Prolonged expression of an anti-HIV-1 gp120 minibody to the female rhesus macaque lower genital tract by AAV gene transfer

Gene Ther. 2014 Sep;21(9):802-10. doi: 10.1038/gt.2014.56. Epub 2014 Jun 26.

Abstract

Topical microbicides are a leading strategy for prevention of HIV mucosal infection to women; however, numerous pharmacokinetic limitations associated with coitally related dosing strategy have contributed to their limited success. Here we test the hypothesis that adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated delivery of the b12 human anti-HIV-1 gp120 minibody gene to the lower genital tract of female rhesus macaques (Rh) can provide prolonged expression of b12 minibodies in the cervical-vaginal secretions. Gene transfer studies demonstrated that, of various green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing AAV serotypes, AAV-6 most efficiently transduced freshly immortalized and primary genital epithelial cells (PGECs) of female Rh in vitro. In addition, AAV-6-b12 minibody transduction of Rh PGECs led to inhibition of SHIV162p4 transmigration and virus infectivity in vitro. AAV-6-GFP could also successfully transduce vaginal epithelial cells of Rh when applied intravaginally, including p63+ epithelial stem cells. Moreover, intravaginal application of AAV-6-b12 to female Rh resulted in prolonged minibody detection in their vaginal secretions throughout the 79-day study period. These data provide proof of principle that AAV-6-mediated delivery of anti-HIV broadly neutralizing antibody (BnAb) genes to the lower genital tract of female Rh results in persistent minibody detection for several months. This strategy offers promise that an anti-HIV-1 genetic microbicide strategy may be possible in which topical application of AAV vector, with periodic reapplication as needed, may provide sustained local BnAb expression and protection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Dependovirus / genetics
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / virology*
  • Female
  • Genetic Vectors / administration & dosage
  • Genitalia, Female / cytology
  • Genitalia, Female / metabolism*
  • Genitalia, Female / virology
  • HIV Antibodies / genetics
  • HIV Antibodies / metabolism*
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • HIV-1 / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Macaca mulatta / metabolism
  • Macaca mulatta / virology*

Substances

  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120