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Wang M, Krueger JB, Gilkey AK, Stelljes EM, Kluesner MG, Pomeroy EJ, Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, Vázquez PNC, Zhao Y, Eaton EJ, Laoharawee K, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Precision Enhancement of CAR-NK Cells through Non-Viral Engineering and Highly Multiplexed Base Editing. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.05.582637. [PMID: 38496503 PMCID: PMC10942345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells' unique ability to kill transformed cells expressing stress ligands or lacking major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) has prompted their development for immunotherapy. However, NK cells have demonstrated only moderate responses against cancer in clinical trials and likely require advanced genome engineering to reach their full potential as a cancer therapeutic. Multiplex genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 base editors (BE) has been used to enhance T cell function and has already entered clinical trials but has not been reported in human NK cells. Here, we report the first application of BE in primary NK cells to achieve both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations. We observed highly efficient single and multiplex base editing, resulting in significantly enhanced NK cell function. Next, we combined multiplex BE with non-viral TcBuster transposon-based integration to generate IL-15 armored CD19 CAR-NK cells with significantly improved functionality in a highly suppressive model of Burkitt's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo. The use of concomitant non-viral transposon engineering with multiplex base editing thus represents a highly versatile and efficient platform to generate CAR-NK products for cell-based immunotherapy and affords the flexibility to tailor multiple gene edits to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy for the cancer type being treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joshua B Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexandria K Gilkey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erin M Stelljes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia N Claudio Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yueting Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ella J Eaton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Webber BR, Johnson MJ, Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, DeFeo AP, Mills LJ, Qiu X, Rathmann B, Diers MD, Wick B, Henley T, Choudhry M, Starr TK, McIvor RS, Moriarity BS. Cas9-induced targeted integration of large DNA payloads in primary human T cells via homology-mediated end-joining DNA repair. Nat Biomed Eng 2023:10.1038/s41551-023-01157-4. [PMID: 38092857 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01157-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The reliance on viral vectors for the production of genetically engineered immune cells for adoptive cellular therapies remains a translational bottleneck. Here we report a method leveraging the DNA repair pathway homology-mediated end joining, as well as optimized reagent composition and delivery, for the Cas9-induced targeted integration of large DNA payloads into primary human T cells with low toxicity and at efficiencies nearing those of viral vectors (targeted knock-in of 1-6.7 kb payloads at rates of up to 70% at multiple targeted genomic loci and with cell viabilities of over 80%). We used the method to produce T cells with an engineered T-cell receptor or a chimaeric antigen receptor and show that the cells maintained low levels of exhaustion markers and excellent capacities for proliferation and cytokine production and that they elicited potent antitumour cytotoxicity in vitro and in mice. The method is readily adaptable to current good manufacturing practices and scale-up processes, and hence may be used as an alternative to viral vectors for the production of genetically engineered T cells for cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Matthew J Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anthony P DeFeo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lauren J Mills
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Xiaohong Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Blaine Rathmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Miechaleen D Diers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Bryce Wick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Timothy K Starr
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Ob-Gyn and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - R Scott McIvor
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Lahr WS, Sipe CJ, Skeate JG, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. CRISPR-Cas9 base editors and their current role in human therapeutics. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:270-276. [PMID: 36635153 PMCID: PMC10887149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.11.013] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistent progress has been made to create more efficient and useful CRISPR-Cas9-based molecular toolsfor genomic modification. METHODS This review focuses on recent articles that have employed base editors (BEs) for both clinical and research purposes. RESULTS CRISPR-Cas9 BEs are a useful system because of their highefficiency and broad applicability to gene correction and disruption. In addition, base editing has beensuggested as a safer approach than other CRISPR-Cas9-based systems, as it limits double-strand breaksduring multiplex gene knockout and does not require a toxic DNA donor molecule for genetic correction. CONCLUSION As such, numerous industry and academic groups are currently developing base editing strategies withclinical applications in cancer immunotherapy and gene therapy, which this review will discuss, with a focuson current and future applications of in vivo BE delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christopher J Sipe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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4
