchers. Further, one bottleneck that is being overcome is the availability of disease models, which will allow for improved preclinical testing and advancement of AAV to more clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hastie
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7119 Thurston Bowles Building (104 Manning Drive), Campus Box 7352, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7352, United States
| | - R Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7119 Thurston Bowles Building (104 Manning Drive), Campus Box 7352, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7352, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7119 Thurston Bowles Building (104 Manning Drive), Campus Box 7352, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7352, United States
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Abstract
In recent years, hundreds of genes have been linked to a variety of human diseases, and the field of gene therapy has emerged as a way to treat this wide range of diseases. The main goal of gene therapy is to find a gene delivery vehicle that can successfully target diseased cells and deliver therapeutic genes directly to their cellular compartment. The two main types of gene delivery vectors currently being investigated in clinical trials are recombinant viral vectors and synthetic nonviral vectors. Recombinant viral vectors take advantage of the evolutionarily optimized viral mechanisms to deliver genes, but they can be hard to specifically target in vivo and are also associated with serious side effects. Synthetic nonviral vectors are made out of highly biocompatible lipids or polymers, but they are much less efficient at delivering their genetic payload due to the lack of any active delivery mechanism. This mini review will introduce the current state of gene delivery in clinical trials, and discuss the specific challenges associated with each of these vectors. It will also highlight some specific gaps in knowledge that are limiting the advancement of this field and touch on the current areas of research being explored to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarong Liu
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Rohrs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Ho ML, Judd J, Kuypers BE, Yamagami M, Wong FF, Suh J. Efficiency of Protease-Activatable Virus Nanonodes Tuned Through Incorporation of Wild-Type Capsid Subunits. Cell Mol Bioeng 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12195-014-0334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Manufacturing of viral vectors: part II. Downstream processing and safety aspects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4155/pbp.14.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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EGF receptor targeted tumor imaging with biotin-PEG-EGF linked to 99mTc-HYNIC labeled avidin and streptavidin. Nucl Med Biol 2012; 39:1122-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sagare AP, Deane R, Zlokovic BV. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1: a physiological Aβ homeostatic mechanism with multiple therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 136:94-105. [PMID: 22820095 PMCID: PMC3432694 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is the main cell surface receptor involved in brain and systemic clearance of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) toxin amyloid-beta (Aβ). In plasma, a soluble form of LRP1 (sLRP1) is the major transport protein for peripheral Aβ. LRP1 in brain endothelium and mural cells mediates Aβ efflux from brain by providing a transport mechanism for Aβ across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). sLRP1 maintains a plasma 'sink' activity for Aβ through binding of peripheral Aβ which in turn inhibits re-entry of free plasma Aβ into the brain. LRP1 in the liver mediates systemic clearance of Aβ. In AD, LRP1 expression at the BBB is reduced and Aβ binding to circulating sLRP1 is compromised by oxidation. Cell surface LRP1 and circulating sLRP1 represent druggable targets which can be therapeutically modified to restore the physiological mechanisms of brain Aβ homeostasis. In this review, we discuss how increasing LRP1 expression at the BBB and liver with lifestyle changes, statins, plant-based active principles and/or gene therapy on one hand, and how replacing dysfunctional plasma sLRP1 on the other regulate Aβ clearance from brain ultimately controlling the onset and/or progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay P. Sagare
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Rashid Deane
- Department of Neurosurgery, Arthur Kornberg Medical Research Building, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Berislav V. Zlokovic
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
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Chen M, Wei JF, Xu YN, Peng Y, Chai H, Li Q, Liu XJ, Huang DJ. Biotin-streptavidin cross-bridging: a novel and feasible approach for targeting transplanted cells to damaged tissue. J Drug Target 2012; 20:850-5. [PMID: 22934829 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2012.719898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence indicates the positive impact of endothelium-derived cell therapy in vascular repair. However, low cell transplantation efficiency inevitably and greatly reduces the treatment efficacy of cell transplants. PURPOSE To modify the surfaces of cells with polypeptides or small-molecule proteins that specifically recognize and bind to damaged tissue. METHODS We used a biotin-streptavidin binding approach to attach annexin V, which recognizes apoptotic cells, onto bEnd.3 cells that express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and verified that the modified cells could efficiently bind to dead cells in vitro. RESULTS We analyzed biotinylated VEGFR2-bEnd.3 cells, streptavidin-biotinylated VEGFR2-bEnd.3 cells, and biotinylated annexin V-streptavidin-biotinylated VEGFR2-bEnd.3 cells. Our results from flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescent examination demonstrated that we successfully labeled the cells in a three-step process. Furthermore, we determined that the positive binding rate correlated with reagent