Liposome nanoparticle compositions and the use thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/072948
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-23
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-31
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Figure PCTCN2025072948-FTAPPB-I100001 
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Figure PCTCN2025072948-FTAPPB-I100003
Abstract
Description
LIPOSOME NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITIONS AND THE USE THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to liposome nanoparticle (LNP) compositions comprising a cargo (e.g., a viral vector such as a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector) , and the use thereof.BACKGROUND
[0002] Therapeutical cargoes include proteins (peptides) , nucleic acids, or vectors, which are often introduced into target cells or tissues for disease treatment. However, the delivery of therapeutic cargoes are limited by the induced immune responses or low delivery efficiency. For example, viral vectors are among the most widely studied vectors owing to their distinguished advantages such as outstanding transduction efficiency. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector is one of these commonly used viral vectors, with good safety and effectiveness in delivering genes in the human body. Although rAAV vectors have been widely used in in vivo gene therapy and have been proven to be safe and effective in preclinical models and clinical trials, the capsid protein, DNA genome, and transgenic protein products of rAAV can activate the host immune system to eliminate rAAV and hinder the delivery and lasting expression of transgenes. Due to infection with wild-type AAV, anti-rAAV antibodies exist in most human blood, and these anti-rAAV antibodies will reduce the efficacy of rAAV gene therapy. In addition, after some patients undergo rAAV gene therapy once, the efficacy gradually decreases over time, and two or even multiple injections of rAAV may be needed to maintain the efficacy. However, the anti-rAAV antibodies and immune memory produced by the body after the first injection of rAAV will cause subsequent injections to be cleared by the immune system, resulting in reduction of efficacy. Thus, there is a need to improve rAAV infection efficiency, reduce rAAV immunogenicity, and achieve repeated administration of rAAV.SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising (a) a cargo; and (b) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating the cargo, wherein the cargo comprises a protein, a nucleic acid (e.g., naked plasmid) , or a viral vector (e.g., rAAV) .
[0004] In some embodiments, the cargo is a retroviral vector, a lentiviral vector, an adenoviral vector, or an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector.
[0005] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises two or three phospholipids that are selected from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .
[0006] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .
[0007] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises about 10%-90%PE (w / w) .
[0008] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises about 60%-75%PE (w / w) .
[0009] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises about 1%-50%PG (w / w) .
[0010] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises about 10%-30%PG (w / w) .
[0011] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises about 3%-70%CL (w / w) .
[0012] In some embodiments, the LNP comprises about 6%-20%CL (w / w) .
[0013] In some embodiments, the cargo is rAAV and the phospholipid and the rAAV are at a ratio of about 35-45 femtogram lipids / vector genome (fg / vg) .
[0014] In some embodiments, the rAAV is of a serotype of AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAV13 or variant thereof.
[0015] In some embodiments, the composition has a diameter of about 10-500 nm, preferably about 50-200 nm.
[0016] In some embodiments, the cargo comprises a heterologous gene.
[0017] Provided herein are compositions comprising (a) a cargo; (b) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating the cargo, wherein the cargo comprises a protein or a nucleic acid (e.g., naked plasmid) , or a viral vector (e.g., rAAV) , wherein the LNP comprises about 65%-70%PE, about 20%-25%PG and about 8%-13%CL.
[0018] In some embodiments, the cargo is a viral vector.
[0019] In some embodiments, the cargo is a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (rAAV) .
[0020] Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the composition described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[0021] In some embodiments, the method of treating a disease or disorder comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition described herein.
[0022] In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the subject one or more immunosuppressing agents.
[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents comprise a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant.
[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents are selected from cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) , dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone.
[0025] In some embodiments, the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) .
[0026] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered prior to, during and / or after the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.
[0027] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered every 1, 2, 3 or more days.
[0028] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered for about 5 to about 20 times.
[0029] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg / kg to about 105 mg / kg.
[0030] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered every 3 days for about 18 times, wherein the administration of the one or more immunosuppressing agents starts about 6 days prior to the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.
[0031] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered every 3 days for about 6 times, wherein the administration of the one or more immunosuppressing agents starts about 6 days prior to the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.
[0032] In some embodiments, the disease or disorder is a genetic disease or a non-genetic disease.
[0033] In some embodiments, the disease or disorder is hemophilia A, hemophilia B, Fabry, Wilson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, or phenylketonuria.
[0034] In some embodiments, the composition or the pharmaceutical composition is administered more than once to the subject.
[0035] Provided herein are methods of improving transgene expression of a vector in a subject, wherein the subject has been previously administered with a vector.
[0036] In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition described herein.
[0037] In some embodiments, the subject was previously administered with a vector at least 7 days prior to the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.
[0038] In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering one or more immunosuppressing agents to the subject.
[0039] Provided herein are methods of reducing the immune clearance of a cargo, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition described herein.
[0040] In some embodiments, the method comprises administering one or more immunosuppressing agents to the subject.
[0041] In some embodiments, the production of an antibody against the cargo in the subject is reduced, compared the production of an antibody against the cargo after administration of the cargo without being encapsulated by LNP.
[0042] Provided herein are methods of producing the composition described herein, comprising: (1) mixing at least two types of phospholipids with a cargo, thereby obtaining a mixture; and (2) extruding the mixture from a liposome extruder, thereby producing the composition.
[0043] In some embodiments, the method further comprises separating liposome nanoparticles comprising the cargo encapsulated with a layer of phospholipids.
[0044] Provided herein are methods of generating a transgenic animal, comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition described herein.
[0045] In some embodiments, the cargo comprises a heterologous gene.
[0046] In some embodiments, the heterologous gene is integrated into the genome of the animal.
[0047] Provided herein are compositions comprising: (a) a cargo; (b) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating the cargo, wherein the cargo comprises a protein, anucleic acid (e.g., naked plasmid) , or viral vector (e.g., rAAV) ; and (c) one or more immunosuppressing agents.
[0048] In some embodiments, the cargo is a viral vector (e.g., rAAV vector) .
[0049] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents comprise a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant.
[0050] In some embodiments, the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is selected from cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) , dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone.
[0051] Provided herein are kits comprising a liposome nanoparticle composition of a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (LNP-rAAV) and one or more immunosuppressing agents.
[0052] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents comprise a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant.
[0053] In some embodiments, the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is selected from cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) , dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone.
[0054] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a composition comprising (1) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating a cargo, or (2) a LNP encapsulating a cargo and one or more immunosuppressants. In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressing agents comprise glucocorticoid immunosuppressants. In some embodiments, the cargo is a viral vector. In some embodiments, the cargo is a rAVV vector.
[0055] In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods of suppressing, inhibiting, reducing, or preventing cargo immunogenicity (e.g., the ability to induce a humoral / antibody and / or cell-mediated immune response) thereby avoiding or preventing inducing a substantial immune response in vivo and / or improving or increasing cargo half-life in vitro or in vivo.
[0056] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preventing, delaying, curing, restoring and / or treating one or more genetic diseases by applying (1) the LNP-rAAV composition or (2) the LNP-rAAV and glucocorticoid immunosuppressant composition described herein to a patient in need. In some embodiments, the genetic disease is hemophilia A, hemophilia B, Fabry, Wilson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, or phenylketonuria, etc.
[0057] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides the use of (1) the LNP-rAAV composition or (2) the LNP-rAAV and glucocorticoid immunosuppressant composition, to prevent, delay, cure, restore and / or treat one or more genetic diseases. In some embodiments, the genetic disease is hemophilia A, hemophilia B, Fabry, Wilson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, or phenylketonuria, etc.
[0058] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising a liposome nanoparticle composition of a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (LNP-rAAV) and one or more glucocorticoid immunosuppressants.
[0059] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a composition, including (a) a nucleic acid or protein; and (b) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating the nucleic acid or protein, wherein the nucleic acid is DNA or RNA.
[0060] In some embodiments, the LNP includes two or three phospholipids selected from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .
[0061] In some embodiments, the LNP includes phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .
[0062] In some embodiments, the liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating nucleic acid or protein includes about 65%-70%PE, about 20%-25%PG, and about 8%-13%CL.
[0063] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition, including the above composition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0064] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for treating a disease or condition, comprising administering an effective amount of the above composition or pharmaceutical composition to a subject.
[0065] In some embodiments, the disease is a genetic disease or a non-genetic disease, including hemophilia A, hemophilia B, Fabry disease, Wilson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, or Phenylketonuria.
[0066] In some embodiments, the method of treating a disease or condition further includes administering one or more immunosuppressive agents to the subject.
[0067] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressive agents include one or more glucocorticoid immunosuppressive agents. In some embodiments, the one or more glucocorticoid immunosuppressants are selected from the group consisting of cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) , dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate, and aldosterone.
[0068] In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressive agents are administered before, during and / or after administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressants are administered every 1, 2, 3 or more days. In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressive agents are administered from about 5 to about 20 times. In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressive agents are administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg / kg to about 105 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressive agents are administered approximately 18 times every 3 days, with administration of the one or more immunosuppressant agents beginning approximately 6 days prior to administration of the composition or pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the one or more immunosuppressive agents are administered approximately 6 times every 3 days, with administration of the one or more immunosuppressant agents beginning approximately 6 days prior to administration of the composition or pharmaceutical composition.
[0069] As used herein, the term “liposome nanoparticle” refers to a liposome with the diameter that is in the range of about 1 nm to about 1000 nm. In some embodiments, the liposome nanoparticles have a diameter of about 50 nm to about 500 nm. In some embodiments, the liposome nanoparticles have a diameter of about 50 nm to about 200 nm.
[0070] As used herein, the term “cargo” refers to a material encapsulated by liposome nanoparticles, including proteins, nucleic acids, or vectors. In some embodiments, the cargo is a peptide, such as FVIII. In some embodiments, the cargo is a nucleic acid, such as a mRNA encoding luciferase. In some embodiments, the cargo is a vector, such as rAAV.
[0071] As used herein, the term “vector" refers to a carrier that is capable of transporting genetic materials, e.g., into a host cell or host organism. A vector can be a naked nucleic acid, such as a plasmid, a cosmid, a bacmid, an episome, a modified mRNA, and the like. A vector can be a viral vector, such as an adenoviral vector, an adeno-associated viral vector, a lentiviral vector, and the like. When the gene of interest in the vector encodes an exogenous protein to be expressed in a prokaryote or eukaryote cell, the vector can be referred to as an “expression vector. ” Expression vectors described herein contain a polynucleotide sequence as well as, e.g., additional sequence elements used for the expression of proteins and / or the integration of these polynucleotide sequences into the genome of a mammalian cell. Certain vectors that can be used for the expression of transgenes described herein include plasmids that contain regulatory sequences, such as promoter and enhancer regions, which direct gene transcription. Other useful vectors for expression of transgenes contain polynucleotide sequences that enhance the rate of translation of these genes or improve the stability or nuclear export of the mRNA that results from gene transcription. These sequence elements include, e.g., 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions, an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) , and polyadenylation signal site to direct efficient transcription of the gene carried on the expression vector. The expression vectors described herein can also contain a polynucleotide encoding a marker for selection of cells that contain such a vector. Examples of a suitable marker include genes that encode resistance to antibiotics, such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, or nourseothricin.
[0072] As used herein, the term "viral vector” refers to a recombinant virus or a derivative thereof which is capable of introducing genetic materials, including e.g., recombinant DNA, into a host cell or host organism.
[0073] As used herein, the term “recombinant, ” as a modifier of a vector, such as a recombinant AAV (rAAV) vector, as well as a modifier of sequences such as recombinant polynucleotides and polypeptides, means that the compositions have been manipulated (i.e., engineered) in a way that generally does not occur in nature. A particular example of a recombinant AAV vector would be where a nucleic acid that is not normally present in the wild-type AAV genome (heterologous sequence) is inserted within the viral genome. An example of which would be where a nucleic acid (e.g., gene) encoding a therapeutic protein or polypeptide sequence is cloned into a vector, with or without 5′, 3′and / or intron regions normally associated with the gene, within the AAV genome.
[0074] As used herein, the term “AAV vector” refers to an AAV vector or any vectors derived therefrom. In some embodiments, the AAV vector is a recombinant AAV vector.
[0075] As used herein, the term “vector genome” or conveniently abbreviated as “vg” refers to the portion of the recombinant plasmid sequence that is ultimately packaged or encapsulated to form a rAAV particle. In cases where recombinant plasmids are used to construct or manufacture recombinant AAV vectors, the AAV vector genome does not include the portion of the “plasmid” that does not correspond to the vector genome sequence of the recombinant plasmid. This non vector genome portion of the recombinant plasmid is referred to as the “plasmid backbone, ” which is important for cloning and amplification of the plasmid, a process that is needed for propagation and recombinant AAV vector production but is not itself packaged or encapsulated into rAAV particles. Thus, a “vector genome” refers to the nucleic acid that is packaged or encapsulated by rAAV.
