Recombinant adeno-associated virus delivery of exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide constructs

Abstract

To provide delivery of an exon 2-targeted U7snRNA polynucleotide construct by a recombinant adeno-associated virus.SOLUTION: The invention relates to the delivery of a polynucleotide for treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) resulting from duplication of DMD exon 2 using a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV). The invention provides a rAAV product and a method for using rAAV in treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The invention provides methods and products for preventing, delaying the progression of, and / or treating DMD involving a duplication of exon 2 of the DMD gene.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 814,256, filed April 20, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THEINVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery of polynucleotides for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which results from a duplication of DMD exon 2. The present invention provides rAAV products and methods of using rAAV in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] This application includes, as another part of the disclosure, a computer readable form (Filename: 47699PCT_SeqListing.txt; 10,162 byte-ASCII text file, created on April 18, 2014), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0004] Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of genetic diseases. They are characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some forms of MD have an onset in infancy or childhood, while others may not develop until middle age or later. The disorders vary in distribution and degree of muscle weakness (some forms of MD also affect the heart muscle), age of onset, rate of progression, and inheritance patterns.

[0005] One form of MD is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It is the most common and severe childhood form of muscular dystrophy, affecting 1 in 5000 newborn males. DMD is caused by a mutation in the DMD gene that leads to a loss of the dystrophin protein (427KDa) in skeletal and cardiac muscles, as well as in the gastrointestinal tract and retina. Dystrophin not only protects the muscle cell membrane from eccentric contractions, but also anchors several signaling proteins in close proximity to the muscle cell membrane. Many clinical cases of DMD are associated with deletion mutations in the DMD gene. Despite many lines of research after the identification of the DMD gene, treatment options are limited. Corticosteroids are also clearly beneficial in extending locomotor activity, but the benefits are offset by long-term side effects. The first controlled randomized double-blind study reported over 20 years ago showed benefit using prednisone [Mendell et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 320: 1592-1597 (1989)]. Subsequent reports have shown equal efficacy using the sodium-sparing steroid deflazacort [Biggar et al., J. Pediatr., 138: 45-50 (2001)]. Recent studies have also shown the benefit of exon skipping in increasing walking distance during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). So far, published clinical trials have reported benefit only for mutations in which the reading frame was restored by skipping exon 51 [Cirak et al., Lancet, 378: 595-605 (2011) and Goemans et al., New Engl. J. Med. 364: 1513-1522 (2011)]. Only in reports of double-blind randomized treatment trials have promising results been shown with eteplirsen, a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO). In all these exon skipping trials, the common finding is a plateau in walking ability after an initial modest improvement.

[0006] See also U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2012 / 0077860, published March 29, 2012; 2013 / 0072541, published March 21, 2013; and 2013 / 0045538, published February 21, 2013.

[0007] In contrast to deletion mutations, DMD exon duplications account for approximately 5% of pathogenic mutations in an unbiased sample of patients with dystrophinopathy [Dent et al., Am. J. Med. Genet., 134(3): 295-298 (2005)], although in some catalogs of mutations the number of duplications is much higher [including those published by the United Dystrophinopathy Project in Flanigan et al., Hum. Mutat., 30(12): 1657-1666 (2009), which was 11%].

[0008] Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a replication-deficient parvovirus whose single-stranded DNA genome is approximately 4.7 kb in length and contains an inverted terminal repeat (ITR) of 145 nucleotides. There are multiple serotypes of AAV. The nucleotide sequences of the genomes of the AAV serotypes are known. For example, the complete genome of AAV-1 is provided under GenBank Accession No. NC_002077; the complete genome of AAV-2 is provided under GenBank Accession No. NC_001401 and Srivastava et al., J. Virol., 45: 555-564 {1983); the complete genome of AAV-3 is provided under GenBank Accession No. NC_1829; the complete genome of AAV-4 is provided under GenBank Accession No. NC_001829; the AAV-5 genome is provided under GenBank Accession No. AF085716; and the complete genome of AAV-6 is provided under GenBank Accession No. NC_002077. 1862; at least portions of the AAV-7 and AAV-8 genomes are provided in GenBank Accession Nos. AX753246 and AX753249, respectively (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,282,199 and 7,790,449 for AAV-8); the AAV-9 genome is provided in Gao et al., J. Virol., 78: 6381-6388 (2004); the AAV-10 genome is provided in Mol. Ther., 13(1): 67-76 (2006); and the AAV-11 genome is provided in Virology, 330(2): 375-383 (2004)Virology(330(2)). From here, cis-acting sequences that direct viral DNA replication (rep), encapsidation / packaging, and host cell chromosomal integration are contained within the AAV ITRs. Three AAV promoters (p5, p19, and p40, named for their relative map positions) drive expression of two AAV internal open reading frames encoding the rep and cap genes.Differential splicing of one AAV intron (at nucleotides 2107 and 2227) and two associated rep promoters (p5 and p19) results in the generation of four rep proteins (rep78, rep68, rep52, and rep40) from the rep gene. The Rep proteins have multiple enzymatic properties that are ultimately responsible for replicating the viral genome. The cap gene is expressed from the p40 promoter and encodes three capsid proteins, VP1, VP2, and VP3. Alternative splicing and non-consensus translation initiation sites are responsible for the generation of the three associated capsid proteins. One consensus polyadenylation site is located at map position 95 of the AAV genome. The life cycle and genetics of AAV are reviewed in Muzyczka, Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, 158: 97-129 (1992).