concentration. Immunofluorescent examination illustrated that adding the biotinylated annexin V-streptavidin-biotinylated VEGFR2-bEnd.3 cells to dead cells led to the clustering and aggregation of the modified cells and the dead cells. CONCLUSIONS Annexin V can be attached to bEnd.3 cells using a biotin-streptavidin binding approach, and the modified cells can specifically recognize and bind to dead cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Khalaj-Kondori M, Sadeghizadeh M, Behmanesh M, Saggio I, Monaci P. Chemical coupling as a potent strategy for preparation of targeted bacteriophage-derived gene nanocarriers into eukaryotic cells. J Gene Med 2012; 13:622-31. [PMID: 22002551 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to direct efficiently and specifically carriers toward target cells and express the transgene of interest is a critical step in gene therapy trails. The display of targeting molecules on the surface of phage particles might represent a potent solution. In the present study, we evaluated a chemical coupling strategy for displaying human holotransferrin as a targeting molecule on the surface of phage lambda particles for specifically delivering green fluorescent protein (GFP) encoding gene into a human cell line. METHODS Human holotransferrin was coupled on the phage lambda particles bearing a GFP-expression cassette by a chemical coupling strategy to formulate transferrin-targeted lambda-GFP (Tf-targeted-λ-GFP) gene nanocarrier. The carrier was then characterized by phage-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments and used for transfection of the human 293T cell line. Particle internalization into the cells was evaluated by immunocytochemical staining and transfection efficacy was studied using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. RESULTS Characterization of the nanocarrier showed a rather high copy number (274 molecules) of transferrin molecules coupled per phage particle. Immunocytochemical staining revealed efficient internalization of the Tf-targeted-λ-GFP compared to wild lambda-GFP (λ-GFP) particles. FACS analysis showed 6.72% GFP positive cells for transfections mediated by Tf-targeted-λ-GFP, whereas the value was 0.61% for wild lambda-GFP particles. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight chemical coupling as an efficient and straightforward strategy for displaying a targeting molecule at high density on the phage surface, which, in turn, may improve the efficiency of phage-mediated gene transfer and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khalaj-Kondori
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Naumer M, Ying Y, Michelfelder S, Reuter A, Trepel M, Müller OJ, Kleinschmidt JA. Development and validation of novel AAV2 random libraries displaying peptides of diverse lengths and at diverse capsid positions. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:492-507. [PMID: 22171602 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Libraries based on the insertion of random peptide ligands into the capsid of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) have been widely used to improve the efficiency and selectivity of the AAV vector system. However, so far only libraries of 7-mer peptide ligands have been inserted at one well-characterized capsid position. Here, we expanded the combinatorial AAV2 display system to a panel of novel AAV libraries, displaying peptides of 5, 7, 12, 19, or 26 amino acids in length at capsid position 588 or displaying 7-mer peptides at position 453, the most prominently exposed region of the viral capsid. Library selections on two unrelated cell types-human coronary artery endothelial cells and rat cardiomyoblasts-revealed the isolation of cell type-characteristic peptides of different lengths mediating strongly improved target-cell transduction, except for the 26-mer peptide ligands. Characterization of vector selectivity by transduction of nontarget cells and comparative gene-transduction analysis using a panel of 44 human tumor cell lines revealed that insertion of different-length peptides allows targeting of distinct cellular receptors for cell entry with similar efficiency, but with different selectivity. The application of such novel AAV2 libraries broadens the spectrum of targetable receptors by capsid-modified AAV vectors and provides the opportunity to choose the best suited targeting ligand for a certain application from a number of different candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Naumer
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Tumorvirology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Shah PS, Schaffer DV. Antiviral RNAi: translating science towards therapeutic success. Pharm Res 2011; 28:2966-82. [PMID: 21826573 PMCID: PMC5012899 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-011-0549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Viruses continuously evolve to contend with an ever-changing environment that involves transmission between hosts and sometimes species, immune responses, and in some cases therapeutic interventions. Given the high mutation rate of viruses relative to the timescales of host evolution and drug development, novel drug classes that are readily screened and translated to the clinic are needed. RNA interference (RNAi)-a natural mechanism for specific degradation of target RNAs that is conserved from plants to invertebrates and vertebrates-can potentially be harnessed to yield therapies with extensive specificity, ease of design, and broad application. In this review, we discuss basic mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of RNAi, including design considerations and areas for future development in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya S. Shah
- Department of Chemical and Biolmolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
| | - David V. Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biolmolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
