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Kumar R, Sinha NR, Mohan RR. Corneal gene therapy: Structural and mechanistic understanding. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:279-297. [PMID: 37244594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.007] [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] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cornea, a dome-shaped and transparent front part of the eye, affords 2/3rd refraction and barrier functions. Globally, corneal diseases are the leading cause of vision impairment. Loss of corneal function including opacification involve the complex crosstalk and perturbation between a variety of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors generated by corneal keratocytes, epithelial cells, lacrimal tissues, nerves, and immune cells. Conventional small-molecule drugs can treat mild-to-moderate traumatic corneal pathology but requires frequent application and often fails to treat severe pathologies. The corneal transplant surgery is a standard of care to restore vision in patients. However, declining availability and rising demand of donor corneas are major concerns to maintain ophthalmic care. Thus, the development of efficient and safe nonsurgical methods to cure corneal disorders and restore vision in vivo is highly desired. Gene-based therapy has huge potential to cure corneal blindness. To achieve a nonimmunogenic, safe and sustained therapeutic response, the selection of a relevant genes, gene editing methods and suitable delivery vectors are vital. This article describes corneal structural and functional features, mechanistic understanding of gene therapy vectors, gene editing methods, gene delivery tools, and status of gene therapy for treating corneal disorders, diseases, and genetic dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow campus, UP, 226028, India
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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2
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Tao Y, Murakami Y, Vavvas DG, Sonoda KH. Necroptosis and Neuroinflammation in Retinal Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:911430. [PMID: 35844208 PMCID: PMC9277228 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.911430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Necroptosis mediates the chronic inflammatory phenotype in neurodegeneration. Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) plays a pivotal role in the induction of necroptosis in various cell types, including microglia, and it is implicated in diverse neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system and the retina. Targeting RIPK has been proven beneficial for alleviating both neuroinflammation and degeneration in basic/preclinical studies. In this review, we discuss the role of necroptosis in retinal degeneration, including (1) the molecular pathways involving RIPK, (2) RIPK-dependent microglial activation and necroptosis, and (3) the interactions between necroptosis and retinal neuroinflammation/degeneration. This review will contribute to a renewed focus on neuroinflammation induced by necroptosis and to the development of anti-RIPK drugs against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Ines and Frederick Yeatts Retinal Research Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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3
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Amador C, Shah R, Ghiam S, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV. Gene therapy in the anterior eye segment. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:104-131. [PMID: 33902406 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210423084233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Amador
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Filiberti A, Gmyrek GB, Montgomery ML, Sallack R, Carr DJJ. Loss of Osteopontin Expression Reduces HSV-1-Induced Corneal Opacity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:24. [PMID: 32785676 PMCID: PMC7441335 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal opacity and neovascularization (NV) are often described as outcomes of severe herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. The current study investigated the role of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)+ cells and soluble factors in the progression of HSV-1-induced corneal NV and opacity. Methods MaFIA mice were infected with 500 plaque-forming units of HSV-1 in the cornea following scarification. From day 10 to day 13 post-infection (pi), mice were treated with 40 µg/day of AP20187 (macrophage ablation) or vehicle intraperitoneally. For osteopontin (OPN) neutralization experiments, C57BL/6 mice were infected as above and treated with 2 µg of goat anti-mouse OPN or isotypic control IgG subconjunctivally every 2 days from day 4 to day 12 pi. Mice were euthanized on day 14 pi, and tissue was processed for immunohistochemistry to quantify NV and opacity by confocal microscopy and absorbance or detection of pro- and anti-angiogenic and inflammatory factors and cells by suspension array analysis and flow cytometry, respectively. Results In the absence of CSF1R+ cells, HSV-1-induced blood and lymphatic vessel growth was muted. These results correlated with a loss in fibroblast growth factor type 2 (FGF-2) and an increase in OPN expression in the infected cornea. However, a reduction in OPN expression in mice did not alter corneal NV but significantly reduced opacity. Conclusions Our data suggest that CSF1R+ cell depletion results in a significant reduction in HSV-1-induced corneal NV that correlates with the loss of FGF-2 expression. A reduction in OPN expression was aligned with a significant drop in opacity associated with reduced corneal collagen disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Filiberti
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Grzegorz B Gmyrek
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Micaela L Montgomery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Renee Sallack
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Daniel J J Carr
