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Gaddie CD, Senior KG, Chan C, Hoffman BE, Keeler GD. Upregulation of CD8 + regulatory T cells following liver-directed AAV gene therapy. Cell Immunol 2024; 397-398:104806. [PMID: 38244266 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Liver-directed AAV gene therapy represents a unique treatment modality for a host of diseases. This is due, in part, to the induction of tolerance to transgene products. Despite the plethora of recognized regulatory cells in the body, there is currently a lack of literature supporting the induction of non-CD4+ regulatory cells following hepatic AAV gene transfer. In this work, we show that CD8+ regulatory T cells are up-regulated in PBMCs of mice following capsid only and therapeutic transgene AAV administration. Further, we demonstrate that hepatic AAV gene transfer results in a significant increase in CD8+ regulatory T cells following experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction. Notably, this response occurred only in therapeutic vector treated animals, not capsid only controls. Understanding the role these cells play in treatment efficacy will result in the development of improved AAV vectors that take advantage of the full gamut of regulatory cells within the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina D Gaddie
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kevin G Senior
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher Chan
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Keeler
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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2
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Keeler GD, Gaddie CD, Sagadevan AS, Senior KG, Côté I, Rechdan M, Min D, Mahan D, Poma B, Hoffman BE. Induction of antigen-specific tolerance by hepatic AAV immunotherapy regardless of T cell epitope usage or mouse strain background. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 28:177-189. [PMID: 36700122 PMCID: PMC9849872 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In vivo induction of antigen (Ag)-specific regulatory T cells (Treg) is considered the holy grail of therapeutic strategies for restoring tolerance in autoimmunity. Unfortunately, in the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis, an effective and durable therapy targeting the diverse repertoire of emerging Ags without compromising the patient's natural immunity has remained elusive. To address this deficiency, we have developed an Ag-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV) immunotherapy that will restore tolerance in a Treg-dependent manner. Using multiple strains of mice with different genetic and immunological backgrounds, we demonstrate that a liver directed AAV vector expressing a single transgene can prevent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis from developing and effectively mitigate pre-existing or established disease that was induced by one or more auto-reactive myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-derived peptides. Overall, the results suggests that AAV can efficiently restore Ag-specific immune tolerance to an immunogenic protein that is neither restricted by the major histocompatibility complex haplotype, nor by the specific antigenic epitope(s) presented. These findings may pave the way for developing a comprehensive Ag-specific immunotherapy that does not require prior knowledge of the specific immunogenic epitopes and that may prove to be universally applicable to all MS patients, and adaptable for other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D. Keeler
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cristina D. Gaddie
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Addelynn S. Sagadevan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA,Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kevin G. Senior
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Isabelle Côté
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Michaela Rechdan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Daniel Min
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - David Mahan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Bianca Poma
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Brad E. Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA,Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA,Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA,Corresponding author: Brad E. Hoffman, PhD, University of Florida, 2033 Mowry Road Office-207, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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3
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Sagadevan AS, Keeler GD, Gaddie CD, Cote I, Senior KG, Min D, Hoffman BE. Multi-transgene AAV immunotherapy re-establishes immune tolerance and provides comprehensive protection in animal model of MS. The Journal of Immunology 2022. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.208.supp.60.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
To re-establish long-term immune tolerance in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), our lab had previously developed a pre-clinical Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene immunotherapy that is capable of preventing and reversing Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, MS is a disease that involves multiple myelin proteins including Proteolipid Protein (PLP). Therefore we expanded the capability of our gene immunotherapy to restore tolerance and ameliorate disease to multiple major myelin proteins, simultaneously. In this report we demonstrate that a mixture of 2 individual vectors, AAV MOG & AAV.PLP, was capable of preventing, and more importantly reversing, preexisting EAE disease induced with a mixture of MOG35–55 & PLP139–151 peptides in (C57BL/6JxSJL)F1 mice. To minimize the total vector load we further developed this immunotherapy into a novel single AAV-dual transgene expressing vector (AAV.MOG.PLP) using specific gene linkers for independent expression. Following a single peripheral injection, western blot analysis confirmed stable and simultaneous hepatic expression of both neuroprotein transgenes. When injected into mice 2 weeks before induction of EAE with either MOG35–55 or PLP139–151, or combination of both, the dual transgene AAV immunotherapy significantly reduced or prevented disease in mice compared to controls. Overall, these results demonstrate proof of concept that a single AAV vector simultaneously expressing more than one transgene may be an effective therapeutic treatment for restoring tolerance in an autoimmune disease like MS.
Supported by NIHSarepta Pharmaceuticals NIH R01Act AI128074Project
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brad E. Hoffman
- 4Pediatrics/ UFGI/Neurosciences, Univ. of Florida Col. of Med
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4
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Senior KG, Cote I, Sagadevan AS, Gaddie CD, Keeler GD, Min D, Main MT, Rechdan MN, Assakawa S, Hoffman BE. Novel gene immunotherapy prevents Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) mediated neuroinflammation and demyelination in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The Journal of Immunology 2022. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.208.supp.60.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an auto-inflammatory demyelinating disease that typically affects optic nerves and spinal cord that is characterized by the presence of serum aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G antibodies (AQP4-IgG). NMO accounts for >45% of the demyelinating disease in Asians and warrants the development of a suitable therapy other than generalized immunosuppressants. It is thought that autoimmune activated AQP4-specific T cells disrupt the BBB and allow increased entry of AQP4-IgG and other immune effectors into tissues containing astrocytes expressing AQP4 in their membranes. Recently we have established an adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene immunotherapy that effectively prevents and reverses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) via generation of suppressive antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs). In this report, using a similar antigen-specific approach, we have demonstrated that AAV.AQP4 gene immunotherapy prevented the development of AQP4-mediated neuroinflammation and clinical neurological disability in almost 100% of C57BL/6J mice when AAV.AQP4 vector was administered to mice 2 weeks prior to immunization with an immunogenic epitope of AQP4. Moreover, in contrast to AAV.AQP4 treated mice which remained unremarkable, histological analysis of the spinal cord sections from untreated vehicle only mice showed multiple areas of significant focal inflammation within the spinal cord. Based on our clinical and pathological data, we’ve successfully demonstrated that our novel AAV.AQP4 gene immunotherapy can indeed suppress the induction of AQP4 mediated autoimmune disease. Further evaluation will determine if it can also treat preexisting disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G Senior
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine
| | - Isabelle Cote
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Min
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine
| | - Madisyn T. Main
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine
| | | | - Stefanie Assakawa
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine
| | - Brad E. Hoffman
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine
- 3Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine
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5
