Genetically modified virus

From WikiProjectMed
Jump to navigation Jump to search

A genetically modified virus is a virus that has been altered or generated using biotechnology methods, and remains capable of infection. Genetic modification involves the directed insertion, deletion, artificial synthesis or change of nucleotide bases in viral genomes. Genetically modified viruses are mostly generated by the insertion of foreign genes intro viral genomes for the purposes of biomedical, agricultural, bio-control, or technological objectives. The terms genetically modified virus and genetically engineered virus are used synonymously.

General usage

Genetically modified viruses are generated through genetic modification, which involves the directed insertion, deletion, artificial synthesis, or change of nucleotide sequences in viral genomes using biotechnological methods. While most dsDNA viruses have single monopartite genomes, many RNA viruses have multipartite genomes, it is not necessary for all parts of a viral genome to be genetically modified for the virus to be considered a genetically modified virus. Infectious viruses capable of infection that are generated through artificial gene synthesis of all, or part of their genomes (for example based on inferred historical sequences) may also be considered as genetically modified viruses. Viruses that are changed solely through the action of spontaneous mutations, recombination or reassortment events (even in experimental settings), are not generally considered to be genetically modified viruses.

Viruses are generally modified so they can be used as vectors for inserting new genetic information into a host organism or altering its preexisting genetic material. This can be achieved in at least three processes :

  1. Integration of all, or parts, of a viral genome into the host's genome (e.g. into its chromosomes). When the whole genetically modified viral genome is integrated it is then referred to as a genetically modified provirus. Where DNA or RNA which that has been packaged as part of a virus particle, but may not necessarily contain any viral genes, becomes integrated into a hosts genome this process is known as transduction.
  2. Maintenance of the viral genome within host cells but not as an integrated part of the host's genome.
  3. Where genes necessary for genome editing have been placed into the viral genome using biotechnology methods,[1] editing of the host's genome is possible. This process does not require the integration of viral genomes into the host's genome.

None of these three processes are mutually exclusive. Where only process 2. occurs and it results in the expression of a genetically modified gene this will often be referred to as a transient expression approach.

The capacity to infect host cells or tissues is a necessary requirement for all applied uses of genetically modified viruses. However, a capacity for viral transmission (the transfer of infections between host individuals), is either not required or is considered undesirable for most applications. Only in a small minority of proposed uses is viral transmission considered necessary or desirable, an example is transmissible vaccines.[2][3] This is because transmissibility considerably complicates to efforts monitor, control, or contain the spread of viruses.[4]

History

In 1972, the earliest report of the insertion of a foreign sequence into a viral genome was published, when Paul Berg used the EcoRI restriction enzyme and DNA ligases to create the first ever recombinant DNA molecules.[5] This was achieved by joining DNA from the monkey SV40 virus with that of the lambda virus. However, it was not established that either of the two viruses were capable of infection or replication.

In 1974, the first report of a genetically modified virus that could also replicate and infect was submitted for publication by Noreen Murray and Kenneth Murray.[6] Just two months later in August 1974, Marjorie Thomas, John Cameron and Ronald W. Davis submitted a report for publication of a similar achievement.[7]

Collectively, these experiments represented the very start of the development of what would eventually become known as biotechnology or recombinant DNA methods.

Health applications

Gene therapy

Gene therapy[8] uses genetically modified viruses to deliver genes that can cure diseases in human cells.These viruses can deliver DNA or RNA genetic material to the targeted cells. Gene therapy is also used by inactivating mutated genes that are causing the disease using viruses.[9]

Viruses that have been used for gene therapy are, adenovirus, lentivirus, retrovirus and the herpes simplex virus.[10] The most common virus used for gene delivery come from adenoviruses as they can carry up to 7.5 kb of foreign DNA and infect a relatively broad range of host cells, although they have been known to elicit immune responses in the host and only provide short term expression. Other common vectors are adeno-associated viruses, which have lower toxicity and longer term expression, but can only carry about 4kb of DNA.[11] Herpes simplex viruses is a promising vector, have a carrying capacity of over 30kb and provide long term expression, although it is less efficient at gene delivery than other vectors.[12] The best vectors for long term integration of the gene into the host genome are retroviruses, but their propensity for random integration is problematic. Lentiviruses are a part of the same family as retroviruses with the advantage of infecting both dividing and non-dividing cells, whereas retroviruses only target dividing cells. Other viruses that have been used as vectors include alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, poxviruses, and picornaviruses.[11]

Although primarily still at trial stages,[13] it has had some successes. It has been used to treat inherited genetic disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency[14] rising from adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID),[15] although the development of leukemia in some ADA-SCID patients[11] along with the death of Jesse Gelsinger in another trial set back the development of this approach for many years.[16] In 2009 another breakthrough was achieved when an eight year old boy with Leber’s congenital amaurosis regained normal eyesight[16] and in 2016 GlaxoSmithKline gained approval to commercialise a gene therapy treatment for ADA-SCID.[15] As of 2018, there are a substantial number of clinical trials underway, including treatments for hemophilia, glioblastoma, chronic granulomatous disease, cystic fibrosis and various cancers.[11] Although some successes, gene therapy is still considered a risky technique and studies are still undergoing to ensure safety and effectiveness.[9]

Cancer treatment

Another potential use of genetically modified viruses is to alter them so they can directly treat diseases. This can be through expression of protective proteins or by directly targeting infected cells. In 2004, researchers reported that a genetically modified virus that exploits the selfish behaviour of cancer cells might offer an alternative way of killing tumours.[17][18] Since then, several researchers have developed genetically modified oncolytic viruses that show promise as treatments for various types of cancer.[19] [20] [21][22][23]

Vaccines 

Most vaccines consist of viruses that have been attenuated, disabled, weakened or killed in some way so that their virulent properties are no longer effective. Genetic engineering could theoretically be used to create viruses with the virulent genes removed. In 2001, it was reported that genetically modified viruses can possibly be used to develop vaccines[24] against diseases such as, AIDS, herpes, dengue fever and viral hepatitis by using a proven safe vaccine virus, such as adenovirus, and modify its genome to have genes that code for immunogenic proteins that can spike the immune systems response to then be able to fight the virus. Genetic engineered viruses should not have reduced infectivity, invoke a natural immune response and there is no chance that they will regain their virulence function, which can occur with some other vaccines. As such they are generally considered safer and more efficient than conventional vaccines, although concerns remain over non-target infection, potential side effects and horizontal gene transfer to other viruses.[25] Another approach is to use vectors to create novel vaccines for diseases that have no vaccines available or the vaccines that are do not work effectively, such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Vector-based vaccines have already been approved and many more are being developed.[26]

Heart pacemaker

In 2012, US researchers reported that they injected a genetically modified virus into the heart of pigs. This virus inserted into the heart muscles a gene called Tbx18 which enabled heartbeats. The researchers forecast that one day this technique could be used to restore the heartbeat in humans who would otherwise need electronic pacemakers.[27][28]

Genetically modified viruses intended for use in the environment

Animals

In Spain and Portugal, by 2005 rabbits had declined by as much as 95% over 50 years due diseases such as myxomatosis, rabbit haemorrhagic disease and other causes. This in turn caused declines in predators like the Iberian lynx, a critically endangered species.[29][30] In 2000 Spanish researchers investigated a genetically modified virus which might have protected rabbits in the wild against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease.[31] However, there was concern that such a virus might make its way into wild populations in areas such as Australia and create a population boom.[29][4] Rabbits in Australia are considered to be such a pest that land owners are legally obliged to control them.[32]

Genetically modified viruses that make the target animals infertile through immunocontraception have been created[33] as well as others that target the developmental stage of the animal.[34] There are concerns over virus containment[33] and cross species infection.[35]

Trees

Since 2009 genetically modified viruses expressing spinach defensin proteins have been field trialed in Florida (USA).[36] The virus infection of orange trees aims to combat citrus greening disease, that had reduced orange production in Florida 70% since 2005.[37] A permit application has been pending since February 13, 2017 (USDA 17-044-101r) to extend the experimental use permit to an area of 513,500 acres, this would make it the largest permit of this kind ever issued by the USDA Biotechnology Regulatory Services.

Insect Allies program

In 2016 DARPA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, announced a tender for contracts to develop genetically modified plant viruses for an approach involving their dispersion into the environment using insects.[38][39] The work plan stated:

“Plant viruses hold significant promise as carriers of gene editing circuitry and are a natural partner for an insect-transmitted delivery platform.” [38]

The motivation provided for the program is to ensure food stability by protecting agricultural food supply and commodity crops:

"By leveraging the natural ability of insect vectors to deliver viruses with high host plant specificity, and combining this capability with advances in gene editing, rapid enhancement of mature plants in the field can be achieved over large areas and without the need for industrial infrastructure.” [38]

Despite its name, the “Insect Allies” program is to a large extent a viral program, developing viruses that would essentially perform gene editing of crops in already-planted fields.[40][41][42][43] The genetically modified viruses described in the work plan and other public documents are of a class of genetically modified viruses subsequently termed HEGAAs (horizontal environmental gene alteration agents). The Insect Allies program is scheduled to run from 2017 to 2021 with contracts being executed by three consortia. There are no plans to release the genetically modified viruses into the environment, with testing of the full insect dispersed system occurring in greenhouses (Biosafety level 3 facilities have been mentioned).[44]

Concerns have been expressed about how this program and any data it generates will impact biological weapon control and agricultural coexistence,[45][46][47] though there has also been support for its stated objectives.[48]

Technological applications

Lithium-ion batteries

In 2009, MIT scientists created a genetically modified virus has been used to construct a more environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery.[49][50][51] The battery was constructed by genetically engineering different viruses such as, the E4 bacteriophage and the M13 bacteriophage, to be used as a cathode. This was done by editing the genes of the virus that code for the protein coat. The protein coat is edited to coat itself in iron phosphate to be able to adhere to highly conductive carbon-nanotubes. The viruses that have been modified to have a multifunctional protein coat can be used as a nano-structured cathode with causes ionic interactions with cations. Allowing the virus to be used as a small battery. Angela Blecher, the scientist who led the MIT research team on the project, says that the battery is powerful enough to be used as a rechargeable battery, power hybrid electric cars, and a number of personal electronics.[52] While both the E4 and M13 viruses can infect and replicate within their bacterial host, it unclear if they retain this capacity after being part of a battery.

Safety concerns and regulation

Bio-hazard research limitations

The National Institute of Health declared a research funding moratorium on select Gain-of-Function virus research in January 2015.[53][54] In January 2017, the U.S. Government released final policy guidance for the review and oversight of research anticipated to create, transfer, or use enhanced potential pandemic pathogens (PPP).[55] Questions about a potential escape of a modified virus from a biosafety lab and the utility of dual-use-technology, dual use research of concern (DURC), prompted the NIH funding policy revision.[56][57][58]

GMO lentivirus incident

A scientist claims she was infected by a genetically modified virus while working for Pfizer. In her federal lawsuit she says she has been intermittently paralyzed by the Pfizer-designed virus. "McClain, of Deep River, suspects she was inadvertently exposed, through work by a former Pfizer colleague in 2002 or 2003, to an engineered form of the lentivirus, a virus similar to the one that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS."[59] The court found that McClain failed to demonstrate that her illness was caused by exposure to the lentivirus,[60] but also that Pfizer violated whistleblower protection laws.[61]

