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Multilayered HIV-1 resistance in HSPCs through CCR5 Knockout and B cell secretion of HIV-inhibiting antibodies
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Multilayered HIV-1 resistance in HSPCs through CCR5 Knockout and B cell secretion of HIV-inhibiting antibodies

William N Feist, Sofia E Luna, Kaya Ben-Efraim, Maria V Filsinger Interrante, Alvaro Amorin, Nicole M Johnston, Theodora U J Bruun, Ashley Utz, Hana Y Ghanim, Benjamin J Lesch, …
Nature communications, Vol.16(1), pp.3103-18
04/01/2025
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58371-8
PMCID: PMC11958643
PMID: 40164595

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Abstract

Allogeneic transplantation of CCR5 null hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) is the only known cure for HIV-1 infection. However, this treatment is limited because of the rarity of CCR5-null matched donors, the morbidities associated with allogeneic transplantation, and the prevalence of HIV-1 strains resistant to CCR5 knockout (KO) alone. Here, we propose a one-time therapy through autologous transplantation of HSPCs genetically engineered ex vivo to produce both CCR5 KO cells and long-term secretion of potent HIV-1 inhibiting antibodies from B cell progeny. CRISPR-Cas9-engineered HSPCs engraft and reconstitute multiple hematopoietic lineages in vivo and can be engineered to express multiple antibodies simultaneously (in pre-clinical models). Human B cells engineered to express each antibody secrete neutralizing concentrations capable of inhibiting HIV-1 pseudovirus infection in vitro. This work lays the foundation for a potential one-time functional cure for HIV-1 through combining the long-term delivery of therapeutic antibodies against HIV-1 and the known efficacy of CCR5 KO HSPC transplantation.
Animals Antibodies, Neutralizing - immunology B-Lymphocytes - immunology CRISPR-Cas Systems Female Gene Knockout Techniques Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Hematopoietic Stem Cells - immunology Hematopoietic Stem Cells - metabolism Hematopoietic Stem Cells - virology HIV Antibodies - immunology HIV Infections - immunology HIV Infections - therapy HIV Infections - virology HIV-1 - genetics HIV-1 - immunology Humans Mice Receptors, CCR5 - genetics Receptors, CCR5 - immunology Receptors, CCR5 - metabolism

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