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Lentiviral vectors transduce lung stem cells without disrupting plasticity
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Lentiviral vectors transduce lung stem cells without disrupting plasticity

Ashley L. Cooney, Andrew L. Thurman, Paul B. McCray, Alejandro A. Pezzulo and Patrick L. Sinn
Molecular therapy. Nucleic acids, Vol.25, pp.293-301
09/03/2021
DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.06.010
PMCID: PMC8379527
PMID: 34458011
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtn.2021.06.010View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Life-long expression of a gene therapy agent likely requires targeting stem cells. Here we ask the question: does viral vector transduction or ectopic expression of a therapeutic transgene preclude airway stem cell function? We used a lentiviral vector containing a GFP or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) transgene to transduce primary airway basal cells from human cystic fibrosis (CF) or non-CF lung donors and monitored expression and function after differentiation. Ussing chamber measurements confirmed CFTR-dependent chloride channel activity in CF donor cells. Immunostaining, quantitative real-time PCR, and single-cell sequencing analysis of cell-type markers indicated that vector transduction or CFTR expression does not alter the formation of pseudostratified, fully differentiated epithelial cell cultures or cell type distribution. These results have important implications for use of gene addition or gene editing strategies as life-long curative approaches for lung genetic diseases. [Display omitted] Does lentivirus-mediated transgene expression alter airway stem cell function? Based on morphology, physiology, and single-cell RNA sequencing, the authors conclude that lentivirus-mediated phenotypic correction has remarkably little impact on global gene expression or stem cell plasticity. These results have critical implications for lentivirus as a life-long curative strategy.
basal cells CFTR cystic fibrosis gene therapy lentivirus

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