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[Non-viral vector mediating human coagulation factor VIII gene expression in mouse 32D cell line].

To investigate the non-viral vector mediating human coagulation factor VIII gene expression in mouse 32D cell line, a recombinant plasmid vector, pRC/RSV-hFVIIIBDcDNA, was constructed by cloning B-domain-deleted (Delta760aa-1639aa) human factor VIII cDNA (hFVIIIBDcDNA) into plasmid vector, pRC/RSV. The plasmid RC/RSV-hFVIIIBDcDNA was then transfected by means of SuperFect Transfection Reagent into mouse 32D cell line. After screening with G418, the procoagulant activity (hFVIII:C) and antigen (hFVIII:Ag) of human factor VIII in the culture medium were detected using one-stage method and ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, RT-PCR was performed to observe the transcription of hFVIIIBDcDNA. The results showed that human coagulation factor VIII protein existed in culture medium with hFVIII:C up to 2.01 U/(10(6) cell x 24 hours) and hFVIII:Ag to 450.08 ng/(10(6) cell x 24 hours). RT-PCR displayed mRNA of hFVIIIBDcDNA in 32D cells. It is concluded that the recombinant plasmid RC/RSV-hFVIIIBDcDNA can successfully express human FVIII in mouse 32D cell line, and hFVIII expressed in vitro presents the similar coagulant activity to the native hFVIII existing in normal human plasma.

Animals↗

Comparison of adenoviral and adeno-associated viral vectors for pancreatic gene delivery in vivo.

Although effective gene therapy vectors have been developed for organ systems such as the liver, an effective delivery vector to the pancreas in vivo has remained elusive. Of the currently available viral vectors, adenovirus and adeno-associated virus (AAV) are two of the most efficient at transducing nondividing cells. We have constructed recombinant adenovirus (AdVLacZ), adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2LacZ), and pseudotyped adeno-associated virus serotype 5 and 8 (AAV5LacZ, AAV8LacZ) carrying the LacZ reporter, and compared the transduction efficiency of these four vectors in the pancreas of mice in vivo. We showed that adenovirus, AAV2, and AAV8 are capable of transducing the pancreas in vivo, but with different expression kinetics, efficiencies of transduction, and persistence. AdVLacZ-transduced pancreas exhibited maximum LacZ expression at 1 week postdelivery, with greater than 90% of expression lost at 4 weeks. AAV2LacZ-transduced pancreas displayed peak LacZ levels at 4 weeks postdelivery, with no significant decrease in expression for up to 8 weeks. AAV8LacZ was at least 10-fold more efficient than AAV2LacZ in transducing the pancreas in vivo, with significant levels of expression detectable at 1 week, whereas AAV5LacZ did not result in any detectable transgene expression at all tested time points. All three vectors primarily transduced pancreatic acinar cell types, with limited transduction of pancreatic endocrine cells. AdVLacZ elicited a significant leukocyte infiltration early after delivery into the pancreas, whereas none of the AAV vectors elicited a significant leukocyte response. None of the tested vectors caused significant changes in serum amylase or blood glucose levels, suggesting that they do not significantly alter pancreatic function. These vectors will be useful for studying novel gene delivery based treatments in animal models for diabetes and other pancreatic disorders.

Adenoviridae↗

Tumor-targeting of viral vectors for cancer gene therapy by using antibodies or their genes against tumor-associated antigens.

Gene therapy is a promising modality for the treatment of malignant tumors for which conventional therapies are often inadequate. Various therapeutic genes have shown promise for tumor cell killing. However, successful gene therapy depends on the development of efficient and targeted gene transfer vectors. The aim of this review is to summarize the tumor-targeting viral vectors for cancer gene therapy by utilizing antibodies or genes against tumor-associated antigens.

Adenoviridae↗

Local delivery of a viral vector mitigates neutralization by antiviral antibodies and results in efficient transduction of rabbit liver.

