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Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_5943_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

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1 Introduction to AAV-based invivo Gene Therapy
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10
Table1.3  Complete and active AAV gene therapy clinical trial indications.
Indications of clinical trials Complete Active
Muscular Disorders 12 8 Vision Defects 10 4 Neurodegenerative Diseases 10 13 Retinal Diseases 9 25 Lysosomal & Glycogen Storage Disorders 7 20 Blood Coagulation Disorders 5 20 Cardiovascular Diseases 2 4 Amino Acid Metabolism Disorders 1 5 Arthritis 1 1 Infections 3 Adrenal Diseases 3 Developmental Disorders 2 Digestive System Diseases 3 1 Hearing Loss 1 Cancer 1
Despite its promise and setbacks, gene therapy’s potential across therapeutic areas remains enormous, offering the hope of “one and done” cures for serious diseases with significant unmet needs. AAV‐based gene therapy has received the most attention in basic and clinical research recently, moving rapidly into the bio­technology industry, resulting in clinical trials designed to prove its efficiency, safety, cost‐effectiveness, and range of use. Recombinant AAVs (rAAVs), engi­neered capsids with lower immunogenicity, the addition of synthetic promoters, and gene editing techniques are just some of the developments in AAV vector‐ based gene therapy. Although these developments have come to fruition relatively quickly, many challenges remain when developing and using gene therapy treat­ments. Several gene editing techniques have emerged over the past two decades, which have been crucial in researching and developing disease mechanisms, therapies, and more. Although there have been setbacks, the promise of gene therapies and the potential of direct gene editing remains. The technological advancements in labs, clinics, and manufacturing processes continue to make it more and more possible for long‐lasting rare disease treatments. Thus, it is crucial to understand how AAV‐based gene therapies are created and implemented, the benefits and risks of these treatments, as well as the identification of their most relevant indications.
1.1 Introduction 11
Wild-type AAV genome
rAAV particles
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1.1.3  The AAV Vector Structure
The AAV is part of the Parvoviridae family, being approximately 25 nm in diameter with its DNA contained within an icosahedral capsid, the protein shell. Single‐ stranded DNA of approximately 4.7
kb is composed of genes for three capsid pro­teins[22] four rep proteins, and an assembly‐activating protein[23]. Palindromic inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) are located at each end[24], forming T‐shaped hairpin structures. The Rep gene is required for DNA replication and packaging, and the Cap gene encodes the capsid assembly proteins. In studies of AAV2, it was found that the structural proteins, VP1, 2, and 3, exist in a 1:1:10 ratio, forming an icosahedral, symmetrical shape [25]. VP1was essential for infection while VP2was necessary for nuclear transfer of capsid proteins[26]. VP3was found to allow the binding of the virus to cell receptors[27, 28].
The AAV was discovered in 1965 as a contaminant of an adenovirus preparation from rhesus monkey kidney cell cultures infected with simian adenovirus type 1[3]. AAVs rely on helper viruses in order to replicate in mammalian cells, typi­cally adenoviruses or herpes viruses.
When using AAV as a vector, the DNA of interest replaces the genomic DNA, the Rep and Cap genes, between the ITRs[29]. The exogenous DNA is referred to as the transgene expression cassette. When creating a recombinant AAV, the gene expression cassette needs to include a promoter, transgene, and a termination sig­nal, which is specific to the goals of that particular gene therapy. Figure1.2 dis­plays the requirements for creating a rAAV vector. Tissue and cell‐type specificity, packaging size limits, and necessary expression level all need careful considera­tion when creating the gene expression cassette.
ITR
Expression vector
ITR ITR
Promotor Transgene pA
Figure1.2  Creation of recombinant AAV particles.
Packaging cells
Co-transfection
Cap
Promotor
Adenoviral helper genes
Rep
ITRRep
Helper vectors
Cap
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However, the baculovirus‐infected insect (Sf9) system is increasingly used with scale‐up production. Specifically, the OneBac system has been developed which integrates rep and cap into one baculovirus, resulting in a decrease in the required number of baculovirus particles for efficient rAAV production[30].
