Combination of miRNA148a-3p binding sites and C5-12 promoter in rAAV vector synergistically reduces antigen presentation and transgene immunity

Abstract

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is considered the most promising vector for gene therapy. However, the transgene- induced immune response hinders treatment efficacy. Current strategies to suppress immune responses include tissue-specific promoters and miRNA-binding sites; however, neither approach alone completely inhibits transgene-induced immune response. This study innovatively combines the C5-12 promoter and miRNA148a-3p binding sequences (miRNA148BS) in rAAV vectors express full-length ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen. We evaluated their effects on antigen presentation, cellular immunity, and humoral immunity. Results demonstrate that the combination of miRNA148BS and C5-12 promoter preserves expression of OVA in C2C12 cells while completely suppressing the expression in antigen-presenting cells (APC). Antigen presentation assays confirmed near-undetectable levels of the SIINFEKL peptide-MHC complex. Notably, the dual-modification strategy enabled higher and more stable transgene expression in mouse muscle compared to individual modifications. Furthermore, the combination significantly inhibited cytotoxic CTL activation and suppressed Th17 responses in vivo. This synergistic approach provides a foundation for development safe and more effective rAAV-based gene therapy.

Keywords: C5–12 promoter; Gene therapy; Immune responses; Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV); microRNA148a-3p.