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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Wang L, Wang R, Xu C, Zhou H. Pathogenesis of Herpes Stromal Keratitis: Immune Inflammatory Response Mediated by Inflammatory Regulators. Front Immunol 2020; 11:766. [PMID: 32477330 PMCID: PMC7237736 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) is one of the primary diseases that cause vision loss or even blindness after herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 infection. HSK-associated vision impairment is predominantly due to corneal scarring and neovascularization caused by inflammation. In the infected cornea, HSV can activate innate and adaptive immune responses of host cells, which triggers a cascade of reactions that leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, microRNA, and other regulatory factors that have stimulating or inhibitory effects on tissue. Physiologically, host cells show homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the factors involved in HSK pathogenesis from the perspective of immunity, molecules, and pathological angiogenesis. We also describe in detail the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory lesions of the corneal stroma in response to HSV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Jilin City Central Hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Runbiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jilin City Central Hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Chuyang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Varanasi SK, Rajasagi N, Jaggi U, Rouse B. Role of IL-18 induced Amphiregulin expression on virus induced ocular lesions. Mucosal Immunol 2018; 11:1705-1715. [PMID: 30087443 PMCID: PMC6279570 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-018-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This report deals with the possible mechanism by which IL-18 can contribute to the control and resolution of inflammatory lesions in the cornea caused by herpes simplex virus infection. Our results demonstrate that the expression of the IL-18R by both regulatory T cells (Treg) and effector T cells was a pivotal event that influenced lesion pathogenesis. The engagement of IL-18R on Treg with its cytokine ligand resulted in Amphiregulin expression a molecule associated with tissue repair. In support of this scheme of events, lesion severity became more severe in animals unable to express the IL-18R because of gene knockout and was reduced in severity when IL-18 was overexpressed in the cornea. These changes in lesion severity correlated with the frequency and number of both Treg and Teff that expressed Amphiregulin. Additional experiments indicated that IL-12 and IL-18 acted synergistically to enhance Amphiregulin expression in Treg, an event partly dependent on P38 MAPK activity. Finally, sub-conjunctival administration of Amphiregulin resulted in resolution of both developing and developed lesions. Thus, overall our results imply that IL-18 may participate in controlling the severity of SK and contribute to tissue repair by converting both Treg and effector T cells into those that produce Amphiregulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Karthik Varanasi
- Department of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Naveen Rajasagi
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Ujjaldeep Jaggi
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Barry Rouse
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee,Corresponding author. Barry T. Rouse:
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Guntermann C, Piaia A, Hamel ML, Theil D, Rubic-Schneider T, Del Rio-Espinola A, Dong L, Billich A, Kaupmann K, Dawson J, Hoegenauer K, Orain D, Hintermann S, Stringer R, Patel DD, Doelemeyer A, Deurinck M, Schümann J. Retinoic-acid-orphan-receptor-C inhibition suppresses Th17 cells and induces thymic aberrations. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e91127. [PMID: 28289717 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic-acid-orphan-receptor-C (RORC) is a master regulator of Th17 cells, which are pathogenic in several autoimmune diseases. Genetic Rorc deficiency in mice, while preventing autoimmunity, causes early lethality due to metastatic thymic T cell lymphomas. We sought to determine whether pharmacological RORC inhibition could be an effective and safe therapy for autoimmune diseases by evaluating its effects on Th17 cell functions and intrathymic T cell development. RORC inhibitors effectively inhibited Th17 differentiation and IL-17A production, and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. In vitro, RORC inhibitors induced apoptosis, as well as Bcl2l1 and BCL2L1 mRNA downregulation, in mouse and nonhuman primate thymocytes, respectively. Chronic, 13-week RORC inhibitor treatment in rats caused progressive thymic alterations in all analyzed rats similar to those in Rorc-deficient mice prior to T cell lymphoma development. One rat developed thymic cortical hyperplasia with preneoplastic features, including increased mitosis and reduced IKAROS expression, albeit without skewed T cell clonality. In summary, pharmacological inhibition of RORC not only blocks Th17 cell development and related cytokine production, but also recapitulates thymic aberrations seen in Rorc-deficient mice. While RORC inhibition may offer an effective therapeutic principle for Th17-mediated diseases, T cell lymphoma with chronic therapy remains an apparent risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Piaia
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Diethilde Theil
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tina Rubic-Schneider
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Linda Dong
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Andreas Billich
- Autoimmunity, Transplantation, and Inflammation Disease Area
| | | | - Janet Dawson
- Autoimmunity, Transplantation, and Inflammation Disease Area
| | | | | | | | - Rowan Stringer
- Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Arno Doelemeyer
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mark Deurinck
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Schümann
