Production of lentiviral vectors using novel, enzymatically produced, linear DNA

Gene Ther. 2019 Apr;26(3-4):86-92. doi: 10.1038/s41434-018-0056-1. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Abstract

The manufacture of large quantities of high-quality DNA is a major bottleneck in the production of viral vectors for gene therapy. Touchlight Genetics has developed a proprietary abiological technology that addresses the major issues in commercial DNA supply. The technology uses 'rolling-circle' amplification to produce large quantities of concatameric DNA that is then processed to create closed linear double-stranded DNA by enzymatic digestion. This novel form of DNA, Doggybone™ DNA (dbDNA™), is structurally distinct from plasmid DNA. Here we compare lentiviral vectors production from dbDNA™ and plasmid DNA. Lentiviral vectors were administered to neonatal mice via intracerebroventricular injection. Luciferase expression was quantified in conscious mice continually by whole-body bioluminescent imaging. We observed long-term luciferase expression using dbDNA™-derived vectors, which was comparable to plasmid-derived lentivirus vectors. Here we have demonstrated that functional lentiviral vectors can be produced using the novel dbDNA™ configuration for delivery in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, this could enable lentiviral vector packaging of complex DNA sequences that have previously been incompatible with bacterial propagation systems, as dbDNA™ technology could circumvent such restrictions through its phi29-based rolling-circle amplification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA / genetics
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Genetic Vectors / isolation & purification*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lentivirus / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / methods*
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Transfection

Substances

  • DNA