[0009] AAV has unique features that make it attractive as a vector for delivering foreign DNA to cells, for example in gene therapy. AAV infection of cells in culture is noncytopathic, and natural infection of humans and other animals is silent and asymptomatic. Furthermore, AAV can infect many mammalian cells and target many different tissues in vivo. Furthermore, AAV can slowly transduce dividing and nondividing cells and essentially survive the life of those cells as transcriptionally active nuclear episomes (extrachromosomal elements). The AAV proviral genome is infectious, as is cloned DNA in a plasmid, making the construction of recombinant genomes feasible. Moreover, because signals directing AAV replication, genome encapsidation, and genome integration are contained within the ITRs of the AAV genome, some or all of the internal ∼4.3 kb of the genome (encoding replication proteins and a structural capsid protein, rep-cap) can be replaced with foreign DNA. The rep and cap proteins can be provided in trans. Another important feature of AAV is that it is an extremely stable and robust virus. AAV can withstand the conditions used to inactivate adenovirus (56°C to 65°C for several hours), so cold storage of AAV is not as important. AAV can even be lyophilized. Finally, AAV-infected cells are not resistant to superinfection.

[0010] An AAV8-like AAV, called rh.74, delivers DNA encoding a variety of proteins. Xu et al., Neuromuscular Disorders, 17: 209-220 (2007) and Martin et al., Am. J. Physiol. Cell. Physiol., 296:476-488 (2009) describe rh.74 expression of a cytotoxic T-cell GalNAc transferase for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Rodino-Klapac et al., Mol. Ther., 18(1): 109-117 (2010) describe AAV rh.74 expression of a micro-dystrophin FLAG protein tag fusion following delivery of AAV rh.74 by vascular limb perfusion. Muscular dystrophies are a group of diseases with no established treatments that severely impact individuals, families, and communities. The costs are immense. Individuals suffer from a reduced quality of life associated with mental strain and loss of self-esteem. Extreme physical problems resulting from loss of limb function cause difficulties in activities of daily living. Family dynamics are marred by economic losses and interpersonal problems. Affected siblings become estranged and marital discord often results in divorce, especially when the burden of muscular dystrophy falls on one of the parental partners. The burden of finding and seeking treatment is often a lifelong and highly concentrated struggle that impairs and demands all aspects of life. Beyond the family, the community shares the economic burden through the need for additional facilities to address the handicaps of the muscular dystrophy population in the costs of special education, special transportation, and repeated hospitalizations to treat recurrent respiratory infections and cardiac complications. The economic burden is shared by federal agencies that extend the burden to states and taxpaying districts. Thus, there remains a need in the art for treatments for muscular dystrophies, including DMD. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0077860 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0072541 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0045538 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 7,282,199 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 7,790,449 [Non-Patent Document]

[0012] [Non-Patent Document 1] Mendell et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 320: 1592 - 1597 (1989) [Non-Patent Document 2] Biggar et al., J. Pediatr., 138: 45 - 50 (2001) [Non-Patent Document 3] Cirak et al., Lancet, 378: 595 - 605 (2011) [Non-Patent Document 4] Goemans et al., New Engl. J. Med. 364: 1513 - 1522 (2011) [Non-Patent Document 5] Dent et al., Am. J. Med. Genet., 134(3): 295 - 298 (2005) [Non-Patent Document 6] Flanigan et al., Hum. Mutat., 30(12): 1657 - 1666 (2009) [Non-Patent Document 7] Srivastava et al., J. Virol., 45: 555 - 564(1983) [Non-Patent Document 8] Gao et al., J. Virol., 78: 6381-6388 (2004) [Non-Patent Document 9] Mol. Ther., 13(1): 67-76 (2006) [Non-Patent Document 10] Virology, 330(2): 375-383 (2004)Virology(330(2)) [Non-Patent Document 11] Muzyczka, Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, 158: 97-129 (1992) [Non-Patent Document 12] Xu et al., Neuromuscular Disorders, 17: 209-220 (2007) [Non-Patent Document 13] Martin et al.,Am. J. Physiol.Cell. Physiol., 296:476-488(2009) [Non-Patent Document 14] Rodino-Klapac et al.,Mol. Ther.,18(1): 109-117 (2010) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] explanation The present invention provides methods and products for preventing, slowing progression, and / or treating DMD, which involves a duplication of exon 2 of the DMD gene. The methods involve using AAV as a delivery vector for a polynucleotide construct encoding a U7 small nuclear RNA and an exon 2-targeted antisense sequence, i.e., an "exon 2-targeted U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct." For example, the polynucleotide construct is inserted into the genome of rAAV rh.74, rAAV6, or rAAV9. The polynucleotide sequence of the AAV rh.74 genome is shown in FIG. 7 as SEQ ID NO:1.

[0014] Examples of exon 2 targeting antisense sequences include: U7B TCAAAAGAAAACATTCACAAAATGGGTA (SEQ ID NO:3); U7Along GTTTTCTTTTGAAGATCTTCTCTTTCATcta (SEQ ID NO: 4); U7Ashort AGATCTTCTCTTTCATcta (SEQ ID NO: 5); and U7C GCACAATTTTCTAAGGTAAGAAT (SEQ ID NO: 6) These include, but are not limited to:

[0015] In one aspect, a method for improving DMD in a patient is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the patient an rAAV, wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises an exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of inhibiting the progression of dystrophic symptoms associated with DMD. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to a patient an rAAV, wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises an exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct.