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Orthopaedic gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors. Arch Oral Biol 2011; 56:619-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2010] [Revised: 12/05/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abel T, Kreppel F, Ogris M, Büning H. [When gene vectors are equipped with the correct key, the cell surface can be targeted]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 40:225-38. [PMID: 21698612 DOI: 10.1002/pauz.201100418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Strategy for treating motor neuron diseases using a fusion protein of botulinum toxin binding domain and streptavidin for viral vector access: work in progress. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:2872-89. [PMID: 22069580 PMCID: PMC3153189 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2122872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although advances in understanding of the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have suggested attractive treatment strategies, delivery of agents to motor neurons embedded within the spinal cord is problematic. We have designed a strategy based on the specificity of botulinum toxin, to direct entry of viral vectors carrying candidate therapeutic genes into motor neurons. We have engineered and expressed fusion proteins consisting of the binding domain of botulinum toxin type A fused to streptavidin (SAv). This fusion protein will direct biotinylated viral vectors carrying therapeutic genes into motor nerve terminals where they can enter the acidified endosomal compartments, be released and undergo retrograde transport, to deliver the genes to motor neurons. Both ends of the fusion proteins are shown to be functionally intact. The binding domain end binds to mammalian nerve terminals at neuromuscular junctions, ganglioside GT1b (a target of botulinum toxin), and a variety of neuronal cells including primary chick embryo motor neurons, N2A neuroblastoma cells, NG108-15 cells, but not to NG CR72 cells, which lack complex gangliosides. The streptavidin end binds to biotin, and to a biotinylated Alexa 488 fluorescent tag. Further studies are in progress to evaluate the delivery of genes to motor neurons in vivo, by the use of biotinylated viral vectors.
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Collins SA, Buhles A, Scallan MF, Harrison PT, O'Hanlon DM, O'Sullivan GC, Tangney M. AAV2-mediated in vivo immune gene therapy of solid tumours. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2010; 8:8. [PMID: 21172020 PMCID: PMC3016353 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-8-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Many strategies have been adopted to unleash the potential of gene therapy for cancer, involving a wide range of therapeutic genes delivered by various methods. Immune therapy has become one of the major strategies adopted for cancer gene therapy and seeks to stimulate the immune system to target tumour antigens. In this study, the feasibility of AAV2 mediated immunotherapy of growing tumours was examined, in isolation and combined with anti-angiogenic therapy. Methods Immune-competent Balb/C or C57 mice bearing subcutaneous JBS fibrosarcoma or Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) tumour xenografts respectively were treated by intra-tumoural administration of AAV2 vector encoding the immune up-regulating cytokine granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and the co-stimulatory molecule B7-1 to subcutaneous tumours, either alone or in combination with intra-muscular (IM) delivery of AAV2 vector encoding Nk4 14 days prior to tumour induction. Tumour growth and survival was monitored for all animals. Cured animals were re-challenged with tumourigenic doses of the original tumour type. In vivo cytotoxicity assays were used to investigate establishment of cell-mediated responses in treated animals. Results AAV2-mediated GM-CSF, B7-1 treatment resulted in a significant reduction in tumour growth and an increase in survival in both tumour models. Cured animals were resistant to re-challenge, and induction of T cell mediated anti-tumour responses were demonstrated. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes to naïve animals prevented tumour establishment. Systemic production of Nk4 induced by intra-muscular (IM) delivery of Nk4 significantly reduced subcutaneous tumour growth. However, combination of Nk4 treatment with GM-CSF, B7-1 therapy reduced the efficacy of the immune therapy. Conclusions Overall, this study demonstrates the potential for in vivo AAV2 mediated immune gene therapy, and provides data on the inter-relationship between tumour vasculature and immune cell recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Collins
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital and Leslie C, Quick Jnr, Laboratory, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Novel cytotoxic vectors based on adeno-associated virus. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:2754-68. [PMID: 22069574 PMCID: PMC3153187 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2122754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) are promising tools for gene therapy. The production of strongly toxic vectors, for example for cancer-directed gene transfer, is often unfeasible due to uncontrolled expression of toxic genes in vector-producing cells. Using an approach based on transcriptional repression, we have created novel AAV vectors carrying the genes coding for diphtheria toxin A (DTA) and the pro-apoptotic PUMA protein. The DTA vector had a significant toxic effect on a panel of tumor cell lines, and abrogation of protein synthesis could be shown. The PUMA vector had a toxic effect on HeLa and RPMI 8226 cells, and sensitized transduced cells to doxorubicin. To permit targeted gene transfer, we incorporated the DTA gene into a genetically modified AAV-2 capsid previously developed by our group that mediates enhanced transduction of murine breast cancer cells in vitro. This vector had a stronger cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells than DTA vectors with wildtype AAV capsid or vectors with a random capsid modification. The vector production and application system presented here allows for easy exchange of promotors, transgenes and capsid specificity for certain target cells. It will therefore be of great possible value in a broad range of applications in cytotoxic gene therapy and significantly broadens the spectrum of available tools for AAV-based gene therapy.