Antiviral antibodies within the human population remain a barrier to the effective clinical use of viral gene transfer vectors. We have asked whether local, balloon catheter-mediated delivery of a viral vector to the rabbit liver using a hepatic vein might mitigate the neutralizing effects of antiviral antibodies. We have compared directly the ability of adenovirus (Ad2) encoding nuclear-localized beta-galactosidase to infect the rabbit liver after local and systemic delivery in both the presence and the absence of defined anti-Ad2 antibody titers. In naive rabbits, local delivery resulted in higher beta-galactosidase expression compared to systemic delivery. In the presence of passively administered anti-Ad2 antibodies, local delivery resulted in expression levels that were comparable to those obtained in naive rabbits by systemic delivery. Local delivery also resulted in the majority of expression originating from hepatocytes, even in passively immunized animals, a result that could not be duplicated using the systemic approach. Since systemic delivery of adenovirus in naive animal models results in transgene expression levels often regarded as therapeutic, these results predict that local hepatic vein delivery of a viral vector is a clinically practical approach to mitigate neutralizing antiviral antibodies and generate therapeutic levels of transgene expression.

Adenoviridae↗

Optimal purification method for Herpes-based viral vectors that confers minimal cytotoxicity for systemic route of vector administration.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 amplicon vectors could be packaged in the presence of replication-competent helper virus or in a helper virus-free system. In the latter system, cytotoxicity due to the expression of de novo viral gene expression is greatly reduced due to the absence of helper virus. However, the titers produced are relatively low in the range of 10(7) and 10(8)TU/ml after sucrose gradient concentration. This may become a limitation to certain gene transfer applications, such as brain disorder studies since the volume of vectors that could be administered is restricted. In contrast, amplicon viral vectors of high titers can be easily generated in the presence of helper viruses. Despite the potential cytotoxicity caused by the presence of helper virus in the latter method of viral packaging, studies involving vector targeting would still require the complementing function of helper virus for the generation of recombinant HSV-1 amplicon vectors with modified viral envelopes. In view of this, the optimal method of purifying Herpes-based viral vectors that confers minimal cytotoxicity for systemic route of viral vector administration is examined. Parameters such as the ratio of amplicon versus helper viruses, the percentage of viral lost, and the extent of liver cytotoxicity induced by these viral vectors purified using different methods were investigated. In addition, the maximum recombinant HSV-1 viral dosage was also determined in vivo. Taken together, these findings may be of importance to the efficient production of contaminant-free HSV-1 amplicon viral vectors required for animal and human studies.

Animals↗

[In vivo gene transfer methods into bladder without viral vectors].

For the application of gene therapy to bladder cancer, we examined four in vivo gene transfer methods without viral vectors. For lipofection cationic liposomes (Lipofectin) were instilled into murine bladders. The hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-liposomes possessing membrane fusion activity were also injected intraluminally. Using a particle gun, rabbit bladder mucosa was bombarded with DNA-coated gold microcarriers. Electrotransfection was examined in rabbit bladder by pulse direct currents (0.15-0.2 A, 50 msec, repeated 8 times) generated between needle electrodes after submucous injection of DNA solution. beta-galactosidase gene and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene were used as marker genes. Although lipofection was inefficient in normal urothelium, cancerous urothelium was transfected slightly. HVJ-liposomes more efficiently transfected superficial layers of urothelium with a peak of expression on day 5. The particle gun produced non-uniform but efficient transfection in deeper layers of the urothelium. By electrotransfection, submucous interstitial cells were transfected as well as urothelium. No major complications were observed after these four procedures. HVJ-liposomes are potentially useful for the treatment of carcinoma in situ and the latter two methods may be suitable for the adjuvant therapy of localized bladder tumors.

Animals↗

Production of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors using a baculovirus/insect cell suspension culture system: from shake flasks to a 20-L bioreactor.

