Novel CRISPR-Associated Gene-Editing Systems Discovered in Metagenomic Samples Enable Efficient and Specific Genome Engineering

CRISPR J. 2023 Jun;6(3):243-260. doi: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0089. Epub 2023 May 23.

Abstract

Development of medicines using gene editing has been hampered by enzymological and immunological impediments. We described previously the discovery and characterization of improved, novel gene-editing systems from metagenomic data. In this study, we substantially advance this work with three such gene-editing systems, demonstrating their utility for cell therapy development. All three systems are capable of reproducible, high-frequency gene editing in primary immune cells. In human T cells, disruption of the T cell receptor (TCR) alpha-chain was induced in >95% of cells, both paralogs of the TCR beta-chain in >90% of cells, and >90% knockout of β2-microglobulin, TIGIT, FAS, and PDCD1. Simultaneous double knockout of TRAC and TRBC was obtained at a frequency equal to that of the single edits. Gene editing with our systems had minimal effect on T cell viability. Furthermore, we integrate a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct into TRAC (up to ∼60% of T cells), and demonstrate CAR expression and cytotoxicity. We next applied our novel gene-editing tools to natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, generating similarly efficient cell-engineering outcomes including the creation of active CAR-NK cells. Interrogation of our gene-editing systems' specificity reveals a profile comparable with or better than Cas9. Finally, our nucleases lack preexisting humoral and T cell-based immunity, consistent with their sourcing from nonhuman pathogens. In all, we show these new gene-editing systems have the activity, specificity, and translatability necessary for use in cell therapy development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CRISPR-Cas Systems* / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Gene Editing*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell