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Salman M, Verma A, Singh VK, Jaffet J, Chaurasia S, Sahel DK, Ramappa M, Singh V. New Frontier in the Management of Corneal Dystrophies: Basics, Development, and Challenges in Corneal Gene Therapy and Gene Editing. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:346-359. [PMID: 36041149 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Corneal dystrophies represent a group of heterogeneous hereditary disorders causing progressive corneal opacification and blindness. Current corneal transplant management for corneal dystrophies faces the challenges of repeated treatments, complex surgical procedures, shortage of appropriate donor cornea, and, more importantly, graft rejection. Genetic medicine could be an alternative treatment regime to overcome such challenges. Cornea carries promising scope for a gene-based therapy involving gene supplementation, gene silencing, and gene editing in both ex vivo and in vivo platforms. In the cornea, ex vivo gene therapeutic strategies were attempted for corneal graft survival, and in vivo gene augmentation therapies aimed to prevent herpes stromal keratitis, neovascularization, corneal clouding, and wound healing. However, none of these studies followed a clinical trial-based successful outcome. CRISPR/Cas system offers a broad scope of gene editing and engineering to correct underlying genetic causes in corneal dystrophies. Corneal tissue--specific gene correction in vitro with minimal off-target effects and optimal gene correction efficiency followed by their successful surgical implantation, or in vivo CRISPR administration targeting pathogenic genes finds a way to explore therapeutic intervention for corneal dystrophies. However, there are many limitations associated with such CRISPR-based corneal treatment management. This review will look into the development of corneal gene therapy and CRISPR-based study in corneal dystrophies, associated challenges, potential approaches, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Salman
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Anshuman Verma
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- MNR Foundation for Research and Innovations, MNR Medical College, MNR Nagar, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Singh
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jilu Jaffet
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sunita Chaurasia
- The Centre of Excellence for Rare Eye Diseases, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Sahel
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science - Pilani Campus. Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan, India and
| | - Muralidhar Ramappa
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L.V. Prasad Marg, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vivek Singh
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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JAK2 gene knockout inhibits corneal allograft rejection in mice by regulating dendritic cell-induced T cell immune tolerance. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:289. [PMID: 35710633 PMCID: PMC9203759 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01067-5] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Corneal allograft rejection can be seen in some patients after corneal transplantation. The present study intends to investigate whether JAK2 gene knockout affects corneal allograft rejection through regulation of dendritic cells (DCs)-induced T cell immune tolerance. In order to identify the target gene related to corneal allograft rejection, high-throughput mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed. JAK2 knockout mice were constructed and subjected to corneal allograft transplantation. The incidence of immune rejection was observed, the percentage of CD4+ T cells was detected, and the expression of Th1 cytokine interferon γ (IFN-γ) was determined. Flow cytometry and ELISA were performed to analyze the effects of JAK2 gene knockout on bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). JAK2 was the target gene related to corneal allograft rejection. JAK2 gene knockout contributed to significantly prolonged survival time of corneal grafts in mice and inhibited corneal allograft rejection. The in vitro cell experiment further confirmed that JAK2 gene knockout contributed to the inactivation of CD4+ T cells and induced IFN-γ expression, accompanied by inhibition of DC immune function, development, maturation, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, JAK2 gene knockout inactivates CD4+ T cells to decrease IFN-γ expression, as well as inhibits DC development, maturation, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing corneal allograft rejection.