Production of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors using a baculovirus/insect cell system at various scales is presented. Shake flask studies were conducted to assess conditions to be used in bioreactors. Two insect cell lines, Trichoplusia ni (H5) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9), were compared for their ability to produce rAAV-2 after infection with recombinant baculoviruses coding for the essential components of the vector. The effect of varying the ratio between individual baculoviruses and the effect of the overall multiplicity of infection (MOI), as well as the cell density at infection, were also examined. Infectious rAAV-2 particles were proportionally produced when increasing the individual MOI of BacRep virus up to 1.6. When equal amounts of each virus were used, a leveling effect occurred beyond an overall MOI of 5 and a maximum titer was obtained. Increasing the cell density at infection resulted in higher yields when infecting the cells in fresh medium; however, for the production of bioactive particles, an optimal peak cell density of approximately 1 x 10(6) cells/mL was observed without medium exchange. Infection in 3- and 20-L bioreactors was done at an overall MOI of 5 with a ratio of the three baculoviruses equal to 1:1:1. Under these conditions and infecting the cells in fresh medium, a total of approximately 2.2 x 10(12) infectious viral particles (bioactive particles) or 2.6 x 10(15) viral particles were produced in a 3-L bioreactor. Without replacing the medium at infection, similar titers were produced in 20 L. Our data demonstrates the feasibility of rAAV-2 production by BEVS at various scales in bioreactors and indicates that further optimization is required for production at high cell densities.

Animals↗

Viral vectors and vaccines. 16-19 November 1998, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA.

The fifth annual meeting of the Williamsburg BioProcessing Foundation, now renamed as Viral Vectors and Vaccines, attracted over 200 attendees. Besides the regular roster of speakers, the meeting featured 36 vendor booths, a whole morning devoted to 30-min vendor presentations and several posters. The extensive use of adenovirus (Ad) in gene therapy was evident from the number of talks on the subject.

Journal Article↗

Transduction of human and mouse pancreatic islet cells using a bicistronic recombinant adeno-associated viral vector.

Recent reports indicate successful transduction of pancreatic islets using recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors. This advance offers new possibilities in rendering islets resistant to rejection and recurrence of autoimmune destruction in the setting of islet transplantation as treatment of type 1 diabetes. Most gene delivery approaches using islets have thus far involved transduction with a single gene. However, the concomitant delivery of more than one gene encoding cytoprotective and/or immunoregulatory molecules may offer superior clinical utility. Here, we have generated a bicistronic rAAV (serotype 2) vector incorporating a viral internal ribosome entry site (IRES), derived from polio virus type 1, to allow for translation of two coupled cDNAs from a single mRNA transcript. Our study demonstrates the ability of this vector to produce significant expression of two reporter proteins in human and mouse islets in vitro. This expression did not interfere with beta-cell function. Transduction was maintained in vivo following transplantation of mouse islets. These data are the first report of efficient islet cell transduction with two genes using a single bicistronic rAAV vector and have direct implications for strategies aimed at enhancing islet transplant survival.

Animals↗

Vaccine Trials for the Clinician: Prospects for Viral and Non-Viral Vectors.

Recent progress in tumor genetics, tumor biology, and tumor immunology has renewed interest in the development of tumor vaccines. Unlike the previous generation of vaccines that consisted of the patient's own tumor cells in some form, the new vaccines contain defined peptides or genes with a known function. In order to induce a potent and long-lasting cell-mediated antitumor response, viral as well as nonviral vectors have been explored as vehicles for gene delivery. Both types of vectors have shown encouraging results in animal models. However, because of the many possible vectors that have been designed, it may be too early to say which type of vector is most efficient in the human. Clearly viral vectors have a higher transduction efficiency than most nonviral delivery systems. A drawback is that viral vectors may be toxic or immunogenic. Current research focuses on enhancing the targeting and specificity of both viral and nonviral vectors and control of transgene expression levels. Clinical studies using a variety of both viral and nonviral vectors have begun, and the results are forthcoming.

Journal Article↗

Two-step gene transfer using an adenoviral vector carrying the CD4 gene and human immunodeficiency viral vectors.

