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Chernyi N, Gavrilova D, Saruhanyan M, Oloruntimehin ES, Karabelsky A, Bezsonov E, Malogolovkin A. Recent Advances in Gene Therapy for Hemophilia: Projecting the Perspectives. Biomolecules 2024; 14:854. [PMID: 39062568 PMCID: PMC11274510 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the well-known X-linked genetic disorders is hemophilia, which could be hemophilia A as a result of a mutation in the F8 (factor VIII) gene or hemophilia B as a result of a mutation in the F9 (factor IX) gene, leading to insufficient levels of the proteins essential for blood coagulation cascade. In patients with severe hemophilia, factor VIII or factor IX activities in the blood plasma are considerably low, estimated to be less than 1%. This is responsible for spontaneous or post-traumatic bleeding episodes, or both, leading to disease complications and death. Current treatment of hemophilia relies on the prevention of bleeding, which consists of expensive lifelong replacement infusion therapy of blood plasma clotting factors, their recombinant versions, or therapy with recombinant monoclonal antibodies. Recently emerged gene therapy approaches may be a potential game changer that could reshape the therapeutic outcomes of hemophilia A or B using a one-off vector in vivo delivery and aim to achieve long-term endogenous expression of factor VIII or IX. This review examines both traditional approaches to the treatment of hemophilia and modern methods, primarily focusing on gene therapy, to update knowledge in this area. Recent technological advances and gene therapeutics in the pipeline are critically reviewed and summarized. We consider gene therapy to be the most promising method as it may overcome the problems associated with more traditional treatments, such as the need for constant and expensive infusions and the presence of an immune response to the antibody drugs used to treat hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Chernyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Darina Gavrilova
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 105043, Russia
| | - Mane Saruhanyan
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Ezekiel S. Oloruntimehin
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Alexander Karabelsky
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354530, Russia
| | - Evgeny Bezsonov
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 105043, Russia
| | - Alexander Malogolovkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354530, Russia
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2
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Doshi BS, Samelson-Jones BJ, Nichols TC, Merricks EP, Siner JL, French RA, Lee BJ, Arruda VR, Callan MB. AAV gene therapy in companion dogs with severe hemophilia: Real-world long-term data on immunogenicity, efficacy, and quality of life. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101205. [PMID: 38374963 PMCID: PMC10875295 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101205] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The hemophilias are the most common severe inherited bleeding disorders and are caused by deficiency of clotting factor (F) VIII (hemophilia A) or FIX (hemophilia B). The resultant bleeding predisposition significantly increases morbidity and mortality. The ability to improve the bleeding phenotype with modest increases in clotting factor levels has enabled the development and regulatory approval of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector gene therapies for people with hemophilia A and B. The canine hemophilia model has proven to be one of the best predictors of therapeutic response in humans. Here, we report long-term follow-up of 12 companion dogs with severe hemophilia that were treated in a real-world setting with AAV gene therapy. Despite more baseline bleeding than in research dogs, companion dogs demonstrated a 94% decrease in bleeding rates and 61% improvement in quality of life over a median of 4.1 years (range 2.6-8.9). No new anti-transgene immune responses were detected; one dog with a pre-existing anti-FVIII inhibitor achieved immune tolerance with gene therapy. Two dogs expressing 1%-5% FVIII post gene therapy experienced fatal bleeding events. These data suggest AAV liver-directed gene therapy is efficacious in a real-world setting but should target expression >5% and closely monitor those with levels in the 1%-5% range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya S. Doshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Samelson-Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Timothy C. Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Elizabeth P. Merricks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Joshua L. Siner
- Divisions of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert A. French
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ben J. Lee
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Valder R. Arruda
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mary Beth Callan
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Khan SU, Khan MU, Suleman M, Inam A, Din MAU. Hemophilia Healing with AAV: Navigating the Frontier of Gene Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:265-277. [PMID: 38284735 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232279893231228065540] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy for hemophilia has advanced tremendously after thirty years of continual study and development. Advancements in medical science have facilitated attaining normal levels of Factor VIII (FVIII) or Factor IX (FIX) in individuals with haemophilia, thereby offering the potential for their complete recovery. Despite the notable advancements in various countries, there is significant scope for further enhancement in haemophilia gene therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) currently serves as the primary vehicle for gene therapy in clinical trials targeting haemophilia. Subsequent investigations will prioritize enhancing viral capsid structures, transgene compositions, and promoters to achieve heightened transduction efficacy, diminished immunogenicity, and more predictable therapeutic results. The present study indicates that whereas animal models have transduction efficiency that is over 100% high, human hepatocytes are unable to express clotting factors and transduction efficiency to comparable levels. According to the current study, achieving high transduction efficiency and high levels of clotting factor expression in human hepatocytes is still insufficient. It is also crucial to reduce the risk of cellular stress caused by protein overload. Despite encountering various hurdles, the field of haemophilia gene therapy holds promise for the future. As technology continues to advance and mature, it is anticipated that a personalized therapeutic approach will be developed to cure haemophilia effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safir Ullah Khan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Munir Ullah Khan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan
| | - Amrah Inam
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Muhammad Azhar Ud Din
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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Di Minno G, Spadarella G, Maldonato NM, De Lucia N, Castaman G, De Cristofaro R, Santoro C, Peyvandi F, Borrelli A, Lupi A, Follino M, Guerrino G, Morisco F, Di Minno M. Awareness of individual goals, preferences, and priorities of persons with severe congenital haemophilia A for a tailored shared decision-making approach to liver-directed gene therapy. A practical guideline. Blood Rev 2023; 62:101118. [PMID: 37544828 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101118] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
In clinical medicine, shared decision making (SDM) is a well-recognized strategy to enhance engagement of both patients and clinicians in medical decisions. The success of liver-directed gene therapy (GT) to transform severe congenital haemophilia A (HA) from an incurable to a curable disease has launched a shift beyond current standards of treatment. However, GT acceptance remains low in the community of HA persons. We argue for both persons with haemophilia (PWH) and specialists in HA care including clinicians, as needing SDM-oriented educational programs devoted to GT. Here, we provide an ad hoc outline to implement education to SDM and tailor clinician information on GT to individual PWHs. Based on routine key components of SDM: patient priorities; recommendations based on individual risk reduction; adverse effects; drug-drug interactions; alternatives to GT; and ongoing re-assessment of the objectives as risk factors (and individual priorities) change, this approach is finalized to exploit efficacious communication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaia Spadarella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Naples, Italy.
| | - Nelson Mauro Maldonato
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e di Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Natascia De Lucia
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e di Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Section of Haemorrhagic and Thrombotic Diseases, Department of Medicine and Translational Surgery, Sacred Heart University, Rome, Italy..
| | - Cristina Santoro
- Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flora Peyvandi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy; Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Borrelli
- Direzione Sanitaria, AOU "Federico II" Napoli, Italy
| | - Angelo Lupi
- Federazione delle Associazioni Emofilici (FedEmo), Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Di Minno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Naples, Italy.
