U.S. patent application number 12/451536 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for method and apparatus for the delivery of plynucleotide vaccines to mammalia skin.
Invention is credited to Alan D. King, Anna-Karin Roos, Derin C. Walters, Richard E. Walters.
Application Number | 20110282265 12/451536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40122082 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110282265 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walters; Richard E. ; et
al. |
November 17, 2011 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE DELIVERY OF PLYNUCLEOTIDE VACCINES TO
MAMMALIA SKIN
Abstract
An object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus
for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin
cells to increase T cell response and reduce pain and discomfort
due to long electric waveform application and due to muscle
contractions. The method includes administering a polynucleotide
vaccine into the skin at an administration site, (b) applying a
needle electrode to the skin in the vicinity to the administration
site, and (c) applying a sequence of at least three single,
operator-controlled, independently programmed, narrow interval
electrical waveforms, which have pulse intervals that are less than
100 milliseconds, to deliver the 15 polynucleotide vaccine into the
skin cells by electroporation.
Inventors: |
Walters; Richard E.;
(Columbia, MD) ; Walters; Derin C.; (Tokyo,
JP) ; King; Alan D.; (Highland, MD) ; Roos;
Anna-Karin; (Hasselby, SE) |
Family ID: |
40122082 |
Appl. No.: |
12/451536 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
May 20, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2008/006442 |
371 Date: |
February 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60924968 |
Jun 7, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 37/04 20180101;
A61K 39/12 20130101; A61N 1/306 20130101; A61K 2039/70 20130101;
A61N 1/327 20130101; C12N 2770/24134 20130101; C12N 2770/24122
20130101; A61K 2039/53 20130101; A61K 2039/54 20130101; C07K 14/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/20 |
International
Class: |
A61M 37/00 20060101
A61M037/00 |
Claims
1. A method for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into
mammalian skin cells, comprising the steps of: (a.) administering a
polynucleotide vaccine into the skin at an administration site,
(b.) applying a needle electrode to the skin in the vicinity to the
administration site, (c.) applying a sequence of at least three
single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, narrow
interval electrical waveforms, which have pulse intervals that are
less than 100 milliseconds, to deliver the polynucleotide vaccine
into the skin cells by electroporation, wherein the sequence of at
least three waveforms has one, two, or three of the following
characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three waveforms
differ from each other in waveform amplitude; (2) at least two of
the at least three waveforms differ from each other in waveform
width; and (3) a first waveform interval for a first set of two of
the at least three waveforms is different from a second waveform
interval for a second set of two of the at least three
waveforms.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a.) and step (b.) are
carried out sequentially.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a.) and step (b.) are
carried out simultaneously using an electrode that is pre-coated
with the polynucleotide vaccine.
4. An apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into
mammalian skin cells, comprising: a narrow interval electrical
waveform generator, which is capable of applying a sequence of at
least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed,
narrow interval electrical waveforms, which have pulse intervals
that are less than 100 milliseconds, wherein the sequence of at
least three, waveforms has one, two, or three of the following
characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three waveforms
differ from each other in waveform amplitude; (2) at least two of
the at least three waveforms differ from each other in waveform
width; and (3) a first waveform interval for a first set of two of
the at least three waveforms is different from a second waveform
interval for a second set of two of the at least three waveforms,
and an electrode connected to said narrow interval electrical
waveform generator, wherein said electrode is adapted to contact
the skin into which a polynucleotide vaccine has been applied.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the polynucleotide vaccine has
been applied to the skin prior to contacting the skin with the
electrode.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the polynucleotide vaccine is
pre-coated on the electrode and is applied to the skin at the same
time the electrode is contacted with the skin.
7. A method for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into
mammalian skin cells, comprising the steps of: (a.) administering a
polynucleotide vaccine into the skin at an administration site,
(b.) applying a needle electrode to the skin in the vicinity to the
administration site, (c.) applying a sequence of narrow interval
electrical waveforms, which have pulse intervals that are less than
100 milliseconds, to deliver the polynucleotide vaccine into the
skin cells by electroporation.
