Human retinal organoids harboring IMPG2 mutations exhibit a photoreceptor outer segment phenotype that models advanced retinitis pigmentosa.

Interphotoreceptor matrix proteoglycan 2 (IMPG2) mutations cause a severe form of early-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with macular involvement. IMPG2 is expressed by photoreceptors and incorporated into the matrix that surrounds the inner and outer segments (OS) of rods and cones, but the mechanism of IMPG2-RP remains unclear. Loss of Impg2 function in mice produces a mild, late-onset photoreceptor phenotype without the characteristic OS loss that occurs in human patients. We generated retinal organoids (ROs) from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and gene-edited embryonic stem cells to model human IMPG2-RP in vitro. All ROs harboring IMPG2 mutations lacked an OS layer, in contrast to isogenic controls. Subsequent protein analyses revealed that this phenotype arises due to a loss of IMPG2 expression or its inability to undergo normal post-translational modifications. We hypothesized that loss of IMPG2 function destabilizes the interphotoreceptor matrix and renders the OS vulnerable to physical stressors, which is accentuated in the tissue culture environment. In support of this mechanism, transplantation of IMPG2 mutant ROs into the protected subretinal space of immunocompromised rodents restored OS production. Beyond providing a robust platform to study IMPG2-RP, this human RO model system may serve a broader role in honing strategies to treat advanced photoreceptor-based diseases.

Ultrathin micromolded 3D scaffolds for high-density photoreceptor layer reconstruction.

Polymeric scaffolds are revolutionizing therapeutics for blinding disorders affecting the outer retina, a region anatomically and functionally defined by light-sensitive photoreceptors. Recent engineering advances have produced planar scaffolds optimized for retinal pigment epithelium monolayer delivery, which are being tested in early-stage clinical trials. We previously described a three-dimensional scaffold supporting a polarized photoreceptor monolayer, but photoreceptor somata typically occupy multiple densely packed strata to maximize light detection. Thus, patients with severe photoreceptor degeneration are expected to extract greater benefits from higher-density photoreceptor delivery. Here, we describe the microfabrication of a biodegradable scaffold patterned for high-density photoreceptor replacement. The "ice cube tray" structure optimizes mechanical properties and cell-to-biomaterial load, enabling production of a multicellular photoreceptor layer designed for outer retinal reconstruction. Our approach may also be useful in the production of a multitude of micro- and nanoscale structures for multilayered cell delivery in other tissues.

Imaging Transplanted Photoreceptors in Living Nonhuman Primates with Single-Cell Resolution.

Stem cell-based transplantation therapies offer hope for currently untreatable retinal degenerations; however, preclinical progress has been largely confined to rodent models. Here, we describe an experimental platform for accelerating photoreceptor replacement therapy in the nonhuman primate, which has a visual system much more similar to the human. We deployed fluorescence adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (FAOSLO) to noninvasively track transplanted photoreceptor precursors over time at cellular resolution in the living macaque. Fluorescently labeled photoreceptors generated from a CRX+/tdTomato human embryonic stem cell (hESC) reporter line were delivered subretinally to macaques with normal retinas and following selective ablation of host photoreceptors using an ultrafast laser. The fluorescent reporter together with FAOSLO allowed transplanted photoreceptor precursor survival, migration, and neurite formation to be monitored over time in vivo. Histological examination suggested migration of photoreceptor precursors to the outer plexiform layer and potential synapse formation in ablated areas in the macaque eye.

Reproducibility and staging of 3D human retinal organoids across multiple pluripotent stem cell lines.

Numerous protocols have been described for producing neural retina from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), many of which are based on the culture of 3D organoids. Although nearly all such methods yield at least partial segments of retinal structure with a mature appearance, variabilities exist within and between organoids that can change over a protracted time course of differentiation. Adding to this complexity are potential differences in the composition and configuration of retinal organoids when viewed across multiple differentiations and hPSC lines. In an effort to understand better the current capabilities and limitations of these cultures, we generated retinal organoids from 16 hPSC lines and monitored their appearance and structural organization over time by light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, metabolic imaging and electron microscopy. We also employed optical coherence tomography and 3D imaging techniques to assess and compare whole or broad regions of organoids to avoid selection bias. Results from this study led to the development of a practical staging system to reduce inconsistencies in retinal organoid cultures and increase rigor when utilizing them in developmental studies, disease modeling and transplantation.

Effects of neural differentiation maturity status of human induced pluripotent stem cells prior to grafting in a subcortical ischemic stroke model.