References

  1. ^ Ran FA, Cong L, Yan WX, Scott DA, Gootenberg JS, Kriz AJ, Zetsche B, Shalem O, Wu X, Makarova KS, Koonin EV, Sharp PA, Zhang F (April 2015). "In vivo genome editing using Staphylococcus aureus Cas9". Nature. 520 (7546): 186–91. Bibcode:2015Natur.520..186R. doi:10.1038/nature14299. PMC 4393360. PMID 25830891.
  2. ^ Torres JM, Sánchez C, Ramírez MA, Morales M, Bárcena J, Ferrer J, Espuña E, Pagès-Manté A, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM (August 2001). "First field trial of a transmissible recombinant vaccine against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease". Vaccine. 19 (31): 4536–43. doi:10.1016/S0264-410X(01)00184-0. hdl:20.500.12792/4539. PMID 11483281.
  3. ^ Bull JJ, Smithson MW, Nuismer SL (January 2018). "Transmissible Viral Vaccines". Trends in Microbiology. 26 (1): 6–15. doi:10.1016/j.tim.2017.09.007. PMC 5777272. PMID 29033339.
  4. ^ a b Angulo E, Gilna B (March 2008). "When biotech crosses borders". Nature Biotechnology. 26 (3): 277–82. doi:10.1038/nbt0308-277. hdl:10261/45524. PMID 18327233. S2CID 205266187.
  5. ^ Jackson DA, Symons RH, Berg P (October 1972). "Biochemical method for inserting new genetic information into DNA of Simian Virus 40: circular SV40 DNA molecules containing lambda phage genes and the galactose operon of Escherichia coli". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 69 (10): 2904–9. Bibcode:1972PNAS...69.2904J. doi:10.1073/pnas.69.10.2904. PMC 389671. PMID 4342968.
  6. ^ Murray NE, Murray K (October 1974). "Manipulation of restriction targets in phage lambda to form receptor chromosomes for DNA fragments". Nature. 251 (5475): 476–81. Bibcode:1974Natur.251..476M. doi:10.1038/251476a0. PMID 4608939. S2CID 4203507.
  7. ^ Thomas M, Cameron JR, Davis RW (November 1974). "Viable molecular hybrids of bacteriophage lambda and eukaryotic DNA". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 71 (11): 4579–83. Bibcode:1974PNAS...71.4579T. doi:10.1073/pnas.71.11.4579. PMC 433931. PMID 4216019.
  8. ^ Selkirk SM (October 2004). "Gene therapy in clinical medicine". Postgraduate Medical Journal. 80 (948): 560–70. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2003.017764. PMC 1743106. PMID 15466989.
  9. ^ a b Reference GH. "What is gene therapy?". Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved 2017-12-08.
  10. ^ Hassan MH, Othman EE, Hornung D, Al-Hendy A (August 2009). "Gene therapy of benign gynecological diseases". Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 61 (10): 822–35. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2009.04.023. PMC 4477532. PMID 19446586.
  11. ^ a b c d Lundstrom K (May 2018). "Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy". Diseases. 6 (2): 42. doi:10.3390/diseases6020042. PMC 6023384. PMID 29883422.
  12. ^ Manservigi R, Epstein AL, Argnani R, Marconi P (2013). HSV as a Vector in Vaccine Development and Gene Therapy. Landes Bioscience.
  13. ^ "Is gene therapy available to treat my disorder?". Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved 2018-12-14.
  14. ^ Cavazzana-Calvo M, Fischer A (June 2007). "Gene therapy for severe combined immunodeficiency: are we there yet?". The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 117 (6): 1456–65. doi:10.1172/JCI30953. PMC 1878528. PMID 17549248.
  15. ^ a b Aiuti A, Roncarolo MG, Naldini L (June 2017). "ex vivo gene therapy in Europe: paving the road for the next generation of advanced therapy medicinal products". EMBO Molecular Medicine. 9 (6): 737–740. doi:10.15252/emmm.201707573. PMC 5452047. PMID 28396566.
  16. ^ a b Sheridan C (February 2011). "Gene therapy finds its niche". Nature Biotechnology. 29 (2): 121–8. doi:10.1038/nbt.1769. PMID 21301435. S2CID 5063701.
  17. ^ Genetically-modified virus explodes cancer cells
  18. ^ GM virus shrinks cancer tumours in humans
