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Adenovirus vectors based on human adenovirus type 19a have high potential for human muscle-directed gene therapy.

Until recently, adenovirus-based gene therapy has been almost exclusively based on human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). The aim of this study was to systematically compare the efficiency of transduction of primary muscle cells from various species by two adenoviral vectors from subgroups C and D. Transduction of a panel of myoblasts demonstrated a striking specificity of an Ad19a-based replication-defective E1-deleted vector (Ad19aEGFP) for human cells, whereas the Ad5-based vector had high affinity for nonhuman primate myoblasts. Transgene expression correlated well with cell-associated vector genomes. Up to 6.59% of the initially applied Ad19aEGFP vector particles were taken up by human myoblasts, as compared with 0.1% of the corresponding Ad5 vector. Remarkably, Ad19aEGFP but not Ad5EGFP efficiently transduced differentiated human myotubes, an in vitro model for skeletal muscle transduction. Uptake of Ad19aEGFP vector particles in human myotubes was 12-fold more efficient than that of Ad5EGFP. Moreover, both vectors demonstrated an early block at the level of vector uptake in mouse myoblasts and rat L6 cells. Investigation of the underlying mechanism for binding and uptake of the two vectors by human myoblasts showed high susceptibility for Ad19a to neuraminidase and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) lectin, whereas Ad5-mediated transduction was dependent on binding to the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) and sensitive to soluble RGD peptide and heparin. Our study offers insights into species-dependent factors that determine Ad tropism and, moreover, provides a basis for application of the novel Ad19a-based vector for gene transfer into human skeletal muscle.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Detection of replication-competent adenoviruses spiked into recombinant adenovirus vector products by infectivity PCR.

The presence of replication-competent adenovirus (RCA) in clinical lots of adenovirus vectors raises a variety of safety concerns. To detect RCA in adenovirus vector products, the cell culture/cytopathic effect (CPE) method has generally been preferred. However, it is difficult to evaluate the amount of RCA clearly and quantitatively by this method. In addition, the cell culture/CPE method requires large-scale cell culturing and a substantial amount of time. For the purpose of establishing a method to detect RCA more sensitively and rapidly, we developed the infectivity PCR, a hybrid method that combines the infectivity assay and quantitative PCR. This method allows RCA to be quantified by real-time quantitative PCR using primers and a probe designed for E1 DNA. By infectivity PCR, 1 pfu of RCA spiked into 10(9) particles of adenovirus vectors could be detected. In contrast, CPE was observed in the cells infected with 10(4) pfu of RCA spiked into 10(9) particles of adenovirus vectors. The glass-beads method was suitable for extracting DNA rapidly from the RCA-infected cells. These results showed that infectivity PCR combined with the glass-beads-based DNA extraction method was useful for the detection of RCA in adenovirus vector products.

Adenoviridae↗

Gene transfer into human bone marrow hematopoietic cells mediated by adenovirus vectors.

Human bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and enriched CD34 positive (CD34+) cells were transduced with adenovirus vectors encoding Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene. Tranductions were carried out by 24-hour coincubation with adenovirus vectors at different multiplicities of infections (moi). Efficacy of gene transfer into BM cells and expression of the gene product (ie, beta-galactosidase) were studied using X-Gal histochemical staining and flow cytometric analysis. X-Gal staining demonstrated that the percentage of positive cells at mois of 5 to 500 was 3.4% to 34.5% for BMMNCs and 6.0% to 20.0% for enriched CD34+ cells. Similar results (1.5% to 35.7% for BMMNCs and 5.4% to 24.2% for enriched CD34+ cells) were obtained with flow cytometric analysis using fluorescein di-beta-D-galactopyranoside (FDG). Multicolor flow cytometry analysis, which included FDG, demonstrated that BM progenitors (CD34+ or CD34+CD38-), T cells (CD2+), B cells (CD19+), natural killer cells (CD56+), granulocytes, and monocytes all expressed the adenovirus transgene. To ascertain the effects of adenovirus vectors on normal BM progenitors, the numbers of colony forming unit-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), burst-forming unit-erythrocyte (BFU-E), and high-proliferative potential-colony-forming cells (HPP-CFC) after 24-hour coincubation with adenovirus vectors were determined. When BMMNCs or enriched CD34+ cells were incubated with adenovirus vectors at mois of 5 and 50, no significant differences in the numbers of CFU-GM, BFU-E, and HPP-CFC were observed compared with the uninfected control cells. However, the numbers of CFU-GM were significantly (P < .01) decreased when BMMNCs or enriched CD34+ cells were incubated with adenovirus vectors at a moi of 500, compared with the uninfected control cells. The adenovirus infected cells, purified by cell sorting for FDG expression, were capable of growing in culture and gave rise to various colonies (ie, CFU-GM, BFU-E, and HPP-CFC). These data indicate that recombinant adenovirus vectors can be used to transfer genes to human BM hematopoietic cells with expression of the exogenous gene at a high transduction efficiency.

