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Xiao R, Chen Y, Hu Z, Tang Q, Wang P, Zhou M, Wu L, Liang D. Identification of the Efficient Enhancer Elements in FVIII-Padua for Gene Therapy Study of Hemophilia A. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3635. [PMID: 38612447 PMCID: PMC11011560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073635] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HA) is a common X-linked recessive hereditary bleeding disorder. Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is insufficient in patients with HA due to the mutations in the F8 gene. The restoration of plasma levels of FVIII via both recombinant B-domain-deleted FVIII (BDD-FVIII) and B-domain-deleted F8 (BDDF8) transgenes was proven to be helpful. FVIII-Padua is a 23.4 kb tandem repeat mutation in the F8 associated with a high F8 gene expression and thrombogenesis. Here we screened a core enhancer element in FVIII-Padua for improving the F8 expression. In detail, we identified a 400 bp efficient enhancer element, C400, in FVIII-Padua for the first time. The core enhancer C400 extensively improved the transcription of BDDF8 driven by human elongation factor-1 alpha in HepG2, HeLa, HEK-293T and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with different genetic backgrounds, as well as iPSCs-derived endothelial progenitor cells (iEPCs) and iPSCs-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs). The expression of FVIII protein was increased by C400, especially in iEPCs. Our research provides a novel molecular target to enhance expression of FVIII protein, which has scientific value and application prospects in both viral and nonviral HA gene therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Desheng Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (R.X.); (Y.C.); (Z.H.); (M.Z.)
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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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3
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Tang Q, Hu Z, Zhao J, Zhou T, Tang S, Wang P, Xiao R, Chen Y, Wu L, Zhou M, Liang D. CRISPR-Mediated In Situ Introduction or Integration of F9-Padua in Human iPSCs for Gene Therapy of Hemophilia B. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109013. [PMID: 37240366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia B (HB) is an X-linked recessive disease caused by F9 gene mutation and functional coagulation factor IX (FIX) deficiency. Patients suffer from chronic arthritis and death threats owing to excessive bleeding. Compared with traditional treatments, gene therapy for HB has obvious advantages, especially when the hyperactive FIX mutant (FIX-Padua) is used. However, the mechanism by which FIX-Padua works remains ambiguous due to a lack of research models. Here, in situ introduction of F9-Padua mutation was performed in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) via CRISPR/Cas9 and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs). The hyperactivity of FIX-Padua was confirmed to be 364% of the normal level in edited hiPSCs-derived hepatocytes, providing a reliable model for exploring the mechanism of the hyperactivity of FIX-Padua. Moreover, the F9 cDNA containing F9-Padua was integrated before the F9 initiation codon by CRISPR/Cas9 in iPSCs from an HB patient (HB-hiPSCs). Integrated HB-hiPSCs after off-target screening were differentiated into hepatocytes. The FIX activity in the supernatant of integrated hepatocytes showed a 4.2-fold increase and reached 63.64% of the normal level, suggesting a universal treatment for HB patients with various mutations in F9 exons. Overall, our study provides new approaches for the exploration and development of cell-based gene therapy for HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Tang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhiqing Hu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Junya Zhao
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Shuqing Tang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Peiyun Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Rou Xiao
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Miaojin Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Desheng Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
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4
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Serotype-specific transduction of canine joint tissue explants and cultured monolayers by self-complementary adeno-associated viral vectors. Gene Ther 2022; 30:398-404. [PMID: 36261499 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A formal screening of self-complementary adeno-associated virus (scAAV) vector serotypes in canine joint tissues has not been performed to date. Selecting appropriate serotypes is crucial for successful treatment due to their varying levels of tissue tropism. The objective of this study is to identify the most optimal scAAV vector serotype that maximizes transduction efficiencies in canine cell monolayer cultures (chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells) and tissue explant cultures (cartilage and synovium). Transduction efficiencies of scAAV serotypes 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 were evaluated in each culture type in three different vector concentrations by encoding a green fluorescent protein. It was found that scAAV2 and 2.5 showed the overall highest transduction efficiency among serotypes with dose-response. Since possible immune response against conventional AAV2 was previously reported in dogs, the chimeric scAAV2.5 may be more suitable to use. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the scAAV2.5 vector with an appropriate therapeutic gene in vivo is indicated.
