MuteFree: A novel AAV vector system featuring mutation-free ITRs
Instability of the inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) in AAV transfer plasmids has long hindered consistent and efficient production of therapeutic AAV vectors. The palindromic, GC-rich ITR sequence readily forms secondary structures, making them highly mutable in transfer plasmids. Indeed, a recent survey observed mutated ITRs in [~]40% of AAV transfer plasmids from labs around the world. Conventional strategies to mitigate this issue - such as using specialized E. coli strains, suboptimal culture conditions, or modified ITR sequences - have limited effect and often compromise plasmid and AAV yield. Here, by combinatorial optimization of the plasmid backbone structure and ITR flanking sequences, we established MuteFree, an AAV transfer plasmid system that eliminated ITR mutations for both single-stranded AAV (ssAAV) and self-complementary AAV (scAAV). Specifically, MuteFree reduced ITR mutation rates from a range of 32-100% in various transfer plasmids tested to 0% after serial passage of host E. coli for >160 population doublings. Moreover, in three GMP-grade AAV plasmid manufacturing projects initially cancelled due to severe and incurable ITR mutations, replacing conventional backbone with MuteFree completely solved the problem, reducing mutation occurrence to zero under standard GMP manufacturing conditions. Notably, MuteFree supports the packaging of potent AAV virus. The MuteFree system thus presents a robust solution to ITR instability, enabling high-fidelity and high-yield AAV production of AAV-based gene therapy vectors that is fully compatible with existing GMP manufacturing workflows.