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Postentry restriction to human immunodeficiency virus-based vector transduction in human monocytes.

Cells of the monocyte lineage can be infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) both during clinical infection and in vitro. The ability of HIV-1-based vectors to transduce human monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) was therefore examined, in order to develop an efficient protocol for antigen gene delivery to human antigen-presenting cells. Freshly isolated monocytes were refractory to HIV-1-based vector transduction but became transducible after in vitro differentiation to mature macrophages. This maturation-dependent transduction was independent of the HIV-1 accessory proteins Vif, Vpr, Vpu, and Nef in the packaging cells and of the central polypurine tract in the vector, and it was also observed with a vesicular stomatitis virus-pseudotyped HIV-1 provirus, defective only in envelope and Nef. The level and extent of reverse transcription of the HIV-1-based vector was similar after infection of immature monocytes and of mature macrophages. However, 2LTR vector circles could not be detected in monocytes, suggesting a block to vector nuclear entry in these cells. Transduction of freshly isolated monocytes exposed to HIV-1-based vector could be rescued by subsequent differentiation into DCs. This rescue was induced by fetal calf serum in the DC culture medium, which promoted vector nuclear entry.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by HIV-1-based lentivirus vectors expressing transdominant Rev.

Retrovirus vectors expressing transdominant-negative mutants of Rev (TdRev) inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by preventing the nuclear export of unspliced viral transcripts, thus inhibiting the synthesis of Gag-Pol, Env, and genomic RNA. The use of HIV-1-based vectors to express TdRev would have the advantage of allowing access to nondividing hematopoietic cells. It would also provide additional levels of protection by sequestering the viral regulatory proteins Tat and Rev, competing for encapsidation into wild-type virions, and inhibiting reverse transcription. Here we describe HIV-1-based vectors that express TdRev. These vectors contain mutations in the splicing signals or replacement of the Rev-responsive element by the simian retrovirus type 1 constitutive transport element, making them less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of TdRev. In addition, overexpression of Rev and the use of an HIV-1 helper plasmid that drives high levels of Gag-Pol synthesis were used to transiently overcome the inhibition by TdRev of the synthesis of Gag-Pol during vector production. SupT1 cells transduced with these vectors were more resistant to HIV-1 replication than cells transduced with Moloney murine leukemia virus-based vectors expressing TdRev. Furthermore, we show that these vectors can be mobilized by the wild-type virus, reducing the infectivity of virions escaping inhibition and conferring protection against HIV-1 replication to previously untransduced cells.

Blotting, Southern↗

Evaluation of Tat-encoding bicistronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gene transfer vectors in primary canine bone marrow mononuclear cells.

Tat-encoding human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gene transfer vectors were evaluated in primary canine bone marrow mononuclear cells. Tat vectors provided higher levels of gene expression than vectors with internal promoters. The HIV-1 vector was also more efficient than Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) vectors for transduction of canine bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro. Transplantation experiments in dogs with transduced autologous marrow cells confirmed the superiority of HIV-1 vectors over MoMLV vectors for gene transfer into canine bone marrow cells. Tat vectors may be useful not only for providing high levels of therapeutic gene expression in hematopoietic cells but also for study of the biological effects of Tat in those tissues in the canine model.

Animals↗

Cross-packaging of a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) type 2 vector genome into multiple AAV serotypes enables transduction with broad specificity.

The serotypes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) have the potential to become important resources for clinical gene therapy. In an effort to compare the role of serotype-specific virion shells on vector transduction, we cloned each of the serotype capsid coding domains into a common vector backbone containing AAV type 2 replication genes. This strategy allowed the packaging of AAV2 inverted terminal repeat vectors into each serotype-specific virions. Each of these helper plasmids (pXR1 through pXR5) efficiently replicated the transgene DNA and expressed helper proteins at nearly equivalent levels. In this study, we observed a correlation between the amount of transgene replication and packaging efficiency. The physical titer of these hybrid vectors ranged between 1.3 x 10(11) and 9.8 x 10(12)/ml (types 1 and 2, respectively). Of the five serotype vectors, only types 2 and 3 were efficiently purified by heparin-Sepharose column chromatography, illustrating the high degree of similarity between these virions. We analyzed vector transduction in reference and mutant Chinese hamster ovary cells deficient in heparan sulfate proteoglycan and saw a correlation between transduction and heparan sulfate binding data. In this analysis, types 1 and 5 were most consistent in transduction efficiency across all cell lines tested. In vivo each serotype was ranked after comparison of transgene levels by using different routes of injection and strains of rodents. Overall, in this analysis, type 1 was superior for efficient transduction of liver and muscle, followed in order by types 5, 3, 2, and 4. Surprisingly, this order changed when vector was introduced into rat retina. Types 5 and 4 were most efficient, followed by type 1. These data established a hierarchy for efficient serotype-specific vector transduction depending on the target tissue. These data also strongly support the need for extending these analyses to additional animal models and human tissue. The development of these helper plasmids should facilitate direct comparisons of serotypes, as well as begin the standardization of production for further clinical development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A high-capacity, capsid-modified hybrid adenovirus/adeno-associated virus vector for stable transduction of human hematopoietic cells.