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Mukherjee P, Roy S, Ghosh D, Nandi SK. Role of animal models in biomedical research: a review. Lab Anim Res 2022; 38:18. [PMID: 35778730 PMCID: PMC9247923 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-022-00128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The animal model deals with the species other than the human, as it can imitate the disease progression, its’ diagnosis as well as a treatment similar to human. Discovery of a drug and/or component, equipment, their toxicological studies, dose, side effects are in vivo studied for future use in humans considering its’ ethical issues. Here lies the importance of the animal model for its enormous use in biomedical research. Animal models have many facets that mimic various disease conditions in humans like systemic autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, Atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc., and many more. Besides, the model has tremendous importance in drug development, development of medical devices, tissue engineering, wound healing, and bone and cartilage regeneration studies, as a model in vascular surgeries as well as the model for vertebral disc regeneration surgery. Though, all the models have some advantages as well as challenges, but, present review has emphasized the importance of various small and large animal models in pharmaceutical drug development, transgenic animal models, models for medical device developments, studies for various human diseases, bone and cartilage regeneration model, diabetic and burn wound model as well as surgical models like vascular surgeries and surgeries for intervertebral disc degeneration considering all the ethical issues of that specific animal model. Despite, the process of using the animal model has facilitated researchers to carry out the researches that would have been impossible to accomplish in human considering the ethical prohibitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mukherjee
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Mohanpur, Nadia, India
| | - S Roy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Mohanpur, Nadia, India
| | - D Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, India
| | - S K Nandi
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, India.
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6
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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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7
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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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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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Jiménez-Yuste V, Auerswald G, Benson G, Dolan G, Hermans C, Lambert T, Ljung R, Morfini M, Santagostino E, Zupančić Šalek S. Practical considerations for nonfactor-replacement therapies in the treatment of haemophilia with inhibitors. Haemophilia 2021; 27:340-350. [PMID: 33742707 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
New therapeutic agents for haemophilia with inhibitors that are in development or already licensed are expected to provide transformative treatment options. Many of these new therapies are not based on simply replacing the missing factor; new strategies include bispecific antibody technology that mimics factor VIII coagulation function (emicizumab), and inhibition of anticoagulant proteins such as tissue factor pathway inhibitor (eg PF-06741086) and antithrombin (eg fitusiran). These agents are administered subcutaneously and should significantly reduce treatment burden and increase the ability to deliver prophylaxis for patients. Limited real-world data and validated practical guidance on these recently licensed/upcoming treatments resulted in the authors convening to discuss recommendations on their use. Emicizumab is currently the only licenced nonfactor therapy; thus, our recommendations focus on this product. Target candidates for emicizumab prophylaxis are difficult-to-treat patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors and/or venous access issues, frequent bleeds and target joints. In case of breakthrough bleeding while receiving emicizumab, patients still require treatment with bypassing agents; the adjunct treatment of choice is recombinant activated factor VII. This treatment is also recommended to prevent bleeds in patients with inhibitors undergoing surgery. Our recommendations on suitable laboratory assays and monitoring new products, as well as the benefit of patient-reported outcomes (such as pain and physical activity levels), are included. We also briefly discuss future treatment options for patients with haemophilia B and inhibitors. Although these nonfactor treatments offer great promise, further data and real-world evidence are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Jiménez-Yuste
- Hospital Universitario La Paz, Unidad de Coagulopatías, Servicio de Hematología, Autonoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Günter Auerswald
- Klinikum Bremen-Mitte, Professor Hess Children's Hospital, Bremen, Germany
| | - Gary Benson
- Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Gerry Dolan
- Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Cedric Hermans
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Division of Haematology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Lambert
- Hemophilia Care Center, Bicêtre AP-HP Hospital and Faculté de Médecine Paris XI, Paris, France
| | - Rolf Ljung
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund - Paediatrics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Elena Santagostino
- Fondazione IRCCS Cá Granda, Maggiore Hospital Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Haemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Silva Zupančić Šalek
- Unit for Haemostasis, Thrombosis and Benign Diseases of Haematopoietic System, Division of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Medical School University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