[0017] In yet another aspect, a method for improving muscle function in a patient suffering from DMD is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering rAAV to the patient, wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises an exon 2 targeting U7snRNA polynucleotide construct. In some cases, the improvement in muscle function is an improvement in muscle strength. The improvement in muscle strength is measured by a technique known in the art, for example, by maximal voluntary isometric contraction test (MVICT). In some cases, the improvement in muscle function is an improvement in stability during standing and walking. The improvement in muscle strength is measured by a technique known in the art, for example, by 6-minute walk test (6MWT) or timed stair climbing test.

[0018] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of delivering an exon 2-targeted U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct to an animal, including but not limited to a human. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of delivering an rAAV to a patient, wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises an exon 2-targeted U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct.

[0019] The cell transduction efficiency of the methods of the invention described above and below can be at least about 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 or 95%.

[0020] In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, the viral genome is a self-complementary genome. In some embodiments of the methods, the genome of the rAAV lacks AAV rep and cap DNA. In some embodiments of the methods, the rAAV is SC rAAV U7_ACCA, which comprises an exemplary genome disclosed in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the rAAV is rAAV rh.74. In some embodiments, the rAAV is rAAV6. In some embodiments, the rAAV is rAAV9.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a rAAV comprising an AAV rh.74 capsid and a genome comprising an exemplary exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct U7_ACCA. In some embodiments, the genome of the rAAV lacks AAV rep and cap DNA. In some embodiments, the rAAV comprises a self-complementary genome. In some embodiments of the method, the rAAV comprises a SC comprising an exemplary genome disclosed in FIG. In some embodiments, the rAAV is rAAV U7_ACCA. In some embodiments, the rAAV is rAAV rh.74. In some embodiments, the rAAV is rAAV6. In some embodiments, the rAAV is rAAV9.

[0022] The recombinant AAV genome of the present invention comprises one or more AAV ITRs flanking at least one exon 2-targeted U7snRNA polynucleotide construct. Genomes having an exon 2-targeted U7snRNA polynucleotide construct comprising each of the exon 2-targeted antisense sequences described in paragraph 0012 are specifically contemplated, as are genomes having an exon 2-targeted U7snRNA polynucleotide construct comprising two or more of each possible combination of the exon 2-targeted antisense sequences described in paragraph 0012. In some embodiments, including exemplary embodiments, the U7snRNA polynucleotide comprises its own promoter. The AAV DNA in the rAAV genome may be from any AAV serotype, such that the recombinant virus can be derived from, for example, AAV serotypes AAV-1, AAV-2, AAV-3, AAV-4, AAV-5, AAV-6, AAV-7, AAV-8, AAV-9, AAV-10, and AAV-11, but not limited thereto. As mentioned in the Background section above, the nucleotide sequences of the genomes of various AAV serotypes are known in the art.In some embodiments of the invention, the promoter DNA is a muscle-specific control element, such as a control element from the actin and myosin gene families, e.g., the myoD gene family [see Weintraub et al., Science, 251: 761-766 (1991)], muscle cell-specific enhancer binding factor MEF-2 [Cserjesi and Olson, Mol. Cell. Biol., 11: 4854-4862 (1991)], a control element from the human skeletal actin gene [Muscat et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 7: 4089-4099 (1987)], the cardiac actin gene, a muscle creatine kinase sequence element [Johnson et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 9:3393-3399 (1987)], or a combination of these elements. (1989)] and control elements derived from the mouse creatine kinase enhancer (MCK) element, the desmin promoter, the fast skeletal troponin C gene, the slow cardiac troponin C gene and the slow troponin I gene: hypoxia-inducible nuclear factor [Semenza et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 88: 5680-5684 (1991)], steroid-inducible elements and promoters including glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) [see Mader and White, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90: 5603-5607 (1993)] and other control elements.

[0023] The DNA plasmid of the invention comprises the rAAV genome of the invention. The DNA plasmid is introduced into a cell permissive for infection with a helper virus for AAV (e.g., adenovirus, E1-deleted adenovirus, or herpesvirus) to assemble the rAAV genome into an infectious viral particle. Techniques for making rAAV particles are standard in the art, in which the packaged AAV genome, the rep and cap genes, and the helper virus functions are provided to the cell. The production of rAAV requires that the following components are present in a single cell (referred to herein as a packaging cell): the rAAV genome, the AAV rep and cap genes that are separate from the rAAV genome (i.e., not present in the rAAV genome), and the helper virus functions. The AAV rep gene may be from any AAV serotype, and thus the recombinant virus may be derived from and may be from a different AAV serotype than the rAAV genome ITRs, including, but not limited to, AAV serotypes AAV-1, AAV-2, AAV-3, AAV-4, AAV-5, AAV-6, AAV-7, AAV-8, AAV-9, AAV-10, and AAV-11. The use of homologous components is specifically contemplated. The production of pseudotyped rAAV is disclosed, for example, in WO 01 / 83692, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0024] The method for producing packaging cells is to generate a cell line that stably expresses all the necessary components for AAV particle production. For example, a plasmid (or multiple plasmids) containing a rAAV genome lacking AAV rep and cap, AAV rep and cap genes separated from the rAAV genome, and a selectable marker, such as a neomycin resistance gene, is integrated into the genome of the cell. AAV genomes have been introduced into bacterial plasmids by procedures such as GC tailing (Samulski et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. S6. USA, 79:2077-2081), addition of synthetic linkers containing restriction endonuclease cleavage sites (Laughlin et al., 1983, Gene, 23:65-73), or by direct blunt-end ligation (Senapathy & Carter, 1984, J. Biol. Chem., 259:4661-4666). The packaging cell line is then infected with a helper virus, such as adenovirus. The advantage of this method is that the cells are selectable and suitable for large-scale production of rAAV. Another example of a suitable method uses adenovirus or baculovirus, rather than a plasmid, to introduce the rAAV genome and / or the rep and cap genes into the packaging cells.