To achieve stable gene transfer into human hematopoietic cells, we constructed a new vector, DeltaAd5/35.AAV. This vector has a chimeric capsid containing adenovirus type 35 fibers, which conferred efficient infection of human hematopoietic cells. The DeltaAd5/35.AAV vector genome is deleted for all viral genes, allowing for infection without virus-associated toxicity. To generate high-capacity DeltaAd5/35.AAV vectors, we employed a new technique based on recombination between two first-generation adenovirus vectors. The resultant vector genome contained an 11.6-kb expression cassette including the human gamma-globin gene and the HS2 and HS3 elements of the beta-globin locus control region. The expression cassette was flanked by adeno-associated virus (AAV) inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). Infection with DeltaAd5/35.AAV allowed for stable transgene expression in a hematopoietic cell line after integration into the host genome through the AAV ITR(s). This new vector exhibits advantages over existing integrating vectors, including an increased insert capacity and tropism for hematopoietic cells. It has the potential for stable ex vivo transduction of hematopoietic stem cells in order to treat sickle cell disease.

Adenoviridae↗

Heterologous human immunodeficiency virus type 1 lentiviral vectors packaging a simian immunodeficiency virus-derived genome display a specific postentry transduction defect in dendritic cells.

Heterologous lentiviral vectors (LVs) represent a way to address safety concerns in the field of gene therapy by decreasing the possibility of genetic recombination between vector and packaging constructs and the generation of replication-competent viruses. Using described LVs based on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus MAC251 (SIV(MAC251)), we asked whether heterologous virion particles in which trans-acting factors belonged to HIV-1 and cis elements belonged to SIV(MAC251) (HIV-siv) would behave as parental homologous vectors in all cell types. To our surprise, we found that although the heterologous HIV-siv vector was as infectious as its homologous counterpart in most human cells, it was defective in the transduction of dendritic cells (DCs) and, to a lesser extent, macrophages. In DCs, the main postentry defect was observed in the formation of two-long-terminal-repeat circles, despite the fact that full-length proviral DNA was being synthesized and was associated with the nucleus. Taken together, our data suggest that heterologous HIV-siv vectors display a cell-dependent infectivity defect, most probably at a post-nuclear entry migration step. As homologous HIV and SIV vectors do transduce DCs, we believe that these results underscore the importance of a conserved interaction between cis elements and trans-acting viral factors that is lost or suboptimal in heterologous vectors and essential only in the transduction of certain cell types. For gene therapy purposes, these findings indicate that the cellular tropism of LVs can be modulated not only through the use of distinct envelope proteins or tissue-specific promoters but also through the specific combinatorial use of packaging and transfer vector constructs.

Animals↗

Enhanced mucosal immunoglobulin A response of intranasal adenoviral vector human immunodeficiency virus vaccine and localization in the central nervous system.

Replication-defective adenovirus (ADV) vectors represent a promising potential platform for the development of a vaccine for AIDS. Although this vector is typically administered intramuscularly, it would be desirable to induce mucosal immunity by delivery through alternative routes. In this study, the immune response and biodistribution of ADV vectors delivered by different routes were evaluated. ADV vectors expressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag, Pol, and Env were delivered intramuscularly or intranasally into mice. Intranasal immunization induced greater HIV-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses in mucosal secretions and sera than in animals with intramuscular injection, which showed stronger systemic cellular and IgG responses. Administration of the vaccine through an intranasal route failed to overcome prior ADV immunity. Animals exposed to ADV prior to vaccination displayed substantially reduced cellular and humoral immune responses to HIV antigens in both groups, though the reduction was greater in animals immunized intranasally. This inhibition was partially overcome by priming with a DNA expression vector expressing HIV-1 Gag, Pol, and Env before boosting with the viral vector. Biodistribution of recombinant adenovirus (rADV) vectors administered intranasally revealed infection of the central nervous system, specifically in the olfactory bulb, possibly via retrograde transport by olfactory neurons in the nasal epithelium, which may limit the utility of this route of delivery of ADV vector-based vaccines.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Characterization of nonpathogenic, live, viral vaccine vectors inducing potent cellular immune responses.