8. An apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines to
mammalian skin cells, comprising: a narrow interval electrical
waveform generator, which is capable of applying a sequence of
narrow interval electrical waveforms, which have pulse intervals
that are less than 100 milliseconds, and an electrode connected to
said narrow interval electrical waveform generator, wherein said
electrode is adapted to contact the skin into which a
polynucleotide vaccine has been applied.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority based upon copending U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/924,968, filed 21 May 2007.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to methods and
apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into
mammalian skin cells. More specifically, the present invention
provides methods and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide
vaccines into mammalian skin cells using electrical waveforms and
electroporation.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "pulse
interval" means the time from the beginning of one pulse to the
beginning of the next pulse.
[0004] The following publications are discussed hereinbelow: [0005]
U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,613; [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,998; [0007]
U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,291; [0008] "Enhancement of Cellular Immune
Response to a Prostate Cancer DNA Vaccine by Intradermal
Electroporation", by Roos et al, Molecular Therapy, Vol. 13, No. 2,
February 2006, pages 320-327 (referred to herein as Roos et al);
[0009] "The effect of pulse repetition frequency on the uptake into
electropermeabilized cells in vitro with possible applications in
electrochemotherapy", by Pucihar et al, Bioelectrochemistry 57
(2002) pages 167-172 (referred to herein as Pucihar et al). [0010]
Vernhes M C, Cabanes P A, Tessie J. Chinese hamster ovary cells
sensitivity to localized electrical stress. Bioelectrochemistry and
Bioenergetics. 1999, 48:17-25; [0011] Daskalov I, Mudrov N,
Peycheva E. Exploring new instrumentation. Parameters for
electrochemotherapy. Attacking tumors with bursts of biphasic
pulses instead of single pulses. 1999, IEEE Eng. Med. Biol 62-66;
[0012] Chang D C, Cell poration and cell fusion using an
oscillating electric field. 1989 Biophys J. 56:641-652; and [0013]
Tekle E, Astumian R D, Chock P B. Electroporation by using bipolar
oscillating electric field: An improved method for DNA transfection
of NIH 3T3 cells. 1991 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 88:4230-4234.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,613, incorporated herein by reference,
discloses using electroporation with wide interval electrical
waveforms, such as provided by PA-4000 System (referred to herein
as PulseAgile) of Cyto Pulse, Inc., 810 Cromwell Park Drive, Suite
T, Glen Burnie, Md. 21061. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No.
6,010,613 discloses applying a sequence of at least three single,
operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical
pulses, to a material, wherein the sequence of at least three DC
electrical pulses has one, two, or three of the following
characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three pulses
differ from each other in pulse amplitude; (2) at least two of the
at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width; and
(3) a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least
three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second
set of two of the at least three pulses.
[0015] For purposes of the discussions and disclosures herein, the
above-mentioned applying a sequence of at least three single,
operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical
pulses, to a material, with the characteristics (1), (2), and (3)
set forth is referred to herein as "PulseAgile".
[0016] The specification disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,613 and
the documentation connected with the PulseAgile system provide that
the pulse interval is equal to or greater than 0.1 seconds, which
is 100 milliseconds. Hereinafter, the PulseAgile generated
electrical waveforms which have pulse intervals which are equal to
or greater than 100 milliseconds are referred to as "wide interval
PulseAgile electrical waveforms" or "slow PulseAgile electrical
waveforms".
[0017] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,613, there is no specific evidence
presented that administered vaccines have either successful genetic
expression of the vaccine or provide improved T-cell response
involving improved secretion of good protein resulting from
successful genetic expression of the vaccine.
[0018] Both U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,998 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,291,
both incorporated herein by reference, disclose the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines to biological cells using the wide interval
PulseAgile electrical waveforms or slow PulseAgile electrical
waveforms.
[0019] Roos et al disclose the use of the wide interval PulseAgile
electrical waveforms or slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms to
deliver a polynucleotide vaccine into mammalian skin cells. It is
also disclosed by Roos et al that successful genetic expression of
the polynucleotide vaccine is demonstrated by detection of a
genetic marker which expresses luciferase protein. In addition,
Roos et al disclose that with the use of the wide interval
PulseAgile electrical waveforms or the slow PulseAgile electrical
waveforms to deliver a polynucleotide vaccine into mammalian skin
cells, there is improved T-cell response involving improved
secretion of good protein resulting from successful genetic
expression of the polynucleotide vaccine. In Roos et al, T-cell
response is represented by PSA-specific IFN(gamma)-producing
CD8.sup.+ T cells.