[0025] General principles of rAAV production are reviewed, for example, in Carter, 1992, Current Opinions in Biotechnology, 1533-539; and Muzyczka, 1992, Curr. Topics in Microbial. and Immunol., 158:97-129. Various approaches are described in Ratschin et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 4:2072 (1984); Hermonat et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81:6466 (1984); Tratschin et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 5:3251 (1985); McLaughlin et al., J. Virol., 62:1963 (1988); and Lebkowski et al., 1988 Mol. Cell. Biol., 7:349 (1988). Samulski et al. (1989, J. Virol., 63:3822-3828); U.S. Patent No. 5,173,414; WO 95 / 13365 and corresponding U.S. Patent No. 5,658,776; WO 95 / 13392; WO 96 / 17947; PCT / US98 / 18600; WO 97 / 09441 (PCT / US96 / 14423); WO 97 / 08298 (PCT / US96 / 13872); WO 97 / 21825 (PCT / US96 / 20777); WO 97 / 06243 (PCT / FR96 / 01064); WO 99 / 11764; Perrin et al. (1995) Vaccine 13:1244-1250; Paul et al. (1993) Human Gene Therapy 4:609-615; Clark et al. (1996) Gene Therapy 3:1124-1132; US Patent No. 5,786,211; and U.S. Patent No. 6,258,595, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, and in which sections of the documents a particular emphasis is on the production of rAAV.

[0026] Thus, the present invention provides packaging cells that produce infectious rAAV. In one embodiment, the packaging cells are capable of stably transforming cancer cells such as HeLa cells, 293 cells, and PerC.6 cells (a homologous 293 line). In another embodiment, the packaging cells are cells that are not transformed cancer cells, such as low passage 293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells transformed with adenovirus E1), MRC-5 cells (human embryonic fibroblasts), WI-38 cells (human embryonic fibroblasts), Vero cells (monkey kidney culture cells), and FRhL-2 cells (embryophyte lung cells).

[0027] rAAV can be purified by standard methods in the art, such as by column chromatography or cesium chloride gradients. Methods for purifying rAAV vectors from helper viruses are known in the art, such as those disclosed in Clark et al., Hum. Gene Ther., 10(6): 1031-1039 (1999); Schenpp and Clark, Methods Mol. Med., 69 427-443 (2002); U.S. Patent No. 6,566,118 and WO 98 / 09657.

[0028] In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a composition comprising the rAAV of the present invention. The composition of the present invention comprises the rAAV in a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may also include other components, such as a diluent. Acceptable carriers and diluents are non-toxic to recipients and are preferably inert at the dosages and concentrations used, and include, for example, buffers such as phosphates, citrates, and other organic acids; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; low molecular weight polypeptides; proteins such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, or dextrin; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; salt-forming counterions such as sodium; and / or non-ionic surfactants such as Tween, Pluronic, or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0029] Sterile injectable solution is prepared by mixing the required amount of rAAV with various other components described above in a suitable solvent, and then sterilized by filtration if necessary.Generally, dispersion is prepared by blending sterilized active ingredient into a sterile vehicle containing basic dispersion medium and other necessary components described above.In the case of sterile powder for preparing sterile injectable solution, the preferred preparation method is vacuum drying and freeze-drying, which obtains powder of active ingredient and any desired additional components from the solution previously sterilized by filtration.

[0030] The titer of the rAAV administered in the methods of the invention will vary depending on, for example, the particular rAAV, the mode of administration, the therapeutic objectives, the individual, and the cell type(s) being targeted, and can be measured by methods standard in the art. The titer of the rAAV is approximately 1x10 per ml. 6 , Approx. 1x10 7 , Approx. 1x10 8 , Approx. 1x10 9 , Approx. 1x10 10 , Approx. 1x1011 , Approx. 1x10 12 , Approx. 1x10 13 ~ approx. 1x10 14 The dosage can be in units of viral genome (vg) (i.e., 1x10 7 vg, 1x10 8 vg, 1x10 9 vg, 1x10 10 vg, 1x10 11 vg, 1x10 12 vg, 1x10 13 vg, 1x10 14 vg).

[0031] A method of transducing target cells (e.g., skeletal muscle) in vivo or in vitro with rAAV is contemplated by the present invention. The method comprises administering an effective dose or effective doses of a composition comprising the rAAV of the present invention to an animal (including a human) in need thereof. When the dose is administered before the onset of DMD, the administration is prophylactic. When the dose is administered after the onset of DMD, the administration is therapeutic. In an embodiment of the present invention, an effective dose is a dose that alleviates at least one symptom associated with the DMD being treated, slows or prevents progression to DMD, slows or prevents progression of the disorder / disease state, reduces the extent of the disease, resulting in (partial or total) remission of the disease, and / or prolongs survival.

[0032] An effective dose of the composition can be administered by a route standard in the art, including, but not limited to, for example, intramuscular, parenteral, intravenous, oral, buccal, nasal, pulmonary, intracranial, intraosseous, intraocular, rectal, or vaginal. The route(s) of administration and the serotype of the AAV components (specifically, AAV ITRs and capsid proteins) of the rAAV of the present invention can be selected and / or adapted by those skilled in the art, taking into account the infection and / or disease state to be treated, and the target cell / tissue(s). In some embodiments, the route of administration is intramuscular. In some embodiments, the route of administration is intravenous.