Neural cell grafting is a promising therapy for stroke, but the optimal differentiation status of the cells prior to grafting is unclear. We grafted cells at different maturity stages (days 28, 42, or 56 of in vitro neural differentiation) into the brains of eight-week-old rats one week after subcortical ischemic stroke, and assessed motor and sensory behavioral recovery over one month. We did not find a difference between the grafted or control groups on behavioral recovery, or on brain tissue outcomes including infarct size, microgliosis, or astrocytosis. Further research is needed into mechanisms of benefit of neural cell grafting for stroke.

Effect of enzymatic and mechanical methods of dissociation on neural progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells.

PURPOSE: To determine the most effective method of dissociating neural stem and progenitor cells into a single-cell suspension. MATERIALS/METHODS: Induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated toward the neural fate for 4 weeks before clusters were subjected to enzymatic (Accutase, trypsin, TrypLE, dispase, or DNase I) or mechanical (trituration with pipettes of varying size) or combined dissociation. Images of cells were analyzed for cluster size using ImageJ. RESULTS: Cells treated with the enzymes Accutase, TrypLE, or trypsin/EDTA, these enzymes followed by trituration, or a combination one of these enzymes followed by incubation with another enzyme, including DNase I, were more likely to be dissociated into a single-cell suspension. CONCLUSIONS: Cells treated with enzymes or combinations of methods were more likely to be dissociated into a single-cell suspension.

Effect of different feeding schedules on the survival and neural differentiation of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Neural culture of human pluripotent stem cells is useful for neuroscience research, but the optimal feeding schedule for these in vitro systems is unclear. We evaluated the survival and neural differentiation profiles of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells cultured with medium exchange schedules of five, six, or seven days weekly through two months of differentiation. No significant differences were seen in cell numbers or neural differentiation markers through this culture interval with either human pluripotent cell type. We conclude that there is unlikely to be an advantage of feeding more than five days weekly for this culture system.

Inhibition of SOCS1-/- lethal autoinflammatory disease correlated to enhanced peripheral Foxp3+ regulatory T cell homeostasis.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1-deficient (SOCS1(-/-)) mice, which are lymphopenic, die <3 wk after birth of a T cell-mediated autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by leukocyte infiltration and destruction of vital organs. Notably, Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be particularly potent in inhibiting inflammation-associated autoimmune diseases. We observed that SOCS1(-/-) mice were deficient in peripheral Tregs despite enhanced thymic development. The adoptive transfer of SOCS1-sufficient Tregs, CD4(+) T lymphocytes, or administration of SOCS1 kinase inhibitory region (KIR), a peptide that partially restores SOCS1 function, mediated a statistically significant but short-term survival of SOCS1(-/-) mice. However, the adoptive transfer of SOCS1-sufficient CD4(+) T lymphocytes, combined with the administration of SOCS1-KIR, resulted in a significant increase in the survival of SOCS1(-/-) mice both short and long term, where 100% death occurred by day 18 in the absence of treatment. Moreover, the CD4(+)/SOCS1-KIR combined therapy resulted in decreased leukocytic organ infiltration, reduction of serum IFN-γ, and enhanced peripheral accumulation of Foxp3(+) Tregs in treated mice. These data show that CD4(+)/SOCS1-KIR combined treatment can synergistically promote the long-term survival of perinatal lethal SOCS1(-/-) mice. In addition, these results strongly suggest that SOCS1 contributes to the stability of the Foxp3(+) Treg peripheral population under conditions of strong proinflammatory environments.

The kinase inhibitory region of SOCS-1 is sufficient to inhibit T-helper 17 and other immune functions in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) negatively regulate the immune response, primarily by interfering with the JAK/STAT pathway. We have developed a small peptide corresponding to the kinase inhibitory region (KIR) sequence of SOCS-1, SOCS1-KIR, which inhibits kinase activity by binding to the activation loop of tyrosine kinases such as JAK2 and TYK2. Treatment of SJL/J mice with SOCS1-KIR beginning 12 days post-immunization with myelin basic protein (MBP) resulted in minimal symptoms of EAE, while most control treated mice developed paraplegia. SOCS1-KIR treatment suppressed interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production by MBP-specific lymphocytes, as well as MBP-induced lymphocyte proliferation. When treated with IL-23, a key cytokine in the terminal differentiation of IL-17-producing cells, MBP-sensitized cells produced IL-17A and IFNγ; SOCS1-KIR was able to inhibit the production of these cytokines. SOCS1-KIR also blocked IL-23 and IL-17A activation of STAT3. There is a deficiency of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 mRNA expression in CD4(+) T cells that infiltrate the CNS, reflecting a deficiency in regulation. Consistent with therapeutic efficacy, SOCS1-KIR reversed the cellular infiltration of the CNS that is associated with EAE. We have shown here that a SOCS-1 like effect can be obtained with a small functional region of the SOCS-1 protein that is easily produced.

Enhancement of antiviral immunity by small molecule antagonist of suppressor of cytokine signaling.