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) belongs to the lentivirus subfamily of retroviruses and has several interesting features, including T cell tropism and the ability to infect nondividing cells. Replication-incompetent HIV vectors were developed and were shown to be capable of targeted gene transfer into CD4+T cells. This strict T cell tropism may be important for the development of gene therapy of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but it hampers the use of the HIV vector for other gene transfer applications. To expand the host range of the HIV vector, we established the two-step gene transfer system, which allows us to transduce non-T cells stably. In the first step, the CD4 gene was introduced into target cells using a replication-defective adenoviral vector. Transient but high-level expression of CD4 molecules was detected in both adherent and floating cells. In the subsequent step, the cells were incubated with HIV vectors. Stable integration of the HIV vector was demonstrated in cells transduced with the adenoviral vector. These results indicate that transient expression of CD4 molecules by the adenoviral vector is sufficient to render non-T cells susceptible to HIV-mediated gene transfer. This two-step gene transfer strategy may be used as a general method to transduce various types of human cells stably including nondividing cells.

Adenoviridae↗

Therapeutic gene transfer to the nervous system using viral vectors.

The past few years have been marked by substantial progress in preclinical studies of therapeutic gene transfer for neurologic disease using viral-based vectors. In this article, the authors review the data regarding (1). treatment of focal neuronal degeneration, exemplified by Parkinson disease, ischemia, and trauma models; (2). treatment of global neurologic dysfunction, exemplified by the mucopolysaccharidoses and other storage diseases; (3). peripheral nervous system diseases including motor neuron disease and sensory neuropathies; and (4). the use of vectors expressing neurotransmitters to modulate functional neural activity in the treatment of pain. The results suggest that a number of different viral vectors may be appropriate for gene transfer to the central nervous system for specific disease processes, and that for the peripheral nervous system herpes simplex virus-based vectors appear to have special utility. The results of the first human gene therapy trials for neurologic disease, which are just now beginning, will be crucial in defining the next step in the development of this therapy.

Animals↗

Synthesis of a non-viral vector for gene transfer via the high-affinity neurotensin receptor.

We describe herein a method for synthesizing a non-viral gene vector that exploits the internalization properties of neurotensin (NT), as well as the procedures for a successful gene transfer to cells via the high-affinity NT receptor. The gene vector is NT cross-linked with poly-L-lysine via N-succinimidyl-6-[3'-(2-pyridyldithio)propionamido]hexanoate (LC-SPDP). The SPDP-derivatives containing either NT or poly-L-lysine are purified by gel filtration. The non-viral vector resulting from the reaction of NT-SPDP with HS-SPDP-poly-L-lysine is purified on Biogel A-1.5 m. This vector is complexed with plasmid DNA at a specific molar ratio to form the NT-polyplex, which ensures the delivery of the gene of interest to cells under conditions of receptor-mediated internalization. The NT-polyplex has shown ability to mediate transient gene expression in vitro [Brain Res. Mol. Brain Res. 69 (1999) 249] and in vivo [Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 25 (1999) 67. 7]. This approach holds great promise for research and therapy.

Binding, Competitive↗

Viral vectors for gene therapy: past, present and future.

Gene delivery has been attempted in both experimental and clinical settings. These studies have shown that therapeutic gene transfer is possible, but it has not yet arrived as a practicable therapeutic intervention. This is due in large part to the inability of the vectors used to convey genetic material to a desired location in sufficient quantity and for long enough time to be effective. Current research on viral vectors for gene therapy has focused on reengineering viruses currently being tested as delivery agents, modifying the host to facilitate viral gene transfer and developing new viruses for use in gene transfer. It is too early to know which of these approaches will be effective; however, these ongoing studies are likely to make available in the future an array of gene delivery vehicles with different strengths and weaknesses. It is reasonable to expect that several of the vectors now being studied will prove useful for some therapeutic applications.

Journal Article↗

Production of viral vectors for gene therapy applications.

Advances in cell culture engineering, cell metabolism, bioreactor design and operation, and downstream processing will all positively impact the bioprocessing of viral vectors. Design of appropriate vectors and tailoring of packaging cells to support more productive infections will be of paramount importance for production of high-titer and high-quality vectors. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of the infection parameters during virus propagation, such as time of infection, multiplicity of infection, the length of replication cycle, virus half-life, and burst size, will also be important to the process optimization. Finally, procedures for separation, purification and formulation of vector preparations have to be further developed.