[0076] As used herein, the term “recombinant AAV vector” refers to an AAV vector derived from the wild type of genome of AAV by using molecular methods to remove all or a part of the wild type AAV genome, and / or replacing with or inserting a non-native (heterologous) nucleic acid, such as a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic protein or polypeptide sequence. In some embodiments, a “rAAV vector” incorporates a non-native (heterologous) sequence.
[0077] As used herein, the term “heterologous” nucleic acid sequence refers to a nucleic acid sequence inserted into an AAV plasmid or vector for purposes of vector mediated transfer / delivery of the nucleic acid sequence into a cell. Heterologous nucleic acid sequences are distinct from AAV nucleic acid, i.e., are non-native with respect to AAV nucleic acid. In some embodiments, once transferred / delivered into the cell, a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, contained within the vector, can be expressed (e.g., transcribed, and translated if appropriate) . In some embodiments, a transferred / delivered heterologous nucleic acid sequence in a cell, contained within the vector, need not be expressed.
[0078] As used herein, the term “transgene” is used herein to refer to a nucleic acid (e.g., heterologous) that is intended or has been introduced into a cell or organism. Transgenes include any nucleic acid, such as a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic protein, polypeptide sequence, or microRNA.
[0079] As used herein, the term “about, ” when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1%from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the methods described herein.
[0080] As used herein, the ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed in the specification. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also.
[0081] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood to disclose “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification include approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0082] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use in the present invention; other, suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, sequences, database entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.
[0083] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and figures, and from the claims.
[0084] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0085] FIG. 1 shows the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the LNP-rAAV.
[0086] FIG. 2 shows the EGFP expression levels as detected by flow cytometry. The significant differences are compared with the “AAV2-EGFP Only” group (Group 1) . “ns” (not significant) means no significant difference compared with Group 1. “*” means p < 0.05. “****” means p <0.0001.
[0087] FIG. 3 shows the experiment design to determine the appropriate ratio between phospholipids and rAAV.
[0088] FIGS. 4A-4E show the effects of LNP coating in different LNP-rAAV compositions. FIG. 4A shows the experiment design for preparing different LNP-rAAV compositions with different lipid to virus ratios. FIG. 4B shows the anti-rAAV IgM antibody level in mouse serum as determined by ELISA. FIG. 4C shows the anti-rAAV IgG antibody level in mouse serum as determined by ELISA. FIG. 4D shows the anti-rAAV NAb titer level in mouse serum was detected by a NAb assay. FIG. 4E shows the RT-qPCR data. The significant differences are compared with the Only AAV2-EGFP group. "*" means p < 0.05. "**" means p < 0.01. "****" means p < 0.0001.
[0089] FIG. 5 shows the experiment design for the evaluation of three injections of LNP-rAAV2 in mice.
[0090] FIG. 6A shows the anti-rAAV2 IgG antibody level in mouse serum as determined by ELISA. “***” means p < 0.001.
[0091] FIG. 6B shows the anti-rAAV2 NAb titer level in mouse serum as detected by a NAb assay. “****” means p < 0.0001.
[0092] FIG. 7 shows the RT-qPCR data. “**” means p < 0.01.
[0093] FIGS. 8A-8B show the effects of LNP coating in the LNP-AAV2-hFIX composition. FIG. 8A shows ELISA data. FIG. 8B shows the RT-qPCR data. “****” means p < 0.0001.
[0094] FIG. 9A-9B show the in vivo imaging data (FIG. 9A) and bioluminescence intensity data (FIG. 9B) . “**” means p < 0.01. “****” means p < 0.0001.
[0095] FIG. 10 shows the experiment design for the evaluation of two injections of rAAV2 in mice using triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) .
[0096] FIGS. 11A-11B show the anti-rAAV2 IgG antibody level in mouse serum as determined by ELISA (FIG. 11A) and the anti-rAAV2 NAb titer level in mouse serum as detected by a NAb assay (FIG. 11B) . As shown in the figure, the significant differences are all compared to the Negative group. “ns” means (not significant) . “*” means p < 0.05. “**” means p < 0.01. “***” means p < 0.001. “****” means p < 0.0001.
[0097] FIG. 12 shows the in vivo imaging data.
[0098] FIG. 13 shows the bioluminescence intensity data. As shown in the figure, the significant differences are all compared to the Negative group. “ns” means not significant. “*” means p < 0.05. “**” means p < 0.01.
[0099] FIG. 14 shows the experiment design for the evaluation of three injections of LNP-rAAV2 combined with TAC in mice.
[0100] FIG. 15 shows the anti-rAAV2 NAb (neutralizing antibody) titer level in mouse serum was detected by a NAb assay. As shown in the figure, the significant differences are compared with the LNP-rAAV2 + TAC group. “ns” means not significant. “*” means p < 0.05. “**” means p < 0.01. “****” means p < 0.0001.
[0101] FIG. 16 shows the hFIX protein level in mouse plasma as detected by ELISA. As shown in the figure, the significant differences are compared with the LNP-rAAV2+TAC (LNP-AAV2-hFIX + TAC) group. “ns” means not significant. “*” means p < 0.05. “**” means p < 0.01. “****” means p < 0.0001.
[0102] FIG. 17 shows the in vivo imaging data.
[0103] FIG. 18 shows the bioluminescence intensity of the mouse liver as determined by in vivo imaging. As shown in the figure, the significant differences are compared with the LNP-AAV2-luc + TAC group. “ns” means not significant. “**” means p < 0.01. “***” means p < 0.001.
[0104] FIG. 19 shows the experiment design for evaluation of two injections of LNP-rAAV8 combined with TAC in mice.
[0105] FIGS. 20A-20B show the anti-rAAV8 IgG antibody level in mouse serum as detected by ELISA (FIG. 20A) , and the anti-rAAV8 NAb titer levels in mouse serum and NAb assay (FIG. 20B) . “ns” means not significant. “#” means p > 0.9. “*” means p < 0.05. “**” means p < 0.01. “***” means p < 0.001. “****” means p < 0.0001.
[0106] FIG. 21 shows the hFIX protein content in mouse plasma as detected by ELISA. “ns” means not significant.
[0107] FIGS. 22A-22B show the in vivo imaging data (FIG. 22A) and bioluminescence intensity data (FIG. 22B) . “ns” means not significant. “**” means p < 0.01.
[0108] FIG. 23 shows relevant nucleic acid and amino acid sequences.
[0109] FIG. 24 shows the level of luc mRNA as detected by RT-qPCR.
[0110] FIG. 25 shows the level of FVIII protein content as detected by ELISA.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0111] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a LNP composition comprising a cargo (e.g., a rAAV vector) . Without being bound by theory, the LNP in the composition can shield the surface antigen of vector from the immune system and reduce the clearance of vector by the immune system. It also relates to the use of immunosuppressants to suppress the immune response in the body and further reduce the clearance of vector by the immune system, thereby achieving immune evasion of vector and transgene expression through multiple injections. In some embodiments, shielding and immunosuppressants allow delivery of the vector to a tissue or cell while avoiding inducing a substantial immune response against the vector in vivo (e.g., in a subject such as a human) . The methods described herein may also allow repeated administration of vectors without inducing a substantial immune response against the vector in vivo (e.g., in a subject such as a human) . The methods described herein can also improve or increase vector delivery efficiency in vivo after repeated vector administration. In some embodiments, the vector is a plasmid, a retroviral vector, a lentiviral vector, an adenoviral vector, or an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector. In some embodiments, the vector is a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector.
[0112] Adeno-Associated Virus
[0113] Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are single-stranded DNA viruses of the Parvoviridae and belong to the genus Dependoparvovirus. Vectors based on AAVs are being developed and used as gene delivery biologics to treat a large variety of monogenetic diseases. Thirteen human and primate AAV serotypes, and numerous genomic isolates have been described and have been assigned to six clades A–F or individual clonal isolates. The virions of the AAVs are composed of non-enveloped capsids with T = 1 icosahedral symmetry and diameters They are assembled from 60 viral proteins (VPs) : VP1, VP2, and VP3 in an approximate 1: 1: 10 ratio. The VPs share a common C-terminus that includes the entirety of VP3.
[0114] The AAV genome usually consists of two open reading frames, Rep and Cap, flanked by two 145 base inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) . These ITRs base pair to allow for synthesis of the complementary DNA strand. Rep and Cap are translated to produce multiple distinct proteins (Rep78, Rep68, Rep52, Rep40 -required for the AAV life cycle; VP1, VP2, VP3 -capsid proteins) . When constructing an AAV transfer plasmid, the transgene is often placed between the two ITRs, and Rep and Cap are supplied in trans. In addition to Rep and Cap, AAV requires a helper plasmid containing genes from adenovirus. These genes (E4, E2a and VA) mediate AAV replication. The transfer plasmid, Rep / Cap, and the helper plasmid are often transfected into cells e.g., HEK293 cells, which contain the adenovirus gene E1+, to produce infectious AAV particles. Rep / Cap and the adenovirus helper genes may also be combined into a single plasmid.
[0115] An AAV typically has a capsid that is serologically distinct from other AAV serotypes. In many cases, serologic distinctiveness is determined on the basis of the lack of cross-reactivity between antibodies to one AAV as compared to another AAV. Cross-reactivity differences are usually due to differences in capsid protein sequences / antigenic determinants (e.g., due to VP1, VP2, and / or VP3 sequence differences of AAV serotypes) .
[0116] AAV vectors described herein can include any AAV viral strains or serotypes. As a non-limiting example, an AAV vector genome or particle (capsid, such as VP1, VP2 and / or VP3) can be based upon any AAV serotype, such as AAV-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, -12, -rh74, -rh10 or AAV-2i8. Such vectors can be based on the same of strain or serotype (or subgroup or variant) , or be different from each other. As a non-limiting example, an AAV plasmid or vector genome or particle (capsid) can be based upon one serotype genome identical to one or more of the capsid proteins that package the vector. In addition, an AAV plasmid or vector genome can be based upon an AAV serotype genome distinct from one or more of the capsid proteins that package the vector genome, in which case at least one of the three capsid proteins could be a different AAV serotype, e.g., AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, -rh74, -rh10 or AAV-2i8, or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the rAAV vector is AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, -rh74, -rh10 or AAV-2i8, or variant thereof.
[0117] According to the present disclosure, the AAV vectors can utilize or be based on a serotype or include a peptide selected from any of the following: AAV1, AAV2, AAV2.5, AAV2G9, AAV3, AAV3a, AAV3b, AAV3-3, AAV4, AAV4-4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV6.1, AAV6.2, AAV6.1.2, AAV7, AAV7.2, AAV8, AAV9, AAV9.11, AAV9.13, AAV9.16, AAV9.24, AAV9.45, AAV9.47, AAV9.61, AAV9.68, AAV9.84, AAV9.9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAV13, and any other AAV now known or later discovered. See, e.g., Fields et al. VIROLOGY, 4th ed. Lippincott-Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, 1996. Additional AAV serotypes and clades have been identified recently. See, e.g., Gao et al. J. Virol. 78: 6381 (2004) ; Moris et al. Virol. 33: 375 (2004) .
[0118] In various exemplary embodiments, rAAV vectors described herein includes or consists of a capsid sequence at least 70%or more (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, etc. ) identical to one or more AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, -rh74, -rh10 or AAV-2i8, capsid proteins (VP1, VP2, and / or VP3 sequences) . In various exemplary embodiments, a rAAV vector includes or consists of a sequence at least 70%or more (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, etc. ) identical to one or more AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, -rh74, -rh10 or AAV-2i8, ITR (s) .
[0119] A few serotypes of AAV have been characterized. These serotypes differ in their tropism, or the types of cells they infect, making AAV a very useful system for preferentially transducing specific cell types. The table below gives a summary of the tropism of AAV serotypes, indicating the optimal serotype (s) for transduction of a given organ. In some embodiments, the targeted tissue or organ for the rAAV described herein is central nervous system, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, photoreceptor cells, RPE (Retinal Pigment Epithelium) , or skeletal muscle.
[0120] Table 1
[0121] Among these serotypes, Serotype 2 (AAV2) has been the most extensively examined so far. AAV2 presents natural tropism towards skeletal muscles, neurons, vascular smooth muscle cells, and hepatocytes.
[0122] The development of AAV as efficient gene delivery vehicles has been the focus of tremendous interest. The importance of AAV vectors for clinical gene delivery applications is also reflected by over hundreds of ongoing clinical trials based on these vectors. The significance of using AAV vectors for gene delivery in cancer therapy, correction of metabolic disorders, and vaccine development is demonstrated in several animal studies and clinical trials which have produced very encouraging results.
