1
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Kitano T, Inagaki H, Hoshino SI. The impact of single-stranded RNAs on the dimerization of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 719:150103. [PMID: 38761636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein PKR serves as a crucial antiviral innate immune factor that globally suppresses translation by sensing viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and by phosphorylating the translation initiation factor eIF2α. Recent findings have unveiled that single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs), including in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA, can also bind to and activate PKR. However, the precise mechanism underlying PKR activation by ssRNAs, remains incompletely understood. Here, we developed a NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT)-based in vitro PKR dimerization assay to assess the impact of ssRNAs on PKR dimerization. Our findings demonstrate that, akin to double-stranded polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyIC), an encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) RNA, as well as NanoLuc luciferase (Nluc) mRNA, can induce PKR dimerization. Conversely, homopolymeric RNA lacking secondary structure fails to promote PKR dimerization, underscoring the significance of secondary structure in this process. Furthermore, adenovirus VA RNA 1, another ssRNA, impedes PKR dimerization by competing with Nluc mRNA. Additionally, we observed structured ssRNAs capable of forming G-quadruplexes induce PKR dimerization. Collectively, our results indicate that ssRNAs have the ability to either induce or inhibit PKR dimerization, thus representing potential targets for the development of antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kitano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, 467-8603, Japan
| | - Hiroto Inagaki
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, 467-8603, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Hoshino
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, 467-8603, Japan.
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2
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Parhiz H, Shuvaev VV, Li Q, Papp TE, Akyianu AA, Shi R, Yadegari A, Shahnawaz H, Semple SC, Mui BL, Weissman D, Muzykantov VR, Glassman PM. Physiologically based modeling of LNP-mediated delivery of mRNA in the vascular system. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102175. [PMID: 38576454 PMCID: PMC10992703 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics are an emerging, powerful class of drugs with potential applications in a wide range of disorders. A central challenge in their development is the lack of clear pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic relationship, in part due to the significant delay between the kinetics of RNA delivery and the onset of pharmacologic response. To bridge this gap, we have developed a physiologically based PK/pharmacodynamic model for systemically administered mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in mice. This model accounts for the physiologic determinants of mRNA delivery, active targeting in the vasculature, and differential transgene expression based on nanoparticle coating. The model was able to well-characterize the blood and tissue PKs of LNPs, as well as the kinetics of tissue luciferase expression measured by ex vivo activity in organ homogenates and bioluminescence imaging in intact organs. The predictive capabilities of the model were validated using a formulation targeted to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the model predicted nanoparticle delivery and luciferase expression within a 2-fold error for all organs. This modeling platform represents an initial strategy that can be expanded upon and utilized to predict the in vivo behavior of RNA-containing LNPs developed for an array of conditions and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vladimir V. Shuvaev
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 191004, USA
| | - Qin Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tyler E. Papp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Awurama A. Akyianu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ruiqi Shi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Amir Yadegari
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hamna Shahnawaz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Drew Weissman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vladimir R. Muzykantov
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 191004, USA
| | - Patrick M. Glassman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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3
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Montoya B, Melo-Silva CR, Tang L, Kafle S, Lidskiy P, Bajusz C, Vadovics M, Muramatsu H, Abraham E, Lipinszki Z, Chatterjee D, Scher G, Benitez J, Sung MMH, Tam YK, Catanzaro NJ, Schäfer A, Andino R, Baric RS, Martinez DR, Pardi N, Sigal LJ. mRNA-LNP vaccine-induced CD8 + T cells protect mice from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of specific antibodies. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1790-1804. [PMID: 38605519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of CD8+ T cells in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis or mRNA-LNP vaccine-induced protection from lethal COVID-19 is unclear. Using mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 virus (MA30) in C57BL/6 mice, we show that CD8+ T cells are unnecessary for the intrinsic resistance of female or the susceptibility of male mice to lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Also, mice immunized with a di-proline prefusion-stabilized full-length SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S-2P) mRNA-LNP vaccine, which induces Spike-specific antibodies and CD8+ T cells specific for the Spike-derived VNFNFNGL peptide, are protected from SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced lethality and weight loss, while mice vaccinated with mRNA-LNPs encoding only VNFNFNGL are protected from lethality but not weight loss. CD8+ T cell depletion ablates protection in VNFNFNGL but not in S-2P mRNA-LNP-vaccinated mice. Therefore, mRNA-LNP vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells are dispensable when protective antibodies are present but essential for survival in their absence. Hence, vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells may be critical to protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants that mutate epitopes targeted by protective antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Montoya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Carolina R Melo-Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lingjuan Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Samita Kafle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Peter Lidskiy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Csaba Bajusz
