Adeno-associated virus gene therapy prevents progression of kidney disease in genetic models of nephrotic syndrome.

Gene therapy for kidney diseases has proven challenging. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is used as a vector for gene therapy targeting other organs, with particular success demonstrated in monogenic diseases. We aimed to establish gene therapy for the kidney by targeting a monogenic disease of the kidney podocyte. The most common cause of childhood genetic nephrotic syndrome is mutations in the podocyte gene NPHS2, encoding podocin. We used AAV-based gene therapy to rescue this genetic defect in human and mouse models of disease. In vitro transduction studies identified the AAV-LK03 serotype as a highly efficient transducer of human podocytes. AAV-LK03-mediated transduction of podocin in mutant human podocytes resulted in functional rescue in vitro, and AAV 2/9-mediated gene transfer in both the inducible podocin knockout and knock-in mouse models resulted in successful amelioration of kidney disease. A prophylactic approach of AAV 2/9 gene transfer before induction of disease in conditional knockout mice demonstrated improvements in albuminuria, plasma creatinine, plasma urea, plasma cholesterol, histological changes, and long-term survival. A therapeutic approach of AAV 2/9 gene transfer 2 weeks after disease induction in proteinuric conditional knock-in mice demonstrated improvement in urinary albuminuria at days 42 and 56 after disease induction, with corresponding improvements in plasma albumin. Therefore, we have demonstrated successful AAV-mediated gene rescue in a monogenic renal disease and established the podocyte as a tractable target for gene therapy approaches.

Transplacental delivery of therapeutic proteins by engineered immunoglobulin G: a step toward perinatal replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND: Transplacental delivery of maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) provides humoral protection during the first months of life until the newborn's immune system reaches maturity. The maternofetal interface has been exploited therapeutically to replace missing enzymes in the fetus, as shown in experimental mucopolysaccharidoses, or to shape adaptive immune repertoires during fetal development and induce tolerance to self-antigens or immunogenic therapeutic molecules. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether proteins that are administered to pregnant mice or endogenously present in their circulation may be delivered through the placenta. METHODS: We engineered monovalent immunoglobulin G (FabFc) specific for different domains of human factor VIII (FVIII), a therapeutically relevant model antigen. FabFc was injected with exogenous FVIII into pregnant severe hemophilia A mice or pregnant mice expressing human FVIII following AAV8-mediated gene therapy. FabFc and FVIII were detected in the pregnant mice and/or fetuses by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Administration of FabFc to pregnant mice allowed the maternofetal delivery of FVIII in a FcRn-dependent manner. FVIII antigen levels achieved in the fetuses represented 10% of normal plasma levels in the human. We identified antigen/FabFc complex stability, antigen size, and shielding of promiscuous protein patches as key parameters to foster optimal antigen delivery. CONCLUSION: Our results pave the way toward the development of novel strategies for the in utero delivery of endogenous maternal proteins to replace genetically deficient fetal proteins or to educate the immune system and favor active immune tolerance upon protein encounter later in life.

Preclinical evaluation of FLT190, a liver-directed AAV gene therapy for Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by loss of alpha-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) activity and is characterized by progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids in multiple cells and tissues. FLT190, an investigational gene therapy, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with Fabry disease (NCT04040049). FLT190 consists of a potent, synthetic capsid (AAVS3) containing an expression cassette with a codon-optimized human GLA cDNA under the control of a liver-specific promoter FRE1 (AAV2/S3-FRE1-GLAco). For mouse studies FLT190 genome was pseudotyped with AAV8 for efficient transduction. Preclinical studies in a murine model of Fabry disease (Gla-deficient mice), and non-human primates (NHPs) showed dose-dependent increases in plasma α-Gal A with steady-state observed 2 weeks following a single intravenous dose. In Fabry mice, AAV8-FLT190 treatment resulted in clearance of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) in plasma, urine, kidney, and heart; electron microscopy analyses confirmed reductions in storage inclusion bodies in kidney and heart. In NHPs, α-Gal A expression was consistent with the levels of hGLA mRNA in liver, and no FLT190-related toxicities or adverse events were observed. Taken together, these studies demonstrate preclinical proof-of-concept of liver-directed gene therapy with FLT190 for the treatment of Fabry disease.

