Full recovery from spinal cord injury requires axon regeneration to re-establish motor and sensory pathways. In mammals, the failure of sensory and motor axon regeneration has many causes intrinsic and extrinsic to neurons, amongst which is the lack of adhesion molecules needed to interact with the damaged spinal cord. This study addressed this limitation by expressing the integrin adhesion molecule α9, along with its activator kindlin-1, in sensory neurons via adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. This enabled sensory axons to regenerate through spinal cord injuries and extend to the brainstem, restoring sensory pathways, touch sensation and sensory behaviours. One of the integrin ligands in the injured spinal cord is tenascin-C, which serves as a substrate for α9β1 integrin, a key receptor in developmental axon guidance. However, the adult PNS and CNS neurons lack this receptor. Sensory neurons were transduced with α9 integrin (which pairs with endogenous β1 to form a α9β1 tenascin receptor) together with the integrin activator kindlin-1. Regeneration from sensory neurons transduced with α9integrin and kindlin-1 was examined after C4 and after T10 dorsal column lesions with C6,7 and L4,5 sensory ganglia injected with AAV1 vectors. In animals treated with α9 integrin and kindlin-1, sensory axons regenerated through tenascin-C-expressing connective tissue strands and bridges across the lesions and then re-entered the CNS tissue. Many axons regenerated rostrally to the level of the medulla. Axons grew through the dorsal grey matter rather than their normal pathway the dorsal columns. Growth was slow, axons taking 12 weeks to grow from T10 to the medulla, a distance of 4-5 cm. Functional recovery was confirmed through cFos activation in neurons rostral to the injury after nerve stimulation and VGLUT1/2 staining indicating new synapse formation above the lesion. Behavioural recovery was seen in both heat and mechanical sensation, as well as tape removal tests. This approach demonstrates the potential of integrin-based therapies for long distance sensory axon regeneration and functional recovery following thoracic and partial recovery after cervical spinal cord injury.

• MeSH
• axony MeSH
• Dependovirus genetika   MeSH
• genetické vektory MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nervové receptory * metabolismus   fyziologie   patologie   MeSH
• obnova funkce fyziologie   MeSH
• poranění míchy * patologie   patofyziologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• potkani Sprague-Dawley MeSH
• proteiny nervové tkáně metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• regenerace nervu * fyziologie   MeSH
• tenascin metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate early-phase safety of subretinal application of AAVanc80.CAG.USH1Ca1 (OT_USH_101) in wild-type (WT) pigs, examining the effects of a vehicle control, low dose, and high dose. METHODS: Twelve WT pigs (24 eyes) were divided into three groups: four pigs each received bilateral subretinal injections of either vehicle, low dose (3.3 × 1010 vector genomes [vg] per eye), or high dose (1.0 × 1011 vg per eye). Total retinal thickness (TRT) was evaluated using optical coherence tomography and retinal function was assessed with full-field electroretinography (ff-ERG) at baseline and two months post-surgery. After necropsy, retinal changes were examined through histopathology, and human USH1C_a1/harmonin expression was assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: OT_USH_101 led to high USH1C_a1 expression in WT pig retinas without significant TRT changes two months after subretinal injection. The qPCR revealed expression of the human USH1C_a1 transgene delivered by the adeno-associated virus vector. TRT changes were minimal across groups: vehicle (256 ± 21 to 243 ± 18 μm; P = 0.108), low dose (251 ± 32 to 258 ± 30 μm; P = 0.076), and high dose (242 ± 24 to 259 ± 28 μm; P = 0.590). The ff-ERG showed no significant changes in rod or cone responses. Histopathology indicated no severe retinal adverse effects in the vehicle and low dose groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early-phase clinical imaging, electrophysiology, and histopathological assessments indicated that subretinal administration of OT_USH_101 was well tolerated in the low-dose treatment arm. OT_USH_101 treatment resulted in high expression of human USH1C_a1. Although histopathological changes were not severe, more frequent changes were observed in the high-dose group.