[0033] Combination therapies are also contemplated by the present invention. Combination, as used herein, includes simultaneous or sequential treatment. The combination of the methods of the present invention with standard medical therapies (e.g., corticosteroids and / or immunosuppressants) is specifically contemplated, as is combination with other therapies, such as those described in the Background section above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows muscle histology and immunofluorescence analysis in Dup2 mice. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows immunoblots from Western blots of muscle in Dup2 mice. [Diagram 3] Figure 1 shows that skipping of duplicated exon 2 in MyoD transdifferentiated myoblasts induced by exon splice enhancer-directed AONs results in 39% wild-type transcripts. Doses per row are shown in nmoles (25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500). Varying transcript abundance is shown with maximum shading below each row. TB=transfection buffer. NSM=normal skeletal muscle. Percentages of exon 2 duplication, wt, and exon 2 deletion are shown below each row. [Figure 4] Figure 1 illustrates the U7snRNA vector approach to exon skipping. U7snRNA is used as a carrier to target pre-messenger RNA. U7snRNA is composed of a loop used for nucleocytoplasmic export, a recognition sequence for binding Sm protein used for efficient construction between U7snRNA and target pre-mRNA, and an antisense sequence to target pre-mRNA. U7snRNA has its own promoter and 3' downstream sequence. The U7 cassette is then cloned into an AAV plasmid to generate a vector. [Diagram 5]FIG. 1 shows RT-PCR results for exon skipping experiments using SC rAAV vectors to transduce exemplary exon 2-targeted U7 snRNA constructs into Dup2-immortalized human fibromyoblasts. [Figure 6] 1 shows the results of an in vivo exon skipping experiment in Dup2 mice, where U7_ACCA SC rAAV was delivered by intramuscular injection. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 shows the rh74 genomic sequence (SEQ ID NO:1), where nucleotides 210-2147 are the Rep78 gene open reading frame, 882-208 are the Rep52 open reading frame, 2079-2081 are the Rep78 stop, 2145-2147 are the Rep78 stop, 1797-1800 are the splice donor site, 2094-2097 are the splice acceptor site, 2121-2124 are the splice acceptor site, 174-181 are the predicted p5 promoter +1, 145-151 are the p5 TATA box, 758-761 are the predicted p19 promoter +1, 732-738 are the p19 TATA box, 1711-1716 are the p40 TATA box, and 2098-4314 are the VP1 This is the Cap gene open reading frame, 2509-2511 is the VP2 start, 2707-2709 is the VP3 start, and 4328-4333 is the poly A signal. [Figure 7B] Same as above [Figure 7C] Same as above [Figure 7D] Same as above [Figure 7E] Same as above [Figure 7F] Same as above [Figure 7G] Same as above [Figure 7H] Same as above [Figure 7I] Same as above [Figure 7J] Same as above [Figure 7K] Same as above [Figure 8]FIG. 1 shows a map of a plasmid carrying an exemplary exon 2-targeted U7 snRNA AAV genomic insert. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the DNA sequence of the AAV genome insert of the plasmid of FIG. 8 (SEQ ID NO:2). [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows a vertical bar indicating the approximate location of the MLPA probe. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of vectors used in the generation of mdxdup2 (Dup2) mice. [Figure 12abc] FIG. 1 shows the results of intramuscular delivery of AAV1 U7-ACCA into Dup2 mice. [Figure 12de] FIG. 1 shows the results of intramuscular delivery of AAV1 U7-ACCA into Dup2 mice. [Figure 13ab] FIG. 1 shows the results of intravenous injection of AAV9 U7_ACCA in the Dup2 mouse model. [Figure 13cd] FIG. 1 shows the results of intravenous injection of AAV9 U7_ACCA in the Dup2 mouse model. [Fig. 13ef] FIG. 1 shows the results of intravenous injection of AAV9 U7_ACCA in the Dup2 mouse model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Working Example The following examples illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention. Example 1 Isolation of AAV rh.74

[0036] Unique AAV serotypes were isolated from rhesus monkey lymph nodes using a novel technique called Linear Rolling Circle Amplification. Using the LRCA process, double-stranded, circular AAV genomes were amplified from several rhesus monkeys. The method is based on the ability to amplify circular AAV genomes by isothermal rolling circle amplification using phi29 phage DNA polymerase and AAV-specific primers. The LRCA product is a contiguous head-to-tail sequence of the circular AAV genome, from which a full-length AAV Rep-Cap molecular clone was isolated. Four isolates were sequenced, and predicted amino acid sequences for the Rep and Cap ORFs were aligned and compared to previously published serotypes (Table). VP1 protein sequences were analyzed and revealed homology to NHP AAV clades D, E, and AAV 4-like virus isolates. Analysis of the Rep78 (top of table) ORF revealed strong homology (98-99%) to AAV1. [Table 1]

[0037] One macaque tissue specimen (rh426-M) gave rise to a divergent AAV8-like isolate designated rh.74 that shares 93% sequence identity with AAV8. The nucleotide sequence of the rh.74 genome is shown in Figure 7 as SEQ ID NO:1.

[0038] The rh.74 capsid gene sequence was cloned into an AAV helper plasmid containing the Rep gene from AAV2 to provide vector replication functions for recombinant AAV vector production. Example 2 DMD Model Models of DMD exon 2 duplication include, for example, the following in vivo and in vitro models. mdx dup2 Mouse model

[0039] We developed mice carrying a duplication of exon 2 within the Dmd locus, which is the most common human duplication mutation and causes a relatively severe form of DMD.