Liver Gene Therapy.

Gene therapy is an exciting therapeutic concept that offers the promise of a cure for an array of inherited and acquired disorders. The liver has always been a key target for gene therapy as it controls essential biological processes including digestion, metabolism, detoxification, immunity, and blood coagulation. Metabolic disorders of hepatic origin number several hundreds, and for many, liver transplantation remains the only cure. Liver-targeted gene therapy is an attractive treatment modality for many of these conditions. After years of failure, substantial progress in this field in the past decade has resulted in promising clinical efficacy and safety in patients with monogenetic disorders with Valoctocogene roxaparvovec (Roctavian), the first gene therapy for treatment for hemophilia A, to be approved in Europe. Another, Etranacogene dezaparvovec (AMT-061) for hemophilia B is also in the final stages of approval. A number of other liver targeted gene therapy products are at an advanced stage of development, thus heralding a new era of potentially curative molecular medicine. This review explores the recent clinical advances in liver targeted gene therapy as well as the challenges that need to be overcome for the widespread adoption of this new treatment paradigm.

Feasibility of combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to evaluate gastrointestinal diseases.

BACKGROUND: Chronic gastroenteropathies, including gluten sensitivity and marmoset wasting syndrome, frequently occur in captive colonies of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Early identification and diagnosis of affected animals are desirable. Endoscopic examination of the colon in marmosets is described, but the small intestine can harbor significant mucosal lesions not representing those in the colon. Evaluating the small intestine currently requires invasive surgical biopsies due to the small patient size, carrying a risk of severe complications. METHODS: Endoscopic intubation and multisite biopsy of the duodenum/proximal jejunum are demonstrated in 10 marmosets under general anesthesia. RESULTS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with colonoscopy efficiently aid in examining the gastrointestinal tract and obtaining an antemortem histologic diagnosis in marmosets with chronic gastrointestinal signs. CONCLUSIONS: This minimally invasive technique is feasible in marmosets. Future investigations into the pathogenesis of chronic gastroenteropathies will benefit from these data, leading to improved animal welfare and better individual and colony health management.

Potential limits of AAV-based gene therapy with the use of new transgenes expressing factor IX fusion proteins.

INTRODUCTION: The variety of treatment for haemophilia B (HB) has recently improved with the emergence of both AAV-based gene therapy and bioengineered human factor IX (hFIX) molecules with prolonged half-life due to fusion to either albumin (Alb) or immunoglobulin Fc fragment (Fc). AIM: Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) mediating expression of hFIX-Alb and hFIX-Fc fusion proteins was investigated for gene therapy of HB to explore if their extended half-life translates to higher plasma levels of FIX. METHODS: Single-stranded cross-packaged AAV2/8 vectors expressing hFIX-Alb, hFIX-Fc and hFIX were evaluated in vitro, and in mice. RESULTS: Both hFIX-Alb and hFIX-Fc fusion proteins were synthesized and expressed as single chains of expected size following AAV-mediated gene transfer in vitro and in vivo. The procoagulant properties of these hFIX-fusion proteins were comparable to wild-type hFIX. However, their expression levels were threefold lower than wild-type hFIX in vivo most likely due to inefficient secretion. CONCLUSION: This, the first, evaluation of hFIX-fusion proteins in the context of AAV gene transfer suggests that the hFIX-fusion proteins are secreted inefficiently from the liver, thus preventing their optimal use in gene therapy approaches.

Therapeutic expression of human clotting factors IX and X following adeno-associated viral vector-mediated intrauterine gene transfer in early-gestation fetal macaques.

Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) achieve stable therapeutic expression without long-term toxicity in adults with hemophilia. To avert irreversible complications in congenital disorders producing early pathogenesis, safety and efficacy of AAV-intrauterine gene transfer (IUGT) requires assessment. We therefore performed IUGT of AAV5 or -8 with liver-specific promoter-1 encoding either human coagulation factors IX (hFIX) or X (hFX) into Macaca fascicularis fetuses at ∼0.4 gestation. The initial cohort received 1 × 1012 vector genomes (vgs) of AAV5-hFIX ( n = 5; 0.45 × 1013 vg/kg birth weight), resulting in ∼3.0% hFIX at birth and 0.6-6.8% over 19-51 mo. The next cohort received 0.2-1 × 1013 vg boluses. AAV5-hFX animals ( n = 3; 3.57 × 1013 vg/kg) expressed <1% at birth and 9.4-27.9% up to 42 mo. AAV8-hFIX recipients ( n = 3; 2.56 × 1013 vg/kg) established 4.2-41.3% expression perinatally and 9.8-25.3% over 46 mo. Expression with AAV8-hFX ( n = 6, 3.12 × 1013 vg/kg) increased from <1% perinatally to 9.8-13.4% >35 mo. Low expressers (<1%, n = 3) were postnatally challenged with 2 × 1011 vg/kg AAV5 resulting in 2.4-13.2% expression and demonstrating acquired tolerance. Linear amplification-mediated-PCR analysis demonstrated random integration of 57-88% of AAV sequences retrieved from hepatocytes with no events occurring in or near oncogenesis-associated genes. Thus, early-IUGT in macaques produces sustained curative expression related significantly to integrated AAV in the absence of clinical toxicity, supporting its therapeutic potential for early-onset monogenic disorders.-Chan, J. K. Y., Gil-Farina I., Johana, N., Rosales, C., Tan, Y. W., Ceiler, J., Mcintosh, J., Ogden, B., Waddington, S. N., Schmidt, M., Biswas, A., Choolani, M., Nathwani, A. C., Mattar, C. N. Z. Therapeutic expression of human clotting factors IX and X following adeno-associated viral vector-mediated intrauterine gene transfer in early-gestation fetal macaques.

The murine lung as a factory to produce secreted intrapulmonary and circulatory proteins.

We have shown that a lentiviral vector (rSIV.F/HN) pseudotyped with the F and HN proteins from Sendai virus generates high levels of intracellular proteins after lung transduction. Here, we evaluate the use of rSIV.F/HN for production of secreted proteins. We assessed whether rSIV.F/HN transduction of the lung generates therapeutically relevant levels of secreted proteins in the lung and systemic circulation using human α1-anti-trypsin (hAAT) and factor VIII (hFVIII) as exemplars. Sedated mice were transduced with rSIV.F/HN carrying either the secreted reporter gene Gaussia luciferase or the hAAT or hFVIII cDNAs by nasal sniffing. rSIV.F/HN-hAAT transduction lead to therapeutically relevant hAAT levels (70 µg/ml) in epithelial lining fluid, with stable expression persisting for at least 19 months from a single application. Secreted proteins produced in the lung were released into the circulation and stable expression was detectable in blood. The levels of hFVIII in murine blood approached therapeutically relevant targets. rSIV.F/HN was also able to produce secreted hAAT and hFVIII in transduced human primary airway cells. rSIV.F/HN transduction of the murine lungs leads to long-lasting and therapeutically relevant levels of secreted proteins in the lung and systemic circulation. These data broaden the use of this vector platform for a large range of disease indications.

In Utero Transfer of Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors Produces Long-Term Factor IX Levels in a Cynomolgus Macaque Model.

The safe correction of an inherited bleeding disorder in utero prior to the onset of organ damage is highly desirable. Here, we report long-term transgene expression over more than 6 years without toxicity following a single intrauterine gene transfer (IUGT) at 0.9G using recombinant adeno-associated vector (AAV)-human factor IX (hFIX) in the non-human primate model we have previously described. Four of six treated animals monitored for around 74 months expressed hFIX at therapeutic levels (3.9%-120.0%). Long-term expression was 6-fold higher in males and with AAV8 compared to AAV5, mediated almost completely at this stage by random genome-wide hepatic proviral integrations, with no evidence of hotspots. Post-natal AAV challenge without immunosuppression was evaluated in two animals exhibiting chronic low transgene expression. The brief neutralizing immune reaction elicited had no adverse effect and, although expression was not improved at the dose administered, no clinical toxicity was observed. This long-term surveillance thus confirms the safety of late-gestation AAV-hFIX transfer and demonstrates that postnatal re-administration can be performed without immunosuppression, although it requires dose optimization for the desired expression. Nevertheless, eventual vector genotoxicity and the possibility of germline transmission will require lifelong monitoring and further evaluation of the reproductive function of treated animals.

