Transient Expression of an LEDGF/p75 Chimera Retargets Lentivector Integration and Functionally Rescues in a Model for X-CGD

Retrovirus-based vectors are commonly used as delivery vehicles to correct genetic diseases because of their ability to integrate new sequences stably. However, adverse events in which vector integration activates proto-oncogenes, leading to clonal expansion and leukemogenesis hamper their application. The host cell-encoded lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) binds lentiviral integrase and targets integration to active transcription units. We demonstrated earlier that replacing the LEDGF/p75 chromatin interaction domain with an alternative DNA-binding protein could retarget integration. Here, we show that transient expression of the chimeric protein using mRNA electroporation efficiently redirects lentiviral vector (LV) integration in wild-type (WT) cells. We then employed this technology in a model for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) using myelomonocytic PLB-985 gp91(−/−) cells. Following electroporation with mRNA encoding the LEDGF-chimera, the cells were treated with a therapeutic lentivector encoding gp91(phox). Integration site analysis revealed retargeted integration away from genes and towards heterochromatin-binding protein 1β (CBX1)-binding sites, in regions enriched in marks associated with gene silencing. Nevertheless, gp91(phox) expression was stable for at least 6 months after electroporation and NADPH-oxidase activity was restored to normal levels as determined by superoxide production. Together, these data provide proof-of-principle that transient expression of engineered LEDGF-chimera can retarget lentivector integration and rescues the disease phenotype in a cell model, opening perspectives for safer gene therapy.