[0123] Further details on the AAV capsids and their structures and serotypes can be found in review articles such as Mietzsch et al., Viruses. 2021 Jan; 13 (1) : 101; Cotmore S. F. et al., J. Gen. Virol. 2019; 100: 367–368. doi: 10.1099 / jgv. 0.001212; Wang D. et al., Adeno-associated virus vector as a platform for gene therapy delivery. Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2019; 18: 358–378; Gao G et al., J. Virol. 2004; 78: 6381–6388. doi: 10.1128 / JVI. 78.12.6381-6388.2004; Mietzsch M., Twenty-five years of structural parvovirology. Viruses. 2019; 11: 362; Snijder J. et al., Defining the stoichiometry and cargo load of viral and bacterial nanoparticles by orbitrap mass spectrometry. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014; 136: 7295–7299; Girod A. et al., The VP1 capsid protein of adeno-associated virus type 2 is carrying a phospholipase A2 domain required for virus infectivity. Pt 5J. Gen. Virol. 2002; 83: 973–978; Popa-Wagner R. et al., Impact of VP1-specific protein sequence motifs on adeno-associated virus type 2 intracellular trafficking and nuclear entry. J. Virol. 2012; 86: 9163–9174; and Daya S. et al., Gene therapy using adeno-associated virus vectors. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 2008; 21: 583–593; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.
[0124] The present disclosure provides rAAV vectors, and rAAV vectors that are encapsulated within liposome nanoparticles (Liposome nanoparticles, LNP) .
[0125] LNP-Encapsulated Cargoes
[0126] Efficiency of gene transfer and ability to provide long-term therapy make these vector systems very attractive. However, innate and adaptive immune responses to these vectors and their transgene products constitute substantial hurdles to clinical development and wider use in patients. For example, AAV vectors can induce immune responses, leading to immune clearance, and thereby limiting their efficacy. Pre-existing immunity to human AAV-derived vectors has limited the utility of AAV vectors. As expected from viral vectors, adenoviral vectors elicit neutralizing antibody (NAB) responses that prevent re-administration. Moreover, adenoviral vectors activate both conventional DCs and pDCs and transduce DCs in vivo.
[0127] A detailed description of viral vectors (e.g., AAV) and their immune response can be found, e.g., in Shirley, Jamie L., et al. "Immune responses to viral gene therapy vectors. " Molecular Therapy 28.3 (2020) : 709-722; S Ahi, Yadvinder, Dinesh S Bangari, and Suresh K Mittal. "Adenoviral vector immunity: its implications and circumvention strategies. " Current gene therapy 11.4 (2011) : 307-320, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0128] The present disclosure relates to a vector encapsulated within liposome nanoparticles (LNP) . Without being bound by theory, the LNP in the composition can shield the surface antigen of vectors, particularly viral vectors such as rAAV from the immune system and reduce the antigenicity of the vectors in the immune system.
[0129] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a lipid composition that can form a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) .
[0130] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an LNP-encapsulated vectors. In some embodiments, the phospholipid layer of the LNP comprises or consists of one or more of the below phospholipids: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) . In some embodiments, the phospholipid layer of the LNP comprises or consists of all of the three: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .
[0131] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an LNP-encapsulated recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector (LNP-rAAV) . In some embodiments, the phospholipid layer of the LNP comprises or consists of one or more of the below phospholipids: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) . In some embodiments, the phospholipid layer of the LNP comprises or consists of all of the three: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .
[0132] In some embodiments, the phospholipids layer of the LNP comprises or consists of PE or PG. In some embodiments, the phospholipid layer of the LNP comprises or consists of PE or CL. In some embodiments, the phospholipid layer of the LNP comprises or consists of PG or CL.
[0133] In some embodiments, the phospholipids layer of the LNP comprises or consists of PE. In some embodiments, the phospholipids layer of the LNP comprises or consists of PG. In some embodiments, the phospholipids layer of the LNP comprises or consists of CL.
[0134] In some embodiments, the lipid composition in the LNP consists of PE, PG, and CL.
[0135] In some embodiments, PE constitutes 10%-90%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 20%-85%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 40%-70%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 60%-75%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 65%-70%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) .
[0136] In some embodiments, PG constitutes 1%-50%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 3%-45%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 5%-40%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 10%-30%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 20%-25%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) .
[0137] In some embodiments, CL constitutes 3%-70%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 4%-60%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 5%-40%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 6%-20%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 8%-13%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) .
[0138] In one aspect, the disclosure is related to a lipid composition (e.g., the lipid composition, lipid vesicles, nanoliposomes, phospholipids, phospholipid material, liposome nanoparticles, or LNP composition) that can form liposome nanoparticles (LNP) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition can be used to deliver a vector, e.g., a viral vector such as a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition can be used to prepare LNP-encapsulated rAAV (LNP-rAAV) .
[0139] In some embodiments, the lipid composition in the LNP comprises or consist of one or more of the below phospholipids: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE, PG, and CL. In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, or more than 99%of PE (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, or more than 99%of PG (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, or more than 99%of CL (wt / wt) .
[0140] In some embodiments, the weight percentage of PE among all lipids in the lipid composition is at least or about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is about 20%to 90%, about 30%to 90%, about 40%to 90%, about 20%to 80%, about 20%to 85%, about 30%to 90%, about 40%to 90%, about 40%to 60%, about 45%to 55%, about 50%to 90%, about 60%to 90%, or about 70%to 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is about 10%-90%, about 20%-85%, about 40%-70%, about 60%-75%, or about 65%-70% (wt / wt) .
[0141] In some embodiments, the weight percentage of PG among all lipids in the lipid composition is at least or about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is about 20%to 90%, about 30%to 90%, about 40%to 90%, about 20%to 80%, about 20%to 85%, about 30%to 90%, about 40%to 90%, about 40%to 60%, about 45%to 55%, about 50%to 90%, about 60%to 90%, or about 70%to 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is about 1%-50%, about 3%-45%, about 5%-40%, about 10%-30%, or about 20%-25% (wt / wt) .
[0142] In some embodiments, the weight percentage of CL among all lipids in the lipid composition is at least or about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is about 20%to 90%, about 30%to 90%, about 40%to 90%, about 20%to 80%, about 20%to 85%, about 30%to 90%, about 40%to 90%, about 40%to 60%, about 45%to 55%, about 50%to 90%, about 60%to 90%, or about 70%to 90% (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the weight percentage is about 3%-70%, about 4%-60%, about 5%-40%, about 6%-20%, or about 8%-13% (wt / wt) .
[0143] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE, PG, and CL. In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises more than 50% PE, more than 15%PG, and more than 5%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 50%-80%PE, about 15%-30%PG, and 5%-15%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises more than 50%PE, more than 15%PG, and more than 5%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 50%-80%PE, about 15%-30%PG, and about 5%-15%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 67%PE, about 23%PG, and about 10%CL (wt / wt) .
[0144] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE, PG, and CL. In some embodiments, PE constitutes 10%-90%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 20%-85%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 40%-70%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 60%-75%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PE constitutes 65%-70%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) .
[0145] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE, PG, and CL. In some embodiments, PG constitutes 1%-50%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 3%-45%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 5%-40%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 10%-30%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, PG constitutes 20%-25%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) .
[0146] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE, PG, and CL. In some embodiments, CL constitutes 3%-70%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 4%-60%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 5%-40%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 6%-20%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, CL constitutes 8%-13%of the lipid composition (wt / wt) .
[0147] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of 100%PE. In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of 100%PG. In some embodiments, the composition comprises or consists of 100%CL.
[0148] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE and PG. In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 80%PE and about 20%PG (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 65%PE and about 35%PG (wt / wt) .
[0149] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE and CL. In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 20%PE and 80%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 40%PE and about 60%CL (wt / wt) .
[0150] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PG and CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 40%PG and about 60%CL (wt / wt) .
[0151] In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises or consists of PE, PG, and CL. In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 40%PE, 40%PG, and 20%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 48%PE, about 35%PG, and about 17%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 67%PE, about 23%PG, and about 10%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 80%PE, about 3%PG, and about 17%CL (wt / wt) . In some embodiments, the lipid composition comprises about 22%PE, about 22%PG, and about 56%CL (wt / wt) .
[0152] In some embodiments, the lipid composition can be used to prepare LNP-encapsulated rAAV (LNP-rAAV) . In some embodiments, the particle size of the LNP-rAAV particles is 10-500 nm. In some embodiments, the particle size of the LNP-rAAV particles is 50-200 nm. In some embodiments, the average particle size of the LNP-rAAV particles is 10-500 nm. In some embodiments, the average particle size of the LNP-rAAV particles is 50-200 nm.
[0153] In some embodiments, the lipid composition can be used to prepare LNP-encapsulated rAAV (LNP-rAAV) . In some embodiments, the content ratio of the lipid composition to rAAV in the LNP-rAAV is 4-300 fg / vg (femtogram lipids / vector genome) . In some embodiments, the content ratio of the lipid composition to rAAV of the LNP-rAAV is 8-150 fg / vg. In some embodiments, the content ratio of the lipid composition to rAAV of the LNP-rAAV is 15-100 fg / vg. In some embodiments, the content ratio of the lipid composition to rAAV of the LNP-rAAV is 30-50 fg / vg. In some embodiments, the content ratio of the lipid composition to rAAV of the LNP-rAAV is 35-45 fg / vg.
[0154] The LNP described herein can shield the surface antigen of rAAV from the immune system and reduce the antigenicity of rAAV. In some embodiments, the immune evasion effects of the LNP-rAAV can be determined by analyzing the amount of anti-rAAV antibodies (e.g., IgG or IgM) in the serum or plasma of the animal (e.g., following the method described in FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 6A, FIG. 11A, FIG. 20A) . In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV, the LNP-rAAV leads to a reduced amount of anti-rAAV antibodies. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can reduce the amount of anti-rAAV antibodies by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, or more than 400%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can reduce the amount of anti-rAAV antibodies by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, or less than 400%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can reduce the amount of anti-rAAV antibodies by 20%-50%, 30%-80%, 50%-100%, 60%-150%, or 80%-120%.
[0155] In some embodiments, the immune evasion effects of the LNP-rAAV can be determined by analyzing neutralizing antibody titers (NAb titer) in the serum of the animal (e.g., following the method described in FIG. 4D, FIG. 6B, FIG. 11B, FIG. 15, FIG. 20B) . In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV, the LNP-rAAV leads to a reduced NAb titer. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can reduce the NAb titer by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, or more than 400%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can reduce NAb titer by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, or less than 400%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can reduce NAb titer by 20%-50%, 30%-80%, 50%-100%, 60%-150%, or 80%-120%.
[0156] In some embodiments, the efficacy of the LNP-rAAV can be determined by analyzing the amount of transcribed mRNA in the animal (e.g., following the method described in FIG. 4E, FIG. 7, FIG. 8B) . In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV, the LNP-rAAV leads to an increased amount of transcribed mRNA. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of transcribed mRNA by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, more than 400%, more than 500%, more than 1,000%, more than 2,000%, more than 5,000%, or more than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of transcribed mRNA by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, less than 400%, less than 500%, less than 1,000%, less than 2,000%, less than 5,000%, or less than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of transcribed mRNA by 50%-100%, 60%-150%, or 80%-200%.
[0157] In some embodiments, the efficacy of the LNP-rAAV can be determined by analyzing the amount of expressed protein (e.g., hFIX) in the animal (e.g., following the method described in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 16, FIG. 21) . In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV, the LNP-rAAV leads to an increased amount of expressed protein. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of expressed protein by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, more than 400%, more than 500%, more than 1,000%, more than 2,000%, more than 5,000%, or more than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of expressed protein by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, less than 400%, less than 500%, less than 1,000%, less than 2,000%, less than 5,000%, or less than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of expressed protein by 50%-100%, 60%-150%, 80%-200%, 200%-300%, or 300%-500%.
[0158] In some embodiments, the efficacy of the LNP-rAAV can be determined by analyzing the amount of bioluminescence (e.g., by a luciferase assay) in the animal (e.g., following the method described in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 22A, FIG. 22B) . In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV, the LNP-rAAV leads to an increased amount of bioluminescence. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of bioluminescence by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, more than 400%, more than 500%, more than 1,000%, more than 2,000%, more than 5,000%, or more than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of bioluminescence by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, less than 400%, less than 500%, less than 1,000%, less than 2,000%, less than 5,000%, or less than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can increase the amount of bioluminescence by 50%-100%, 60%-150%, 80%-200%, 200%-300%, or 300%-500%.
[0159] The LNP can be combined with additional agents. Non limiting agents include polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sterols. Accordingly, LNP can be a PEG-modified LNP or a sterol-modified LNP. Furthermore, LNP can be a PEG-modified and a sterol-modified LNP.
[0160] In various embodiments, the LNP surface can also include other functional moieties. Such moieties include cell targeting or cell penetrating molecules that have tropism for or target particular tissue (s) and / or cell (s) . Non-limiting examples are antibodies, cell surface receptor ligands, cell penetrating peptides (e.g., such as HIV tat) , etc.
[0161] In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV composition further includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, solubilizer, filler, preservative and / or excipient.
