1
|
Pierce GF, Fong S, Long BR, Kaczmarek R. Deciphering conundrums of adeno-associated virus liver-directed gene therapy: focus on hemophilia. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:1263-1289. [PMID: 38103734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus gene therapy has been the subject of intensive investigation for monogenic disease gene addition therapy for more than 25 years, yet few therapies have been approved by regulatory agencies. Most have not progressed beyond phase 1/2 due to toxicity, lack of efficacy, or both. The liver is a natural target for adeno-associated virus since most serotypes have a high degree of tropism for hepatocytes due to cell surface receptors for the virus and the unique liver sinusoidal geometry facilitating high volumes of blood contact with hepatocyte cell surfaces. Recessive monogenic diseases such as hemophilia represent promising targets since the defective proteins are often synthesized in the liver and secreted into the circulation, making them easy to measure, and many do not require precise regulation. Yet, despite initiation of many disease-specific clinical trials, therapeutic windows are often nonexistent, resulting in excess toxicity and insufficient efficacy. Iterative progress built on these attempts is best illustrated by hemophilia, with the first regulatory approvals for factor IX and factor VIII gene therapies eventually achieved 25 years after the first gene therapy studies in humans. Although successful gene transfer may result in the production of sufficient transgenic protein to modify the disease, many emerging questions on durability, predictability, reliability, and variability of response have not been answered. The underlying biology accounting for these heterogeneous responses and the interplay between host and virus is the subject of intense investigation and the subject of this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glenn F Pierce
- World Federation of Hemophilia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Sylvia Fong
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Research and Early Development, Novato, California, USA
| | - Brian R Long
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Research and Early Development, Novato, California, USA
| | - Radoslaw Kaczmarek
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana, USA; Laboratory of Glycobiology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zangi AR, Amiri A, Pazooki P, Soltanmohammadi F, Hamishehkar H, Javadzadeh Y. Non-viral and viral delivery systems for hemophilia A therapy: recent development and prospects. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1493-1511. [PMID: 37951852 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05459-0] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements have focused on enhancing factor VIII half-life and refining its delivery methods, despite the well-established knowledge that factor VIII deficiency is the main clotting protein lacking in hemophilia. Consequently, both viral and non-viral delivery systems play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for hemophilia patients. The utilization of viral vectors and the manipulation of non-viral vectors through targeted delivery are significant advancements in the field of cellular and molecular therapies for hemophilia. These developments contribute to the progression of treatment strategies and hold great promise for improving the overall well-being of individuals with hemophilia. This review study comprehensively explores the application of viral and non-viral vectors in cellular (specifically T cell) and molecular therapy approaches, such as RNA, monoclonal antibody (mAb), and CRISPR therapeutics, with the aim of addressing the challenges in hemophilia treatment. By examining these innovative strategies, the study aims to shed light on potential solutions to enhance the efficacy and outcomes of hemophilia therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rajabi Zangi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Ala Amiri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouya Pazooki
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Soltanmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Hamed Hamishehkar
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, 5166-15731, Iran
| | - Yousef Javadzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5166-15731, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bala NS, Thornburg CD. Gene Therapy in Hemophilia A: Achievements, Challenges, and Perspectives. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024. [PMID: 38588706 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Strides in advancements of care of persons with hemophilia include development of long-acting factor replacement therapies, novel substitution and hemostatic rebalancing agents, and most recently approved gene therapy. Several decades of preclinical and clinical trials have led to development of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer for endogenous production of factor VIII (FVIII) in hemophilia A (HA). Only one gene therapy product for HA (valoctocogene roxaparvovec) has been approved by regulatory authorities. Results of valoctocogene roxaparvovec trial show significant improvement in bleeding rates and use of factor replacement therapy; however, sustainability and duration of response show variability with overall decline in FVIII expression over time. Further challenges include untoward adverse effects involving liver toxicity requiring immunosuppression and development of neutralizing antibodies to AAV vector rendering future doses ineffective. Real-life applicability of gene therapy for HA will require appropriate patient screening, infrastructure setup, long-term monitoring including data collection of patient-reported outcomes and innovative payment schemes. This review article highlights the success and development of HA gene therapy trials, challenges including adverse outcomes and variability of response, and perspectives on approach to gene therapy including shared decision-making and need for future strategies to overcome the several unmet needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha S Bala
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, San Diego, California
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - Courtney D Thornburg
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, San Diego, California
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leavitt AD, Konkle BA, Stine KC, Visweshwar N, Harrington TJ, Giermasz A, Arkin S, Fang A, Plonski F, Yver A, Ganne F, Agathon D, Resa MDLA, Tseng LJ, Di Russo G, Cockroft BM, Cao L, Rupon J. Giroctocogene fitelparvovec gene therapy for severe hemophilia A: 104-week analysis of the phase 1/2 Alta study. Blood 2024; 143:796-806. [PMID: 37871576 PMCID: PMC10933705 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018971] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Patients with hemophilia A require exogenous factor VIII (FVIII) or nonfactor hemostatic agents to prevent spontaneous bleeding events. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy is under clinical investigation to enable endogenous FVIII production. Giroctocogene fitelparvovec is a recombinant AAV serotype 6 vector containing the coding sequence for the B-domain-deleted human F8 gene. In the ongoing phase 1/2, dose-ranging Alta study, 4 sequential cohorts of male participants with severe hemophilia A received a single IV dose of giroctocogene fitelparvovec. The primary end points are safety and changes in circulating FVIII activity. Interim results up to 214 weeks after treatment for all participants are presented. Eleven participants were dosed. Increases in alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were the most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs), which resolved with corticosteroid administration. Two treatment-related serious AEs (hypotension and pyrexia) were reported in 1 participant within 6 hours of infusion and resolved within 24 hours after infusion. At the highest dose level (3 × 1013 vg/kg; n = 5), the mean circulating FVIII activity level at week 52 was 42.6% (range, 7.8%-122.3%), and at week 104 it was 25.4% (range, 0.9%-71.6%) based on a chromogenic assay. No liver masses, thrombotic events, or confirmed inhibitors were detected in any participant. These interim 104-week data suggest that giroctocogene fitelparvovec is generally well tolerated with appropriate clinical management and has the potential to provide clinically meaningful FVIII activity levels, as indicated by the low rate of bleeding events in the highest dose cohort. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03061201.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara A. Konkle
- Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kimo C. Stine
- UAMS at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR
| | | | | | - Adam Giermasz
- Hemophilia Treatment Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shimoyama T, Oba M, Takemae H, Omatsu T, Tani H, Mizutani T. Potent immunogenicity and neutralization of recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing the glycoprotein of severe fever with thrombocytopenia virus. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:228-238. [PMID: 38143087 PMCID: PMC10898983 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0375] [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: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an infectious disease caused by a tick-borne virus called severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). In recent years, human infections through contact with ticks and through contact with the bodily fluids of infected dogs and cats have been reported; however, no vaccine is currently available. SFTSV has two glycoproteins (Gn and Gc) on its envelope, which are vaccine-target antigens involved in immunogenicity. In the present study, we constructed novel SFTS vaccine candidates using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to transport the SFTSV glycoprotein genome. AAV vectors are widely used in gene therapy and their safety has been confirmed in clinical trials. Recently, AAV vectors have been used to develop influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Two types of vaccines (AAV9-SFTSV Gn and AAV9-SFTSV Gc) carrying SFTSV Gn and Gc genes were produced. The expression of Gn and Gc proteins in HEK293T cells was confirmed by infection with vaccines. These vaccines were inoculated into mice, and the collected sera produced anti-SFTS antibodies. Furthermore, sera from AAV9-SFTSV Gn infected mice showed a potent neutralizing ability, similar to previously reported SFTS vaccine candidates that protected animals from SFTSV infection. These findings suggest that this vaccine is a promising candidate for a new SFTS vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Shimoyama
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Oba
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takemae
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Omatsu
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Tani
- Department of Virology, Toyama Institute of Health, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mizutani
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao L, Yang Z, Zheng M, Shi L, Gu M, Liu G, Miao F, Chang Y, Huang F, Tang N. Recombinant adeno-associated virus 8 vector in gene therapy: Opportunities and challenges. Genes Dis 2024; 11:283-293. [PMID: 37588223 PMCID: PMC10425794 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, significant breakthroughs have been made in the field of gene therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most promising gene therapy vectors and a powerful tool for delivering the gene of interest. Among the AAV vectors, AAV serotype 8 (AAV8) has attracted much attention for its efficient and stable gene transfection into specific tissues. Currently, recombinant AAV8 has been widely used in gene therapy research on a variety of diseases, including genetic diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral diseases. This paper reviewed the applications and challenges of using AAV8 as a vector for gene therapy, with the aim of providing a valuable resource for those pursuing the application of viral vectors in gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhao
- Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
- InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
| | - Zixuan Yang
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Minhui Zheng
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mengyun Gu
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gang Liu
- InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
| | - Feng Miao
- InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
| | - Yan Chang
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fanghua Huang
- Center for Drug Evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Naping Tang
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Valentino LA, Ozelo MC, Herzog RW, Key NS, Pishko AM, Ragni MV, Samelson-Jones BJ, Lillicrap D. A review of the rationale for gene therapy for hemophilia A with inhibitors: one-shot tolerance and treatment? J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:3033-3044. [PMID: 37225021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic landscape for people living with hemophilia A (PwHA) has changed dramatically in recent years, but many clinical challenges remain, including the development of inhibitory antibodies directed against factor VIII (FVIII) that occur in approximately 30% of people with severe hemophilia A. Emicizumab, an FVIII mimetic bispecific monoclonal antibody, provides safe and effective bleeding prophylaxis for many PwHA, but clinicians still explore therapeutic strategies that result in immunologic tolerance to FVIII to enable effective treatment with FVIII for problematic bleeding events. This immune tolerance induction (ITI) to FVIII is typically accomplished through repeated long-term exposure to FVIII using a variety of protocols. Meanwhile, gene therapy has recently emerged as a novel ITI option that provides an intrinsic, consistent source of FVIII. As gene therapy and other therapies now expand therapeutic options for PwHA, we review the persistent unmet medical needs with respect to FVIII inhibitors and effective ITI in PwHA, the immunology of FVIII tolerization, the latest research on tolerization strategies, and the role of liver-directed gene therapy to mediate FVIII ITI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Valentino
- National Hemophilia Foundation, New York, New York, USA; Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | | | - Roland W Herzog
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nigel S Key
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lundstrom K. Viral vectors engineered for gene therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:1-41. [PMID: 37541721 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has seen major progress in recent years. Viral vectors have made a significant contribution through efficient engineering for improved delivery and safety. A large variety of indications such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, hematological, neurological, muscular, ophthalmological, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency have been targeted. Viral vectors based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses including lentiviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, poxviruses, picornaviruses, reoviruses, and polyomaviruses have been used. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated for different indications in animal models. Therapeutic efficacy has also been achieved in clinical trials. Several viral vector-based drugs have been approved for the treatment of cancer, and hematological, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Moreover, viral vector-based vaccines have been approved against COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease.