[0020] Aside from the beneficial results disclosed in the Roos et
al publication, there are two undesirable results observed by using
the slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms. The first undesirable
result is that each slow PulseAgile electrical waveform
administration protocol took approximately 3.5 seconds. Since
administration employing the use of needles penetrating into
mammalian skin causes discomfort or pain, for such 3.5 second
administration protocol, the mammal would have to endure the
discomfort or pain for approximately 3.5 seconds.
[0021] The second undesirable result disclosed in Roos et al is
that each slow PulseAgile electrical waveform causes a perceptible
muscle contraction. The muscle contraction itself can also cause
discomfort or pain. Normally, for an administration of a
polynucleotide vaccine, plural pulsed waveforms would be applied to
a mammal. Therefore, plural muscle contractions, with plural
additional muscle discomfort or pain, would take place with such
slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms.
[0022] Pucihar et al disclose that, before their publication date
in 2002, electrical pulses have been used in combination with
chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancerous cells. The earlier
electrical pulses have had a frequency of 1 Hz, whereby each pulse
produced a related tetanic contraction (muscle contraction). It is
noted that 1 Hz translates to 1000 milliseconds per cycle. The
discussed electrical pulse protocols are all pulse sequences that
have pulses of uniform pulse amplitude, uniform pulse width, and
uniform pulse interval. The chemotherapeutic agents include small
nonpermeant hydrophilic molecules. The disclosures of the research
conducted by Pucihar et al relate to in vitro (not in vivo)
experiments with cancerous cell being treated with Lucifer Yellow,
which is a small nonpermeant hydrophilic molecule. The disclosures
of the research conducted by Pucihar et al explore various pulse
repetition frequencies in order to exceed the frequency of tetanic
contraction (so that successive muscle contractions fuse into
smooth motion). There is a statement in Pucihar et al that with a
frequency of excitation of 40 Hz or faster, successive muscle
contractions fuse into smooth motion. The 40 Hz pulse frequency
employs pulses of uniform pulse amplitude, uniform pulse width, and
uniform pulse interval. It is noted that 40 Hz translates to 25
milliseconds per cycle.
[0023] Vernhes et al disclose that viability and permeability of
CHO cells electroporated in vitro were high over an electroporation
pulse frequency range of 0.5 to 100 HZ.
[0024] Daskalov et al disclose that eight bipolar pulses delivered
to tumor cells in vivo produced a similar response to
electrochemotherapy when delivered at 1 HZ and 1 kHZ.
[0025] Chang discloses that high frequency sinusoidal waveforms
delivered as short pulses efficiently electroporated COS-M-6 cells
in vitro.
[0026] Tekle et al disclose that unipolar or bipolar rectangular
wave pulses delivered at frequencies ranging from 60 kHZ to 1 MHZ
efficiently transfected NIH 3T3 cells in vitro.
[0027] There is no disclosure in any of Pucihar, Vernhes et al,
Daskalov et al, Chang, or Tekle et al which states any relationship
to polynucleotide vaccination, to successful genetic expression of
a polynucleotide vaccine, or to improved T-cell response involving
improved secretion of a desired protein resulting from successful
genetic expression of the polynucleotide vaccine.
[0028] In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a
method and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccine
into mammalian skin cells which takes less than 3.5 seconds to
administer the polynucleotide vaccine.
[0029] In addition, it would be desirable to provide a method and
apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into
mammalian skin cells which applies plural PulseAgile electrical
waveforms to the mammalian skin and only causes one muscle
contraction for the plural applied electrical waveforms.
[0030] Administration of a polynucleotide vaccine, to be
successful, must give evidence of successful genetic expression of
the administered polynucleotide vaccine. Moreover, to be
successful, the genetic expression of the administered
polynucleotide must give evidence of providing a desired protein
which results from the successful genetic expression of the
polynucleotide vaccine.
