Patent Application
20190255190
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of viral vectors and systems for the delivery of genes and other therapeutic, diagnostic, or research uses. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to non-integrating viral vectors and systems for the delivery of genes and other therapeutic, diagnostic, or research uses.
Viral vectors have been used to transduce genes and other therapeutic nucleic acid constructs into target cells owing to their specific virus envelope-host cell receptor interactions and viral mechanisms for gene expression. As a result, viral vectors have been used as vehicles for the transfer of genes into many different cell types including, but not limited to, isolated tissue samples, tissue targets in situ and cultured cell lines. The ability to both introduce and express foreign genes in a cell is useful for the study of gene expression and the elucidation of cell lineages and pathways as well as providing the potential for therapeutic interventions such as gene therapy and various types of immunotherapy.
Several viral systems including lentivirus murine retrovirus, adenovirus, and adeno-associated virus have been proposed as potential therapeutic gene transfer vectors. However, many hurdles have prevented robust utilization of these as approved therapeutics. Research and development hurdles include, but are not limited to, stability and control of expression, genome packaging capacity, and construct-dependent vector stability. In addition, in vivo application of viral vectors can be limited by host immune responses against viral structural proteins and/or transduced gene products, which can result in deleterious anti-vector immunological effects.
Researchers have attempted to find stable expression systems as a way of overcoming some of these hurdles. One approach utilizes recombinant polypeptides or gene regulatory molecules, including small RNAs, in such expression systems. These systems employ chromosomal integration of a transduced retrovirus genome, or at least a portion thereof, into the genome of the host cell. An important limitation with these approaches is that the sites of gene integration are generally random, and the number and ratio of genes integrating at any particular site are often unpredictable. Thus, vectors that rely on chromosomal integration result in permanent maintenance of the recombinant gene that may exceed the therapeutic interval, and plasmid or other non-replicating DNA is poorly controlled and may decay before completing a desired therapeutic interval.
Another approach is the use of a transient expression system. Under a transient expression system, the expression of the gene of interest is based on non-integrated plasmids, and hence the expression is typically lost as the cell undergoes subsequent division or the plasmid vectors are destroyed by endogenous nucleases. Accordingly, transient gene expression systems typically do not lead to sufficient expression over time and typically require repeated treatments, which are generally understood to be undesirable features.
A stable viral delivery system and methods are provided. In various aspects, the delivery system includes a transient expression system. According to one aspect, the delivery system is non-integrating. In another aspect the delivery system is both non-integrating and transient.
In various aspects and embodiments, the system variously includes one or all of a viral carrier, wherein the viral carrier contains a defective integrase gene; a heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication; a sequence encoding at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication, wherein expression of the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is inducible; and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The viral carrier may be a lentivirus. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a papillomavirus. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a human papillomavirus or a bovine papillomavirus.
The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16). The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a long control region (LCR) of HPV16. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include SEQ ID NO: 1. Optionally, the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include a 5′ truncation of SEQ ID NO: 1. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include a 5′ truncation of at least about 200 nucleotides, or at least about 300 nucleotides, or at least about 400 nucleotides, or at least about 500 nucleotides, or at least about 600 nucleotides, or at least about 700 nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include at least about 80% sequence identity, or at least about 85% sequence identity, or at least about 90% sequence identity, or at least about 95% sequence identity, or at least about 98% sequence identity with Frag 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2) (also referred to herein as Fragment 1), or Frag 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3) (also referred to herein as Fragment 2), or Frag 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4) (also referred to herein as Fragment 3), or Frag 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) (also referred to herein as Fragment 4) of the LCR of HPV16. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include Frag 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2), or Frag 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), or Frag 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or Frag 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the LCR of HPV16.
The at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include E1 or an operative fragment thereof. The at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include E2 or an operative fragment thereof. The at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include EBNA-1 or an operative fragment thereof. Optionally, the system may include at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication. The at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include either of E1 or E2, alone or in combination, or operative fragments thereof. The sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein may be present on a single discrete plasmid or a non-integrating viral vector. Optionally, the system may include at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication, wherein the sequence encoding the at least two initiator proteins may be present on a single discrete plasmid or a non-integrating viral vector. Optionally, the system may include at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication, wherein the sequence for a first initiator protein and the sequence for a second initiator protein may be present on discrete plasmids or non-integrating viral vectors.
In respect of the disclosed non-integrating viral delivery system, the at least one gene product may include an antibody, an antibody fragment, or a growth factor. The antibody may include an anti-HER2 antibody or a fragment thereof. The growth factor may include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or a variant thereof. The miRNA may include a CCR5 miRNA.
In another aspect, a pharmaceutical composition is disclosed. The pharmaceutical compositions include the non-integrating viral delivery system disclosed herein and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
In another aspect, a method of expressing at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest in a cell is provided. The method includes contacting a cell with an effective amount of a non-integrating viral delivery system, wherein the system includes a viral carrier, wherein the viral carrier contains one or all of a defective integrase gene; a heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication; a sequence encoding at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication, wherein expression of the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is inducible; and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest.
In another aspect, a method of expressing at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method includes administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a non-integrating viral delivery system, wherein the system includes a viral carrier, wherein the viral carrier contains one or all of a defective integrase gene; a heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication; a sequence encoding at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication, wherein expression of the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is inducible; and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein may be present on a single discrete plasmid, and the at least one initiator protein may include either of E1 or E2, alone or in combination, or operative fragments thereof. The method may further involve administering to the subject in need thereof a first amount of the single discrete plasmid to initiate a first level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The method may further involve administering to the subject in need thereof a second amount of the single discrete plasmid to initiate a second level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. In situations when the second amount is lower than the first amount, the level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest may be reduced. In situations when the second amount is higher than the first amount, the level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest may be increased.
In another aspect, the non-integrating viral delivery system disclosed herein is optimized to produce a low level of basal expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include at least about 80% sequence identity, or at least about 85% sequence identity, or at least about 90% sequence identity, or at least about 95% sequence identity, or at least about 98% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 1 or Frag 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the LCR of HPV16.
In another aspect, the non-integrating viral delivery system disclosed herein is optimized to produce a low level of basal expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest, and the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include SEQ ID NO: 1 or Frag 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the LCR of HPV16.
In another aspect, the non-integrating viral delivery system disclosed herein is optimized to produce a moderate level of basal expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest, and the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include at least about 80% sequence identity, or at least about 85% sequence identity, or at least about 90% sequence identity, or at least about 95% sequence identity, or at least about 98% sequence identity with Frag 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), Frag 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or Frag 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the LCR of HPV16. The system may be optimized to produce a moderate level of basal expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest, and the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include Frag 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), Frag 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or Frag 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the LCR of HPV16.
In another aspect, a method of selecting an optimized non-integrating viral delivery system is disclosed. The method involves selecting a level of basal expression. Thereafter, when a level X is selected, a corresponding Y is selected, wherein Y corresponds to a heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication selected to be incorporated into the non-integrating viral delivery system, whereby when X=a first defined level of basal expression of cargo; Y comprises LCR (SEQ ID NO: 1) or Frag 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2); and when X=a second defined level of basal expression of cargo; Y comprises Frag 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), Frag 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or Frag 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the LCR of HPV16. In embodiments, the first defined level comprises less than 0.020 episomal copies of cargo per cell. In embodiments, the second defined level comprises 0.020 or more episomal copies of cargo per cell.
Further aspects include methods of treating, for example, an infectious disease. Further aspects include methods of preventing an infectious disease. In another aspect, methods of enhancing wound healing are disclosed. In another aspect, methods of treating a bone injury are disclosed. Further aspects include methods of treating a hereditary disease using the systems detailed herein.
The foregoing general description and following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Other objects, advantages, and novel features will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention.
Disclosed herein is a stable viral delivery system and methods. In various aspects, the delivery system includes a transient expression system. According to one aspect, the delivery system is non-integrating. In another aspect the delivery system is both non-integrating and transient.
In further aspects, non-integrating, episomally replicating viral vectors (e.g., lentiviral vectors) and methods of using the same are provided. Episomally replicating vectors of the present disclosure can contain viral components from viruses like Papovaviridae (e.g., bovine papillomavirus or BPV) or Herpesviridae (e.g., Epstein Barr Virus or EBV) or Hepadnaviridae (e.g., Hepatitis B Virus or HBV). Episomal replicating vectors derived from these viruses may contain a replication origin and at least one viral trans-acting factor, e.g., an initiator protein, such as E1 for BPV and EBNA-1 for EBV or HBV polymerase or terminus binding protein of Adenovirus. The process of episomal replication typically incorporates both host cell replication machinery and viral trans-acting factors.
By using heterogeneous viral origins of replication, novel vectors can be engineered with an “off” switch for expression of viral proteins required to recognize the origin of replication. Switching off DNA replication will cause therapeutic DNA levels to dramatically drop over time. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the non-replicating DNA simply degrades, such as by nuclease activity and as the host cell undergoes natural apoptosis (cell death) events over time. Eventually such non-replicating DNA may be non-detectible and completely or nearly cleared from the patient over time.
The disclosed systems and methods include reducing or preventing toxicity and toxic effects from over-expression or prolonged expression of transduced genes. Eliminating the gene once DNA replication ceases prevents unwanted gene expression or knockdown of host gene expression in the future. Likewise, combining the benefits of episomal replication into a heterogeneous viral system provides for a platform that can safely and efficiently transduce genes of interest into a variety of cell types.