Adenoviridae↗

Chromosomal integration pattern of a helper-dependent minimal adenovirus vector with a selectable marker inserted into a 27.4-kilobase genomic stuffer.

Helper-dependent minimal adenovirus vectors are promising tools for gene transfer and therapy because of their high capacity and the absence of immunostimulatory or cytotoxic viral genes. In order to characterize this new vector system with respect to its integrative properties, the integration pattern of a minimal adenovirus vector with a neo(r) gene inserted centrally into a noncoding 27.4-kb genomic stuffer element derived from the human X chromosome after infection of a sex chromosome aneuploid (X0) human glioblastoma cell line was studied. Our results indicate that even extensive homologies and abundant chromosomal repeat elements present in the vector did not lead to integration of the vector via homologous or homology-mediated mechanisms. Instead, integration occurred primarily by insertion of a monomer with no or little loss of sequences at the vector ends, apparently at random sites, which is very similar to E1 deletion adenovirus vectors. It is therefore unlikely that the incorporation of stuffer elements derived from human genomic DNA, which were shown to allow long-term transgene expression in vivo in a number of studies, leads to an enhanced risk of insertional mutagenesis. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the potential of minimal adenovirus vectors as tools for targeted insertion and gene targeting is limited despite the possibility of incorporating long stretches of homologous sequences. However, we found an enhanced efficiency of stable neo(r) transduction of the minimal adenovirus vector compared to an E1 deletion adenovirus vector, possibly caused by the absence of potential growth-inhibitory viral genes. Complete integration of the vector and tolerance of the integrated vector sequences by the cell might indicate a potential use of these vectors as tools for stable transfer of (large) genes.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Production of retrovirus and adenovirus vectors for gene therapy: a comparative study using microcarrier and stationary cell culture.

In gene therapy, retrovirus and adenovirus vectors are extensively used as gene-delivery vehicles and further large-scale processing of these viral vectors will be increasingly important. This study examined stationary and microcarrier cell culture systems with respect to the production of a retrovirus vector (encoding a monounit hammerhead ribozyme gene with an intron) and an adenovirus vector (encoding a reporter lacZ gene). Cytodex 1 and Cytodex 3 solid microcarriers were found to be able to provide good cell growth and high-titer vector production in suspension cultures. Porous microcarriers such as Cytopore 2 gave slightly lower but still efficient growth but produced significantly lower titers of retrovirus and adenovirus vector from the producer cells. The specific retrovirus production was not proportionally related to the specific growth rate of the producer cells. High MOI infection was essential for high-titer production of adenovirus vector in 293 cells. Hydrodynamic shear forces on microcarrier-grown cells increased the production yield for retrovirus vector but decreased for adenovirus vector. The cellular productivity was much more efficient for adenovirus vector produced in 293 cells as compared to the retrovirus vector produced in PA317-RCM1 cells. These findings can provide further insight into the feasibility of applying microcarrier cell culture technology to produce gene-therapy virus vectors.