• MeSH
• cytoskeletální proteiny genetika   MeSH
• Dependovirus genetika   MeSH
• elektroretinografie * MeSH
• genetická terapie metody   MeSH
• genetické vektory * MeSH
• injekce nitrooční * MeSH
• kvantitativní polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• optická koherentní tomografie * MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• proteiny buněčného cyklu genetika   MeSH
• regulace genové exprese MeSH
• retina * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• transgeny * MeSH
• western blotting MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Neurons in the CNS lose regenerative potential with maturity, leading to minimal corticospinal tract (CST) axon regrowth after spinal cord injury (SCI). In young rodents, knockdown of PTEN, which antagonizes PI3K signaling by hydrolyzing PIP3, promotes axon regeneration following SCI. However, this effect diminishes in adults, potentially due to lower PI3K activation leading to reduced PIP3. This study explores whether increased PIP3 generation can promote long-distance regeneration in adults. We used a hyperactive PI3K, PI3Kδ (PIK3CD), to boost PIP3 levels in mature cortical neurons and assessed CST regeneration after SCI. Adult rats received AAV1-PIK3CD and AAV1-eGFP, or AAV1-eGFP alone, in the sensorimotor cortex concurrent with a C4 dorsal SCI. Transduced neurons showed increased pS6 levels, indicating elevated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. CST regeneration, confirmed with retrograde tracing, was evaluated up to 16 weeks post injury. At 12 weeks, ∼100 axons were present at lesion sites, doubling to 200 by 16 weeks, with regeneration indices of 0.1 and 0.2, respectively. Behavioral tests showed significant improvements in paw reaching, grip strength, and ladder-rung walking in PIK3CD-treated rats, corroborated by electrophysiological recordings of cord dorsum potentials and distal flexor muscle electromyography. Thus, PI3Kδ upregulation in adult cortical neurons enhances axonal regeneration and functional recovery post SCI.

• MeSH
• axony metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• Dependovirus genetika   MeSH
• fosfatidylinositol-3-kinasy třídy I metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• fosfatidylinositol-3-kinasy metabolismus   MeSH
• genetické vektory genetika   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• neurony metabolismus   MeSH
• obnova funkce MeSH
• poranění míchy * metabolismus   terapie   genetika   MeSH
• pyramidové dráhy * metabolismus   MeSH
• regenerace nervu * MeSH
• signální transdukce MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are promising gene therapy vectors, but challenges arise when treating patients with preexisting neutralizing antibodies. Worldwide seroprevalence studies provide snapshots of existing immunity in diverse populations. Owing to the uniqueness of the Basque socio-geographical landscape, we investigated the seroprevalence of eight AAV serotypes in residents of the Basque Country. We found the highest seroprevalence of AAV3, and the lowest seroprevalence of AAV9. Additionally, less than 50% of the Basque population has neutralizing antibodies against AAV4, AAV6, and AAV9. Our findings provide insight into AAV infections in the Basque region, public health, and the development of AAV-based therapeutics.

• MeSH
• Dependovirus * genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• infekce viry z čeledi Parvoviridae epidemiologie   imunologie   virologie   MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• neutralizující protilátky * krev   imunologie   MeSH
• protilátky virové * krev   imunologie   MeSH
• séroepidemiologické studie MeSH
• séroskupina MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Španělsko MeSH

Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) are an effective system for gene transfer. AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) is commonly used to deliver transgenes to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) via intravitreal injection. The AAV serotype however is not the only factor contributing to the effectiveness of gene therapies. Promoters influence the strength and cell-selectivity of transgene expression. This study compares five promoters designed to maximise AAV2 cargo space for gene delivery: chicken β-actin (CBA), cytomegalovirus (CMV), short CMV early enhancer/chicken β-actin/short β-globulin intron (sCAG), mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and human synapsin (SYN). The promoters driving enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were examined in adult C57BL/6J mice eyes and tissues of the visual system. eGFP expression was strongest in the retina, optic nerves and brain when driven by the sCAG and SYN promoters. CBA, CMV, and PGK had moderate expression by comparison. The SYN promoter had almost exclusive transgene expression in RGCs. The PGK promoter had predominant expression in both RGCs and AII amacrine cells. The ubiquitous CBA, CMV, and sCAG promoters expressed eGFP in a variety of cell types across multiple retinal layers including Müller glia and astrocytes. We also found that these promoters could transduce human retina ex vivo, although expression was predominantly in glial cells due to low RGC viability. Taken together, this promoter comparison study contributes to optimising AAV-mediated transduction in the retina, and could be valuable for research in ocular disorders, particularly those with large or complex genetic cargos.

