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miRNA Pathway Alteration in Response to Non-Coding RNA Delivery in Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314954. [PMID: 36499289 PMCID: PMC9741442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is widely used to treat incurable disorders and has become a routine procedure in clinical practice. Since viruses can exhibit specific tropisms, effectively penetrate the cell, and are easy to use, most gene therapy approaches are based on viral delivery of genetic material. However, viral vectors have some disadvantages, such as immune response and cytotoxicity induced by a disturbance of cell metabolism, including miRNA pathways that are an important part of transcription regulation. Therefore, any viral-based gene therapy approach involves the evaluation of side effects and safety. It is possible for such effects to be caused either by the viral vectors themselves or by the delivered genetic material. Many gene therapy techniques use non-coding RNA delivery as an effective agent for gene expression regulation, with the risk of cellular miRNA pathways being affected due to the nature of the non-coding RNAs. This review describes the effect of viral vector entry and non-coding RNA delivery by these vectors on miRNA signaling pathways.
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2
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Maepa MB, Ely A, Kramvis A, Bloom K, Naidoo K, Simani OE, Maponga TG, Arbuthnot P. Hepatitis B Virus Research in South Africa. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091939. [PMID: 36146747 PMCID: PMC9503375 DOI: 10.3390/v14091939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being vaccine-preventable, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the seventh leading cause of mortality in the world. In South Africa (SA), over 1.9 million people are chronically infected with HBV, and 70% of all Black chronic carriers are infected with HBV subgenotype A1. The virus remains a significant burden on public health in SA despite the introduction of an infant immunization program implemented in 1995 and the availability of effective treatment for chronic HBV infection. In addition, the high prevalence of HIV infection amplifies HBV replication, predisposes patients to chronicity, and complicates management of the infection. HBV research has made significant progress leading to better understanding of HBV epidemiology and management challenges in the SA context. This has led to recent revision of the national HBV infection management guidelines. Research on developing new vaccines and therapies is underway and progress has been made with designing potentially curative gene therapies against HBV. This review summarizes research carried out in SA on HBV molecular biology, epidemiology, treatment, and vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohube B. Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Kubendran Naidoo
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Omphile E. Simani
- HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa
| | - Tongai G. Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7602, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
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3
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Mao Y, Wang X, Hu W, Li A, Li Y, Huang H, Yan R, Zhang Y, Li J, Li H, Wang S. Long-term and efficient inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by AAV8-delivered artificial microRNAs. Antiviral Res 2022; 204:105366. [PMID: 35732226 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health problem and current treatments are insufficient due to immune tolerance to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). RNA interference (RNAi) is a more promising approach for antiviral therapy. Here, 17 single artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) targeting the highly conserved regions of HBV genome were screened to inhibit HBV replication. In addition, we compared three tandem amiRNAs, each containing 3 different amiRNAs, out of which amiRNA135 was selected to be studied in detail. In vitro data showed that amiRNA135 significantly inhibited the replication of different HBV genotypes (including resistant and mutant). In vivo study was carried out by adeno-associated virus 8-mediated gene delivery, we found that the anti-HBV effects of AAV8-amiRNA135 were time and dose-dependent. Serum HBsAg and HBeAg in high dose groups were significantly reduced at 7 days after a single intravenous vector injection, and maintained at low levels throughout a 15-month experiment. Immunohistochemical staining and HBV core particle DNA analysis confirmed that HBV replication in the liver was strongly inhibited by AAV8-amiRNA135. Taken together, our data suggest that AAV8-mediated trimeric amiRNA expression is a promising therapeutic approach for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Mao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Renhe Yan
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shengqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.
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4
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Jacobs R, Singh P, Smith T, Arbuthnot P, Maepa MB. Prospects of viral vector-mediated delivery of sequences encoding anti-HBV designer endonucleases. Gene Ther 2022:10.1038/s41434-022-00342-5. [PMID: 35606493 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Available treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection offers modest functional curative efficacy. The viral replicative intermediate comprising covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is responsible for persistent chronic HBV infection. Hence, current efforts have focused on developing therapies that disable cccDNA. Employing gene editing tools has emerged as an attractive strategy, with the end goal of establishing permanently inactivated cccDNA. Although anti-HBV designer nucleases are effective in vivo, none has yet progressed to clinical trial. Lack of safe and efficient delivery systems remains the limiting factor. Several vectors may be used to deliver anti-HBV gene editor-encoding sequences, with viral vectors being at the forefront. Despite the challenges associated with packaging large gene editor-encoding sequences into viral vectors, advancement in the field is overcoming such limitations. Translation of viral vector-mediated gene editing against HBV to clinical application is within reach. This review discusses the prospects of delivering HBV targeted designer nucleases using viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhwaanah Jacobs
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Prashika Singh
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tiffany Smith
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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5
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Bhattacharyya P, Biswas SC. Small Non-coding RNAs: Do They Encode Answers for Controlling SARS-CoV-2 in the Future? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:571553. [PMID: 33072032 PMCID: PMC7530945 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.571553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a novel coronavirus responsible for the current COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, which has hit the world since December 2019. It has spread to about 216 countries worldwide, affecting more than 21.7 million people so far. Although clinical trials of a number of promising antiviral drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 are underway, it is hard to predict how successful these drug- or vaccine-based therapeutics are eventually going to be in combating COVID-19 because most of such therapeutic strategies have failed against human coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) responsible for similar pandemics in the past. In that context, we would like to bring to scientific attention another group of endogenous regulatory molecules, the small non-coding RNAs, especially the microRNAs, which are found to regulate critical cellular pathways in a number of disease conditions, including RNA viral infections. This review will focus on understanding the effect of altered microRNA expression during coronavirus-mediated infections and how it may provide clues for further exploring the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, with a view of developing RNAi-based therapeutics and biomarkers against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Bhattacharyya
- Cell Biology & Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhas C Biswas
- Cell Biology & Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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6
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Lundstrom K. Viral Vectors Applied for RNAi-Based Antiviral Therapy. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090924. [PMID: 32842491 PMCID: PMC7552024 DOI: 10.3390/v12090924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) provides the means for alternative antiviral therapy. Delivery of RNAi in the form of short interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA) have demonstrated efficacy in gene silencing for therapeutic applications against viral diseases. Bioinformatics has played an important role in the design of efficient RNAi sequences targeting various pathogenic viruses. However, stability and delivery of RNAi molecules have presented serious obstacles for reaching therapeutic efficacy. For this reason, RNA modifications and formulation of nanoparticles have proven useful for non-viral delivery of RNAi molecules. On the other hand, utilization of viral vectors and particularly self-replicating RNA virus vectors can be considered as an attractive alternative. In this review, examples of antiviral therapy applying RNAi-based approaches in various animal models will be described. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, a special emphasis will be dedicated to targeting Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19).