3T3 Cells↗

Factors influencing adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer to human cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells: comparison with adenovirus vectors.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors appear promising for use in gene therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, yet many features of AAV-mediated gene transfer to airway epithelial cells are not well understood. We compared the transduction efficiencies of AAV vectors and adenovirus (Ad) vectors in immortalized cell lines from CF patients and in nasal epithelial primary cultures from normal humans and CF patients. Similar dose-dependent relationships between the vector multiplicities of infection and the efficiencies of lacZ gene transfer were observed. However, levels of transduction for both Ad and recombinant AAV (rAAV) were significantly lower in the airway epithelial cell than in the control cell lines HeLa and HEK 293. Transduction efficiencies differed among cultured epithelial cell types, with poorly differentiated cells transducing more efficiently than well-differentiated cells. A time-dependent increase in gene expression was observed after infection for both vectors. For Ad, but not for AAV, this increase was dependent on prolonged incubation of cells with the vector. Furthermore, for rAAV (but not for rAd), the delay in maximal transduction could be abrogated by wild-type Ad helper infection. Thus, although helper virus is not required for maximal transduction, it increases the kinetics by which this is achieved. Expression of Ad E4 open reading frame 6 or addition of either hydroxyurea or camptothecin resulted in increased AAV transduction, as previously demonstrated for nonairway cells (albeit to lower final levels), suggesting that second-strand synthesis may not be the sole cause of inefficient transduction. Finally, the efficiency of AAV-mediated ex vivo gene transfer to lung cells was similar to that previously described for Ad vectors in that transduction was limited to regions of epithelial injury and preferentially targeted basal-like cells. These studies address the primary factors influencing rAAV infection of human airway cells and should impact successful gene delivery in CF patients.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Redirected infection of directly biotinylated recombinant adenovirus vectors through cell surface receptors and antigens.

The inability of adenovirus to infect primitive hematopoietic cells presents an obstacle to the use of adenovirus vectors for gene transfer to these cell types. Therefore, expanding the tropism of adenovirus vectors to unique cell surface antigens would be an important development for gene therapy protocols. In this study, we sought to redirect infection of adenovirus vectors to primitive human hematopoietic cells that universally express the c-Kit receptor on their cell surface. To accomplish this, a vector was constructed by covalently linking biotin molecules to recombinant adenovirus, followed by addition of the biotinylated ligand for the c-Kit receptor, stem cell factor (SCF), through an avidin bridge. Gene transfer was directed specifically to c-Kit-positive hematopoietic cell lines, resulting in up to a 2,440-fold increase in luciferase expression with frequencies equivalent to recombinant virus infection of permissive cells. Substitution of biotinylated antibodies directed against c-Kit, CD34 (binds L-selectin), and CD44 (hyaluronate receptor) receptors for biotinylated SCF resulted in 50-, 8-, and 260-fold increases in reporter gene expression, respectively, demonstrating that infection also could be redirected through antibody-antigen interactions and through antigens other than growth factor receptors. The versatility of this vector was demonstrated further by infection of primary T cells with vectors targeted with antibodies to CD44 (resting and activated T cells) and biotinylated IL-2 (activated T cells only). Taken together, directly biotinylated adenovirus vectors represent a versatile and efficient method for redirection of virus infection to specific cells.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Effect of the E4 region on the persistence of transgene expression from adenovirus vectors.

The utility of adenovirus vectors for gene therapy is limited by the transience of expression that has been observed in various in vivo models. Immunological responses to viral targets can eliminate transduced cells and cause the loss of transgene expression. We previously described the characterization of an E4 modified adenovirus, Ad2E4ORF6, which is replication defective in cotton rats. We reasoned that gene transfer vectors based on Ad2E4ORF6 would have a reduced potential for viral gene expression in vivo which might be beneficial for achieving persistence of transgene expression. E1 replacement vectors expressing the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator or beta-galactosidase were constructed as series of vectors that differed with respect to the E4 region. Vectors containing a wild-type E4 region, E4 open reading frame 6, or a complete E4 deletion were compared in the lungs of BALB/c mice for persistence of expression. Results obtained with nude mice indicate that nonimmunological factors have a major influence on the longevity of transgene expression. Expression was transient from the E1a promoter with all vectors but persisted from the cytomegalovirus promoter only with a vector containing a wild-type E4 region. Transience of expression did not correlate with the disappearance of vector DNA, suggesting that promoter down-regulation may be involved. Coinfection studies indicate an E4 product(s) could be supplied in trans to allow persistent expression from the cytomegalovirus promoter. In summary, the choice of promoter is important for achieving persistence of expression; in addition, some promoters are highly influenced by the context of the vector backbone.

Adenoviridae↗

An immunomodulatory procedure that stabilizes transgene expression and permits readministration of E1-deleted adenovirus vectors.