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Yin L, Keeler GD, Zhang Y, Hoffman BE, Ling C, Qing K, Srivastava A. AAV3-miRNA vectors for growth suppression of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and human liver tumors in a murine xenograft model in vivo. Gene Ther 2021; 28:422-434. [PMID: 32152434 PMCID: PMC7784898 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 3 (AAV3) vectors transduce human liver tumors more efficiently in a mouse xenograft model following systemic administration. Others have utilized AAV8 vectors expressing miR-26a and miR-122 to achieve near total inhibition of growth of mouse liver tumors. Since AAV3 vectors transduce human hepatic cells more efficiently than AAV8 vectors, in the present studies, we wished to evaluate the efficacy of AAV3-miR-26a/122 vectors in suppressing the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro, and human liver tumors in a mouse model in vivo. To this end, a human HCC cell line, Huh7, was transduced with various multiplicities of infection (MOIs) of AAV3-miR-26a or scAAV3-miR-122 vectors, or both, which also co-expressed a Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) reporter gene. Only a modest level of dose-dependent growth inhibition of Huh7 cells (~12-13%) was observed at the highest MOI (1 × 105 vgs/cell) with each vector. When Huh7 cells were co-transduced with both vectors, the extent of growth inhibition was additive (~26%). However, AAV3-miR-26a and scAAV3-miR-122 vectors led to ~70% inhibition of growth of Huh-derived human liver tumors in a mouse xenograft model in vivo. Thus, the combined use of miR-26a and scAAV3-miR-122 delivered by AAV3 vectors offers a potentially useful approach to target human liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Keeler
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yuanhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chen Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Keyun Qing
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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6
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Yang H, Qing K, Keeler GD, Yin L, Mietzsch M, Ling C, Hoffman BE, Agbandje-McKenna M, Tan M, Wang W, Srivastava A. Enhanced Transduction of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells by AAV6 Vectors: Implications in Gene Therapy and Genome Editing. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2020; 20:451-458. [PMID: 32276210 PMCID: PMC7150427 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We have reported that of the 10 most commonly used adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype vectors, AAV6 is the most efficient in transducing primary human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro, as well as in vivo. More recently, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), was reported to be a superior replacement for human serum albumin (HSA) for ex vivo expansion of HSCs. Since HSA has been shown to increase the transduction efficiency of AAV serotype vectors, we evaluated whether PVA could also enhance the transduction efficiency of AAV6 vectors in primary human HSCs. We report here that up to 12-fold enhancement in the transduction efficiency of AAV6 vectors can be achieved in primary human HSCs with PVA. We also demonstrate that the improvement in the transduction efficiency is due to PVA-mediated improved entry and intracellular trafficking of AAV6 vectors in human hematopoietic cells in vitro, as well as in murine hepatocytes in vivo. Taken together, our studies suggest that the use of PVA is an attractive strategy to further improve the efficacy of AAV6 vectors. This has important implications in the optimal use of these vectors in the potential gene therapy and genome editing for human hemoglobinopathies such as β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Cell and Gene Therapy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Keyun Qing
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Keeler
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ling Yin
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mario Mietzsch
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chen Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mengqun Tan
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Cell and Gene Therapy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Shirley JL, Keeler GD, Sherman A, Zolotukhin I, Markusic DM, Hoffman BE, Morel LM, Wallet MA, Terhorst C, Herzog RW. Type I IFN Sensing by cDCs and CD4 + T Cell Help Are Both Requisite for Cross-Priming of AAV Capsid-Specific CD8 + T Cells. Mol Ther 2019; 28:758-770. [PMID: 31780366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are widely used in clinical gene therapy to correct genetic disease by in vivo gene transfer. Although the vectors are useful, in part because of their limited immunogenicity, immune responses directed at vector components have complicated applications in humans. These include, for instance, innate immune sensing of vector components by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which sense the vector DNA genome via Toll-like receptor 9. Adaptive immune responses employ antigen presentation by conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), which leads to cross-priming of capsid-specific CD8+ T cells. In this study, we sought to determine the mechanisms that promote licensing of cDCs, which is requisite for CD8+ T cell activation. Blockage of type 1 interferon (T1 IFN) signaling by monoclonal antibody therapy prevented cross-priming. Furthermore, experiments in cell-type-restricted knockout mice showed a specific requirement for the receptor for T1 IFN (IFNaR) in cDCs. In contrast, natural killer (NK) cells are not needed, indicating a direct rather than indirect effect of T1 IFN on cDCs. In addition, co-stimulation by CD4+ T cells via CD40-CD40L was required for cross-priming, and blockage of co-stimulation but not of T1 IFN additionally reduced antibody formation against capsid. These mechanistic insights inform the development of targeted immune interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Shirley
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Irene Zolotukhin
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David M Markusic
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Laurence M Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark A Wallet
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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8
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Abstract
Immune tolerance is a vital component of immunity, as persistent activation of immune cells causes significant tissue damage and loss of tolerance leads to autoimmunity. Likewise, unwanted immune responses can occur in inherited disorders, such as hemophilia and Pompe disease, in which patients lack any expression of protein, during treatment with enzyme replacement therapy, or gene therapy. While the liver has long been known as being tolerogenic, it was only recently appreciated in the last decade that liver directed adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy can induce systemic tolerance to a transgene. In this review, we look at the mechanisms behind liver induced tolerance, discuss different factors influencing successful tolerance induction with AAV, and applications where AAV mediated tolerance may be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D Keeler
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. Cell and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, United States
| | - David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. Cell and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, United States
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. Cell and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, United States.
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Keeler GD, Hoffman BE, Cote I, Gaddie CD. Gene Therapy induced Tregs: A treatment for relapsing-remitting MS in mice. The Journal of Immunology 2018. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.200.supp.121.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Autoimmune disease is caused by a breakdown of tolerance against endogenous protein(s). New therapies are being developed that utilize the natural abilities of regulatory T (Treg) cells to suppress autoimmune effector cells in an antigen-specific manner. Recently, we demonstrated a clinically relevant in vivo gene immunotherapy approach for restoring Ag-specific tolerance using hepatic adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer. This approach was shown to be remarkably successful at preventing and reversing a monophasic, MOG-induced EAE disease. Additionally, we have shown the dynamic ability of this treatment to prevent and/or reverse disease induced with various MOG epitopes, in genetically diverse mouse strains. However, it is unclear if this approach would be effective in the more complicated, PLP induced relapsing-remitting disease model. Thus, we re-engineered our therapeutic vector to contain the full-coding sequence of PLP. This is critically important as the established RR-EAE (SJL) model is characterized by epitope spreading; a phenomenon that may more closely resemble multiple sclerosis. SJL mice received a single peripheral injection of AAV. PLP vector, or control, 2 weeks prior to PLP 139–151 induced EAE. By day 14, control mice developed significant neurological deficits followed by a relapsing-remitting disease course. In contrast, the treated mice failed to exhibit any neurological symptoms of disease throughout the duration of the experiment, ~75 days. The long-term prevention of PLP induced disease, provides the first evidence of an effective Treg based therapy for combating epitope drift in RR-EAE, and potentially a new paradigm for treating the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis.
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10
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Keeler GD, Cote I, Gaddie CD, Hoffman BE. The mechanism of preventing EAE via gene therapy. The Journal of Immunology 2018. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.200.supp.121.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Similar to Multiple Sclerosis, EAE is a complex disease in which immune tolerance is lost and antigen specific (Ag-sp) Tregs are known to play a role. We have developed a gene immunotherapy that has been shown to induce MOG specific Tregs, restore tolerance, and effectively prevent, and/or reverse, significant disease. However, the spatiotemporal profile of the induced Tregs is unclear. To identify the tissue specific populations of AAV8.MOG-induced specific Tregs, we used a transgenic Foxp3 reporter mouse with a MOG35–55/I-Ab tetramer. Two weeks prior to EAE induction, mice were tolerized via a single injection of vector. At the peak of disease, tissues were harvested and fluorescently labeled for phenotypic identification. FACS analysis revealed a higher proportion of Ag-sp Tregs in the cervical and inguinal lymph nodes (LN) and spleen, as compared to controls. In contrast, a higher proportion of Ag-sp effector cells were seen in control mice as compared to treated. Furthermore, a significant number of infiltrating effector T cells were isolated from the spinal cords of control mice, while very few T cells were recovered from treated mice. This aligns with cytokine data that was collected showing there to be higher production of IFN-γ in the spinal cord and spleen of control mice. These results suggest that AAV.MOG induced Ag-sp Treg populations accumulate in the peripheral organs, and may prevent effector cells from migrating to the spinal cord. This work provides new insights on tolerance induction mechanisms. These insights will be useful for the development of effective cell based therapies capable of treating autoimmune diseases.
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11
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Krotova K, Marek GW, Wang RL, Aslanidi G, Hoffman BE, Khodayari N, Rouhani FN, Brantly ML. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin-Deficient Macrophages Have Increased Matriptase-Mediated Proteolytic Activity. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 57:238-247. [PMID: 28362108 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0366oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency-associated emphysema is largely attributed to insufficient inhibition of neutrophil elastase released from neutrophils. Correcting AAT levels using augmentation therapy only slows disease progression, and that suggests a more complex process of lung destruction. Because alveolar macrophages (Mɸ) express AAT, we propose that the expression and intracellular accumulation of mutated Z-AAT (the most common mutation) compromises Mɸ function and contributes to emphysema development. Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is a hallmark of emphysema pathology. In this study, Mɸ from individuals with Z-AAT (Z-Mɸ) have greater proteolytic activity on ECM than do normal Mɸ. This abnormal Z-Mɸ activity is not abrogated by supplementation with exogenous AAT and is likely the result of cellular dysfunction induced by intracellular accumulation of Z-AAT. Using pharmacologic inhibitors, we show that several classes of proteases are involved in matrix degradation by Z-Mɸ. Importantly, compared with normal Mɸ, the membrane-bound serine protease, matriptase, is present in Z-Mɸ at higher levels and contributes to their proteolytic activity on ECM. In addition, we identified matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14, a membrane-anchored metalloproteinase, as a novel substrate for matriptase, and showed that matriptase regulates the levels of MMP-14 on the cell surface. Thus, high levels of matriptase may contribute to increased ECM degradation by Z-Mɸ, both directly and through MMP-14 activation. In summary, the expression of Z-AAT in Mɸ confers increased proteolytic activity on ECM. This proteolytic activity is not rescued by exogenous AAT supplementation and could thus contribute to augmentation resistance in AAT deficiency-associated emphysema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Krotova
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - George W Marek
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Rejean L Wang
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - George Aslanidi
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Nazli Khodayari
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Farshid N Rouhani
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Mark L Brantly
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
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Herzog RW, Cooper M, Perrin GQ, Biswas M, Martino AT, Morel L, Terhorst C, Hoffman BE. Regulatory T cells and TLR9 activation shape antibody formation to a secreted transgene product in AAV muscle gene transfer. Cell Immunol 2017; 342:103682. [PMID: 28888664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene delivery to skeletal muscle is being explored for systemic delivery of therapeutic proteins. To better understand the signals that govern antibody formation against secreted transgene products in this approach, we administered an intramuscular dose of AAV1 vector expressing human coagulation factor IX (hFIX), which does not cause antibody formation against hFIX in C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, co-administration of a TLR9 agonist (CpG-deoxyoligonucleotide, ODN) but not of lipopolysaccharide, caused a transient anti-hFIX response. ODN activated monocyte-derived dendritic cells and enhanced T follicular helper cell responses. While depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) also caused an antibody response, TLR9 activation combined with Treg depletion instead resulted in prolonged CD8+ T cell infiltration of transduced muscle. Thus, Tregs modulate the response to the TLR9 agonist. Further, Treg re-population eventually resolved humoral and cellular immune responses. Therefore, specific modes of TLR9 activation and Tregs orchestrate antibody formation in muscle gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Mario Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - George Q Perrin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Moanaro Biswas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ashley T Martino
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Investigation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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13
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Keeler GD, Silverberg EL, Hoffman BE. A dynamic approach for treating autoimmune disease. The Journal of Immunology 2017. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.198.supp.219.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapies have the potential to reverse autoimmune disease by inducing or restoring immune-tolerance. Extensive preclinical studies have demonstrated that regulatory T cell (Tregs) play a key role in both induction and maintenance of tolerance. Several strategies aimed at harvesting and expanding autologous Tregs and then re-infusing them into patients have been investigated. Unfortunately, development of a large scale in vitro method has not been achieved, especially for human cells. On the other hand, a clinically relevant in vivo approach for inducing Ag-specific tolerance has successfully been demonstrated using ectopic expression of an antigen in the liver. Here, we have developed a long-lasting immunotherapy that induces functionally suppressive, Ag-specific Tregs in the murine model of multiple sclerosis using a liver directed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Modulation of EAE disease in C57BL/6 is typically limited to a single immunodominant epitope. By engineering the AAV vector to express full-length protein (MOG1-247), we have created an immunotherapy that is capable of dynamically inducing Ag-specific tolerance against multiple immunogenic epitopes (e.g MOG35-55, MOG119-132). Mice received a single peripheral injection of AAV.MOG vector, or control. EAE was induced between 2 weeks and 8 months later using various MOG epitopes emulsified in adjuvant. Within 14-days, control mice developed significant neurological deficits, whereas none of the treated mice exhibited any symptoms. This work completely abrogates the deficiencies associated with ex vivo expanded Tregs providing a new paradigm for treating autoimmune diseases.
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14
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Zolotukhin I, Markusic DM, Palaschak B, Hoffman BE, Srikanthan MA, Herzog RW. Potential for cellular stress response to hepatic factor VIII expression from AAV vector. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2016; 3:16063. [PMID: 27738644 PMCID: PMC5040172 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hemophilia A and B are coagulation disorders resulting from the loss of functional coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX proteins, respectively. Gene therapy for hemophilia with adeno-associated virus vectors has shown efficacy in hemophilia B patients. Although hemophilia A patients are more prevalent, the development of therapeutic adeno-associated virus vectors has been impeded by the size of the F8 cDNA and impaired secretion of FVIII protein. Further, it has been reported that over-expression of the FVIII protein induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates the unfolded protein response pathway both in vitro and in hepatocytes in vivo, presumably due to retention of misfolded FVIII protein within the endoplasmic reticulum. Engineering of the F8 transgene, including removal of the B domain (BDD-FVIII) and codon optimization, now allows for the generation of adeno-associated virus vectors capable of expressing therapeutic levels of FVIII. Here we sought to determine if the risks of inducing the unfolded protein response in murine hepatocytes extend to adeno-associated virus gene transfer. Although our data show a mild activation of unfolded protein response markers following F8 gene delivery at a certain vector dose in C57BL/6 mice, it was not augmented upon further elevated dosing, did not induce liver pathology or apoptosis, and did not impact FVIII immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brett Palaschak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Meera A Srikanthan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida, USA
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15
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Kumar S, Hoffman BE, Herzog RW. 79. Vector Dose Delineates Between Chronic, Non-Functional CD8+ T Cell Response and Tolerance to the Transgene Product Upon Liver Gene Transfer. Mol Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s1525-0016(16)32888-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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16
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Hoffman BE, Keeler GD. Vector mediated in vivo induction of antigen-specific regulatory T cells abrogates clinical and histological signs of EAE. The Journal of Immunology 2016. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.196.supp.139.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Induction of peripheral immune tolerance requires regulatory T cells (Tregs). Protocols designed to manipulate antigen (Ag) specific-Treg populations in vivo, represent a powerful approach for treating autoimmune disease such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It has been shown that Ag-specific Tregs can play a critical role in the protection and recovery of MS, and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Unfortunately, methods to induce endogenous CNS-targeting Ag-specific Tregs that achieve therapeutic efficacy are lacking.