1.1.4  Cell Entry and Transduction Pathway
Wild‐type AAV viruses can infect dividing and nondividing cells. The majority of the AAV genomes, wild‐type and recombinant, exist as circular episomes in tis­sues, though integration into the host cell chromosomes at AAV integration sites can happen in low frequency[31]. AAV will not replicate without Rep proteins, which regulate viral transcription. Rep proteins can be provided by a helper virus and remain latent until this occurs[32]. Once the helper virus is delivered, the Rep genes are expressed and replication can occur via the rolling hairpin mecha­nism, where a Rep protein binds the Rep binding element (RBE) within the hair­pin, followed by duplication of the DNA strand and packaging. The cell entry and transduction process of an rAAV is shown in Figure1.3. Cellular transduction of an AAV vector begins with viral capsid interaction with the target cell’s receptors. The cell uses endocytosis (clathrin‐coated pits) to internalize the virus, which
AAV binds receptor of
target cell
2
Endosome
3
Endosomal escape
4
Figure1.3  rAAV vector entry and transduction pathway. (1) AAV vectors bind to receptors
of target cells, (2) initiating endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits. (3) The endosomal compartment contains the AAV, (5) which can escape to the nucleus through the nuclear pore. (6) Uncoating releases single-stranded DNA (7) for a second strand to be synthesized (de novo synthesis or base pair strand annealing). (8 and 9) This leads to the production of the corrected/therapeutic mRNA and subsequent protein to be produced.
Endocytosis
Enters nucleus
5
Corrected/therapeutic
9
protein
Uncoating
6
7
Converts to double stranded DNA
Produce mRNA
8
then enters the endocytic/proteasomal compartment. These may be critical steps
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for transduction because injection of AAV2 directly into cells resulted in a reduced infection rate compared to exposure[33]. Interestingly, the efficiency of transduc­tion is largely affected by acidity of the endosomal compartment[34]. Proteasome inhibitors also increase transduction efficiency[35].
The virus escapes the endosome and is imported through the nuclear pore com­plex into the nucleus, undergoes capsid uncoating, and the DNA is converted into double‐stranded DNA via de novo synthesis or base pairing. The DNA can then be transcribed and expressed [36]. Particles that are not able to translocate to the nucleus are degraded by the proteasome and presented to cytotoxic T cells[37]. Thus, prior to genome integration, intracellular trafficking involves a number of events in which breakdown at any step can result in failure of gene delivery.
De novo synthesis of the complementary DNA strand and strand annealing result in the conversion of single‐stranded DNA to double‐stranded DNA. Strand anneal­ing involves the base pairing of a coinfected separate AAV complementary single‐ strand genome. Due to the synthesis of the second DNA strand being considered the rate‐limiting factor in transduction efficiency, second‐generation AAV vectors with double‐stranded DNA have been developed, called self‐ AAV vectors, which have been shown to be safe and reliable for organ‐specific transduction[38, 39].
complementary
131.2 Advantages and Disadvantages for AAV invivo
1.2   Advantages and Disadvantages for AAV invivo
1.2.1  Effectiveness and Advantages of AAV Vectors for invivo Gene Therapy
AAV vector has been labeled as the safest and most effective vehicle for the delivery of invivo gene therapies that produce long‐term expression with a single injection. rAAV effectiveness is largely determined by the interaction of the capsid and the cell surface receptors as well as downstream events after internalization. Transduction efficiency can be altered due to the endosomal compartment pH and the use of proteasome inhibitors[34, 35]. Immune reactions to AAVs significantly impact a gene therapy’s efficiency and will be discussed further in Section 1.5.3. Addressing Immunogenicity and Chapter5.
There are many advantages to using AAV vectors for gene therapy. The human native AAV is not known to cause disease, has no pathogenicity[3], and has the ability to infect numerous mammalian cell types. AAVs efficiently deliver genetic material with low toxicity and immunogenicity, a good safety profile, and long‐ term effects[40, 41].
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1.2.2  Challenges of AAV Vectors for invivo Gene Therapy
Challenges, of course, still exist for gene therapy using AAV vectors. Large‐scale manufacturing, particularly quality control and standardization, is difficult to maintain for gene therapies, resulting in high costs. Although AAVs provide effi­cient gene delivery, they are less immunogenic than adenoviruses. Before trans­duction, single‐stranded DNA from AAVs must first be made into double‐stranded DNA. AAVs have limited capacity, holding approximately 4.7kilobases (kb)[22]. Implementing a split vector approach can bypass the limitation of small capacity; however, serogenicity and type of cell or tissue can markedly affect the expression of split vectors. Also, replacing Rep genes with exogenous DNA lowers the trans­duction frequency because, without them, ITRs have little enhancer and promo­tor activity. Self‐complementary vector AAVs can be implemented to improve efficiency and onset of gene therapies.