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7
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van den Berg FT, Ely A, Arbuthnot P. Generating DNA Expression Cassettes Encoding Multimeric Artificial MicroRNA Precursors. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2115:185-197. [PMID: 32006402 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0290-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising tool for the treatment of chronic viral infection, such as that caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). RNAi activators, including expressed primary microRNA (pri-miRNA) mimics, can effectively silence viral gene expression and thereby inhibit viral replication. Here we describe a protocol for the design, generation and functional assessment of cassettes encoding effective single and multimeric pri-miRNA mimics. Artificial miRNAs targeting viral genes can be identified in silico and used to design corresponding pri-miRNA mimics. A two-step generation and TA cloning protocol can be used to produce single mimics, while the strategic use of restriction sites enables concatenation of mimics in a sub-cloning protocol. Basic gene silencing function of pri-miRNA mimics in cell culture can then be assessed using a dual luciferase assay and appropriate minimal targets. The methods described here for the generation of effective pri-miRNA mimics targeting HBV can be applied in the silencing of other viral or endogenous genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona T van den Berg
- Wits-SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine & Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- Wits-SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine & Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits-SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine & Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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8
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In Vivo Delivery of Cassettes Encoding Anti-HBV Primary MicroRNAs Using an Ancestral Adeno-Associated Viral Vector. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2115:171-183. [PMID: 32006401 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0290-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B, a liver disease resulting from persisting hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, remains a global health challenge despite the availability of an effective vaccine. Various preclinical studies using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to deliver anti-HBV RNA interference (RNAi) activators to mediate long-lasting HBV silencing show promise. Recent positive outcomes observed in clinical trials and the FDA approval of AAV-based drugs further demonstrate the potential of AAVs in antiviral therapeutic development. However, the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against vectors based on extant AVV capsids limits the application of these vectors in human. The exciting reports on in silico designed and in vitro synthesized ancestral AAV (Anc80L65) with a potential to evade prevailing AAV neutralizing antibodies will significantly contribute to the success of these vectors in humans. Here, we describe methods for production and in vivo characterization of Anc80L65 expressing anti-HBV RNAi activators.
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9
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Sagnelli C, Sagnelli E. Towards the worldwide eradication of hepatitis B virus infection: A combination of prophylactic and therapeutic factors. World J Clin Infect Dis 2019; 9:11-22. [DOI: 10.5495/wjcid.v9.i2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a global health problem, mostly because of the intermediate/high rates of HBV chronic carriers living in most Asian, African and eastern European countries. The universal HBV vaccination of new-borns undertaken in most nations over the last 3 decades and effective HBV antiviral treatments (nucleos(t)ide analogue with high genetic barrier to viral resistance) introduced in the last decade have shown their beneficial effects in inducing a clear reduction of HBV endemicity in the countries where they have been extensively applied. Great hopes are now placed on new antiviral and immunotherapeutic drugs that are now at an advanced stage of study. It is in fact already conceivable that the synergistic use of new drugs targeting more than one HBV-lifecycle steps (covalent closed circular DNA destruction/silencing, HBV entry inhibitors, nucleocapsid assembly modulators targeting viral transcripts) and of some new immunotherapeutic agents might eliminate the intrahepatic covalent closed circular DNA and achieve the eradication of HBV infection. In spite of this, a strong effort should be given to extensive educational and screening programs for the at-risk population and to the implementation of HBV vaccination in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Evangelista Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80131, Italy
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10
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Lam P, Steinmetz NF. Delivery of siRNA therapeutics using cowpea chlorotic mottle virus-like particles. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:3138-3142. [PMID: 31257379 PMCID: PMC6705399 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00785g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While highly promising in medicine, gene therapy requires delivery agents to protect and target nucleic acid therapeutics. We developed a plant viral siRNA delivery platform making use of self-assembling cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV). CCMV was loaded with siRNAs targeting GFP or FOXA1; to further enhance cell uptake and intracellular trafficking, resulting in more efficient gene knockdown, we appended CCMV with a cell penetrating peptide (CPP), specifically M-lycotoxin peptide L17E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Lam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA and Departments of NanoEngineering, Bioengineering, Radiology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla 92093, USA.