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; National Laboratory for Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Máté Vadovics
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Edit Abraham
- National Laboratory for Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary; MTA SZBK Lendület Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Lipinszki
- National Laboratory for Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary; MTA SZBK Lendület Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Debotri Chatterjee
- Department of Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Scher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Juliana Benitez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Catanzaro
- Department of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Raul Andino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David R Martinez
- Department of Immunobiology, Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Luis J Sigal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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4
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Miller M, Alvizo O, Baskerville S, Chintala A, Chng C, Dassie J, Dorigatti J, Huisman G, Jenne S, Kadam S, Leatherbury N, Lutz S, Mayo M, Mukherjee A, Sero A, Sundseth S, Penfield J, Riggins J, Zhang X. An engineered T7 RNA polymerase for efficient co-transcriptional capping with reduced dsRNA byproducts in mRNA synthesis. Faraday Discuss 2024. [PMID: 38832894 DOI: 10.1039/d4fd00023d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies have recently gained tremendous traction with the approval of mRNA vaccines for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, manufacturing challenges have complicated large scale mRNA production, which is necessary for the clinical viability of these therapies. Not only can the incorporation of the required 5' 7-methylguanosine cap analog be inefficient and costly, in vitro transcription (IVT) using wild-type T7 RNA polymerase generates undesirable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) byproducts that elicit adverse host immune responses and are difficult to remove at large scale. To overcome these challenges, we have engineered a novel RNA polymerase, T7-68, that co-transcriptionally incorporates both di- and tri-nucleotide cap analogs with high efficiency, even at reduced cap analog concentrations. We also demonstrate that IVT products generated with T7-68 have reduced dsRNA content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Miller
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Oscar Alvizo
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | | | - Avinash Chintala
- Precision Biosciences, 302 East Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Chinping Chng
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Justin Dassie
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | | | - Gjalt Huisman
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Stephan Jenne
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Supriya Kadam
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Neil Leatherbury
- Precision Biosciences, 302 East Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Stefan Lutz
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Melissa Mayo
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Arpan Mukherjee
- Precision Biosciences, 302 East Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Antoinette Sero
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Stuart Sundseth
- Precision Biosciences, 302 East Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | | | - James Riggins
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
| | - Xiyun Zhang
- Codexis, Inc., 200 Penobscot Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
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5
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Cao Q, Fang H, Tian H. mRNA vaccines contribute to innate and adaptive immunity to enhance immune response in vivo. Biomaterials 2024; 310:122628. [PMID: 38820767 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics have been widely employed as strategies for the treatment and prevention of diseases. Amid the global outbreak of COVID-19, mRNA vaccines have witnessed rapid development. Generally, in the case of mRNA vaccines, the initiation of the innate immune system serves as a prerequisite for triggering subsequent adaptive immune responses. Critical cells, cytokines, and chemokines within the innate immune system play crucial and beneficial roles in coordinating tailored immune reactions towards mRNA vaccines. Furthermore, immunostimulators and delivery systems play a significant role in augmenting the immune potency of mRNA vaccines. In this comprehensive review, we systematically delineate the latest advancements in mRNA vaccine research, present an in-depth exploration of strategies aimed at amplifying the immune effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, and offer some perspectives and recommendations regarding the future advancements in mRNA vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiannan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Huapan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China; Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China; Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Huayu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China; Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China.
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6
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Clark NE, Schraut MR, Winters RA, Kearns K, Scanlon TC. An immuno-northern technique to measure the size of dsRNA byproducts in in vitro transcribed RNA. Electrophoresis 2024. [PMID: 38785136 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202400036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA is an immunogenic byproduct present in RNA synthesized with in vitro transcription. dsRNA byproducts engage virus-sensing innate immunity receptors and cause inflammation. Removing dsRNA from in vitro transcribed messenger RNA (mRNA) reduces immunogenicity and improves protein translation. Levels of dsRNA are typically 0.1%-0.5% of total transcribed RNA. Because they form such a minor fraction of the total RNA in transcription reactions, it is difficult to confidently identify discrete bands on agarose gels that correspond to the dsRNA byproducts. Thus, the sizes of dsRNA byproducts are largely unknown. Total levels of dsRNA are typically assayed with dsRNA-specific antibodies in ELISA and immuno dot-blot assays. Here we report a dsRNA-specific immuno-northern blot technique that provides a clear picture of the dsRNA size distributions in transcribed RNA. This technique could complement existing dsRNA analytical methods in studies of dsRNA byproduct synthesis, dsRNA removal, and characterization of therapeutic RNA drug substances.