Experimental vaccines based on recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSV) expressing foreign viral proteins are protective in several animal disease models. Although these attenuated viruses are nonpathogenic in nonhuman primates when given by nasal, oral, or intramuscular routes, they are pathogenic in mice when given intranasally, and further vector attenuation may be required before human trials with VSV-based vectors can begin. Mutations truncating the VSV glycoprotein (G) cytoplasmic domain from 29 to 9 or 1 amino acid (designated CT9 or CT1, respectively) were shown previously to attenuate VSV growth in cell culture and pathogenesis in mice. Here we show that VSV recombinants carrying either the CT1 or CT9 deletion and expressing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Env protein are nonpathogenic in mice, even when given by the intranasal route. We then carried out a detailed analysis of the CD8+ T-cell responses, including in vivo cytotoxic T-cell activity, induced by these vectors. When given by either the intranasal or intraperitoneal route, the VSV-CT9 vector expressing HIV Env elicited primary and memory CD8+ T-cell responses to Env equivalent to those elicited by recombinant wild-type VSV expressing Env. The VSV-CT1 vector also induced potent CD8+ T-cell responses after intraperitoneal vaccination, but was less effective when given by the intranasal route. The VSV-CT1 vector was also substantially less effective than the VSV-CT9 or wild-type vector at inducing antibody to Env. The VSV-CT9 vector appears ideal because of its lack of pathogenesis, propagation to high titers in vitro, and stimulation of strong cellular and humoral immune responses.

Animals↗

Neutrophils interact with adenovirus vectors via Fc receptors and complement receptor 1.

Neutrophils are effectors of the innate immune response to adenovirus vectors. Following the systemic administration of Cy2-labeled AdLuc in mice, flow cytometry and PCR analysis of liver leukocytes revealed that 25% of recruited neutrophils interacted with adenovirus vectors. In vitro, flow cytometry of human neutrophils incubated with Cy2-labeled AdLuc also demonstrated a significant interaction with adenovirus vectors. Fluorescence and electron microscopy confirmed vector internalization by neutrophils. The AdLuc-neutrophil interaction reduced vector transduction efficiency by more than 50% in coincubation assays in epithelium-derived cells. Adenovirus vector uptake by neutrophils occurred independently of coxsackievirus adenovirus receptor (CAR) and capsid RGD motifs, since neutrophils do not express CAR and uptake of the RGD-deleted vector AdL.PB* was similar to that of AdLuc. Furthermore, both AdLuc and AdL.PB* activated neutrophils and induced similar degrees of L-selectin shedding. Neutrophil uptake of AdLuc was dependent on the presence of complement and antibodies, since the interaction between AdLuc and neutrophils was significantly reduced when they were incubated in immunoglobulin G-depleted or heat-inactivated human serum. Blocking of complement receptor 1 (CD35) but not complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18) significantly reduced neutrophil uptake of AdLuc. Blocking of Fc gammaRI (CD64), Fc gammaRII (CD32), and Fc gammaRIII (CD16) individually or together also reduced neutrophil uptake of AdLuc, although less than blocking of CD35 alone. Combined CR1 and Fc receptor blockade synergistically inhibited neutrophil-AdLuc interactions close to baseline. These results demonstrate opsonin-dependent adenovirus vector interactions with neutrophils and their corresponding receptors.

Adenoviridae↗

Pseudovirion particle production by live poxvirus human immunodeficiency virus vaccine vector enhances humoral and cellular immune responses.