Collapse
|
9
|
Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy: Where Do We Stand in 2023? Viruses 2023; 15:v15030698. [PMID: 36992407 PMCID: PMC10059137 DOI: 10.3390/v15030698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been used for a broad spectrum of gene therapy for both acute and chronic diseases. In the context of cancer gene therapy, viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, suicide and immunostimulatory genes, such as cytokines and chemokines, have been applied. Oncolytic viruses, which specifically replicate in and kill tumor cells, have provided tumor eradication, and even cure of cancers in animal models. In a broader meaning, vaccine development against infectious diseases and various cancers has been considered as a type of gene therapy. Especially in the case of COVID-19 vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines such as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2.S have demonstrated excellent safety and vaccine efficacy in clinical trials, leading to Emergency Use Authorization in many countries. Viral vectors have shown great promise in the treatment of chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, β-thalassemia, and sickle cell disease (SCD). Proof-of-concept has been established in preclinical studies in various animal models. Clinical gene therapy trials have confirmed good safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy. Viral-based drugs have been approved for cancer, hematological, metabolic, neurological, and ophthalmological diseases as well as for vaccines. For example, the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, the oncolytic HSV T-VEC for melanoma, lentivirus-based treatment of ADA-SCID disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease have been approved for human use.
Collapse
|
10
|
Issa SS, Shaimardanova AA, Solovyeva VV, Rizvanov AA. Various AAV Serotypes and Their Applications in Gene Therapy: An Overview. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050785. [PMID: 36899921 PMCID: PMC10000783 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite scientific discoveries in the field of gene and cell therapy, some diseases still have no effective treatment. Advances in genetic engineering methods have enabled the development of effective gene therapy methods for various diseases based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Today, many AAV-based gene therapy medications are being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, and new ones are appearing on the market. In this article, we present a review of AAV discovery, properties, different serotypes, and tropism, and a following detailed explanation of their uses in gene therapy for disease of different organs and systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaza S. Issa
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alisa A. Shaimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(905)-3167599
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pipe SW, Arruda VR, Lange C, Kitchen S, Eichler H, Wadsworth S. Characteristics of BAY 2599023 in the Current Treatment Landscape of Hemophilia A Gene Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:81-95. [PMID: 36111754 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220914105729] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hemophilia A, a single gene disorder leading to deficient Factor VIII (FVIII), is a suitable candidate for gene therapy. The aspiration is for single administration of a genetic therapy that would allow the production of endogenous FVIII sufficient to restore hemostasis and other biological processes. This would potentially result in reliable protection from bleeding and its associated physical and emotional impacts. Gene therapy offers the possibility of a clinically relevant improvement in disease phenotype and transformational improvement in quality of life, including an opportunity to engage in physical activities more confidently. Gene therapy products for hemophilia A in advanced clinical development use adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors and a codon-optimized B-domain deleted FVIII transgene. However, the different AAV-based gene therapies have distinct design features, such as choice of vector capsid, enhancer and promoter regions, FVIII transgene sequence and manufacturing processes. These, in turn, impact patient eligibility, safety and efficacy. Ideally, gene therapy technology for hemophilia A should offer bleed protection, durable FVIII expression, broad eligibility and limited response variability between patients, and long-term safety. However, several limitations and challenges must be overcome. Here, we introduce the characteristics of the BAY 2599023 (AAVhu37.hFVIIIco, DTX 201) gene therapy product, including the low prevalence in the general population of anti-AAV-hu37 antibodies, as well as other gene therapy AAV products and approaches. We will examine how these can potentially meet the challenges of gene therapy, with the ultimate aim of improving the lives of patients with hemophilia A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Pipe
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Valder R Arruda
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Cell and Molecular Therapeutics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Stephen Kitchen
- Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hermann Eichler
- Institute of Clinical Hemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine, Saarland University and University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Long-term follow-up of liver-directed, adeno-associated vector-mediated gene therapy in the canine model of hemophilia A. Blood 2022; 140:2672-2683. [PMID: 35405003 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Questions remain concerning the long-term efficacy, safety, and site(s) of transgene expression following adeno-associated vector (AAV) therapy. We report a long-term follow-up of 8 (male = 4, hemizygous, and female = 4, homozygous) dogs with severe hemophilia A treated with a single portal vein infusion of a B-domain-deleted (BDD)-canine FVIII (cFVIII) AAV vector (median dose = 1.25 × 1013 vg/kg, AAV2 = 4, AAV6 = 3, and AAV8 = 1). After a median follow-up of 10.8 years (8.2-12.0 years), persistent FVIII:C (median one-stage = 12.7%, chromogenic = 7.2%) was seen in all responding dogs (n = 6), with improvement in annualized bleed rates (pre = 3.9 vs post = 0.3 event per year; P = .003). Anti-AAV capsid neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) toward the dosed capsid were detected throughout the study, with limited cross-reactivity to other capsids. nAb titers for all capsid serotypes declined with time, although they remained at levels precluding redosing with the same capsid. AAV-BDD-cFVIII DNA was detected in the liver of all dogs (median = 0.15 vg per diploid genome), with lower levels in the spleen in 4 dogs (median = 0.005 vg per diploid genome). Consistent with the liver-specific promoter, BDD-cFVIII mRNA was only detected in the liver. Postmortem examination demonstrated no evidence of chronic liver disease or liver malignancy. Persistent FVIII expression and an improved bleeding phenotype was seen for more than a decade after vector delivery. This is the longest follow-up reported in a preclinical model supporting long-term efficacy and safety of AAV-mediated gene therapy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Harmatz P, Prada CE, Burton BK, Lau H, Kessler CM, Cao L, Falaleeva M, Villegas AG, Zeitler J, Meyer K, Miller W, Wong Po Foo C, Vaidya S, Swenson W, Shiue LH, Rouy D, Muenzer J. First-in-human in vivo genome editing via AAV-zinc-finger nucleases for mucopolysaccharidosis I/II and hemophilia B. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3587-3600. [PMID: 36299240 PMCID: PMC9734078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN)-based in vivo genome editing is a novel treatment that can potentially provide lifelong protein replacement with single intravenous administration. Three first-in-human open-label ascending single-dose phase 1/2 studies were performed in parallel (starting November 2017) primarily to assess safety and tolerability of ZFN in vivo editing therapy in mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) (n = 3), MPS II (n = 9), and hemophilia B (n = 1). Treatment was well tolerated with no serious treatment-related adverse events. At the 1e13 vg/kg dose, evidence of genome editing was detected through albumin-transgene fusion transcripts in liver for MPS II (n = 2) and MPS I (n = 1) subjects. The MPS I subject also had a transient increase in leukocyte iduronidase activity to the lower normal range. At the 5e13 vg/kg dose, one MPS II subject had a transient increase in plasma iduronate-2-sulfatase approaching normal levels and one MPS I subject approached mid-normal levels of leukocyte iduronidase activity with no evidence of genome editing. The hemophilia B subject was not able to decrease use of factor IX concentrate; genome editing could not be assessed. Overall, ZFN in vivo editing therapy had a favorable safety profile with evidence of targeted genome editing in liver, but no long-term enzyme expression in blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Harmatz
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA 94609, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Carlos E. Prada
- Division of Genetics, Birth Defects & Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA,Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Barbara K. Burton
- Division of Genetics, Birth Defects & Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather Lau
- Department of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Liching Cao
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Brisbane, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Didier Rouy
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Muenzer