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Rollins MR, Raynor JF, Miller EA, Butler JZ, Spartz EJ, Lahr WS, You Y, Burrack AL, Moriarity BS, Webber BR, Stromnes IM. Germline T cell receptor exchange results in physiological T cell development and function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:528. [PMID: 36726009 PMCID: PMC9892040 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36180-1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice represent an invaluable tool to study antigen-specific immune responses. In the pre-existing models, a monoclonal TCR is driven by a non-physiologic promoter and randomly integrated into the genome. Here, we create a highly efficient methodology to develop T cell receptor exchange (TRex) mice, in which TCRs, specific to the self/tumor antigen mesothelin (Msln), are integrated into the Trac locus, with concomitant Msln disruption to circumvent T cell tolerance. We show that high affinity TRex thymocytes undergo all sequential stages of maturation, express the exogenous TCR at DN4, require MHC class I for positive selection and undergo negative selection only when both Msln alleles are present. By comparison of TCRs with the same specificity but varying affinity, we show that Trac targeting improves functional sensitivity of a lower affinity TCR and confers resistance to T cell functional loss. By generating P14 TRex mice with the same specificity as the widely used LCMV-P14 TCR transgenic mouse, we demonstrate increased avidity of Trac-targeted TCRs over transgenic TCRs, while preserving physiologic T cell development. Together, our results support that the TRex methodology is an advanced tool to study physiological antigen-specific T cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan R Rollins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jackson F Raynor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ebony A Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jonah Z Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ellen J Spartz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yun You
- Mouse Genetics Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Adam L Burrack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ingunn M Stromnes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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5
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Palmer DC, Webber BR, Patel Y, Johnson MJ, Kariya CM, Lahr WS, Parkhurst MR, Gartner JJ, Prickett TD, Lowery FJ, Kishton RJ, Gurusamy D, Franco Z, Vodnala SK, Diers MD, Wolf NK, Slipek NJ, McKenna DH, Sumstad D, Viney L, Henley T, Bürckstümmer T, Baker O, Hu Y, Yan C, Meerzaman D, Padhan K, Lo W, Malekzadeh P, Jia L, Deniger DC, Patel SJ, Robbins PF, McIvor RS, Choudhry M, Rosenberg SA, Moriarity BS, Restifo NP. Internal checkpoint regulates T cell neoantigen reactivity and susceptibility to PD1 blockade. Med 2022; 3:682-704.e8. [PMID: 36007524 PMCID: PMC9847506 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) fails to consistently elicit tumor rejection. Manipulation of intrinsic factors that inhibit T cell effector function and neoantigen recognition may therefore improve TIL therapy outcomes. We previously identified the cytokine-induced SH2 protein (CISH) as a key regulator of T cell functional avidity in mice. Here, we investigate the mechanistic role of CISH in regulating human T cell effector function in solid tumors and demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of CISH enhances TIL neoantigen recognition and response to checkpoint blockade. METHODS Single-cell gene expression profiling was used to identify a negative correlation between high CISH expression and TIL activation in patient-derived TIL. A GMP-compliant CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing process was developed to assess the impact of CISH disruption on the molecular and functional phenotype of human peripheral blood T cells and TIL. Tumor-specific T cells with disrupted Cish function were adoptively transferred into tumor-bearing mice and evaluated for efficacy with or without checkpoint blockade. FINDINGS CISH expression was associated with T cell dysfunction. CISH deletion using CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in hyper-activation and improved functional avidity against tumor-derived neoantigens without perturbing T cell maturation. Cish knockout resulted in increased susceptibility to checkpoint blockade in vivo. CONCLUSIONS CISH negatively regulates human T cell effector function, and its genetic disruption offers a novel avenue to improve the therapeutic efficacy of adoptive TIL therapy. FUNDING This study was funded by Intima Bioscience, U.S. and in part through the Intramural program CCR at the National Cancer Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C Palmer
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Yogin Patel
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Matthew J Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christine M Kariya
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria R Parkhurst
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jared J Gartner
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Todd D Prickett
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Frank J Lowery
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rigel J Kishton
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Devikala Gurusamy