Live-vector-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccines are an integral part of a number of HIV vaccine regimens currently under evaluation. Live vectors that carry an intact gag gene are capable of eliciting HIV pseudovirion particle formation from infected host cells. The impact of pseudovirion particle formation on the immune response generated by live HIV vaccine vectors has not been established. In this study, a canarypox HIV vaccine candidate vector expressing HIV gag and env genes, vCP205, was modified by the introduction of a glycine-to-alanine coding change in the N-terminal myristylation site of gag to create Myr- vCP205. This substitution effectively eliminated particle formation without altering the level of protein production. vCP205 and Myr- vCP205 were then directly compared for the ability to induce HIV-specific immune responses in mice. The particle-competent vector vCP205 elicited higher levels of CD8+ T-cell responses, as indicated by gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and intracellular cytokine staining. Humoral responses to Gag and Env were also markedly higher from animals immunized with the particle-competent vector. Furthermore, HIV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses were greater among animals immunized with the particle-competent vector. Using a human dendritic cell model of antigen presentation in vitro, vCP205 generated greater ELISPOT responses than Myr- vCP205. These results demonstrate that pseudovirion particle production by live-vector HIV vaccines enhances HIV-specific cellular and humoral immune responses.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Liver transduction with recombinant adeno-associated virus is primarily restricted by capsid serotype not vector genotype.

We and others have recently reported highly efficient liver gene transfer with adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV-8) pseudotypes, i.e., AAV-2 genomes packaged into AAV-8 capsids. Here we studied whether liver transduction could be further enhanced by using viral DNA packaging sequences (inverted terminal repeats [ITRs]) derived from AAV genotypes other than 2. To this end, we generated two sets of vector constructs carrying expression cassettes embedding a gfp gene or the human factor IX (hfIX) gene flanked by ITRs from AAV genotypes 1 through 6. Initial in vitro analyses of gfp vector DNA replication, encapsidation, and cell transduction revealed a surprisingly high degree of interchangeability among the six genotypes. For subsequent in vivo studies, we cross-packaged the six hfIX variants into AAV-8 and infused mice via the portal vein with doses of 5 x 10(10) to 1.8 x 10(12) particles. Notably, all vectors expressed comparably high plasma hFIX levels within a dose cohort over the following 6 months, concurrent with the finding of equivalent vector DNA copy numbers per cell. Partial hepatectomies resulted in approximately 80% drops of hFIX levels and vector DNA copy numbers in all groups, indicating genotype-independent persistence of predominantly episomal vector DNA. Southern blot analyses of total liver DNA in fact confirmed the presence of identical and mostly nonintegrated molecular vector forms for all genotypes. We conclude that, unlike serotypes, AAV genotypes are not critical for efficient hepatocyte transduction and can be freely substituted. This corroborates our current model for AAV vector persistence in the liver and provides useful information for the future design and application of recombinant AAV.

Animals↗

Adenovirus vectors activate survival pathways in lung epithelial cells.

Airway epithelial cells are often the sites of targeted adenovirus vector delivery. Activation of the host inflammatory response and modulation of signal transduction pathways by adenovirus vectors have been previously documented, including activation of MAP kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). The effect of activation of these pathways by adenovirus vectors on cell survival has not been examined. Both the PI3-kinase/Akt and ERK/MAP kinase signaling pathways have been linked to cell survival. Akt has been found to play a role in cell survival and apoptosis through its downstream effects on apoptosis-related proteins. Constitutive activation of either PI3-kinase or Akt blocks apoptosis induced by c-Myc, UV radiation, transforming growth factor-beta, Fas, and respiratory syncytial virus infection. We examined the effect of adenovirus vector infection on activation of these prosurvival pathways and its downstream consequences. Airway epithelial cells were transduced with replication-deficient adenoviral vectors containing a nonspecific transgene, green fluorescent protein driven by the cytomegalovirus promoter, or an empty vector with no transgene. They were then exposed to the proapoptotic stimulus actinomycin D plus TNF-alpha, and evidence of apoptosis was evaluated. Compared with the cells treated with actinomycin/TNF alone, the adenovirus vector-infected cells had a 50% reduction in apoptosis. When we examined induction of the prosurvival pathways, ERK and AKT, in the viral vector-infected cells, we found that there was significant activation of both Akt and ERK.

Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar↗

Using sindbis viral vectors for specific detection and suppression of advanced ovarian cancer in animal models.