  19. ^ Leja J, Yu D, Nilsson B, Gedda L, Zieba A, Hakkarainen T, Åkerström G, Öberg K, Giandomenico V, Essand M (November 2011). "Oncolytic adenovirus modified with somatostatin motifs for selective infection of neuroendocrine tumor cells". Gene Therapy. 18 (11): 1052–62. doi:10.1038/gt.2011.54. PMID 21490682.
  20. ^ Perett, Linda (30 June 2011) Measles viruses genetically modified to treat ovarian cancer National Cancer Institute, Benchmarks, Retrieved 5 September 2012
  21. ^ Breitbach CJ, Thorne SH, Bell JC, Kirn DH (July 2012). "Targeted and armed oncolytic poxviruses for cancer: the lead example of JX-594". Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 13 (9): 1768–72. doi:10.2174/138920112800958922. PMID 21740365.
  22. ^ Beasley D (31 August 2011). "Cancer-fighting virus shown to target tumors alone". Reuters Science. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  23. ^ Garber K (March 2006). "China approves world's first oncolytic virus therapy for cancer treatment". Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 98 (5): 298–300. doi:10.1093/jnci/djj111. PMID 16507823.
  24. ^ Stephenson JR (March 2001). "Genetically modified viruses: vaccines by design". Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 2 (1): 47–76. doi:10.2174/1389201013378815. PMID 11482348.
  25. ^ Chan VS (November 2006). "Use of genetically modified viruses and genetically engineered virus-vector vaccines: environmental effects". Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 69 (21): 1971–7. Bibcode:2006JTEHA..69.1971C. doi:10.1080/15287390600751405. PMID 16982535. S2CID 41198650.
  26. ^ Ramezanpour B, Haan I, Osterhaus A, Claassen E (December 2016). "Vector-based genetically modified vaccines: Exploiting Jenner's legacy". Vaccine. 34 (50): 6436–6448. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.06.059. PMC 7115478. PMID 28029542.
  27. ^ Gallagher, James (16 December 2012) Virus rebuilds heart's own pacemaker in animal tests BBC News Health, Retrieved 5 January 2013
  28. ^ Kapoor N, Liang W, Marbán E, Cho HC (January 2013). "Direct conversion of quiescent cardiomyocytes to pacemaker cells by expression of Tbx18". Nature Biotechnology. 31 (1): 54–62. doi:10.1038/nbt.2465. PMC 3775583. PMID 23242162.
  29. ^ a b Ward, Dan (2005)Reversing Rabbit Decline One of the biggest challenges for nature conservation in Spain and Portugal[permanent dead link] University of Alberta, Canada, Retrieved 30 August 2012
  30. ^ Ward D (December 2008). "LynxBrief" (PDF).
  31. ^ Bárcena J, Morales M, Vázquez B, Boga JA, Parra F, Lucientes J, Pagès-Manté A, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM, Blasco R, Torres JM (February 2000). "Horizontal transmissible protection against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease by using a recombinant myxoma virus". Journal of Virology. 74 (3): 1114–23. doi:10.1128/JVI.74.3.1114-1123.2000. PMC 111445. PMID 10627521.
  32. ^ Catalyst: GM Virus - ABC TV Science
  33. ^ a b Jelley J (2002-08-07). "GM virus curbs rabbits". Retrieved 2018-12-16.
  34. ^ O'Riordan B (2005-02-26). "Virus planned to counter cane toad". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2018-12-16.
  35. ^ Mildura GO. "Virus could sterilise Australia's rabbits". New Scientist. Retrieved 2018-12-16.
  36. ^ "Southern Gardens Citrus Nursery, LLC; Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Permit for Release of Genetically Engineered Citrus tristeza virus". www.regulations.gov. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  37. ^ Molteni M (2017-04-12). "Florida's Orange Trees Are Dying, But a Weaponized Virus Could Save Them". Wired. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
  38. ^ a b c "Broad Agency Announcement Insect Allies, Biological Technologies Office, HR001117S0002 November 1, 2016". FedBizOpps.gov.