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu S, Razon L, Ritchie O, Sihn CR, Handyside B, Berguig G, Woloszynek J, Zhang L, Batty P, Lillicrap D, Agrawal V, Cortesio C, Gebretsadik K, Akeefe H, Colosi P, Kim B, Bunting S, Fong S. Application of in- vitro-cultured primary hepatocytes to evaluate species translatability and AAV transduction mechanisms of action. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:61-71. [PMID: 35782594 PMCID: PMC9204658 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) is an effective platform for therapeutic gene transfer; however, tissue-tropism differences between species are a challenge for successful translation of preclinical results to humans. We evaluated the use of in vitro primary hepatocyte cultures to predict in vivo liver-directed AAV expression in different species. We assessed whether in vitro AAV transduction assays in cultured primary hepatocytes from mice, nonhuman primates (NHPs), and humans could model in vivo liver-directed AAV expression of valoctocogene roxaparvovec (AAV5-hFVIII-SQ), an experimental gene therapy for hemophilia A with a hepatocyte-selective promoter. Relative levels of DNA and RNA in hepatocytes grown in vitro correlated with in vivo liver transduction across species. Expression in NHP hepatocytes more closely reflected expression in human hepatocytes than in mouse hepatocytes. We used this hepatocyte culture model to assess transduction efficacy of a novel liver-directed AAV capsid across species and identified which of 3 different canine factor VIII vectors produced the most transgene expression. Results were confirmed in vivo. Further, we determined mechanisms mediating inhibition of AAV5-hFVIII-SQ expression by concomitant isotretinoin using primary human hepatocytes. These studies support using in vitro primary hepatocyte models to predict species translatability of liver-directed AAV gene therapy and improve mechanistic understanding of drug-drug interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su Liu
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Lisa Razon
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Olivia Ritchie
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Choong-Ryoul Sihn
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Britta Handyside
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Geoffrey Berguig
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Jill Woloszynek
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Lening Zhang
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Paul Batty
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Richardson Laboratory, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - David Lillicrap
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Richardson Laboratory, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Vishal Agrawal
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Christa Cortesio
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Kahsay Gebretsadik
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Hassibullah Akeefe
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Peter Colosi
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Benjamin Kim
- Clinical Sciences, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc., Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Stuart Bunting
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Sylvia Fong
- Biology Research, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wu F, Luo S, Zhang Y, Hairui Wang Zhaofei Guo Chunting He Shuting Bai Penghui He Min Jiang Xiaoyan Chen Guangsheng Du Xun Sun YO. Single-shot AAV-vectored vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 with fast and long-lasting immunity. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:2219-2233. [PMID: 35846427 PMCID: PMC9273293 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the insufficient long-term protection and significant efficacy reduction to new variants of current COVID-19 vaccines, the epidemic prevention and control are still challenging. Here, we employ a capsid and antigen structure engineering (CASE) strategy to manufacture an adeno-associated viral serotype 6-based vaccine (S663V-RBD), which expresses trimeric receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein fused with a biological adjuvant RS09. Impressively, the engineered S663V-RBD could rapidly induce a satisfactory RBD-specific IgG titer within 2 weeks and maintain the titer for more than 4 months. Compared to the licensed BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm, China), a single-dose S663V-RBD induced more endurable and robust immune responses in mice and elicited superior neutralizing antibodies against three typical SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses including wild type, C.37 (Lambda) and B.1.617.2 (Delta). More interestingly, the intramuscular injection of S663V-RBD could overcome pre-existing immunity against the capsid. Given its effectiveness, the CASE-based S663V-RBD may provide a new solution for the current and next pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuhua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongshun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kaminski TW, Ju EM, Gudapati S, Vats R, Arshad S, Dubey RK, Katoch O, Tutuncuoglu E, Frank J, Brzoska T, Stolz DB, Watkins SC, Chan SY, Ragni MV, Novelli EM, Sundd P, Pradhan-Sundd T. Defenestrated endothelium delays liver-directed gene transfer in hemophilia A mice. Blood Adv 2022; 6:3729-3734. [PMID: 35427414 PMCID: PMC9631574 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by defective or deficient coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) activity. Until recently, the only treatment for prevention of bleeding involved IV administration of FVIII. Gene therapy with adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) has shown some efficacy in patients with hemophilia A. However, limitations persist due to AAV-induced cellular stress, immunogenicity, and reduced durability of gene expression. Herein, we examined the efficacy of liver-directed gene transfer in FVIII knock-out mice by AAV8-GFP. Surprisingly, compared with control mice, FVIII knockout (F8TKO) mice showed significant delay in AAV8-GFP transfer in the liver. We found that the delay in liver-directed gene transfer in F8TKO mice was associated with absence of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) fenestration, which led to aberrant expression of several sinusoidal endothelial proteins, causing increased capillarization and decreased permeability of LSECs. This is the first study to link impaired liver-directed gene transfer to liver-endothelium maladaptive structural changes associated with FVIII deficiency in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz W. Kaminski
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Eun-Mi Ju
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Shweta Gudapati
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ravi Vats
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Bioengineering, and
| | - Sanya Arshad
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rikesh K. Dubey
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Omika Katoch
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Egemen Tutuncuoglu
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jonathan Frank
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Tomasz Brzoska
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, and
| | | | - Simon C. Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Stephen Y. Chan
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Margaret V. Ragni
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, and
- Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Enrico M. Novelli
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, and
| | - Prithu Sundd
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Bioengineering, and
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Bioengineering, and
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, and
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kaczmarek R. Gene therapy - are we ready now? Haemophilia 2022; 28 Suppl 4:35-43. [PMID: 35521736 PMCID: PMC9325484 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14530] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Haemophilia therapy has evolved from rudimentary transfusion‐based approaches to an unprecedented level of innovation with glimmers of functional cure brought by gene therapy. After decades of misfires, gene therapy has normalized factor (F)VIII and factor (F)IX levels in some individuals in the long term. Several clinical programmes testing adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vector gene therapy are approaching completion with imminent regulatory approvals. Discussion Phase 3 studies along with multiyear follow‐up in earlier phase investigations raised questions about efficacy as well as short‐ and long‐term safety, prompting a reappraisal of AAV vector gene therapy. Liver toxicities, albeit mostly low‐grade, occur in the first year in at least some individuals in all haemophilia A and B trials and are poorly understood. Extreme variability and unpredictability of outcome, as well as a slow decline in factor expression (seemingly unique to FVIII gene therapy), are vexing because immune responses to AAV vectors preclude repeat dosing, which could increase suboptimal or restore declining expression, while overexpression may result in phenotoxicity. The long‐term safety will need lifelong monitoring because AAV vectors, contrary to conventional wisdom, integrate into chromosomes at the rate that calls for vigilance. Conclusions AAV transduction and transgene expression engage the host immune system, cellular DNA processing, transcription and translation machineries in ways that have been only cursorily studied in the clinic. Delineating those mechanisms will be key to finding mitigants and solutions to the remaining problems, and including individuals who cannot avail of gene therapy at this time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Kaczmarek
- Coagulation Products Safety Supply and Access Committee, World Federation of Hemophilia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lundgren TS, Denning G, Stowell SR, Spencer HT, Doering CB. Pharmacokinetic analysis identifies a factor VIII immunogenicity threshold after AAV gene therapy in hemophilia A mice. Blood Adv 2022; 6:2628-2645. [PMID: 35286375 PMCID: PMC9043920 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in the development of novel treatment options for hemophilia A are prevalent. However, the anti-factor VIII (FVIII) neutralizing antibody (inhibitor) response to existing FVIII products remains a major treatment challenge. Although some novel products are designed to function in the presence of inhibitors, they do not specific address the immunogenicity risk or mechanistic causes of inhibitor development, which remain unclear. Furthermore, most preclinical studies supporting clinical gene therapy programs have reported immunogenicity signals in animal models, especially at higher vector doses and sometimes using multiple vector designs. In these settings, immunogenicity risk factor determination, comparative immunogenicity of competing vector designs, and the potential for obtaining meaningful prognostic data remain relatively unexplored. Additionally, there remains the opportunity to investigate clinical gene therapy as an alternative to standard immune tolerance induction therapy. The current study was designed to address these issues through longitudinal dose-response evaluation of 4 adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector candidates encoding 2 different FVIII transgenes in a murine model of hemophilia A. Plasma FVIII activity and anti-FVIII antibody data were used to generate a pharmacokinetic model that (1) identifies initial AAV-FVIII product expression kinetics as the dominant risk factor for inhibitor development, (2) predicts a therapeutic window where immune tolerance is achieved, and (3) demonstrates evidence of gene therapy-based immune tolerance induction. Although there are known limitations to the predictive value of preclinical immunogenicity testing, these studies can uncover or support the development of design principles that can guide the development of safe and effective genetic medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taran S. Lundgren
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Sean R. Stowell
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - H. Trent Spencer
- Expression Therapeutics, Inc., Tucker, GA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Christopher B. Doering
- Expression Therapeutics, Inc., Tucker, GA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Elkouby L, Armour SM, Toso R, DiPietro M, Davidson RJ, Nguyen GN, Willet M, Kutza S, Silverberg J, Frick J, Crosariol M, Wang Y, Wang C, High KA, Sabatino DE, Anguela XM. Preclinical assessment of an optimized AAV-FVIII vector in mice and non-human primates for the treatment of hemophilia A. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 24:20-29. [PMID: 34977269 PMCID: PMC8666598 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Extensive clinical data from liver-mediated gene therapy trials have shown that dose-dependent immune responses against the vector capsid may impair or even preclude transgene expression if not managed successfully with prompt immune suppression. The goal of this preclinical study was to generate an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector capable of expressing therapeutic levels of B-domain deleted factor VIII (FVIII) at the lowest possible vector dose to minimize the potential Risk of a capsid-mediated immune response in the clinical setting. Here, we describe the studies that identified the investigational agent SPK-8011, currently being evaluated in a phase 1/2 study (NCT03003533) in individuals with hemophilia A. In particular, the potency of our second-generation expression cassettes was evaluated in mice and in non-human primates using two different bioengineered capsids (AAV-Spark100 and AAV-Spark200). At 2 weeks after gene transfer, primates transduced with 2 × 1012 vg/kg AAV-Spark100-FVIII or AAV-Spark200-FVIII expressed FVIII antigen levels of 13% ± 2% and 22% ± 6% of normal, respectively. Collectively, these preclinical results validate the feasibility of lowering the AAV capsid dose for a gene-based therapeutic approach for hemophilia A to a dose level orders of magnitude lower than the first-generation vectors in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liron Elkouby
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building, Rm 5020, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Robert J. Davidson
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building, Rm 5020, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Giang N. Nguyen
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building, Rm 5020, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuhuan Wang
- Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Denise E. Sabatino
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building, Rm 5020, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shao W, Sun J, Chen X, Dobbins A, Merricks EP, Samulski RJ, Nichols TC, Li C. Chimeric Mice Engrafted With Canine Hepatocytes Exhibits Similar AAV Transduction Efficiency to Hemophilia B Dog. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:815317. [PMID: 35173619 PMCID: PMC8841897 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.815317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated gene therapy has been successfully applied in clinical trials, including hemophilia. Novel AAV vectors have been developed with enhanced transduction and specific tissue tropism. Considering the difference in efficacy of AAV transduction between animal models and patients, the chimeric xenograft mouse model with human hepatocytes has unique advantages of studying AAV transduction efficiency in human hepatocytes. However, it is unclear whether the results in humanized mice can predict AAV transduction efficiency in human hepatocytes. To address this issue, we studied the AAV transduction efficacy in canine hepatocytes in both canine hepatocyte xenografted mice and real dogs. After administration of AAV vectors from different serotypes into canine hepatocyte xenograft mice, AAV8 induced the best canine hepatocyte transduction followed by AAV9, then AAV3, 7, 5 and 2. After administration of AAV/cFIX (cFIX-opt-R338L) vectors in hemophilia B dogs, consistent with the result in chimeric mice, AAV8 induced the highest cFIX protein expression and function, followed by AAV9 and then AAV2. These results suggest that mice xenografted with hepatocytes from different species could be used to predict the AAV liver transduction in real species and highlight this potential platform to explore novel AAV variants for future clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Shao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Junjiang Sun
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Xiaojing Chen
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Amanda Dobbins
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth P Merricks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and The Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - R Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Timothy C Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and The Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Chengwen Li
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Domm JM, Wootton SK, Medin JA, West ML. Gene therapy for Fabry disease: Progress, challenges, and outlooks on gene-editing. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 134:117-131. [PMID: 34340879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is the delivery of a therapeutic gene for endogenous cellular expression with the goal of rescuing a disease phenotype. It has been used to treat an increasing number of human diseases with many strategies proving safe and efficacious in clinical trials. Gene delivery may be viral or non-viral, performed in vivo or ex vivo, and relies on gene integration or transient expression; all of these techniques have been applied to the treatment of Fabry disease. Fabry disease is a genetic disorder of the α-galactosidase A gene, GLA, that causes an accumulation of glycosphingolipids in cells leading to cardiac, renal and cerebrovascular damage and eventually death. Currently, there are no curative treatments available, and the therapies that are used have significant drawbacks. These treatment concerns have led to the advent of gene therapies for Fabry disease. The first Fabry patients to receive gene therapy were treated with recombinant lentivirus targeting their hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Adeno-associated virus treatments have also begun. Alternatively, the field of gene-editing is a new and rapidly growing field. Gene-editing has been used to repair disease-causing mutations or insert genes into cellular DNA. These techniques have the potential to be applied to the treatment of Fabry disease provided the concerns of gene-editing technology, such as safety and efficiency, were addressed. This review focuses on the current state of gene therapy as it is being developed for Fabry disease, including progresses and challenges as well as an overview of gene-editing and how it may be applied to correct Fabry disease-causing mutations in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob M Domm
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Sarah K Wootton
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Medin
- Department of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Michael L West
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Screening for gene doping transgenes in horses via the use of massively parallel sequencing. Gene Ther 2021; 29:236-246. [PMID: 34276046 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00279-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the history of horse racing, doping techniques to suppress or enhance performance have expanded to match the technology available. The next frontier in doping, both in the equine and human sports areas, is predicted to be genetic manipulation; either by prohibited use of genome editing, or gene therapy via transgenes. By using massively-parallel sequencing via a two-step PCR method we can screen for multiple doping targets at once in pooled primer sets. This method has the advantages of high scalability through combinational indexing, and the use of reference standards with altered sequences as controls. Custom software produces transgene-specific amplicons from any Ensembl-annotated genome to facilitate rapid assay design. Additional scripts batch-process FASTQ data from experiments, automatically quality-filtering sequences and assigning hits based on discriminatory motifs. We report here our experiences in establishing the workflow with an initial 31 transgene and vector feature targets. To evaluate the sensitivity of parallel sequencing in a real-world setting, we performed an intramuscular (IM) administration of a control rAAV vector into two horses and compared the detection sensitivity between parallel sequencing and real-time qPCR. Vector was detected by all assays on both methods up to 79 h post-administration, becoming sporadic after 96 h.