[0040] Initially, White et al., Hum. Mutat.,27(9): 938-945(2006) investigated the maximum extent of 11 different human exon 2 duplications by MLPA and long-range PCR. The results are shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, each vertical bar indicates the approximate location of an MLPA probe. The shaded columns indicate the two hotspot regions that were identified; they were used to determine the location of the inserts by homology of the exon 2 cassette in mouse.

[0041] A map of the insertion vector is shown in Figure 11. In the map, numbers indicate the cloning sites and the relative positions of the exons and restriction enzyme recognition sites. The neo cassette is in the same orientation as the gene and the insertion point is exactly at bp 32207 / 32208 in intron 2. At least 150 bp of additional intronic sequence is maintained on either side of the inserted exon 2, with the E2 region being 1775-2195 bp. The sizes of exon 2 and intron 2 are 62 bp and 209572 bp, respectively.

[0042] The vector carrying the exon 2 construct was transfected into male C57BL / 6 ES cells, and the insertion was then confirmed by PCR. One good clone was found, expanded, and injected in 12 albino BL / 6 blastocysts. The injected blastocysts were implanted into recipient mice. The dystrophin gene from the chimeric males was checked by PCR and then by RT-PCR. The colony was expanded, and includes several female mice that were expanded homozygously.

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 demonstrate that dystrophin expression is virtually absent in muscles from 4-week-old hemizygous mdxdup2 mice. (As seen in Figure 2, traces of expression can be detected using the C-terminal antibody but not the exon 1-specific Manex1A antibody, consistent with the very little translation from the exon 6 alternate translation start site that we have previously described.) Immortalized, conditionally inducible fibroMyoD cell line

[0044] Expression of the MyoD gene in mammalian fibroblasts results in the transdifferentiation of the cells into the muscle lineage. Such cells can further differentiate into myotubes, which express muscle genes, such as the DMD gene.

[0045] An immortalized cell line was generated that conditionally expresses MyoD under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter. This is achieved by stably transfecting tetracycline-inducible MyoD into a primary fibroblast cell line with a lentivirus and containing the human telomerase gene (TER). The resulting stable line can be turned on in MyoD expression by treatment with doxycycline. Such a cell line was generated from a DMD patient with a duplication of exon 2.

[0046] The lines were used to demonstrate duplication skipping using 2'-O-methyl antisense oligomers (AONs) provided by Dr. Steve Wilton (Perth, Australia). Multiple cell lines were tested. Results from exemplary cell lines are shown in Figure 3. Transient MyoD transfected primary cell line

[0047] Proof-of-principle experiments were performed using primary fibroblast cell lines transiently transfected with adenovirus-MyoD. The adenovirus construct did not integrate in the cellular genome, yet MyoD was transiently expressed. The resulting DMD expression was sufficient to perform exon skipping experiments (although reproducibility favors stably transfected lines). Example 3 Effect of U7 snRNA-mediated skipping on exon 2 duplication mutations

[0048] We have developed products and methods for viral-mediated exon skipping of duplicated exons. The products and methods are described in Goyenvalle et al., Science, 306(5702): 1796-1799 (2004) or Goyenvalle et al., Mol. Ther., 20(6): 179601799 (2004).

[0049] The U7 snRNA was modified to include targeted antisense sequences to interfere with splicing at selected target exons (Figure 4). Specifically, four new exon 2 targeting sequences were designed based on the results of the AON studies described in Example 2. U7B TCAAAAGAAAACATTCACAAAATGGGTA (SEQ ID NO: 3) U7Along GTTTTCTTTTGAAGATCTTCTCTTTCATcta (SEQ ID NO: 4) U7Ashort AGATCTTCTCTTTCATcta (SEQ ID NO: 5) U7C GCACAATTTTCTAAGGTAAGAAT (SEQ ID NO: 6) U7snRNA constructs were generated that encompassed the exon 2 target sequence. Each U7snRNA construct encompassed one of the target sequences. U7snRNA constructs that targeted selected other exons were also generated (based on the MyoD-transformed differentiated cell line studies described above). Self-complementary (SC) AAV vectors were then generated that had genomes that encompassed one or more of the U7snRNA constructs.

[0050] rAAV1 vectors were utilized for experiments in cell culture and for intramuscular injection in Dup2 mice. Recombinant SC AAV vectors of the desired AAV serotypes were generated in HEK293 cells by a modified cross-packaging approach using a plasmid containing the desired vector genome by an adenovirus-free triple plasmid DNA transfection (CaPO4 precipitation) method [Rabinowitz et al., J. Virol., 76:791-801 (2002)]. Vectors were generated by co-transfection with AAV helper plasmids and adenovirus helper plasmids in a manner similar to that previously described [Wang et al., Gene. Ther., 10:1528-1534 (2003)]. The adenovirus helper plasmid (pAdhelper) expresses the adenovirus type 5 E2A, E4ORF6, and VA I / II RNA genes required to generate high-titer rAAV.

[0051] Vectors were purified from clarified 293 cell lysates by sequential iodixanol gradient purification and anion exchange column chromatography using a linear NaCl salt gradient as previously described [Clark et al., Hum. Gene Ther, 10:1031-1039 (1999)]. Vector genome (vg) titers were measured using QPCR-based detection with specific primer / probe sets utilizing a Prism 7500 Taqman detector system (PE Applied Biosystems) as previously described. Titers of vector stocks ranged from 1 to 10 x 10 12 vg / mL.