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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8
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Kauppinen A, Paterno JJ, Blasiak J, Salminen A, Kaarniranta K. Inflammation and its role in age-related macular degeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1765-86. [PMID: 26852158 PMCID: PMC4819943 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 453] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a cellular response to factors that challenge the homeostasis of cells and tissues. Cell-associated and soluble pattern-recognition receptors, e.g. Toll-like receptors, inflammasome receptors, and complement components initiate complex cellular cascades by recognizing or sensing different pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns, respectively. Cytokines and chemokines represent alarm messages for leukocytes and once activated, these cells travel long distances to targeted inflamed tissues. Although it is a crucial survival mechanism, prolonged inflammation is detrimental and participates in numerous chronic age-related diseases. This article will review the onset of inflammation and link its functions to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of severe vision loss in aged individuals in the developed countries. In this progressive disease, degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) results in the death of photoreceptors, leading to a loss of central vision. The RPE is prone to oxidative stress, a factor that together with deteriorating functionality, e.g. decreased intracellular recycling and degradation due to attenuated heterophagy/autophagy, induces inflammation. In the early phases, accumulation of intracellular lipofuscin in the RPE and extracellular drusen between RPE cells and Bruch's membrane can be clinically detected. Subsequently, in dry (atrophic) AMD there is geographic atrophy with discrete areas of RPE loss whereas in the wet (exudative) form there is neovascularization penetrating from the choroid to retinal layers. Elevations in levels of local and systemic biomarkers indicate that chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of both disease forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kauppinen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jussi J Paterno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Abdelfattah NS, Amgad M, Zayed AA, Salem H, Elkhanany AE, Hussein H, Abd El-Baky N. Clinical correlates of common corneal neovascular diseases: a literature review. Int J Ophthalmol 2015; 8:182-93. [PMID: 25709930 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2015.01.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A large subset of corneal pathologies involves the formation of new blood and lymph vessels (neovascularization), leading to compromised visual acuity. This article aims to review the clinical causes and presentations of corneal neovascularization (CNV) by examining the mechanisms behind common CNV-related corneal pathologies, with a particular focus on herpes simplex stromal keratitis, contact lenses-induced keratitis and CNV secondary to keratoplasty. Moreover, we reviewed CNV in the context of different types of corneal transplantation and keratoprosthesis, and summarized the most relevant treatments available so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nizar Saleh Abdelfattah
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 1355 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Mohamed Amgad
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11956, Egypt
| | - Amira A Zayed
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester 55905, MN, USA
| | - Hamdy Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria 21131, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Elkhanany
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester 55905, MN, USA
| | - Heba Hussein
- Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11956, Egypt
| | - Nawal Abd El-Baky
- Antibody Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
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Shen J, Choy DF, Yoshida T, Iwase T, Hafiz G, Xie B, Hackett SF, Arron JR, Campochiaro PA. Interleukin-18 has antipermeablity and antiangiogenic activities in the eye: reciprocal suppression with VEGF. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:974-83. [PMID: 24515951 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is increased along with IL-1β by activation of the inflammasome and has been implicated in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, but its role in the eye is uncertain. In patients with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion, intraocular IL-18 levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) after treatment with ranibizumab particularly in patients with high baseline IL-18 which correlated with good visual outcome (P < 0.05). In mice with ischemic retinopathy, suppression of VEGF caused an increase in IL18 mRNA due to an increase in IL-18-positive myeloid cells. VEGF significantly and specifically inhibited IL-18 production by myeloid cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.001). Intraocular injection of IL-18 reduced VEGF-induced leakage and neovascularization, and reversed VEGF-induced suppression of Claudin5 expression and Claudin 5 labeling of vascular tight junctions. Injection of IL-18 also increased expression of Thrombospondin 1 and reduced ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization relevant to diabetic retinopathy and subretinal neovascularization relevant to neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Thus, VEGF and IL-18 suppress each other's production and effects on the vasculature suggesting that IL-18 may provide benefit in multiple retinal/choroidal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikui Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Park PJ, Chang M, Garg N, Zhu J, Chang JH, Shukla D. Corneal lymphangiogenesis in herpetic stromal keratitis. Surv Ophthalmol 2014; 60:60-71. [PMID: 25444520 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Corneal lymphangiogenesis is the extension of lymphatic vessels into the normally alymphatic cornea, a process that compromises the cornea's immune-privileged state and facilitates herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK). HSK results most commonly from infection by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and is characterized by immune- and inflammation-mediated damage to the deep layers of the cornea. Current research demonstrates the potential of anti-lymphangiogenic therapy to decrease and prevent herpes-induced lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nitin Garg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jimmy Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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12