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nguyen GN, Everett JK, Kafle S, Roche AM, Raymond HE, Leiby J, Wood C, Assenmacher CA, Merricks EP, Long CT, Kazazian HH, Nichols TC, Bushman FD, Sabatino DE. A long-term study of AAV gene therapy in dogs with hemophilia A identifies clonal expansions of transduced liver cells. Nat Biotechnol 2021; 39:47-55. [PMID: 33199875 PMCID: PMC7855056 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0741-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nine dogs with hemophilia A were treated with adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy and followed for up to 10 years. Administration of AAV8 or AAV9 vectors expressing canine factor VIII (AAV-cFVIII) corrected the FVIII deficiency to 1.9-11.3% of normal FVIII levels. In two of nine dogs, levels of FVIII activity increased gradually starting about 4 years after treatment. None of the dogs showed evidence of tumors or altered liver function. Analysis of integration sites in liver samples from six treated dogs identified 1,741 unique AAV integration events in genomic DNA and expanded cell clones in five dogs, with 44% of the integrations near genes involved in cell growth. All recovered integrated vectors were partially deleted and/or rearranged. Our data suggest that the increase in FVIII protein expression in two dogs may have been due to clonal expansion of cells harboring integrated vectors. These results support the clinical development of liver-directed AAV gene therapy for hemophilia A, while emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring for potential genotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giang N Nguyen
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John K Everett
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samita Kafle
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aoife M Roche
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hayley E Raymond
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacob Leiby
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christian Wood
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charles-Antoine Assenmacher
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Merricks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - C Tyler Long
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Haig H Kazazian
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy C Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Frederic D Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Denise E Sabatino
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cao W, Dong B, Horling F, Firrman JA, Lengler J, Klugmann M, de la Rosa M, Wu W, Wang Q, Wei H, Moore AR, Roberts SA, Booth CJ, Hoellriegl W, Li D, Konkle B, Miao C, Reipert BM, Scheiflinger F, Rottensteiner H, Xiao W. Minimal Essential Human Factor VIII Alterations Enhance Secretion and Gene Therapy Efficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 19:486-495. [PMID: 33313336 PMCID: PMC7708868 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
One important limitation for achieving therapeutic expression of human factor VIII (FVIII) in hemophilia A gene therapy is inefficient secretion of the FVIII protein. Substitution of five amino acids in the A1 domain of human FVIII with the corresponding porcine FVIII residues generated a secretion-enhanced human FVIII variant termed B-domain-deleted (BDD)-FVIII-X5 that resulted in 8-fold higher FVIII activity levels in the supernatant of an in vitro cell-based assay system than seen with unmodified human BDD-FVIII. Analysis of purified recombinant BDD-FVIII-X5 and BDD-FVIII revealed similar specific activities for both proteins, indicating that the effect of the X5 alteration is confined to increased FVIII secretion. Intravenous delivery in FVIII-deficient mice of liver-targeted adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors designed to express BDD-FVIII-X5 or BDD-FVIII achieved substantially higher plasma FVIII activity levels for BDD-FVIII-X5, even when highly efficient codon-optimized F8 nucleotide sequences were employed. A comprehensive immunogenicity assessment using in vitro stimulation assays and various in vivo preclinical models of hemophilia A demonstrated that the BDD-FVIII-X5 variant does not exhibit an increased immunogenicity risk compared to BDD-FVIII. In conclusion, BDD-FVIII-X5 is an effective FVIII variant molecule that can be further developed for use in gene- and protein-based therapeutics for patients with hemophilia A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Cao
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Biao Dong
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Franziska Horling
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Jenni A. Firrman
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, ARS, USDA, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Johannes Lengler
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Maurus de la Rosa
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Wenman Wu
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Qizhao Wang
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Hongying Wei
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Andrea R. Moore
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Sean A. Roberts
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Carmen J. Booth
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar St., BML 330, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Werner Hoellriegl
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Dong Li
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University Medical School, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Barbara Konkle
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Washington, 1900 9 Ave, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Carol Miao
- Department of Medicine/Hematology, University of Washington, 1900 9 Ave, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Birgit M. Reipert
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Friedrich Scheiflinger
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Hanspeter Rottensteiner
- Drug Discovery Austria, Baxalta Innovations GmbH (now part of Takeda), Donau-City Str. 7, Vienna 1220, Austria
| | - Weidong Xiao
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Stone D, Kenkel EJ, Loprieno MA, Tanaka M, De Silva Feelixge HS, Kumar AJ, Stensland L, Obenza WM, Wangari S, Ahrens CY, Murnane RD, Peterson CW, Kiem HP, Huang ML, Aubert M, Hu SL, Jerome KR. Gene Transfer in Adeno-Associated Virus Seropositive Rhesus Macaques Following Rapamycin Treatment and Subcutaneous Delivery of AAV6, but Not Retargeted AAV6 Vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 32:96-112. [PMID: 32998579 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors such as AAV6, which shows tropism for primary human CD4+ T cells in vitro, are being explored for delivery of anti-HIV therapeutic modalities in vivo. However, pre-existing immunity and sequestration in nontarget organs can significantly hinder their performance. To overcome these challenges, we investigated whether immunosuppression would allow gene delivery by AAV6 or targeted AAV6 derivatives in seropositive rhesus macaques. Animals were immune suppressed with rapamycin before intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) delivery of AAV, and we monitored vector biodistribution, gene transfer, and safety. Macaques received phosphate-buffered saline, AAV6 alone, or an equal dose of AAV6 and an AAV6-55.2 vector retargeted to CD4 through a direct ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin). AAV6 and AAV6-55.2 vector genomes were found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and most organs up to 28 days postadministration, with the highest levels seen in liver, spleen, lymph nodes (LNs), and muscle, suggesting that retargeting did not prevent vector sequestration. Despite vector genome detection, gene expression from AAV6-55.2 was not detected in any tissue. SC injection of AAV6 facilitated efficient gene expression in muscle adjacent to the injection site, plus low-level gene expression in spleen, LNs, and liver, whereas gene expression following IV injection of AAV6 was predominantly seen in the spleen. AAV vectors were well tolerated, although elevated liver enzymes were detected in three of four AAV-treated animals 14 days after rapamycin withdrawal. One SC-injected animal had muscle inflammation proximal to the injection site, plus detectable T cell responses against transgene and AAV6 capsid at study finish. Overall, our data suggest that rapamycin treatment may offer a possible strategy to express anti-HIV therapeutics such as broadly neutralizing antibodies from muscle. This study provides important safety and efficacy data that will aid study design for future anti-HIV gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stone
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Kenkel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michelle A Loprieno
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Motoko Tanaka
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Arjun J Kumar
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laurence Stensland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Willimark M Obenza
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Solomon Wangari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chul Y Ahrens
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert D Murnane
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher W Peterson
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meei-Li Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Martine Aubert
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shiu-Lok Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keith R Jerome
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bioengineering hemophilia A-specific microvascular grafts for delivery of full-length factor VIII into the bloodstream. Blood Adv 2020; 3:4166-4176. [PMID: 31851760 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA) is a bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the F8 gene encoding coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Current treatments are based on regular infusions of FVIII concentrates throughout a patient's life. Alternatively, viral gene therapies that directly deliver F8 in vivo have shown preliminary successes. However, hurdles remain, including lack of infection specificity and the inability to deliver the full-length version of F8 due to restricted viral cargo sizes. Here, we developed an alternative nonviral ex vivo gene-therapy approach that enables the overexpression of full-length F8 in patients' endothelial cells (ECs). We first generated HA patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (HA-iPSCs) from urine epithelial cells and genetically modified them using a piggyBac DNA transposon system to insert multiple copies of full-length F8. We subsequently differentiated the modified HA-iPSCs into competent ECs with high efficiency, and demonstrated that the cells (termed HA-FLF8-iECs) were capable of producing high levels of FVIII. Importantly, following subcutaneous implantation into immunodeficient hemophilic (SCID-f8ko) mice, we demonstrated that HA-FLF8-iECs were able to self-assemble into vascular networks, and that the newly formed microvessels had the capacity to deliver functional FVIII directly into the bloodstream of the mice, effectively correcting the clotting deficiency. Moreover, our implant maintains cellular confinement, which reduces potential safety concerns and allows effective monitoring and reversibility. We envision that this proof-of-concept study could become the basis for a novel autologous ex vivo gene-therapy approach to treat HA.
Collapse
|
28
|
Yu Y, Zhang J, Yao S, Pan L, Luo G, Xu N. Apolipoprotein M overexpression through adeno-associated virus gene transfer improves insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in Goto-Kakizaki rats. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:1150-1158. [PMID: 32243104 PMCID: PMC7477524 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS/OBJECTIVE The development of type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance in various tissues, including skeletal muscle and liver. Apolipoprotein M (ApoM) plays an important role in the function of high-density lipoprotein, and also affects hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether ApoM overexpression modulates glucose metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were transfected with adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding rat ApoM gene or control blank. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC) experiment were used to assess the insulin sensitivity of GK rats. RESULTS The results show that ApoM messenger ribonucleic acid and protein were significantly overexpressed in the pancreatic tissues. Overexpression of ApoM decreased fasting blood glucose and random blood glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and increased bodyweight and insulin levels in GK rats. The glucose infusion rate of rats in the AAV encoding rat ApoM gene group during HEC test was 1.04-, 1.23- and 1.95-fold higher than that in the AAV control blank group at 1-3 weeks after injection of AAV, respectively. A Wes-ProteinSimple assay and quantification was carried out to assess phosphorylated protein kinase B/protein kinase B protein levels in the muscle tissues of ApoM-overexpressing GK rats, and they were found to be higher than those of the control group at the seventh week after AAV injection. CONCLUSIONS ApoM overexpression through adeno-associated virus gene transfer might improve insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in GK rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Comprehensive Laboratorythe Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Jun Zhang
- Comprehensive Laboratorythe Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Shuang Yao
- Comprehensive Laboratorythe Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Lili Pan
- Comprehensive Laboratorythe Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Guanghua Luo
- Comprehensive Laboratorythe Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Ning Xu
- Section of Clinical Chemistry and PharmacologyInstitute of Laboratory MedicineLunds UniversityLundSweden
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
|
30
|
Infused factor VIII-expressing platelets or megakaryocytes as a novel therapeutic strategy for hemophilia A. Blood Adv 2020; 3:1368-1378. [PMID: 31036722 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017007914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
B-domainless factor VIII (FVIII) ectopically expressed in megakaryocytes (MKs) is stored in α granules of platelets (pFVIII) and is capable of restoring hemostasis in FVIIInull mice, even in the presence of circulating inhibitors. However, our prior studies have shown that this ectopically expressed pFVIII can injure developing MKs. Moreover, the known risks of prolonged thrombocytopenia after bone marrow transplantation are significant challenges to the use of this strategy to treat individuals with severe hemophilia A and particularly those with intractable clinically relevant inhibitors. Because of these limitations, we now propose the alternative therapeutic pFVIII strategy of infusing pFVIII-expressing MKs or platelets derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). pFVIII-expressing iPSC-derived MKs, termed iMKs, release platelets that can contribute to improved hemostasis in problematic inhibitor patients with hemophilia A. As proof of principle, we demonstrate that hemostasis can be achieved in vitro and in vivo with pFVIII-expressing platelets and show prolonged efficacy. Notably, pFVIII-expressing platelets are also effective in the presence of inhibitors, and their effect was enhanced with recombinant FVIIa. Human pFVIII-expressing iMKs improved hemostasis in vitro, and derived platelets from infused human pFVIII-expressing iMKs improved hemostasis in FVIIInull mice. These studies indicate the potential therapeutic use of recurrent pFVIII-expressing MK or platelet infusions with prolonged hemostatic coverage that may be additive with bypassing agents in hemophilia A patients with neutralizing inhibitors.
