Gene therapy based on recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is showing great clinical promise. Previously, we showed that an intravenous rAAV injection could cause hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in newborn mice due to vector integration into and activation of a specific locus on chromosome 12 which we call the AAV-HCC locus in this proposal. Even a single integration event was sufficient to cause HCC in mice. Given that this locus is highly conserved and overexpressed in a subclass of human HCC, these mouse studies raise significant concerns about a possible risk of HCC induction in human gene therapy trials. In order to advance the promising field of liver-directed rAAV therapy, it is important to establish whether rAAV is likely to cause HCC in humans. In this proposal we systematically explore the risk of HCC caused by vector integration at the AAV-HCC locus, using three different animal models to establish the effects of clinically relevant risk factors, as well as vector design on HC induction. In addition, we will assess the risk conferred by random integration of rAAV gene therapy vectors in the liver. Our results will have a significant impact on the clinical practice o liver-directed gene therapy, not only for rAAV vectors, but also for any integrating vector, and may lead to new experimental models of human HCC.

Public Health Relevance

Liver directed gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAV) is a very promising approach for the treatment of many genetic diseases. Unfortunately, however, rAAV can cause liver cancer in mice. The risk for liver cancer in humans treated with rAAV is unknown. The relevance of the proposed studies lies in determining the risk for liver cancer in human patients treated with liver directed gene therapy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA190144-03
Application #
9233058
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-GGG-R (02)M)
Program Officer
Read-Connole, Elizabeth Lee
Project Start
2015-04-01
Project End
2020-03-31
Budget Start
2017-04-01
Budget End
2018-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$527,333
Indirect Cost
$105,121
Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
096997515
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239
Russell, David W; Grompe, Markus (2015) Adeno-associated virus finds its disease. Nat Genet 47:1104-5