There are potential sources of toxicity that must be considered in the development of AAV gene therapies, insertion mutagenesis, tumor induction, and immune response, dependent upon reactions to the capsid and DNA of the AAV. Toxicity has been reported for AAV clinical trials, causing hepatotoxicity, muscle toxicity, throm­botic microangiopathy, etc.[42]. Route of administration and number of viral parti­cles used for gene therapy may contribute to toxicity and the immune response as well. In two studies testing a hemophilia B gene therapy, AAV gene transfer in the liver resulted in the development of capsid‐specific CD8+ T cells and elimination of transduced hepatocytes. The reaction was halted by oral corticosteroids [40, 43], although in some cases, immune‐modulating agents have been shown not able to prevent loss of transgene expression. Reactions to natural AAV capsids may predict the reaction and effectiveness of AAV‐based gene therapies [44]. Transient B‐cell depletion and inducing immune tolerance with rapamycin may be good strategies to reduce the host immune response to AAVs, though better strategies may be necessary to prevent a decrease or, in some cases, a complete loss in transgene expression.
Immunogenicity and malignancy are other challenges that must be addressed dur­ing development and preclinical studies to ensure patient safety. Manufacturing gene therapies can be challenging because of the quality control needed throughout and production costs. Scalability has been a major obstacle to gene therapy production. Due to the time it takes for clinical trials and regulatory procedures, drugs take ample time to reach the market, even for diseases without any current treatment options.
1.3   Technology Platforms of AAV-based invivo Gene Therapy
Genetic editing is the act of revising, removing, or replacing DNA directly, which can be used to tailor recombinant AAVs for specific gene therapies. Gene therapy
uses gene replacement, gene addition, genome editing, and gene regulation tech-
ZFN & TALEN
DNA r
CRISPR/Cas9
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niques. Typically, ZFN, transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are used for various gene editing techniques. Each technology has specific uses and limita­tions, which are discussed in brief in this chapter. Further detail will be provided in Chapter2.
1.3.1  cDNA Replacement
cDNA replacement is the method used in gene replacement therapies to express a functional copy of a defective gene episomally, directed by an exogenous pro­moter, which results in stable gene expression. Most programs use AAV to deliver vectors in gene replacement, although this method is limited to recessive or hap­loinsufficient disease targets. Artificial promoters allow for specificity but can compromise physiological gene expression.
1.3.2  Genome Editing
Breaks and DNA repair are used in genome editing to design specific, targeted vectors. Genome editing can be performed using various platforms, including ZFN, TALEN, CRISPR/Cas9, base and primer editing, and RNAi gene silencing. These technologies will be introduced next in this chapter with more detail explained in Chapter2.
Many gene editing techniques utilize a DNA nuclease to cleave a specific site in the genome (Figure1.4). ZFNs and TALENs have been used previously but are challeng­ing and time‐consuming to design or have large constructs with limited transduction.
151.3 Technology Platforms of AAV-based invivo Gene Therapy
FOK1
ecognition protein motif
Figure1.4  Gene editing techniques using double-stranded breaks. ZFN and TALEN use
DNA recognition protein motifs and fused with a cleaving enzyme (FOK1). CRISPR/Cas9 uses a guide RNA that binds to a target sequence, then Cas9 binds the guide RNA to cleave both DNA strands.
DNA recognition protein motif
FOK1
Cas9
Guide RNA
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Genome editing platforms can be combined with viral vectors to improve a gene ther­apy’s efficacy and lower the risk of off‐target effects.
