rAAV Gene Therapy Pretreatment With CD19 Inhibition for Redosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The induction of innate and adaptive immune responses to adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, vector DNA, and transgene product hinders successful gene therapy by eliminating the product and transfected cells, leading to decreased transgene expression and pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that prohibit repeated dosing.

Innovation Solution

Administering a CD19 inhibitor, such as an anti-CD19 antibody, prior to AAV gene therapy to manage host immune responses and suppress long-lasting humoral immunity, allowing for improved transgene expression and redosing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If AAV gene therapy is administered, then transgene expression is achieved, but host immune responses are induced that eliminate the product and transfected cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransgene expressionVSAvoidhost immune response
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering a CD19 inhibitor before AAV gene therapy to preemptively suppress the host immune response. This prevents the immune system from eliminating the AAV product and transfected cells, thereby maintaining transgene expression without requiring post-therapy immune intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If AAV gene therapy is administered, then transgene expression is achieved, but pre-existing neutralizing antibodies prohibit repeated dosing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransgene expressionVSAvoidredosing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The CD19 inhibitor is administered in advance to suppress the adaptive immune response and prevent the formation of neutralizing antibodies. This preliminary suppression enables repeated dosing of AAV gene therapy without the blocking effect of pre-existing NAbs, achieving both sustained transgene expression and redosing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If anti-CD20 antibody is used to manage immune response, then B cell depletion is achieved, but long-lasting humoral immunity persists

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveB cell depletionVSAvoidhumoral immunity duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the target parameter from CD20 to CD19, which is expressed on B cells at all developmental stages including plasma cells. This parameter change enables depletion of both B cells and long-lived plasma cells, eliminating humoral immunity completely rather than leaving persistent long-lasting immunity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances transgene expression and permits redosing by reducing immune responses against AAV and transgene products, overcoming the limitations of existing anti-CD20 antibody strategies.

Implementation Method 1

The innate immune response to a gene therapy product (e.g., a recombinant AAV, i.e., rAAV) may eliminate the product and transfected cells... The adaptive immune response develops later, and plays a crucial role—it includes a humoral response characterized by the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) specific to the capsid or an expressed transgene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImmunosuppression:

Data Source

PatentUS12544437B2Methods for improved therapeutic use of recombinant AAV
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 ULTRAGENYX PHARMACEUTICAL INC

AI summary

Provided herein are methods for managing host immune responses to improve therapeutic outcomes in adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy. Such methods may include administering a recombinant adeno-associated vims (rAAV) to a subject following administration of a CD 19 inhibitor, e.g., an anti-CD 19 antibody. The methods described herein can facilitate improved transgene expression, help overcome pre-existing NAbs, and/or permit redosing with the same or substantially similar rAAV or transgene.