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

Blood. 2007 Oct 1;110(7):2334-41. doi: 10.1182/blood-2007-03-080093. Epub 2007 Jul 3.

Abstract

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

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Adenoviridae / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Capsid Proteins / metabolism
  • Daclizumab
  • Factor IX / genetics
  • Factor IX / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin G / pharmacology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Liver / immunology*
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Macaca mulatta / genetics*
  • Macaca mulatta / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Models, Animal
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Mycophenolic Acid / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Sirolimus / pharmacology
  • Transgenes / genetics*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Capsid Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Factor IX
  • Daclizumab
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Sirolimus