1.3.2.1 ZFN
Targeted gene replacement was first developed using ZFNs. Both ZFN and TALEN technologies pair protein domains with nucleotides with a cleaving enzyme to create a double‐stranded break (DSB). Approximately 30 amino acids make up one zinc‐finger motif, each able to bind three nucleotides. ZFNs generally display lower specificity than TALENs [45, 46] and relatively similar specificity to improved CRISPR/Cas9 methods with certain guide RNAs (gRNAs) [47–49]. However, specificity can be difficult to compare and depends on the specific tech­nological methods, including the gene editing target and nuclease architecture. It also produces less immune reaction compared to the newer CRISPR technology. In human studies using ZFN for gene editing was found to have a good safety profile with evidence of successful gene editing, although sustained expression was not detected[50].
1.3.2.2  TALENs
TALENs make use of non‐specific DNA nucleases bound to a DNA‐binding domain that can target a specific sequence. TALENs were more quick and efficient to use compared to earlier technologies[51]. The first use of TALEN technology in human treatment was in 2015, treating pediatric acute B lymphoblastic leukemia with TALEN‐engineered CAR T cells [52]. TALEN can be advantageous for difficult‐to‐edit regions of DNA where it can be more efficient than CRISPR[53]. One disadvantage of the TALEN system is its incompatibility with AAV vectors. In general, the targeted use of TALEN invivo is challenging because of its large size and repetitive characteristics. Using high‐capacity adenovirus or non‐viral delivery is best when implementing the TALEN system directly invivo[54].
1.3.2.3  CRISPR/Cas9
CRISPR/Cas9 is a robust gene editing tool that has emerged as the preferred gene‐ editing technique because of its ease of use, low cost, and high efficacy. While ZFN and TALEN are protein‐based DNA recognition techniques, CRISPR is an RNA‐based technique. In brief, CRISPR/Cas9 binds to DNA fragments containing protospacer‐adjacent motif (PAM) sites and creates DSBs in the DNA. A gRNA locates the gene of interest or location within the DNA and a Cas9nuclease induces a DSB in the DNA. Then, DNA repair via non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous direct repair (HDR) is initiated[55].
As with most gene editing techniques, problems arise, particularly off‐target effects and immunity. Off‐target effects are an inherent issue in gene editing, being identified with use of ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9[56, 57]. Cas9 from
1.3 Technology Platforms of AAV-based invivo Gene Therapy
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bacteria, used on the human genome significantly increases the chance of off‐
target effects because the genome is much larger than that of bacteria[47]. Thus, many improvements in the CRISPR/Cas9 system have aimed at reducing off‐
target effects and providing stable genome expression. In 2007, cells treated with CRISPR were found to activate adaptive immunity, inspiring many improve­ments and modifications to the system[58].
Improving gRNA is another important area of gene therapy development because it has significant effects on sensitivity and specificity of the system. Truncated gRNA, or gRNA lengthened by two guanine nucleotides, has been found to reduce off‐target effects[48, 49, 59]. Many tools have been developed to design gRNA and detect off‐target effects invivo[60]. Integrase defective lentiviral vectors‐capture was one of the first assays created to monitor off‐target effects invivo following the use of ZFNs, and GUIDE‐seq is the common tool used to identify off‐target sites with CRISPR/Cas9 treatments[61–63]. The use of nick­ases to create a single‐stranded rather than a double‐strand break also greatly reduces off‐target effects[49].
1.3.3  Base Editing and Prime Editing
As mentioned, base and prime editing do not necessitate any DSB, making it safer and more accurate than classical gene editing technologies. Base editing is a tool for permanently correcting base pair mismatches[64]. A more recently developed method called prime editing uses prime editing gRNA (pegRNA) and Cas‐ which can correct transition mutations, unlike base editing[65].
Base editors are classified as cytosine or adenine base editors, which need an inactive Cas or Cas nickase coupled with deaminase to make the edit and a gRNA to guide Cas to the targeted DNA binding site. Dual base‐editor systems have also been created for a combinatorial editing approach[66]. Creating precise base edits of more than four transition mutations has not been feasible with base editing, leading the path to prime editing. An engineered reverse transcriptase bound to a Cas9 nickase and a prime editing gRNA are necessary for prime editing[65]. PegRNA not only holds the complementary sequence but also another sequence directing the exact sequence change. These methods will be very useful in editing large genes and the treatment of autosomal dominant diseases[67]. Because these technologies are quite new, much research is needed to determine their full safety and efficacy in a variety of uses.
nickase,
17
1.3.4  RNAi Gene Silencing
Gene silencing can be performed with RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi can be utilized for gene regulation through the knockdown of a target gene, known as
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gene silencing. This occurs through a process where double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is processed into short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), resulting in transcrip­tional or post‐transcriptional gene silencing by degradation of complementary mRNA[68]. dsRNA of more than 30 base pairs can result in a significant antiviral response and apoptosis[69]. Probably the most promising area for RNAi is in antiviral strategy for infections[70].