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zulmarie Franco
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Suman K Vodnala
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Miechaleen D Diers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Natalie K Wolf
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David H McKenna
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Darin Sumstad
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Tom Henley
- Intima Bioscience, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Ying Hu
- The Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chunhua Yan
- The Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daoud Meerzaman
- The Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kartik Padhan
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Winnie Lo
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Parisa Malekzadeh
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Li Jia
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Drew C Deniger
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shashank J Patel
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul F Robbins
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R Scott McIvor
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Steven A Rosenberg
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Nicholas P Restifo
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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6
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Laoharawee K, Johnson MJ, Lahr WS, Sipe CJ, Kleinboehl E, Peterson JJ, Lonetree CL, Bell JB, Slipek NJ, Crane AT, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. A Pan-RNase Inhibitor Enabling CRISPR-mRNA Platforms for Engineering of Primary Human Monocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9749. [PMID: 36077152 PMCID: PMC9456164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179749] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocytes and their downstream effectors are critical components of the innate immune system. Monocytes are equipped with chemokine receptors, allowing them to migrate to various tissues, where they can differentiate into macrophage and dendritic cell subsets and participate in tissue homeostasis, infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Enabling genome engineering in monocytes and their effector cells will facilitate a myriad of applications for basic and translational research. Here, we demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas9 RNPs can be used for efficient gene knockout in primary human monocytes. In addition, we demonstrate that intracellular RNases are likely responsible for poor and heterogenous mRNA expression as incorporation of pan-RNase inhibitor allows efficient genome engineering following mRNA-based delivery of Cas9 and base editor enzymes. Moreover, we demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas9 combined with an rAAV vector DNA donor template mediates site-specific insertion and expression of a transgene in primary human monocytes. Finally, we demonstrate that SIRPa knock-out monocyte-derived macrophages have enhanced activity against cancer cells, highlighting the potential for application in cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Matthew J. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Walker S. Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christopher J. Sipe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Evan Kleinboehl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph J. Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Cara-lin Lonetree
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jason B. Bell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Andrew T. Crane
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Beau R. Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Branden S. Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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7
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Sipe CJ, Kluesner MG, Bingea SP, Lahr WS, Andrew AA, Wang M, DeFeo AP, Hinkel TL, Laoharawee K, Wagner JE, MacMillan ML, Vercellotti GM, Tolar J, Osborn MJ, McIvor RS, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Correction of Fanconi Anemia Mutations Using Digital Genome Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8416. [PMID: 35955545 PMCID: PMC9369391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158416] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease in which genes essential for DNA repair are mutated. Both the interstrand crosslink (ICL) and double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways are disrupted in FA, leading to patient bone marrow failure (BMF) and cancer predisposition. The only curative therapy for the hematological manifestations of FA is an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT); however, many (>70%) patients lack a suitable human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donor, often resulting in increased rates of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and, potentially, the exacerbation of cancer risk. Successful engraftment of gene-corrected autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) circumvents the need for an allogeneic HCT and has been achieved in other genetic diseases using targeted nucleases to induce site specific DSBs and the correction of mutated genes through homology-directed repair (HDR). However, this process is extremely inefficient in FA cells, as they are inherently deficient in DNA repair. Here, we demonstrate the correction of FANCA mutations in primary patient cells using ‘digital’ genome editing with the cytosine and adenine base editors (BEs). These Cas9-based tools allow for C:G > T:A or A:T > C:G base transitions without the induction of a toxic DSB or the need for a DNA donor molecule. These genetic corrections or conservative codon substitution strategies lead to phenotypic rescue as illustrated by a resistance to the alkylating crosslinking agent Mitomycin C (MMC). Further, FANCA protein expression was restored, and an intact FA pathway was demonstrated by downstream FANCD2 monoubiquitination induction. This BE digital correction strategy will enable the use of gene-corrected FA patient hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for autologous HCT, obviating the risks associated with allogeneic HCT and DSB induction during autologous HSC gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Sipe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mitchell G. Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Samuel P. Bingea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Walker S. Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Aneesha A. Andrew
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Minjing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anthony P. DeFeo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Timothy L. Hinkel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - John E. Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Margaret L. MacMillan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gregory M. Vercellotti
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Jakub Tolar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mark J. Osborn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - R. Scott McIvor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Beau R. Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Branden S. Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.G.K.); (S.P.B.); (W.S.L.); (A.A.A.); (M.W.); (A.P.D.); (T.L.H.); (K.L.); (J.E.W.); (M.L.M.); (J.T.); (M.J.O.); (R.S.M.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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8
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Wong DP, Roy NK, Zhang K, Anukanth A, Asthana A, Shirkey-Son NJ, Dunmire S, Jones BJ, Lahr WS, Webber BR, Moriarity BS, Caimi P, Parameswaran R. A BAFF ligand-based CAR-T cell targeting three receptors and multiple B cell cancers. Nat Commun 2022; 13:217. [PMID: 35017485 PMCID: PMC8752722 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27853-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell-activating factor (BAFF) binds the three receptors BAFF-R, BCMA, and TACI, predominantly expressed on mature B cells. Almost all B cell cancers are reported to express at least one of these receptors. Here we develop a BAFF ligand-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and generate BAFF CAR-T cells using a non-viral gene delivery method. We show that BAFF CAR-T cells bind specifically to each of the three BAFF receptors and are effective at killing multiple B cell cancers, including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), multiple myeloma (MM), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in vitro and in vivo using different xenograft models. Co-culture of BAFF CAR-T cells with these tumor cells results in induction of activation marker CD69, degranulation marker CD107a, and multiple proinflammatory cytokines. In summary, we report a ligand-based BAFF CAR-T capable of binding three different receptors, minimizing the potential for antigen escape in the treatment of B cell cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- B-Cell Activating Factor/genetics
- B-Cell Activating Factor/immunology
- B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor/genetics
- B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor/immunology
- B-Cell Maturation Antigen/genetics
- B-Cell Maturation Antigen/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/immunology
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/pathology
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/therapy
- Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1/genetics
- Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1/immunology
- Male
- Mice
- Multiple Myeloma/genetics
- Multiple Myeloma/immunology
- Multiple Myeloma/pathology
- Multiple Myeloma/therapy
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/immunology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein/genetics
- Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein/immunology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek P Wong
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nand K Roy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keman Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anusha Anukanth
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Angie Fowler AYA Cancer Institute, UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Abhishek Asthana
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paolo Caimi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Reshmi Parameswaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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9