[0052] The first exon skipping analysis was performed by RT-PCR using SC rAAV vectors to transduce Dup2-immortalized human fibromyoblasts. Dup2-immortalized human fibroblasts that could transdifferentiate into muscle lineage cells under the control of doxycycline were generated by transducing both a telomerase expression vector and a tetracycline-inducible-MyoD expression vector. The transformed human fibromyoblasts (FMs) were then transduced with SC rAAV carrying different U7 constructs incorporating exon 2 antisense sequences.

[0053] The RT-PCR results for the SC rAAV.1U7 constructs with three different antisense sequences are shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, "(4C)" indicates that four copies of the U7 construct were included in the vector genome, "+" indicates a higher dose, and "U7_ACCA A=Along" indicates a vector genome containing four exon 2-targeted U7 snRNA polynucleotide constructs, namely, a first U7Along construct, a first U7C construct, a second U7C construct, and a second U7Along construct, in that order (as shown in the plasmid map in Figure 8, and its sequence, i.e., SEQ ID NO: 2, is presented in Figure 9). As shown in the figure, compared to all other vector constructs, the U7_ACCA A-Along SC rAAV (abbreviated elsewhere herein as U7_ACCA SC rAAV1) achieved a higher percentage of exon 2 skipping.

[0054] In the next experiment, exon skipping efficiency was analyzed in vivo. The most effective AAV-U7 vector, U7_ACCA SC rAAV1, was selected for intramuscular injection in Dup2 mice. The results are shown in Figure 6 (A-D), where (A) shows dystrophin staining, where protein expression was restored and appropriately localized to the membrane of many muscle fibers; (B) protein recovery was confirmed by Western blot. RT-PCR shows (C) dose-dependent single or double skipping in Dup2 mice, as well as (D) efficient skipping in wild-type mice.

[0055] Therefore, a highly efficient AAV-mediated U7 snRNA was designed to skip exon 2 and restore subsarcolemmal dystrophin. Cardiac function; EDL and diaphragm force assessment; and treadmill and grip strength tests are compared between untreated and treated mice. Based on the degree of dystrophin expression detectable in the injected muscles, U7_ACCA SC rAAV was selected for further experiments and delivered intravenously to the first cohort at 1E11 vg / kg, then dosed one log higher in the second cohort. Injections were performed for 4 weeks, and animals were evaluated by physiological assessment and by histopathology at 10 and 24 weeks as described above (n=8 animals per cohort). Example 4 Intramuscular delivery of U7-ACCA by AAV1 results in significant N-truncated dystrophin expression in Dup2 mice.

[0056] rAAV1 containing the genomic insert of Figure 9 was generated by the method described in Example 3. AAV.1U7-ACCA was then administered to Dup2 mice by intramuscular injection.

[0057] RT-PCR performed on DMD mRNA 4 weeks after TA intramuscular injection of 5e11vg AAV.1U7-ACCA showed almost complete skipping of both copies of exon 2 in Dup2 animals [Figure 12(a)].

[0058] Immunoblotting with a C-terminal antibody (PA1-21011, ThermoScientific) performed 1 month after infection showed significant expression of the N-truncated isoform (asterisk) in both Dup2 and control Bl6 mice [Figure 12(b)]. The protein induced in U7-ACCA-injected Bl6 males was the same size as that expressed in Dup2-treated animals, confirming the size difference between this protein and the full-length isoform.

[0059] Immunofluorescence staining for dystrophin, β-dystroglycan, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase showed restoration of members of the dystrophin-associated complex [Figure 12(c)].

[0060] The normalized specific force after tetanic contraction in untreated Dup2 animals was significantly lower than in Bl6 mice. Intramuscular injection of AAV1.U7-ACCA alone or in combination with prednisone significantly increased the force to a level that was not significantly different from that observed in Bl6 mice. No significant difference was observed between untreated Dup2 mice and mice treated in combination with prednisone (Dup2+PDN) [Figure 12(d)]. For this assay, normalized specific force was assessed using a published protocol [Hakim et al., Journal of Applied Physiology, 110: 1656-1663 (2011)].

[0061] Treatment significantly protected Dup2 muscles from loss of force after repeated eccentric contractions as assessed by published protocols (Hakim et al., op. cit.). Treatment of Dup2 mice with AAV1.U7-ACCA alone resulted in a statistically significant improvement compared to untreated Dup2 mice. The combination of AAV1.U7-ACCA with prednisone was not significantly different compared to control Bl6 mice in force retention after contractions #3-#10 [Figure 12(e)]. Example 5 Intravenous injection of AAV9-U7_ACCA in the Dup2 mouse model results in significant expression of N-truncated isoforms and correction of muscle strength deficits.

[0062] Based on the degree of dystrophin expression detectable in the injected muscles, we chose to deliver U7_ACCA SC rAAV intravenously for further experiments, and also selected serotype rAAV9 based on its known tissue distribution properties.

[0063] rAAV9 containing the genomic insert of FIG. 9 was generated as described in Example 3. AAV.9U7-ACCA was then administered to Dup2 mice. The first cohort contained 3.3E112 The mice were injected via the tail vein at 100 mg / kg / kg. Injections were performed at 4 weeks of age.

[0064] RT-PCR was performed on muscles from five different Dup2 mice one month after tail vein injection of AAV9.U7-ACCA (3.3E12 vg / kg) [Figure 13(a)]. Treatment with U7-ACCA was able to force skipping of one or both copies of exon 2 in all muscles tested, as evidenced by the presence of multiple transcripts (labeled Dup2, wt, and Del2). (TA: tibialis anterior; Gas: gastrocnemius; heartmark: heart; Tri: triceps; dia: diaphragm).