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11
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Herrera-Carrillo E, Liu YP, Berkhout B. Improving miRNA Delivery by Optimizing miRNA Expression Cassettes in Diverse Virus Vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2018; 28:177-190. [PMID: 28712309 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2017.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA interference pathway is an evolutionary conserved post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism that is exclusively triggered by double-stranded RNA inducers. RNAi-based methods and technologies have facilitated the discovery of many basic science findings and spurred the development of novel RNA therapeutics. Transient induction of RNAi via transfection of synthetic small interfering RNAs can trigger the selective knockdown of a target mRNA. For durable silencing of gene expression, either artificial short hairpin RNA or microRNA encoding transgene constructs were developed. These miRNAs are based on the molecules that induce the natural RNAi pathway in mammals and humans: the endogenously expressed miRNAs. Significant efforts focused on the construction and delivery of miRNA cassettes in order to solve basic biology questions or to design new therapy strategies. Several viral vectors have been developed, which are particularly useful for the delivery of miRNA expression cassettes to specific target cells. Each vector system has its own unique set of distinct properties. Thus, depending on the specific application, a particular vector may be most suitable. This field was previously reviewed for different viral vector systems, and now the recent progress in the field of miRNA-based gene-silencing approaches using lentiviral vectors is reported. The focus is on the unique properties and respective limitations of the available vector systems for miRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Herrera-Carrillo
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Poi Liu
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Maepa MB, Ely A, Arbuthnot P. How successful has targeted RNA interference for hepatic fibrosis been? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:381-388. [PMID: 29265946 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1420775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to toxins from the portal circulation, viral infection and by-products of metabolic activity make liver tissue prone to injury. When sustained, associated inflammation leads to activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and complicating hepatic fibrosis. AREAS COVERED In this article, the authors discuss utility of therapeutic gene silencing to disable key steps of hepatic fibrogenesis. Strategies aimed at inhibiting HSC activation and silencing primary causes of fibrogenesis, such as viruses that cause chronic hepatitis, are reviewed. Both synthetic and expressed artificial intermediates of the RNAi pathway have potential to treat hepatic fibrosis, and each type of gene silencer has advantages for clinical translation. Silencing expression cassettes comprising DNA templates are compatible with efficient hepatotropic viral vectors, which may effect sustained gene silencing. By contrast, synthetic short interfering RNAs are amenable to chemical modification, incorporation into non-viral formulations, more precise dose control and large scale preparation. EXPERT OPINION Clinical translation of RNAi-based technology for treatment of hepatic fibrosis is now a realistic goal. However, achieving this aim will require safe, efficient delivery of artificial RNAi intermediates to target cells, economic large scale production of candidate drugs and specificity of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohube Betty Maepa
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- a Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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13
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Lam P, Steinmetz NF. Plant viral and bacteriophage delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 10. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Lam
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
| | - Nicole F. Steinmetz
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
- Department of RadiologyCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
- Department of Macromolecular Science and EngineeringCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
- Division of General Medical Sciences‐Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer CenterCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
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14
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Sustained Inhibition of HBV Replication In Vivo after Systemic Injection of AAVs Encoding Artificial Antiviral Primary MicroRNAs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624194 PMCID: PMC5415967 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a problem of global significance and improving available treatment is important to prevent life-threatening complications arising in persistently infected individuals. HBV is susceptible to silencing by exogenous artificial intermediates of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. However, toxicity of Pol III cassettes and short duration of silencing by effectors of the RNAi pathway may limit anti-HBV therapeutic utility. To advance RNAi-based HBV gene silencing, mono- and trimeric artificial primary microRNAs (pri-miRs) derived from pri-miR-31 were placed under control of the liver-specific modified murine transthyretin promoter. The sequences, which target the X sequence of HBV, were incorporated into recombinant hepatotropic self-complementary adeno-associated viruses (scAAVs). Systemic intravenous injection of the vectors into HBV transgenic mice at a dose of 1 × 1011 per animal effected significant suppression of markers of HBV replication for at least 32 weeks. The pri-miRs were processed according to the intended design, and intrahepatic antiviral guide sequences were detectable for 40 weeks after the injection. There was no evidence of toxicity, and innate immunostimulation was not detectable following the injections. This efficacy is an improvement on previously reported RNAi-based inhibition of HBV replication and is important to clinical translation of the technology.