We studied the therapeutic value of Sindbis vectors for advanced metastatic ovarian cancer by using two highly reproducible and clinically accurate mouse models: a SCID xenograft model, established by i.p. inoculation of human ES-2 ovarian cancer cells, and a syngenic C57BL/6 model, established by i.p. inoculation of mouse MOSEC ovarian cancer cells. We demonstrate through imaging, histologic, and molecular data that Sindbis vectors systemically and specifically infect/detect and kill metastasized tumors in the peritoneal cavity, leading to significant suppression of the carcinomatosis in both animal models. Use of two different bioluminescent genetic markers for the IVIS Imaging System permitted demonstration, for the first time, of an excellent correlation between vector delivery and metastatic locations in vivo. Sindbis vector infection and growth suppression of murine MOSEC tumor cells indicate that Sindbis tumor specificity is not attributable to a species difference between human tumor and mouse normal cells. Sindbis virus is known to infect mammalian cells using the Mr 67,000 laminin receptor. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells indicates that laminin receptor is elevated in tumor versus normal cells. Down-regulated expression of laminin receptor with small interfering RNA significantly reduces the infectivity of Sindbis vectors. Tumor overexpression of the laminin receptor may explain the specificity and efficacy that Sindbis vectors demonstrate for tumor cells in vivo. We show that incorporation of antitumor cytokine genes such as interleukin-12 and interleukin-15 genes enhances the efficacy of the vector. These results suggest that Sindbis viral vectors may be promising agents for both specific detection and growth suppression of metastatic ovarian cancer.

Animals↗

Alphavirus vectors: applications for DNA vaccine production and gene expression.

Replication-deficient alphavirus vectors have been developed for efficient high-level transgene expression. The broad host range of alphaviruses has allowed infection of a wide variety of mammalian cell lines and primary cultures. Particularly, G protein-coupled receptors have been expressed at high levels and subjected to binding and functional studies. Expression in suspension cultures has greatly facilitated production of large quantities of recombinant proteins for structural studies. Injection of recombinant alphavirus vectors into rodent brain resulted in local reporter gene expression. Highly neuron-specific expression was obtained in hippocampal slice cultures in vivo. Additionally, preliminary studies in animal models suggest that alphavirus vectors can be attractive candidates for gene therapy applications. Traditionally alphavirus vectors, either attenuated strains or replication-deficient particles, have been used to elicit efficient immune responses in animals. Recently, the application of alphaviruses has been extended to naked nucleic acids. Injection of DNA as well as RNA vectors has demonstrated efficient antigen production. In many cases, protection against lethal challenges has been obtained after immunization with alphavirus particles or nucleic acid vectors. Alphavirus vectors can therefore be considered as potentially promising vectors for vaccine production.

Alphavirus↗

Direct in vivo gene transfer into porcine myocardium using replication-deficient adenoviral vectors.

BACKGROUND: Efficient methods of introducing genes into myocardial cells must be developed before local somatic cell gene therapy can be implemented against myocardial disease. Although adenoviral (Ad5) vectors have been used to target rodent hearts and plasmid DNA has been directly injected into the myocardium of rats and dogs, the amounts of recombinant protein produced by these procedures have not been reported, and adenoviral vectors have not been used in large mammalian hearts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Replication-deficient recombinant adenoviral vectors carrying either the luciferase or lacZ reporter genes were injected directly into the ventricular myocardium of adult domestic swine for evaluation of reporter gene expression. This procedure did not affect regional myocardial function as assessed by systolic wall thickening using ultrasonic crystals. Luciferase activity was detected 3 days after injection, increased markedly at 7 days, and then declined progressively at 14 and 21 days. Luciferase production was comparable in the right and left ventricular walls and increased with increasing amounts of virus, reaching 61 +/- 21 ng at the highest dose examined (3.6 x 10(9) plaque-forming units). The injection of 200 micrograms of plasmid DNA (pRSVL) produced levels of luciferase comparable to 1.8 x 10(8) plaque-forming units of recombinant Ad5; however, when normalized to the number of genes injected, the adenovirus was 140,000 times more efficient than plasmid DNA. Histochemical analysis of beta-galactosidase activity produced by a second Ad5 vector demonstrated that nearly all (> 95%) of the stained cells were cardiomyocytes and that the percentage of cardiomyocytes infected by the virus could be quite high in microscopic regions adjacent to the needle track (up to 75% in fields of 60 to 70 cells); however, Ad5-infected cells were rarely observed farther than 5 mm from the injection site. Furthermore, the Ad5 vector induced pronounced leukocytic infiltration that was far in excess of that seen after injection of vehicle alone. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time that direct intramyocardial injection of replication-deficient adenovirus can program recombinant gene expression in the cardiomyocytes of a large animal species with relevance to human physiology. The efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer is far superior to that of plasmid DNA injection, and this method appears to be capable of producing more recombinant protein. However, the cell-mediated immune response to the Ad5 vector and the limited distribution of reporter gene expression suggest that less immunogenic recombinant vectors and more homogeneous administration methods will be required before Ad5 vectors can be successfully used for phenotypic modulation.