Long-term safety and efficacy of factor IX gene therapy in hemophilia B.

BACKGROUND: In patients with severe hemophilia B, gene therapy that is mediated by a novel self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) vector has been shown to raise factor IX levels for periods of up to 16 months. We wanted to determine the durability of transgene expression, the vector dose-response relationship, and the level of persistent or late toxicity. METHODS: We evaluated the stability of transgene expression and long-term safety in 10 patients with severe hemophilia B: 6 patients who had been enrolled in an initial phase 1 dose-escalation trial, with 2 patients each receiving a low, intermediate, or high dose, and 4 additional patients who received the high dose (2×10(12) vector genomes per kilogram of body weight). The patients subsequently underwent extensive clinical and laboratory monitoring. RESULTS: A single intravenous infusion of vector in all 10 patients with severe hemophilia B resulted in a dose-dependent increase in circulating factor IX to a level that was 1 to 6% of the normal value over a median period of 3.2 years, with observation ongoing. In the high-dose group, a consistent increase in the factor IX level to a mean (±SD) of 5.1±1.7% was observed in all 6 patients, which resulted in a reduction of more than 90% in both bleeding episodes and the use of prophylactic factor IX concentrate. A transient increase in the mean alanine aminotransferase level to 86 IU per liter (range, 36 to 202) occurred between week 7 and week 10 in 4 of the 6 patients in the high-dose group but resolved over a median of 5 days (range, 2 to 35) after prednisolone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In 10 patients with severe hemophilia B, the infusion of a single dose of AAV8 vector resulted in long-term therapeutic factor IX expression associated with clinical improvement. With a follow-up period of up to 3 years, no late toxic effects from the therapy were reported. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00979238.).

Therapeutic levels of FVIII following a single peripheral vein administration of rAAV vector encoding a novel human factor VIII variant.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors encoding human factor VIII (hFVIII) were systematically evaluated for hemophilia A (HA) gene therapy. A 5.7-kb rAAV-expression cassette (rAAV-HLP-codop-hFVIII-N6) containing a codon-optimized hFVIII cDNA in which a 226 amino acid (aa) B-domain spacer replaced the entire B domain and a hybrid liver-specific promoter (HLP) mediated 10-fold higher hFVIII levels in mice compared with non-codon-optimized variants. A further twofold improvement in potency was achieved by replacing the 226-aa N6 spacer with a novel 17-aa peptide (V3) in which 6 glycosylation triplets from the B domain were juxtaposed. The resulting 5.2-kb rAAV-HLP-codop-hFVIII-V3 cassette was more efficiently packaged within AAV virions and mediated supraphysiologic hFVIII expression (732 ± 162% of normal) in HA knock-out mice following administration of 2 × 10(12) vector genomes/kg, a vector dose shown to be safe in subjects with hemophilia B. Stable hFVIII expression at 15 ± 4% of normal was observed at this dose in a nonhuman primate. hFVIII expression above 100% was observed in 3 macaques that received a higher dose of either this vector or the N6 variant. These animals developed neutralizing anti-FVIII antibodies that were abrogated with transient immunosuppression. Therefore, rAAV-HLP-codop-hFVIII-V3 substantially improves the prospects of effective HA gene therapy.

AAV-mediated gene transfer in the perinatal period results in expression of FVII at levels that protect against fatal spontaneous hemorrhage.

We explored adeno-associated viral vector (AAV)-mediated gene transfer in the perinatal period in animal models of severe congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency, a disease associated with early postnatal life-threatening hemorrhage. In young adult mice with plasma FVII < 1% of normal, a single tail vein administration of AAV (1 × 10(13) vector genomes [vg]/kg) resulted in expression of murine FVII at 266% ± 34% of normal for ≥ 67 days, which mediated protection against fatal hemorrhage and significantly improved survival. Codon optimization of human FVII (hFVIIcoop) improved AAV transgene expression by 37-fold compared with the wild-type hFVII cDNA. In adult macaques, a single peripheral vein injection of 2 × 10(11) vg/kg of the hFVIIcoop AAV vector resulted in therapeutic levels of hFVII expression that were equivalent in males (10.7% ± 3.1%) and females (12.3% ± 0.8%). In utero delivery of this vector in the third trimester to fetal monkeys conferred expression of hFVII at birth of 20.4% ± 3.7%, with a gradual decline to > 1% by 7 weeks. Re-administration of an alternative serotype at 12 months postnatal age increased hFVII levels to 165% ± 6.2% of normal, which remained at therapeutic levels for a further 28 weeks without toxicity. Thus, perinatal AAV-mediated gene transfer shows promise for disorders with onset of pathology early after birth.

