Ultra-large targeted DNA integrations in primary human cells
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Genetic engineering experiments and therapies are constrained by the size of DNA integrations into human cell’s genomes. Existing AAV, lentiviral, and non-viral methods rapidly decrease in integration efficiency beyond ∼5kb of sequence. Through systematic evaluation of non-viral DNA template formats, we identified circular ssDNA and dsDNA as capable of mediating >5kb integrations. Large circular DNA delivery efficiency and its impacts on cell viability and payload expression could be significantly improved with small DNA “helper” plasmids, mRNA-encoded nucleases, and sequence design optimizations. Collectively, these modifications enabled ultra-large—up to 10 kb DNA—integrations at >20% efficiency in primary human T cells at the TRAC locus and at >60% efficiency in human iPSCs at the AAVS1 locus. Finally, we demonstrate that GMP clinical-manufactured T cells with ultra-large integrations are functional in vitro and in vivo . Overall, we identified optimal template architectures, delivery modes, and sequence design rules for ultra-large DNA integrations in both research and clinical settings to accelerate basic genetic research and next-generation cellular therapies.