Adenoviridae↗

Inclusion of the E3 region in an adenoviral vector decreases inflammation and neointima formation after arterial gene transfer.

Adenoviral vectors are promising agents for vascular gene transfer. Their use, however, is limited by inflammatory host responses, neointima formation, and brevity of transgene expression. Inclusion of the immunomodulatory adenoviral E3 genes in a vector might prevent inflammation and neointima formation and prolong transgene expression. We compared 2 adenoviral vectors in a model of in vivo gene transfer to rabbit arteries. Both vectors expressed a luciferase reporter gene. One vector (AdE3Luc) contained the adenovirus early 3 (E3) region and the other (AdRSVLuc) lacked E3. Expression of E3 genes by AdE3Luc was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Arteries transduced with AdE3Luc had substantially and significantly less inflammation (fewer T cells and lower levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression) and decreased neointima formation 14 days after gene transfer. Luciferase expression from the 2 vectors was equivalent, however, at both 3 and 14 days after gene transfer. Expression of E3 had no systemic immunosuppressive effects, as measured by peripheral blood counts and by assays for serum antibodies to adenovirus. We conclude that expression of E3 significantly decreases adenovirus-induced arterial wall inflammation and neointima formation. Because inflammation and neointima formation are major barriers to the clinical application of adenoviral vectors, use of E3-containing vectors improves the promise of adenovirus-mediated arterial gene transfer.

Adenoviridae↗

Fluorescently labeled adenovirus with pIX-EGFP for vector detection.

Adenoviruses are extensively studied in terms of their use as gene therapy vectors and pathogenesis. These vectors have been targeted on both transcriptional and transductional levels to achieve cell-specific gene delivery. Current detection strategies, including reporter gene expression, viral component detection, and vector labeling with fluorophores, have been applied to analyze adenoviral vectors; however, these methods are inadequate for assessing transductional targeting. As an alternative to conventional vector detection techniques, we developed a specific genetic labeling system whereby an adenoviral vector incorporates a fusion between capsid protein IX and EGFP. DNA packaging and thermostability were marginally hampered by the modification while DNA replication, cytopathic effect, and CAR-dependent binding were not affected. The fluorescent label was associated with the virus capsid and conferred a fluorescent property useful in detecting adenoviral particles in flow cytometry, tracking, and tissue sections. We believe our genetic adenovirus labeling system has important implications for vector development, detecting adenovirus vectors in targeting schemes, and studying adenovirus biology. In addition, this technique has potential utility for dynamic monitoring of adenovirus replication and spread.

Adenovirus E1 Proteins↗

CAR-dependent and CAR-independent pathways of adenovirus vector-mediated gene transfer and expression in human fibroblasts.

Primary fibroblasts are not efficiently transduced by subgroup C adenovirus (Ad) vectors because they express low levels of the high-affinity Coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor (CAR). In the present study, we have used primary human dermal fibroblasts as a model to explore strategies by which Ad vectors can be designed to enter cells deficient in CAR. Using an Ad vector expressing the human CAR cDNA (AdCAR) at high multiplicity of infection, primary fibroblasts were converted from being CAR deficient to CAR sufficient. Efficiency of subsequent gene transfer by standard Ad5-based vectors and Ad5-based vectors with alterations in penton and fiber was evaluated. Marked enhancement of binding and transgene expression by standard Ad5 vectors was achieved in CAR-sufficient fibroblasts. Expression by AdDeltaRGDbetagal, an Ad5-based vector lacking the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) alphaV integrin recognition site from its penton base, was achieved in CAR-sufficient, but not CAR-deficient, cells. Fiber-altered Ad5-based vectors, including (a) AdF(pK7)betagal (bearing seven lysines on the end of fiber) (b) AdF(RGD)betagal (bearing a high-affinity RGD sequence on the end of fiber), and (c) AdF9sK betagal (bearing a short fiber and Ad9 knob), demonstrated enhanced gene transfer in CAR-deficient fibroblasts, with no further enhancement in CAR-sufficient fibroblasts. Together, these observations demonstrate that CAR deficiency on Ad targets can be circumvented either by supplying CAR or by modifying the Ad fiber to bind to other cell-surface receptors.

Adenoviruses, Human↗