Engineering Toxoplasma gondii secretion systems for intracellular delivery of multiple large therapeutic proteins to neurons.
Nat Microbiol
; 9(8): 2051-2072, 2024 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39075233
ABSTRACT
Delivering macromolecules across biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier limits their application in vivo. Previous work has demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that naturally travels from the human gut to the central nervous system (CNS), can deliver proteins to host cells. Here we engineered T. gondii's endogenous secretion systems, the rhoptries and dense granules, to deliver multiple large (>100 kDa) therapeutic proteins into neurons via translational fusions to toxofilin and GRA16. We demonstrate delivery in cultured cells, brain organoids and in vivo, and probe protein activity using imaging, pull-down assays, scRNA-seq and fluorescent reporters. We demonstrate robust delivery after intraperitoneal administration in mice and characterize 3D distribution throughout the brain. As proof of concept, we demonstrate GRA16-mediated brain delivery of the MeCP2 protein, a putative therapeutic target for Rett syndrome. By characterizing the potential and current limitations of the system, we aim to guide future improvements that will be required for broader application.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Toxoplasma
/
Encéfalo
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Proteínas Protozoarias
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Neuronas
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nat Microbiol
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Israel
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido