Modulation of tolerance to the transgene product in a nonhuman primate model of AAV-mediated gene transfer to liver

F Mingozzi, NC Hasbrouck… - Blood, The Journal …, 2007 - ashpublications.org
F Mingozzi, NC Hasbrouck, E Basner-Tschakarjan, SA Edmonson, DJ Hui, DE Sabatino…
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2007ashpublications.org
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)–mediated gene transfer of factor IX (F. IX) to the liver results
in long-term expression of transgene in experimental animals, but only short-term
expression in humans. Loss of F. IX expression is likely due to a cytotoxic immune response
to the AAV capsid, which results in clearance of transduced hepatocytes. We used a
nonhuman primate model to assess the safety of AAV gene transfer coupled with an anti–T-
cell regimen designed to block this immune response. Administration of a 3-drug regimen …
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)–mediated gene transfer of factor IX (F.IX) to the liver results in long-term expression of transgene in experimental animals, but only short-term expression in humans. Loss of F.IX expression is likely due to a cytotoxic immune response to the AAV capsid, which results in clearance of transduced hepatocytes. We used a nonhuman primate model to assess the safety of AAV gene transfer coupled with an anti–T-cell regimen designed to block this immune response. Administration of a 3-drug regimen consisting of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), sirolimus, and the anti–IL-2 receptor antibody daclizumab consistently resulted in formation of inhibitory antibodies to human F.IX following hepatic artery administration of an AAV-hF.IX vector, whereas a 2-drug regimen consisting only of MMF and sirolimus did not. Administration of daclizumab was accompanied by a dramatic drop in the population of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). We conclude that choice of immunosuppression (IS) regimen can modulate immune responses to the transgene product upon hepatic gene transfer in subjects not fully tolerant; and that induction of transgene tolerance may depend on a population of antigen-specific Tregs.
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