Collapse
|
31
|
Samelson-Jones BJ, Arruda VR. Translational Potential of Immune Tolerance Induction by AAV Liver-Directed Factor VIII Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A. Front Immunol 2020; 11:618. [PMID: 32425925 PMCID: PMC7212376 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked bleeding disorder due to deficiencies in coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). The major complication of current protein-based therapies is the development of neutralizing anti-FVIII antibodies, termed inhibitors, that block the hemostatic effect of therapeutic FVIII. Inhibitors develop in about 20-30% of people with severe HA, but the risk is dependent on the interaction between environmental and genetic factors, including the underlying F8 gene mutation. Recently, multiple clinical trials evaluating adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector liver-directed gene therapy for HA have reported promising results of therapeutically relevant to curative FVIII levels. The inclusion criteria for most trials prevented enrollment of subjects with a history of inhibitors. However, preclinical data from small and large animal models of HA with inhibitors suggests that liver-directed gene therapy can in fact eradicate pre-existing anti-FVIII antibodies, induce immune tolerance, and provide long-term therapeutic FVIII expression to prevent bleeding. Herein, we review the accumulating evidence that continuous uninterrupted expression of FVIII and other transgenes after liver-directed AAV gene therapy can bias the immune system toward immune tolerance induction, discuss the current understanding of the immunological mechanisms of this process, and outline questions that will need to be addressed to translate this strategy to clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Samelson-Jones
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Valder R. Arruda
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Keeler GD, Markusic DM, Hoffman BE. Liver induced transgene tolerance with AAV vectors. Cell Immunol 2019; 342:103728. [PMID: 29576315 PMCID: PMC5988960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune tolerance is a vital component of immunity, as persistent activation of immune cells causes significant tissue damage and loss of tolerance leads to autoimmunity. Likewise, unwanted immune responses can occur in inherited disorders, such as hemophilia and Pompe disease, in which patients lack any expression of protein, during treatment with enzyme replacement therapy, or gene therapy. While the liver has long been known as being tolerogenic, it was only recently appreciated in the last decade that liver directed adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy can induce systemic tolerance to a transgene. In this review, we look at the mechanisms behind liver induced tolerance, discuss different factors influencing successful tolerance induction with AAV, and applications where AAV mediated tolerance may be helpful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D Keeler
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. Cell and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, United States
| | - David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. Cell and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, United States
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. Cell and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Anguela XM, High KA. Oracle or false prophet? Can we predict AAV efficacy based on preexisting antibody titers? Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2019; 3:149-151. [PMID: 31011696 PMCID: PMC6462742 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
|
34
|
Protein-Engineered Coagulation Factors for Hemophilia Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 12:184-201. [PMID: 30705923 PMCID: PMC6349562 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA) and hemophilia B (HB) are X-linked bleeding disorders due to inheritable deficiencies in either coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX), respectively. Recently, gene therapy clinical trials with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and protein-engineered transgenes, B-domain deleted (BDD) FVIII and FIX-Padua, have reported near-phenotypic cures in subjects with HA and HB, respectively. Here, we review the biology and the clinical development of FVIII-BDD and FIX-Padua as transgenes. We also examine alternative bioengineering strategies for FVIII and FIX, as well as the immunological challenges of these approaches. Other engineered proteins and their potential use in gene therapy for hemophilia with inhibitors are also discussed. Continued advancement of gene therapy for HA and HB using protein-engineered transgenes has the potential to alleviate the substantial medical and psychosocial burdens of the disease.
Collapse
|
35
|
Hiller T, Berg J, Elomaa L, Röhrs V, Ullah I, Schaar K, Dietrich AC, Al-Zeer MA, Kurtz A, Hocke AC, Hippenstiel S, Fechner H, Weinhart M, Kurreck J. Generation of a 3D Liver Model Comprising Human Extracellular Matrix in an Alginate/Gelatin-Based Bioink by Extrusion Bioprinting for Infection and Transduction Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3129. [PMID: 30321994 PMCID: PMC6213460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioprinting is a novel technology that may help to overcome limitations associated with two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal experiments, as it allows the production of three-dimensional (3D) tissue models composed of human cells. The present study describes the optimization of a bioink composed of alginate, gelatin and human extracellular matrix (hECM) to print human HepaRG liver cells with a pneumatic extrusion printer. The resulting tissue model was tested for its suitability for the study of transduction by an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector and infection with human adenovirus 5 (hAdV5). We found supplementation of the basic alginate/gelatin bioink with 0.5 and 1 mg/mL hECM provides desirable properties for the printing process, the stability of the printed constructs, and the viability and metabolic functions of the printed HepaRG cells. The tissue models were efficiently transduced by AAV vectors of serotype 6, which successfully silenced an endogenous target (cyclophilin B) by means of RNA interference. Furthermore, the printed 3D model supported efficient adenoviral replication making it suitable to study virus biology and develop new antiviral compounds. We consider the approach described here paradigmatic for the development of 3D tissue models for studies including viral vectors and infectious viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hiller
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Johanna Berg
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Laura Elomaa
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Viola Röhrs
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Imran Ullah
- Berlin-Brandenburger Centrum für Regenerative Therapien, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katrin Schaar
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ann-Christin Dietrich
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Munir A Al-Zeer
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Kurtz
- Berlin-Brandenburger Centrum für Regenerative Therapien, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas C Hocke
- Dept. of Internal Medicine/Infectious and Respiratory Diseases, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Dept. of Internal Medicine/Infectious and Respiratory Diseases, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Henry Fechner
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marie Weinhart
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang W, Mao J, Shen Y, Zhang G, Shao Y, Ruan Z, Wang Y, Wu W, Wang X, Zhu J, Chen S, Xiao W, Xi X. Evaluation of the activity levels of rat FVIII and human FVIII delivered by adeno-associated viral vectors both in vitro and in vivo. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2018; 73:47-54. [PMID: 30249384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The development of a novel coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) expression cassette with an enhanced activity for gene therapy of hemophilia A (HA) is essential. The biological properties of several non-human FVIII sequences, such as porcine and canine, have been evaluated. Here, we compared the activity level of rat FVIII (rFVIII) and human FVIII (hFVIII) by using single-chain and dual-chain strategies in 293 T cells and the HA mice. In both in vitro and hydrodynamic injection studies, the activity of rFVIII detected by the activated partial thromboplastin time assay was higher than that of hFVIII both by single-chain (~2.96-fold and ~1.72-fold, respectively) and dual-chain (~7.69-fold and ~2.35-fold, respectively). Moreover, the dual chain exerted a potentially higher delivery efficacy compared with the single chain (~4.96-fold and ~2.99-fold, respectively). The blood loss of HA mice administrated with rFVIII was less than those with hFVIII. AAV-delivered rFVIII and hFVIII also exerted long-term therapeutic effects on HA mice and caused a transient ALT elevation. These data might help to the development of novel, optimized FVIII expression cassettes based on the amino acid difference between rFVIII and hFVIII. These data indicate that the dual-chain strategy would likely enhance the delivery efficiency of the AAV-mediated FVIII gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jianhua Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Road II, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Yan Shen
- Research center for experimental medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; The School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Yanyan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zheng Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Road II, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenman Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Saijuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Weidong Xiao
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaodong Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Road II, Shanghai 200025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Evens H, Chuah MK, VandenDriessche T. Haemophilia gene therapy: From trailblazer to gamechanger. Haemophilia 2018; 24 Suppl 6:50-59. [DOI: 10.1111/hae.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Evens
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Brussels Belgium
| | - M. K. Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Brussels Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology University of Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - T. VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Brussels Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology University of Leuven Leuven Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
In recent years, the number of clinical trials in which adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been used for in vivo gene transfer has steadily increased. The excellent safety profile, together with the high efficiency of transduction of a broad range of target tissues, has established AAV vectors as the platform of choice for in vivo gene therapy. Successful application of the AAV technology has also been achieved in the clinic for a variety of conditions, including coagulation disorders, inherited blindness, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Clinical translation of novel and effective "therapeutic products" is, however, a long process that involves several cycles of iterations from bench to bedside that are required to address issues encountered during drug development. For the AAV vector gene transfer technology, several hurdles have emerged in both preclinical studies and clinical trials; addressing these issues will allow in the future to expand the scope of AAV gene transfer as a therapeutic modality for a variety of human diseases. In this review, we will give an overview on the biology of AAV vector, discuss the design of AAV-based gene therapy strategies for in vivo applications, and present key achievements and emerging issues in the field. We will use the liver as a model target tissue for gene transfer based on the large amount of data available from preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualina Colella