Papillomaviruses replicate primarily as episomes in mammalian cells. Action of the viral E1 protein, which functions as a DNA helicase, on the viral origin of DNA replication (ori) drives the production of hundreds to thousands of DNA copies per cells depending on differentiation status of infected epithelial cells. Attempts have been made to develop papillomavirus-based gene delivery systems using what became known as “shuttle plasmids.” With a bacterial origin of DNA replication to allow production of DNA in E. coli and a papillomavirus ori to allow episomal replication in mammalian cells, a number of studies have been performed to demonstrate safety and durability of gene expression. In most cases, the ori came from bovine papillomavirus.
Papillomaviruses have evolved to infect epidermal and epithelial cells. As infected cells differentiate from basal to luminal surfaces, papillomaviruses increase DNA replication and copy number becomes very high until a tremendous dose of virus is released at the lumenal surface. This makes papillomaviruses highly contagious as is apparent from human papillomavirus. The surge in copy number is due primarily to host factors. However, this feature of papillomavirus can be exploited to target transient gene therapy to epidermal and epithelial surfaces.
Certain features of papillomavirus are used in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure for driving expression and replication of an episomal vector, as well as targeting expression of the vector to specific cell types.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a member of the herpes virus family. It is one of the most common human viruses, and most people become infected with EBV at some point in their lives.
EBV is a double-stranded DNA virus that contains approximately 85 genes; EBV is known to infect B cells and epithelial cells. EBV is capable of both lytic and latent replication, the latter of which results in a circularized version of the EBV genome translocating to the host cell nucleus where it may be replicated by host cell DNA polymerases.
EBV can undergo latent replication via at least three distinct pathways, but each one involves the expression of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1), a protein that binds the episomal replication origin and mediates partitioning of the episome during division of the host cell. EBNA-1 plays an integral role in EBV gene regulation, replication, and episomal maintenance.
Certain features of EBV are used in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the hepadnavirus family. It is a common human virus associated with progressive liver fibrosis, hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
HBV is a double stranded DNA virus that replicates through an RNA intermediate and depends on a viral polymerase. Stable maintenance of HBV in liver cells is due to the presence of covalently-closed viral DNA circular forms that are difficult to eradicate.
Thus, certain features of HBV are used in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.
Retrovirus is a virus family characterized by encoding a reverse transcriptase capable of generating DNA copies from RNA templates and integration of proviruses into the host cell chromosome. Lentivirus is a genus of retroviruses that can deliver a significant amount of viral nucleic acid into a host cell. Lentiviruses are characterized as having a unique ability to infect/transduce non-dividing cells, and following transduction, lentiviruses integrate their nucleic acid into the host cell's chromosomes.
Infectious lentiviruses have three main genes coding for the virulence proteins gag, pol, and env, and two regulatory genes including tat and rev. Depending on the specific serotype and virus, there may be additional accessory genes that code for proteins involved in regulation, synthesis, and/or processing viral nucleic acids and other replicative functions including counteracting innate cellular defenses against lentivirus infection.
Lentiviruses contain long terminal repeat (LTR) regions, which may be approximately 600 nt long. LTRs may be segmented into U3, R, and U5 regions. LTRs can mediate integration of retroviral DNA into the host chromosome via the action of integrase. Alternatively, without functioning integrase, the LTRs may be used to circularize the viral nucleic acid.
Viral proteins involved in early stages of lentivirus replication include reverse transcriptase and integrase. Reverse transcriptase is a virally encoded, RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The enzyme uses a viral RNA genome as a template for the synthesis of a complementary DNA copy. Reverse transcriptase also has RNaseH activity for the destruction of the RNA-template that is necessary for DNA second strand synthesis to complete production of the double-stranded DNA ready for integration. Integrase binds both the viral cDNA generated by reverse transcriptase and the host DNA. Integrase processes the LTR before inserting the viral genome into the host DNA. Tat acts as a trans-activator during transcription to enhance the initiation and elongation of RNA copies made from viral DNA. The rev responsive element acts post-transcriptionally, regulating mRNA splicing and transport to the cytoplasm.
Certain features of retroviruses, including lentiviruses, are used in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.
A novel vector-in-vector (VIV) system is provided that can precisely regulate the delivery and expression of genes by combining desirable features from various viral species. Many viral vectors, including lentivirus (LV) platforms, may be used. Lentiviral transduction, like most other forms of stable transduction, results in chromosomal integration of the LV payload (e.g., gene of interest). In accordance with various aspects, chromosomal integration is abolished through selective mutations that inactivate the viral integrase gene. The papillomavirus ori plus E1 protein, or the EBV ori plus EBNA-1 or the Hepadnavirus termini plus viral polymerase are used herein, as part of the genetic cargo of a heterologous virus that would not ordinarily be able to be maintained episomally. Incorporating this heterogeneous viral replication machinery into a lentiviral vector leaves approximately 5 kb of additional cargo space available to accommodate therapeutic genes of interest.
In other aspects, other control elements can be incorporated into the disclosed VIV system. As a non-limiting example, the expression of E1 or E2 or EBNA-1 or HBV polymerase can be driven by an inducible promoter. Further, as a non-limiting example, E1 and/or E2, or variants thereof, can be expressed using plasmids or non-integrating viral vectors. Numerous types of inducible promoters are known in the art, and for the purposes of this disclosure, inducible promoters can include but are not limited to promoters that respond to antibiotics (i.e., tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, penicillins, cephalosporins, polymyxins, etc.) or other drugs, copper and other metals, alcohol, steroids, light, oxygen, heat, cold, or other physical or chemical stimulation. For example, a method of using the disclosed viral system includes employing a tetracycline-inducible gene expression that depends upon a constant supply of the drug for expression of the cargo genes. A compound used to induce the inducible promoter may be added once or repeatedly depending on the duration of episomal replication and timing of cargo delivery that is desired. DNA replication and maintenance of the episome depends variously on E1, E2 and/or EBNA-1 induction, which in turn depends upon an inducer of gene expression (i.e., tetracycline).
An exemplary VIV system is shown in
A further exemplary diagram of a VIV system is shown in
A further exemplary diagram of a VIV system is shown in
Suitable expression of the cargo may be determined by an appropriate assay. For example, DNA copy numbers can be measured by quantitative PCR. Protein products translated from non-limiting examples such as Vector 1 or Vector 19 (as described herein) can be measured, for example, by analytical flow cytometry. An ELISA assay may be used to detect the presence of certain cargo, such as a secreted protein, such as VEGF. A Western blot technique may also be used to detect certain cargo such as an antibody, such as anti-EGFR. Further, monitoring a reduction in cell surface expression of a cargo protein, such as a chemokine receptor such as CCR5, can also be employed.
In respect of the cargo, and serving as a non-limiting example, the gene encoding platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) can be incorporated as a gene along with shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest into a VIV used to promote wound healing. The disclosed VIV system is not limited to a particular type of gene or sequence that can be expressed.
The disclosed VIV can incorporate numerous therapeutic or prophylactic genes or sequences including, for example, sequences that encode antibodies directed to an antigen associated with an infectious disease or cancer (including antigens on replicating pathogens and antigens that are exogenous toxins and antigens on tumor cells), platelet derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, brain derived growth factor, nerve growth factor, human growth factor, human chorionic gonadotropin, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), dystrophin or dystrophin-associated complex, phenylalanine hydroxylase, lipoprotein lipases, α- and/or β-thalassemias, factor VIII, bone morphogenetic proteins 1-4, cyclooxygenase 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, chemokine receptor CCR5, chemokine receptor CXCR4, chemokine receptor CXCR5, antisense DNA or RNA against autoimmune antigens involved in colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease, small interfering RNA that are involved in addiction including miRNA regulating neural attenuation to opiates or alcohol, tumor suppressor genes, genes regulating cell survival including pro- or anti-apoptosis genes and pro- or anti-autophagy genes, genes encoding radiation resistance factors, genes encoding light emitting proteins used for tracking tumor cell metastasis or other cell trafficking phenomena, or a variety of other therapeutically useful sequences that may be used to condition the body for maximum effect of radiation, surgical or chemotherapeutics or to protect tissues against radiation, surgical or chemotherapeutics, to modify the host or graft tissues to improve organ transplantation or to suppress hyprerreactivity especially in the airway.
Without limiting any of the foregoing, cargo can include diagnostic proteins such as GFP and mCherry, as well as cDNAs, micoRNAs, shRNAs, and antibodies. Further, cargo can include specific cargo such as VEGF and BMP, as described herein.
In further aspects, it is desirable to maintain the genes in episomal form in a VIV system as a “safety switch.” For example, where a particular gene product is toxic, withdrawal of the inducer molecule will reduce or terminate DNA replication. Episome numbers will subsequently decline, and the gene and vector will eventually disappear. Unlike traditionally regulated gene expression, the disclosed expression construct is degraded by endogenous nucleases and diluted by cell division until it has effectively disappeared, thereby preventing any short- or long-term breakthrough expression.
In accordance with a further aspect, maintaining a gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest in episomal form also allows for regulating the copy number over a broad range and at much higher levels than is achieved by traditional lentivirus transduction.