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Cursiefen C, Viaud E, Bock F, Geudelin B, Ferry A, Kadlecová P, Lévy M, Al Mahmood S, Colin S, Thorin E, Majo F, Frueh B, Wilhelm F, Meyer-Ter-Vehn T, Geerling G, Böhringer D, Reinhard T, Meller D, Pleyer U, Bachmann B, Seitz B. Aganirsen antisense oligonucleotide eye drops inhibit keratitis-induced corneal neovascularization and reduce need for transplantation: the I-CAN study. Ophthalmology 2014; 121:1683-92. [PMID: 24811963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2014.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eye drops of aganirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide preventing insulin receptor substrate-1 expression, inhibited corneal neovascularization in a previous dose-finding phase II study. We aimed to confirm these results in a phase III study and investigated a potential clinical benefit on visual acuity (VA), quality of life (QoL), and need for transplantation. DESIGN Multicenter, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III study. PARTICIPANTS Analysis of 69 patients with keratitis-related progressive corneal neovascularization randomized to aganirsen (34 patients) or placebo (35 patients). Patients applied aganirsen eye drops (86 μg/day/eye) or placebo twice daily for 90 days and were followed up to day 180. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary end point was VA. Secondary end points included area of pathologic corneal neovascularization, need for transplantation, risk of graft rejection, and QoL. RESULTS Although no significant differences in VA scores between groups were observed, aganirsen significantly reduced the relative corneal neovascularization area after 90 days by 26.20% (P = 0.014). This improvement persisted after 180 days (26.67%, P = 0.012). Aganirsen tended to lower the transplantation need in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population at day 180 (P = 0.087). In patients with viral keratitis and central neovascularization, a significant reduction in transplantation need was achieved (P = 0.048). No significant differences between groups were observed in the risk of graft rejection. However, aganirsen tended to decrease this risk in patients with traumatic/viral keratitis (P = 0.162) at day 90. The QoL analyses revealed a significant improvement with aganirsen in composite and near activity subscores (P = 0.039 and 0.026, respectively) at day 90 in the per protocol population. Ocular and treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in a lower percentage with aganirsen compared with placebo. Only 3 serious TEAEs (2 with aganirsen and 1 with placebo) were considered treatment-related. CONCLUSIONS This first phase III study on a topical inhibitor of corneal angiogenesis showed that aganirsen eye drops significantly inhibited corneal neovascularization in patients with keratitis. The need for transplantation was significantly reduced in patients with viral keratitis and central neovascularization. Topical application of aganirsen was safe and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Eric Viaud
- Gene Signal International SA, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Pavla Kadlecová
- Advanced Drug & Device Services SAS, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Michel Lévy
- Advanced Drug & Device Services SAS, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Sylvie Colin
- Gene Signal International SA, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Eric Thorin
- Gene Signal International SA, Montreal, Canada
| | - François Majo
- Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Frueh
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Gerd Geerling
- Universitätsaugenklinik Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniel Meller
- Universitätsaugenklinik Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- University Eye Clinic, CVK, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Berthold Seitz
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes UKS, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Rolfsen ML, Frisard NE, Stern EM, Foster TP, Bhattacharjee PS, McFerrin Jr HE, Clement C, Rodriguez PC, Lukiw WJ, Bergsma DR, Ochoa AC, Hill JM. Corneal neovascularization: a review of the molecular biology and current therapies. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.13.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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14
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[Corneal neovascularization: epidemiological, physiopathological, and clinical features]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2013; 36:627-39. [PMID: 23891320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization is defined as the presence of vessels within the normally avascular corneal stroma. This physiopathological process is the consequence of local hyper-expression of pro-angiogenic factors in response to tissue damage. These new vessels (neovessels), initially immature and poorly developed, predispose the cornea to lipid exudation, inflammation, and scarring. Additionally, the influx of vascular cells into the stroma induces a loss of the cornea's immune privilege, resulting in a higher rate of graft rejection. In this literature review, we touch on epidemiological, physiopathological, and clinical aspects of corneal neovascularization, as well as secondary complications.