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCSs) are negative regulators of both innate and adaptive immunity via inhibition of signaling by cytokines such as type I and type II IFNs. We have developed a small peptide antagonist of SOCS-1 that corresponds to the activation loop of JAK2. SOCS-1 inhibits both type I and type II IFN activities by binding to the kinase activation loop via the kinase inhibitory region of the SOCS. The antagonist, pJAK2(1001-1013), inhibited the replication of vaccinia virus and encephalomyocarditis virus in cell culture, suggesting that it possesses broad antiviral activity. In addition, pJAK2(1001-1013) protected mice against lethal vaccinia and encephalomyocarditis virus infection. pJAK2(1001-1013) increased the intracellular level of the constitutive IFN-beta, which may play a role in the antagonist antiviral effect at the cellular level. Ab neutralization suggests that constitutive IFN-beta may act intracellularly, consistent with recent findings on IFN-gamma intracellular signaling. pJAK2(1001-1013) also synergizes with IFNs as per IFN-gamma mimetic to exert a multiplicative antiviral effect at the level of transcription, the cell, and protection of mice against lethal viral infection. pJAK2(1001-1013) binds to the kinase inhibitory region of both SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 and blocks their inhibitory effects on the IFN-gamma activation site promoter. In addition to a direct antiviral effect and synergism with IFN, the SOCS antagonist also exhibits adjuvant effects on humoral and cellular immunity as well as an enhancement of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid activation of TLR3. The SOCS antagonist thus presents a novel and effective approach to enhancement of host defense against viruses.

HSV-1-induced SOCS-1 expression in keratinocytes: use of a SOCS-1 antagonist to block a novel mechanism of viral immune evasion.

Keratinocytes are important for the acute phase of HSV-1 infection and subsequent persistence in sensory nervous tissue. In this study, we showed that keratinocytes (HEL-30) were refractory to IFN-gamma induction of an antiviral state to HSV-1 infection, while IFN-gamma did induce an antiviral state in fibroblasts (L929). This led us to examine the possible role of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) in this refractiveness. RT-PCR analysis of SOCS-1 mRNA expression in HSV-1-infected cells showed a 4-fold increase for keratinocytes while having a negligible effect on fibroblasts. A similar pattern was observed at the level of SOCS-1 protein induction. Activation of STAT1alpha in keratinocytes was inhibited by HSV-1 infection. A direct effect of HSV-1 on the SOCS-1 promoter was shown in a luciferase reporter gene assay. We have developed a small peptide antagonist of SOCS-1, pJAK2(1001-1013), that had both an antiviral effect in keratinocytes against HSV-1 as well as a synergistic effect on IFN-gamma induction of an antiviral state. HSV-1 ICP0 mutant was inhibited by IFN-gamma in HEL-30 cells and was less effective than wild-type virus in induction of SOCS-1 promoter. We conclude that SOCS-1 plays an important role in the inhibition of the antiviral effect of IFN-gamma in keratinocytes infected with HSV-1. The use of SOCS-1 antagonist to abrogate this refractiveness could have a transformational effect on therapy against viral infections.

SOCS-1 mimetics protect mice against lethal poxvirus infection: identification of a novel endogenous antiviral system.

The suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1) protein modulates cytokine signaling by binding to and inhibiting the function of Janus kinases (JAKs), ErbB, and other tyrosine kinases. We have developed a small tyrosine kinase inhibitor peptide (Tkip) that binds to the autophosphorylation site of tyrosine kinases and inhibits activation of STAT transcription factors. We have also shown that a peptide corresponding to the kinase-inhibitory region of SOCS-1, SOCS1-KIR, similarly interacts with the activation loop of JAK2 and blocks STAT activation. Poxviruses activate cellular tyrosine kinases, such as ErbB-1 and JAK2, in the infection of cells. We used the pathogenesis of vaccinia virus in C57BL/6 mice to determine the ability of the SOCS-1 mimetics to protect mice against lethal vaccinia virus infection. Injection of mice intraperitoneally with Tkip or SOCS1-KIR containing a palmitate for cell penetration, before and at the time of intranasal challenge with 2 x 10(6) PFU of vaccinia virus, resulted in complete protection at 100 microg. Initiation of treatment 1 day postinfection resulted in 80% survival. Administration of SOCS-1 mimetics by the oral route also protected mice against lethal effects of the virus. Both SOCS1-KIR and Tkip inhibited vaccinia virus transcription and replication at early and possibly later stages of infection. Vaccinia virus-induced phosphorylation of ErbB-1 and JAK2 was inhibited by the mimetics. Protected mice mounted a strong humoral and cellular response to vaccinia virus. The use of SOCS-1 mimetics in the treatment of poxvirus infections reveals an endogenous regulatory system that previously was not known to have an antiviral function.