Immune responses against E1-deleted adenovirus vectors and/or their transgene products result in the rapid elimination of vector-transduced cells and the generation of neutralizing antibodies. Different strategies of immunomodulation to stabilize transgene expression at therapeutic levels and to permit productive vector readministration have been examined. Our previous studies have shown that depletion of macrophages from spleen and liver decreases hepatic inflammation, significantly prolongs transgene expression, and delays the onset of humoral immune responses after systemic administration of an E1-deleted adenovirus vector. In the present study, we have examined the effects of macrophage depletion in combination with temporary blockade of CD40 ligation on E1-deleted adenovirus vector-mediated gene transfer. Alone, each of these treatments significantly inhibited the humoral immune response against the transgene product and prolonged its expression. Together, these treatments completely stabilized transgene expression and inhibited the production of neutralizing anti-adenovirus antibodies, permitting successful vector readministration. Animals rendered immunologically unresponsive to vector and transgene antigens regained their ability to mount productive immune responses against the vector after recovery of immune function, but remained unresponsive to the transgene product. These experiments demonstrate that this treatment is transient and antigen-specific.

Adenoviridae↗

Modulation of gene expression after replication-deficient, recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene transfer by the product of a second adenovirus vector.

To regulate gene expression following adenovirus-mediated gene transfer, a strategy was devised utilizing co-infection with two separate adenovirus vectors designed such that the product of one vector modulated the promoter of the second vector. To evaluate this strategy, AdEGR1.TNF, an adenovirus expressing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) under the control of the early growth response 1 (EGR1) promoter, was used to regulate a transcription unit in AdIL8.beta gal, an adenovirus vector in which the TNF sensitive interleukin-8 (IL-8) promoter drives the expression of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal). Following infection of HS24 cells with AdIL8.beta gal, addition of TNF to the culture induced the expression of beta-gal. Infection of HS24 cells with AdEGR1.TNF resulted in a dose-dependent secretion of TNF. Little beta-gal was produced following co-infection of the cells with the control vector AdCMV.Null (expressing no specific gene) and AdIL8.beta gal. In contrast, co-infection with AdIL8.beta gal and AdEGR1.TNF demonstrated, for a given dose of AdIL8.beta gal, increasing amounts of beta-gal expression dependent on the dose of AdEGR1.TNF. This model suggests control of gene expression in adenovirus-mediated gene transfer can be regulated by utilizing a promoter-gene expression cassette in one vector that modulates the expression of a promoter-gene expression cassette in a second vector.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Expression of gp19K increases the persistence of transgene expression from an adenovirus vector in the mouse lung and liver.

Activation of the cellular immune system and subsequent lysis of vector-transduced cells by adenovirus- or transgene-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been shown to limit transgene expression in animal models. The adenovirus gp19K gene product associates with major histocompatibility complex class I proteins and prevents their maturation by sequestering them in the endoplasmic reticulum. gp19K has been shown to block the ability of adenovirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize virus-infected cells in vitro. To determine if gp19K expression in an adenovirus vector would increase transgene persistence, a vector that replaces the E1 region of adenovirus with an expression cassette encoding both gp19K and beta-glucuronidase was constructed. This vector produced high levels of functional gp19K in infected cells. RNase protection analysis revealed efficient expression of the gp19K gene in the mouse lung. Enhanced persistence and increased beta-glucuronidase activity were observed in the lung and liver following delivery of the gp19K-expressing adenovirus vector in B10.HTG mice but not in BALB/c mice. Since gp19K binds to both class I alleles on B10.HTG mice but only one allele on BALB/c mice, these results suggest that the major histocompatibility complex class I haplotype of mice is important in determining the effectiveness of gp19K in vivo. Since gp19K has previously been shown to interact with every human major histocompatibility complex class I allele tested, the inclusion of gp19K in gene therapy vectors may increase vector persistence in human gene therapy trials.

Adenoviridae↗

Development of a size-restricted pIX-deleted helper virus for amplification of helper-dependent adenovirus vectors.