The disclosed VIV system presents numerous benefits. For instance, episomal DNA is less susceptible to chromosomal modification, which can lead to gene silencing of traditional transduction vectors. Likewise, VIV episomal DNA vectors support active gene delivery at least over short- to medium-range time intervals of about 1 to about 4 months, and possibly longer. In other embodiments, episomal DNA vectors support active gene delivery over a period of about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12 weeks or longer. In other embodiments, episomal DNA vectors support active gene delivery over a period of about 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, or longer. Any combination of these time periods can also be used in the methods disclosed herein, e.g., 1 month and 1 week, or 3 months and 2 weeks.
While there are benefits specifically associated with the use of a lentiviral carrier for incorporation of the disclosed VIV system, the disclosed system is not limited to a single type of viral vector. Any DNA virus or virus that uses a DNA intermediate can be used as a carrier for incorporating the VIV system herein, including but not limited to lentivirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), adenovirus, vaccinia, herpes virus, measles virus, hepadnavirus, parvovirus and murine viruses.
Without limiting any of the foregoing, in an aspect of the disclosure, a non-integrating viral delivery system is disclosed. The system includes a viral carrier, wherein the viral carrier contains a one or more of a defective integrase gene; a heterologous viral episomal origin of replication; a sequence encoding at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, wherein expression of the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is inducible; and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The viral carrier may be a lentivirus. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a papillomavirus. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a human papillomavirus or a bovine papillomavirus.
The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16). The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may be from a long control region (LCR) of HPV16. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include SEQ ID NO: 1. Optionally, the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include a 5′ truncation of SEQ ID NO: 1. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include a 5′ truncation of at least about 200 nucleotides, or at least about 300 nucleotides, or at least about 400 nucleotides, or at least about 500 nucleotides, or at least about 600 nucleotides, or at least about 700 nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include at least about 80% sequence identity, or at least about 85% sequence identity, or at least about 90% sequence identity, or at least about 95% sequence identity, or at least about 98% sequence identity with Frag 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2), or Frag 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), or Frag 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or Frag 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the LCR of HPV16. The heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication may include Frag 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2), or Frag 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), or Frag 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), or Frag 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the LCR of HPV16. Without limiting any of the foregoing or the Examples detailed herein, the genomic organization of the LCR is depicted in
In an aspect of the present disclosure, the viral vector system is tunable or optimized by modifying one or more of: a viral carrier; a heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication; a sequence encoding at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication, wherein expression of the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is regulated; or at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. Modifications are made to: control the maximum dose of the at least one gene product, affect the durability of expression in target cells or tissues, and to treat disease or injury with biological molecules that are needed transiently to prevent toxicity or adverse effects when the same biological molecule is delivered at the wrong dose and expression continues after such biological molecule is no longer needed or may be toxic.
In embodiments, modifications in the disclosed system permit for tuning the level of expression for biological molecules and controlling the duration of expression to achieve undetectable or nearly undetectable cargo expression such as might be required for a placebo control in gene therapy studies. In embodiments, this results in low level expression that is statistically different from undetectable but does not meet criteria for induced or high level expression such as might be needed for delivering gene editing proteins and RNA that are safer when given at low levels for brief intervals in an effort to remove or correct defective genes. In embodiments, high or induced levels of cargo expression, which includes being approximately greater than five-fold higher peak expression levels compared to detectable but low basal levels of the same cargo are generated. In embodiments, this may be optimal when expressing therapeutic antibodies including tumor targeting biological drugs that are more effective when produced at or near the tumor site, must be present at high levels but also must decay, and be removed from blood to avoid off-site effects on normal tissue or to prevent initiation of autoimmunity.
In embodiments, the disclosed system is tunable so as to treat cancer. The disclosed system is tunable to: permit expression of a tumor-targeting antibody such as cetuximab, rituximab or trastuzumab at or near the site of tumor, produce antibody at sufficient levels for effective tumor targeting by replicating episomal DNA to increase gene dose in target cells, and subsequently terminate episomal DNA replication when E1/E2 proteins cease to be produced resulting in decay of the episomal transgene molecules with declining antibody expression that is matched to the expected decay curve for therapeutic antibodies that is known to improve safety and efficacy of these and similar biological drugs.
In embodiments, the disclosed system is tunable to treat or prevent infectious disease. The disclosed system is tunable to: express a therapeutic antibody capable of destroying or neutralizing pathogen replication, direct local production of the antibody at or near the site of infection or release antibody into the blood and lymphatic circulation, produce antibody at sufficient levels for effective pathogen prevention or eradication by replicating episomal DNA to increase gene dose in target cells, and subsequently terminate episomal DNA replication when E1/E2 proteins cease to be produced resulting in decay of the episomal transgene molecules with declining antibody expression that is matched to the expected decay curve for therapeutic antibodies that is known to improve safety and efficacy of these and similar biological drugs.
In embodiments, the disclosed system is tunable to treat traumatic injury or regenerative disease. In embodiments, the disclosed system is tunable to express a biologically active molecule with therapeutic potential, direct local production of the antibody at or near the site of injury or disease, produce antibody at sufficient levels for effective therapy by replicating episomal DNA to increase gene dose in target cells, and terminate episomal DNA replication when E1/E2 proteins cease to be produced resulting in decay of the episomal transgene molecules with declining expression of the biological therapeutic that achieves high level dosing at peak transgene dose but avoids adverse effects or toxicities resulting from permanent or very long-term expression of biological therapeutics that are required during a brief treatment window.
In embodiments, LCR fragments may be selected and used depending on a desired course of treatment or outcome. As shown in the non-limiting examples provided in FIGS. 20-21, Table 1, and Examples 16-20, depending on the desired course of treatment or outcome, the viral delivery system is tunable or optimized.
In aspects of the present disclosure, based on a desired course of treatment or outcome, a viral delivery system is tunable or optimized in accordance with Quadrant 1, Quadrant 2, Quadrant 3, or Quadrant 4 factors.
In embodiments, Quadrant 1 factors include a viral delivery system in which the LCR is selected from full-length Frag 2, Frag 3, Frag 4, or variants thereof. Quadrant 1 factors provide for transient basal expression of genetic cargo using the described vector systems. In most cases, the DNA copy numbers will be roughly 20-times below the highest levels that can be achieved with this system. Careful selection of promoters driving expression of the cargo will further increase the flexibility and tissue specificity of this system.
In embodiments, Quadrant 2 factors include a viral delivery system in which the LCR is selected from Frag 2, Frag 3, Frag 4, or variants thereof. Quadrant 2 factors also include E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins. In embodiments, E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins are provided via plasmids. In embodiments, the E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins are provided via a lentiviral vector. Quadrant 2 factors provide for high episomal DNA copy numbers with potentially very high gene expression levels, again depending on promoter selection. Further, the use of shorter LCR fragments increases the size of DNA inserts that can be incorporated as cargo.
In embodiments, Quadrant 3 factors include a viral delivery system in which the LCR is selected from LCR, Frag 1, or variants thereof. Quadrant 3 factors also include E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins. In embodiments, E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins are provided via plasmids. In embodiments, the E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins are provided via a lentiviral vector. Quadrant 3 factors provide for high episomal copy numbers but slightly less than can be obtained in Quadrant 2. An advantage of Quadrant 3 is that there are very low basal levels of episomal DNA making the system highly controllable by the introduction, or not, of E1/E2 proteins.
In embodiments, Quadrant 4 factors include a viral delivery system in which the LCR is selected from full-length LCR, Frag 1, or variants thereof. Selection of Quadrant 4 factors results in very low expression such as might be required for a placebo control or initial dose in a dose escalation clinical trial or dosing test to establish maximum tolerated or optimal levels for a desired indication.
In aspects of the present disclosure, when a very low basal level of cargo expression is desired, Quadrant 4 factors are introduced into the viral delivery system. In embodiments, the Quadrant 4 factors include Frag 1 or full-length LCR or variants thereof. In embodiments, when a slightly higher basal level of cargo expression is desired, Quadrant 1 factors are introduced into the viral delivery system. In embodiments, the Quadrant 1 factors include Frag 2, Frag 3, Frag 4 or variants thereof.
In embodiments, when a high inducible level of cargo expression is desired, Quadrant 2 factors or Quadrant 3 factors are introduced into the viral delivery system. In embodiments, the Quadrant 2 factors include Frag 2, Frag 3, Frag 4, or variants thereof. In embodiments, Quadrant 2 factors include E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins. In embodiments, Quadrant 3 factors include LCR, Frag 1, or variants thereof. In embodiments, Quadrant 3 factors include E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins. In embodiments, when a high inducible level of cargo expression is desired, and larger cargo sizes are contemplated, Quadrant 2 factors are introduced into the viral delivery system. In embodiments, when a high inducible level of cargo expression is desired, and smaller cargo sizes are contemplated, Quadrant 3 factors are introduced into the viral delivery system. Accordingly, the tunability or optimization of the current system allows for tunability or optimization based on cargo size.
In embodiments, when a large fold-change increase is desired as between the basal level and the inducible level of cargo expression, Quadrant 3 factors are introduced into the viral delivery system. In embodiments, Quadrant 3 factors include LCR, Frag 1, or variants thereof. In embodiments, Quadrant 3 factors include E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins.