[0162] In some embodiments, the lipid composition can be used in combination with various immunosuppressants to reduce the clearance of rAAV by the immune system. In one aspect, the disclosure is related to a composition comprising (1) liposome nanoparticles of recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (LNP-rAAV) and (2) one or more glucocorticoid immunosuppressants. In some embodiments, administration of LNP-rAAV combined with glucocorticoid immunosuppressants can further reduce the level of anti-rAAV-specific antibodies in the serum, allowing transgenic expression of rAAV. In some embodiments, the lipid composition described herein can work synergistically with one or more immunosuppressants to reduce the clearance of rAAV by the immune system.
[0163] In some embodiments, the immunosuppressant is a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant. In some embodiments, the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is selected from the group consisting of one or more of cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, and dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressant is triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) .
[0164] Combination Use with Immunosuppressants
[0165] The LNP-rAAV can be used in combination with various immunosuppressants or immunosuppressing agents to reduce the antigenicity of the rAAV and the clearance of rAAV by the immune system. In one aspect, the disclosure is related to a composition comprising (1) liposome nanoparticles of recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (LNP-rAAV) and (2) one or more glucocorticoid immunosuppressants. In some embodiments, administration of LNP-rAAV combined with glucocorticoid immunosuppressants can further reduce the level of anti-rAAV-specific antibodies in the subject, allowing a higher transgenic expression level of rAAV. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV described herein can work synergistically with one or more immunosuppressants to reduce the clearance of rAAV by the immune system.
[0166] In some embodiments, the immunosuppressant is a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant. In some embodiments, the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is selected from the group consisting of cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, and dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, one or more of deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressant is triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) .
[0167] In some embodiments, the dosage of the immunosuppressing agent (e.g., TAC) is at least 105 mg / kg, at least 85 mg / kg, at least 65 mg / kg, at least 45 mg / kg, at least 25 mg / kg, or at least 5 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the appropriate dosage of TAC is less than 105 mg / kg, less than 85 mg / kg, less than 65 mg / kg, less than 45 mg / kg, less than 25 mg / kg, or less than 5 mg / kg. (e.g., following the method described in FIG. 10, FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 12, FIG. 13) .
[0168] In some embodiments, the dosage of the immunosuppressing agent (e.g., TAC) in a human subject is 0.11 mg / kg / day to 1.6 mg / kg / day in 3 or 4 divided doses.
[0169] In some embodiments, the daily dosage of the immunosuppressing agent (e.g., TAC) is more than 0.01 mg / kg, more than 0.05 mg / kg, more than 0.1 mg / kg, more than 0.2 mg / kg, more than 0.3 mg / kg, more than 0.4 mg / kg, more than 0.5 mg / kg, more than 0.6 mg / kg, more than 0.7 mg / kg, more than 0.8 mg / kg, more than 0.9 mg / kg, more than 1 mg / kg, more than 2 mg / kg, more than 3 mg / kg, more than 4 mg / kg, more than 5 mg / kg, more than 6 mg / kg, more than 7 mg / kg, more than 8 mg / kg, more than 9 mg / kg, more than 10 mg / kg, more than 20 mg / kg, more than 30 mg / kg, more than 40 mg / kg, or more than 50 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the daily dosage of the immunosuppressing agent (e.g., TAC) is less than 0.01 mg / kg, less than 0.05 mg / kg, less than 0.1 mg / kg, less than 0.2 mg / kg, less than 0.3 mg / kg, less than 0.4 mg / kg, less than 0.5 mg / kg, less than 0.6 mg / kg, less than 0.7 mg / kg, less than 0.8 mg / kg, less than 0.9 mg / kg, less than 1 mg / kg, less than 2 mg / kg, less than 3 mg / kg, less than 4 mg / kg, less than 5 mg / kg, less than 6 mg / kg, less than 7 mg / kg, less than 8 mg / kg, less than 9 mg / kg, less than 10 mg / kg, less than 20 mg / kg, less than 30 mg / kg, less than 40 mg / kg, or less than 50 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the daily dosage of the immunosuppressing agent (e.g., TAC) is 0.05-1 mg / kg, 0.1-1.6 mg / kg, 0.2-2 mg / kg.
[0170] In some embodiments, the immunosuppressing agent (e.g., TAC) is administered prior to, during and / or after the administration of the LNP-rAAV. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressing agent is administered every 1, 2, 3 or more days. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressing agent is administered for about 5 to about 20 times. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressing agent is administered at a daily dose of about 0.1 mg / kg to about 2 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressing agent is administered at a daily dosage of about 0.1-2 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressing agent is administered every 3 days for about 18 times. In some embodiments, the administration of the immunosuppressing agent starts about 6 days prior to the administration of the LNP-rAAV. In some embodiments, the immunosuppressing agent is administered every 3 days for about 6 times. In some embodiments, the administration of the immunosuppressing agent starts about 6 days prior to the administration of the LNP-rAAV.
[0171] In some embodiments, the combined use of the LNP-rAAV described herein and the immunosuppressant described herein can reduce the clearance of rAAV by the immune system.
[0172] In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV or LNP-rAAV, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants leads to a reduced amount of anti-rAAV antibodies. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can reduce the amount of anti-rAAV antibodies by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, or more than 400%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can reduce the amount of anti-rAAV antibodies by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, or less than 400%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can reduce the amount of anti-rAAV antibodies by 20%-50%, 30%-80%, 50%-100%, 60%-150%, or 80%-120%.
[0173] In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV or LNP-rAAV, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants leads to a reduced NAb titer. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can reduce the NAb titer by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, or more than 400%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can reduce NAb titer by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, or less than 400%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can reduce NAb titer by 20%-50%, 30%-80%, 50%-100%, 60%-150%, or 80%-120%.
[0174] In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV or LNP-rAAV, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants leads to an increased amount of transcribed mRNA. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of transcribed mRNA by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, more than 400%, more than 500%, more than 1,000%, more than 2,000%, more than 5,000%, or more than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of transcribed mRNA by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, less than 400%, less than 500%, less than 1,000%, less than 2,000%, less than 5,000%, or less than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of transcribed mRNA by 50%-100%, 60%-150%, or 80%-200%.
[0175] In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV or LNP-rAAV, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants leads to an increased amount of expressed protein. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of expressed protein by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, more than 400%, more than 500%, more than 1,000%, more than 2,000%, more than 5,000%, or more than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of expressed protein by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, less than 400%, less than 500%, less than 1,000%, less than 2,000%, less than 5,000%, or less than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of expressed protein by 50%-100%, 60%-150%, 80%-200%, 200%-300%, or 300%-500%.
[0176] In some embodiments, comparing to naked rAAV or LNP-rAAV, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants leads to an increased amount of bioluminescence. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of bioluminescence by more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 100%, more than 110%, more than 120%, more than 130%, more than 140%, more than 150%, more than 200%, more than 250%, more than 300%, more than 350%, more than 400%, more than 500%, more than 1,000%, more than 2,000%, more than 5,000%, or more than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of bioluminescence by less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 70%, less than 75%, less than 80%, less than 85%, less than 90%, less than 95%, less than 100%, less than 110%, less than 120%, less than 130%, less than 140%, less than 150%, less than 200%, less than 250%, less than 300%, less than 350%, less than 400%, less than 500%, less than 1,000%, less than 2,000%, less than 5,000%, or less than 10,000%. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can increase the amount of bioluminescence by 50%-100%, 60%-150%, 80%-200%, 200%-300%, or 300%-500%.
[0177] In some embodiments, LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can work synergistically to protect the rAAV against immune clearance. In some embodiments, the combined use of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants can better protect the rAAV against immune clearance than simple additive effect of LNP-rAAV and immunosuppressants.
[0178] Methods of Treatment
[0179] The composition and the methods of the present disclosure can be used for various therapeutic purposes. In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods for treating a disease or a disorder in a subject, methods of reducing the rate of the progression of a disease or a disorder in a subject over time, methods of reducing the risk of developing a disease or a disorder, or methods of reducing the risk of developing additional symptoms of a disease or a disorder in a subject. In some embodiments, the treatment can halt, slow, retard, or inhibit progression of a disease or a disorder. In some embodiments, the treatment can result in the reduction of in the number, severity, and / or duration of one or more symptoms of a disease or a disorder in a subject. The method involves administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the composition described herein.
[0180] As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably throughout the specification and describe an animal, human or non-human, to whom treatment according to the methods described herein. Veterinary and non-veterinary applications are contemplated in the present disclosure. Human patients can be adult humans or juvenile humans (e.g., humans below the age of 18 years old) . In addition to humans, patients include but are not limited to mice, rats, hamsters, guinea-pigs, rabbits, ferrets, cats, dogs, and primates. Included are, for example, non-human primates (e.g., monkey, chimpanzee, gorilla, and the like) , rodents (e.g., rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, ferrets, rabbits) , lagomorphs, swine (e.g., pig, miniature pig) , equine, canine, feline, bovine, and other domestic, farm, and zoo animals.
[0181] As used herein, by an “effective amount” is meant an amount or dosage sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results including halting, slowing, retarding, or inhibiting progression of a disease or a disorder. An effective amount will vary depending upon, e.g., an age and a body weight of a subject to which the composition is to be administered, a severity of symptoms and a route of administration. The administration can be determined on an individual basis. The decision of whether to use in vivo orex vivo therapy, and the selection of a particular composition, dose, and route of administration will depend on a number of different factors, including but not limited to features of the condition and the subject being treated.
[0182] In some embodiments, the LNP-encapsulated AAV is administered at a dosage that is higher than 1×1010vg (vector genome) per patient, 5×1010vg per patient, 1×1011vg per patient, 5×1011vg per patient, 1×1012vg per patient, 5×1012vg per patient, 1×1013vg per patient, 5×1013 vg per patient, 1×1014vg per patient, 5×1014vg per patient, 1×1015vg per patient, 5×1015vg per patient, 1×1016vg per patient, 5×1016vg per patient, 1×1017vg per patient, 5×1017vg per patient, 1×1018vg per patient, or 5×1018vg per patient. In some embodiments, the LNP-encapsulated AAV is administered at a dosage that is less than 1×1010vg (virus genome) per patient, 5×1010vg per patient, 1×1011vg per patient, 5×1011vg per patient, 1×1012vg per patient, 5×1012vg per patient, 1×1013vg per patient, 5×1013vg per patient, 1×1014vg per patient, 5×1014vg per patient, 1×1015vg per patient, 5×1015vg per patient, 1×1016vg per patient, 5×1016vg per patient, 1×1017 vg per patient, 5×1017vg per patient, 1×1018vg per patient, or 5×1018vg per patient. In some embodiments, the LNP-encapsulated AAV is administered at a dosage that is about 1×109to 1×1015vg per patient, 1×1012to 1×1016 vg per patient, or 1×1013to 1×1016vg per patient.
[0183] In some embodiments, an effective amount of the LNP-encapsulated AAV described herein is administered depending on the objectives of treatment. An effective amount may be given in single or divided doses. Where a low percentage of transduction can cure a genetic deficiency, then the objective of treatment is generally to meet or exceed this level of transduction. In some instances, this level of transduction can be achieved by transduction of only about 1 to 5%of the target cells, but is more typically 20%of the cells of the desired tissue type, usually at least about 50%, at least about 80%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99%of the cells of the desired tissue type. The treatment can be repeated as often as every two or three weeks, as required, although treatment once in 180 days or once a year may be sufficient.
[0184] The LNP-encapsulated AAV described herein can be used for administration to a subject for purposes of gene therapy or vaccination. Suitable diseases for therapy include but are not limited to those induced by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, various malignancies and hyperproliferative conditions, autoimmune conditions, and congenital deficiencies.
[0185] Gene therapy can be conducted to enhance the level of expression of a particular protein either within or secreted by the cell. The LNP-encapsulated AAV described herein may be used to genetically alter cells either for gene marking, replacement of a missing or defective gene, or insertion of a therapeutic gene. Alternatively, a polynucleotide may be provided to the cell that decreases the level of expression. This may be used for the suppression of an undesirable phenotype, such as the product of a gene amplified or overexpressed during the course of a malignancy, or a gene introduced or overexpressed during the course of a microbial infection. Expression levels may be decreased by supplying a therapeutic or prophylactic polynucleotide comprising a sequence capable, for example, of forming a stable hybrid with either the target gene or RNA transcript (antisense therapy) , capable of acting as a ribozyme to cleave the relevant mRNA or capable of acting as a decoy for a product of the target gene.
[0186] Vaccination can be conducted to protect cells from infection by infectious pathogens. As the traditional vaccine methods, the LNP-encapsulated AAV of this disclosure may be used to deliver transgenes encoding viral, bacterial, tumor or fungal antigen and their subsequent expression in host cells. The antigens, which expose to the immune system to evoke an immune response, can be in the form of virus-like particle vaccines or subunit vaccines of virus-coding proteins. Alternatively, as the method of passive immunization, The LNP-encapsulated AAV described herein might be used to deliver genes encoding neutralizing antibodies and their subsequent expression in host non-hematopoietic tissues. The vaccine-like protection against pathogen infection can be conducted through direct provision of neutralizing antibody from vector-mediated transgene expression, bypassing the reliance on the natural immune system for mounting desired humoral immune responses.
[0187] In one aspect, the LNP-encapsulated AAV described herein can be used for preventing, delaying, curing, restoring and / or treating one or more genetic diseases. In some embodiments, the genetic disease is hemophilia A, hemophilia B, Fabry, Wilson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, or phenylketonuria.
[0188] In some embodiments, the disease or the disorder is “hemostasis” or blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia A, hemophilia A patients with inhibitory antibodies, hemophilia B, deficiencies in coagulation Factors VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, V, XII, II, von Willebrand factor, combined FV / FVIII deficiency, thalassemia, vitamin K epoxide reductase C1 deficiency, gamma-carboxylase deficiency; anemia, bleeding associated with trauma, injury, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, stroke, coagulopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) ; over-anticoagulation associated with heparin, low molecular weight heparin, pentasaccharide, warfarin, small molecule antithrombotics (i.e., FXa inhibitors) ; or platelet disorders such as, Bernard Soulier syndrome, Glanzmann thrombasthenia, or storage pool deficiency.
[0189] In some embodiments, the disease or the disorder is lysosomal storage diseases. In some embodiments, the disease or the disorder is Pompe disease; Wilson's disease; Fabry's disease; Citrullinemia Type 1; Gaucher disease Type 1; Tay Sachs disease; Hereditary Angioedema; glycogen storage disease type I (GSDI) ; anemia; various immune disorders, viral infections and cancer; various inflammatory diseases or immuno-deficiencies; immune disorders such as Crohn's disease; various human inflammatory diseases; epithelial tissue damage; recurrent miscarriage; HIV-related complications; insulin resistance; emphysema; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ; Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) ; ornithine transcarbamoylase (OTC) deficiency; Phenylketonuria (PKU) ; lipoprotein lipase deficiency; apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I deficiency; Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) ; Hypoalbuminemia; cystic fibrosis; and muscular dystrophy.
[0190] In some embodiments, the disease or the disorder is a disease that affects or originates in the central nervous system (CNS) . In certain aspects, the disease is a neurodegenerative disease. In certain aspects, the CNS or neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, ALS, hereditary spastic hemiplegia, primary lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, a polyglutamine repeat disease, or Parkinson's disease. In certain aspects, the CNS or neurodegenerative disease is a polyglutamine repeat disease. In certain aspects, the polyglutamine repeat disease is a spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, or SCA17) .
[0191] The LNP encapsulated AAV described herein can be delivered and administered by any appropriate route. Exemplary routes include systemically, regionally or locally, or by any route, for example, by injection, infusion, orally (e.g., ingestion or inhalation) , or topically (e.g., transdermally) . Such delivery and administration include intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, intradermally, subcutaneously, intracavity, intracranially, transdermally (topical) , parenterally, e.g. transmucosally or rectally. Exemplary administration and delivery routes include intravenous (i.v. ) , intraperitoneal (i.p. ) , intraarterial, intramuscular, parenteral, subcutaneous, intra-pleural, topical, dermal, intradermal, transdermal, parenterally, e.g. transmucosal, intra-cranial, intra-spinal, oral (alimentary) , mucosal, respiration, intranasal, intubation, intrapulmonary, intrapulmonary instillation, buccal, sublingual, intravascular, intrathecal, intracavity, iontophoretic, intraocular, ophthalmic, optical, intraglandular, intraorgan, intralymphatic.
[0192] An effective amount can be administered in one or more administrations. By way of example, an effective amount of the LNP-rAAV is an amount sufficient to ameliorate, stop, stabilize, reverse, inhibit, slow and / or delay progression of a disease or a disorder in a patient.
[0193] In any of the methods described herein, the LNP-rAAV can be administered to the subject at least once a month, twice a month, three times a month, four times a month. In some embodiments, the LNP-rAAV can be administered to the subject for about or at least 1 time, about or at least 2 times, about or at least 3 times, about or at least 4 times, about or at least 5 times, about or at least 6 times, about or at least 7 times, about or at least 8 times, about or at least 9 times, or about or at least 10 times in a treatment period. In some embodiments, the treatment period can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, or 12 months.
[0194] One or more additional therapeutic agents can be administered to the subject. In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic agents (e.g., immunosuppressants) can be administered to the subject prior to, or after the administration of the LNP-rAAV. In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic agents can be administered about or at least 1 time, about or at least 2 times, about or at least 3 times, about or at least 4 times, about or at least 5 times before the administration of the LNP-rAAV. In some embodiments, the one or more additional therapeutic agents can be administered about or at least 1 time, about or at least 2 times, about or at least 3 times, about or at least 4 times, about or at least 5 times after the administration of the LNP-rAAV.
[0195] Delivery of Transgene
[0196] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for delivery of a transgene to a subject which involves transfecting or infecting a selected host cell, tissue, or organ with the LNP-encapsulated AAV described herein. In some embodiments, the targeted tissue or organ for the rAAV described herein is central nervous system, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, photoreceptor cells, RPE (Retinal Pigment Epithelium) , or skeletal muscle.
[0197] In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a method for AAV-mediated delivery of a transgene to a host. This method involves transfecting or infecting a selected host cell with a recombinant viral vector containing a selected transgene under the control of sequences which direct expression thereof and AAV capsid proteins.
[0198] Optionally, a sample from the host may be first assayed for the presence of antibodies to a selected AAV serotype. A variety of assay formats for detecting neutralizing antibodies are well known to those of skill in the art. See, e.g., Fisher et al, Nature Med., 3 (3) : 306-312 (March 1997) and W.C. Manning et al, Human Gene Therapy, 9: 477-485 (Mar. 1, 1998) . The results of this assay may be used to determine which AAV vector containing capsid proteins of a particular serotype are preferred for delivery, e.g., by the absence of neutralizing antibodies specific for that capsid serotype.
[0199] In some embodiments, the delivery of vector with a selected AAV capsid proteins may precede or follow delivery of a gene via a vector with a different serotype AAV capsid protein. Thus, gene delivery via rAAV vectors may be used for repeat gene delivery to a selected host cell. Desirably, subsequently administered rAAV vectors carry the same transgene as the first rAAV vector, but the subsequently administered vectors contain capsid proteins of serotypes which differ from the first vector. For example, if a first vector has AAV7 capsid proteins, subsequently administered vectors may have capsid proteins selected from among the other serotypes, including AAV1, AAV2, AAV3A, AAV3B, AAV4, AAV6, AAV10, AAV11, and AAV12, or any of the other novel AAV capsids including, without limitation: A3.1, H2, H6, C1, C2, C5, A3-3, A3-7, A3-4, A3-5, 3.3b, 223.4, 223-5, 223-10, 223-2, 223-7, 223-6, 44-1, 44-5, 44-2, 42-15, 42-8, 42-13, 42-3A, 42-4, 42-5A, 42-1B, 42-5B, 43-1, 43-12, 43-5, 43-21, 43-25, 43-20, 24.1, 42.2, 7.2, 27.3, 16.3, 42.10, 42-3B, 42-11, F1, F5, F3, 42-6B, and / or 42-12.
[0200] In some embodiments, the transgene encodes a therapeutic protein. As used herein, the term “therapeutic protein” includes a peptide or protein that may alleviate or reduce symptoms that result from an insufficient amount, absence or defect in a protein in a cell or subject. A “therapeutic” protein encoded by a transgene can confer a benefit to a subject, e.g., to correct a genetic defect, to correct a gene (loss of expression or function) deficiency, etc.
[0201] In some embodiments, useful therapeutic products encoded by the transgene include hormones and growth and differentiation factors including, without limitation, insulin, glucagon, growth hormone (GH) , parathyroid hormone (PTH) , growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) , follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) , luteinizing hormone (LH) , human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) , vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) , angiopoietins, angiostatin, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) , erythropoietin (EPO) , connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) , basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) , acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) , epidermal growth factor (EGF) , transforming growth factor α (TGFα) , platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) , insulin growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II, any one of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, including TGF β, activins, inhibins, or any of the bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) BMPs 1-15, any one of the heregluin / neuregulin / ARIA / neu differentiation factor (NDF) family of growth factors, nerve growth factor (NGF) , brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) , neurotrophins NT-3 and NT-4 / 5, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) , glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) , neurturin, agrin, any one of the family of semaphorins / collapsins, netrin-1 and netrin-2, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) , ephrins, noggin, sonic hedgehog and tyrosine hydroxylase.
[0202] Other useful transgene products include proteins that regulate the immune system including, without limitation, cytokines and lymphokines such as thrombopoietin (TPO) , interleukins (IL) IL-1 through IL-25 (including, IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, and IL-18) , monocyte chemoattractant protein, leukemia inhibitory factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, Fas ligand, tumor necrosis factors α and β, interferons α, β, and γ, stem cell factor, flk-2 / flt3 ligand. Gene products produced by the immune system are also useful. These include, without limitations, immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE, chimeric immunoglobulins, humanized antibodies, single chain antibodies, T cell receptors, chimeric T cell receptors, single chain T cell receptors, class I and class II MHC molecules, as well as engineered immunoglobulins and MHC molecules. Useful gene products also include complement regulatory proteins such as complement regulatory proteins, membrane cofactor protein (MCP) , decay accelerating factor (DAF) , CR1, CF2 and CD59.
[0203] Other useful gene products include any one of the receptors for the hormones, growth factors, cytokines, lymphokines, regulatory proteins and immune system proteins. The disclosure encompasses receptors for cholesterol regulation, including the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor, the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor, and the scavenger receptor. The disclosure also encompasses gene products such as members of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily including glucocorticoid receptors and estrogen receptors, Vitamin D receptors and other nuclear receptors. In addition, useful gene products include transcription factors such as jun, fos, max, mad, serum response factor (SRF) , AP-1, AP2, myb, MyoD and myogenin, ETS-box containing proteins, TFE3, E2F, ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ZF5, NFAT, CREB, HNF-4, C / EBP, SP1, CCAAT-box binding proteins, interferon regulation factor (IRF-1) , Wilms tumor protein, ETS-binding protein, STAT, GATA-box binding proteins, e.g., GATA-3, and the forkhead family of winged helix proteins.
[0204] Other useful gene products include, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I, ornithine transcarbamylase, arginosuccinate synthetase, arginosuccinate lyase, arginase, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, phenylalanine hydroxylase, alpha-1 antitrypsin, glucose-6-phosphatase, porphobilinogen deaminase, factor VIII, factor IX, cystathione beta-synthase, branched chain ketoacid decarboxylase, albumin, isovaleryl-coA dehydrogenase, propionyl CoA carboxylase, methyl malonyl CoA mutase, glutaryl CoA dehydrogenase, insulin, beta-glucosidase, pyruvate carboxylase, hepatic phosphorylase, phosphorylase kinase, glycine decarboxylase, H-protein, T-protein, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) sequence, and a dystrophin. Still other useful gene products include enzymes such as may be useful in enzyme replacement therapy, which is useful in a variety of conditions resulting from deficient activity of enzyme. For example, enzymes that contain mannose-6-phosphate may be utilized in therapies for lysosomal storage diseases (e.g., a suitable gene includes that encoding β-glucuronidase (GUSB) ) .
[0205] Other useful gene products include non-naturally occurring polypeptides, such as chimeric or hybrid polypeptides having a non-naturally occurring amino acid sequence containing insertions, deletions or amino acid substitutions. For example, single-chain engineered immunoglobulins could be useful in certain immunocompromised patients. Other types of non-naturally occurring gene sequences include antisense molecules and catalytic nucleic acids, such as ribozymes, which could be used to reduce overexpression of a target.
[0206] Reduction and / or modulation of expression of a gene is particularly desirable for treatment of hyperproliferative conditions characterized by hyperproliferating cells, as are cancers and psoriasis. Target polypeptides include those polypeptides which are produced exclusively or at higher levels in hyperproliferative cells as compared to normal cells. Target antigens include polypeptides encoded by oncogenes such as myb, myc, fyn, and the translocation gene bcr / abl, ras, src, P53, neu, trk and EGRF. In addition to oncogene products as target antigens, target polypeptides for anti-cancer treatments and protective regimens include variable regions of antibodies made by B cell lymphomas and variable regions of T cell receptors of T cell lymphomas which, in some embodiments, are also used as target antigens for autoimmune disease.
[0207] Other suitable therapeutic polypeptides and proteins include those which may be useful for treating individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases and disorders by conferring a broad based protective immune response against targets that are associated with autoimmunity including cell receptors and cells which produce self-directed antibodies. T cell mediated autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , multiple sclerosis (MS) , syndrome, sarcoidosis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) , autoimmune thyroiditis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, psoriasis, vasculitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Each of these diseases is characterized by T cell receptors (TCRs) that bind to endogenous antigens and initiate the inflammatory cascade associated with autoimmune diseases.