[0031] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to
be well known to use electroporation apparatuses, the prior art
described above does not teach or suggest a method and apparatus
for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin
cells which has the following combination of desirable features:
(1) provides a method and apparatus for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccine into mammalian skin cells which takes less
than 3.5 seconds to administer the polynucleotide vaccine; (2)
applies plural PulseAgile electrical waveforms to the mammalian
skin and only causes one muscle contraction for the plural applied
electrical waveforms; (3) gives evidence of successful genetic
expression of the administered polynucleotide vaccine; and (4)
gives evidence of providing a desired protein which results from
the successful genetic expression of the polynucleotide vaccine.
The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique
method and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines
into mammalian skin cells of the present invention as will be made
apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages
of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered
evident.
[0032] The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the
unique method and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide
vaccines into mammalian skin cells of the present invention as will
be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other
advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be
rendered evident.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0033] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for
the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells
includes the steps of:
[0034] (a.) administering a polynucleotide vaccine into the skin at
an administration site,
[0035] (b.) applying a needle electrode to the skin in the vicinity
to the administration site, and
[0036] (c.) applying a sequence of at least three single,
operator-controlled, independently programmed, narrow interval
electrical waveforms, which have pulse intervals that are less than
100 milliseconds, to deliver the polynucleotide vaccine into the
skin cells by electroporation. The sequence of at least three
waveforms has one, two, or three of the following characteristics
(1) at least two of the at least three waveforms differ from each
other in waveform amplitude, (2) at least two of the at least three
waveforms differ from each other in waveform width, and (3) a first
waveform interval for a first set of two of the at least three
waveforms is different from a second waveform interval for a second
set of two of the at least three waveforms.
[0037] The sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled,
independently programmed, narrow interval electrical waveforms,
which have pulse intervals that are less than 100 milliseconds are
referred to herein as "fast PulseAgile electrical waveforms" or as
"narrow interval PulseAgile electrical waveforms".
[0038] Preferably, the narrow interval electrical waveforms have a
pulse interval of less than a few milliseconds.
[0039] With one embodiment of the method of the invention, step
(a.) and step (b.) are carried out sequentially. For example, a DNA
vaccine is first injected into the skin to form a bleb. Then, a
needle electrode is placed into the skin straddling the bleb. In
this respect, the "Derma Vax" system can be employed.
[0040] With another embodiment of the method of the invention, step
(a.) and step (b.) are carried out simultaneously using an
electrode that is pre-coated with the polynucleotide vaccine. In
this respect, "Easy Vax" system can be employed.
[0041] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
apparatus is provided for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines
into mammalian skin cells which includes a narrow interval
electrical waveform generator, which is capable of applying a
sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled,
independently programmed, narrow interval electrical waveforms,
which have pulse intervals that are less than 100 milliseconds; and
which includes an electrode which is adapted to contact the skin
into which a polynucleotide vaccine has been applied.
[0042] The sequence of at least three waveforms has one, two, or
three of the following characteristics (1) at least two of the at
least three waveforms differ from each other in waveform amplitude,
(2) at least two of the at least three waveforms differ from each
other in waveform width, and (3) a first waveform interval for a
first set of two of the at least three waveforms is different from
a second waveform interval for a second set of two of the at least
three waveforms, and an electrode is connected to the narrow
interval electrical waveform generator.
[0043] With one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the
polynucleotide vaccine is applied to the skin prior to contacting
the skin with the electrode. This can be accomplished by using a
hypodermic needle.
[0044] With another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,
the polynucleotide vaccine is pre-coated on the electrode and is
applied to the skin at the same time the electrode is contacted
with the skin.
[0045] The apparatus that provides fast PulseAgile electrical
waveforms or narrow interval PulseAgile electrical waveforms and
that employs any suitable electrode for application to mammalian
skin is made by Cyto Pulse, Inc., 810 Cromwell Park Drive, Suite T,
Glen Burnie, Md. 21061, and is known by the name "Derma Vax".