Adenovirus-associated virus vector-mediated gene transfer in hemophilia B.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia B, an X-linked disorder, is ideally suited for gene therapy. We investigated the use of a new gene therapy in patients with the disorder. METHODS: We infused a single dose of a serotype-8-pseudotyped, self-complementary adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing a codon-optimized human factor IX (FIX) transgene (scAAV2/8-LP1-hFIXco) in a peripheral vein in six patients with severe hemophilia B (FIX activity, <1% of normal values). Study participants were enrolled sequentially in one of three cohorts (given a high, intermediate, or low dose of vector), with two participants in each group. Vector was administered without immunosuppressive therapy, and participants were followed for 6 to 16 months. RESULTS: AAV-mediated expression of FIX at 2 to 11% of normal levels was observed in all participants. Four of the six discontinued FIX prophylaxis and remained free of spontaneous hemorrhage; in the other two, the interval between prophylactic injections was increased. Of the two participants who received the high dose of vector, one had a transient, asymptomatic elevation of serum aminotransferase levels, which was associated with the detection of AAV8-capsid-specific T cells in the peripheral blood; the other had a slight increase in liver-enzyme levels, the cause of which was less clear. Each of these two participants received a short course of glucocorticoid therapy, which rapidly normalized aminotransferase levels and maintained FIX levels in the range of 3 to 11% of normal values. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral-vein infusion of scAAV2/8-LP1-hFIXco resulted in FIX transgene expression at levels sufficient to improve the bleeding phenotype, with few side effects. Although immune-mediated clearance of AAV-transduced hepatocytes remains a concern, this process may be controlled with a short course of glucocorticoids without loss of transgene expression. (Funded by the Medical Research Council and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00979238.).

Stable human FIX expression after 0.9G intrauterine gene transfer of self-complementary adeno-associated viral vector 5 and 8 in macaques.

Intrauterine gene transfer (IUGT) offers ontological advantages including immune naiveté mediating tolerance to the vector and transgenic products, and effecting a cure before development of irreversible pathology. Despite proof-of-principle in rodent models, expression efficacy with a therapeutic transgene has yet to be demonstrated in a preclinical nonhuman primate (NHP) model. We aimed to determine the efficacy of human Factor IX (hFIX) expression after adeno-associated-viral (AAV)-mediated IUGT in NHP. We injected 1.0-1.95 × 10(13) vector genomes (vg)/kg of self-complementary (sc) AAV5 and 8 with a LP1-driven hFIX transgene intravenously in 0.9G late gestation NHP fetuses, leading to widespread transduction with liver tropism. Liver-specific hFIX expression was stably maintained between 8 and 112% of normal activity in injected offspring followed up for 2-22 months. AAV8 induced higher hFIX expression (P = 0.005) and milder immune response than AAV5. Random hepatocellular integration was found with no hotspots. Transplacental spread led to low-level maternal tissue transduction, without evidence of immunotoxicity or germline transduction in maternal oocytes. A single intravenous injection of scAAV-LP1-hFIXco to NHP fetuses in late-gestation produced sustained clinically-relevant levels of hFIX with liver-specific expression and a non-neutralizing immune response. These data are encouraging for conditions where gene transfer has the potential to avert perinatal death and long-term irreversible sequelae.

Good manufacturing practice production of self-complementary serotype 8 adeno-associated viral vector for a hemophilia B clinical trial.

To generate sufficient clinical-grade vector to support a phase I/II clinical trial of adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-mediated factor IX (FIX) gene transfer for hemophilia B, we have developed a large-scale, good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible method for vector production and purification. We used a 293T-based two-plasmid transient transfection system coupled with a three-column chromatography purification process to produce high-quality self-complementary AAV2/8 FIX clinical-grade vector. Two consecutive production campaigns using a total of 432 independent 10-stack culture chambers produced a total of ∼2 × 10(15) vector genomes (VG) by dot-blot hybridization. Benzonase-treated microfluidized lysates generated from pellets of transfected cells were purified by group separation on Sepharose beads followed by anion-exchange chromatography. The virus-containing fractions were further processed by gel filtration and ultrafiltration, using a 100-kDa membrane. The vector was formulated in phosphate-buffered saline plus 0.25% human serum albumin. Spectrophotometric analysis suggested ∼20% full particles, with only low quantities of nonviral proteins were visible on silver-stained sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. A sensitive assay for the detection of replication-competent AAV was developed, which did reveal trace quantities of such contaminants in the final product. Additional studies have confirmed the long-term stability of the vector at -80°C for at least 24 months and for at least 24 hr formulated in the clinical diluent and stored at room temperature within intravenous bags. This material has been approved for use in clinical trials in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Long-term safety and efficacy following systemic administration of a self-complementary AAV vector encoding human FIX pseudotyped with serotype 5 and 8 capsid proteins.

Adeno-associated virus vectors (AAV) show promise for liver-targeted gene therapy. In this study, we examined the long-term consequences of a single intravenous administration of a self-complementary AAV vector (scAAV2/ 8-LP1-hFIXco) encoding a codon optimized human factor IX (hFIX) gene in 24 nonhuman primates (NHPs). A dose-response relationship between vector titer and transgene expression was observed. Peak hFIX expression following the highest dose of vector (2 × 10(12) pcr-vector genomes (vg)/kg) was 21 ± 3 µg/ml (~420% of normal). Fluorescent in-situ hybridization demonstrated scAAV provirus in almost 100% of hepatocytes at that dose. No perturbations of clinical or laboratory parameters were noted and vector genomes were cleared from bodily fluids by 10 days. Macaques transduced with 2 × 10(11) pcr-vg/kg were followed for the longest period (~5 years), during which time expression of hFIX remained >10% of normal level, despite a gradual decline in transgene copy number and the proportion of transduced hepatocytes. All macaques developed serotype-specific antibodies but no capsid-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes were detected. The liver was preferentially transduced with 300-fold more proviral copies than extrahepatic tissues. Long-term biochemical, ultrasound imaging, and histologic follow-up of this large cohort of NHP revealed no toxicity. These data support further evaluation of this vector in hemophilia B patients.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated in utero gene transfer gives therapeutic transgene expression in the sheep.

Somatic in utero gene therapy aims to treat congenital diseases where pathology develops in perinatal life, thereby preventing permanent damage. The aim of this study was to determine whether delivery of self-complementary (sc) adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector in utero would provide therapeutic long-term transgene expression in a large animal model. We performed ultrasound-guided intraperitoneal injection of scAAV2/8-LP1-human Factor IX (hFIX)co (1 × 10(12) vector genomes/kg) in early (n = 4) or late (n = 2) gestation fetal sheep. The highest mean hFIX levels were detected 3 weeks after injection in late gestation (2,055 and 1,687.5 ng/ml, n = 2) and 3 days after injection in early gestation (435 ng/ml, n = 1). Plasma hFIX levels then dropped as fetal liver and lamb weights increased, although low levels were detected 6 months after late gestation injection (75 and 52.5 ng/ml, n = 2). The highest vector levels were detected in the fetal liver and other peritoneal organs; no vector was present in fetal gonads. hFIX mRNA was detectable only in hepatic tissues after early and late gestation injection. Liver function tests and bile acid levels were normal up to a year postnatal; there was no evidence of liver pathology. No functional antibodies to hFIX protein or AAV vector were detectable, although lambs mounted an antibody response after injection of hFIX protein and Freund's adjuvant. In conclusion, hFIX expression is detectable up to 6 months after delivery of scAAV vector to the fetal sheep using a clinically applicable method. This is the first study to show therapeutic long-term hFIX transgene expression after in utero gene transfer in a large animal model.