In embodiments, when a smaller fold-change increase is desired as between the basal level and the inducible level of cargo expression, Quadrant 2 factors are introduced into the viral delivery system. In further embodiments, when a smaller fold-change increase is desired as between the basal level and the inducible level of cargo expression as compared with the Quadrant 3 profile shown in
In another aspect, a method of treating a subject for a Quadrant 1 course of treatment is provided. The method involves administering to the subject a viral delivery system that includes Quadrant 1 factors. In embodiments, Quadrant 1 factors include a viral delivery system in which the LCR is selected from full-length Frag 2, Frag 3, Frag 4, or variants thereof.
In another aspect, a method of treating a subject for a Quadrant 2 course of treatment is provided. The method involves administering to the subject a viral delivery system that includes Quadrant 2 factors. In embodiments, the Quadrant 2 factors include Frag 2, Frag 3, Frag 4, or variants thereof. In embodiments, Quadrant 2 factors include E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins.
In another aspect, a method of treating a subject for a Quadrant 3 course of treatment is provided. The method involves administering to the subject a viral delivery system that includes Quadrant 3 factors. In embodiments, Quadrant 3 factors include LCR, Frag 1, or variants thereof. In embodiments, Quadrant 3 factors include E1 and/or E2 initiator proteins.
In another aspect, a method of treating a subject for a Quadrant 4 course of treatment is provided. The method involves administering to the subject a viral delivery system that includes Quadrant 4 factors. In embodiments, Quadrant 4 factors include LCR, Frag 1, or variants thereof.
In another aspect, an at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is present in the viral system. In embodiments, the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication includes E1 or an operative fragment thereof. In embodiments, the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication includes E2 or an operative fragment thereof. In embodiments, the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication includes EBNA-1 or an operative fragment thereof. In embodiments, the system includes at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication. In embodiments, the at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication are E1 and E2 or operative fragments thereof. In embodiments, the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein is present on a single discrete plasmid. In embodiments, the system includes at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, wherein the sequence encoding the at least two initiator proteins may be present on a single discrete plasmid. In embodiments, the system includes at least two initiator proteins specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, wherein the sequence for a first initiator protein and the sequence for a second initiator protein may be present on discrete plasmids.
In aspects of the present disclosure, an at least one gene product is present. In embodiments, the at least one gene product includes an antibody, an antibody fragment, a growth factor, or a small RNA. In embodiments, the antibody includes an anti-HER2 antibody or a fragment thereof. In embodiments, the growth factor includes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or a variant thereof. In embodiments, the small RNA includes a shRNA, a siRNA, or a miRNA. In embodiments, the miRNA includes a CCR5 miRNA.
Aspects of the disclosure include methods of administering a VIV system to a patient in need thereof, wherein the VIV system encodes at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, or at least five genes of interest. Given the versatility and therapeutic potential and the disclosed VIV system, a VIV system according to aspects of the disclosure may encode genes or nucleic acid sequences that include but are not limited to an antibody directed to an antigen associated with an infectious disease or a toxin produced by the infectious pathogen, platelet derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, brain derived growth factor, nerve growth factor, human growth factor, human chorionic gonadotropin, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), dystrophin or dystrophin-associated complex, lipoprotein lipases, α- and/or β-thalassemias, factor VIII, bone morphogenetic proteins 1-4, cyclooxygenase 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, chemokine receptor CCR5, chemokine receptor CXCR4, chemokine receptor CXCR5, antisense DNA or RNA against autoimmune antigens involved in colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease, small interfering RNA that are involved in addiction including miRNAs regulating neural attenuation to opiates or alcohol, tumor suppressor genes, genes regulating cell survival including pro- or anti-apoptosis genes and pro- or anti-autophagy genes, genes encoding radiation resistance factors, genes encoding light emitting proteins used for tracking tumor cell metastasis or other cell trafficking phenomena, or a variety of other therapeutically useful sequences that may be used to condition the body for maximum effect of radiation, surgical or chemotherapeutics or to protect tissues against radiation, surgical or chemotherapeutics, to modify the host or graft tissues to improve organ transplantation or to suppress hyprerreactivity especially in the airway.
Further, and without limiting any of the foregoing, in another aspect, a method of expressing at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest in a cell is provided. The method includes contacting the cell with an effective amount of a non-integrating viral delivery system, wherein the system includes a viral carrier, wherein the viral carrier contains a defective integrase gene; a heterologous viral episomal origin of replication; a sequence encoding at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, wherein expression of the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is inducible; and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest.
In another aspect, a method of expressing at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method includes administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a non-integrating viral delivery system, wherein the system includes a viral carrier, wherein the viral carrier contains a defective integrase gene; a heterologous viral episomal origin of replication; a sequence encoding at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, wherein expression of the sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is inducible; and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The sequence encoding the at least one initiator protein may be present on a single discrete plasmid, and the at least one initiator protein may be either of E1 or E2, alone or in combination, or fragments thereof. The method optionally includes administering to the subject in need thereof a first amount of the single discrete plasmid to initiate a first level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The method optionally includes administering to the subject in need thereof a second amount of the single discrete plasmid to initiate a second level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. In situations when the second amount is lower than the first amount, the level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest may be reduced. In situations when the second amount is higher than the first amount, the level of expression of the at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest may be increased.
Methods of treating or preventing infectious disease are provided. Prophylactic delivery of monoclonal antibodies to high risk individuals is presently practiced, such as individuals at high risk of contracting an infectious disease, due to health status or geographic location. The prophylactic delivery includes delivery protective antibodies against a lethal viral agent, such as to protect individuals moving through an endemic region (e.g., military and aid workers entering an Ebola-infected region). Vaccines are largely untested for diseases such as Ebola or Lassa Fever virus or Dengue fever or Chikungunya virus or Plasmodium spp. causing malaria, and chronic expression of prophylactic antibody genes through the use of integrating vectors carries unknown health risks. Thus, there is a significant medical need for effective antibody expression that must be high but transient.
The disclosed VIV system and methods of delivering high copy numbers of a gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest for a limited period satisfy this medical need. A non-limiting example of a gene product that can be delivered for treating an infectious disease is an antibody specific for the infectious disease in question.
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating, preventing, or minimizing conditions, symptoms, or side effects associated with infectious disease. In certain embodiments, the infectious disease can be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T cell leukemia virus, Ebola virus, Lassa fever virus, dengue fever, Zika virus, malaria, tuberculosis, rabies, vaccinia virus or other infectious diseases. In some embodiments, a VIV system can be administered prophylactically or following infection with an infectious disease.
In another aspect, a VIV system can be used to prevent an infectious disease. Subjects suspected of having an increased risk of contracting a particular infection disease can receive administrations of a prophylactically effective amount of a VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets the infectious disease in question.
In certain embodiments, the infectious disease can be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T cell leukemia virus, Ebola virus, Lassa fever virus, dengue fever, Zika virus, malaria, tuberculosis, rabies, vaccinia virus or other infectious diseases. In certain embodiments, a VIV vector can be administered prophylactically or following infection with an infectious disease.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating, preventing, or minimizing conditions, symptoms, or side effects associated with wound healing. The disclosed composition can be administered systemically or directly to a wound after an accident, injury, or surgery. In the case of surgery, a VIV system may be administered prophylactically in order to expedite healing. In the case of a wound from an accident, injury, or surgery, a VIV system may be administered sometime after the formation of the wound. For instance, the VIV system may be administered within about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 10, about 12, about 24, about 36, about 48, about 60, about 72, about 84, about 96, about 108, about 120, or about 168 hours of the formation of a wound.
Another application of the methods and compositions of the present disclosure is transient delivery of VIV constructs capable of expressing platelet growth factor that would accelerate wound healing. A high dose of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), related growth factors, fragments thereof, and nucleotide mutants related thereto is required very quickly but transiently. The disclosed system and methods are ideal for this type of application.
Additional short-term applications include expression of brain-derived growth factor for intermittent treatment of alcohol abuse, nerve growth factor for spinal cord regeneration, and topical applications for skin conditions.
In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a method of enhancing bone healing, comprising identifying a subject with a bone injury and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a viral delivery system as disclosed herein. The viral delivery system comprises a viral carrier, a heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, a sequence encoding an initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest, wherein the viral carrier has a defective integrase gene, and wherein expression of the sequence encoding the initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is under the control of an inducible promoter. The bone injury can be, for example, resulting from an accident, injury, or surgery and may be bone nonunion, or acute fracture or required spinal fusion. In some embodiments, the gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest encodes bone morphogenetic proteins 1-4 or cyclooxygenase-2 or vascular endothelial growth factor, or fragments thereof. Further, in certain embodiments mutants of the foregoing are preferable and are within the scope of the present disclosure for treating a bone injury or a related disease.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of enhancing bone healing, comprising identifying a subject with a bone disease and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a viral delivery system according to the present disclosure. The viral delivery system comprises a viral carrier, a heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, a sequence encoding an initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest, wherein the viral carrier has a defective integrase
gene, and wherein expression of the sequence encoding the initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is under the control of an inducible promoter. The bone disease can be, for example, resulting from an accident, injury, or surgery and may be bone nonunion, or acute fracture or required spinal fusion. Additionally, the bone disease may be from low bone density, low blood flow to the bone, aging, hereditary conditions, and the like. In some embodiments, the gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest encodes bone morphogenetic proteins 1-4 or cyclooxygenase-2 or vascular endothelial growth factor.
In embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating, preventing, or minimizing conditions, symptoms, or side effects associated with a hereditary genetic disease. Several examples of such hereditary genetic diseases are disclosed in Table 2 herein, along with the causal type of mutation and chromosome involved using the nomenclature below:
Current gene therapy includes efforts to edit genomic DNA through gene deletion, replacement, or re-sequencing. Various gene therapy systems known in the art, including Talen, CRISPR-Cas9, zinc finger endonuclease, TALEN, and others, rely on delivery of genetic material by lentivirus transduction. But, unlike the present disclosure, these systems may have unexpected consequences if left active in cells for extended periods because active chromosome modification systems may alter unexpected sites, leading to new genetic diseases including cancer. Truly practical systems for modification of host DNA require transient, well-regulated expression through methods such as the method disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the present disclosed is directed to a method of treating a hereditary genetic disease, comprising identifying a subject with a hereditary genetic disease and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a viral delivery system according to the present disclosure. The viral delivery system comprises a one or more of a viral carrier, a heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, a sequence encoding an initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, and at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest, wherein the viral carrier has a defective integrase gene, and wherein expression of the sequence encoding the initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is under the control of an inducible promoter. The hereditary genetic disease can be, for example, the diseases listed in Table 2, and in some embodiments, the gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest encodes non-mutated versions of the genes listed in Table 2. Without limiting the foregoing, the specific hereditary genetic disease can be CF and treatment can be pursued by expressing a non-mutated form of CFTR as detailed herein.
In another embodiment, a guide RNA target sequence is incorporated into the disclosed VIV system. Guide RNA sequences are sequences used to target gene editing machinery to specific sites within the host genome that are mutated or otherwise require correction. Inclusion of guide RNA within the cargo of a VIV system allows for a modification of a section of a chromosome that requires correction, and the same modification will occur within VIV to accelerate degradation and/or dilution by the host. In embodiments, the disclosed viral delivery system comprises one or more of a viral carrier, a heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, a sequence encoding an initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of replication, at least one gene, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and/or other gene-silencing RNA of interest, and at least one guide RNA, wherein the viral carrier has a defective integrase gene, and wherein expression of the sequence encoding the initiator protein specific for the heterologous viral episomal origin of DNA replication is under the control of an inducible promoter.
In another aspect, the VIV system may be used to modify cells or tissues that are used for disease therapy. Cells may include, without limitation, primary cells such as lymphocytes, stem cells, epithelial cells, neural cells and others. For example, the VIV system may be used to modify lymphocytes that are redirected to specific disease including cancer, infectious disease or autoimmunity, and where long-term presence of genetically modified cells poses a health risk. For example, a VIV system may also be used to program pluripotent stem cells that require high levels of transcript factors for a defined interval and where the long-term presence of an integrated viral vector is undesirable. Suitable epithelial cells include those used for synthetic skin or other applications. These may require the expression of trophic or growth factors during the initial treatment that would be deleterious to function of the normal tissue after treatment and are best delivered by the VIV systems disclosed herein.
The disclosed VIV systems allow for short, medium, or long-term expression of genes or sequences of interest and episomal maintenance of the disclosed vectors. Accordingly, dosing regimens may vary based upon the condition being treated and the method of administration.
In an embodiment, VIVs may be administered to a subject in need in varying doses. Specifically, a subject may be administered ≥106 infectious doses (where 1 dose is needed on average to transduce 1 target cell). More specifically, a subject may be administered ≥107, ≥108, ≥109, or ≥1010 infectious doses. Upper limits of VIV dosing will be determined for each disease indication and will depend on toxicity/safety profiles for each individual product or product lot.
Additionally, VIVs may be administered once or twice a day. Alternatively, VIVs may be administered to a subject in need once a week, once every other week, once every three weeks, once a month, every other month, every three months, every six months, every nine months, once a year, every eighteen months, every two years, every 36 months, or every three years or more.
In various aspects and embodiments, VIVs are administered as a pharmaceutical composition. In embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprising VIV can be formulated in a wide variety of nasal, pulmonary, oral, topical, or parenteral dosage forms for clinical application. Each of the dosage forms can contain various disintegrating agents, surfactants, fillers, thickeners, binders, diluents such as wetting agents or other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The pharmaceutical composition comprising a VIV can also be formulated for injection.
The VIV composition can be administered using any pharmaceutically acceptable method, such as intranasal, buccal, sublingual, oral, rectal, ocular, parenteral (intravenously, intradermally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracisternally, intraperitoneally), pulmonary, intravaginal, locally administered, topically administered, topically administered after scarification, mucosally administered, via an aerosol, or via a buccal or nasal spray formulation.
Further, the VIV composition can be formulated into any pharmaceutically acceptable dosage form, such as a solid dosage form, tablet, pill, lozenge, capsule, liquid dispersion, gel, aerosol, pulmonary aerosol, nasal aerosol, ointment, cream, semi-solid dosage form, and a suspension. Further, the composition may be a controlled release formulation, sustained release formulation, immediate release formulation, or any combination thereof. Further, the composition may be a transdermal delivery system.
In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a VIV can be formulated in a solid dosage form for oral administration, and the solid dosage form can be powders, granules, capsules, tablets or pills. In another embodiment, the solid dosage form can include one or more excipients such as calcium carbonate, starch, sucrose, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose or gelatin. In addition, the solid dosage form can include, in addition to the excipients, a lubricant such as talc or magnesium stearate. In embodiments, the oral dosage form can be immediate release, or a modified release form. Modified release dosage forms include controlled or extended release, enteric release, and the like. The excipients used in the modified release dosage forms are commonly known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
In an embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a VIV can be formulated as a sublingual or buccal dosage form. Such dosage forms comprise sublingual tablets or solution compositions that are administered under the tongue and buccal tablets that are placed between the cheek and gum.
In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a VIV can be formulated as a nasal dosage form. Such dosage forms of the present disclosure comprise solution, suspension, and gel compositions for nasal delivery.
In an embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated in a liquid dosage form for oral administration, such as suspensions, emulsions or syrups. In embodiments, the liquid dosage form can include, in addition to commonly used simple diluents such as water and liquid paraffin, various excipients such as humectants, sweeteners, aromatics or preservatives. In embodiments, the composition comprising VIV or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be formulated to be suitable for administration to a pediatric patient.
In embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated in a dosage form for parenteral administration, such as sterile aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, non-aqueous solutions or suppositories. In embodiments, the non-aqueous solutions or suspensions can include propyleneglycol, polyethyleneglycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil or injectable esters such as ethyl oleate. As a base for suppositories, witepsol, macrogol, tween 61, cacao oil, laurin oil or glycerinated gelatin can be used.
The dosage of the pharmaceutical composition can vary depending on the patient's weight, age, gender, administration time and mode, excretion rate, and the severity of disease.
Words that are not specifically defined herein will be understood to have a meaning consistent with that as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.
As used herein, the term “about” will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent depending upon the context in which it is used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the context in which it is used, “about” will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term.
The terms “administration of” or “administering” an active agent means providing an active agent of the present disclosure to the subject in need of treatment in a form that can be introduced into that individual's body in a therapeutically useful form and therapeutically effective amount.
The term “basal level” refers to expression of cargo when there has not been an addition of at least one initiator protein.
The term “BMP” refers to bone morphogenetic protein.
The term “cargo” refers to a gene or gene product expressed using the viral delivery system(s) disclosed herein.
The term “CF” refers to cystic fibrosis, and the term “CFTR” refers to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein.
The terms, “expression,” “expressed,” or “encodes” refer to the process by which polynucleotides are transcribed into mRNA and/or the process by which the transcribed mRNA is subsequently being translated into peptides, polypeptides, or proteins. Expression may include splicing of the mRNA in a eukaryotic cell or other forms of post-transcriptional modification or post-translational modification.
The term “Fragment 1” is synonymous with “F1” and “Frag 1” and refers to a fragment 1 truncation of the LCR as detailed herein. The term “Fragment 2” is synonymous with “F2” and “Frag 2” and refers to a fragment 2 truncation of the LCR as detailed herein. The term “Fragment 3” is synonymous with “F3” and “Frag 3” and refers to a fragment 3 truncation of the LCR as detailed herein. The term “Fragment 4” is synonymous with “F4” and “Frag 4” and refers to a fragment 1 construct of the LCR as detailed herein.
The terms “individual,” “host,” “subject,” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein.
The term “inducible level” refers to expression of cargo following the addition of at least one initiator protein.
The term “LCR” refers to a long control region of, for example, HPV16.
The term “PDGF” refers to platelet-derived growth factor.
The term “Quadrant 1 course of treatment” includes reference to a course of treatment included in Quadrant 1 of
The term “Quadrant 1 factor” refers to any biological factor that promotes a basal episomal copy number profile as shown in Quadrant 1 of
The term “shRNA” refers to a short hairpin RNA; the term “siRNA” refers to a small (or short) interfering RNA; and the term “miRNA” refers to a microRNA.
The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to a sufficient quantity of the active agents of the present disclosure, in a suitable composition, and in a suitable dosage form to treat or prevent the symptoms, progression, or onset of the complications seen in patients suffering from a given ailment, injury, disease, or condition. The therapeutically effective amount will vary depending on the state of the patient's condition or its severity, and the age, weight, etc., of the subject to be treated. A therapeutically effective amount can vary, depending on any of a number of factors, including, e.g., the route of administration, the condition of the subject, as well as other factors understood by those in the art.