[0208] Alternatively, or in addition, the LNP-encapsulated AAV may contain a transgene encoding a peptide, polypeptide or protein which induces an immune response to a selected immunogen. For example, immunogens may be selected from a variety of viral families. Example of desirable viral families against which an immune response would be desirable include, the picornavirus family, which includes the genera rhinoviruses, which are responsible for about 50%of cases of the common cold; the genera enteroviruses, which include polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and human enteroviruses such as hepatitis A virus; and the genera apthoviruses, which are responsible for foot and mouth diseases, primarily in non-human animals. Within the picornavirus family of viruses, target antigens include the VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, and VPG. Another viral family includes the calcivirus family, which encompasses the Norwalk group of viruses, which are an important causative agent of epidemic gastroenteritis. Still another viral family desirable for use in targeting antigens for inducing immune responses in humans and non-human animals is the togavirus family, which includes the genera alphavirus, which include Sindbis viruses, RossRiver virus, and Venezuelan, Eastern &Western Equine encephalitis virus, and rubivirus, including Rubella virus. The flaviviridae family includes dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and tick borne encephalitis viruses. Other target antigens may be generated from the Hepatitis C or the coronavirus family, which includes a number of non-human viruses such as infectious bronchitis virus (poultry) , porcine transmissible gastroenteric virus (pig) , porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (pig) , feline infectious peritonitis virus (cats) , feline enteric coronavirus (cat) , canine coronavirus (dog) , and human respiratory coronaviruses, which may cause the common cold and / or non-A, B or C hepatitis. Within the coronavirus family, target antigens include the E1 (also called M or matrix protein) , E2 (also called S or Spike protein) , E3 (also called HE or hemagglutin-elterase) glycoprotein (not present in all coronaviruses) , or N (nucleocapsid) . Still other antigens may be targeted against the rhabdovirus family, which includes the genera vesiculovirus (e.g., Vesicular Stomatitis Virus) , and the general lyssavirus (e.g., rabies) . Within the rhabdovirus family, suitable antigens may be derived from the G protein or the N protein. The family filoviridae, which includes hemorrhagic fever viruses such as Marburg and Ebola virus may be a suitable source of antigens. The paramyxovirus family includes parainfluenza Virus Type 1, parainfluenza Virus Type 3, bovine parainfluenza Virus Type 3, rubulavirus (mumps virus, parainfluenza Virus Type 2, parainfluenza virus Type 4, Newcastle disease virus (chickens) , rinderpest, morbillivirus, which includes measles and canine distemper virus, pneumovirus, which includes respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus.
[0209] Pharmaceutical Composition
[0210] The LNP encapsulated AAV can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions, e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Such pharmaceutical compositions are useful for, among other things, administration and delivery of LNP encapsulated AAV vector to a subject in vivo or ex vivo.
[0211] As used herein the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” and “physiologically acceptable” mean a biologically acceptable formulation, gaseous, liquid or solid, or mixture thereof, which is suitable for one or more routes of administration, in vivo delivery or contact. A “pharmaceutically acceptable” or “physiologically acceptable” composition is a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, e.g., the material may be administered to a subject without causing substantial undesirable biological effects. Thus, such a pharmaceutical composition may be used, for example in administering a LNP encapsulated AAV vector to a subject.
[0212] Such compositions can include solvents (aqueous or non-aqueous) , solutions (aqueous or non-aqueous) , emulsions (e.g., oil-in-water or water-in-oil) , suspensions, syrups, elixirs, dispersion and suspension media, coatings, isotonic and absorption promoting or delaying agents, compatible with pharmaceutical administration or in vivo contact or delivery. Aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, solutions and suspensions may include suspending agents and thickening agents.
[0213] In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the LNP-encapsulated AAV in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, optionally, other medicinal agents, pharmaceutical agents, stabilizing agents, buffers, carriers, adjuvants, diluents, etc.
[0214] The LNP-encapsulated AAV can be incorporated into a pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical, systemic, intra-amniotic, intrathecal, intracranial, intraarterial, intravenous, intralymphatic, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, tracheal, intra-tissue (e.g., intramuscular, intracardiac, intrahepatic, intrarenal, intracerebral) , intrathecal, intravesical, conjunctival (e.g., extra-orbital, intraorbital, retroorbital, intraretinal) , and mucosal (e.g., oral, rectal, nasal) administration.
[0215] Pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic purposes typically must be sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The composition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, dispersion, liposomes, or other ordered structure suitable to high LNP-encapsulated AAV concentration. Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the LNP-encapsulated AAV in the required amount in an appropriate buffer with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
[0216] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a liposome nanoparticle composition of a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector. In some embodiments, the rAAV vector is mixed with the phospholipid materials of the LNP, and the phospholipid material of the LNP includes one or more of PE, PG, and CA.
[0217] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method comprising: mixing at least two types of phospholipids with a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector, thereby obtaining a mixture; and extruding the mixture from a liposome extruder, thereby producing the composition. In some embodiments, the method further comprises separating liposome nanoparticles comprising rAAVs encapsulated with a layer of phospholipids.
[0218] In various embodiments, the methods involve removing rAAV vectors that are not LNP encapsulated or only partially LNP encapsulated. The non-or partially LNP encapsulated rAAV vector can be removed / separated from fully LNP encapsulated rAAV vector to improve the amount, proportion or concentration of fully LNP encapsulated rAAV vector. Removal of non-or partially LNP encapsulated rAAV vector can be achieved by passage of the preparation through an affinity matrix (e.g., column) comprising anti-AAV antibodies, wherein these non-or partially LNP encapsulated rAAV vectors will be retained in the affinity matrix.
[0219] The pharmaceutical compositions can be included in a container, pack, or dispenser together with instructions for administration. The disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing the LNP-rAAV for various uses as described herein.
[0220] EXAMPLES
[0221] The invention is further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.
[0222] Example 1: Preparation of LNP-rAAV
[0223] The phospholipid material was thoroughly mixed with rAAV at a specific ratio, and the mixture was repeatedly extruded through a liposome extruder with a 200 nm polycarbonate membrane to prepare rAAV particles wrapped in liposome vesicles (LNP-rAAV) . The LNP-rAAV particles were photographed with a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) . The TEM images showed that rAAV wrapped by a phospholipid layer was successfully prepared. The nanoscale liposomes include single-chamber liposomes. The number of rAAV particles in each liposome ranged from several to dozens. As shown in FIG. 1, the black arrow indicates the phospholipid layer, and the white arrow indicates rAAV particles in the liposome.
[0224] One or more of the below three phospholipids were used to prepare the liposome: phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) . In order to determine the appropriate ratio of three phospholipids (PE, PG and CL) , 13 different LNP-AAV2 (adeno-associated virus type 2) -EGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein, EGFP, enhanced green fluorescent protein) with different ratios of phospholipids were prepared. AVB resin (AVB SepharoseTM High Performance, Cytiva) was used to remove unencapsulated free AAV2-EGFP. HeLa cells were infected with equal volumes of purified LNP-AAV2-EGFP vector solution. After 48 hours, the EGFP expression levels were detected by flow cytometry. The flow cytometry data (FIG. 2) showed that compared with Group 1 (AAV2-EGFP without phospholipids) , the LNP-AAV2-EGFP in Groups 2, 4, 5, and 7-15 all showed higher level of EGFP expression. Groups 2 and 13 (LNP-AAV2-EGFP prepared with 67%PE, 23%PG, and 10%CL (wt / wt) ) showed the highest transgene expression. In addition, compared with Group 1 (AAV2-EGFP without phospholipids) , the EGFP expression in Groups 3 and 6 was not significantly improved. Based on the results, the phospholipid ratio of 67%PE, 23%PG, and 10%CL (wt / wt) was selected to prepare LNP-rAAV in the subsequent experiments.
[0225] Experiments were further performed to determine the appropriate ratios between phospholipids and rAAV. Five different LNP-AAV2-EGFP with different ratios of phospholipids and rAAV (0.04 fg / vg (femtogram lipids / vector genome) , 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg) were prepared to evaluate the effects of different ratios of phospholipids and rAAV on immune response and transgene expression in vivo. The experiments were divided into 7 different groups: PBS (control) , AAV2-EGFP only (no phospholipids) , LNP-AAV2-EGFP (0.04 fg / vg) , LNP-AAV2-EGFP (4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg) , LNP-AAV2-EGFP (150 fg / vg) , and LNP-AAV2-EGFP (300 fg / vg) . The injection was performed on day 0. The dose for each injection was 5×1010 vg / mouse with the exception of PBS (control) . In the control group, an equal volume of PBS was injected. The composition was injected through tail veins, and the injected volume was 200 μL. On the 10th day, blood was collected through the retrocanthal venous plexus of the orbit, and serum was separated for detecting the amount of anti-rAAV2 antibodies in the serum. On day 20, mice were dissected and livers were harvested for reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis to determine EGFP mRNA expression levels in liver. The experiment design is shown in FIG. 3 and the table below.
[0226] Table 2
[0227] The anti-rAAV2 IgG and anti-rAAV2 IgM antibody levels in mouse serum were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . In addition, the level of anti-rAAV2 neutralizing antibody titer (NAb titer) in mouse serum was detected by an AAVR-HeLa cell-mediated neutralizing antibody assay (NAb assay) .
[0228] The ELISA data (FIGS. 4A-4E) showed that compared with the “AAV2-EGFP only” group, the anti-rAAV2 IgG and anti-rAAV2 IgM antibody levels decreased in the five LNP-AAV2-EGFP groups (0.04 fg / vg, 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg) . In particular, the anti-rAAV2 IgM antibody levels in the 150 fg / vg and 300 fg / vg groups were significantly reduced. The anti-rAAV2 IgG antibody levels of the 0.04 fg / vg, 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg groups were about 97%, 84%, 83%, 49%, and 48%of the level of the “AAV2-EGFP only” group, respectively. The anti-rAAV2 IgM antibody levels of the 0.04 fg / vg, 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg groups were 91%, 96%, 74%, 57%, and 50%of the level of the “AAV2-EGFP only” group. The results of the NAb assay (FIG. 4D) also showed that compared with the “AAV2-EGFP only” group, the anti-rAAV2 NAb titer levels decreased in the five LNP-AAV2-EGFP groups (0.04 fg / vg, 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg) . The anti-rAAV2 NAb titer levels in the 0.04 fg / vg, 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg groups were 54%, 32%, 20%, 8%, and 5%of that level of the “AAV2-EGFP only” group, respectively. The levels of anti-rAAV2 IgG, anti-rAAV2 IgM, and anti-rAAV2 NAb titer negatively correlated with the amount of phospholipids in LNP-AAV2-EGFP.
[0229] The EGFP mRNA expression levels in mouse liver were detected by RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR data (FIG. 4E) showed that compared with the “AAV2-EGFP only” group, the expression of EGFP increased in the five LNP-AAV2-EGFP groups (0.04 fg / vg, 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg) , with significant improvements in the 150 fg / vg and 300 fg / vg groups. The EGFP expression levels of the 0.04 fg / vg, 4 fg / vg, 40 fg / vg, 150 fg / vg, and 300 fg / vg groups were 1.17, 4.81, 5.35, 9.34, and 16.92 times of that of the “AAV2-EGFP Only” group, respectively. EGFP expression positively correlated with the amount of the phospholipids in the composition. Considering the solubility of phospholipids (40 fg / vg in 200 uL PBS is optimal) and the cost for manufacturing, 40 fg / vg was selected for subsequent experiments.
[0230] Based on the results, the ratios of 67%PE, 23%PG, 10%CL (wt / wt) was selected, and the 40 fg / vg phospholipid-rAAV ratio was selected to prepare LNP-rAAV for subsequent experiments.
[0231] Example 2: Evaluation of three injections of LNP-rAAV2 in mice
[0232] LNP-AAV2-EGFP, LNP-AAV2-hFIX (human coagulation factor IX) , and LNP-AAV2-luc (luciferase) were prepared using the method in Example 1. The mouse experiment was divided into two groups. In the rAAV2 group (the control group) , AAV2-EGFP (first injection on Day 0) , AAV2-hFIX (second injection on Day 7) , and AAV2-luc (third injection on Day 40) were administered. In the LNP-rAAV2 group (the experimental group) , LNP-AAV2-EGFP (first injection on Day 0) , LNP-AAV2-hFIX (second injection on Day 7) , and LNP-AAV2-luc (third injection on Day 40) were administered through tail veins. The three injections were performed on Day 0, Day 7, and Day 40, respectively. The injection doses were 5×1010 vg / mouse, 3×1011 vg / mouse, and 3×1011 vg / mouse, respectively. The injected volume was 200 μL for each injection. Blood was collected through the retrocanthal venous plexus of the orbit on Day -7, Day 5, Day 25, and Day 46. Serum was separated to detect the amount of anti-rAAV2 antibodies. On Day 5, Day 14, Day 25, Day 35, Day 46, Day 60, Day 72, Day 95, Day 112, and Day 138, blood was collected through the retrocanthal venous plexus of the orbit. The expression level of hFIX in the plasma was detected. On Day 138, the livers of mice were harvested, and the EGFP and hFIX mRNA expression levels in the liver were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) . The luciferase expression level of was detected by in vivo imaging on 15 days and 27 days after the third injection (Day 55 and Day 67) . The experiment design is shown in FIG. 5 and the table below.
[0233] Table 3
[0234] Anti-rAAV2 IgG antibody levels and anti-rAAV2 NAb titer levels in mouse serum were detected by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and AAVR-HeLa cell-mediated neutralizing antibody assay (NAb assay) . The ELISA data (FIG. 6A) showed that compared with the rAAV2 group (control group) , the anti-rAAV2 IgG antibody level in the LNP-rAAV2 group was lower on Day 5, Day 25, and Day 46. The results of neutralizing antibody detection (FIG. 6B) showed that compared with the rAAV2 group, the anti-rAAV2 NAb titer in the LNP-rAAV2 group was lower on Day 5, Day 25, and Day 46.
[0235] On Day 138, RT-qPCR experiment was performed to detect the EGFP mRNA expression level in the mouse liver. EGFP mRNA expression level data (FIG. 7) showed that compared with the AAV2-EGFP group, the EGFP expression level in the LNP-AAV2-EGFP group was significantly higher. The results of antibody detection and EGFP expression levels showed that the LNP encapsulation can reduce the production of anti-rAAV2 antibodies in mice, leading to less rAAV clearance by the immune system, and increase the transgene expression in target organs.
[0236] The hFIX protein level in the murine plasma was detected by ELISA at 10 different time points before and after the second injection. On Day 138, the hFIX mRNA expression level in the mouse liver was detected by RT-qPCR. The ELISA (FIG. 8A) and RT-qPCR (FIG. 8B) data showed that mice injected with AAV2-hFIX had no obvious expression of hFIX. By comparison, mice injected with LNP-AAV2-hFIX showed significantly higher amounts of hFIX protein in the plasma and hFIX mRNA in the liver. The results showed that AAV2-hFIX was not effective for inducing expression for hFIX, but LNP-AAV2-hFIX could successfully induce expression of hFIX.
[0237] On Day 15 and Day 27 after the third injection, the bioluminescence of mice was detected by in vivo imaging. The in vivo imaging data (FIG. 9A) showed no obvious bioluminescence was in mice injected with AAV2-luc, and strong bioluminescence in mice injected with LNP-AAV2-luc. The bioluminescence intensity (FIG. 9B) of mice injected with LNP-AAV2-luc was significantly higher than that of mice injected with AAV2-luc. The results showed that the AAV2-luc was not effective for inducing expression for luciferase, but LNP-AAV2-luc could successfully induce expression of luciferase in the mice.
[0238] Example 3: Evaluation of two injections of rAAV2 in combination with triamcinolone acetonide (TAC)
[0239] In order to find the appropriate dose of intraperitoneal injection of TAC, a two-injection experiment of rAAV2 was preformed, with intraperitoneal injection of TAC to suppress the immune response in mice. The experiment was set up in 8 groups. The mice were injected with AAV2-empty on Day 0 and AAV2-luc on Day 21. The injection dose was 5×1010 vg / mouse. The injection method was tail vein injection, and the injection volume was 200 μL. From Day -6 to Day 45, TAC was injected intraperitoneally every 3 days for a total of 18 times. Six different doses of TAC were used, namely 105 mg / kg, 85 mg / kg, 65 mg / kg, 45 mg / kg, 25 mg / kg, and 5 mg / kg. Another two control groups were included. In the positive control group, PBS was injected on Day 0; AAV2-luc was injected on Day 21; and TAC-free solvent was injected intraperitoneally. In the negative control group, AAV2-empty was injected on Day 0; AAV2-luc was injected on Day 21; and TAC-free solvent was injected intraperitoneally. Blood was collected through the retrocanthal venous plexus on Day -7, Day 14, Day 20, Day 32, Day 42, Day 54, and Day 69. The amount anti-rAAV2 antibodies was detected in the serum. The luciferase expression level was detected by in vivo imaging 4, 12, 23, 48, and 68 days after the second injection (AAV2-luc) . The experimental was designed as shown in FIG. 10 and the table below.
[0240] Table 4
[0241] The levels of anti-rAAV2 IgG and anti-rAAV2 NAb titer in mouse serum were detected by ELISA and NAb assay. The ELISA and NAb assay data (FIGS. 11A-11B) showed that compared with the negative control group, the six groups with intraperitoneal injection of TAC all showed a dose-dependent decrease in anti-rAAV2 IgG antibody levels and anti-rAAV2 neutralizing antibody levels. In the higher-dose groups, IgG antibodies and neutralizing antibodies were significantly reduced.
[0242] On days 4, 12, 2, 48, and 68 after luciferase injection, bioluminescence was detected by in vivo imaging. The bioluminescence data (FIG. 12) showed that mice in the positive control, 105 mg, 85 mg, 65 mg, and 45 mg groups had bioluminescence, while no obvious bioluminescence signals were detected in the mice in the 25 mg, 5 mg, and negative control groups. The luminescence intensity in the mouse liver was analyzed, and the liver bioluminescence intensity data (FIG. 13) showed that the bioluminescence in the positive control, 105 mg, 85 mg, 65 mg, and 45 mg groups were all higher than those in the 25 mg group, the 5 mg group, and the negative control group. The results showed that the AAV2-luc transgene expression with intraperitoneal administration of 105 mg, 85 mg, 65 mg, and 45 mg of TAC was successful, while the AAV2-luc transgene expression with intraperitoneal administration of the 25 mg and 5 mg groups was not effective. Therefore, 45 mg / kg / 3 days (the lowest dose of intraperitoneal TAC that can lead to successful transgene expression) was selected for subsequent experiments.
[0243] Example 4: Evaluation of three injections of LNP-rAAV2 in combination of TAC in mice
[0244] Three vectors, LNP-AAV2-EGFP, LNP-AAV2-hFIX, and LNP-AAV2-luc, were prepared using the method described in Example 1. The TAC administration scheme of 45 mg / kg / 3 days was selected based on the data in Example 3. A three-injection experiment of LNP-rAAV2 in combination with TAC was performed. The experiment was set up in 6 groups. In the rAAV2 group, AAV2-EGFP (first injection) , AAV2-hFIX (second injection) , and AAV2-luc (third injection) were injected. In the LNP-rAAV2 group, LNP-AAV2-EGFP (first injection) , LNP-AAV2-hFIX (second injection) , and LNP-AAV2-luc (third injection) were injected. In the rAAV2 + TAC group, AAV2-EGFP (first injection) , AAV2-hFIX (second injection) , AAV2-luc (third injection) were injected, and TAC was administered intraperitoneally. In the LNP-rAAV2 + TAC group, LNP-AAV2-EGFP (first injection) , LNP-AAV2-hFIX (second injection) , and LNP-AAV2-luc (third injection) were injected, and TAC was administered intraperitoneally. Two control groups were set up. In the hFIX positive control group, AAV2-hFIX was injected only on the 7th day. In the luciferase positive control group, AAV2-luc was injected only on the 40th day. The time of the first virus injection was recorded as Day 0, and the three injections were performed on Days 0, Days 7, and Days 40 respectively. The injection doses were 5×1010 vg / mouse, 3×1011 vg / mouse, and 3×1011 vg / mouse for the three injections respectively. The injection was through tail veins, and the injected volume was 200 μL. Intraperitoneal injection of TAC was administered on Day -6, Day -3, Day 0, Day 3, Day 6, Day 9, Day 12, Day 15, Day 34, Day 37, Day 40, Day 43, Day 46, and Day 49. Blood was collected through the retrocanthal venous plexus of the orbit on Day -7, Day 5, Day 14, and Day 54. Serum was separated to detect the amounts of anti-rAAV2 antibodies and anti-rAAV2 neutralizing antibodies. In addition, blood was collected through the retroorbital canthal venous plexus on Day 5, Day 14, Day 38, and Day 54, and plasma was separated to detect the hFIX expression level. In addition, 20 days after the third injection (luciferase vector injection) , luciferase expression levels were determined by in vivo imaging. The experiment was designed as shown in FIG. 14 and the table below.
[0245] Table 5 ( “+” : TAC; “-” : no TAC)
[0246] The anti-rAAV2 NAb titer level in mouse serum was detected by a NAb assay. The NAb assay data (FIG. 15) showed that the order of anti-rAAV2 NAb titer level in each group was: LNP-rAAV2 + TAC < rAAV2 + TAC < LNP-rAAV2 < rAAV2. The results showed that the combined use of LNP-rAAV2 and TAC was significantly more effective in reducing anti-rAAV2 antibodies in mouse serum than either LNP-rAAV2 or rAAV2 + TAC, suggesting LNP-rAAV2 and TAC acted synergistically in reducing immune responses.
[0247] The hFIX protein content in mouse plasma was detected by ELISA. The hFIX ELISA data (FIG. 16) showed no significant amount of hFIX protein in the plasma of the AAV2 (AAV2-hFIX) group. By contrast, various amounts of plasma hFIX protein was detected in the LNP-AAV2 (LNP-AAV2-hFIX) , rAAV2+TAC (AAV2-hFIX + TAC) , LNP-AAV2+TAC (LNP-AAV2-hFIX + TAC) , and AAV2 (AAV2-hFIX) positive groups. The order of plasma hFIX protein content in each group was: AAV2-hFIX positive > LNP-AAV2-hFIX + TAC > AAV2-hFIX + TAC > LNP-AAV2-hFIX > AAV2-hFIX. Compared with AAV2-hFIX + TAC or LNP-AAV2-hFIX, the hFIX protein level in the plasma of the LNP-AAV2-hFIX + TAC group was significantly higher. However, the plasma hFIX protein level in the LNP-AAV2-hFIX + TAC group was still significantly lower than that of the AAV2-hFIX positive group-the transgene expression levels of the two groups were comparable only on Day 38. The results showed that the injection with AAV2-hFIX group was not effective. The transgene expression in the LNP-AAV2-hFIX and AAV2-hFIX +TAC group was successful. The effect of combined use (LNP-AAV2-hFIX +TAC) was even stronger. The results suggest that LNP-rAAV2 and TAC worked synergistically in improving the rAAV2 transgene expression. But it is still slightly lower than the transgene expression level of rAAV2 with only one injection (the AAV2-hFIX positive group) .
[0248] On the 20th day after the third injection, the bioluminescence of mice was detected by in vivo imaging. The in vivo imaging data (FIG. 17) showed no obvious bioluminescence in the AAV2-luc group. By contrast, bioluminescence signals were detected in the LNP-AAV2-luc, AAV2-luc + TAC, LNP-AAV2-luc + TAC, and AAV2-luc positive groups. The order of bioluminescence intensity of the mouse liver (FIG. 18) in each group is: AAV2-luc positive >LNP-AAV2-luc + TAC > AAV2-luc + TAC > LNP-AAV2-luc > AAV2-luc. Compared with the AAV2-luc + TAC or LNP-AAV2-luc groups, the liver bioluminescence signals in the LNP-AAV2-luc + TAC group were significantly higher. The liver bioluminescence signal in the LNP-AAV2-luc + TAC group and the AAV2-luc positive group were comparable. The results showed that the third injection of AAV2-luc group failed to induce the transgene expression. The injection of LNP-AAV2-luc group and AAV2-luc + TAC group could induce the transgene expression. In addition, the combined use of LNP-rAAV2 and TAC can significantly improve the transgene expression. Thus, LNP-rAAV2 and TAC can work synergistically in improving the transgene expression. Transgene expression levels in LNP-rAAV2 + TAC group were comparable to that of the AAV2-luc positive group.
[0249] Example 5. Evaluation of two injections of LNP-rAAV8 combined with TAC in mice
[0250] In order to evaluate whether the combined use of LNP-rAAV and TAC is not only applicable to AAV serotype 2, but also to other serotypes, a two-injection experiment was performed using AAV serotype 8. AAV8 can also target liver.
[0251] The LNP-AAV8-luc vector was prepared using the method described in Example 1. The TAC dosage of 45 mg / kg / 3 days was selected. The experiment was designed in three groups. The AAV8-luc group received a first injection of AAV8-hFIX, and a second injection of AAV8-luc. The LNP-AAV8-luc + TAC group received a first injection of AAV8-hFIX, and a second injection of LNP-AAV8-luc, along with intraperitoneal injections of TAC at 6 time points around the second injection. The TAC injection was administered on Day 80, Day 83, Day 86, Day 89, Day 92, and Day 95. The control group (the untreated group) did not receive any treatment. The time of the first virus injection was performed on Day 0, and the second injection was administered on Day 86. The injection dose was 3×1011 vg / mouse. The injection was through tail veins, and the injection volume was 200 μL. On Day -2, Day 10, Day 20, Day 30, Day 55, Day 70, Day 84, Day 99, Day 128, and Day 157, blood was collected through the retrocanthal venous plexus of the orbit. Serum was obtained to determine the level of anti-rAAV8 antibodies. On Day -2, Day 30, Day 70, Day 99, and Day 128, blood was collected through the retrocanthal venous plexus of the orbit, and plasma was obtained to determine the hFIX expression levels. 4, 12, 33, 48, 70, and 90 days after the second injection (luciferase injection) , the luciferase expression levels were determined by in vivo imaging. The experiment was designed as shown in FIG. 19 and the table below.