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Kluesner MG, Lahr WS, Lonetree CL, Smeester BA, Qiu X, Slipek NJ, Claudio Vázquez PN, Pitzen SP, Pomeroy EJ, Vignes MJ, Lee SC, Bingea SP, Andrew AA, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. CRISPR-Cas9 cytidine and adenosine base editing of splice-sites mediates highly-efficient disruption of proteins in primary and immortalized cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2437. [PMID: 33893286 PMCID: PMC8065034 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [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: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 cytidine and adenosine base editors (CBEs and ABEs) can disrupt genes without introducing double-stranded breaks by inactivating splice sites (BE-splice) or by introducing premature stop (pmSTOP) codons. However, no in-depth comparison of these methods or a modular tool for designing BE-splice sgRNAs exists. To address these needs, we develop SpliceR ( http://z.umn.edu/spliceR ) to design and rank BE-splice sgRNAs for any Ensembl annotated genome, and compared disruption approaches in T cells using a screen against the TCR-CD3 MHC Class I immune synapse. Among the targeted genes, we find that targeting splice-donors is the most reliable disruption method, followed by targeting splice-acceptors, and introducing pmSTOPs. Further, the CBE BE4 is more effective for disruption than the ABE ABE7.10, however this disparity is eliminated by employing ABE8e. Collectively, we demonstrate a robust method for gene disruption, accompanied by a modular design tool that is of use to basic and translational researchers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cara-Lin Lonetree
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden A Smeester
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Xiaohong Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia N Claudio Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Samuel P Pitzen
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Madison J Vignes
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Samantha C Lee
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Samuel P Bingea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aneesha A Andrew
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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10
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Laoharawee K, Johnson MJ, Lahr WS, Peterson JJ, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Genome Engineering of Primary Human B Cells Using CRISPR/Cas9. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 33226023 DOI: 10.3791/61855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
B cells are lymphocytes derived from hematopoietic stem cells and are a key component of the humoral arm of the adaptive immune system. They make attractive candidates for cell-based therapies because of their ease of isolation from peripheral blood, their ability to expand in vitro, and their longevity in vivo. Additionally, their normal biological function-to produce large amounts of antibodies-can be utilized to express very large amounts of a therapeutic protein, such as a recombinant antibody to fight infection, or an enzyme for the treatment of enzymopathies. Here, we provide detailed methods for isolating primary human B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and activating/expanding isolated B cells in vitro. We then demonstrate the steps involved in using the CRISPR/Cas9 system for site-specific KO of endogenous genes in B cells. This method allows for efficient KO of various genes, which can be used to study the biological functions of genes of interest. We then demonstrate the steps for using the CRISPR/Cas9 system together with a recombinant, adeno-associated, viral (rAAV) vector for efficient site-specific integration of a transgene expression cassette in B cells. Together, this protocol provides a step-by-step engineering platform that can be used in primary human B cells to study biological functions of genes as well as for the development of B-cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota; Center for Genomic Engineering, University of Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
| | - Matthew J Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota; Center for Genomic Engineering, University of Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota; Center for Genomic Engineering, University of Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
| | - Joseph J Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota; Center for Genomic Engineering, University of Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota; Center for Genomic Engineering, University of Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota; Center for Genomic Engineering, University of Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota;
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11
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Webber BR, Lonetree CL, Kluesner MG, Johnson MJ, Pomeroy EJ, Diers MD, Lahr WS, Draper GM, Slipek NJ, Smeester BA, Lovendahl KN, McElroy AN, Gordon WR, Osborn MJ, Moriarity BS. Author Correction: Highly efficient multiplex human T cell engineering without double-strand breaks using Cas9 base editors. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5659. [PMID: 31811147 PMCID: PMC6898206 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cara-Lin Lonetree
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew J Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Miechaleen D Diers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Garrett M Draper
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden A Smeester
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Klaus N Lovendahl
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amber N McElroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wendy R Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark J Osborn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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12