To address this, we developed an immune tolerance induction therapy using an AAV vector expressing the full coding sequence for the neuro-protein MOG under the control of a strong liver specific promoter. Our data demonstrates that peripheral injection of this vector induces functionally suppressive transgene-specific Tregs, and mice pre-treated with this vector are protected from developing EAE. More notably, when vector is administered during mild to moderate disease, there is a nearly complete reversal of EAE, both clinically and histopathologically. When treatment is withheld until mice exhibit moderately severe EAE, our therapy still significantly reduced the neurological symptoms and clinical score, although to a lesser degree. Thus, to increase efficacy of the vector induced Tregs, a short course of rapamycin treatment was given concomitantly which had a synergistic affect, resulting in a long-term significant reversal of disease. Using our vector platform to deliver full-length proteins offers a superior MHC/HLA independent approach for in vivo induction of Ag-specific Tregs compared to other ex vivo or epitope restricted Treg mediated therapies being investigated.
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Xiao Y, Kwon KC, Hoffman BE, Kamesh A, Jones NT, Herzog RW, Daniell H. Low cost delivery of proteins bioencapsulated in plant cells to human non-immune or immune modulatory cells. Biomaterials 2016; 80:68-79. [PMID: 26706477 PMCID: PMC4706487 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Targeted oral delivery of GFP fused with a GM1 receptor binding protein (CTB) or human cell penetrating peptide (PTD) or dendritic cell peptide (DCpep) was investigated. Presence of GFP(+) intact plant cells between villi of ileum confirm their protection in the digestive system from acids/enzymes. Efficient delivery of GFP to gut-epithelial cells by PTD or CTB and to M cells by all these fusion tags confirm uptake of GFP in the small intestine. PTD fusion delivered GFP more efficiently to most tissues or organs than the other two tags. GFP was efficiently delivered to the liver by all fusion tags, likely through the gut-liver axis. In confocal imaging studies of human cell lines using purified GFP fused with different tags, GFP signal of DCpep-GFP was only detected within dendritic cells. PTD-GFP was only detected within kidney or pancreatic cells but not in immune modulatory cells (macrophages, dendritic, T, B, or mast cells). In contrast, CTB-GFP was detected in all tested cell types, confirming ubiquitous presence of GM1 receptors. Such low-cost oral delivery of protein drugs to sera, immune system or non-immune cells should dramatically lower their cost by elimination of prohibitively expensive fermentation, protein purification cold storage/transportation and increase patient compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kwang-Chul Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Aditya Kamesh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Noah T Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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18
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Hoffman BE. 521. AAV Immunotherapy Induces Functional Antigen Specific Regulatory T-Cells to a Neuroantigen: A Potential Treatment for MS. Mol Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s1525-0016(16)34130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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19
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Wang X, Su J, Sherman A, Rogers GL, Liao G, Hoffman BE, Leong KW, Terhorst C, Daniell H, Herzog RW. Plant-based oral tolerance to hemophilia therapy employs a complex immune regulatory response including LAP+CD4+ T cells. Blood 2015; 125:2418-27. [PMID: 25700434 PMCID: PMC4392010 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-08-597070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coagulation factor replacement therapy for the X-linked bleeding disorder hemophilia is severely complicated by antibody ("inhibitor") formation. We previously found that oral delivery to hemophilic mice of cholera toxin B subunit-coagulation factor fusion proteins expressed in chloroplasts of transgenic plants suppressed inhibitor formation directed against factors VIII and IX and anaphylaxis against factor IX (FIX). This observation and the relatively high concentration of antigen in the chloroplasts prompted us to evaluate the underlying tolerance mechanisms. The combination of oral delivery of bioencapsulated FIX and intravenous replacement therapy induced a complex, interleukin-10 (IL-10)-dependent, antigen-specific systemic immune suppression of pathogenic antibody formation (immunoglobulin [Ig] 1/inhibitors, IgE) in hemophilia B mice. Tolerance induction was also successful in preimmune mice but required prolonged oral delivery once replacement therapy was resumed. Orally delivered antigen, initially targeted to epithelial cells, was taken up by dendritic cells throughout the small intestine and additionally by F4/80(+) cells in the duodenum. Consistent with the immunomodulatory responses, frequencies of tolerogenic CD103(+) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were increased. Ultimately, latency-associated peptide expressing CD4(+) regulatory T cells (CD4(+)CD25(-)LAP(+) cells with upregulated IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression) as well as conventional CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells systemically suppressed anti-FIX responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jin Su
- Departments of Biochemistry and Pathology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alexandra Sherman
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Geoffrey L Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Gongxian Liao
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA; and
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA; and
| | - Henry Daniell
- Departments of Biochemistry and Pathology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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21
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Markusic DM, Hoffman BE, Perrin GQ, Nayak S, Wang X, LoDuca PA, High KA, Herzog RW. Effective gene therapy for haemophilic mice with pathogenic factor IX antibodies. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1698-709. [PMID: 24106230 PMCID: PMC3840486 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of pathogenic antibodies is a major problem in replacement therapies for inherited protein deficiencies. For example, antibodies to coagulation factors (‘inhibitors’) seriously complicate treatment of haemophilia. While immune tolerance induction (ITI) protocols have been developed, inhibitors against factor IX (FIX) are difficult to eradicate due to anaphylactic reactions and nephrotic syndrome and thus substantially elevate risks for morbidity and mortality. However, hepatic gene transfer with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 8 vector expressing FIX (at levels of ≥4% of normal) rapidly reversed pre-existing high-titre inhibitors in haemophilia B mice, eliminated antibody production by B cells, desensitized from anaphylaxis (even if protein therapy was resumed) and provided long-term correction. High levels of FIX protein suppressed memory B cells and increased Treg induction, indicating direct and indirect mechanisms of suppression of inhibitor formation. Persistent presence of Treg was required to prevent relapse of antibodies. Together, these data suggest that hepatic gene transfer-based ITI provides a safe and effective alternative to eradicate inhibitors. This strategy may be broadly applicable to reversal of antibodies in different genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Markusic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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22
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Rogers GL, Hoffman BE. Optimal Immunofluorescent Staining for Human Factor IX and Infiltrating T Cells following Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; S1. [PMID: 23264888 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7412.s1-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Immunofluorescent imaging is a valuable tool for investigating the outcome of gene therapy within the transduced tissue. With a multi-labeling technique, it is possible to both characterize local expression of the transgene and to evaluate the severity of the adaptive immune response through cytotoxic T cell infiltration. It is critical that the experimental parameters are optimal in order to prevent misinterpretation of important pathological events. To optimize this staining protocol, murine liver and skeletal muscle was transduced using recombinant adeno-associated virus encoding human factor IX. After testing several common cryo-preservative and fixative techniques, we found that optimal tissue integrity and antigen (factor IX and CD8) detection was achieved by freezing muscle tissue on liquid nitrogen-cooled isopentane (also called methylbutane or 2-methylbutane), followed by fixation with acetone at room temperature. The staining protocol described herein requires only about two hours, yet maintains exquisite specificity even at high magnification under confocal microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey L Rogers