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5
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De Wolf D, Singh K, Chuah MK, VandenDriessche T. Hemophilia Gene Therapy: The End of the Beginning? Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:782-792. [PMID: 37672530 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive preclinical research over the past 30 years has culminated in the recent regulatory approval of several gene therapy products for hemophilia. Based on the efficacy and safety data in a recently conducted phase III clinical trial, Roctavian® (valoctocogene roxaparvovec), an adeno-associated viral (AAV5) vector expressing a B domain deleted factor VIII (FVIII) complementary DNA, was approved by the European Commission and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with severe hemophilia A. In addition, Hemgenix® (etranacogene dezaparvovec) was also recently approved by the European Medicines Agency and the FDA for the treatment of patients with severe hemophilia B. This product is based on an AAV5 vector expressing a hyper-active factor IX (FIX) transgene (FIX-Padua) transgene. All AAV-based phase III clinical trials to date show a significant increase in FVIII or FIX levels in the majority of treated patients, consistent with a substantial decrease in bleeding episodes and a concomitant reduction in factor usage obviating the need for factor prophylaxis in most patients. However, significant interpatient variability remains that is not fully understood. Moreover, most patients encountered short-term asymptomatic liver inflammation that was treated by immune suppression with corticosteroids or other immune suppressants. In all phase III trials to date, FIX expression has appeared relatively more stable than FVIII, though individual patients also had prolonged FVIII expression. Whether lifelong expression of clotting factors can be realized after gene therapy requires longer follow-up studies. Further preclinical development of next-generation gene editing technologies offers new prospects for the development of a sustained cure for hemophilia, not only in adults, but ultimately in children with hemophilia too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries De Wolf
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kshitiz Singh
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marinee K Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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6
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Brito-Sierra CA, Lannan MB, Malherbe LP, Siegel RW. The HLA class I immunopeptidomes of AAV capsid proteins. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212136. [PMID: 37662941 PMCID: PMC10469481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cellular immune responses against AAV vector capsid represent an obstacle for successful gene therapy. Previous studies have used overlapping peptides spanning the entire capsid sequence to identify T cell epitopes recognized by AAV-specific CD8+ T cells. However, the repertoire of peptides naturally displayed by HLA class I molecules for CD8 T cell recognition is unknown. Methods Using mRNA transfected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and MHC-associated peptide proteomics (MAPPs), we identified the HLA class I immunopeptidomes of AAV2, AAV6 and AAV9 capsids. MDDCs were isolated from a panel of healthy donors that have diverse alleles across the US population. mRNA-transfected MDDCs were lysed, the peptide:HLA complexes immunoprecipitated, and peptides eluted and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Results We identified 65 AAV capsid-derived peptides loaded on HLA class I molecules of mRNA transfected monocyte derived dendritic cells. The HLA class I peptides are distributed along the entire capsid and more than 60% are contained within HLA class II clusters. Most of the peptides are organized as single species, however we identified twelve clusters containing at least 2 peptides of different lengths. Only 9% of the identified peptides have been previously identified as T cell epitopes, demonstrating that the immunogenicity potential for the vast majority of the AAV HLA class I immunopeptidome remains uncharacterized. In contrast, 12 immunogenic epitopes identified before were not found to be naturally processed in our study. Remarkably, 11 naturally presented AAV peptides were highly conserved among the three serotypes analyzed suggesting the possibility of cross-reactive AAV-specific CD8 T cells. Discussion This work is the first comprehensive study identifying the naturally displayed HLA class I peptides derived from the capsid of AAVs. The results from this study can be used to generate strategies to assess immunogenicity risk and cross-reactivity among serotypes during gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurent P. Malherbe
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Robert W. Siegel
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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7
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Arjomandnejad M, Dasgupta I, Flotte TR, Keeler AM. Immunogenicity of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Vectors for Gene Transfer. BioDrugs 2023; 37:311-329. [PMID: 36862289 PMCID: PMC9979149 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have emerged as promising gene delivery vehicles resulting in three US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and one European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved AAV-based gene therapies. Despite being a leading platform for therapeutic gene transfer in several clinical trials, host immune responses against the AAV vector and transgene have hampered their widespread application. Multiple factors, including vector design, dose, and route of administration, contribute to the overall immunogenicity of AAVs. The immune responses against the AAV capsid and transgene involve an initial innate sensing. The innate immune response subsequently triggers an adaptive immune response to elicit a robust and specific response against the AAV vector. AAV gene therapy clinical trials and preclinical studies provide important information about the immune-mediated toxicities associated with AAV, yet studies suggest preclinical models fail to precisely predict the outcome of gene delivery in humans. This review discusses the contribution of the innate and adaptive immune response against AAVs, highlighting the challenges and potential strategies to mitigate these responses, thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Arjomandnejad
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ishani Dasgupta
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Allison M Keeler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 386 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Di Minno G, Castaman G, De Cristofaro R, Brunetti-Pierri N, Pastore L, Castaldo G, Trama U, Di Minno M. Progress, and prospects in the therapeutic armamentarium of persons with congenital hemophilia. Defining the place for liver-directed gene therapy. Blood Rev 2023; 58:101011. [PMID: 36031462 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In persons with congenital severe hemophilia A (HA) living in high-income countries, twice weekly intravenous infusions of extended half-life (EHL) factor VIII (FVIII) products, or weekly/biweekly/monthly subcutaneous injections of emicizumab are the gold standard home treatments to grant days without hurdles and limitations. Once weekly/twice monthly infusions of EHL Factor IX (FIX) products achieve the same target in severe hemophilia B (HB). Gene therapy, which is likely to be licensed for clinical use within 1-2 years, embodies a shift beyond these standards. At an individual patient level, a single functional gene transfer leads to a > 10-yr almost full correction of the hemostatic defect in HB and to a sustained (3-6-yrs) expression of FVIII sufficient to discontinue exogenous clotting factor administrations. At the doses employed, the limited liver toxicity of systemically infused recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is documented by long-term (12-15 yrs) follow-ups, and pre-existing high-titer neutralizing antibodies to the AAV5 vector are no longer an exclusion criterion for effective transgene expression with this vector. A safe durable treatment that converts a challenging illness to a phenotypically curable disease, allows persons to feel virtually free from the fears and the obligations of hemophilia for years/decades. Along with patient organizations and health care professionals, communicating to government authorities and reimbursement agencies the liberating potential of this substantial innovation, and disseminating across the Centers updated information on benefits and risks of this strategy, will align expectations of different stakeholders and establish the notion of a potentially lifelong cure of hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Diseases, Foundation University Hospital A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Dept of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Italy.
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Ugo Trama
- Coordination of the Regional Health System, General Directorate for Health Protection, Naples, Italy.
| | - Matteo Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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9
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Nathwani AC. Gene therapy for hemophilia. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:569-578. [PMID: 36485127 PMCID: PMC9821304 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cloning of the factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) genes in the 1980s has led to a succession of clinical advances starting with the advent of molecular diagnostic for hemophilia, followed by the development of recombinant clotting factor replacement therapy. Now gene therapy beckons on the back of decades of research that has brought us to the final stages of the approval of 2 products in Europe and United States, thus heralding a new era in the treatment of the hemophilias. Valoctocogene roxaparvovec, the first gene therapy for treatment of hemophilia A, has been granted conditional marketing authorization in Europe. Another approach (etranacogene dezaparvovec, AMT-061) for hemophilia B is also under review by regulators. There are several other gene therapy approaches in earlier stages of development. These approaches entail a one-off infusion of a genetically modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineered to deliver either the FVIII or FIX gene to the liver, leading to the continuous endogenous synthesis and secretion of the missing coagulation factor into the circulation by the hepatocytes, thus preventing or reducing bleeding episodes. Ongoing observations show sustained clinical benefit of gene therapy for >5 years following a single administration of an AAV vector without long-lasting or late toxicities. An asymptomatic, self-limiting, immune-mediated rise in alanine aminotransferase is commonly observed within the first 12 months after gene transfer that has the potential to eliminate the transduced hepatocytes in the absence of treatment with immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids. The current state of this exciting and rapidly evolving field, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome for the widespread adaptation of this new treatment paradigm, is the subject of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit C. Nathwani
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Katharine Dormandy Haemophilia and Thrombosis Unit, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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10
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Abstract
Gene therapy is an exciting therapeutic concept that offers the promise of a cure for an array of inherited and acquired disorders. The liver has always been a key target for gene therapy as it controls essential biological processes including digestion, metabolism, detoxification, immunity and blood coagulation. Metabolic disorders of hepatic origin number several hundreds, and for many, liver transplantation remains the only cure. Liver-targeted gene therapy is an attractive treatment modality for many of these conditions. After years of failure, substantial progress in this field in the last decade has resulted in promising clinical efficacy and safety in patients with monogenetic disorders. Glybera was the first liver targeted gene therapy to be approved for patients with lipoprotein lipsase deficiency. Now two more products are on the verge of being approved. Roctavian, the first gene therapy for treatment for hemophilia A, has received a favourable opinion from the European Medicines agency (EMA). Another, Etranacogene dezaparvovec (AMT-061) for hemophilia B is also in the final stages of approval. A number of other liver targeted gene therapy products are at an advanced stage of development, thus heralding a new era of potentially curative molecular medicine. This review explores the recent clinical advances in liver targeted gene therapy as well as the challenges that need to be overcome for the widespread adoption of this new treatment paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit C Nathwani
- University College London Cancer Institute, KD:HT Centre, The Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, NW3 2QG;
| | - Jennifer McIntosh
- University College London, London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - Rose Sheridan
- Freeline Therapeutics, Stevenage, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
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11
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Kavaklı K, Antmen B, Okan V, Şahin F, Aytaç S, Balkan C, Berber E, Kaya Z, Küpesiz A, Zülfikar B. Gene therapy in haemophilia: literature review and regional perspectives for Turkey. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221104591. [PMID: 35898436 PMCID: PMC9310332 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221104591] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemophilia is an X-linked lifelong congenital bleeding disorder that is caused by insufficient levels of factor VIII (FVIII; haemophilia A) or factor IX (FIX; haemophilia B) and characterized by spontaneous and trauma-related bleeding episodes. The cornerstone of the treatment, factor replacement, constitutes several difficulties, including frequent injections due to the short half-life of recombinant factors, intravenous administration and the risk of inhibitor development. While extended half-life factors and subcutaneous novel molecules enhanced the quality of life, initial successes with gene therapy offer a significant hope for cure. Although adeno-associated viral (AAV)-based gene therapy is one of the most emerging approaches for treatment of haemophilia, there are still challenges in vector immunogenicity, potency and efficacy, genotoxicity and persistence. As the approval for the first gene therapy product is coming closer, eligibility criteria for patient selection, multidisciplinary approach for optimal delivery and follow-up and development of new pricing policies and reimbursement models should be concerned. Therefore, this review addresses the unmet needs of current haemophilia treatment and explains the rationale and principles of gene therapy. Limitations and challenges are discussed from a global and national perspective and recommendations are provided to adopt the gene therapies faster and more sufficient for the haemophilia patients in developing countries like Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Kavaklı
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Bornova, 35100 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Bülent Antmen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Acıbadem Adana Hospital, Adana, Turkey
| | - Vahap Okan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Diseases, Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Fahri Şahin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Diseases, Ege Adult Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Selin Aytaç
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Balkan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ergül Berber
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul Arel University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Zühre Kaya
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alphan Küpesiz
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Bülent Zülfikar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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12
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Worldwide use of factor IX Padua for hemophilia B gene therapy. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2394-2396. [PMID: 35705095 PMCID: PMC9263299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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13
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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.
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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
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14
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BAX 335 hemophilia B gene therapy clinical trial results: potential impact of CpG sequences on gene expression. Blood 2021; 137:763-774. [PMID: 33067633 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has the potential to maintain therapeutic blood clotting factor IX (FIX) levels in patients with hemophilia B by delivering a functional human F9 gene into liver cells. This phase 1/2, open-label dose-escalation study investigated BAX 335 (AskBio009, AAV8.sc-TTR-FIXR338Lopt), an adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-based FIX Padua gene therapy, in patients with hemophilia B. This report focuses on 12-month interim analyses of safety, pharmacokinetic variables, effects on FIX activity, and immune responses for dosed participants. Eight adult male participants (aged 20-69 years; range FIX activity, 0.5% to 2.0%) received 1 of 3 BAX 335 IV doses: 2.0 × 1011; 1.0 × 1012; or 3.0 × 1012 vector genomes/kg. Three (37.5%) participants had 4 serious adverse events, all considered unrelated to BAX 335. No serious adverse event led to death. No clinical thrombosis, inhibitors, or other FIX Padua-directed immunity was reported. FIX expression was measurable in 7 of 8 participants; peak FIX activity displayed dose dependence (32.0% to 58.5% in cohort 3). One participant achieved sustained therapeutic FIX activity of ∼20%, without bleeding or replacement therapy, for 4 years; in others, FIX activity was not sustained beyond 5 to 11 weeks. In contrast to some previous studies, corticosteroid treatment did not stabilize FIX activity loss. We hypothesize that the loss of transgene expression could have been caused by stimulation of innate immune responses, including CpG oligodeoxynucleotides introduced into the BAX 335 coding sequence by codon optimization. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01687608.