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7
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Furey C, Scher G, Ye N, Kercher L, DeBeauchamp J, Crumpton JC, Jeevan T, Patton C, Franks J, Rubrum A, Alameh MG, Fan SHY, Phan AT, Hunter CA, Webby RJ, Weissman D, Hensley SE. Development of a nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine against clade 2.3.4.4b H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4350. [PMID: 38782954 PMCID: PMC11116520 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48555-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines would be useful during an influenza virus pandemic since they can be produced rapidly and do not require the generation of egg-adapted vaccine seed stocks. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses from H5 clade 2.3.4.4b are circulating at unprecedently high levels in wild and domestic birds and have the potential to adapt to humans. Here, we generate an mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein from a clade 2.3.4.4b H5 isolate. The H5 mRNA-LNP vaccine elicits strong T cell and antibody responses in female mice, including neutralizing antibodies and broadly-reactive anti-HA stalk antibodies. The H5 mRNA-LNP vaccine elicits antibodies at similar levels compared to whole inactivated vaccines in female mice with and without prior H1N1 exposures. Finally, we find that the H5 mRNA-LNP vaccine is immunogenic in male ferrets and prevents morbidity and mortality of animals following 2.3.4.4b H5N1 challenge. Together, our data demonstrate that a monovalent mRNA-LNP vaccine expressing 2.3.4.4b H5 is immunogenic and protective in pre-clinical animal models.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Female
- Mice
- Ferrets
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Male
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology
- mRNA Vaccines/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Influenza in Birds/prevention & control
- Influenza in Birds/immunology
- Influenza in Birds/virology
- Humans
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics
- Birds/virology
- Lipids/chemistry
- Liposomes
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Furey
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Scher
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Naiqing Ye
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Kercher
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer DeBeauchamp
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeri Carol Crumpton
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Trushar Jeevan
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christopher Patton
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John Franks
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Adam Rubrum
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Infectious Disease Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Anthony T Phan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard J Webby
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Infectious Disease Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott E Hensley
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Karekar N, Reid Cahn A, Morla-Folch J, Saffon A, Ward RW, Ananthanarayanan A, Teunissen AJP, Bhardwaj N, Vabret N. Protocol for the development of mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines and analysis of immunization efficiency in mice. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103087. [PMID: 38795353 PMCID: PMC11144802 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol for the development of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines for target antigen sequences of interest. We describe key steps required to design and synthesize mRNA constructs, their LNP encapsulation, and mouse immunization. We then detail quality control assays to determine RNA purity, guidelines to measure RNA immunogenicity using in vitro reporter systems, and a technique to evaluate antigen-specific T cell responses following immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Karekar
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ashley Reid Cahn
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Judit Morla-Folch
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alexis Saffon
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ross W Ward
- Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aparna Ananthanarayanan
- Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Abraham J P Teunissen
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nicolas Vabret
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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9
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Lee YS, Bang YJ, Yoo S, Park SI, Park HJ, Kwak HW, Bae SH, Park HJ, Kim JY, Youn SB, Roh G, Lee S, Kwon SP, Bang EK, Keum G, Nam JH, Hong SH. Analysis of the Immunostimulatory Effects of Cytokine-Expressing Internal Ribosome Entry Site-Based RNA Adjuvants and Their Applications. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1408-1418. [PMID: 37711050 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing new adjuvants that can effectively induce humoral and cellular immune responses while broadening the immune response is of great value. In this study, we aimed to develop single-stranded RNA adjuvants expressing (1) granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor or (2) interleukin 18 based on the encephalomyocarditis virus internal ribosome entry site; we also tested their efficacy in combination with ovalbumin or inactivated influenza vaccines. Notably, cytokine-expressing RNA adjuvants increased the expression of antigen-presenting cell activation markers in mice. Specifically, when combined with ovalbumin, RNA adjuvants expressing granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor increased CD4+ T-cell responses, while those expressing interleukin 18 increased CD8+ T-cell responses. Cytokine-expressing RNA adjuvants further increased the frequency of polyclonal T cells with the influenza vaccine and reduced the clinical illness scores and weight loss of mice after viral challenge. Collectively, our results suggest that cytokine-expressing RNA adjuvants can be applied to protein-based or inactivated vaccines to increase their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Sun Lee
- Department of Biotechnology
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