Codon optimization of human factor VIII cDNAs leads to high-level expression.

Gene therapy for hemophilia A would be facilitated by development of smaller expression cassettes encoding factor VIII (FVIII), which demonstrate improved biosynthesis and/or enhanced biologic properties. B domain deleted (BDD) FVIII retains full procoagulant function and is expressed at higher levels than wild-type FVIII. However, a partial BDD FVIII, leaving an N-terminal 226 amino acid stretch (N6), increases in vitro secretion of FVIII tenfold compared with BDD-FVIII. In this study, we tested various BDD constructs in the context of either wild-type or codon-optimized cDNA sequences expressed under control of the strong, ubiquitous Spleen Focus Forming Virus promoter within a self-inactivating HIV-based lentiviral vector. Transduced 293T cells in vitro demonstrated detectable FVIII activity. Hemophilic mice treated with lentiviral vectors showed expression of FVIII activity and phenotypic correction sustained over 250 days. Importantly, codon-optimized constructs achieved an unprecedented 29- to 44-fold increase in expression, yielding more than 200% normal human FVIII levels. Addition of B domain sequences to BDD-FVIII did not significantly increase in vivo expression. These significant findings demonstrate that shorter FVIII constructs that can be more easily accommodated in viral vectors can result in increased therapeutic efficacy and may deliver effective gene therapy for hemophilia A.

Genetic architecture of tameness in a rat model of animal domestication.

A common feature of domestic animals is tameness-i.e., they tolerate and are unafraid of human presence and handling. To gain insight into the genetic basis of tameness and aggression, we studied an intercross between two lines of rats (Rattus norvegicus) selected over >60 generations for increased tameness and increased aggression against humans, respectively. We measured 45 traits, including tameness and aggression, anxiety-related traits, organ weights, and levels of serum components in >700 rats from an intercross population. Using 201 genetic markers, we identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tameness. These loci overlap with QTL for adrenal gland weight and for anxiety-related traits and are part of a five-locus epistatic network influencing tameness. An additional QTL influences the occurrence of white coat spots, but shows no significant effect on tameness. The loci described here are important starting points for finding the genes that cause tameness in these rats and potentially in domestic animals in general.

Gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis caused by defects in AIPL1: effective rescue of mouse models of partial and complete Aipl1 deficiency using AAV2/2 and AAV2/8 vectors.

Defects in the photoreceptor-specific gene encoding aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1) are clinically heterogeneous and present as Leber Congenital Amaurosis, the severest form of early-onset retinal dystrophy and milder forms of retinal dystrophies such as juvenile retinitis pigmentosa and dominant cone-rod dystrophy. [Perrault, I., Rozet, J.M., Gerber, S., Ghazi, I., Leowski, C., Ducroq, D., Souied, E., Dufier, J.L., Munnich, A. and Kaplan, J. (1999) Leber congenital amaurosis. Mol. Genet. Metab., 68, 200-208.] Although not yet fully elucidated, AIPL1 is likely to function as a specialized chaperone for rod phosphodiesterase (PDE). We evaluate whether AAV-mediated gene replacement therapy is able to improve photoreceptor function and survival in retinal degeneration associated with AIPL1 defects. We used two mouse models of AIPL1 deficiency simulating three different rates of photoreceptor degeneration. The Aipl1 hypomorphic (h/h) mouse has reduced Aipl1 levels and a relatively slow degeneration. Under light acceleration, the rate of degeneration in the Aipl1 h/h mouse is increased by 2-3-fold. The Aipl1-/- mouse has no functional Aipl1 and has a very rapid retinal degeneration. To treat the different rates of degeneration, two pseudotypes of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) exhibiting different transduction kinetics are used for gene transfer. We demonstrate restoration of cellular function and preservation of photoreceptor cells and retinal function in Aipl1 h/h mice following gene replacement therapy using an AAV2/2 vector and in the light accelerated Aipl1 h/h model and Aipl1-/- mice using an AAV2/8 vector. We have thus established the potential of gene replacement therapy in varying rates of degeneration that reflect the clinical spectrum of disease. This is the first gene replacement study to report long-term rescue of a photoreceptor-specific defect and to demonstrate effective rescue of a rapid photoreceptor degeneration.