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Targeting herpetic keratitis by gene therapy. J Ophthalmol 2012; 2012:594869. [PMID: 23326647 PMCID: PMC3541562 DOI: 10.1155/2012/594869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular gene therapy is rapidly becoming a reality. By November 2012, approximately 28 clinical trials were approved to assess novel gene therapy agents. Viral infections such as herpetic keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can cause serious complications that may lead to blindness. Recurrence of the disease is likely and cornea transplantation, therefore, might not be the ideal therapeutic solution. This paper will focus on the current situation of ocular gene therapy research against herpetic keratitis, including the use of viral and nonviral vectors, routes of delivery of therapeutic genes, new techniques, and key research strategies. Whereas the correction of inherited diseases was the initial goal of the field of gene therapy, here we discuss transgene expression, gene replacement, silencing, or clipping. Gene therapy of herpetic keratitis previously reported in the literature is screened emphasizing candidate gene therapy targets. Commonly adopted strategies are discussed to assess the relative advantages of the protective therapy using antiviral drugs and the common gene therapy against long-term HSV-1 ocular infections signs, inflammation and neovascularization. Successful gene therapy can provide innovative physiological and pharmaceutical solutions against herpetic keratitis.
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17
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Vascular disrupting activity and the mechanism of action of EHT 6706, a novel anticancer tubulin polymerization inhibitor. Invest New Drugs 2012; 31:304-19. [PMID: 22878926 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Tumor blood vessels are an important emerging target for anticancer therapy. Here, we characterize the in vitro antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties of the synthetic small molecule, 7-ethoxy-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)isoquinolin-8-amine dihydrochloride, EHT 6706, a novel microtubule-disrupting agent that targets the colchicine-binding site to inhibit tubulin polymerization. At low nM concentrations, EHT 6706 exhibits highly potent antiproliferative activity on more than 60 human tumor cell lines, even those described as being drug resistant. EHT 6706 also shows strong efficacy as a vascular-disrupting agent, since it prevents endothelial cell tube formation and disrupts pre-established vessels, changes the permeability of endothelial cell monolayers and inhibits endothelial cell migration. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of EHT 6706 effects on human endothelial cells shows that the antiangiogenic activity elicits gene deregulations of antiangiogenic pathways. These findings indicate that EHT 6706 is a promising tubulin-binding compound with potentially broad clinical antitumor efficacy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To review the current literature concerning the use of bevacizumab in treating neovascular disorders affecting the anterior segment ocular structures. METHODS The authors reviewed the literature on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy with bevacizumab for various anterior segment neovascular disorders that was indexed in MEDLINE (up to January 2011). RESULTS Response to bevacizumab anti-VEGF therapy is variable, based on the amount of scarring, the chronicity and extent of corneal neovascularization, the disease process, and the medication formulation and its route of administration. Anti-VEGF agents are especially effective when administered early, before anatomical changes, such as corneal neovascularization and/or angle closure, are established. Neovascularization can recur if the ischemic or inflammatory process is not reversed, so eyes with long-standing diseases, such as autoimmune disorders that involve ongoing inflammation and VEGF production, seem to be less responsive to bevacizumab anti-VEGF therapy. For established neovascularization, combining anti-VEGF agents with the removal of established vessels may be more effective than anti-VEGF therapy alone. Subconjunctival bevacizumab may be more appropriate for focal, deep, and peripheral neovascularization, whereas diffuse superficial neovascularization with central corneal involvement may be best treated via topical application. CONCLUSIONS Besides the widely accepted use of bevacizumab in cancer therapy and chorioretinal neovascularization, the initial, striking, short-term response and patients' high tolerance of local bevacizumab therapy offer encouraging results for the potential role of anti-VEGF agents in treating anterior segment neovascular disorders. Controlled prospective trials are needed to establish the long-term safety, efficacy, and dosing guidelines for the use of anti-VEGF agents in anterior segment neovascularization.