| | - Yoo-Jin Bang
- Department of Biotechnology
- Central Research Institute, SML Biopharm, Gwangmyeong
| | - Soyeon Yoo
- Center for Brain Technology, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul
| | - Sang-In Park
- Central Research Institute, SML Biopharm, Gwangmyeong
| | - Hyo-Jung Park
- Department of Biotechnology
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
| | - Hye Won Kwak
- Central Research Institute, SML Biopharm, Gwangmyeong
| | - Seo-Hyeon Bae
- Department of Biotechnology
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
| | | | - Jae-Yong Kim
- Department of Biotechnology
- Central Research Institute, SML Biopharm, Gwangmyeong
| | - Sue-Bean Youn
- Department of Biotechnology
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
| | - Gahyun Roh
- Department of Biotechnology
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
| | - Seonghyun Lee
- Department of Biotechnology
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
| | - Sung Pil Kwon
- Center for Brain Technology, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul
| | - Eun-Kyoung Bang
- Center for Brain Technology, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul
| | - Gyochang Keum
- Center for Brain Technology, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul
| | - Jae-Hwan Nam
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon
| | - So-Hee Hong
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Wiehe K, Saunders KO, Stalls V, Cain DW, Venkatayogi S, Martin Beem JS, Berry M, Evangelous T, Henderson R, Hora B, Xia SM, Jiang C, Newman A, Bowman C, Lu X, Bryan ME, Bal J, Sanzone A, Chen H, Eaton A, Tomai MA, Fox CB, Tam YK, Barbosa C, Bonsignori M, Muramatsu H, Alam SM, Montefiori DC, Williams WB, Pardi N, Tian M, Weissman D, Alt FW, Acharya P, Haynes BF. Mutation-guided vaccine design: A process for developing boosting immunogens for HIV broadly neutralizing antibody induction. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:693-709.e7. [PMID: 38670093 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
A major goal of HIV-1 vaccine development is the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Although success has been achieved in initiating bnAb B cell lineages, design of boosting immunogens that select for bnAb B cell receptors with improbable mutations required for bnAb affinity maturation remains difficult. Here, we demonstrate a process for designing boosting immunogens for a V3-glycan bnAb B cell lineage. The immunogens induced affinity-matured antibodies by selecting for functional improbable mutations in bnAb precursor knockin mice. Moreover, we show similar success in prime and boosting with nucleoside-modified mRNA-encoded HIV-1 envelope trimer immunogens, with improved selection by mRNA immunogens of improbable mutations required for bnAb binding to key envelope glycans. These results demonstrate the ability of both protein and mRNA prime-boost immunogens for selection of rare B cell lineage intermediates with neutralizing breadth after bnAb precursor expansion, a key proof of concept and milestone toward development of an HIV-1 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Wiehe
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Kevin O Saunders
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Integrative Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Victoria Stalls
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Derek W Cain
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sravani Venkatayogi
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joshua S Martin Beem
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Madison Berry
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tyler Evangelous
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rory Henderson
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Bhavna Hora
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shi-Mao Xia
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Chuancang Jiang
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Amanda Newman
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Cindy Bowman
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Xiaozhi Lu
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mary E Bryan
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joena Bal
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Aja Sanzone
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Amanda Eaton
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mark A Tomai
- Corporate Research Materials Lab, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN 55144, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mattia Bonsignori
- Translational Immunobiology Unit, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Munir Alam
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - David C Montefiori
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Wilton B Williams
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Integrative Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ming Tian
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Frederick W Alt
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Priyamvada Acharya
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Barton F Haynes
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Integrative Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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11
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Mahalingam G, Rachamalla HK, Arjunan P, Karuppusamy KV, Periyasami Y, Mohan A, Subramaniyam K, M S, Rajendran V, Moorthy M, Varghese GM, Mohankumar KM, Thangavel S, Srivastava A, Marepally S. SMART-lipid nanoparticles enabled mRNA vaccine elicits cross-reactive humoral responses against the omicron sub-variants. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1284-1297. [PMID: 38414245 PMCID: PMC11081802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The continual emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has necessitated the development of broad cross-reactive vaccines. Recent findings suggest that enhanced antigen presentation could lead to cross-reactive humoral responses against the emerging variants. Toward enhancing the antigen presentation to dendritic cells (DCs), we developed a novel shikimoylated mannose receptor targeting lipid nanoparticle (SMART-LNP) system that could effectively deliver mRNAs into DCs. To improve the translation of mRNA, we developed spike domain-based trimeric S1 (TS1) mRNA with optimized codon sequence, base modification, and engineered 5' and 3' UTRs. In a mouse model, SMART-LNP-TS1 vaccine could elicit robust broad cross-reactive IgGs against Omicron sub-variants, and induced interferon-γ-producing T cells against SARS-CoV-2 virus compared with non-targeted LNP-TS1 vaccine. Further, T cells analysis revealed that SMART-LNP-TS1 vaccine induced long-lived memory T cell subsets, T helper 1 (Th1)-dominant and cytotoxic T cells immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, SMART-LNP-TS1 vaccine produced strong Th1-predominant humoral and cellular immune responses. Overall, SMART-LNPs can be explored for precise antigenic mRNA delivery and robust immune responses. This platform technology can be explored further as a next-generation delivery system for mRNA-based immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokulnath Mahalingam