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
- University Pierre and Marie Curie-Paris 6 and INSERM U974, 75651 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Rangarajan S, Walsh L, Lester W, Perry D, Madan B, Laffan M, Yu H, Vettermann C, Pierce GF, Wong WY, Pasi KJ. AAV5-Factor VIII Gene Transfer in Severe Hemophilia A. N Engl J Med 2017; 377:2519-2530. [PMID: 29224506 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1708483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 474] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with hemophilia A rely on exogenous factor VIII to prevent bleeding in joints, soft tissue, and the central nervous system. Although successful gene transfer has been reported in patients with hemophilia B, the large size of the factor VIII coding region has precluded improved outcomes with gene therapy in patients with hemophilia A. METHODS We infused a single intravenous dose of a codon-optimized adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) vector encoding a B-domain-deleted human factor VIII (AAV5-hFVIII-SQ) in nine men with severe hemophilia A. Participants were enrolled sequentially into one of three dose cohorts (low dose [one participant], intermediate dose [one participant], and high dose [seven participants]) and were followed through 52 weeks. RESULTS Factor VIII activity levels remained at 3 IU or less per deciliter in the recipients of the low or intermediate dose. In the high-dose cohort, the factor VIII activity level was more than 5 IU per deciliter between weeks 2 and 9 after gene transfer in all seven participants, and the level in six participants increased to a normal value (>50 IU per deciliter) that was maintained at 1 year after receipt of the dose. In the high-dose cohort, the median annualized bleeding rate among participants who had previously received prophylactic therapy decreased from 16 events before the study to 1 event after gene transfer, and factor VIII use for participant-reported bleeding ceased in all the participants in this cohort by week 22. The primary adverse event was an elevation in the serum alanine aminotransferase level to 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range or less. Progression of preexisting chronic arthropathy in one participant was the only serious adverse event. No neutralizing antibodies to factor VIII were detected. CONCLUSIONS The infusion of AAV5-hFVIII-SQ was associated with the sustained normalization of factor VIII activity level over a period of 1 year in six of seven participants who received a high dose, with stabilization of hemostasis and a profound reduction in factor VIII use in all seven participants. In this small study, no safety events were noted, but no safety conclusions can be drawn. (Funded by BioMarin Pharmaceutical; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02576795 ; EudraCT number, 2014-003880-38 .).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Savita Rangarajan
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Liron Walsh
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Will Lester
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - David Perry
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Bella Madan
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Michael Laffan
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Hua Yu
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Christian Vettermann
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Glenn F Pierce
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - Wing Y Wong
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| | - K John Pasi
- From Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke (S.R.), University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgbaston (W.L.), Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (D.P.), and the Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St. Thomas' Hospital (B.M.), Imperial College London and NIHR Clinical Research Facility at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (M.L.), and Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry (K.J.P.), London - all in the United Kingdom; and BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Novato (L.W., H.Y., C.V., W.Y.W.), and private consultant, La Jolla (G.F.P.) - both in California
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK. Hemophilia Gene Therapy: Ready for Prime Time? Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:1013-1023. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinee K. Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Generation of a Vero-Based Packaging Cell Line to Produce SV40 Gene Delivery Vectors for Use in Clinical Gene Therapy Studies. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 6:124-134. [PMID: 28791314 PMCID: PMC5537168 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Replication-defective (RD) recombinant simian virus 40 (SV40)-based gene delivery vectors hold a great potential for clinical applications because of their presumed non-immunogenicity and capacity to induce immune tolerance to the transgene products in humans. However, the clinical use of SV40 vectors has been hampered by the lack of a packaging cell line that produces replication-competent (RC) free SV40 particles in the vector production process. To solve this problem, we have adapted the current SV40 vector genome used for the production of vector particles and generated a novel Vero-based packaging cell line named SuperVero that exclusively expresses the SV40 large T antigen. SuperVero cells produce similar numbers of SV40 vector particles compared to the currently used packaging cell lines, albeit in the absence of contaminating RC SV40 particles. Our unique SV40 vector platform named SVac paves the way to clinically test a whole new generation of SV40-based therapeutics for a broad range of important diseases.
Collapse
|
43
|
Nambiar B, Cornell Sookdeo C, Berthelette P, Jackson R, Piraino S, Burnham B, Nass S, Souza D, O'Riordan CR, Vincent KA, Cheng SH, Armentano D, Kyostio-Moore S. Characteristics of Minimally Oversized Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Encoding Human Factor VIII Generated Using Producer Cell Lines and Triple Transfection. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2017; 28:23-38. [PMID: 28166648 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2016.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several ongoing clinical studies are evaluating recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors as gene delivery vehicles for a variety of diseases. However, the production of vectors with genomes >4.7 kb is challenging, with vector preparations frequently containing truncated genomes. To determine whether the generation of oversized rAAVs can be improved using a producer cell-line (PCL) process, HeLaS3-cell lines harboring either a 5.1 or 5.4 kb rAAV vector genome encoding codon-optimized cDNA for human B-domain deleted Factor VIII (FVIII) were isolated. High-producing "masterwells" (MWs), defined as producing >50,000 vg/cell, were identified for each oversized vector. These MWs provided stable vector production for >20 passages. The quality and potency of the AAVrh8R/FVIII-5.1 and AAVrh8R/FVIII-5.4 vectors generated by the PCL method were then compared to those prepared via transient transfection (TXN). Southern and dot blot analyses demonstrated that both production methods resulted in packaging of heterogeneously sized genomes. However, the PCL-derived rAAV vector preparations contained some genomes >4.7 kb, whereas the majority of genomes generated by the TXN method were ≤4.7 kb. The PCL process reduced packaging of non-vector DNA for both the AAVrh8R/FVIII-5.1 and the AAVrh8R/FVIII-5.4 kb vector preparations. Furthermore, more DNA-containing viral particles were obtained for the AAVrh8R/FVIII-5.1 vector. In a mouse model of hemophilia A, animals administered a PCL-derived rAAV vector exhibited twofold higher plasma FVIII activity and increased levels of vector genomes in the liver than mice treated with vector produced via TXN did. Hence, the quality of oversized vectors prepared using the PCL method is greater than that of vectors generated using the TXN process, and importantly this improvement translates to enhanced performance in vivo.
Collapse
|
44
|
Dhungel B, Jayachandran A, Layton CJ, Steel JC. Seek and destroy: targeted adeno-associated viruses for gene delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Deliv 2017; 24:289-299. [PMID: 28165834 PMCID: PMC8241004 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2016.1247926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer with high incidence globally. Increasing mortality and morbidity rates combined with limited treatment options available for advanced HCC press for novel and effective treatment modalities. Gene therapy represents one of the most promising therapeutic options. With the recent approval of herpes simplex virus for advanced melanoma, the field of gene therapy has received a major boost. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is among the most widely used and effective viral vectors today with safety and efficacy demonstrated in a number of human clinical trials. This review identifies the obstacles for effective AAV based gene delivery to HCC which primarily include host immune responses and off-target effects. These drawbacks could be more pronounced for HCC because of the underlying liver dysfunction in most of the patients. We discuss approaches that could be adopted to tackle these shortcomings and manufacture HCC-targeted vectors. The combination of transductional targeting by modifying the vector capsid and transcriptional targeting using HCC-specific promoters has the potential to produce vectors which can specifically seek HCC and deliver therapeutic gene without significant side effects. Finally, the identification of novel HCC-specific ligands and promoters should facilitate and expedite this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bijay Dhungel
- a Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.,b School of Medicine, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.,c University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute , Woolloongabba , QLD , Australia , and
| | - Aparna Jayachandran
- a Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.,b School of Medicine, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD , Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- b School of Medicine, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.,d Ophthalmology Department, Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital , Brisbane , QLD , Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- a Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital , Brisbane , QLD , Australia.,b School of Medicine, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Greig JA, Wang Q, Reicherter AL, Chen SJ, Hanlon AL, Tipper CH, Clark KR, Wadsworth S, Wang L, Wilson JM. Characterization of Adeno-Associated Viral Vector-Mediated Human Factor VIII Gene Therapy in Hemophilia A Mice. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:392-402. [PMID: 28056565 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are promising vehicles for hemophilia gene therapy, with favorable clinical trial data seen in the treatment of hemophilia B. In an effort to optimize the expression of human coagulation factor VIII (hFVIII) for the treatment of hemophilia A, an extensive study was performed with numerous combinations of liver-specific promoter and enhancer elements with a codon-optimized hFVIII transgene. After generating 42 variants of three reduced-size promoters and three small enhancers, transgene cassettes were packaged within a single AAV capsid, AAVrh10, to eliminate performance differences due to the capsid type. Each hFVIII vector was administered to FVIII knockout (KO) mice at a dose of 1010 genome copies (GC) per mouse. Criteria for distinguishing the performance of the different enhancer/promoter combinations were established prior to the initiation of the studies. These criteria included prominently the level of hFVIII activity (0.12-2.12 IU/mL) and the pattern of development of anti-hFVIII antibodies. In order to evaluate the impact of capsid on hFVIII expression and antibody formation, one of the enhancer and promoter combinations that exhibited high hFVIII immunogenicity was evaluated using AAV8, AAV9, AAVrh10, AAVhu37, and AAVrh64R1 capsids. The capsids subdivided into two groups: those that generated anti-hFVIII antibodies in ≤20% of mice (AAV8 and AAV9), and those that generated anti-hFVIII antibodies in >20% of mice (AAVrh10, AAVhu37, and AAVrh64R1). The results of this study, which entailed extensive vector optimization and in vivo testing, demonstrate the significant impact that transcriptional control elements and capsid can have on vector performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Greig