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Mohan RR, Tovey JCK, Sharma A, Tandon A. Gene therapy in the cornea: 2005--present. Prog Retin Eye Res 2011; 31:43-64. [PMID: 21967960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Successful restoration of vision in human patients with gene therapy affirmed its promise to cure ocular diseases and disorders. The efficacy of gene therapy is contingent upon vector and mode of therapeutic DNA introduction into targeted cells/tissues. The cornea is an ideal tissue for gene therapy due to its ease of access and relative immune-privilege. Considerable progress has been made in the field of corneal gene therapy in last 5 years. Several new gene transfer vectors, techniques and approaches have evolved. Although corneal gene therapy is still in its early stages of development, the potential of gene-based interventions to treat corneal abnormalities has begun to surface. Identification of next generation viral and nanoparticle vectors, characterization of delivered gene levels, localization, and duration in the cornea, and significant success in controlling corneal disorders, particularly fibrosis and angiogenesis, in experimental animal disease models, with no major side effects have propelled gene therapy a step closer toward establishing gene-based therapies for corneal blindness. Recently, researchers have assessed the delivery of therapeutic genes for corneal diseases and disorders due to trauma, infections, chemical, mechanical, and surgical injury, and/or abnormal wound healing. This review provides an update on the developments in gene therapy for corneal diseases and discusses the barriers that hinder its utilization for delivering genes in the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201, USA.
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Abstract
In this article, we provide the results of experimental studies demonstrating that corneal avascularity is an active process involving the production of anti-angiogenic factors, which counterbalance the pro-angiogenic/lymphangiogenic factors that are upregulated during wound healing. We also summarize pertinent published reports regarding corneal neovascularization (NV), corneal lymphangiogenesis and corneal angiogenic/lymphangiogenic privilege. We outline the clinical causes of corneal NV, and discuss the angiogenic proteins (VEGF and bFGF) and angiogenesis regulatory proteins. We also describe the role of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2, -7, and MT1-MMP, anti-angiogenic factors, and lymphangiogenic regulatory proteins during corneal wound healing. Established and potential new therapies for the treatment of corneal neovascularization are also discussed.
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Zheng L, Sharma R, Kung JT, Deshmukh US, Jarjour WN, Fu SM, Ju ST. Pervasive and stochastic changes in the TCR repertoire of regulatory T-cell-deficient mice. Int Immunol 2008; 20:517-23. [PMID: 18310063 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxn017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesize that regulatory T-cell (Treg)-deficient strains have an altered TCR repertoire in part due to the expansion of autoimmune repertoire by self-antigen. We compared the Vbeta family expression profile between B6 and Treg-lacking B6.Cg-Foxp3(sf)(/Y) (B6.sf) mice using fluorescent anti-Vbeta mAbs and observed no changes. However, while the spectratypes of 20 Vbeta families among B6 mice were highly similar, the Vbeta family spectratypes of B6.sf mice were remarkably different from B6 mice and from each other. Significant spectratype changes in many Vbeta families were also observed in Treg-deficient IL-2 knockout (KO) and IL-2Ralpha KO mice. Such changes were not observed with anti-CD3 mAb-treated B6 mice or B6 CD4+CD25- T cells. TCR transgenic (OT-II.sf) mice displayed dramatic reduction of clonotypic TCR with concomitant increase in T cells bearing non-transgenic Vbeta and Valpha families, including T cells with dual receptors expressing reduced levels of transgenic Valpha and endogenous Valpha. Collectively, the data demonstrate that Treg deficiency allows polyclonal expansion of T cells in a stochastic manner, resulting in widespread changes in the TCR repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjie Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Sarangi PP, Kim B, Kurt-Jones E, Rouse BT. Innate recognition network driving herpes simplex virus-induced corneal immunopathology: role of the toll pathway in early inflammatory events in stromal keratitis. J Virol 2007; 81:11128-38. [PMID: 17686871 PMCID: PMC2045562 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01008-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) sets off an