  39. ^ "Insect Allies Proposers Day - Federal Business Opportunities: Opportunities". www.fbo.gov. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  40. ^ "Insect Allies: How the Enemies of Corn May Someday Save It". 2017-10-17. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  41. ^ Cartwright S (20 December 2017). "Ohio State scientists to make plant virus system "turn on its head" with insect research". The Lantern. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  42. ^ "Penn State team receives $7M award to enlist insects as allies for food security | Penn State University". news.psu.edu. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  43. ^ "BTI receives DARPA 'Insect Allies' Award". EurekAlert!. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  44. ^ "Insect Allies Teaming Profiles" (PDF). 2016.
  45. ^ Kuiken T (2017-05-03). "How the U.S. Military's Synthetic Biology Initiatives Could Change the Entire Research Field". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  46. ^ Reeves RG, Voeneky S, Caetano-Anollés D, Beck F, Boëte C (2018-10-05). "Agricultural research, or a new bioweapon system?". Science. 362 (6410): 35–37. Bibcode:2018Sci...362...35R. doi:10.1126/science.aat7664. hdl:21.11116/0000-0002-4F53-9. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 30287653. S2CID 52921548.
  47. ^ Goldstone Elsa Partan, Heather. "'Insect Allies' Program Draws Criticism". www.capeandislands.org. Retrieved 2019-06-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ "Opinion | A Pentagon program involving insects comes with risks — and huge potential". Washington Post. Retrieved 2019-06-10.
  49. ^ Lee YJ, Yi H, Kim WJ, Kang K, Yun DS, Strano MS, Ceder G, Belcher AM (May 2009). "Fabricating genetically engineered high-power lithium-ion batteries using multiple virus genes". Science. 324 (5930): 1051–5. Bibcode:2009Sci...324.1051L. doi:10.1126/science.1171541. PMID 19342549. S2CID 32017913.
  50. ^ http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/virus-battery-0402.html New virus-built battery could power cars, electronic devices
  51. ^ Hidden Ingredient In New, Greener Battery: A Virus
  52. ^ "New virus-built battery could power cars, electronic devices". MIT News. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  53. ^ U.S. Government (October 17, 2014). "U.S. Government Gain-of-Function Deliberative Process and Research Funding Pause on Selected Gain-of-Function Research Involving Influenza, MERS, and SARS Viruses" (PDF).
  54. ^ Menachery VD, Yount Jr BL, Debbink K, Agnihothram S, Gralinski LE, Plante JA, Graham RL, Scobey T, Ge XY, Donaldson EF, Randell SH, Lanzavecchia A, Marasco WA, Shi ZL, Baric RS (2015). "A SARS-like cluster of circulating bat coronaviruses shows potential for human emergence". Nature Medicine. 21 (12): 1508–1513. doi:10.1038/nm.3985. PMC 4797993. PMID 26552008.
  55. ^ "Recommendations for the Evaluation and Oversight of Proposed Gain-of-Function Research" (PDF). May 2016.
  56. ^ Berg P (September 2012). "The dual-use conundrum". Science. 337 (6100): 1273. Bibcode:2012Sci...337.1273B. doi:10.1126/science.1229789. PMID 22984033.
  57. ^ "Biosecurity - Dual Use Research of Concern". NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP). Archived from the original on 2017-06-01. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
  58. ^ Kilianski A, Nuzzo JB, Modjarrad K (October 15, 2016). "Reply to Lipsitch". The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 214 (8): 1285–1286. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiw349. PMC 7107386. PMID 27503366.
  59. ^ "Ex-Pfizer Worker Cites Genetically Engineered Virus In Lawsuit Over Firing". Hartford Courant. Courant.com. March 14, 2010. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  60. ^ "McClain v. PFIZER, INC., 692 F. Supp. 2d 229". Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  61. ^ "A Pfizer Whistle-Blower Is Awarded $1.4 Million". The New York Times. April 2, 2010. Retrieved September 13, 2012.