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15
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Chin WX, Ang SK, Chu JJH. Recent advances in therapeutic recruitment of mammalian RNAi and bacterial CRISPR-Cas DNA interference pathways as emerging antiviral strategies. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:17-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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Wen AM, Steinmetz NF. Design of virus-based nanomaterials for medicine, biotechnology, and energy. Chem Soc Rev 2016; 45:4074-126. [PMID: 27152673 PMCID: PMC5068136 DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00287g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review provides an overview of recent developments in "chemical virology." Viruses, as materials, provide unique nanoscale scaffolds that have relevance in chemical biology and nanotechnology, with diverse areas of applications. Some fundamental advantages of viruses, compared to synthetically programmed materials, include the highly precise spatial arrangement of their subunits into a diverse array of shapes and sizes and many available avenues for easy and reproducible modification. Here, we will first survey the broad distribution of viruses and various methods for producing virus-based nanoparticles, as well as engineering principles used to impart new functionalities. We will then examine the broad range of applications and implications of virus-based materials, focusing on the medical, biotechnology, and energy sectors. We anticipate that this field will continue to evolve and grow, with exciting new possibilities stemming from advancements in the rational design of virus-based nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. and Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA and Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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17
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Demma S, Dusheiko G. The current treatment situation and definitions of a cure for chronic HBV infection. Future Virol 2016. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
HBV vaccination, while effective in reducing incident chronic disease in endemic regions, will not have the desired impact on the rates of end-stage liver disease in chronically infected persons. Over three decades, IFN-α and nucleoside analogs have reduced the morbidity from the disease. A large reservoir of chronic infection remains. The natural history of HBV infection is still being defined. Understanding the interactions between HBV and the host will be fundamental to achieving higher rates of cure. Curing hepatitis B will require several steps for either eradication, or a functional cure in the host. It is unclear whether covently closed circular DNA chromatin would need to be cleared to cure hepatitis B, or whether low threshold levels would slow the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Demma
- UCL institute of Liver & Digestive Health & Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medical & Pediatric Sciences, University of Catania, Policlinic, Via S. Sofia No 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Geoffrey Dusheiko
- UCL institute of Liver & Digestive Health & Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Progress and Prospects of Anti-HBV Gene Therapy Development. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:17589-610. [PMID: 26263978 PMCID: PMC4581210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160817589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of an effective vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV), chronic infection with the virus remains a major global health concern. Current drugs against HBV infection are limited by emergence of resistance and rarely achieve complete viral clearance. This has prompted vigorous research on developing better drugs against chronic HBV infection. Advances in understanding the life cycle of HBV and improvements in gene-disabling technologies have been impressive. This has led to development of better HBV infection models and discovery of new drug candidates. Ideally, a regimen against chronic HBV infection should completely eliminate all viral replicative intermediates, especially covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). For the past few decades, nucleic acid-based therapy has emerged as an attractive alternative that may result in complete clearance of HBV in infected patients. Several genetic anti-HBV strategies have been developed. The most studied approaches include the use of antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, RNA interference effectors and gene editing tools. This review will summarize recent developments and progress made in the use of gene therapy against HBV.
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Kitab B, Alj HS, Ezzikouri S, Benjelloun S. MicroRNAs as Important Players in Host-hepatitis B Virus Interactions. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2015; 3:149-61. [PMID: 26357642 PMCID: PMC4548348 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2015.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major public health problem, causes acute and chronic hepatitis that is often complicated by liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenic mechanisms of HBV-related liver disease are not well understood, and the current licensed therapies are not effective in permanently clearing virus from the circulation. In recent years, the role of micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in HBV infection has attracted great interest. Cellular miRNAs can influence HBV replication directly by binding to HBV transcripts and indirectly by targeting cellular factors relevant to the HBV life cycle. They are also involved in the regulation of cellular genes and signaling pathways that have critical roles in HBV pathogenesis. HBV infection, in turn, can trigger changes in cellular miRNA expression that are associated with distinctive miRNA expression profiles depending on the phase of liver disease. These alterations in miRNA expression have been linked to disease progression and hepatocarcinogenesis. We provide here an up to date review regarding the field of miRNAs and HBV interplay and highlight the potential utility of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of HBV-related liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Kitab