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15
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Lombardi S, Aaen KH, Nilsen J, Ferrarese M, Gjølberg TT, Bernardi F, Pinotti M, Andersen JT, Branchini A. Fusion of engineered albumin with factor IX Padua extends half-life and improves coagulant activity. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:453-462. [PMID: 34109608 PMCID: PMC8362221 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The short half‐life of coagulation factor IX (FIX) for haemophilia B (HB) therapy has been prolonged through fusion with human serum albumin (HSA), which drives the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)‐mediated recycling of the chimera. However, patients would greatly benefit from further FIX‐HSA half‐life extension. In the present study, we designed a FIX‐HSA variant through the engineering of both fusion partners. First, we developed a novel cleavable linker combining the two FIX activation sites, which resulted in improved HSA release. Second, insertion of the FIX R338L (Padua) substitution conferred hyperactive features (sevenfold higher specific activity) as for FIX Padua alone. Furthermore, we exploited an engineered HSA (QMP), which conferred enhanced human (h)FcRn binding [dissociation constant (KD) 0·5 nM] over wild‐type FIX‐HSA (KD 164·4 nM). In hFcRn transgenic mice, Padua‐QMP displayed a significantly prolonged half‐life (2·7 days, P < 0·0001) versus FIX‐HSA (1 day). Overall, we developed a novel FIX‐HSA protein with improved activity and extended half‐life. These combined properties may result in a prolonged functional profile above the therapeutic threshold, and thus in a potentially widened therapeutic window able to improve HB therapy. This rational engineering of both partners may pave the way for new fusion strategies for the design of engineered biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lombardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kristin H Aaen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeannette Nilsen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mattia Ferrarese
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Torleif T Gjølberg
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Francesco Bernardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mirko Pinotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jan T Andersen
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alessio Branchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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Evolutionary insights into coagulation factor IX Padua and other high-specific-activity variants. Blood Adv 2021; 5:1324-1332. [PMID: 33656538 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The high-specific-activity factor IX (FIX) variant Padua (R338L) is the most promising transgene for hemophilia B (HB) gene therapy. Although R338 is strongly conserved in mammalian evolution, amino acid substitutions at this position are underrepresented in HB databases. We therefore undertook a complete 20 amino acid scan and determined the specific activity of human (h) and canine (c) FIX variants with every amino acid substituted at position 338. Notably, we observe that hFIX-R338L is the most active variant and cFIX-R338L is sevenfold higher than wild-type (WT) cFIX. This is consistent with the previous identification of hFIX-R338L as a cause of a rare X-linked thrombophilia risk factor. Moreover, WT hFIX and cFIX are some of the least active variants. We confirmed the increased specific activity relative to FIX-WT in vivo of a new variant, cFIX-R338I, after gene therapy in an HB dog. Last, we screened 232 pediatric subjects with thromboembolic disease without identifying F9 R338 variants. Together these observations suggest a surprising evolutionary pressure to limit FIX activity with WT FIX rather than maximize FIX activity.
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17
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Platelet-targeted hyperfunctional FIX gene therapy for hemophilia B mice even with preexisting anti-FIX immunity. Blood Adv 2021; 5:1224-1238. [PMID: 33646304 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020004071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy may lead to a cure for hemophilia B (HB) if it is successful. Data from clinical trials using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated liver-targeted FIX gene therapy are very encouraging. However, this protocol can be applied only to adults who do not have liver disease or anti-AAV antibodies, which occur in 30% to 50% of individuals. Thus, developing a protocol that can be applied to all HB patients is desired. Our previous studies have demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated platelet-specific FIX (2bF9) gene therapy can rescue bleeding diathesis and induce immune tolerance in FIXnull mice, but FIX expression was only ∼2% to 3% in whole blood. To improve the efficacy, we used a codon-optimized hyperfunctional FIX-Padua (2bCoF9R338L) to replace the 2bF9 cassette, resulting in 70% to 122% (35.08-60.77 mU/108 platelets) activity levels in 2bCoF9R338L-transduced FIXnull mice. Importantly, sustained hyperfunctional platelet-FIX expression was achieved in all 2bCoF9R338L-transduced highly immunized recipients with activity levels of 18.00 ± 9.11 and 9.36 ± 12.23 mU/108 platelets in the groups treated with 11 Gy and 6.6 Gy, respectively. The anti-FIX antibody titers declined with time, and immune tolerance was established after 2bCoF9R338L gene therapy. We found that incorporating the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib into preconditioning can help eliminate anti-FIX antibodies. The bleeding phenotype in 2bCoF9R338L-transduced recipients was completely rescued in a tail bleeding test and a needle-induced knee joint injury model once inhibitors dropped to undetectable. The hemostatic efficacy in 2bCoF9R338L-transduced recipients was further confirmed by ROTEM and thrombin generation assay (TGA). Together, our studies suggest that 2bCoF9R338L gene therapy can be a promising protocol for all HB patients, including patients with inhibitors.
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18
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Odiba AS, Okoro NO, Durojaye OA, Wu Y. Gene therapy in PIDs, hemoglobin, ocular, neurodegenerative, and hemophilia B disorders. Open Life Sci 2021; 16:431-441. [PMID: 33987480 PMCID: PMC8093481 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A new approach is adopted to treat primary immunodeficiency disorders, such as the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID; e.g., adenosine deaminase SCID [ADA-SCID] and IL-2 receptor X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency [SCID-X1]). The success, along with the feasibility of gene therapy, is undeniable when considering the benefits recorded for patients with different classes of diseases or disorders needing treatment, including SCID-X1 and ADA-SCID, within the last two decades. β-Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are two prominent monogenic blood hemoglobin disorders for which a solution has been sought using gene therapy. For instance, transduced autologous CD34+ HSCs via a self-inactivating (SIN)-Lentivirus (LV) coding for a functional copy of the β-globin gene has become a feasible procedure. adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have found application in ocular gene transfer in retinal disease gene therapy (e.g., Leber's congenital amaurosis type 2), where no prior treatment existed. In neurodegenerative disorders, successes are now reported for cases involving metachromatic leukodystrophy causing severe cognitive and motor damage. Gene therapy for hemophilia also remains a viable option because of the amount of cell types that are capable of synthesizing biologically active FVIII and FIX following gene transfer using AAV vectors in vivo to correct hemophilia B (FIX deficiency), and it is considered an ideal target, as proven in preclinical studies. Recently, the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 gene-editing tool has taken a center stage in gene therapy research and is reported to be efficient and highly precise. The application of gene therapy to these areas has pushed forward the therapeutic clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arome Solomon Odiba
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Nkwachukwu Oziamara Okoro
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical and medicinal Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Olanrewaju Ayodeji Durojaye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanjun Wu
- Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.,Institute for Laboratory Animal, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
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19