Helper-dependent adenovirus vectors (hdAd), which are deleted of all viral protein-coding sequences, can mediate long-term expression of a therapeutic transgene and lead to life-long, phenotypic correction in animal models of genetic disease. Here, we describe a new system for the generation of hdAd, which utilizes the DNA size restrictions imposed on an Ad virion deleted of protein IX (pIX): such virions are reported to package up to only approximately 35 kb of viral DNA. A pIX(-) helper virus (approximately 37.3 kb) was easily grown on complementing 293pIX cells. Upon infection of noncomplementing cells, this virus was not capable of forming infectious virions, but provided replicative and packaging functions for propagation of a 30-kb hdAd. The pIX(-) helper virus was effective in amplifying an hdAd and, in combination with Cre-mediated excision in the viral-packaging signal, resulted in a 1000-fold reduction in helper virus contamination in hdAd stocks compared to Cre/lox alone, as determined by plaque assay. However, through slot blot analysis of DNA isolated from virions, we determined that the ratio of hdAd to helper DNA was 500:1, similar to the ratio observed when using Cre/lox alone. Surprisingly, a large amount of the 37.3-kb helper DNA was being packaged into the pIX-deleted virions, but these virions were incapable of establishing productive infections in plaque assays, for reasons which are still unclear. Nevertheless, the pIX(-) hdAd generated in this system infected cells and expressed a transgene at levels similar to those obtained with a pIX(+) hdAd. These data suggest that, although further studies are necessary to characterize the nature of the defective helper virions formed in this system, deletion of pIX from the helper virus genome does provide an effective method to prevent recovery of functional helper virus during hdAd amplification.

Adenoviridae↗

Immune responses to adenovirus vectors in the nervous system.

Non-replicating adenovirus vectors are being developed as vehicles for gene transfer into cells of the nervous system. An important requirement for successful gene transfer is the absence of deleterious cytotoxic or inflammatory side effects of the delivery system. Despite offering relatively stable reporter gene expression, currently available adenovirus vectors also elicit immune responses in the brain, both at the site of vector delivery and at synaptically linked distant sites. However, although an anti-viral T-lymphocyte response eliminates the vector and damages local tissue in many peripheral organs, the immune response to adenovirus in the brain is less effective and enables the vector to persist. Nevertheless, in this persistent state the adenovirus vector remains a potential target for a destructive immune response that can also cause local demyelination. The development of strategies to minimize this damaging immune response, through either vector modification or immunomodulation, will be crucial for the future success of genetic therapies in the brain.

Adenoviridae↗

Approaches for generating recombinant adenovirus vectors.

Various methods have been developed to facilitate the generation of recombinant adenovirus vectors, and three commercially available methods have been most widely used: the homologous recombination method in E1-complement cell lines, the homologous recombination method in bacteria, and an in vitro ligation method based on simple routine plasmid construction. These methods can insert foreign genes not only into the E1 deletion region, but also into the E3 deletion region, thereby permitting the construction of a binary transgene expression system in which heterologous genes can be inserted into both the E1 and E3 regions. By modifying the latter two methods, fiber-mutant adenovirus vectors can be also constructed in order to modify vector tropism. In this paper, we review recent advances in the construction of first generation adenovirus vectors and fiber-modified adenovirus vectors.

Adenoviridae↗

[The construction and application of adenovirus vector coexpressing the heterodimer of human IL-12].

OBJECTIVE: To construct the recombinant adenovirus vector co-expressing the heterodimer of human interkeukin-12. METHODS: The full-length cDNA encoding human IL-12 subunits p40 or p35 was cloned by RT-PCR separately. The cDNA was ligated with encephalomyocarditis internal ribosome entry site (IRES), placed under the control of CMV promoter, and inserted into E1-substituted adenovirus vector pAx1cw to produce the bicistronic coexpression vector. Subsequently, the hIL-12 recombinant adenovirus vector was cotransfected into 293 cells together with EcoT22I-digested Ad5 DNA-TPC, and the replication-deficient hIL-12 recombinant adenoviruses was generated efficiently by homologous recombination. RESULTS: The human IL-12 recombinant adenoviruses were obtained with the titers of 2.1 x 10(9) pfu/ml. 48 hours after the infection of the 293 cells, HepG2 cells and human primary skin fibroblasts with hIL-12 recombinant adenoviruses, the hIL-12 expressions were detected by ELISA (30-50 ng/10(6) cells/24 h). The expressed hIL-12 could stimulate the in vitro proliferation and IFN-gamma production of human PMNC. CONCLUSION: Prepared hIL-12 recombinant adenovirus vector can express biologically active hIL-12 and can be potentially used in cancer gene therapy.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Direct in vivo gene transfer and expression in malignant cells using adenovirus vectors.