[0046] More information about the Cyto Pulse, Inc. "Derma Vax"
system is in the following publication: a Data Sheet entitled
"Derma Vax.TM. Clinical Evaluation Intra-dermal System", which
available to the public on the Internet at the following URL
address--www.cytopulse.com/dna_vaccine.shtml, followed by a click
on the link entitled "Derma Vax Data Sheet (99 Kb)". The Data Sheet
itself is located at the following URL
address--http://www.cytopulse.com/pdf/Datasheet%20Derma%20Vax.pdf.
[0047] The apparatus that provides fast PulseAgile electrical
waveforms or narrow interval PulseAgile electrical waveforms and
that employs a pre-coated electrode suitable for application to
mammalian skin is also made by Cyto Pulse, Inc. and is known by the
name "Easy Vax".
[0048] The apparatus that provides fast PulseAgile electrical
waveforms or narrow interval PulseAgile electrical waveforms is
also made by Cyto Pulse, Inc. and is known by the name "CCEP-40
Waveform Generator". As stated above, specifications for the
"CCEP-40 Waveform Generator" are provided in the Data Sheet
entitled "Derma Vax.TM. Clinical Evaluation Intra-dermal System"
mentioned above.
[0049] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the
more important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood,
and in order that the present contributions to the art may be
better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of
the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be
for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0050] In this respect, before explaining some implementations of
the principles of the invention in greater detail below, it is
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein
are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0051] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized
as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0052] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved method and apparatus for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells which takes less
than 3.5 seconds to administer the polynucleotide vaccine.
[0053] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and improved method and apparatus for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells that applies
plural PulseAgile electrical waveforms to the mammalian skin and
only causes one muscle contraction for the plural applied
electrical waveforms.
[0054] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved method and apparatus for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells which gives
evidence of successful genetic expression of the administered
polynucleotide vaccine.
[0055] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved method and apparatus for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells that gives
evidence of providing a desired protein which results from the
successful genetic expression of the polynucleotide vaccine.
[0056] These together with still other objects of the invention,
along with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0057] The invention will be better understood and the above
objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will
become more apparent after a study of the following detailed
description thereof. Such description makes reference to the
annexed drawing wherein:
[0058] FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating a comparison of luciferase
expression resulting from the application of fast PulseAgile
electrical waveforms versus the application of slow PulseAgile
electrical waveforms for delivery of luciferase plasmid with
electroporation using "Derma Vax" equipment.
[0059] FIG. 2 a graph illustrating a comparison of T cell response
to vaccination using Dengue 1 DNA vaccine, resulting from the
application of fast PulseAgile electrical waveforms versus the
application of slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms for delivery of
the vaccine with electroporation using "Derma Vax" equipment.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a comparison of luciferase
expression resulting from the application of fast PulseAgile
electrical waveforms versus the application of slow PulseAgile
electrical waveforms for delivery of luciferase plasmid with
electroporation using "Derma Vax" equipment.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0061] A method and apparatus are provided for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells, and with
reference to the drawings, said method and apparatus are described
below.