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Li B, Wu Z, Xu W, Han W, Liu J, Wang D, Zhang G. Treatment of a Hemophilia B Mouse Model with Platelet-Targeted Expression of Factor IX Padua. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:506-516. [PMID: 33764159 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the coagulation factor IX (FIX) expression in platelets has been shown to be effective in ameliorating bleeding in hemophilia B (HB) mice. To improve the therapeutic effects and evaluate the safety of this gene therapy strategy, we generated a transgenic mouse model on an HB background with FIX Padua target expressed in platelets. The transgenic mice exhibited stable expression and storage of FIX Padua in platelets. The platelet-stored FIX Padua could be released with the activation of platelets, and the proportion of platelet-stored FIX Padua in whole blood was the same as that of platelet-stored wild-type human FIX. The platelet-derived FIX Padua showed substantially increased specific activity compared with wild-type FIX. Reduced bleeding volume in the FIX Padua transgenic mice demonstrated that bleeding in the mice was improved. Levels of thrombin-antithrombin complex, fibrinogen, D-Dimer, and blood cell counts were normal in the transgenic mice, suggesting that thrombotic risk was not increased in this mouse model. However, the leakage and failure to overcome the presence of inhibitor to wild-type FIX is also observed with FIX Padua, as expected. Taken together, our results support the conclusion that targeting FIX Padua expression in platelets may be an effective and safe gene therapy strategy for HB, and could provide an ideal model to evaluate the safety of platelet-targeted gene therapy for treating hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjue Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Han
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Abstract
Decades of preclinical and clinical studies developing gene therapy for hemophilia are poised to bear fruit with current promising pivotal studies likely to lead to regulatory approval. However, this recent success should not obscure the multiple challenges that were overcome to reach this destination. Gene therapy for hemophilia A and B benefited from advancements in the general gene therapy field, such as the development of adeno-associated viral vectors, as well as disease-specific breakthroughs, like the identification of B-domain deleted factor VIII and hyperactive factor IX Padua. The gene therapy field has also benefited from hemophilia B clinical studies, which revealed for the first time critical safety concerns related to immune responses to the vector capsid not anticipated in preclinical models. Preclinical studies have also investigated gene transfer approaches for other rare inherited bleeding disorders, including factor VII deficiency, von Willebrand disease, and Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Here we review the successful gene therapy journey for hemophilia and pose some unanswered questions. We then discuss the current state of gene therapy for these other rare inherited bleeding disorders and how the lessons of hemophilia gene therapy may guide clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valder R. Arruda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jesse Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Benjamin J. Samelson-Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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21
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Mendell JR, Al-Zaidy SA, Rodino-Klapac LR, Goodspeed K, Gray SJ, Kay CN, Boye SL, Boye SE, George LA, Salabarria S, Corti M, Byrne BJ, Tremblay JP. Current Clinical Applications of In Vivo Gene Therapy with AAVs. Mol Ther 2020; 29:464-488. [PMID: 33309881 PMCID: PMC7854298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary diseases are caused by mutations in genes, and more than 7,000 rare diseases affect over 30 million Americans. For more than 30 years, hundreds of researchers have maintained that genetic modifications would provide effective treatments for many inherited human diseases, offering durable and possibly curative clinical benefit with a single treatment. This review is limited to gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) because the gene delivered by this vector does not integrate into the patient genome and has a low immunogenicity. There are now five treatments approved for commercialization and currently available, i.e., Luxturna, Zolgensma, the two chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies (Yescarta and Kymriah), and Strimvelis (the gammaretrovirus approved for adenosine deaminase-severe combined immunodeficiency [ADA-SCID] in Europe). Dozens of other treatments are under clinical trials. The review article presents a broad overview of the field of therapy by in vivo gene transfer. We review gene therapy for neuromuscular disorders (spinal muscular atrophy [SMA]; Duchenne muscular dystrophy [DMD]; X-linked myotubular myopathy [XLMTM]; and diseases of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Canavan disease, aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase [AADC] deficiency, and giant axonal neuropathy), ocular disorders (Leber congenital amaurosis, age-related macular degeneration [AMD], choroideremia, achromatopsia, retinitis pigmentosa, and X-linked retinoschisis), the bleeding disorder hemophilia, and lysosomal storage disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry R Mendell
- Center of Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Kimberly Goodspeed
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Sanford L Boye
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lindsey A George
- Division of Hematology and the Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Salabarria
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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22
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Arruda VR, Doshi BS. Gene Therapy for Hemophilia: Facts and Quandaries in the 21st Century. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2020; 12:e2020069. [PMID: 32952980 PMCID: PMC7485465 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2020.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy for hemophilia has evolved in the last 40 years from plasma-based concentrates to recombinant proteins and, more recently, to non-factor therapeutics. Along this same timeline, research in adeno-associated viral (AAV) based gene therapy vectors has provided the framework for early phase clinical trials initially for hemophilia B (HB) and now for hemophilia A. Successive lessons learned from early HB trials have paved the way for current advanced phase trials. Nevertheless, questions linger regarding 1) the optimal balance of vector dose to transgene expression, 2) amount and durability of transgene expression required, and 3) long-term safety. Some trials have demonstrated unique findings not seen previously regarding transient elevation of liver enzymes, immunogenicity of the vector capsid, and loss of transgene expression. This review will provide an update on the clinical AAV gene therapy trials in hemophilia and address the questions above. A thoughtful and rationally approached expansion of gene therapy to the clinics would certainly be a welcome addition to the arsenal of options for hemophilia therapy. Further, the global impact of gene therapy could be vastly improved by expanding eligibility to different patient populations and to developing nations. With the advances made to date, it is possible to envision a shift from the early goal of simply increasing life expectancy to a significant improvement in quality of life by reduction in spontaneous bleeding episodes and disease complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valder R. Arruda
- Divsion of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Bhavya S. Doshi
- Divsion of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA USA
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23
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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.
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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
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24
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Abstract
Gene therapy offers the potential for a cure for patients with hemophilia by establishing continuous endogenous expression of factor VIII or factor IX (FIX) following transfer of a functional gene to replace the hemophilic patient's own defective gene. The hemophilias are ideally suited for gene therapy because a small increment in blood factor levels (≥5% of normal) is associated with significant amelioration of bleeding phenotype in severely affected patients. In 2011, the St. Jude/UCL phase 1/2 trial was the first to provide clear evidence of a stable dose-dependent increase in FIX levels in patients with severe hemophilia B following a single administration of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. Transgenic FIX expression has remained stable at ∼5% of normal in the high-dose cohort over a 7-year follow-up period, resulting in a substantial reduction in spontaneous bleeding and FIX protein usage without toxicity. This study has been followed by unparalleled advances in gene therapy for hemophilia A and B, leading to clotting factor activity approaching normal or near-normal levels associated with a "zero bleed rates" in previously severely affected patients following a single administration of AAV vectors. Thus, AAV gene therapies are likely to alter the treatment paradigm for hemophilia A and B. This review explores recent progress and the remaining limitations that need to be overcome for wider availability of this novel treatment of inherited bleeding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit C Nathwani
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, Katharine Dormandy Haemophilia and Thrombosis Unit, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; and Freeline Therapeutics Ltd., Stevenage, United Kingdom