array of events that succeed in clearing virus from the cornea but leaves the tissue with a CD4(+) T-cell-orchestrated chronic inflammatory lesion that impairs vision. We demonstrate that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling forms a part of the recognition system that induces the syndrome that eventually culminates in immunopathology. Accordingly, in a comparison of the outcomes of infection in wild-type (WT) mice and those lacking TLR function, it was apparent that the absence of TLR2 and, to a lesser extent, TLR9 resulted in significantly diminished lesions. Similarly, mice lacking the adapter molecule MyD88 were resistant to lesion development, but such animals were also unable to control infection, with most succumbing to lethal encephalitis. The susceptibility of TLR4(-/-) animals was also evaluated. These animals developed lesions, which were more severe, more rapidly than did WT animals. We discuss the possible mechanisms by which early recognition of HSV constituents impacts the subsequent development of immunopathological lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranita P Sarangi
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, M409 Walters Life Sciences Bldg., 1414 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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Klausner EA, Peer D, Chapman RL, Multack RF, Andurkar SV. Corneal gene therapy. J Control Release 2007; 124:107-33. [PMID: 17707107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2007.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Accepted: 05/15/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy to the cornea can potentially correct inherited and acquired diseases of the cornea. Factors that facilitate corneal gene delivery are the accessibility and transparency of the cornea, its stability ex vivo and the immune privilege of the eye. Initial corneal gene delivery studies characterized the relationship between intraocular modes of administration and location of reporter gene expression. The challenge of achieving effective topical gene transfer, presumably due to tear flow, blinking and low penetration of the vector through epithlelial tight junctions left no alternative but invasive administration to the anterior chamber and corneal stroma. DNA vaccination, RNA interference and gene transfer of cytokines, growth factors and enzymes modulated the corneal microenvironment. Positive results were obtained in preclinical studies for prevention and treatment of corneal graft rejection, neovascularization, haze and herpetic stromal keratitis. These studies, corneal gene delivery systems and modes of administration, and considerations regarding the choice of animal species used are the focus of this review. Opportunities in the field of corneal gene therapy lie in expanding the array of corneal diseases investigated and in the implementation of recent designs of safer vectors with reduced immunogenicity and longer duration of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eytan A Klausner
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, United States.
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Hosseini H, Khalili MR. Therapeutic potential of bevacizumab (Avastin) in herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK). Med Hypotheses 2007; 69:568-70. [PMID: 17368959 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the stromal keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), the formation of new vessels is the essential step for the pathogenesis of keratitis. Inhibition of angiogenesis diminishes the formation of corneal lesion induced by HSV. Procedures which suppress angiogenesis are proposed as a valuable therapeutic approach to control HSK. The mechanism by which HSV ocular infection results in corneal angiogenesis is not understood. Recent reports identified anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a molecule that is highly expressed in the HSV infected eye and clearly involved in angiogenesis. The advent of VEGF treatments marks a major advancement in the treatment of angiogenic eye disease. Off-label use of bevacizumab (Avastin), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody directed against VEGF, in some neovascular disorders of the eye has been associated with promising short term results. Based on these evidences herein we hypothesize topical application of bevacizumab could inhibit corneal neovascularization and also scarring in HSK. We propose this drug as a novel adjunct to current anti-inflammatory strategies in HSK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hosseini
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Ophthalmology Department, Khalili Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.