[0062] Specifications for "Derma Vax" and "CCEP-40 Waveform
Generator" are as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 DERMA VAX Specifications Operation Mode 1 - Vaccine
Delivery by trained health professional Touch Screen Opening Screen
for parameter entry Patient ID entry Vaccine ID entry Electrode ID
entry Vaccination Screen SKIN - measure skin resistance every
second and display READY - turn on high voltage power supply START
- start pulsing DONE - vaccination completed Mode 2 - Setup by
trained IT specialist Pulse parameters Download data files Delivery
Electrode Vaccine delivery volume -- 2 blebs .times. 25 .mu.l each
IDA-4-6 2 blebs .times. 50 .mu.l each IDA-6-6 Delivery target --
skin/dermis Electrode Handle -- Reusable with alcohol cleaning Tip
-- Sterile Single packaged Disposable IDA-4-4 IDA-4-6 IDA-6-6 Row
spacing 4 mm 4 mm 6 mm Needles/row 4 6 6 Needle spacing 1.5 mm 1.5
mm 1.5 mm Needle diameter 0.3 mm 0.3 mm 0.3 mm Needle length 2 mm 3
mm 3 mm V/d maximum 2500 v/cm 2500 v/cm 1667 v/cm CCEP-40 Waveform
Generator Pulsing Skin resistance pulsing -- 4 .mu.s at 5 volts
every second Pulse Protocol Parameters Parameters in a Group Pulse
Width 50 .mu.s to 1 ms 50 to 1000 volts 50 .mu.s to 10 ms 50 to 300
volts Pulse current trip 26 amps Load Range 15 to 1500 ohms Number
of pulses 1 to 10 Maximum Duty Cycle 50% Interval 200 .mu.s to 1
sec (pulse start to pulse start) Number of Groups 3 Pulse
Measurement Internal Digitizer Levels 12 bit Samples Pulse width/8
minimum 100 .mu.s Data stored internally and on external USB Key
Data Types Raw data: DV<Date>.xml Log Data DV<Date>.txt
CSV Data DV<Date>.csv All data automatically stored in
internal memory and may be downloaded to an external USB Key
Maximum Data Logs stored and retrievable from internal flash memory
>20,000 Front Panel Computer Operating System Windows .TM.
Mobile 6.0 Interface Touch screen Line/Mains Switch with
illumination Emergency Stop Button (resets computer to ready state)
Touch Screen USB Ports 2 Electrode connector Fischer Series 4032
Back Panel Power Entry IEC 320 Ethernet RJ45 Electrical and
Mechanical CCEP-40A Cabinet with handle 32 mm w .times. 20 mm h
.times. 40 mm l 12.6 in w .times. 7.9 in h .times. 15.7 in l Weight
25 pounds, 11.3 kg Operating temperature 10 to 40.degree. C. Mains
Voltage 100 to 250 vac Fuse 5 A slo blo, 5 mm .times. 20 mm Power
reserve >5 minutes after power fail
[0063] Experiments for carrying out the method of the invention
employing apparatus of the invention for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells are set forth
below.
Experiment 1
Purpose and Scope
[0064] The purpose of this experiment is to compare fast PulseAgile
electrical waveforms (using the Cyto Pulse "Derma Vax" system)
versus slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms (using the Cyto Pulse
PA-4000 system). The new Derma Vax system can deliver pulses more
rapidly than the PA-4000.
Background
[0065] Dr. Anna-Karin Roos published at least two waveforms that
induced good luciferase expression in the skin of mice. The system
used was the PA-4000, and slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms were
employed. New capabilities have been engineered into the Derma Vax
system which employs the "CCEP-40 Waveform Generator". One
significant difference is that the Derma Vax system can deliver
pulses with shorter pulse intervals. That is, with the "Derma Vax"
system, pulse intervals of less than 100 milliseconds can be
provided. This experiment will evaluate the effect on in vivo
luciferase expression using fast PulseAgile electrical
waveforms.
Approach
[0066] Plasmid used: gWizLuciferase from Aldeveron at 5 mg/ml
diluted to 0.5 mg/ml in sterile PBS.
System: Derma Vax #F2LQ2608851
[0067] Electrode: Intradermal Array (4 mm gap, 6 needles per row, 2
rows) parallel row electrode. Injections: Mice were restrained
using a 50 ml conical tube modified with breathing holes. The mouse
was inserted head first into the tube. The tail was draped over my
left index finger. A small patch of hair was removed on the base of
the tail using small scissors. Using a 27 gauge, 0.5 in needle on a
tuberculin syringe, a 20 microliter intradermal injection was made
on the right side of the base of the tail and sacrum. The site was
marked using a Sharpee pen. The rows of needles were inserted
around the injection site with the electrode gap oriented left to
right and therefore the rows were aligned cranially and caudally.
The selected electroporation protocol was initiated and the needles
removed. This process was repeated on the left side of the sacrum.
Groups (shown as cages in results). All times are shown in
milliseconds
TABLE-US-00002 Protocols Cage 1 Cage 2 V/d 1 1125 1125 V1 450 450
PW 1 0.05 0.05 #1 1 1 PI1 300 0.2 V/d2 1125 1125 V2 450 450 PW 2
0.05 0.05 # 2 1 1 PI2 500 100 V/d 3 275 275 V3 110 110 PW 3 10 10
#3 8 8 PI 3 300 20
[0068] Mice were returned to their cages.