• MeSH
• aktiny genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• cytomegalovirové infekce * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Dependovirus genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• genetické vektory genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• Parvovirinae * genetika   MeSH
• retinální gangliové buňky metabolismus   MeSH
• transdukce genetická MeSH
• transgeny MeSH
• zelené fluorescenční proteiny genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: As a step towards clinical use of AAV-mediated gene therapy, brains of large animals are used to settle delivery parameters as most brain connections, and relative sizes in large animals and primates, are reasonably common. Prior to application in the clinic, approaches that have shown to be successful in rodent models are tested in larger animal species, such as dogs, non-human primates, and in this case, minipigs. NEW METHOD: We evaluated alternate delivery routes to target the basal ganglia by injections into the more superficial corona radiata, and, deeper into the brain, the thalamus. Anatomically known connections can be used to predict the expression of the transgene following infusion of AAV5. For optimal control over delivery of the vector with regards to anatomical location in the brain and spread in the tissue, we have used magnetic resonance image-guided convection-enhanced diffusion delivery. RESULTS: While the transduction of the cortex was observed, only partial transduction of the basal ganglia was achieved via the corona radiata. Thalamic administration, on the other hand, resulted in widespread transduction from the midbrain to the frontal cortex COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Compared to other methods, such as delivery directly to the striatum, thalamic injection may provide an alternative when for instance, injection into the basal ganglia directly is not feasible. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that thalamic administration of AAV5 has significant potential for indications where the transduction of specific areas of the brain is required.

• MeSH
• Dependovirus genetika   MeSH
• genetická terapie metody   MeSH
• genetické vektory MeSH
• konvekce * MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie MeSH
• miniaturní prasata genetika   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• psi MeSH
• thalamus * diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Adeno-associated viral vectors are widely used as vehicles for gene transfer to the nervous system. The promoter and viral vector serotype are two key factors that determine the expression dynamics of the transgene. A previous comparative study has demonstrated that AAV1 displays efficient transduction of layer V corticospinal neurons, but the optimal promoter for transgene expression in corticospinal neurons has not been determined yet. In this paper, we report a side-by-side comparison between four commonly used promoters: the short CMV early enhancer/chicken β actin (sCAG), human cytomegalovirus (hCMV), mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (mPGK) and human synapsin (hSYN) promoter. Reporter constructs with each of these promoters were packaged in AAV1, and were injected in the sensorimotor cortex of rats and mice in order to transduce the corticospinal tract. Transgene expression levels and the cellular transduction profile were examined after 6 weeks. The AAV1 vectors harbouring the hCMV and sCAG promoters resulted in transgene expression in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The mPGK and hSYN promoters directed the strongest transgene expression. The mPGK promoter did drive expression in cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes, while transduction with AAV harbouring the hSYN promoter resulted in neuron-specific expression, including perineuronal net expressing interneurons and layer V corticospinal neurons. This promoter comparison study contributes to improve transgene delivery into the brain and spinal cord. The optimized transduction of the corticospinal tract will be beneficial for spinal cord injury research.

• MeSH
• Dependovirus * genetika   MeSH
• genetické vektory genetika   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• myši MeSH
• promotorové oblasti (genetika) MeSH
• pyramidové dráhy * MeSH
• transdukce genetická MeSH
• transgeny MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Neutralizing antibodies that target the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are among the most promising approaches against COVID-191,2. A bispecific IgG1-like molecule (CoV-X2) has been developed on the basis of C121 and C135, two antibodies derived from donors who had recovered from COVID-193. Here we show that CoV-X2 simultaneously binds two independent sites on the RBD and, unlike its parental antibodies, prevents detectable spike binding to the cellular receptor of the virus, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Furthermore, CoV-X2 neutralizes wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern, as well as escape mutants generated by the parental monoclonal antibodies. We also found that in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection with lung inflammation, CoV-X2 protects mice from disease and suppresses viral escape. Thus, the simultaneous targeting of non-overlapping RBD epitopes by IgG-like bispecific antibodies is feasible and effective, and combines the advantages of antibody cocktails with those of single-molecule approaches.