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Gollomp KL, Doshi BS, Arruda VR. Gene therapy for hemophilia: Progress to date and challenges moving forward. Transfus Apher Sci 2019; 58:602-612. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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26
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Spronck EA, Liu YP, Lubelski J, Ehlert E, Gielen S, Montenegro-Miranda P, de Haan M, Nijmeijer B, Ferreira V, Petry H, van Deventer SJ. Enhanced Factor IX Activity following Administration of AAV5-R338L "Padua" Factor IX versus AAV5 WT Human Factor IX in NHPs. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 15:221-231. [PMID: 31709273 PMCID: PMC6834974 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy for severe hemophilia B is advancing and offers sustained disease amelioration with a single treatment. We have reported the efficacy and safety of AMT-060, an investigational gene therapy comprising an adeno-associated virus serotype 5 capsid encapsidating the codon-optimized wild-type human factor IX (WT hFIX) gene with a liver-specific promoter, in patients with severe hemophilia B. Treatment with 2 × 1013 gc/kg AMT-060 showed sustained and durable FIX activity of 3%-13% and a substantial reduction in spontaneous bleeds without T cell-mediated hepatoxicity. To achieve higher FIX activity, we modified AMT-060 to encode the R338L "Padua" FIX variant that has increased specific activity (AMT-061). We report the safety and increased FIX activity of AMT-061 in non-human primates. Animals (n = 3/group) received intravenous AMT-060 (5 × 1012 gc/kg), AMT-061 (ranging from 5 × 1011 to 9 × 1013 gc/kg), or vehicle. Human FIX protein expression, FIX activity, and coagulation markers including D-dimer and thrombin-antithrombin complexes were measured. At equal doses, AMT-060 and AMT-061 resulted in similar human FIX protein expression, but FIX activity was 6.5-fold enhanced using AMT-061. Both vectors show similar safety and transduction profiles. Thus, AMT-061 holds great promise as a more potent FIX replacement gene therapy with a favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Spronck
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ying Poi Liu
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacek Lubelski
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erich Ehlert
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Gielen
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Martin de Haan
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Nijmeijer
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Valerie Ferreira
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harald Petry
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25A, 1105 BP Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
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27
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Samelson-Jones BJ, Finn JD, George LA, Camire RM, Arruda VR. Hyperactivity of factor IX Padua (R338L) depends on factor VIIIa cofactor activity. JCI Insight 2019; 5:128683. [PMID: 31219805 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.128683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated-viral (AAV) vector liver-directed gene therapy (GT) for hemophilia B (HB) is limited by a vector-dose-dependent hepatotoxicity. Recently, this obstacle has been partially circumvented by the use of a hyperactive factor IX (FIX) variant, R338L (Padua), which has an eightfold increased specific activity compared to FIX-WT. FIX-R338L has emerged as the standard for HB GT. However, the underlying mechanism of its hyperactivity is undefined; as such, safety concerns of unregulated coagulation and the potential for thrombotic complications have not been fully addressed. To this end, we evaluated the enzymatic and clotting activity as well as the activation, inactivation, and cofactor-dependence of FIX-R338L relative to FIX-WT. We observed that the high-specific-activity of FIX-R338L requires factor VIIIa (FVIIIa) cofactor. In a novel system utilizing emicizumab, a FVIII-mimicking bispecific antibody, the hyperactivity of both recombinant FIX-R338L and AAV-mediated-transgene-expressed FIX-R338L from HB GT subjects is ablated without FVIIIa activity. We conclude that the molecular regulation of activation, inactivation, and cofactor-dependence of FIX-R338L is similar to FIX-WT, but that the FVIIIa-dependent hyperactivity of FIX-R338L is the result of a faster rate of factor X activation. This mechanism helps mitigate safety concerns of unregulated coagulation and supports the expanded use of FIX-R338L in HB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Samelson-Jones
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan D Finn
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lindsey A George
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rodney M Camire
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, 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.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Dingman R, Balu-Iyer SV. Immunogenicity of Protein Pharmaceuticals. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:1637-1654. [PMID: 30599169 PMCID: PMC6720129 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics have drastically changed the landscape of treatment for many diseases by providing a regimen that is highly specific and lacks many off-target toxicities. The clinical utility of many therapeutic proteins has been undermined by the potential development of unwanted immune responses against the protein, limiting their efficacy and negatively impacting its safety profile. This review attempts to provide an overview of immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins, including immune mechanisms and factors influencing immunogenicity, impact of immunogenicity, preclinical screening methods, and strategies to mitigate immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dingman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214
| | - Sathy V Balu-Iyer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214.
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Complete correction of hemophilia B phenotype by FIX-Padua skeletal muscle gene therapy in an inhibitor-prone dog model. Blood Adv 2019; 2:505-508. [PMID: 29500218 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017015313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Skeletal muscle–directed expression of FIX-Padua resulted in complete correction of HB phenotype in an inhibitor-prone dog model. Long-term immune tolerance to FIX is sustained over years upon multiple challenges with recombinant FIX protein in 2 HB models.
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30
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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.
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31
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Wang Y, Zhao J, Duan N, Liu W, Zhang Y, Zhou M, Hu Z, Feng M, Liu X, Wu L, Li Z, Liang D. Paired CRISPR/Cas9 Nickases Mediate Efficient Site-Specific Integration of F9 into rDNA Locus of Mouse ESCs. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103035. [PMID: 30301136 PMCID: PMC6213315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia B (HB) is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder, caused by F9 gene deficiency. Gene therapy combined with the CRISPR/Cas9 technology offers a potential cure for hemophilia B. Now the Cas9 nickase (Cas9n) shows a great advantage in reducing off-target effect compared with wild-type Cas9. In this study, we found that in the multicopy ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus, the homology directed recombination (HDR) efficiency induced by sgRNA-Cas9n was much higher than sgRNA-Cas9, meanwhile without off-target in six predicted sites. After co-transfection into mESCs with sgRNA-Cas9n and a non-viral rDNA targeting vector pMrnF9, harboring the homology donor template and the human F9 expression cassette, a recombination efficiency of 66.7% was achieved and all targeted clones were confirmed to be site-specific integration of F9 in the rDNA locus by PCR and southern blotting. Targeted mESCs retained the main pluripotent properties and were then differentiated into hepatic progenitor like cells (HPLCs) and mature hepatocytes, which were characterized by hepatic markers and functional assays. Importantly, the differentiated cells could transcribe exogenous F9 and secrete coagulation factor IX (FIX) proteins, suggesting active transcription and stable inheritance of transgenes in the rDNA locus. After intrasplenical transplantation in severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice, targeted HPLCs could survive and migrate from spleen to liver, resulting in secretion of exogenous FIX into blood. In summary, we demonstrate an efficient and site-specific gene targeting strategy in rDNA locus for stem cell-based gene therapy for hemophilia B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchi Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Junya Zhao
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Nannan Duan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Miaojin Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Zhiqing Hu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Mai Feng
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Xionghao Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Zhuo Li
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
| | - Desheng Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China.
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32
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Doshi BS, Arruda VR. Gene therapy for hemophilia: what does the future hold? Ther Adv Hematol 2018; 9:273-293. [PMID: 30210756 DOI: 10.1177/2040620718791933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent phase I/II adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene therapy clinical trials have reported remarkable success in ameliorating disease phenotype in hemophilia A and B. These trials, which highlight the challenges overcome through decades of preclinical and first in human clinical studies, have generated considerable excitement for patients and caregivers alike. Optimization of vector and transgene expression has significantly improved the ability to achieve therapeutic factor levels in these subjects. Long-term follow-up studies will guide standardization of the approach with respect to the combination of serotype, promoter, dose, and manufacturing processes and inform safety for inclusion of young patients. Certain limitations preclude universal applicability of gene therapy, including transient liver transaminase elevations due to the immune responses to vector capsids or as yet undefined mechanisms, underlying liver disease from iatrogenic viral hepatitis, and neutralizing antibodies to clotting factors. Integrating vectors show promising preclinical results, but manufacturing and safety concerns still remain. The prospect of gene editing for correction of the underlying mutation is on the horizon with considerable potential. Herein, we review the advances and limitations that have resulted in these recent successful clinical trials and outline avenues that will allow for broader applicability of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavya S Doshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Valder R Arruda
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, 5056 Colket Translational Research Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Abstract
Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder that affects nearly half a million individuals worldwide. Joint bleeding and other co-morbidities are a significant source of debilitation for this population. Current therapies are effective but must be given lifelong at regular intervals, are costly, and are available to only about 25% of the hemophilia population living in resource-rich countries. Gene therapy for hemophilia has been in development for three decades and is now entering pivotal-stage clinical trials. While many different technology platforms exist for gene therapy, all current clinical trials for hemophilia employ adeno-associated vector (AAV)-based cell transduction. This small viral particle is capable of packaging modified F8 or F9 transgenes, can be generated robustly from cell lines, and transduces several relatively end-differentiated target tissues such as the liver with high efficiency. While pre-existing neutralizing antibodies to the AAV capsid are recognized to limit current therapy, other challenges have been identified in human studies that were not seen in preclinical studies. Both liver transaminase elevations and immune-mediated loss of transgene expression have been observed in clinical trials. Toll-like receptors, cytotoxic T cells, and other components of the immune response have been implicated in the loss of factor expression, but a full understanding of the immune response awaits clarification. Despite these challenges, many patients enrolled in gene therapy trials have attained long-term expression of factors VIII and IX. This emerging technology now represents a cure for the severe bleeding and joint damage associated with hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Chapin
- Shire, 650 Kendall Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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Development of Methods for the Selective Measurement of the Single Amino Acid Exchange Variant Coagulation Factor IX Padua. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 10:29-37. [PMID: 30003118 PMCID: PMC6039963 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The description of hyper-functional factor IX (FIX) Padua triggered the development of BAX 335, an AAV8-based hemophilia B gene therapy vector designed to compensate for low FIX protein expression levels by expressing the FIX Padua variant, thereby reducing the exposure to viral vector. The presence of inactive FIX protein at baseline hindered conventional FIX:Ag ELISA from contributing to a more profound understanding of clinical data from the BAX 335 Phase 1/2 study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01687608). By applying phage display technology, a Fab2 mini-antibody selectively binding to FIX Padua was developed and used to establish a FIX Padua-specific ELISA. The assay adequately performed, utilizing human and monkey plasma samples, and enabled the selective quantification of FIX Padua protein in human plasma samples from the BAX 335 trial. The mini-antibody also allowed the development of a chromogenic FIX Padua-specific activity assay, which adequately performed in human and mouse plasma. Collectively, the isolated FIX Padua-specific mini-antibody enabled the development of transgene-product-specific assays, which should improve the monitoring of hemophilia B gene therapies. The approach applied here for FIX Padua could be leveraged to develop variant-specific activity assays for other therapies where highly active enzymes are instrumental in achieving therapeutic levels of the transgene product.
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35
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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
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36
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Arruda VR, Doshi BS, Samelson-Jones BJ. Emerging therapies for hemophilia: controversies and unanswered questions. F1000Res 2018; 7. [PMID: 29770199 PMCID: PMC5931262 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.12491.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several new therapies for hemophilia have emerged in recent years. These strategies range from extended half-life factor replacement products and non-factor options with improved pharmacokinetic profiles to gene therapy aiming for phenotypic cure. While these products have the potential to change hemophilia care dramatically, several challenges and questions remain regarding broader applicability, long-term safety, and which option to pursue for each patient. Here, we review these emerging therapies with a focus on controversies and unanswered questions in each category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valder R Arruda
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bhavya S Doshi
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Samelson-Jones
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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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.
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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
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38
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The Role of Natural-Based Biomaterials in Advanced Therapies for Autoimmune Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1077:127-146. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0947-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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39
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VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK. Hyperactive Factor IX Padua: A Game-Changer for Hemophilia Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2017; 26:14-16. [PMID: 29274719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, 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), Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Brussels, Belgium; Center for Molecular & Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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40
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Suchon P, Trégouët DA, Morange PE. Genetics of Venous Thrombosis: update in 2015. Thromb Haemost 2017; 114:910-9. [DOI: 10.1160/th15-05-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryVenous thrombosis (VT) is a common multifactorial disease with a genetic component that was first suspected nearly 60 years ago. In this review, we document the genetic determinants of the disease, and update recent findings delivered by the application of high-throughput genotyping and sequencing technologies. To date, 17 genes have been robustly demonstrated to harbour genetic variations associated with VT risk: ABO, F2, F5, F9, F11, FGG, GP6, KNG1, PROC, PROCR, PROS1, SERPINC1, SLC44A2, STXBP5, THBD, TSPAN15 and VWF. The common polymorphisms are estimated to account only for a modest part (~5 %) of the VT heritability. Much remains to be done to fully disentangle the exact genetic (and epigenetic) architecture of the disease. A large suite of powerful tools and research strategies can be deployed on the large collections of patients that have already been assembled (and additional are ongoing).
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41
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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
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42
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Novel approaches to hemophilia therapy: successes and challenges. Blood 2017; 130:2251-2256. [PMID: 29018078 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-08-742312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies for hemophilia A and hemophilia B will likely continue to change clinical practice. Ranging from extended half-life to nonfactor products and gene therapy, these innovative approaches have the potential to enhance the standard of care by decreasing infusion frequency to increase compliance, promoting prophylaxis, offering alternatives to inhibitor patients, and easing route of administration. Each category has intrinsic challenges that may limit the broader application of these promising therapies. To date, none specifically address the challenge of dispersing treatment to the developing world.
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43
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Abstract
After two decades of research, in vivo gene transfer with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors has now resulted in successful treatments and even cures for several human diseases. However, the potential for immune responses against the therapeutic gene products remains one of the concerns as this approach is broadened to more patients, diverse diseases, and target organs. Immune responses following gene transfer of coagulation factor IX (FIX) for the treatment of the bleeding disorder hemophilia B has been extensively investigated in multiple animal models. Findings from these studies have not only influenced clinical trial design but have broader implications for other diseases. The impact of vector design and dose, as well as target organ/route of administration on humoral and cellular immune responses are reviewed. Furthermore, the potential for tolerance induction by hepatic gene transfer or combination with immune modulation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland W Herzog
- Dept. Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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44