[0069] After 18-24 hours, the mice were euthanized using CO2
inhalation. Tissue from each of the two sites was incised using a 6
mm punch biopsy. Subcutaneous tissue was removed using scissors and
the skin with subcutaneous tissue was added to 1 ml of lysis
buffer. The sample was kept on ice until the assay.
[0070] Tissues were homogenized using a model IKA tissue
homogenizer. A 50 microliter sample of the 1 ml homogenate was
added to a white assay plate. Standards were made by diluting a
know amount of luciferase with lysis buffer using a three fold
dilution series. 50 microliter reagent A of the luciferase assay
kit was added to each well. The plate was added to the 96 well
luminometer. 50 microliter of reagent B was added and the resulting
light was measured over one second.
[0071] Data was exported to an Excell spreadsheet for data
analysis.
[0072] Reference is made to FIG. 1 in the drawings for a graphical
representation of the results. There is a statistical equivalence
of genetic expression between fast and slow electrical waveform
protocols.
TABLE-US-00003 RESULTS ng/site Cage 1 Cage 2 PA Slow PA Fast 22 43
464 510 486 283 180 267 197 168 Mean 270 254 SD 200 172 CV 74
68
[0073] It is a surprising and unexpected result that
electroporation of a polynucleotide vaccine into mammalian skin
cells along with successful gene expression can occur with fast
PulseAgile electrical waveforms having a pulse interval of less
than 100 milliseconds.
[0074] It is an even greater surprising and unexpected result that
electroporation of a polynucleotide vaccine into mammalian skin
cells, along with successful gene expression, can occur with fast
PulseAgile electrical waveforms having a pulse interval of a few
milliseconds. Conventionally, it would be expected that the time
constant of pulse intervals of only a few milliseconds would be too
low for successful electroporation.
Experiment 2
Purpose and Scope
[0075] The purpose of this experiment is to compare T cell
responses induced by DNA immunization using fast PulseAgile
electrical waveforms (using the Cyto Pulse "Derma Vax" system)
versus slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms (using the Cyto Pulse
PA-4000 system). The new Derma Vax system can deliver pulses more
rapidly than the PA-4000. More specifically, the purpose of this
study is to compare T cell responses induced by DNA immunization
using Pulse Agile Derma Vax delivery with Dengue 1 plasmids
expressing prM-E and NS1-NS3.
Background
[0076] Dr. Anna-Karin Roos published at least two waveforms that
induced good luciferase expression in the skin of mice. The system
used was the PA-4000, and slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms were
employed. New capabilities have been engineered into the Derma Vax
system which employs the "CCEP-40 Waveform Generator". One
significant difference is that the Derma Vax system can deliver
pulses with shorter pulse intervals. That is, with the "Derma Vax"
system, pulse intervals of less than 100 milliseconds can be
provided. This experiment will evaluate the effect on in vivo T
cell responses using fast PulseAgile electrical waveforms.
Approach
[0077] Plasmid used: Dengue 1 prM-E and Dengue 1 NS1-NS3 at 5 mg/ml
each diluted to 0.5 mg/ml in the same sterile PBS.
System: Derma Vax #07-0215DV
[0078] Electrode: Intradermal Array (4 mm gap, 6 needles per row, 2
rows) parallel row electrode. Injections: Mice were restrained
using a 50 ml conical tube modified with breathing holes. The mouse
was inserted head first into the tube. The tail was draped over my
left index finger. A small patch of hair was removed on the base of
the tail using small scissors. Using a 27 gauge, 0.5 in needle on a
tuberculin syringe, a 20 .mu.l intradermal injection was made on
the right side of the base of the tail and sacrum. The rows of
needles were inserted around the injection site with the electrode
gap oriented left to right and therefore the rows were aligned
cranially and caudally. The selected electroporation protocol was
initiated and the needles removed. This process was repeated on the
left side of the sacrum Groups (shown as cages in results). All
times are shown in milliseconds
TABLE-US-00004 Protocols Group P Group O Control V/d 1 1125 1125 0
V1 450 450 0 PW 1 0.05 0.05 0 # 1 1 1 0 PI 1 0.2 300 0 V/d 2 1125
1125 V2 450 450 PW 2 0.05 0.05 # 2 1 1 PI 2 30 300 V/d 3 275 275 3
110 110 PW 3 10 10 # 3 8 8 PI 3 20 100
[0079] Mice were returned to their cages.