The term “treatment” or “treating” generally refers to an intervention in an attempt to alter the natural course of the subject being treated, and can be performed either for prophylaxis or during the course of clinical pathology. Desirable effects include, but are not limited to, preventing occurrence or recurrence of disease, alleviating symptoms, suppressing, diminishing or inhibiting any direct or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, ameliorating or palliating the disease state, and causing remission or improved prognosis.
The term “very low”, when used in the context of a basal expression level, refers to a very low level of expression and/or episomal copy number (as appropriate) and may include no detectable expression and/or episomal copy number. As a non-limiting example, a very low level of expression includes less than 0.020 episomal copies per cell. The term “very low”, when used in the context of a basal expression level may also be referred to herein as a “first defined level.” The term “slightly higher”, when used in the context of a basal expression level, refers to a low level of expression and/or episomal copy number that is slightly higher compared to the “very low” standard. As a non-limiting example, a slightly higher level of expression include an episomal copy per cell value at or greater than 0.020 episomal copies per cell but less than 0.2 copies per cell. The term “slightly higher”, when used in the context of a basal expression level, may also be referred to herein as a “second defined level.”
As used herein, the term “VIV” refers to a vector-in-vector system for expressing at least one gene, gene product, shRNA, siRNA, miRNA, or other RNA of interest. The term “VIV” is used synonymously with viral delivery system and transient vector, when used herein.
The following examples are given to illustrate aspects of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the specific conditions or details described in these examples. All printed publications referenced herein are specifically incorporated by reference.
This Example demonstrates an exemplary VIV construct for treating an infectious disease.
In this Example,
Subjects suspected of having or diagnosed as having Ebola virus can receive administrations of a therapeutically effective amount of a VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus, either alone or in combination with one or more additional agents for the treatment or prevention of Ebola. VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus and/or additional agents are administered orally, intranasally, intrathecally, intraocularly, intradermally, transmucosally, iontophoretically, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly according to methods known in the art or as described herein. Subjects are then evaluated daily for the presence and/or severity of signs and symptoms associated with Ebola virus, including, but not limited to, e.g., fever, fatigue, malaise, weakness, reddened eyes, joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, hemorrhage, and death. Treatments are maintained until such a time as one or more signs or symptoms of Ebola virus infection are ameliorated or eliminated.
It is rationally predicted that subjects suspected of having or diagnosed as having been infected with Ebola virus and receiving therapeutically effective amounts of a VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus, will display reduced severity or elimination of one or more symptoms associated with Ebola virus infection. It is further rationally predicted that administration of a VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus in combination with one or more additional agents will have synergistic effects.
These results will show that VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus is useful in the treatment of Ebola virus.
This Example demonstrates an exemplary VIV construct for preventing an infectious disease. In this Example,
Subjects suspected of having an increased risk of contracting Ebola virus can receive administrations of a prophylactically effective amount of a VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus, either alone or in combination with one or more additional agents for the treatment or prevention of Ebola prior to entering an area in which risk of contracting Ebola is increased. VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus and/or additional agents are administered orally, intranasally, intrathecally, intraocularly, intradermally, transmucosally, iontophoretically, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly according to methods known in the art or as described herein. Subjects are then evaluated daily for the presence and/or severity of signs and symptoms associated with Ebola virus, including, but not limited to, e.g., fever, fatigue, malaise, weakness, reddened eyes, joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, hemorrhage, and death. Treatments are maintained until such a time as one or more signs or symptoms of Ebola virus infection are prevented.
It is rationally predicted that subjects suspected of having or diagnosed as having been exposed to Ebola virus and receiving prophylactically effective amounts of a VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus, will have a reduced risk of contracting Ebola. It is further rationally predicted that administration of VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus in combination with one or more additional agents will have synergistic effects. These results will show that VIV encoding an antibody that specifically targets Ebola virus is useful in the prevention of Ebola virus.
This Example demonstrates an exemplary VIV construct for enhancing wound healing. In this example,
Subjects with a wound (e.g., from accident, injury, or surgery) can receive administrations of a therapeutically effective amount of a VIV encoding platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), alone or in combination with one or more additional agents for treating or sterilizing a wound. VIV PDGF and/or additional agents are administered orally, intranasally, intrathecally, intraocularly, intradermally, transmucosally, iontophoretically, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly according to methods known in the art or as described herein. Subjects are then evaluated daily to determine the status of the wound. Treatments are maintained until such a time as the wound is healed and scarring is minimized.
It is rationally predicted that subjects with a wound and receiving therapeutically effective amounts of a VIV PDGF will display enhanced wound healing. It is further rationally predicted that administration of VIV encoding PDGF in combination with one or more additional agents will have synergistic effects. These results will show that VIV encoding PDGF is useful for enhancing wound healing.
This Example demonstrates an exemplary VIV construct for treating a bone injury. In this Example,
Subjects suspected of having or diagnosed as having a bone injury can receive administrations of a therapeutically effective amount of a VIV encoding bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), alone or in combination with one or more additional agents for the treatment of the bone injury. VIV encoding BMP and/or additional agents are administered orally, intranasally, intrathecally, intraocularly, intradermally, transmucosally, iontophoretically, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly according to methods known in the art or as described herein. Subjects are then evaluated weekly for the presence and/or severity of signs and symptoms associated with the bone injury to determine the rate and strength of healing. Treatments are maintained until such a time as the bone has healed.
It is rationally predicted that subjects suspected of having or diagnosed as having a bone injury and receiving therapeutically effective amounts of a VIV encoding BMP will display reduced severity of injury and enhanced healing. It is further rationally predicted that administration of VIV encoding BMP in combination with one or more additional agents will have synergistic effects. These results will show that VIV encoding BMP is useful in the treatment of bone injuries or diseases.
This Example demonstrates an exemplary VIV construct for treating cystic fibrosis (CF). In this Example,
Subjects suspected of having or diagnosed as having (CF) can receive administrations of a therapeutically effective amount of a VIV encoding cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), alone or in combination with one or more additional agents for the treatment of CF. VIV encoding CFTR and/or additional agents are administered orally, intranasally, intrathecally, intraocularly, intradermally, transmucosally, iontophoretically, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly according to methods known in the art or as described herein. Subjects are then evaluated weekly for the presence and/or severity of signs and symptoms associated with CF, including, but not limited to, e.g., poor growth, persistent cough, thick sputum and mucus, wheezing, breathlessness, decreased ability to exercise, repeated lung infections, inflamed nasal passage, greasy stools, intestinal blockage, and poor weight gain. Treatments are maintained until such a time as one or more signs or symptoms of CF are ameliorated or eliminated.
It is rationally predicted that subjects suspected of having or diagnosed as having CF and receiving therapeutically effective amounts of a VIV encoding CFTR will display reduced severity or elimination of one or more symptoms associated with CF. It is further rationally predicted that administration of VIV encoding CFTR in combination with one or more additional agents will have synergistic effects. These results will show that VIV encoding CFTR is useful in the treatment of CF.
A vector according to
A lentiviral vector was obtained from System Biosciences, Inc. The plasmid was cleaved with BamHI and EcoRI enzymes, and mixed with excess amplified green fluorescent protein gene sequences in a 1:3 ratio of insert to vector.
Enzymatic activity was then stopped by heat inactivation at 70 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. The above mixture was cooled to room temperature to allow annealing.
The annealing reactions were performed with bacteriophage T4 DNA ligase for 30 minutes at room temperature. 2.5 microliters of the resulting ligation mix were added to 25 microliters of STBL3 competent bacterial cells.
Transfection was then carried out by a brief (1 minute) heat-shock at 42 degrees Celsius.
Bacterial cells were streaked onto agar plates containing ampicillin to obtain bacterial cultures. These cultures were expanded in Luria broth.
To check for insertion of amplified green fluorescent protein gene sequences into the lentivirus vector packaging plasmid, DNA was extracted from the above bacterial cultures and purified by standard methods. Purified DNA was digested with the same endonucleases used to make the construct. Fragment lengths were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, and the amplified green fluorescent protein gene sequences were verified by DNA sequencing using specific primers obtained from Eurofins MWG Operon LLC.
Lentivirus vector stocks were produced as follows. At least two lentiviral packaging plasmids plus the cargo plasmid were co-transfected into HEK cells where viral genes and genomic RNA are expressed, assembled into integrase-deficient lentivirus particles, and released into the culture medium. Cell-free supernatants were produced and collected during the interval of 3-10 days after transfection. Lentivirus particles were purified by standard procedures including a combination of methods that could include centrifugation, transient flow filtration, size exclusion chromatography, size exclusion filtration or ion exchange chromatography. The concentration and biological activity (transducing units per ml) for each stock were determined.