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hanane Salih Alj
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, University Hassan II Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Correspondence to: Soumaya Benjelloun, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco. Tel: +212‐527‐016‐076; +212‐522‐434‐450, Fax: +212‐522‐260‐957, E‐mail:
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Marimani MD, Ely A, Buff MCR, Bernhardt S, Engels JW, Scherman D, Escriou V, Arbuthnot P. Inhibition of replication of hepatitis B virus in transgenic mice following administration of hepatotropic lipoplexes containing guanidinopropyl-modified siRNAs. J Control Release 2015; 209:198-206. [PMID: 25937322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs commonly and complications that arise from persistence of the virus are associated with high mortality. Available licensed drugs have modest curative efficacy and advancing new therapeutic strategies to eliminate the virus is therefore a priority. HBV is susceptible to inactivation by exogenous gene silencers that harness RNA interference (RNAi) and the approach has therapeutic potential. To advance RNAi-based treatment for HBV infection, use in vivo of hepatotropic lipoplexes containing siRNAs with guanidinopropyl (GP) modifications is reported here. Lipoplexes contained polyglutamate, which has previously been shown to facilitate formulation and improve efficiency of the non-viral vectors. GP moieties were included in a previously described anti-HBV siRNA that effectively targeted the conserved viral X sequence. Particles had physical properties that were suitable for use in vivo: average diameter was approximately 50-200 nm and surface charge (zeta potential) was +65 mV. Efficient hepatotropic delivery of labeled siRNA was observed following systemic intravenous injection of the particles into HBV transgenic mice. Good inhibition of markers of viral replication was observed without evidence of toxicity. Efficacy of the GP-modified siRNAs was significantly more durable and formulations made up with chemically modified siRNAs were less immunostimulatory. An RNAi-mediated mechanism was confirmed by demonstrating that HBV mRNA cleavage occurred in vivo at the intended target site. Collectively these data indicate that GP-modified siRNAs formulated in anionic polymer-containing lipoplexes are effective silencers of HBV replication in vivo and have therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa D Marimani
- Wits/SA MRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SA MRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa
| | - Maximilian C R Buff
- Goethe-University, Institute of Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Bernhardt
- Goethe-University, Institute of Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joachim W Engels
- Goethe-University, Institute of Organic Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniel Scherman
- UTCBS, CNRS UMR8258, INSERM U1022, Université Paris Descartes, Chimie ParisTech, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Escriou
- UTCBS, CNRS UMR8258, INSERM U1022, Université Paris Descartes, Chimie ParisTech, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SA MRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa.
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Dusheiko G. Towards the elimination and eradication of hepatitis B. J Virus Erad 2015; 1:4-12. [PMID: 27482390 PMCID: PMC4946670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the introduction of vaccination, chronic hepatitis B remains a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality including cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Maintenance antiviral therapy is required for most people, as low rates of cure occur. The stated aim of therapy presently is HBV DNA suppression; effective suppression of viral replication is associated with significant reductions in morbidity from end-stage liver failure and to an extent, hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, major barriers to cure, such as a reservoir of episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) (the HBV minichromosome), and a dysfunctional immune response, pose challenges. These barriers will need to be overcome to ensure higher rates of cure than can be achieved presently. Quantitative and diagnostic testing for HBV DNA is not generally available, hampering effective monitoring and treatment in low-income countries. The majority of patients in resource-constrained countries are not identified before the onset of cirrhosis. Without coordinated action, and transfer of new diagnostic technologies and treatments to low-income countries, recent therapeutic advances will have little effect on the global burden of disease. A shift to curative treatment for the majority would be a major advance in the elimination of hepatitis B. New and improved molecular therapeutics and immunological strategies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis are emerging, however. A number of promising lines of development are in progress. A curative regimen may require a combination of viral suppression via nucleoside analogue therapy to prevent cccDNA amplification and viral propagation, safe selective cccDNA inhibitors to deplete, silence or degrade cccDNA, agents to block the entry of HBV into the hepatocyte plus compounds to prevent capsid assembly and cccDNA interactions. Targeted immune activation could restore the exhausted immune cell repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Dusheiko
- UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health and Royal Free Hospital,
London,
UK
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