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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23
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Hoffman BE, Ertl HCJ, Terhorst C, High KA, Herzog RW. Gene therapy research at the frontiers of viral immunology. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:182. [PMID: 22783235 PMCID: PMC3390768 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brad E Hoffman
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, FL, USA
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Nayak S, Sarkar D, Perrin GQ, Moghimi B, Hoffman BE, Zhou S, Byrne BJ, Herzog RW. Prevention and Reversal of Antibody Responses Against Factor IX in Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:244. [PMID: 22279442 PMCID: PMC3260742 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular (IM) administration of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector represents a simple and safe method of gene transfer for treatment of the X-linked bleeding disorder hemophilia B (factor IX, F.IX, deficiency). However, the approach is hampered by an increased risk of immune responses against F.IX. Previously, we demonstrated that the drug cocktail of immune suppressants rapamycin, IL-10, and a specific peptide (encoding a dominant CD4+ T cell epitope) caused an induction of regulatory T cells (Treg) with a concomitant apoptosis of antigen-specific effector T cells (Nayak et al., 2009). This protocol was effective in preventing inhibitory antibody formation against human F.IX (hF.IX) in muscle gene transfer to C3H/HeJ hemophilia B mice (with targeted F9 gene deletion). Here, we show that this protocol can also be used to reverse inhibitor formation. IM injection of AAV1–hF.IX vector resulted in inhibitors of on average 8–10 BU within 1 month. Subsequent treatment with the tolerogenic cocktail accomplished a rapid reduction of hF.IX-specific antibodies to <2 BU, which lasted for >4.5 months. Systemic hF.IX expression increased from undetectable to >200 ng/ml, and coagulation times improved. In addition, we developed an alternative prophylactic protocol against inhibitor formation that did not require knowledge of T cell epitopes, consisting of daily oral administration of rapamycin for 1-month combined with frequent, low-dose intravenous injection of hF.IX protein. Experiments in T cell receptor transgenic mice showed that the route and dosing schedule of drug administration substantially affected Treg induction. When combined with intravenous antigen administration, oral delivery of rapamycin had to be performed daily in order to induce Treg, which were suppressive and phenotypically comparable to natural Treg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushrusha Nayak
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
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25
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Markusic DM, Herzog RW, Aslanidi GV, Hoffman BE, Li B, Li M, Jayandharan GR, Ling C, Zolotukhin I, Ma W, Zolotukhin S, Srivastava A, Zhong L. High-efficiency transduction and correction of murine hemophilia B using AAV2 vectors devoid of multiple surface-exposed tyrosines. Mol Ther 2010; 18:2048-56. [PMID: 20736929 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Elimination of specific surface-exposed single tyrosine (Y) residues substantially improves hepatic gene transfer with adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) vectors. Here, combinations of mutations in the seven potentially relevant Y residues were evaluated for further augmentation of transduction efficiency. These mutant capsids packaged viral genomes to similar titers and retained infectivity. A triple-mutant (Y444+500+730F) vector consistently had the highest level of in vivo gene transfer to murine hepatocytes, approximately threefold more efficient than the best single-mutants, and ~30-80-fold higher compared with the wild-type (WT) AAV2 capsids. Improvement of gene transfer was similar for both single-stranded AAV (ssAAV) and self-complementary AAV (scAAV) vectors, indicating that these effects are independent of viral second-strand DNA synthesis. Furthermore, Y730F and triple-mutant vectors provided a long-term therapeutic and tolerogenic expression of human factor IX (hF.IX) in hemophilia B (HB) mice after administration of a vector dose that only results in subtherapeutic and transient expression with WT AAV2 encapsidated vectors. In summary, introduction of multiple tyrosine-mutations into the AAV2 capsid results in vectors that yield at least 30-fold improvement of transgene expression, thereby lowering the required therapeutic dose and potentially vector-related immunogenicity. Such vectors should be attractive for treatment of hemophilia and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Markusic
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
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26
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Verma D, Moghimi B, LoDuca PA, Singh HD, Hoffman BE, Herzog RW, Daniell H. Oral delivery of bioencapsulated coagulation factor IX prevents inhibitor formation and fatal anaphylaxis in hemophilia B mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:7101-6. [PMID: 20351275 PMCID: PMC2872434 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0912181107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To address complications of pathogenic antibody or life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in protein replacement therapy for patients with hemophilia or other inherited protein deficiencies, we have developed a prophylactic protocol using a murine hemophilia B model. Oral delivery of coagulation factor IX fused with cholera toxin beta-subunit (with or without a furin cleavage site; CTB-FFIX or CTB-FIX), expressed in chloroplasts (up to 3.8% soluble protein or 0.4 mg/g leaf tissue), bioencapsulated in plant cells, effectively blocked formation of inhibitory antibodies (undetectable or up to 100-fold less than controls). Moreover, this treatment eliminated fatal anaphylactic reactions that occurred after four to six exposures to intravenous F.IX. Whereas only 20-25% of control animals survived after six to eight F.IX doses, 90-93% of F.IX-fed mice survived 12 injections without signs of allergy or anaphylaxis. Immunostaining confirmed delivery of F.IX to Peyer's patches in the ileum. Within 2-5 h, feeding of CTB-FFIX additionally resulted in systemic delivery of F.IX antigen. This high-responder strain of hemophilia B mice represents a new animal model to study anaphylactic reactions. The protocol was effective over a range of oral antigen doses (equivalent to 5-80 microg recombinant F.IX/kg), and controlled inhibitor formation and anaphylaxis long-term, up to 7 months (approximately 40% life span of this mouse strain). Oral antigen administration caused a deviant immune response that suppressed formation of IgE and inhibitory antibodies. This cost-effective and efficient approach of antigen delivery to the gut should be applicable to several genetic diseases that are prone to pathogenic antibody responses during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraj Verma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2364; and
| | - Babak Moghimi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Paul A. LoDuca
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Harminder D. Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2364; and
| | - Brad E. Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Roland W. Herzog
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2364; and
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27
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Cooper M, Nayak S, Hoffman BE, Terhorst C, Cao O, Herzog RW. Improved induction of immune tolerance to factor IX by hepatic AAV-8 gene transfer. Hum Gene Ther 2010; 20:767-76. [PMID: 19309290 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for hemophilia B has been shown to result in long-term expression and immune tolerance to factor IX (F.IX) after in vivo transduction of hepatocytes with adeno-associated viral (AAV-2) vectors in experimental animals. An optimized protocol was effective in several strains of mice with a factor 9 gene deletion (F9(-/-)). However, immune responses against F.IX were repeatedly observed in C3H/HeJ F9(-/-) mice. We sought to establish a gene transfer protocol that results in sustained expression without a requirement for additional manipulation of the immune system. Compared with AAV-2, AAV-8 was more efficient in transgene expression and induction of tolerance to F.IX in three different strains of wild-type mice. At equal vector doses, AAV-8 induced transgene product-specific regulatory CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T cells at significantly higher frequency. Moreover, sustained correction of hemophilia B in C3H/HeJ F9(-/-) mice without antibody formation was documented in all animals treated with > or =4 x 10(11) vector genomes (VG)/kg and in 80% of mice treated with 8 x 10(10) VG/kg. Therefore, it is possible to develop a gene transfer protocol that reliably induces tolerance to F.IX largely independent of genetic factors. A comparison with other studies suggests that additional parameters besides plateau levels of F.IX expression contributed to the improved success rate of tolerance induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cooper