Mammalian cells, including 293T cells, were used to test for lentivirus-derived episome formation, copy number and expression. The 293T cells were transduced with integrase deficient lentivirus particles at a multiplicity of infection ranging from 1 to 10 in the presence of polybrene. Unabsorbed virus was removed by washing cells 3 hours after application, and cells were cultured for 3 days. Cells were observed in a fluorescence microscope and cells expressing GFP were counted. Untransduced 293 T cells were used as a negative control. Data was reported as GFP-positive cells per 100 viable cells in culture. A minimum of 300 cells were counted per microscope field and 5-10 fields were counted for each replicate experiment. Four independent transduction experiments comprising one negative control (left-most data column) and three replicate experiments (i.e., data columns designated as Experiment 1, Experiment 2, and Experiment 3) were performed to determine the frequency of transduced cells. The data is depicted in
Referring to
293T cells can be transduced with Vector 19 at a multiplicity of infection ranging from between 1 and 20 transducing units per cell. 3 hours later, cells are washed with medium to remove unadsorbed virions and returned to culture. 12-24 hours after transduction, cells are treated with at least one dosage of a compound that can induce the inducible promoter. Upon addition of a compound that can induce the inducible promoter, E1 and E2 mRNA are transcribed from the episome and combine and assemble on the Locus Control Region Fragment 2 (LCR/F2) (SEQ ID NO: 3) to trigger DNA replication. Lentivirus-derived episomes decay starting approximately 24-36 hours after the cessation of promoter induction. Protein products from the cargo in Vector 19 are measured by analytical flow cytometry.
To determine the effect of E1 and E2 in expressing cargo, 293T cells were transduced with a D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vector (i.e., vector in
Notably, in reference to
After 24 hours, cells were transfected with plasmids containing HPV16 E1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) and E2 (SEQ ID NO: 7) with Lipofectamine 2000. After 2 days, mCherry expression was analyzed by FACS. The results for these experiments are depicted in
To contrast with the above experiments wherein E1 and E2 were introduced through plasmids, a second set of experiments were performed as described below. Briefly, 293T cells were transduced with a D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vector expressing mCherry and the full length HPV16 long control region (LCR) (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a shorter Fragment 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2) based on the generalized vector shown in
The data detailed in this Example demonstrates that when E1 and E2 are expressed via lentiviral-mediated expression, there was stronger expression and thus more activation of HPV ori (LCR) full-length and fragments.
Secondly, the data from this Example demonstrates that there is a difference in HPV ori activation depending on the size of the LCR region. For example, with reference to
As mentioned herein, VEGF can be selected to be a “cargo” region for treating, among other things, a bone injury. To further analyze the level of VEGF expression, 293T cells were transduced with a D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vector containing a human cDNA for VEGF (SEQ ID NO: 26) and Fragment 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the HPV16 long control region (LCR) (see:
In a manner similar to the mCherry results from Example 8 above, the results demonstrate that there was a difference in HPV ori activation depending on the size of the LCR region. As shown in
Using standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., Sambrook; Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 4th Ed.) as well as the techniques described herein, a series of lentiviral vectors containing the HPV LCRs and E1 and E2 were developed as described in greater detail below. These vectors are also depicted in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Still referring to
The linear vectors detailed herein circularize intracellularly as shown, for example in
In the experiments detailed herein, integrase-deficient lentiviral vector copy number was regulated by a combination of utilizing Vector 20 in combination with Vector 21 or Vector 22 or Vector 23 or Vector 24. Alternately, integrase-deficient lentiviral vector copy number was regulated by a combination of utilizing Vector 20 in combination with Vector 25 or Vector 26.
As discussed herein, the LCR portion of the vectors detailed herein can be and were modified through the use of fragments such as Fragment 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2), Fragment 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), Fragment 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4); and Fragment 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5).
The genomic organization of the LCR and the fragments described herein is depicted in
To test vectors containing the various LCR fragments detailed herein, 293T cells were transduced with D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vectors containing either full-length HPV16 long control region (LCR) or Fragment 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2), Fragment 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), Fragment 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), and Fragment 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5) as described herein (see, for e.g.,
After 24 hours, cells were transfected with plasmids containing HPV16 E1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) and E2 (SEQ ID NO: 7) with Lipofectamine 2000. After 2 days, DNA was extracted for analysis by qPCR. Primers represented by SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 12, which are specific for the episomal form of the lentiviral vector were used to determine the episomal copy number. Notably, this primer set amplified only 1- and 2-LTR episomes. The data for this Example is depicted in
As shown in
In a separate set of related experiments, analysis was carried out for mCherry expression from integrase-deficient lentiviral vectors containing the HPV LCR and 3′ fragments thereof. Briefly, 293T cells were transduced with D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vectors expressing mCherry and either full length HPV16 long control region (LCR) or Fragment 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2), Fragment 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), Fragment 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4), and Fragment 4 (SEQ ID NO: 5). At the same time, cells were transduced with lentivirus expressing HPV16 E1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) and E2 (SEQ ID NO: 7). After 2 days, mCherry expression was analyzed by FACS.
As shown in
In a separate set of related experiments, 293T cells were transduced with a D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vector expressing mCherry and the full-length HPV16 long control region identified previously as SEQ ID NO: 1. At the same time, cells were transduced with lentivirus expressing HPV16 E1-T2A-E2 (SEQ ID NO: 10) from a single vector (see: Vector 25 from
In a separate set of related experiments, an analysis was conducted of mCherry expression using integrase-deficient lentiviral vectors containing HPV LCR following the addition of E1, E1-C, and E2-11. Briefly, 293T cells were transduced with a D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vector expressing mCherry and HPV16 LCR (SEQ ID NO: 1) or Fragment 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2). At the same time, cells were transduced with HPV16 E1 (i.e., Vector 21 in
As mentioned herein, one of the features of the disclosed system is the usefulness of the disclosed system to express an antibody. In a series of representative experiments detailed herein, an anti-HER2 antibody was expressed using the lentiviral vector system. Briefly, 293T cells were infected with a D64 integrase-deficient lentiviral vector (i.e., Vector 20) containing an antibody sequence against HER2 (SEQ ID NO: 13) and the HPV LCR (SEQ ID NO: 1) sequence.
At the same time, cells were infected with lentiviral vectors containing E1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) and E2 (SEQ ID NO: 7). After 3 days, cell culture media was collected. Antibody was purified from the media using Protein AIG agarose beads. An immunoblot was performed using a sheep anti-human antibody (Thermo Scientific). Antibody production was increased with the addition of E1 and E2 as shown in
Further, as shown in
After 24 hours, cells were infected with lentiviral vectors containing E1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) and E2 (SEQ ID NO: 7). After 3 days, cell lysate and cell culture media was collected. Antibody was purified from media using Protein A/G agarose beads and extracted from cells by cell lysis. An immunoblot was performed using a sheep anti-human antibody (Thermo Scientific) and an anti-actin (Sigma) antibody for a protein loading control for cell lysate. Antibody production was increased in both cell lysate and media with the addition of E1 and E2, as shown in
As mentioned herein, one of the features of the disclosed system is the usefulness of the disclosed system to express a microRNA. As a non-limiting example, constructs were designed to express microRNA for CCR5 based on the SEQ ID NO: 15.
Briefly, HeLa cells expressing CCR5 were infected with a D64 integrase-deficient lentiviral vector (i.e., Vector 20) containing a microRNA sequence against CCR5 (SEQ ID NO: 15) and the full-length HPV LCR (SEQ ID NO: 1) sequence. At the same time, cells were infected with lentiviral vectors containing E1 and E2. After 3 days, cells were collected and analyzed for CCR5 expression by FACS analysis with an anti-CCR5 APC-conjugated antibody. As shown in
In related experiments, a D64 integrase-deficient lentiviral vector containing a microRNA sequence against CCR5 and the Fragment 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3) LCR sequence were utilized. As shown in
Referring in more detail to
As mentioned herein, initiator proteins such as E1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) and E2 (SEQ ID NO: 7) are used to augment the effectiveness of the systems described herein. An alternate initiator protein that used in the current system is EBNA-1 (SEQ ID NO: 32). Accordingly in a series of experiments, 293T cells were transduced with a D64V integrase-deficient lentiviral vector (i.e., Vector 27) expressing GFP and the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) OriP sequence (SEQ ID NO: 31).
After 24 hours, cells were transfected with a plasmid containing EBV EBNA-1 (SEQ ID NO: 32) with Lipofectamine 2000. After 2 days, GFP expression was analyzed by FACS. As shown in representative data in
LCR fragment length was selected in accordance with a desired level of expression in the cell.
Referring to both
As summarized in
Referring to
As detailed in
A treatment is designed for sickle cell anemia. In this approach, CD34+ bone marrow-derived hematopoietic precursor stem cells (HPSC) are removed, treated ex vivo with a gene modification and implanted as an autologous cell therapy. The strategy depends on expressing an inhibitory miRNA that reduces expression of Bcl11A protein, a potent repressor of fetal globin expression (Akinsheye, et al., Blood 118:19, 2011). When Bcl11A levels are reduced, fetal globin expression increases and replaces the adult globin in terms of normal cell function.
A safety study concern arose about the ability to express sufficient levels of inhibitory miRNA without drastically increasing the viral vector dose that would, in turn, reduce viability of the transduced CD34+ HPSC, decrease the efficiency of treatment and raise the cost of therapy. To overcome the problem of increasing expression without increasing the amounts of lentivirus vector, it is determined that a non-integrating vector capable of increasing gene dose is the best option. First, it is necessary to test whether a low dose of extrachromosomal DNA expressing the Bcl11A miRNA will be sufficient for inhibiting Bcl11A expression and elevating fetal globin expression.