[0065] Western blots using a C-terminal antibody (PA1-21011, ThermoScientific) performed on five different muscles one month after injection showed the presence of dystrophin in all tested muscles [Figure 13(b)].

[0066] Immunostaining of the same samples using a dystrophin C-terminal antibody (PA1-21011, ThermoScientific) confirmed the expression and proper localization of dystrophin at the sarcolemma [Figure 13(c)].

[0067] By assessing both forelimb and hindlimb grip strength, we found that grip strength was completely corrected in Dup2 animals treated with AAV9.U7-ACCA [Figure 13(d)]. This assay was performed using a published protocol [Spurney, et al., Muscle & Nerve, 39, 591-602 (2009)].

[0068] Normalized force per unit area and total force after tetanic contractions showed an improvement in muscle strength when compared to untreated Dup2 animals [Figure 13(e)] using a published protocol [Hakim et al., op. cit.].

[0069] Cardiac papillary muscles showed improvement in length-dependent force production in treated animals [Figure 13(f)] using the published protocol [Janssen et al., Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol., 289(6):H2373-2378 (2005)].

[0070] While the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is understood that modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, only limitations which appear in the appended claims should be placed on the invention.

[0071] All documents cited in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety with specific attention to the content in which said documents are cited. In an embodiment of the present invention, for example, the following items are provided: (Item 1) A method for ameliorating Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a patient optionally having a DMD exon 2 duplication, comprising administering to the patient a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises at least one exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct. (Item 2) A method for inhibiting the progression of dystrophic symptoms associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a patient optionally having a DMD exon 2 duplication, comprising administering to the patient an rAAV, wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises at least one exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct. (Item 3) A method for improving muscle function in a patient suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy associated with DMD exon 2 duplication, comprising administering to the patient an rAAV, wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises at least one exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct. (Item 4) 4. The method according to item 3, wherein the improvement in muscle function is improvement in muscle strength. (Item 5) 4. The method of item 3, wherein the improvement in muscle function is improvement in stability during standing and walking. (Item 6) Item 7. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the viral genome is a self-complementary genome. 7. The method according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct is U7Along, U7Ashort, U7B, U7C, or a combination of two or more thereof. (Item 8) 8. The method according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the recombinant adeno-associated virus is SC rAAV U7_ACCA. (Item 9) A method for delivering an exon 2-targeted U7snRNA polynucleotide construct to a patient having a DMD exon 2 duplication, comprising administering an rAAV to the patient, wherein the genome of the rAAV comprises at least one exon 2-targeted U7snRNA polynucleotide construct. (Item 10) 9. The method of item 8, wherein the genome of the rAAV lacks AAV rep and cap DNA. (Item 11) 10. The method of item 9, wherein the viral genome is a self-complementary genome. (Item 12) 12. The method of item 9, 10 or 11, wherein the recombinant adeno-associated virus is SC rAAV U7_ACCA. (Item 13) 13. The method of item 12, wherein the recombinant adeno-associated virus is a recombinant AAV rh74 virus, a recombinant AAV6 virus, or a recombinant AAV9 virus. (Item 14) A recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) comprising a genome that includes at least one exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct. (Item 15) A recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) comprising an AAV rh.74 capsid, an AAV6 capsid, or an AAV9 capsid; and a genome comprising at least one exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide construct. (Item 16) 16. The recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) of item 14 or item 15, wherein the genome comprises, in order, four exon 2-targeting U7 snRNA polynucleotide constructs: a first U7Along, a first U7C, a second U7C, and a second U7Along. (Item 17) 17. The rAAV of item 14, 15, or 16, wherein the genome of the rAAV lacks AAV rep and cap DNA. (Item 18) 17. The rAAV of item 14, 15, or 16, wherein the genome is a self-complementary genome.

Claims

1. A nucleic acid having at least one nucleotide sequence encoding an exon 2 target snRNA polynucleotide, said nucleotide sequence being a sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 6, 7 or 8 or a combination of two or more thereof, said nucleic acid resulting in skipping of exon 2.

2. The nucleic acid described in claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence is represented by sequence number 6.

3. The nucleic acid described in claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence is represented by sequence number 7.

4. The nucleic acid described in claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence is represented by sequence number 8.

5. The nucleic acid described in claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a combination of two exon 2 target nucleotide sequences, each represented by sequence number 7.

6. The nucleic acid described in claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a combination of two exon 2 target nucleotide sequences, each represented by sequence number 8.

7. The nucleic acid described in claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid comprises, in order, four nucleotide sequences encoding an exon 2 target polynucleotide, the nucleic acid comprising a first U7A Long nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 7, a first U7C nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 8, a second U7C nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 8, and a second U7A Long nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:

7.

8. A composition comprising a nucleic acid described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A composition comprising a nucleic acid described in any one of claims 1 to 7 for use in improving Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in a patient with DMD exon 2 duplication in need of improvement of DMD.

10. The composition described in claim 9, wherein the improvement inhibits the progression of dystrophic symptoms associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the patient.

11. The composition described in claim 9, wherein the improvement improves muscle function in the patient.

12. The composition described in claim 11, wherein the improvement in muscle function is improvement in muscle strength.

13. The composition described in claim 11, wherein the improvement in muscle function is improvement in stability while standing and walking.

14. The composition described in claim 11, wherein the improvement results in increased expression of dystrophin protein in the patient.

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