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Nayak S, Cao O, Hoffman BE, Cooper M, Zhou S, Atkinson MA, Herzog RW. Prophylactic immune tolerance induced by changing the ratio of antigen-specific effector to regulatory T cells. J Thromb Haemost 2009; 7:1523-32. [PMID: 19583824 PMCID: PMC2981868 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2009.03548.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene and protein replacement therapies for inherited protein deficiencies such as hemophilia or lysosomal storage disorders are limited by deleterious immune responses directed against their respective therapeutic proteins. Therefore, the development of protocols preventing such responses is key to providing successful long-term therapy. OBJECTIVES We sought to develop a protocol, utilizing a drug/peptide cocktail, that would effectively shift the antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell population, tipping the balance from effector T cells (Teffs) towards regulatory T cells (Tregs). METHODS Treg-deficient (DO11.10-tg Rag2(-/-)) BALB/c mice were used to screen for an optimal protocol addressing the aforementioned goal and to study the mechanisms underlying in vivo changes in T-cell populations. Muscle-directed gene transfer to hemophilia B mice was also performed in order to test the optimal protocol in a therapeutically relevant setting. RESULTS Specific antigen administration (4-week repeated dosing) combined with rapamycin and interleukin-10 led to substantial reductions in Teffs, via activation-induced cell death, and induced CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs to a large extent in multiple organs. The proportion of apoptotic T cells also increased over time, whereas Teffs and Tregs were differentially affected. When applied to a model of protein deficiency (gene therapy for hemophilia B), the protocol successfully prevented inhibitor formation, whereas non-specific immunosuppression was only marginally effective. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to provide a short-term, prophylactic protocol allowing for the induction of immune tolerance. This protocol may provide a marked advance in efforts seeking to improve clinical outcomes in disorders involving therapeutic protein replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nayak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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29
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Abstract
The liver is a preferred target organ for gene therapy not only for liver-specific diseases but also for disorders that require systemic delivery of a protein. Diseases that could benefit from hepatic gene transfer include hemophilia, metabolic disorders, lysosomal storage disorders, and others. For a successful delivery of the transgene and sustained expression, the protocol must avoid immune responses in order to be efficacious. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that liver-directed transfer can induce transgene product-specific immune tolerance. Tolerance obtained via this route requires optimal engineering of the vector to eliminate transgene expression in antigen presenting cells while restricting high levels of therapeutic expression to hepatocytes. Innate immune responses may prevent tolerance induction, cause toxicity, and have to be minimized. Discussed in our review is the crucial role of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in tolerance to the hepatocyte-derived gene product, the immunobiology of the liver and our current understanding of its tolerogenic properties, current and proposed research as to the mechanisms behind the liver's unique cellular environment, as well as development of the tools for tolerance induction such as advanced vector systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A LoDuca
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Abstract
The liver has several unique immunological properties that affect T cell activation and immune regulation. Recent studies have uncovered opportunities for the treatment of genetic disease by directing expression of the functional therapeutic protein to hepatocytes. In a new study in this issue of the JCI, Lüth and colleagues demonstrate that hepatic expression of a brain protein is protective against neuroinflammatory disease in a mouse model of human MS (see the related article beginning on page 3403). Suppression of autoimmunity was dependent on transgene expression in the liver and was mediated by induction of antigen-specific CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs. These findings suggest that the introduction of antigens to the liver may have potential as a preventative or therapeutic intervention for autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Hoffman BE, Dobrzynski E, Wang L, Hirao L, Mingozzi F, Cao O, Herzog RW. Muscle as a target for supplementary factor IX gene transfer. Hum Gene Ther 2007; 18:603-13. [PMID: 17594244 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2007.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune responses to the factor IX (F.IX) transgene product are a concern in gene therapy for the X-linked bleeding disorder hemophilia B. The risk for such responses is determined by several factors, including the vector, target tissue, and others. Previously, we have demonstrated that hepatic gene transfer with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can induce F.IX-specific immune tolerance. Muscle-derived F.IX expression, however, is limited by a local immune response. Here, skeletal muscle was investigated as a target for supplemental gene transfer. Given the low invasiveness of intramuscular injections, this route would be ideal for secondary gene transfer, thereby boosting levels of transgene expression. However, this is feasible only if immune tolerance established by compartmentalization of expression to the liver extends to other sites. Immune tolerance to human F.IX established by prior hepatic AAV-2 gene transfer was maintained after subsequent injection of AAV-1 or adenoviral vector into skeletal muscle, and tolerized mice failed to form antibodies or an interferon (IFN)-gamma(+) T cell response to human F.IX. A sustained increase in systemic transgene expression was obtained for AAV-1, whereas an increase after adenoviral gene transfer was transient. A CD8(+) T cell response specifically against adenovirus-transduced fibers was observed, suggesting that cytotoxic T cell responses against viral antigens were sufficient to eliminate expression in muscle. In summary, the data demonstrate that supplemental F.IX gene transfer to skeletal muscle does not break tolerance achieved by liver-derived expression. The approach is efficacious, if the vector for muscle gene transfer does not express immunogenic viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad E Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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32
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Oleszak EL, Hoffman BE, Chang JR, Zaczynska E, Gaughan J, Katsetos CD, Platsoucas CD, Harvey N. Apoptosis of infiltrating T cells in the central nervous system of mice infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus. Virology 2003; 315:110-23. [PMID: 14592764 DOI: 10.1016/s0042-6822(03)00517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Theiler murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), DA strain, induces in susceptible strain of mice a biphasic disease consisting of early acute disease followed by late chronic demyelinating disease. Both phases of the disease are associated with inflammatory infiltrates of the central nervous system (CNS). Late chronic demyelinating disease induced by TMEV serves as an excellent model to study human demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis. During early acute disease, the virus is partially cleared from the CNS by CD3(+) T cells. These T cells express Fas, FasL, negligible levels of Bcl-2 proteins and undergo activation-induced cell death as determined by TUNEL assay leading to resolution of the inflammatory response. In contrast, during late chronic demyelinating disease, and despite dense perivascular and leptomeningeal infiltrates, only very few cells undergo apoptosis. Mononuclear cells infiltrating the CNS express Bcl-2. It appears that the lack of apoptosis of T cells during late chronic demyelinating disease leads to the accumulation of these cells in the CNS. These cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of the demyelinating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia L Oleszak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, and Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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Chang FCT, Hoffman BE, DeBus S. Pharmacological antagonism of lethal effects induced by O-isobutyl S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate. Drug Chem Toxicol 2002; 25:321-37. [PMID: 12173252 DOI: 10.1081/dct-120005894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