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Levy C, Fusil F, Amirache F, Costa C, Girard-Gagnepain A, Negre D, Bernadin O, Garaulet G, Rodriguez A, Nair N, Vandendriessche T, Chuah M, Cosset FL, Verhoeyen E. Baboon envelope pseudotyped lentiviral vectors efficiently transduce human B cells and allow active factor IX B cell secretion in vivo in NOD/SCIDγc -/- mice. J Thromb Haemost 2016; 14:2478-2492. [PMID: 27685947 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Essentials B cells are attractive targets for gene therapy and particularly interesting for immunotherapy. A baboon envelope pseudotyped lentiviral vector (BaEV-LV) was tested for B-cell transduction. BaEV-LVs transduced mature and plasma human B cells with very high efficacy. BaEV-LVs allowed secretion of functional factor IX from B cells at therapeutic levels in vivo. SUMMARY Background B cells are attractive targets for gene therapy for diseases associated with B-cell dysfunction and particularly interesting for immunotherapy. Moreover, B cells are potent protein-secreting cells and can be tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells. Objective Evaluation of human B cells for secretion of clotting factors such as factor IX (FIX) as a possible treatment for hemophilia. Methods We tested here for the first time our newly developed baboon envelope (BaEV) pseudotyped lentiviral vectors (LVs) for human (h) B-cell transduction following their adaptive transfer into an NOD/SCIDγc-/- (NSG) mouse. Results Upon B-cell receptor stimulation, BaEV-LVs transduced up to 80% of hB cells, whereas vesicular stomatitis virus G protein VSV-G-LV only reached 5%. Remarkably, BaEVTR-LVs permitted efficient transduction of 20% of resting naive and 40% of resting memory B cells. Importantly, BaEV-LVs reached up to 100% transduction of human plasmocytes ex vivo. Adoptive transfer of BaEV-LV-transduced mature B cells into NOD/SCID/γc-/- (NSG) [non-obese diabetic (NOD), severe combined immuno-deficiency (SCID)] mice allowed differentiation into plasmablasts and plasma B cells, confirming a sustained high-level gene marking in vivo. As proof of principle, we assessed BaEV-LV for transfer of human factor IX (hFIX) into B cells. BaEV-LVs encoding FIX efficiently transduced hB cells and their transfer into NSG mice demonstrated for the first time secretion of functional hFIX from hB cells at therapeutic levels in vivo. Conclusions The BaEV-LVs might represent a valuable tool for therapeutic protein secretion from autologous B cells in vivo in the treatment of hemophilia and other acquired or inherited diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Levy
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - F Fusil
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - F Amirache
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - C Costa
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - A Girard-Gagnepain
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - D Negre
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - O Bernadin
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - G Garaulet
- Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - N Nair
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Vandendriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Chuah
- Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - F-L Cosset
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - E Verhoeyen
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research, Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
- Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Inserm, U1065, Équipe 'contrôle métabolique des morts cellulaires', Nice, France
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Abstract
Hemophilia is the most well-known hereditary bleeding disorder, with an incidence of one in every 5000 to 30,000 males worldwide. The disease is treated by infusion of protein products on demand and as prophylaxis. Although these therapies have been very successful, some challenging and unresolved tasks remain, such as reducing bleeding rates, presence of target joints and/or established joint damage, eliminating the development of inhibitors, and increasing the success rate of immune-tolerance induction (ITI). Many preclinical trials are carried out on animal models for hemophilia generated by the hemophilia research community, which in turn enable prospective clinical trials aiming to tackle these challenges. Suitable animal models are needed for greater advances in treating hemophilia, such as the development of better models for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of long-acting products, more powerful gene therapy vectors than are currently available, and successful ITI strategies. Mice, dogs, and pigs are the most commonly used animal models for hemophilia. With the advent of the nuclease method for genome editing, namely the CRISPR/Cas9 system, it is now possible to create animal models for hemophilia other than mice in a short period of time. This review presents currently available animal models for hemophilia, and discusses the importance of animal models for the development of better treatment options for hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Tzu Yen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ni Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Li Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chieh Chou
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Shing Yu
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wha Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Ajufo E, Cuchel M. Recent Developments in Gene Therapy for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2016; 18:22. [PMID: 26980316 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-016-0579-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a life-threatening Mendelian disorder with a mean life expectancy of 33 years despite maximally tolerated standard lipid-lowering therapies. This disease is an ideal candidate for gene therapy, and in the last few years, a number of exciting developments have brought this approach closer to the clinic than ever before. In this review, we discuss in detail the most advanced of these developments, a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector carrying a low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) transgene which has recently entered phase 1/2a testing. We also review ongoing development of approaches to enhance transgene expression, improve the efficiency of hepatocyte transduction, and minimize the AAV capsid-specific adaptive immune response. We include a summary of key gene therapy approaches for HoFH in pre-clinical development, including RNA silencing of the gene encoding HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and induced pluripotent stem cell transplant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezim Ajufo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marina Cuchel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Kumar SRP, Markusic DM, Biswas M, High KA, Herzog RW. Clinical development of gene therapy: results and lessons from recent successes. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2016; 3:16034. [PMID: 27257611 PMCID: PMC4879992 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic gene transfer holds the promise of providing lasting therapies and even cures for diseases that were previously untreatable or for which only temporary or suboptimal treatments were available. For some time, clinical gene therapy was characterized by some impressive but rare examples of successes and also several setbacks. However, effective and long-lasting treatments are now being reported from gene therapy trials at an increasing pace. Positive outcomes have been documented for a wide range of genetic diseases (including hematological, immunological, ocular, and neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders) and several types of cancer. Examples include restoration of vision in blind patients, eradication of blood cancers for which all other treatments had failed, correction of hemoglobinopathies and coagulation factor deficiencies, and restoration of the immune system in children born with primary immune deficiency. To date, about 2,000 clinical trials for various diseases have occurred or are in progress, and many more are in the pipeline. Multiple clinical studies reported successful treatments of pediatric patients. Design of gene therapy vectors and their clinical development are advancing rapidly. This article reviews some of the major successes in clinical gene therapy of recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep RP Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics and Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics and Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Moanaro Biswas
- Department of Pediatrics and Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics and Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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48
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Nichols TC, Hough C, Agersø H, Ezban M, Lillicrap D. Canine models of inherited bleeding disorders in the development of coagulation assays, novel protein replacement and gene therapies. J Thromb Haemost 2016; 14:894-905. [PMID: 26924758 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal models of inherited bleeding disorders are important for understanding disease pathophysiology and are required for preclinical assessment of safety prior to testing of novel therapeutics in human and veterinary medicine. Experiments in these animals represent important translational research aimed at developing safer and better treatments, such as plasma-derived and recombinant protein replacement therapies, gene therapies and immune tolerance protocols for antidrug inhibitory antibodies. Ideally, testing is done in animals with the analogous human disease to provide essential safety information, estimates of the correct starting dose and dose response (pharmacokinetics) and measures of efficacy (pharmacodynamics) that guide the design of human trials. For nearly seven decades, canine models of hemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders have not only informed our understanding of the natural history and pathophysiology of these disorders but also guided the development of novel therapeutics for use in humans and dogs. This has been especially important for the development of gene therapy, in which unique toxicities such as insertional mutagenesis, germ line gene transfer and viral toxicities must be assessed. There are several issues regarding comparative medicine in these species that have a bearing on these studies, including immune reactions to xenoproteins, varied metabolism or clearance of wild-type and modified proteins, and unique tissue tropism of viral vectors. This review focuses on the results of studies that have been performed in dogs with inherited bleeding disorders that closely mirror the human condition to develop safe and effective protein and gene-based therapies that benefit both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Nichols
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - C Hough
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - H Agersø
- Research and Development Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | - M Ezban
- Research and Development Novo Nordisk A/S, Maaloev, Denmark
| | - D Lillicrap
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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49
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Brimble MA, Reiss UM, Nathwani AC, Davidoff AM. New and improved AAVenues: current status of hemophilia B gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 16:79-92. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1106475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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50
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Abstract
Current developments in haemophilia therapy are directed at two therapeutic targets: reduction of injection frequency and reduction or bypassing of inhibitors. A variety of new molecules addressing these aims are now completing clinical trials and are ready to enter clinical use. First amongst these are modified Factor VIII (FVIII) and Factor IX (FIX) molecules with extended half-lives. FIX modifications have achieved 5-fold prolongation of half-life whilst effects on FVIII have been more modest, at less than two-fold. We now face the problem of integrating these into clinical practice. Other approaches have generated chemically modified FVIII molecules with altered activation profiles. An alternative way of correcting the haemophilia defect is to reduce the activity of natural anticoagulants in an attempt to restore the balance of haemostasis. These methods are also giving promising results but, as with all new approaches, it will be some while before they all find their place in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Laffan
- Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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