Human genome-edited hematopoietic stem cells phenotypically correct Mucopolysaccharidosis type I

Abstract

Lysosomal enzyme deficiencies comprise a large group of genetic disorders that generally lack effective treatments. A potential treatment approach is to engineer the patients own hematopoietic system to express high levels of the deficient enzyme, thereby correcting the biochemical defect and halting disease progression. Here, we present an efficient ex vivo genome editing approach using CRISPR/Cas9 that targets the lysosomal enzyme iduronidase to the CCR5 safe harbor locus in human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The modified cells secrete supra-endogenous enzyme levels, maintain long-term repopulation and multi-lineage differentiation potential, and can correct biochemical and phenotypic abnormalities in an immunocompromised mouse model of Mucopolysaccharidosis type I. Our studies provide support for the development of human, genome-edited CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for the treatment of a multi-systemic lysosomal storage disorder. Our safe harbor approach constitutes a flexible platform for the expression of lysosomal enzymes, exemplifying a potential new paradigm for the treatment of these diseases.