[0080] At 2 weeks after immunization, mice were euthanized using
CO2 inhalation and the spleens were collected for intracellular
cytokine assay.
Results
[0081] Results show below are percent of CD8 positive cells that
are gamma interferon positive.
Results are shown with background from un-immunized animals
subtracted.
TABLE-US-00005 Fast (Group P) Slow (Group O) 6.42 4.03 5.38 6.11
4.35 3.36 4.28 2.75 2.06 2.16 Mean 4.50 3.68 SD 1.62 1.53
[0082] Reference is made to FIG. 2 in the drawings for a graphical
representation of the test results. In this respect, by conducting
a Student's T test, the test results show a statistically
insignificant difference between fast and slow electrical waveform
protocols. In this respect, there is a statistical equivalence of T
cell enhancement between fast and slow electrical waveform
protocols.
CONCLUSIONS
[0083] T cell responses induced by fast PulseAgile electrical
waveforms with the "Derma Vax" system are equivalent to those
induced by slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms with the "Derma
Vax" system with in vivo electroporation.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE I Perceptible muscle contractions are reduced
by electroporation using fast PulseAgile electrical waveforms in
contrast with slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms. Fast Pulse Slow
Pulse Parameter Agile Agile Pulses Delivered 10 10 Total Delivery
Time 0.23 Seconds 3.5 Seconds Perceptible Muscle 1 10
Contractions
[0084] Clearly, with fast PulseAgile electrical waveforms (as
compared with slow PulseAgile electrical waveforms), delivery time
is much less than 3.5 seconds, and only 1 muscle contraction is
perceived, even when 10 pulses are delivered.
[0085] With respect to FIG. 3, DNA delivery (DNA being a
polynucleotide) was carried out as follows.
[0086] Mice were anesthetized with 4% isoflurane (Baxter Medical
AB, Kista, Sweden) and maintained at 2-2.5 isoflurane in a mask
during immunizations. 20 .mu.g DNA in PBS was injected
intradermally on each flank, near the base of the tail, using a 29
G insulin grade syringe (Micro-Fine U-100, BD Consumer Healthcare,
Franklin Lakes, N.J.).
[0087] Subsequently, a needle array electrode was placed over the
raised skin area of injection and voltage was applied (2 pulses,
1125 V/cm, 50 .mu.sec+8 pulses, 275 V/cm, 10 msec). Pulse intervals
were varied to make fast and slow PulseAgile protocols.
[0088] The needle array electrode used was the Cyto Pulse
Intradermal array (four needle, 4 mm gap, two rows) (Cyto Pulse
Sciences, Inc. Glen Burnie, Md.). Electroporation was performed
using the Derma Vax Electroporation System (Cyto Pulse Sciences,
Inc.).
[0089] It is apparent from the above that the present invention
accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and
improved method and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide
vaccines into mammalian skin cells that may advantageously be used
and which takes less than 3.5 seconds to administer the
polynucleotide vaccine. With the invention, a method and apparatus
for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin
cells are provided which applies plural PulseAgile electrical
waveforms to the mammalian skin and only causes one muscle
contraction for the plural applied electrical waveforms. With the
invention, a method and apparatus for the delivery of
polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells are provided
which gives evidence of successful genetic expression of the
administered polynucleotide vaccine. With the invention, a method
and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into
mammalian skin cells are provided which give evidence of providing
a desired protein which results from the successful genetic
expression of the polynucleotide vaccine.
[0090] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant
invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and
accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage
and operation need be provided.
[0091] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the
drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications
thereof may be made without departing from the principles and
concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use.
* * * * *
References