[0252] Table 6 ( “+” : TAC; “-” : no TAC)
[0253] Anti-rAAV8 IgG antibody levels and anti-rAAV8 NAb titer levels in mouse serum were detected by ELISA and NAb assay. The ELISA data (FIG. 20A) and NAb assay data (FIG. 20B) showed that after the first injection and before the second injection, the levels of anti-rAAV8 IgG and anti-rAAV8 NAb titer in the serum of mice in the LNP-AAV8-luc + TAC group were similar to those in the AAV8-luc group. After the second injection, the levels of anti-rAAV8 IgG and anti-rAAV8 NAb titer in the serum of mice in the LNP-AAV8-luc + TAC group tended to decrease compared with those in the AAV8-luc group. On Day 157, the anti-rAAV8 IgG level in the serum of mice in the LNP-AAV8-luc + TAC group was significantly lower than that in the AAV8-luc group. The results show that after the first injection of the same dose of AAV8-hFIX, mice produced similar levels of antibodies. After the second injection, the combined use of LNP-rAAV8 and TAC can still reduce the levels of antibodies produced by mice.
[0254] At five time points around the hFIX injection, the hFIX protein level in mouse plasma was detected by ELISA. The ELISA data (FIG. 21) showed that there was no significant difference in the plasma hFIX protein levels of the two groups of mice at these time points. When the same dose of AAV8-hFIX was injected for the first time, the hFIX expression levels were similar. At two time points (Days 99 and 128) after the second injection, the hFIX expression levels were still similar. The results showed that the second injection of rAAV8 or the combined use of LNP-rAAV8 + TAC did not affect the transgene expression of the virus injected in the first time.
[0255] 4, 12, 33, 48, 70, and 90 days after luciferase injection, the bioluminescence of mice was detected by in vivo imaging. The in vivo imaging data (FIG. 22) showed no clear bioluminescence signals in the Untreated and AAV8-luc groups. By contrast, mice in the LNP-AAV8-luc + TAC group had bioluminescence signals. The bioluminescence intensity of the mouse liver in the LNP-AAV8-luc + TAC group was significantly higher than that of the Untreated and AAV8-luc groups. The bioluminescence intensity of the mice in the AAV8-luc group was similar to that of the untreated control group. The results showed that the second injection of mice in the AAV8-luc group did not work, but the second injection of mice in the LNP-AAV8-luc + TAC group was effective, indicating that the combined use of LNP-rAAV and TAC was effective in rAAV serotype 8.
[0256] Example 6. Evaluation of the intracellular luciferase RNA expression level of LNP-luc mRNA as detected by qPCR
[0257] 1. Preparation of luc mRNA
[0258] luc mRNA was prepared by in vitro transcription, following instructions of Vazyme’s EasyCap T7 Co-transcription Kit with CAG Trimer. A linearized plasmid with a double-stranded T7 promoter and AG start sequence was used as the in vitro co-transcription template of the EasyCap co-transcription kit. 1 μg template was dissolved in RNase-Free ddH2O. The mRNA product was purified by ethanol precipitation, dissolved in RNase-Free ddH2O, and stored at -80℃ for later use.
[0259] 2. Preparation of LNP-luc mRNA
[0260] Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, also known as cephalin) was purchased from Shanghai Maikelin Biochemical Technology Co., Ltd. Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL, also known as bisphosphatidylglycerol) were purchased from Qisong Biotech. All PE, PG, and CL were in powder form, shipped on dry ice and stored at -20℃. When used, the powder was dissolved in PBS at a concentration of 100 mg / mL and stored as a stock solution at -20℃. The LNP-mRNA lipid formula in this experiment was: 67%PE, 23.2%PG and 9.8%CLA
[0261] 1) lipid stock solution and luc mRNA solution were melted on ice.
[0262] 2) Appropriate amounts of lipid stock solutions were mixed in a new 1.5 mL centrifuge tube according to the above LNP-mRNA lipid formula. PBS and luc mRNA were added so that each sample contained 4 μg of lipid content and 500 ng of luc mRNA. Three samples were prepared for each group.
[0263] 3) The samples were mixed well by pipetting. The mouth of each centrifuge tube was wrapped and sealed with sealing film.
[0264] 4) Ice-water mixture was added to the ultrasonic machine. The centrifuge tubes containing lipid and luc mRNA were placed in the ice-water mixture and subjected to ultrasound to prepare lipid-luc mRNA. The temperature was set to 4℃, and the ultrasonic time was set to 30 minutes. Ice was added every 10 minutes to maintain the temperature.
[0265] 5) After the ultrasound is completed, the centrifuge tubes were briefly centrifuged. The sealing film was removed. The centrifuge tubes were placed on ice or briefly store at 4℃. Lipid-luc mRNA mixtures must be prepared freshly for each experiment.
[0266] 6) To prepare the liposome extruder, the support membranes, polycarbonate membrane, rubber block, and syringes were rinsed with PBS.
[0267] 7) A first support membrane, a 200 nm polycarbonate membrane, and a second support membrane were sequentially placed in the rubber block. The small iron box holding the rubber block was tightened, and secured to the support platform.
[0268] 8) A first syringe was used to hold the above-mentioned Lipid-luc mRNA, air bubbles were expelled, and the syringe head was tightened.
[0269] 9) The first syringe and a second syringe were inserted into both sides of the fixed rubber block, and secured with the fixing strips of the support platform.
[0270] 10) The support platform was fixed with both hands, and the syringe was pushed slowly and at a constant speed to extrude the lipid-luc mRNA back-and-forth between the two syringes. The lipid-luc mRNA was extruded 21 times (each time constitutes a back-and-forth between the two syringes) .
[0271] 11) After the last push is completed, all the liquid was pushed to the second syringe.
[0272] 12) The liquid in the second syringe was collected into a centrifuge tube to obtain the LNP-luc mRNA. The LNP-luc mRNA was placed on ice or stored briefly at 4℃. LNP-luc mRNA must be prepared freshly for each experiment.
[0273] 13) The LNP-luc mRNA was diluted for administration.
[0274] 3. Cell transfection and luciferase RNA expression level detection
[0275] luc mRNA was diluted with PBS to a final concentration of 5 μg / mL to obtain PBS-luc mRNA.
[0276] The LNP-luc mRNA and PBS-luc mRNA were added to the HeLa cells at 100 μL / well respectively. Cells were collected at 6h and 24h respectively. Total cellular RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and qPCR was performed to detect the intracellular expression level of luc mRNA. The results are shown in FIG. 24.
[0277] Example 7. Evaluation of intracellular protein content of LNP-FVIII as detected by ELISA
[0278] 1. Preparation of LNP-FVIII
[0279] The LNP-FVIII protein was prepared using the same method as the above-mentioned LNP-luc mRNA preparation method in Example 6. The final protein concentration was 25 μg / mL.
[0280] 2. Cell transfection and determination of intracellular FVIII content
[0281] FVIII was diluted with PBS to a final protein concentration of 25 μg / mL to obtain PBS-FVIII.
[0282] The LNP-FVIII and PBS-FVIII were added to the Vero cells at 100 μL / well respectively. The cells were collected after 24 hours, and the intracellular FVIII protein content was measured by ELISA using cell lysis. The results are shown in FIG. 25.
[0283] OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0284] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1.A composition comprising(a) a cargo; and(b) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating the cargo, wherein the cargo comprises a protein, a nucleic acid, or a viral vector.2.The composition of claim 1, wherein the cargo is a retroviral vector, a lentiviral vector, an adenoviral vector, or an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector.3.The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the LNP comprises two or three phospholipids that are selected from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .4.The composition of claim 3, wherein the LNP comprises phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) , phosphatidylglycerol (PG) , and cardiolipin (CL) .5.The composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the LNP comprises about 10%-90%PE (w / w) .6.The composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the LNP comprises about 60%-75%PE (w / w) .7.The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the LNP comprises about 1%-50%PG (w / w) .8.The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the LNP comprises about 10%-30%PG (w / w) .9.The composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the LNP comprises about 3%-70%CL (w / w) .10.The composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the LNP comprises about 6%-20%CL (w / w) .11.The composition of any one of claims 3-10, wherein the cargo is a vector and the phospholipid and the vector are at a ratio of about 35-45 femtogram lipids / vector genome (fg / vg) .12.The composition of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the cargo is a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector and the rAAV is of a serotype of AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAV13 or variant thereof.13.The composition of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the composition has a diameter of about 10-500nm, preferably about 50-200 nm.14.The composition of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the cargo comprises a heterologous gene.15.A composition comprising(a) a cargo;(b) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating the cargo, wherein the cargo comprises a protein, a nucleic acid, or a viral vector.wherein the LNP comprises about 65%-70%PE, about 20%-25%PG and about 8%-13%CL.16.The composition of claim 15, wherein the cargo is a viral vector.17.The composition of any one of claims 15-16, wherein the cargo is a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (rAAV) .18.A pharmaceutical composition comprising the composition of any one of claims 1-17 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.19.A method of treating a disease or disorder comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-17 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 18.20.The method of claim 19, further comprising administering to the subject one or more immunosuppressing agents.21.The method of claim 20, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents comprise a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant.22.The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more glucocorticoid immunosuppressants are selected from cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone,methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) , dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone.23.The method of claim 22, wherein the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) .24.The method of any one of claims 20-23, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered prior to, during and / or after the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.25.The method of any one of claims 20-24, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered every 1, 2, 3 or more days.26.The method of any one of claims 20-25, wherein one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered for about 5 to about 20 times.27.The method of any one of claims 20-26, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg / kg to about 105 mg / kg.28.The method of any one of claims 20-27, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered every 3 days for about 18 times, wherein the administration of the one or more immunosuppressing agents starts about 6 days prior to the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.29.The method of any one of claims 20-27, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents are administered every 3 days for about 6 times, wherein the administration of the one or more immunosuppressing agents are starts about 6 days prior to the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.30.The method of any one of claims 19-29, wherein the disease or disorder is a genetic disease or a non-genetic disease.31.The method of claim 30, wherein the disease or disorder is hemophilia A, hemophilia B, Fabry, Wilson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, or phenylketonuria.32.The method of any one of claims 19-31, wherein the composition or the pharmaceutical composition is administered more than once to the subject.33.A method of improving transgene expression of a vector in a subject, wherein the subject has been previously administered with a vector,the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-17 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein the cargo is the vector.34.The method of claim 33, wherein the subject was previously administered with a vector at least 7 days prior to the administration of the composition or the pharmaceutical composition.35.The method of any one of claims 33-34, further comprising administering one or more immunosuppressing agents to the subject.36.A method of reducing the immune clearance of a cargo, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-17 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 18.37.The method of claim 36, further comprising administering one or more immunosuppressing agents to the subject.38.The method of claim 37, wherein the production of an antibody against the cargo in the subject is reduced, compared the production of an antibody against the cargo after administration of the cargo without being encapsulated by LNP.39.A method of producing the composition of any one of claims 1-17, comprising:(1) mixing at least two types of phospholipids with a cargo, thereby obtaining a mixture; and(2) extruding the mixture from a liposome extruder, thereby producing the composition.40.The method of claim 39, wherein the method further comprisesseparating liposome nanoparticles comprising the cargo encapsulated with a layer of phospholipids.41.A method of generating a transgenic animal, comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-17 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 18.42.The method of claim 41, wherein the cargo is a vector and the vector comprises a heterologous gene.43.The method of claim 42, wherein the heterologous gene is integrated into the genome of the animal.44.A composition comprising:(a) a cargo;(b) a liposome nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulating the cargo, wherein the cargo comprises a protein, or a nucleic acid, or a viral vector; and(c) one or more immunosuppressing agents.45.The composition of claim 44, wherein the cargo is a viral vector (e.g., rAAV vector) .46.The composition of claim 44 or 45, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents comprise a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant.47.The composition of claim 46, wherein the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is selected from cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) , dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone.48.A kit comprising a liposome nanoparticle composition of a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (LNP-rAAV) and one or more immunosuppressing agents.49.The kit of claim 48, wherein the one or more immunosuppressing agents comprise a glucocorticoid immunosuppressant.50.The kit of claim 49, wherein the glucocorticoid immunosuppressant is selected from cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) , dexamethasone, betamethasone, fludrocortisone acetate, deoxycorticosterone acetate and aldosterone.
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