O-Isobutyl S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate (VR) is a structural isomer of a more widely known chemical warfare agent O-ethyl S-[2(diisopropylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate (VX). VR has the potential of being used as military threat/sabotage/terrorist agent. The development of a sound medical countermeasure will undoubtedly enhance not only our medical readiness and ability in VR casualty management, but also our defense posture against the deployment of VR in both combat and politically volatile environments. Acute exposure to a lethal dose of VR has been shown to cause cholinergic hyperfunction, incapacitation, seizures, convulsions, cardiorespiratory depression and death. In this study, pharmacological antagonism of VR-induced cardiorespiratory failure and lethality was investigated in guinea pigs chronically instrumented for concurrent recordings of electrocorticogram, diaphragmatic EMG, Lead II ECG, heart rate and neck skeletal muscle EMG. Thirty (30) min prior to intoxication with a 2 x LD50 dose of VR (22.6 micrograms/kg, s.c.), animals were pretreated with pyridostigmine (0.026 mg/kg, i.m.). Immediately after VR intoxication, animals were given pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM; 25 mg/kg, i.m.) and atropine sulfate (2, 8 or 16 mg/kg, i.m.). In animals that displayed seizures and convulsions, diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.m.) was administered 10 min following the onset of epileptiform activities. Responses to pretreatment/therapy modality were evaluated at 24 h post-VR. All animals survived the 2 x LD50 VR challenge. With the exception of an increased heart rate in response to atropine, the myocardial and diaphragmatic (respiratory) activity profiles appeared normal throughout the course of intoxication and recovery. Animals receiving 2 mg/kg atropine all developed fasciculations, seizures, signs of excessive mucoid/salivary secretion, and needed diazepam adjunct therapy. One-half (50%) of the animals receiving 8 mg/kg atropine developed seizure activities and were given diazepam, whereas the other half only showed a brief period of increase in CNS excitability. No fasciculations, seizures or convulsions were noted in animals receiving 16 mg/kg atropine. In summary, although lethality can be prevented with the pretreatment/therapy modality containing 2 mg/kg atropine and diazepam adjunct, a complete CNS and cardiorespiratory recovery from 2 x LD50 of VR requires a minimum of 8 mg/kg atropine.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C T Chang
- Applied Pharmacology Branch, Pharmacology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5400, USA
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34
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Oleszak EL, Lin WL, Legido A, Melvin J, Hardison H, Hoffman BE, Katsetos CD, Platsoucas CD. Presence of oligoclonal T cells in cerebrospinal fluid of a child with multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis following hepatitis A virus infection. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 2001; 8:984-92. [PMID: 11527815 PMCID: PMC96183 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.8.5.984-992.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the clonality of beta-chain T-cell receptor (TCR) transcripts from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood from a 7-year old child who developed a multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis following an infection with hepatitis A virus. We amplified beta-chain TCR transcripts by nonpalindromic adaptor (NPA)-PCR-Vbeta-specific PCR. TCR transcripts from only five Vbeta families (Vbeta13, Vbeta3, Vbeta17, Vbeta8, and Vbeta20) were detected in CSF. The amplified products were combined, cloned, and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed in the CSF substantial proportions of identical beta-chain of TCR transcripts, demonstrating oligoclonal populations of T cells. Seventeen of 35 (48%) transcripts were 100% identical, demonstrating a major Vbeta13.3 Dbeta2.1 Jbeta1.3 clonal expansion. Six of 35 (17%) transcripts were also 100% identical, revealing a second Vbeta13 clonal expansion (Vbeta13.1 Dbeta2.1 Jbeta1.2). Clonal expansions were also found within the Vbeta3 family (transcript Vbeta3.1 Dbeta2.1 Jbeta1.5 accounted for 5 of 35 transcripts [14%]) and within the Vbeta20 family (transcript Vbeta20.1 Dbeta1.1 Jbeta2.4 accounted for 3 of 35 transcripts [8%]). These results demonstrate the presence of T-cell oligoclonal expansions in the CSF of this patient following infection with hepatitis A virus. Analysis of the CDR3 motifs revealed that two of the clonally expanded T-cell clones exhibited substantial homology to myelin basic protein-reactive T-cell clones. In contrast, all Vbeta TCR families were expressed in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Oligoclonal expansions of T cells were not detected in the peripheral blood of this patient. It remains to be determined whether these clonally expanded T cells are specific for hepatitis A viral antigen(s) or host central nervous system antigen(s) and whether molecular mimicry between hepatitis A viral protein and a host protein is responsible for demyelinating disease in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Oleszak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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35
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Abstract
B52, an essential SR protein of Drosophila melanogaster, stimulates pre-mRNA splicing in splicing-deficient mammalian S100 extracts. Surprisingly, mutant larvae depleted of B52 were found to be capable of splicing at least several pre-mRNAs tested (H. Z. Ring and J. T. Lis, Mol. Cell. Biol. 14:7499-7506, 1994). In a homologous in vitro system, we demonstrated that B52 complements a Drosophila S100 extract to allow splicing of a Drosophila fushi tarazu (ftz) mini-pre-mRNA. Moreover, Kc cell nuclear extracts that were immunodepleted of B52 lost their ability to splice this ftz pre-mRNA. In contrast, splicing of this same ftz pre-mRNA occurred in whole larvae homozygous for the B52 deletion. Other SR protein family members isolated from these larvae could substitute for B52 splicing activity in vitro. We also observed that SR proteins are expressed variably in different larval tissues. B52 is the predominant SR protein in specific tissues, including the brain. Tissues in which B52 is normally the major SR protein, such as larval brain tissue, failed to produce ftz mRNA in the B52 deletion line. These observations support a model in which the lethality of the B52 deletion strain is a consequence of splicing defects in tissues in which B52 is normally the major SR protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Hoffman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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36
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Abstract
RNA aptamers selected against proteins can be used to modulate specific protein function. Expression of such reagents in cells and whole organisms could provide a means of dissecting and controlling molecular mechanisms in vivo. We demonstrate that Drosophila B52 protein can be specifically inhibited in vitro and in vivo by a multivalent RNA aptamer. This inhibitory aptamer RNA binds B52 avidly and inhibits B52-stimulated pre-mRNA splicing. It can be expressed in cultured cells and whole animals in a stable form that accumulates up to 10% of total mRNA. It binds B52 in vivo and suppresses all phenotypes caused by B52 overexpression. The strategies presented here should prove general in design and expression of functional and therapeutic RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Shi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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37