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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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Chen J, An B, Yu B, Peng X, Yuan H, Yang Q, Chen X, Yu T, Wang L, Zhang X, Wang H, Zou X, Pang D, Ouyang H, Tang X. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockin of human factor IX into swine factor IX locus effectively alleviates bleeding in hemophilia B pigs. Haematologica 2021; 106:829-837. [PMID: 31974191 PMCID: PMC7927883 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.224063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemophilia B is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by abnormalities in the coagulation factor IX gene. Without prophylactic treatment, patients experience frequent spontaneous bleeding episodes. Well-characterized animal models are valuable for determining the pathobiology of the disease and for testing novel therapeutic innovations. Here, we generated a porcine model of hemophilia B (HB) using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer. We also tested the possibility of HB therapy by gene insertion. Frequent spontaneous joint bleeding episodes that occurred in HB pigs allowed a thorough investigation of the pathological process of hemophilic arthropathy. In contrast to the HB pigs, which showed a severe bleeding tendency and joint damage, the transgenic pigs carrying human coagulation factor IX exhibited a partial improvement in bleeding. In summary, this study not only offers a translational HB model for exploring the pathological process of hemophilic arthropathy, but also provides a possibility for the permanent correction of hemophilia in the future by genome editing in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Beiying An
- Department of Medical Laboratory, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Biao Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaohuan Peng
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongming Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiangbing Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lingyu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinwei Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - He Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaodong Zou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Daxin Pang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Xiaochun Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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12
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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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13
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Verdera HC, Kuranda K, Mingozzi F. AAV Vector Immunogenicity in Humans: A Long Journey to Successful Gene Transfer. Mol Ther 2020; 28:723-746. [PMID: 31972133 PMCID: PMC7054726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has demonstrated safety and long-term efficacy in a number of trials across target organs, including eye, liver, skeletal muscle, and the central nervous system. Since the initial evidence that AAV vectors can elicit capsid T cell responses in humans, which can affect the duration of transgene expression, much progress has been made in understanding and modulating AAV vector immunogenicity. It is now well established that exposure to wild-type AAV results in priming of the immune system against the virus, with development of both humoral and T cell immunity. Aside from the neutralizing effect of antibodies, the impact of pre-existing immunity to AAV on gene transfer is still poorly understood. Herein, we review data emerging from clinical trials across a broad range of gene therapy applications. Common features of immune responses to AAV can be found, suggesting, for example, that vector immunogenicity is dose-dependent, and that innate immunity plays an important role in the outcome of gene transfer. A range of host-specific factors are also likely to be important, and a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms driving AAV vector immunogenicity in humans will be key to unlocking the full potential of in vivo gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Costa Verdera
- Genethon and INSERM U951, 91000 Evry, France; Sorbonne Université and INSERM U974, 75013 Paris, France
| | | | - Federico Mingozzi
- Genethon and INSERM U951, 91000 Evry, France; Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Puthenveetil G, Nugent D. Hemophilia - Impact of Recent Advances on Management. Indian J Pediatr 2020; 87:134-140. [PMID: 31529382 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-019-03062-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
There have been numerous advances in the field of hemophilia management in the past decade, including long acting factor products, non-factor products, and potentially curative interventions such as gene therapy. Each of these interventions introduces exciting treatment modalities to patients with both hemophilia A and B, however they also pose a daunting array of possible management options. Adverse reactions to novel agents are being reported as more patients are treated and long-term sustainability of interventions such as gene therapy is yet to be determined. The practicing hematologist should be aware of the intricacies involved in customizing care for their individual patients and be aware of the monitoring strategies for each interventional strategy to avoid adverse events. Upfront cost vs. long term benefit should be considered as choices of treatment strategies are made, especially in resource poor countries. The goal of the newer agents is to decrease annualized bleed rates and avoid debilitating arthropathy. This article looks at current treatment models for prophylaxis and management of inhibitors, reviews the recent advances in the field (with bioengineered factor products, non-factor products and gene therapy) and summarizes the incorporation of these new interventions in the treatment plan for patients with hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Puthenveetil
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Diane Nugent
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Inherited Blood Disorders, Orange, CA, USA
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15
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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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16
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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: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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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17
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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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18
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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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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: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [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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