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Castro B, Steel JC, Layton CJ. AAV-mediated gene therapies for glaucoma and uveitis: are we there yet? Expert Rev Mol Med 2024; 26:e9. [PMID: 38618935 PMCID: PMC11062146 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2024.4] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma and uveitis are non-vascular ocular diseases which are among the leading causes of blindness and visual loss. These conditions have distinct characteristics and mechanisms but share a multifactorial and complex nature, making their management challenging and burdensome for patients and clinicians. Furthermore, the lack of symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma and the diverse aetiology of uveitis hinder timely and accurate diagnoses, which are a cause of poor visual outcomes under both conditions. Although current treatment is effective in most cases, it is often associated with low patient adherence and adverse events, which directly impact the overall therapeutic success. Therefore, long-lasting alternatives with improved safety and efficacy are needed. Gene therapy, particularly utilising adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, has emerged as a promising approach to address unmet needs in these diseases. Engineered capsids with enhanced tropism and lower immunogenicity have been proposed, along with constructs designed for targeted and controlled expression. Additionally, several pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions have been targeted with single or multigene expression cassettes, gene editing and silencing approaches. This review discusses strategies employed in AAV-based gene therapies for glaucoma and non-infectious uveitis and provides an overview of current progress and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Castro
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Greenslopes Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason C. Steel
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Greenslopes Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Greenslopes Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
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Ridley RB, Bowman BM, Lee J, Walsh E, Massengill MT, Lewin AS, Ildefonso CJ. Modulation of Retinal Inflammation Delays Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Geographic Atrophy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.08.527757. [PMID: 36798403 PMCID: PMC9934704 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.527757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The advanced form of AMD, geographic atrophy, is associated with increased RPE oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Here we evaluated the effects of delivering an anti-inflammatory viral gene by an AAV-vector in a mouse model of geographic atrophy. We measured changes in retinal function, structure, and morphology over nine months with electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, and fundoscopy, respectively. In addition, we used retinal tissue to quantify changes in markers of inflammation by multiplex ELISA, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence staining. Our AAV significantly delayed the loss of retinal function and structure and decreased retinal inflammation compared to the control AAV treatment. Our results suggest that modulating retinal inflammation could significantly slow the progression of geographic atrophy.
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Ahmed CM, Patel AP, Ildefonso CJ, Johnson HM, Lewin AS. Corneal Application of R9-SOCS1-KIR Peptide Alleviates Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 34003962 PMCID: PMC7995917 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.3.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uveitis is an ocular inflammation that can affect individuals of all ages and is a major cause of blindness. We have tested the therapeutic efficacy of a cell penetrating peptide from the kinase inhibitory region of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, denoted as R9-SOCS1-KIR. Methods We stimulated J774A.1 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of R9-SOCS1-KIR or its inactive control peptide. Effect on inflammatory pathways was followed by the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB p65 subunit and phosphorylated-p38. Synthesis of inflammatory markers induced by LPS was tested by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and ELISA of cell supernatants. We monitored effects on the barrier properties of a differentiated ARPE-19 monolayer treated with LPS. We treated C57BL/6 mice topically with either R9-SOCS1-KIR or vehicle and injected their eyes intravitreally with LPS. Eyes were analyzed by fundoscopy, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, histology, Western blotting, multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry. Results Treatment with R9-SOCS1-KIR resulted in suppression of signaling through nuclear factor κB and p-p38 pathways. R9-SOCS1-KIR suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes, the secretion of inflammatory makers such as nitric oxide, and IL-1β induced by LPS. Increased permeability of retinal pigment epithelial cell monolayers was prevented. Corneal administration of R9-SOCS1-KIR blocked the acute inflammation observed in LPS-injected mouse eyes. Conclusions Treatment with R9-SOCS1-KIR alleviated the inflammatory responses in cell culture. Topical delivery of this peptide on mouse eyes protected against LPS-induced damage. Translational Relevance Topical delivery of R9-SOCS1-KIR peptide allows the patient to self-administer the drug, while preventing any systemic effects on unrelated organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulbul M Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Anil P Patel
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Howard M Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alfred S Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Xu Q, Zhang J, Qin T, Bao J, Dong H, Zhou X, Hou S, Mao L. The role of the inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of uveitis. Exp Eye Res 2021; 208:108618. [PMID: 33989670 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Uveitis is a diverse group of sight-threatening intraocular inflammatory diseases usually causing eye redness, pain, blurred vision, and sometimes blindness. Although the exact pathogenesis of uveitis is not yet clear, accumulating evidences have shown that an imbalanced regulation of immune responses caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. As critical regulators of inflammation, inflammasomes have been assumed to play a role in the pathogenesis of uveitis. Recent studies have reported the association between a number of genetic variants in inflammasome related genes (such as NLRP3, NLRP1, NLRC4 and AIM2) with increased risk to uveitis. Mounting evidence have shown an aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in both uveitis patients and murine models of uveitis. Some studies explored the intervention of uveitis via modulating inflammasome activity in the eye. This review aims at summarizing the main findings of these studies, proposing the possible mechanism whereby inflammasomes affect the susceptibility to develop uveitis, and giving a perspective for future studies, which may further improve our understanding about the role of inflammasomes and related cytokines in the pathogenesis of uveitis, and may hopefully lead to new therapeutics by targeting inflammasomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Tingyu Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jingyin Bao
- Basic Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Hongtao Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
| | - Shengping Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Liming Mao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China; Basic Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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5
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Ridley RB, Walsh EM, Ildefonso CJ. Molecular Design and Production of AAV Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2225:77-92. [PMID: 33108658 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1012-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a helper-dependent single-stranded DNA parvovirus. Over the years, AAV has become the vector of choice in the gene therapy field due to its safety profile and low immunogenicity. With a carrying capacity of 4.2 kbp, these vectors have demonstrated their clinical value, especially in the field of ophthalmology. Herein we describe methods for the molecular design and packaging of AAV viral vectors. These methods apply to the design of single-stranded or self-complementary AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raela B Ridley
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erin M Walsh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cristhian J Ildefonso
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Yaron JR, Zhang L, Guo Q, Burgin M, Schutz LN, Awo E, Wise L, Krause KL, Ildefonso CJ, Kwiecien JM, Juby M, Rahman MM, Chen H, Moyer RW, Alcami A, McFadden G, Lucas AR. Deriving Immune Modulating Drugs from Viruses-A New Class of Biologics. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E972. [PMID: 32244484 PMCID: PMC7230489 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are widely used as a platform for the production of therapeutics. Vaccines containing live, dead and components of viruses, gene therapy vectors and oncolytic viruses are key examples of clinically-approved therapeutic uses for viruses. Despite this, the use of virus-derived proteins as natural sources for immune modulators remains in the early stages of development. Viruses have evolved complex, highly effective approaches for immune evasion. Originally developed for protection against host immune responses, viral immune-modulating proteins are extraordinarily potent, often functioning at picomolar concentrations. These complex viral intracellular parasites have "performed the R&D", developing highly effective immune evasive strategies over millions of years. These proteins provide a new and natural source for immune-modulating therapeutics, similar in many ways to penicillin being developed from mold or streptokinase from bacteria. Virus-derived serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins), chemokine modulating proteins, complement control, inflammasome inhibition, growth factors (e.g., viral vascular endothelial growth factor) and cytokine mimics (e.g., viral interleukin 10) and/or inhibitors (e.g., tumor necrosis factor) have now been identified that target central immunological response pathways. We review here current development of virus-derived immune-modulating biologics with efficacy demonstrated in pre-clinical or clinical studies, focusing on pox and herpesviruses-derived immune-modulating therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R. Yaron
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Qiuyun Guo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Michelle Burgin
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Lauren N. Schutz
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Enkidia Awo
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Lyn Wise
- University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (L.W.); (K.L.K.)
| | - Kurt L. Krause
- University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (L.W.); (K.L.K.)
| | | | - Jacek M. Kwiecien
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Michael Juby
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Masmudur M. Rahman
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China;
| | - Richard W. Moyer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Antonio Alcami
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
| | - Alexandra R. Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.R.Y.); (L.Z.); (Q.G.); (M.B.); (L.N.S.); (E.A.); (M.J.)
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA (G.M.)
- St Joseph Hospital, Dignity Health, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
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