Adenoviridae↗

Assembly of trans-encapsidated recombinant viral vectors engineered from Tobacco mosaic virus and Semliki Forest virus and their evaluation as immunogens.

RNA virus vectors are attractive vaccine delivery agents capable of directing high-level gene expression without integration into host cell DNA. However, delivery of non-encapsidated RNA viral vectors into animal cells is relatively inefficient. By introducing the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) origin of assembly into the RNA genome of Semliki Forest virus (SFV), we generated an SFV expression vector that could be efficiently packaged (trans-encapsidated) in vitro by purified TMV coat protein (CP). Using cellular assays, pseudovirus disassembly, RNA replication and reporter gene expression were demonstrated. We also evaluated the immune response to trans-encapsidated recombinant SFV carrying a model antigen gene (beta-galactosidase) in C57/B6 mice. Relative to RNA alone, vector encapsidation significantly improved the humoral and cellular immune responses. Furthermore, reassembly with recombinant TMV CPs permitted the display of peptide epitopes on the capsid surface as either genetic fusions or through chemical conjugation, to complement the immunoreactivity of the encapsidated RNA genetic payload. The SFV vector/TMV CP system described provides an alternative nucleic acid delivery mechanism that is safe, easy to manufacture in vitro and that also facilitates the generation of unique nucleic acid/protein antigen compositions.

Animals↗

Modulation of the expression of the transcription factor Max in rat retinal ganglion cells by a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector.

Exclusion of the transcription factor Max from the nucleus of retinal ganglion cells is an early, caspase-independent event of programmed cell death following damage to the optic axons. To test whether the loss of nuclear Max leads to a reduction in neuroprotection, we developed a procedure to overexpress Max protein in rat retinal tissue in vivo. A recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) containing the max gene was constructed, and its efficiency was confirmed by transduction of HEK-293 cells. Retinal ganglion cells were accessed in vivo through intravitreal injections of the vector in rats. Overexpression of Max in ganglion cells was detected by immunohistochemistry at 2 weeks following rAAV injection. In retinal explants, the preparation of which causes damage to the optic axons, Max immunoreactivity was increased after 30 h in vitro, and correlated with the preservation of a healthy morphology in ganglion cells. The data show that the rAAV vector efficiently expresses Max in mammalian retinal ganglion cells, and support the hypothesis that the Max protein plays a protective role for retinal neurons.

Animals↗

Cationized human serum albumin as a non-viral vector system for gene delivery? Characterization of complex formation with plasmid DNA and transfection efficiency.

Cationized human serum albumin (cHSA) could serve as a potential non-viral vector system for gene delivery. Native human serum albumin was cationized by covalent coupling of hexamethylenediamine to the carboxyl groups resulting in a shift of the isoelectric point from pH 4-5 to 7-9. The cationized albumin underwent spontaneous self-assembly with DNA as demonstrated by retardation of CMV-nlacZ plasmid in agarose gel electrophoresis. Photon correlation spectroscopy showed a decrease of complex size with increasing cHSA/plasmid ratios. Under optimized conditions complexes were formed with 230-260 nm mean diameter and a homogenous, narrow size distribution. At room temperature complexes were stable in 0.9% sodium chloride solution pH 7.4 for 1 h without aggregation. Process parameters such as albumin concentration, incubation time, temperature, pH, order of reagent addition, the presence of bivalent ions and the ionic strength of the complexation medium all influenced the complex size. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed interactions of a Texas Red labeled cationized albumin with cell membranes of ECV 304 cells and an enhanced endocytic uptake compared to native albumin. The potential for introducing exogeneous DNA into cells was shown using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Successful, albeit low reporter gene expression could be achieved in the presence of chloroquine. Under in vitro conditions no toxic effect could be observed. In conclusion, cationized albumin may have promise as a non-toxic vector for gene delivery, especially for DNA vaccination.

DNA↗