Dual vectors expressing murine factor VIII result in sustained correction of hemophilia a mice

Cathryn Mah, Rita Sarkar, Irene Zolotukhin, Mary Schleissing, Xiao Xiao, Haig H. Kazazian, Barry J. Byrne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hemophilia A is a sex-linked disorder that results from a deficiency of functional factor VIII and is currently treated by protein replacement therapies. Within the past decade, gene therapy efforts have come to the forefront of novel therapeutics. In this work, a dual-vector approach was employed in which recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors expressing the heavy and light chains of the murine factor VIII gene were delivered either intramuscularly or intravenously to a mouse model of hemophilia A. From in vitro work, it was determined that coinfection with both vectors is required as heterodimerization of the heavy and light chains occurs intracellularly. In vivo, therapeutic levels of factor VIII expression were achieved throughout the duration of the study (22 weeks). Intravenous and intramuscular delivery resulted in a maximal average expression of 31.4 ± 6.4 and 29 ± 6.5% of normal murine factor VIII levels, respectively. Western blots of cryoprecipitate as well as immunostaining of injection sites with an anti-murine factor VIII light chain antibody also confirmed the expression of factor VIII. Because the murine form of the gene was used in the mouse model, less than 1 Bethesda unit of inhibitors was noted. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using rAAV vectors for the long-term treatment of hemophilia A.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-152
Number of pages10
JournalHuman gene therapy
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

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