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Petronzelli F, Pelliccia A, Anastasi AM, Lindstedt R, Manganello S, Ferrari LE, Albertoni C, Leoni B, Rosi A, D'Alessio V, Deiana K, Paganelli G, De Santis R. Therapeutic Use of Avidin Is Not Hampered by Antiavidin Antibodies in Humans. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2010; 25:563-70. [DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2010.0797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonio Rosi
- R&D Immunology, Sigma-Tau SpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Katia Deiana
- R&D Immunology, Sigma-Tau SpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
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Mitchell AM, Nicolson SC, Warischalk JK, Samulski RJ. AAV's anatomy: roadmap for optimizing vectors for translational success. Curr Gene Ther 2010; 10:319-340. [PMID: 20712583 PMCID: PMC3920455 DOI: 10.2174/156652310793180706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-Associated Virus based vectors (rAAV) are advantageous for human gene therapy due to low inflammatory responses, lack of toxicity, natural persistence, and ability to transencapsidate the genome allowing large variations in vector biology and tropism. Over sixty clinical trials have been conducted using rAAV serotype 2 for gene delivery with a number demonstrating success in immunoprivileged sites, including the retina and the CNS. Furthermore, an increasing number of trials have been initiated utilizing other serotypes of AAV to exploit vector tropism, trafficking, and expression efficiency. While these trials have demonstrated success in safety with emerging success in clinical outcomes, one benefit has been identification of issues associated with vector administration in humans (e.g. the role of pre-existing antibody responses, loss of transgene expression in non-immunoprivileged sites, and low transgene expression levels). For these reasons, several strategies are being used to optimize rAAV vectors, ranging from addition of exogenous agents for immune evasion to optimization of the transgene cassette for enhanced therapeutic output. By far, the vast majority of approaches have focused on genetic manipulation of the viral capsid. These methods include rational mutagenesis, engineering of targeting peptides, generation of chimeric particles, library and directed evolution approaches, as well as immune evasion modifications. Overall, these modifications have created a new repertoire of AAV vectors with improved targeting, transgene expression, and immune evasion. Continued work in these areas should synergize strategies to improve capsids and transgene cassettes that will eventually lead to optimized vectors ideally suited for translational success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Mitchell
- UNC Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah C. Nicolson
- UNC Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jayme K. Warischalk
- UNC Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- UNC Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Lesch HP, Kaikkonen MU, Pikkarainen JT, Ylä-Herttuala S. Avidin-biotin technology in targeted therapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2010; 7:551-64. [PMID: 20233034 DOI: 10.1517/17425241003677749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD The goal of drug targeting is to increase the concentration of the drug in the vicinity of the cells responsible for disease without affecting healthy cells. Many approaches in cancer treatment are limited because of their broad range of unwanted side effects on healthy cells. Targeting can reduce side effects and increase efficacy of drugs in the patient. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Avidin, originally isolated from chicken eggs, and its bacterial analogue, streptavidin, from Streptomyces avidinii, have extremely high affinity for biotin. This unique feature is the basis of avidin-biotin technology. This article reviews the current status of avidin-biotin systems and their use for pretargeted drug delivery and vector targeting. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN The reader will gain an understanding of the following approaches using the avidin-biotin system: i) targeting antibodies and therapeutic molecules are administered separately leading to a reduction of drug dose in normal tissues compared with conventional (radio)immunotherapies; ii) introducing avidin gene into specific tissues by local gene transfer, which subsequently can sequester and concentrate considerable amounts of therapeutic ligands; and iii) enabling transductional targeting of gene therapy vectors. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Avidin and biotin technology has proved to be an extremely versatile tool with broad applications, such as pretargeting, delivering avidin gene into cells enabling targeting of biotinylated compounds and targeting of viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna P Lesch
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen institute, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
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Heart-targeted adeno-associated viral vectors selected by in vivo biopanning of a random viral display peptide library. Gene Ther 2010; 17:980-90. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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