To evaluate the ability of replication-deficient, recombinant adenovirus vectors to transfer genes to human tumor cells in vivo, adenovirus vectors containing the Escherichia coli lacZ (Ad.RSV beta gal) gene (coding for beta-galactosidase; used as a cell marker for gene transfer) or the human alpha 1-antitrypsin (Ad-alpha 1AT) cDNA (used as an example of a secreted protein) were administered intraperitoneally to nude mice with human malignant mesothelioma cell (H-MESO-1) malignant ascites. Preliminary in vitro studies showed that both vectors effectively transferred genes to H-MESO-1 cells. Tumor cells recovered from ascites of animals intraperitoneally administered a control adenovirus revealed no evidence of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) activity 3 or 14 days later. In contrast, beta-gal activity was detected at the same time points in tumor cells from animals receiving intraperitoneal Ad.RSV beta gal. Flow cytometric quantification of beta-gal activity in recovered cells showed < 3% beta-gal-positive cells in animals administered control virus, but in animals administered intraperitoneal Ad.RSV beta gal there was a mean of 71 +/- 18% positive cells at 3 days and 56 +/- 27% at 14 days. Human alpha 1AT was not detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in ascites of animals receiving a control virus; however, in ascites of animals administered Ad-alpha 1AT, 21,000 +/- 3,800 ng/ml of human alpha 1AT was detected at 3 days and 4,900 +/- 1,700 ng/ml at 14 days. These data demonstrate that replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus vectors can be used to transfer genes to malignant cells in vivo and suggest a new strategy for genetic modification for antitumor therapy.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Development of a complementing cell line and a system for construction of adenovirus vectors with E1 and E2a deleted.

Although adenovirus vectors offer many advantages, it would be desirable to develop vectors with improved expression and decreased toxicity. Toward this objective, an adenovirus vector system with deletion of both the El and E2a regions was developed. A 5.9-kb fragment of the adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) genome containing the E2a gene and its early and late promoters was transfected into 293 cells. A complementing cell line, designated 293-C2, expressed the E2a mRNA and protein and was found to complement the defect in Ad5 viruses with temperature-sensitive or deletion mutations in E2a. A deletion of 1.3 kb removing codons 40 to 471 of the 529 amino acids of E2a was introduced into plasmids for preparation of viruses and vectors. An Ad5 virus with disruption of the El gene and deletion of E2a grew on 293-C2 cells but not on 293 cells. Vectors with E1 and E2a deleted expressing Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase or human alpha1-antitrypsin were prepared and expressed the reporter genes after intravenous injection into mice. This vector system retains sequences in common between the complementing cell line and the vectors, including 3.4 kb upstream and 1.1 kb downstream of the deletion. These vectors have potential advantages of increased capacity for insertion of transgene sequences, elimination of expression of E2a, and possibly reduction in expression of other viral proteins. Although the titers of the vectors with deleted are about 10- to 30-fold below those of vectors with E2a wild-type regions, the former vectors are suitable for detailed studies with animals to evaluate the effects on host immune responses, on duration of expression, and on safety.

Adenoviridae↗

Transient immunosuppression permits successful repetitive intravenous administration of an adenovirus vector.

The in vivo administration of adenovirus vectors frequently elicits a neutralizing antibody response which eliminates or substantially reduces the efficacy of subsequent treatments. Methods to overcome this significant barrier to repeat delivery will be required for the application of adenovirus-based gene therapy in the treatment of chronic disease. We have evaluated the relationship between the initial vector dose and the effectiveness of a second vector administration. C57BL/6 mice injected intravenously with up to 10(7) p.f.u. of a lacZ adenovirus vector, Av1lacZ4, expressed significant levels of human factor IX when injected with 2 x 10(8) p.f.u. of the factor IX vector, Av1H9F, 5 weeks later. An initial dose of 10(8) p.f.u. of Av1lacZ4 completely prevented expression of factor IX following the second administration due to the generation of neutralizing antibody. However, transient immunosuppression with deoxyspergualin (DSG) or cyclophosphamide at the time of initial exposure to 10(8) p.f.u. of Av1lacZ4 prevented the formation of anti-adenovirus neutralizing antibody and permitted an effective second administration of a factor IX vector. Furthermore, transient immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide concomitant with delivery of the factor IX vector enabled an effective administration of a third vector encoding human factor VIII. This approach, together with strategies to prolong the persistence of adenoviral vector expression, should permit long-term therapy with adenovirus-based vectors.

Adenoviruses, Human↗