A lentivirus vector (LVmiRBcl11A) is constructed using a standard and generally accepted clinical grade vector backbone and packaging system (with integrase function inactivated by mutation) that contains: a synthetic miRNA construct with a guide sequence matching a sequence found within the Bcl11A mRNA under control of a suitable promoter; an LCR fragment of 200 nucleotide in length; and no concomitant expression of E1 and/or E2 replication proteins.
LVmiRBcl11A is used to transduce HPSC at a multiplicity of infection equal to 5, a condition that maximizes the frequency of transduced cells and minimized HPSC cell death. Transduced cells are engrafted into bone marrow of the original donor after appropriate cytoreduction conditioning. The trial participants are monitored to determine the frequency of transduced cells, copies of extrachromosomal DNA per cell and levels of fetal globin expression. It is rationally predicted that this Quadrant 1 approach produces low copy numbers of extrachromosomal DNA per cells and constitutes a low therapeutic dose of LVmiRBcl11A.
A treatment is designed for cellular reprogramming related to sickle cell anemia. In this approach, CD34+ bone marrow-derived hematopoietic precursor stem cells (HPSC) are removed, treated ex vivo with a gene modification and implanted as an autologous cell therapy. The strategy depends on expressing an inhibitory miRNA that reduces expression of Bcl11A protein, a potent repressor of fetal globin expression. When Bcl11A levels are reduced, fetal globin expression increases and replaces the adult globin in terms of normal cell function.
A concern arose about the ability to express sufficient levels of inhibitory miRNA without drastically increasing the viral vector dose that would in turn, reduce viability of the transduced CD34+ HPSC, decrease the efficiency of treatment and raise the cost of therapy.
To overcome the problem of increasing expression without increasing the amounts of lentivirus vector, it is determined that a non-integrating vector capable of varying gene dose is the best option. Subsequent to an initial test using Quadrant 1 conditions (short LCR fragment without concomitant expression of E1 and/or E2 replication protein) (i.e., Example 17), it is necessary to test whether a high dose of extrachromosomal DNA expressing the Bcl11A miRNA will be sufficient for inhibiting Bcl11A expression and elevating fetal globin expression. Due to the inducible nature of gene dose using a short LCR and concomitant expression of E1 and/or E2 replication proteins, an identical dose of LVmiRBcl11A can be delivered, along with a non-integrating lentivirus vector for temporary expression of E1 and/or E2 proteins, to increase the gene dose more than 5-fold without raising the lentivirus vector dose that would decrease CD34+ HPSC viability.
A lentivirus vector (LVmiRBcl11A) is constructed using a standard and generally accepted clinical grade vector backbone and packaging system (with integrase function inactivated by mutation) that contains: a synthetic miRNA construct with a guide sequence matching a sequence found within the Bcl11A mRNA under control of a suitable promoter; an LCR fragment of 200 nucleotide in length; E1 and/or E2 replication proteins are expressed on a non-integrating lentivirus vector that do not contain the LCR to control DNA replication.
LVmiRBcl11A is used to transduce HPSC at multiplicity of infection equal to 5, a condition that maximizes the frequency of transduced cells and minimized HPSC cell death. Transduced cells are engrafted into bone marrow of the original donor after appropriate cytoreduction conditioning. The trial participants are monitored to determine the frequency of transduced cells, copies of extrachromosomal DNA per cell and levels of fetal globin expression. It is rationally predicted that this Quadrant 2 approach produces high copy numbers of extrachromosomal DNA per cells and constitutes a high therapeutic dose of LVmiRBcl11A.
Studies represented in Examples 17 and 18 are compared to determine the optimal conditions for transducing CD34+ HPSC with LVmiRBcl11A to maximize efficiency and potency of treatment.
A proposed passive immunity treatment for HIV disease involves use of CRISP-Cas9 gene editing to delete the cell surface integrin receptor alpha4beta7 that promotes virus attachment to and penetration of susceptible T cells. The treatment strategy involves isolating T cells from peripheral blood followed by transduction with a lentivirus carrying the anti-alpha4beta7 CRISPR-Cas9 construct that includes a guide RNA specific for the alpha4beta7 gene sequence. Isolated T cells are transduced with therapeutic lentivirus to delete alpha4beta7 receptor. Cells are then returned to the body via infusion. Once returned to the circulation, these HIV-resistant cells may increase in numbers and begin to provide normal immune function including the capacity for resisting HIV replication. It is expected that a high dose of the CRISPR-Cas9 lentivirus vector will be required to achieve uniform deletion of the alpha4beta7 gene. One arm of a proposed clinical trial (i.e., Example 20) utilizes a non-integrating lentivirus vector with a long form of the LCR that expressed the CRISPR-Cas9alpha4beta7 but does not include E1 and/or E2 replication proteins needed to increase the copy number above the level of barely detectable.
In this therapeutic arm of the clinical trial, the same LVCRISPR-Cas9alpha4beta7 is delivered, and there is concomitant delivery of a non-integrating lentivirus expressing E1 and/or E2 replication proteins in a construct that does not contain the LCR and is incapable of DNA replication. This will increase the gene dose without altering the amount of LV-CRISPR-Cas9alpha4beta7 needed to efficiently transduce T cells, and is considered a high dose therapeutic arm of the trial.
A lentivirus vector is constructed and contains the following elements within a generally used viral vector backbone: LCR of 720 nucleotides in length that is inducible when E1 and/or E2 replication proteins are provided; an expression cassette containing a suitable promoter of gene transcription for CRISPR-Cas9 protein and the alpha4beta7-complementary guide RNA. The vector is packaged with a mutation in the integrase gene to block normal viral DNA integration. A second non-integrating lentivirus is used to provide transient expression of E1 and/or E2 DNA replication proteins in a construct that does not contain the LCR and is not capable of DNA replication.
The T cells are modified ex vivo with the non-integrating lentiviral vector that has high CRISPR-Cas9 and guide RNA expression because the gene dose was increased by adding E1 and/or E2 proteins. Cells are returned to the clinical trial subject in a therapeutic arm of the study. Clinical outcome is assessed on the basis of increasing proportions of T cells carrying the alpha4beta7 gene deletion in the presence of HIV, improving T cell function and natural control of HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral medications. It is rationally predicted that this Quadrant 3 approach results in increasing proportions of T cells carrying the alpha4beta7 gene deletion in the presence of HIV, improving T cell function and natural control of HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral medications
A proposed treatment for HIV disease involves use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to delete the cell surface integrin receptor alpha4beta7 that promotes virus attachment to and penetration of susceptible T cells. The treatment strategy involves isolating T cells from peripheral blood followed by transduction with a lentivirus carrying the anti-alpha4beta7 CRISPR-Cas9 construct that includes a guide RNA specific for the alpha4beta7 gene sequence. Isolated T cells are transduced with therapeutic lentivirus to delete alpha4beta7 receptor, and then the cells are returned to the body via infusion. Once returned to the circulation, these HIV-resistant cells may increase in numbers and begin to provide normal immune function including the capacity for resisting HIV replication.
Prior to initiating clinical studies of this treatment, it is important to confirm vector safety and specificity. A critical concern is whether the therapeutic gene cassette including an alpha4beta7-specific guide RNA, will integrate and cause genotoxicity. The concern exists because the guide RNA has direct homology in the human genome and the effects of integrating a construct capable of long-term CRISPR-Cas9 expression may have unexpected consequences including cellular transformation and cancer.
In order to demonstrate that vector integration into the alpha4beta7 gene is not a high probability event, a clinical control trial is designed to include one arm where a non-integrating transient vector is used to modify T cells ex vivo prior to infusion. In vitro studies are not sufficient to assess risk as the number of events analyzed in vivo is much greater than can be simulated by in vitro or ex vivo studies.
A lentivirus vector containing the following elements within a generally used viral vector backbone is constructed: LCR of 720 nucleotides in length without concomitant expression of E1 and E2 proteins; an expression cassette containing a suitable promoter of gene transcription for CRISPR-Cas9 protein and the alpha4beta7-complementary guide RNA. The vector is packaged with a mutation in the integrase gene to block normal viral DNA integration.
The T cells are modified ex vivo with the non-integrating lentiviral vector that has minimal CRISPR-Cas9 or guide RNA expression because the gene dose is not increased without E1 and/or E2 proteins. Cells are returned to the clinical trial subject in a control arm of the study and patterns of viral DNA integration are measured by extracting chromosomal DNA and performing appropriate PCR-based studies to identify viral DNA that has recombined with the chromosomal DNA. The sites for recombination of any integrated DNA are determined by high-throughput DNA sequencing and reported as potential genotoxic events indicating the potential for adverse events. It is rationally predicted that this Quadrant 4 approach will serve as an effect control for monitoring recombination events.
The following sequences are referred to herein:
While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and specifically exemplified herein, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such embodiments. Various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
This application claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/347,552 filed on Jun. 8, 2016 entitled “NON-INTEGRATING VIRAL DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/431,760 filed on Dec. 8, 2016 entitled “NON-INTEGRATING VIRAL DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHODS RELATED THERETO”, and PCT/US16/66185 filed on Dec. 12, 2016 entitled “NON-INTEGRATING VIRAL DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHODS RELATED THERETO”, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US17/36433 | 6/7/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62431760 | Dec 2016 | US | |
| 62347552 | Jun 2016 | US |