1.3.5  Gene Addition
Gene therapy for more complex genetic diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer can be performed via gene addition methods to over‐express an endogenous or synthetic gene. A herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector has been developed contain­ing the granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) gene to help immune effector cells attack tumor cells[71]. Another example of gene addi­tion has been done by transferring a CAR gene into T cells exvivo for treating B‐cell malignancies[72].
1.4   AAV Serotypes and Tissue Affinity
Twelve AAV serotypes have been identified, and over 100 variants have been found in human or nonhuman primate tissues; although, the best character­ized is AAV2[29]. Optimal serotypes are specific to tissue type, including AAVs 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 9 for the central nervous system (CNS), AAVs 1, 8, and 9 for the heart, AAV2 for the kidney, AAVs 7–9 for liver, AAVs 4–6 and 9 for the lung, AAV8 for the pancreas, AAVs 2, 5, and 8 for photoreceptor cells, AAVs 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 for retinal pigment epithelium, and AAV1 and 6–9 for skeletal muscle. The varying serotypes with differing tissue specificity and infection rates, make AAV vectors a great candidate for gene therapy. AAV gene therapies commonly target the liver, CNS, and muscle, which can become biofactories for producing the required protein.
Other characteristics specific to an individual or a few AAV serotypes include their transduction efficiency, homology to other serotypes, and speed of tissue targeting. AAV1 and 6 share 99% homology, while AAV2has close homology to most serotypes, not including AAV4, 5, 11, and 12. AAV 8 and 10 share 93% homol­ogy, and AAV11 and 12 have close homology to AAV4. AAV5 shares the least homology with other serotypes. Zincarelli et al. found that AAV2‐5 have low transduction efficiency, and AAV3 and 4 are slow in targeting tissues[73], but this varies significantly depending on cell type[74].
1.5 Precision Medicine: Screening and Monitoring Biomarkers, Companion Diagnostics 19
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1.4.1  The Liver asa Biofactory
The liver is targeted in gene therapies of hemophilia for the production of factor VIII and factor IX, missing coagulation proteins[75]. Hemophilia is an ideal tar­get for gene therapy, especially as the genetics and pathophysiology of the disease are well understood. The goal of gene therapy is the long‐term expression of the missing genes in the coagulation cascade at levels high enough to be therapeutic, a so‐called functional cure. A growing body of clinical experience supports the use of liver‐directed rAAV as a gene therapy transporter of the replacement gene for the treatment of hemophilia[75, 76].
1.4.2  The CNS asa Biofactory
Some neurodegenerative disease gene therapies have been successfully developed for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and are being developed for other CNS dis­eases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and ALS. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) tends to be an obstacle for AAVs. Two AAVs are known to cross the BBB; IV injection of AAV9 and AAVrh.10was shown to cross the BBB more effec­tively than AAV2 or AAV8 to transduce neurons and glial cells[77]. More research is critical to determine how the CNS can be targeted efficiently to use as a gene therapy biofactory for CNS diseases and disorders.
1.4.3  The Muscle asa Biofactory
Muscular dystrophies are another area of interest for gene therapy. AAV8 and AAV9 tend to be used for targeting muscle, although AAV1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 can also be utilized[78]. Muscle can be used as a biofactory, producing secretory factors for infectious diseases, diabetes, atherosclerosis, hemophilia, and cancer therapeutic agents. Muscle cells display the ability to secrete recombinant therapeutic pro­teins into the bloodstream after intramuscular AAV transduction, making it a use­ful tool for the treatment of distant organs[17].
1.5   Precision Medicine: Screening and Monitoring  Biomarkers, Companion Diagnostics
Besides standard efficacy and safety assessments using clinical outcomes, usually primary endpoints in clinical trials, the incorporation of biomarkers can support the monitoring of patients on gene therapies. These biomarkers include transla­tional, structural, functional, and tumorigenesis biomarkers, which can be used