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Pomeroy EJ, Hunzeker JT, Kluesner MG, Lahr WS, Smeester BA, Crosby MR, Lonetree CL, Yamamoto K, Bendzick L, Miller JS, Geller MA, Walcheck B, Felices M, Webber BR, Starr TK, Moriarity BS. A Genetically Engineered Primary Human Natural Killer Cell Platform for Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2019; 28:52-63. [PMID: 31704085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [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] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancing natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by blocking inhibitory signaling could lead to improved NK-based cancer immunotherapy. Thus, we have developed a highly efficient method for editing the genome of human NK cells using CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out inhibitory signaling molecules. Our method efficiently edits up to 90% of primary peripheral blood NK cells. As a proof-of-principle we demonstrate highly efficient knockout of ADAM17 and PDCD1, genes that have a functional impact on NK cells, and demonstrate that these gene-edited NK cells have significantly improved activity, cytokine production, and cancer cell cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we were able to expand cells to clinically relevant numbers, without loss of activity. We also demonstrate that our CRISPR/Cas9 method can be used for efficient knockin of genes by delivering homologous recombination template DNA using recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (rAAV6). Our platform represents a feasible method for generating engineered primary NK cells as a universal therapeutic for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - John T Hunzeker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Branden A Smeester
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Margaret R Crosby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Cara-Lin Lonetree
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Laura Bendzick
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Melissa A Geller
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bruce Walcheck
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55455, USA
| | - Martin Felices
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Timothy K Starr
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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13
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Lonetree C, Webber BR, Diers MD, Lahr WS, Kluesner M, Osborn MJ, Johnson MJ, Moriarity BS. Abstract A036: Multiplex human T-cell engineering by Cas9 base editor technology. Cancer Immunol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6074.cricimteatiaacr18-a036] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T-cells have mediated impressive outcomes in a subset of hematologic malignancies, yet this therapy remains highly personalized and largely ineffective against solid tumors. Genome editing strategies using targeted nucleases could overcome these limitations and have begun to enter clinical application. Multiplex editing strategies to develop off-the- shelf therapies are of high interest but remain limited by concerns of off-target effects and chromosomal translocations formed by simultaneous double-strand break (DSB) induction at multiple loci. The risk of genotoxic side effects is amplified when combining multiplex DSB induction with randomly integrating platforms for antigen-specific receptor delivery. An ideal strategy would allow for multigene disruption and targeted integration of antigen-specific receptors without introduction of multiple genomic DSBs. To this end, we evaluated the application of third- and fourth-generation Cas9 base editor technologies for gene disruption and integration in primary human T-cells. Chemically modified gRNAs and Cas9 base editor mRNA were delivered to stimulated T-cells by electroporation, followed by viral transduction for delivery of a DNA repair template as recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV). Base editing efficiencies were determined on the genomic level by PCR amplification, Sanger sequencing, and analysis of resultant traces using the EditR web app. Gene knock-out and knock-in efficiencies were analyzed on the protein level by flow cytometry. Through systematic reagent and dose optimization efforts, we achieved highly efficient C>T base conversion and consequent protein knockout at multiple therapeutically relevant loci including TRAC (KO = 83.6 ± 3.3%), PD-1 (KO = 78.6 ± 2.3%), and B2M (KO = 80 ± 1.8%). We observed that fourth-generation base editor (BE4) achieved consistently higher C>T conversion rates with reduced non-canonical editing (i.e., C>A/G) compared to third-generation base editor (BE3). Targeted disruption of splice acceptor (SA) and splice donor (SD) sites resulted in higher frequency of protein knockout vs. induction of premature stop codons at all loci examined. Importantly, while multiplex editing using Cas9 nuclease resulted in detectable translocations between the targeted sites, we were unable to detect these translocations using BE3 and BE4 as measured by PCR. Finally, we exploited the single-strand nickase function of the base editors in conjunction with rAAV delivery to achieve simultaneous targeted integration of a gene expression cassette at the AAVS1 safe harbor locus. Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) was also employed as an orthogonal approach to AAVS1 targeting, and yielded higher rates of donor integration. Collectively, we demonstrate that Cas9 base editor technology can be utilized to mediate efficient, multiplex gene disruption and targeted gene integration in primary human T-cells without associated translocations. This streamlined approach to genome engineering may be broadly applied for the development of safe and effective cell therapies.
Citation Format: Cara Lonetree, Beau R. Webber, Miechaleen D. Diers, Walker S. Lahr, Mitchell Kluesner, Mark J. Osborn, Matthew J. Johnson, Branden S. Moriarity. Multiplex human T-cell engineering by Cas9 base editor technology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A036.
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14
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Kurata M, Wolf NK, Lahr WS, Weg MT, Kluesner MG, Lee S, Hui K, Shiraiwa M, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Highly multiplexed genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas9 gRNA arrays. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198714. [PMID: 30222773 PMCID: PMC6141065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an RNA guided nuclease system that evolved as a mechanism of adaptive immunity in bacteria. This system has been adopted for numerous genome engineering applications in research and recently, therapeutics. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been largely implemented by delivery of Cas9 as protein, RNA, or plasmid along with a chimeric crRNA-tracrRNA guide RNA (gRNA) under the expression of a pol III promoter, such as U6. Using this approach, multiplex genome engineering has been achieved by delivering several U6-gRNA plasmids targeting multiple loci. However, this approach is limited due to the efficiently of delivering multiple plasmids to a single cell at one time. To augment the capability and accessibility of multiplexed genome engineering, we developed an efficient golden gate based method to assemble gRNAs linked by optimal Csy4 ribonuclease sequences to deliver up to 10 gRNAs as a single gRNA array transcript. Here we report the optimal expression of our guide RNA array under a strong pol II promoter. This system can be implemented alongside the myriad of CRISPR applications, allowing users to model complex biological processes requiring numerous gRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morito Kurata
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Comprehensive Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natalie K. Wolf
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Walker S. Lahr
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Madison T. Weg
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Mitchell G. Kluesner
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Samantha Lee
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Kai Hui
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Masano Shiraiwa
- Department of Comprehensive Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Beau R. Webber
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Branden S. Moriarity
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
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15
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Johnson MJ, Laoharawee K, Lahr WS, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Engineering of Primary Human B cells with CRISPR/Cas9 Targeted Nuclease. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12144. [PMID: 30108345 PMCID: PMC6092381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
B cells offer unique opportunities for gene therapy because of their ability to secrete large amounts of protein in the form of antibody and persist for the life of the organism as plasma cells. Here, we report optimized CRISPR/Cas9 based genome engineering of primary human B cells. Our procedure involves enrichment of CD19+ B cells from PBMCs followed by activation, expansion, and electroporation of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents. We are able expand total B cells in culture 10-fold and outgrow the IgD+ IgM+ CD27- naïve subset from 35% to over 80% of the culture. B cells are receptive to nucleic acid delivery via electroporation 3 days after stimulation, peaking at Day 7 post stimulation. We tested chemically modified sgRNAs and Alt-R gRNAs targeting CD19 with Cas9 mRNA or Cas9 protein. Using this system, we achieved genetic and protein knockout of CD19 at rates over 70%. Finally, we tested sgRNAs targeting the AAVS1 safe harbor site using Cas9 protein in combination with AAV6 to deliver donor template encoding a splice acceptor-EGFP cassette, which yielded site-specific integration frequencies up to 25%. The development of methods for genetically engineered B cells opens the door to a myriad of applications in basic research, antibody production, and cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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16
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Kluesner MG, Nedveck DA, Lahr WS, Garbe JR, Abrahante JE, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. EditR: A Method to Quantify Base Editing from Sanger Sequencing. CRISPR J 2018; 1:239-250. [PMID: 31021262 PMCID: PMC6694769 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2018.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-Cytidine deaminase fusion enzymes—termed “base editors”—allow targeted editing of genomic deoxycytidine to deoxythymidine (C:G→T:A) without the need for double-stranded break induction. Base editors represent a paradigm shift in gene editing technology due to their unprecedented efficiency to mediate targeted, single-base conversion. However, current analysis of base editing outcomes rely on methods that are either imprecise or expensive and time-consuming. To overcome these limitations, we developed a simple, cost-effective, and accurate program to measure base editing efficiency from fluorescence-based Sanger sequencing, termed “EditR.” We provide EditR as a free online tool or downloadable desktop application requiring a single Sanger sequencing file and guide RNA sequence. EditR is more accurate than enzymatic assays, and provides added insight to the position, type, and efficiency of base editing. Furthermore, EditR is likely amenable to quantify base editing from the recently developed adenosine deaminase base editors that act on either DNA (adenosine deaminase base editors [ABEs]) or RNA (REPAIRs) (catalyzes A:T→G:C). Collectively, we demonstrate that EditR is a robust, inexpensive tool that will facilitate the broad application of base editing technology, thereby fostering further innovation in this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell G Kluesner
- 1 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,3 Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Derek A Nedveck
- 4 Department of Plant Biology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Walker S Lahr
- 1 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,3 Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - John R Garbe
- 5 Genomics Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Juan E Abrahante
- 6 Informatics Institute, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Beau R Webber
- 1 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,3 Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- 1 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,3 Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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