- 1 Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Qiang Wang
- 1 Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amanda L Reicherter
- 1 Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shu-Jen Chen
- 1 Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexandra L Hanlon
- 2 School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - K Reed Clark
- 3 Dimension Therapeutics , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Lili Wang
- 4 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James M Wilson
- 1 Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Nguyen GN, George LA, Siner JI, Davidson RJ, Zander CB, Zheng XL, Arruda VR, Camire RM, Sabatino DE. Novel factor VIII variants with a modified furin cleavage site improve the efficacy of gene therapy for hemophilia A. J Thromb Haemost 2017; 15:110-121. [PMID: 27749002 PMCID: PMC5280213 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Essentials Factor (F) VIII is an inefficiently expressed protein. Furin deletion FVIII variants were purified and characterized using in vitro and in vivo assays. These minimally modified novel FVIII variants have enhanced function. These variants provide a strategy for increasing FVIII expression in hemophilia A gene therapy. SUMMARY Background The major challenge for developing gene-based therapies for hemophilia A is that human factor VIII (hFVIII) has intrinsic properties that result in inefficient biosynthesis. During intracellular processing, hFVIII is predominantly cleaved at a paired basic amino acid cleaving enzyme (PACE) or furin cleavage site to yield a heterodimer that is the major form of secreted protein. Previous studies with B-domain-deleted (BDD) canine FVIII and hFVIII-R1645H, both differing from hFVIII by a single amino acid at this site, suggested that these proteins are secreted mainly in a single polypeptide chain (SC) form and exhibit enhanced function. Objective We hypothesized that deletion(s) of the furin site modulates FVIII biology and may enhance its function. Methods A series of recombinant hFVIII-furin deletion variants were introduced into hFVIII-BDD [Δ1645, 1645-46(Δ2), 1645-47(Δ3), 1645-48(Δ4), or Δ1648] and characterized. Results In vitro, recombinant purified Δ3 and Δ4 were primarily SC and, interestingly, had 2-fold higher procoagulant activity compared with FVIII-BDD. In vivo, the variants also have improved hemostatic function. After adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector delivery, the expression of these variants is 2-4-fold higher than hFVIII-BDD. Protein challenges of each variant in mice tolerant to hFVIII-BDD showed no anti-FVIII immune response. Conclusions These data suggest that the furin deletion hFVIII variants are superior to hFVIII-BDD without increased immunogenicity. In the setting of gene-based therapeutics, these novel variants provide a unique strategy to increase FVIII expression, thus lowering the vector dose, a critical factor for hemophilia A gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. N. Nguyen
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular TherapeuticsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - L. A. George
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular TherapeuticsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Department of PediatricsDivision of HematologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - J. I. Siner
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular TherapeuticsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - R. J. Davidson
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular TherapeuticsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - C. B. Zander
- Division of Laboratory MedicineDepartment of PathologyUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - X. L. Zheng
- Division of Laboratory MedicineDepartment of PathologyUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - V. R. Arruda
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular TherapeuticsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Department of PediatricsDivision of HematologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - R. M. Camire
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular TherapeuticsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Department of PediatricsDivision of HematologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - D. E. Sabatino
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular TherapeuticsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Department of PediatricsDivision of HematologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kattenhorn LM, Tipper CH, Stoica L, Geraghty DS, Wright TL, Clark KR, Wadsworth SC. Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy for Liver Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:947-961. [PMID: 27897038 PMCID: PMC5177998 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy has progressed rapidly over the past decade, with the advent of novel capsid serotype and organ-specific promoters, and an increasing understanding of the immune response to AAV administration. In particular, liver-directed therapy has made remarkable strides, with a number of clinical trials currently planned and ongoing in hemophilia A and B, as well as other liver disorders. This review focuses on liver-directed AAV gene therapy, including historic context, current challenges, and future developments.
Collapse
|
48
|
Siner JI, Samelson-Jones BJ, Crudele JM, French RA, Lee BJ, Zhou S, Merricks E, Raymer R, Nichols TC, Camire RM, Arruda VR. Circumventing furin enhances factor VIII biological activity and ameliorates bleeding phenotypes in hemophilia models. JCI Insight 2016; 1:e89371. [PMID: 27734034 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.89371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Processing by the proprotein convertase furin is believed to be critical for the biological activity of multiple proteins involved in hemostasis, including coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). This belief prompted the retention of the furin recognition motif (amino acids 1645-1648) in the design of B-domain-deleted FVIII (FVIII-BDD) products in current clinical use and in the drug development pipeline, as well as in experimental FVIII gene therapy strategies. Here, we report that processing by furin is in fact deleterious to FVIII-BDD secretion and procoagulant activity. Inhibition of furin increases the secretion and decreases the intracellular retention of FVIII-BDD protein in mammalian cells. Our new variant (FVIII-ΔF), in which this recognition motif is removed, efficiently circumvents furin. FVIII-ΔF demonstrates increased recombinant protein yields, enhanced clotting activity, and higher circulating FVIII levels after adeno-associated viral vector-based liver gene therapy in a murine model of severe hemophilia A (HA) compared with FVIII-BDD. Moreover, we observed an amelioration of the bleeding phenotype in severe HA dogs with sustained therapeutic FVIII levels after FVIII-ΔF gene therapy at a lower vector dose than previously employed in this model. The immunogenicity of FVIII-ΔF did not differ from that of FVIII-BDD as a protein or a gene therapeutic. Thus, contrary to previous suppositions, FVIII variants that can avoid furin processing are likely to have enhanced translational potential for HA therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua I Siner
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Benjamin J Samelson-Jones
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julie M Crudele
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert A French
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Benjamin J Lee
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shanzhen Zhou
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Robin Raymer
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Rodney M Camire
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Valder R Arruda
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zolotukhin I, Markusic DM, Palaschak B, Hoffman BE, Srikanthan MA, Herzog RW. Potential for cellular stress response to hepatic factor VIII expression from AAV vector. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16063. [PMID: 27738644 PMCID: PMC5040172 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hemophilia A and B are coagulation disorders resulting from the loss of functional coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX proteins, respectively. Gene therapy for hemophilia with adeno-associated virus vectors has shown efficacy in hemophilia B patients. Although hemophilia A patients are more prevalent, the development of therapeutic adeno-associated virus vectors has been impeded by the size of the F8 cDNA and impaired secretion of FVIII protein. Further, it has been reported that over-expression of the FVIII protein induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates the unfolded protein response pathway both in vitro and in hepatocytes in vivo, presumably due to retention of misfolded FVIII protein within the endoplasmic reticulum. Engineering of the F8 transgene, including removal of the B domain (BDD-FVIII) and codon optimization, now allows for the generation of adeno-associated virus vectors capable of expressing therapeutic levels of FVIII. Here we sought to determine if the risks of inducing the unfolded protein response in murine hepatocytes extend to adeno-associated virus gene transfer. Although our data show a mild activation of unfolded protein response markers following F8 gene delivery at a certain vector dose in C57BL/6 mice, it was not augmented upon further elevated dosing, did not induce liver pathology or apoptosis, and did not impact FVIII immunogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brett Palaschak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Meera A Srikanthan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Overexpression of factor VIII after AAV delivery is transiently associated with cellular stress in hemophilia A mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16064. [PMID: 27738645 PMCID: PMC5040173 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Factor VIII (FVIII) is a large glycoprotein that is challenging to express both in vitro and in vivo. Several studies suggest that high levels of FVIII expression can lead to cellular stress. After gene transfer, transgene expression is restricted to a subset of cells and the increased FVIII load per cell may impact activation of the unfolded protein response. We sought to determine whether increased FVIII expression in mice after adeno-associated viral liver gene transfer would affect the unfolded protein response and/or immune response to the transgene. The FVIII gene was delivered as B-domain deleted single chain or two chain (light and heavy chains) at a range of doses in hemophilia A mice. A correlation between FVIII expression and anti-FVIII antibody titers was observed. Analysis of key components of the unfolded protein response, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), showed transient unfolded protein response activation in the single chain treated group expressing >200% of FVIII but not after two chain delivery. These studies suggest that supraphysiological single chain FVIII expression may increase the likelihood of a cellular stress response but does not alter liver function. These data are in agreement with the observed long-term expression of FVIII at therapeutic levels after adeno-associated viral delivery in hemophilia A dogs without evidence of cellular toxicity.
Collapse
|