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Qiao H, Sonoda KH, Ikeda Y, Yoshimura T, Hijioka K, Jo YJ, Sassa Y, Tsutsumi-Miyahara C, Hata Y, Akira S, Ishibashi T. Interleukin-18 regulates pathological intraocular neovascularization. J Leukoc Biol 2007; 81:1012-21. [PMID: 17234681 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0506342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 has been shown to have a role in angiogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate its role in abnormal neovascularization (NV) in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model of the retinopathy seen in human premature newborns. IL-18 was constitutively expressed in the retina in C57BL/6 mice, but expression transiently dropped on Day 17 after birth in mice exposed to 75% oxygen for 5 days between Days 7 and 12. Coincident with the IL-18 reduction in oxygen-treated mice, vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed in the retina, and OIR developed. By Day 24, NV in the retina had regressed to normal levels. By contrast, IL-18 knockout mice, exposed to elevated oxygen concentrations, developed more severe OIR on Day 17, and it is important that this persisted until Day 24. This suggested that IL-18 negatively regulated retinal NV. To investigate this further, we administrated recombinant IL-18 to C57BL/6 mice during the development of OIR but found no significant inhibition of retinopathy. However, when IL-18-binding protein was administered during the OIR recovery phase to neutralize endogenous IL-18, OIR was still apparent on Day 24. We therefore concluded that IL-18 regulates pathogenic retinal NV by promoting its regression rather than inhibiting its development. This suggests some useful, new approaches to treating retinopathy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Qiao
- Ophthalmology, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Kim B, Suvas S, Sarangi PP, Lee S, Reisfeld RA, Rouse BT. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2-Based DNA Immunization Delays Development of Herpetic Stromal Keratitis by Antiangiogenic Effects. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 177:4122-31. [PMID: 16951377 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.6.4122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Stromal keratitis (SK) is an immunoinflammatory eye lesion caused by HSV-1 infection. One essential step in the pathogenesis is neovascularization of the normally avascular cornea, a process that involves the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of proteins. In this report, we targeted the proliferating vascular endothelial cells expressing VEGFR-2 in the SK cornea by immunization with recombinant Salmonella typhimurium containing a plasmid encoding murine VEGFR-2. This form of DNA immunization resulted in diminished angiogenesis and delayed development of SK caused by HSV-1 infection and also reduced angiogenesis resulting from corneal implantation with rVEGF. CTL responses against endothelial cells expressing VEGFR-2 were evident in the VEGFR-2-immunized group and in vivo CD8+ T cell depletion resulted in the marked reduction of the antiangiogenic immune response. These results indicate a role for CD8+ T cells in the antiangiogenic effects. Our results may also imply that the anti-VEGFR-2 vaccination approach might prove useful to control pathological ocular angiogenesis and its consequences.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/genetics
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/immunology
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Cornea/blood supply
- Cornea/pathology
- Cornea/virology
- Female
- Genetic Vectors
- Herpesvirus 1, Human/immunology
- Keratitis, Herpetic/immunology
- Keratitis, Herpetic/prevention & control
- Keratitis, Herpetic/virology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/immunology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/prevention & control
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/virology
- Salmonella typhimurium/genetics
- Salmonella typhimurium/immunology
- Stromal Cells/immunology
- Stromal Cells/pathology
- Stromal Cells/virology
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/administration & dosage
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/biosynthesis
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Bumseok Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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Lédée N, Dubanchet S, Lombroso R, Ville Y, Chaouat G. Downregulation of Human Endometrial IL-18 by Exogenous Ovarian Steroids. Am J Reprod Immunol 2006; 56:119-23. [PMID: 16836614 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00401.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To evaluate the influence of ovarian steroids on IL-18, IL-15 and angiopoietin-2 mRNA expression in the endometrium in the mid luteal phase. METHOD OF STUDY We quantified IL-18/GAPDH, IL-18 BP/GAPDH, IL-15/GAPDH and angiopoietin-2/GAPDH in the endometrium by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on day 21 of the cycle. We first compared cytokines expression over two natural cycles (n = 15) then between natural and oestrogen-progestin replacement treatment (n = 18). RESULTS Endometrial IL-18, IL-18 BP, IL-15 and angiopoietin-2 mRNA expression did not change over two natural cycles. Addition of exogenous hormones significantly decreased IL-18 and IL-18 BP mRNA expression but not influence IL-15 or angiopoietin-2 ratios. This was also observed with immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION Exogenous oestro-progestative hormones influence endometrial IL-18 system expression involved in angiogenesis and in the uterine natural killer (uNK) cell activation pathway during the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Lédée
- Université Versailles- St Quentin en Yvelines, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy- St Germain en Laye, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, France.
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