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Mandir AS, Przedborski S, Jackson-Lewis V, Wang ZQ, Simbulan-Rosenthal CM, Smulson ME, Hoffman BE, Guastella DB, Dawson VL, Dawson TM. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation mediates 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1999; 96:5774-9. [PMID: 10318960 PMCID: PMC21936 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.96.10.5774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a neurotoxin that causes parkinsonism in humans and nonhuman animals, and its use has led to greater understanding of the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. However, its molecular targets have not been defined. We show that mice lacking the gene for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which catalyzes the attachment of ADP ribose units from NAD to nuclear proteins after DNA damage, are dramatically spared from MPTP neurotoxicity. MPTP potently activates PARP exclusively in vulnerable dopamine containing neurons of the substantia nigra. MPTP elicits a novel pattern of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins that completely depends on neuronally derived nitric oxide. Thus, NO, DNA damage, and PARP activation play a critical role in MPTP-induced parkinsonism and suggest that inhibitors of PARP may have protective benefit in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Mandir
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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38
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Abstract
O-Isobutyl S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate (VR) is a structural isomer of a more well-known chemical warefare agent, O-ethyl S-[2(diisopropylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate (code designation VX). In this study, cardiorespiratory and central nervous system (CNS) effects of VR (2LD50 or 22.6 microg kg(-1); s.c.) were evaluated in urethane-anesthetized (Group 1) and unanesthetized (Group 2) guinea pigs instrumented for concurrent recordings of electrocorticogram (ECoG) and a variety of cardiorespiratory activities. The first sign of intoxication was a state of progressive bradycardia, vascular hypotension and arrhythmia (Group 1, approximately 13 min post-VR; Group 2, approximately 6 min post-VR). Bradypnea, excessive salivation and compensatory changes in blood pressure typically did not emerge until 3-5 min prior to apnea (Group 1, approximately 28 min post-VR; Group 2, approximately 15 min post-VR). An idioventricular rhythm, which signalled a failing myocardium, appeared at the same time or shortly after the development of a bradypneic profile. Another notable toxicity component of VR, based on arterial pH, pO2/pCO2 and bicarbonate (HCO3-) level data, was a state of combined hypercapnia, acidemia and hypoxemia during the development of bradypnea. Taken together, findings from this study indicated that changes in medullary respiratory unit activity and ECoG data displayed little, if any, notable signs of CNS perturbation prior to the terminal stage (approximately 1 min prior to respiratory failure). Thus, in addition to displaying a greater sensitivity to perturbation by VR, the peripheral cardiorespiratory system components also appeared to play a more important role in precipitating a progressively dysfunctional cardiorespiratory status that ultimately led to collapse of central respiratory mechanisms and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Chang
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5425, USA
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Samdani AF, Newcamp C, Resink A, Facchinetti F, Hoffman BE, Dawson VL, Dawson TM. Differential susceptibility to neurotoxicity mediated by neurotrophins and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. J Neurosci 1997; 17:4633-41. [PMID: 9169524 PMCID: PMC6573350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
NMDA neurotoxicity, which is mediated, in part, by formation of nitric oxide (NO) via activation of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), is modulated by neurotrophins. nNOS expression in rat and mouse primary neuronal cultures grown on a glial feeder layer is significantly less than that of neurons grown on a polyornithine (Poly-O) matrix. Neurotrophins markedly increase the number of nNOS neurons, nNOS protein, and NOS catalytic activity and enhance NMDA neurotoxicity via NO-dependent mechanisms when neurons are grown on glial feeder layers. In contrast, when rat or mouse primary cortical neurons are grown on a Poly-O matrix, neurotrophins have no influence on nNOS neuronal number or NOS catalytic activity and reduce NMDA neurotoxicity. Primary neuronal cultures from mice lacking nNOS grown on a glial feeder layer fail to respond to neurotrophin-mediated enhancement of neurotoxicity. Together, these results indicate that nNOS expression and NMDA NO-mediated neurotoxicity are dependent, in part, on the culture paradigm, and neurotrophins regulate the susceptibility to NMDA neurotoxicity via modulation of nNOS. Furthermore, these results support the idea that NMDA neurotoxicity in culture is critically dependent on the developmental state of the neurons being assessed and suggest that, when cortical neurons are cultured on a glial feeder layer, they do not reach nearly as mature a phenotype as when grown on a Poly-O matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Samdani
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
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Abstract
B52, also known as SRp55, is a member of the Drosophila melanogaster SR protein family, a group of nuclear proteins that are both essential splicing factors and specific splicing regulators. Like most SR proteins, B52 contains two RNA recognition motifs in the N terminus and a C-terminal domain rich in serine-arginine dipeptide repeats. Since B52 is an essential protein and is expected to play a role in splicing a subset of Drosophila pre-mRNAs, its function is likely to be mediated by specific interactions with RNA. To investigate the RNA-binding specificity of B52, we isolated B52-binding RNAs by selection and amplification from a pool of random RNA sequences by using full-length B52 protein as the target. These RNAs contained a conserved consensus motif that constitutes the core of a secondary structural element predicted by energy minimization. Deletion and substitution mutations defined the B52-binding site on these RNAs as a hairpin loop structure covering about 20 nucleotides, which was confirmed by structure-specific enzymatic probing. Finally, we demonstrated that both RNA recognition motifs of B52 are required for RNA binding, while the RS domain is not involved in this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Shi
- Section of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Abstract
A description of cellular factors that govern alternative splicing of pre-mRNA is largely incomplete. In the case of the rat preprotachykinin gene, splicing of the alternative exon E4 occurs by a poorly understood mechanism in which exon selection is under the positive control of U1 snRNP. Because the binding of U1 snRNP to the 5' splice site of E4 is coincident with the selection of the 3' splice site of E4, this mechanism would appear to involve interactions that bridge across the exon. In this work, a UV cross-linking strategy was used to identify possible RNA-protein interactions involved in the proposed exon-bridging model. Of particular interest is a prominent 61-kD protein, p61, that binds to the 3' splice site of E4 in a manner that is clearly facilitated by a downstream 5' splice site and U1 snRNP particles. The identity of p61 is the essential splicing factor U2AF65, on the basis of copurification and selective binding to polypyrimidine tracts. These results indicate a model in which exon selection is positively regulated by the communication of U1 snRNP and U2AF65. That is, a natural deficiency in binding U2AF65 to the 3' splice site that leads to exon skipping might be overcome by a mechanism in which U1 snRNP facilitates the binding of U2AF65 through a network of template-directed and exon-bridging interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Hoffman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
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Hoffman BE, McConathy DA, Coward M, Saddler L. Relationship between the piriform aperture and interalar nasal widths in adult males. J Forensic Sci 1991; 36:1152-61. [PMID: 1919474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The piriform aperture of 182 skulls of black and white males in the United States was measured and compared with soft tissue readings taken previously. Statistical analysis indicated that nose width prediction formulas currently utilized in facial reconstruction required modification. Two revised formulas are proposed to improve accuracy of reconstructions: an addition prediction formula for ease of use and a multiplication prediction formula for more precise results on those skulls outside of the mean range.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Visualization, University of Illinois, Chicago
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Abstract
A technique is described that enables the application of full-thickness skin grafts to bare cartilage exposed in surgical wounds on the nose. By fenestrating the cartilage so that the lining on the inner side is exposed, the graft is able to receive a blood supply adequate for its survival.
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