• MeSH
• angiotensin-konvertující enzym 2 antagonisté a inhibitory   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• COVID-19 imunologie   prevence a kontrola   virologie   MeSH
• Dependovirus genetika   MeSH
• epitopy B-lymfocytární chemie   imunologie   MeSH
• farmakoterapie COVID-19 MeSH
• glykoprotein S, koronavirus antagonisté a inhibitory   chemie   imunologie   MeSH
• imunitní únik genetika   MeSH
• imunoglobulin G imunologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• monoklonální protilátky imunologie   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• neutralizující protilátky imunologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• protilátky bispecifické imunologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• tělesná hmotnost MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH

Gene silencing with virally delivered shRNA represents a promising approach for treatment of inherited neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study we develop a subpial technique, which we show in adult animals successfully delivers adeno-associated virus (AAV) throughout the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord, as well as brain motor centers. One-time injection at cervical and lumbar levels just before disease onset in mice expressing a familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-causing mutant SOD1 produces long-term suppression of motoneuron disease, including near-complete preservation of spinal α-motoneurons and muscle innervation. Treatment after disease onset potently blocks progression of disease and further α-motoneuron degeneration. A single subpial AAV9 injection in adult pigs or non-human primates using a newly designed device produces homogeneous delivery throughout the cervical spinal cord white and gray matter and brain motor centers. Thus, spinal subpial delivery in adult animals is highly effective for AAV-mediated gene delivery throughout the spinal cord and supraspinal motor centers.

• MeSH
• amyotrofická laterální skleróza genetika   patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• atrofie MeSH
• degenerace nervu genetika   patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• Dependovirus metabolismus   MeSH
• interneurony patologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• malá interferující RNA aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• messenger RNA genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• mícha diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• motorické evokované potenciály MeSH
• motorické neurony patologie   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši transgenní MeSH
• pia mater patologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• primáti MeSH
• progrese nemoci MeSH
• regulace genové exprese MeSH
• sbalování proteinů MeSH
• superoxiddismutasa 1 genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• technika přenosu genů * MeSH
• umlčování genů * MeSH
• vývoj svalů MeSH
• zánět patologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. Previously, we showed strong huntingtin reduction and prevention of neuronal dysfunction in HD rodents using an engineered microRNA targeting human huntingtin, delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 5 vector with a transgene encoding an engineered miRNA against HTT mRNA (AAV5-miHTT). One of the challenges of rodents as a model of neurodegenerative diseases is their relatively small brain, making successful translation to the HD patient difficult. This is particularly relevant for gene therapy approaches, where distribution achieved upon local administration into the parenchyma is likely dependent on brain size and structure. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the translation of huntingtin-lowering gene therapy to a large-animal brain. We investigated the feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of one-time intracranial administration of AAV5-miHTT in the transgenic HD (tgHD) minipig model. We detected widespread dose-dependent distribution of AAV5-miHTT throughout the tgHD minipig brain that correlated with the engineered microRNA expression. Both human mutant huntingtin mRNA and protein were significantly reduced in all brain regions transduced by AAV5-miHTT. The combination of widespread vector distribution and extensive huntingtin lowering observed with AAV5-miHTT supports the translation of a huntingtin-lowering gene therapy for HD from preclinical studies into the clinic.

• MeSH
• Dependovirus genetika   MeSH
• expanze trinukleotidových repetic genetika   MeSH
• genetická terapie metody   MeSH
• genetické vektory genetika   MeSH
• geneticky modifikovaná zvířata MeSH
• Huntingtonova nemoc genetika   metabolismus   terapie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikro RNA genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• miniaturní prasata MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• protein huntingtin genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH