Adeno-associated virus serotype 2-mediated gene transfer to the parotid glands of nonhuman primates.
Salivary glands (SGs) are promising gene transfer targets with potential clinical applicability. Previous experiments in rodents using recombinant serotype 2 adeno-associated viral (rAAV2) vectors have demonstrated relatively stable transgene-encoded protein levels after SG gene transfer. In the present study, we examine direct SG administration of rAAV2 vectors encoding rhesus macaque erythropoietin (RhEPO) to the parotid glands of nonhuman primates using two different doses (n = 3 per group; 1 x 10(10) or 3 x 10(11) particles/gland, respectively). Gene transfer had no negative effects on general macaque physiology (e.g., weight, complete blood count, and serum chemistry). Macaques were euthanized 6 months after vector administration and complete necropsy and pathology assessments were performed, revealing no vector-related pathological lesions in any of the examined organs. In the high-dose group, RhEPO expression increased quickly (i.e., by week 1) and levels remained relatively stable both in serum and saliva until the end of the study. Serum-to-saliva ratios of RhEPO revealed secretion of the transgene product into the bloodstream, but not to the extent previously observed in mice. Furthermore, the kinetic results were not predicted by those observed in murine SGs. With respect to viral biodistribution, at necropsy vector was found overwhelmingly in the targeted parotid gland ( approximately 100 times more than levels in other tissues, most of which were similar to tissue levels in nontreated animals). We conclude that administration of modest doses of rAAV2 vectors to SGs for therapeutic purposes can be accomplished without significant or permanent injury to the targeted gland or to distant organs of nonhuman primates.
Voutetakis
Antonis
A
Gene Therapy and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Department of Human Health Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Zheng
Changyu
C
Mineshiba
Fumi
F
Cotrim
Ana P
AP
Goldsmith
Corinne M
CM
Schmidt
Michael
M
Afione
Sandra
S
Roescher
Nienke
N
Metzger
Mark
M
Eckhaus
Michael A
MA
Chiorini
John A
JA
Dunbar
Cynthia E
CE
Donahue
Robert E
RE
Baum
Bruce J
BJ
D000818:Animals; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D004274:DNA, Recombinant / Q000378:metabolism; D000229:Dependovirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004921:Erythropoietin