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Corneal stromal repair and regeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Amador C, Shah R, Ghiam S, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV. Gene therapy in the anterior eye segment. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:104-131. [PMID: 33902406 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210423084233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Amador
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Jabbehdari S, Rafii AB, Yazdanpanah G, Hamrah P, Holland EJ, Djalilian AR. Update on the Management of High-Risk Penetrating Keratoplasty. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 5:38-48. [PMID: 28959505 DOI: 10.1007/s40135-017-0119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this article, we review the indications and latest management of high-risk penetrating keratoplasty. RECENT FINDINGS Despite the immune-privilege status of the cornea, immune-mediated graft rejection still remains the leading cause of corneal graft failure. This is particularly a problem in the high-risk graft recipients, namely patients with previous graft failure due to rejection and those with inflamed and vascularized corneal beds. A number of strategies including both local and systemic immunosuppression are currently used to increase the success rate of high-risk corneal grafts. Moreover, in cases of limbal stem cell deficiency, limbal stem cells transplantation is employed. SUMMARY Corticosteroids are still the top medication for prevention and treatment in cases of corneal graft rejection. Single and combined administration of immunosuppressive agents e.g. tacrolimus, cyclosporine and mycophenolate are promising adjunctive therapies for prolonging graft survival. In the future, cellular and molecular therapies should allow us to achieve immunologic tolerance even in high-risk grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayena Jabbehdari
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Alireza Baradaran Rafii
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghasem Yazdanpanah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Edward J Holland
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Powell AB, Williams K, Cruz CRY. Gene-modified, cell-based therapies—an overview. Cytotherapy 2016; 18:1351-1359. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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van Essen TH, Roelen DL, Williams KA, Jager MJ. Matching for Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in corneal transplantation - to do or not to do. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 46:84-110. [PMID: 25601193 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As many patients with severe corneal disease are not even considered as candidates for a human graft due to their high risk of rejection, it is essential to find ways to reduce the chance of rejection. One of the options is proper matching of the cornea donor and recipient for the Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), a subject of much debate. Currently, patients receiving their first corneal allograft are hardly ever matched for HLA and even patients undergoing a regraft usually do not receive an HLA-matched graft. While anterior and posterior lamellar grafts are not immune to rejection, they are usually performed in low risk, non-vascularized cases. These are the cases in which the immune privilege due to the avascular status and active immune inhibition is still intact. Once broken due to infection, sensitization or trauma, rejection will occur. There is enough data to show that when proper DNA-based typing techniques are being used, even low risk perforating corneal transplantations benefit from matching for HLA Class I, and high risk cases from HLA Class I and probably Class II matching. Combining HLA class I and class II matching, or using the HLAMatchmaker could further improve the effect of HLA matching. However, new techniques could be applied to reduce the chance of rejection. Options are the local or systemic use of biologics, or gene therapy, aiming at preventing or suppressing immune responses. The goal of all these approaches should be to prevent a first rejection, as secondary grafts are usually at higher risk of complications including rejections than first grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H van Essen
- Department of Ophthalmology, J3-S, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - D L Roelen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - K A Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, J3-S, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands; Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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Saghizadeh M, Epifantseva I, Hemmati DM, Ghiam CA, Brunken WJ, Ljubimov AV. Enhanced wound healing, kinase and stem cell marker expression in diabetic organ-cultured human corneas upon MMP-10 and cathepsin F gene silencing. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:8172-80. [PMID: 24255036 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic corneas overexpress proteinases including matrix metalloproteinase-10 (M10) and cathepsin F (CF). Our purpose was to assess if silencing M10 and CF in organ-cultured diabetic corneas using recombinant adenovirus (rAV)-driven small hairpin RNA (rAV-sh) would normalize slow wound healing, and diabetic and stem cell marker expression. METHODS Sixteen pairs of organ-cultured autopsy human diabetic corneas (four per group) were treated with rAV-sh. Proteinase genes were silenced either separately, together, or both, in combination (Combo) with rAV-driven c-met gene overexpression. Fellow control corneas received rAV-EGFP. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed small hairpin RNA (shRNA) silencing effect. Ten days after transfection, 5-mm epithelial wounds were made with n-heptanol and healing time recorded. Diabetic, signaling, and putative stem cell markers were studied by immunofluorescence of corneal cryostat sections. RESULTS Proteinase silencing reduced epithelial wound healing time versus rAV-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) control (23% for rAV-shM10, 31% for rAV-shCF, and 36% for rAV-shM10 + rAV-shCF). Combo treatment was even more efficient (55% reduction). Staining patterns of diabetic markers (α₃β₁ integrin and nidogen-1), and of activated epidermal growth factor receptor and its signaling target activated Akt were normalized upon rAV-sh treatment. Combo treatment also restored normal staining for activated p38. All treatments, especially the combined ones, increased diabetes-altered staining for putative limbal stem cell markers, ΔNp63α, ABCG2, keratins 15 and 17, and laminin γ3 chain. CONCLUSIONS Small hairpin RNA silencing of proteinases overexpressed in diabetic corneas enhanced corneal epithelial and stem cell marker staining and accelerated wound healing. Combined therapy with c-met overexpression was even more efficient. Specific corneal gene therapy has a potential for treating diabetic keratopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh
- Eye Program, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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