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Hari Krishnareddy Rachamalla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Porkizhi Arjunan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Karthik V Karuppusamy
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Yogapriya Periyasami
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Aruna Mohan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Kanimozhi Subramaniyam
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Salma M
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Vigneshwar Rajendran
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Mahesh Moorthy
- Department of Clinical Virology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - George M Varghese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Kumarasamypet M Mohankumar
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Saravanabhavan Thangavel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Alok Srivastava
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India
| | - Srujan Marepally
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) (a unit of inStem, Bengaluru), CMC Campus, Vellore, TN 632002, India.
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12
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Yuan X, Wu Z, Guo J, Luo D, Li T, Cao Q, Ren X, Fang H, Xu D, Cao Y. Natural Wood-Derived Macroporous Cellulose for Highly Efficient and Ultrafast Elimination of Double-Stranded RNA from In Vitro-Transcribed mRNA. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303321. [PMID: 37540501 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a major impurity that can induce innate immune responses and cause adverse drug reactions. Removing dsRNA is an essential and non-trivial process in manufacturing mRNA. Current methods for dsRNA elimination use either high-performance liquid chromatography or microcrystalline cellulose, rendering the process complex, expensive, toxic, and/or time-consuming. This study introduces a highly efficient and ultrafast method for dsRNA elimination using natural wood-derived macroporous cellulose (WMC). With a naturally formed large total pore area and low tortuosity, WMC removes up to 98% dsRNA within 5 min. This significantly shortens the time for mRNA purification and improves purification efficiency. WMC can also be filled into chromatographic columns of different sizes and integrates with fast-protein liquid chromatography for large-scale mRNA purification to meet the requirements of mRNA manufacture. This study further shows that WMC purification improves the enhanced green fluorescent protein mRNA expression efficiency by over 28% and significantly reduces cytokine secretion and innate immune responses in the cells. Successfully applying WMC provides an ultrafast and efficient platform for mRNA purification, enabling large-scale production with significant cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiushuang Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhanfeng Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular, Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dengwang Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Tianyao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Qinghao Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiangyu Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Han Fang
- Bisheng Biotech Company, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dawei Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuhong Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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13
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Son S, Park M, Kim J, Lee K. ACE mRNA (Additional Chimeric Element incorporated IVT mRNA) for Enhancing Protein Expression by Modulating Immunogenicity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307541. [PMID: 38447169 PMCID: PMC11095206 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The development of in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA)-based therapeutics/vaccines depends on the management of IVT mRNA immunogenicity. IVT mRNA, which is used for intracellular protein translation, often triggers unwanted immune responses, interfering with protein expression and leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy. Currently, the predominant approach for mitigating immune responses involves the incorporation of costly chemically modified nucleotides like pseudouridine (Ψ) or N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) into IVT mRNA, raising concerns about expense and the potential misincorporation of amino acids into chemically modified codon sequences. Here, an Additional Chimeric Element incorporated mRNA (ACE mRNA), a novel approach incorporating two segments within a single IVT mRNA structure, is introduced. The first segment retains conventional IVT mRNA components prepared with unmodified nucleotides, while the second, comprised of RNA/DNA chimeric elements, aims to modulate immunogenicity. Notably, ACE mRNA demonstrates a noteworthy reduction in immunogenicity of unmodified IVT mRNA, concurrently demonstrating enhanced protein expression efficiency. The reduced immune responses are based on the ability of RNA/DNA chimeric elements to restrict retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated immune activation. The developed ACE mRNA shows great potential in modulating the immunogenicity of IVT mRNA without the need for chemically modified nucleotides, thereby advancing the safety and efficacy of mRNA-based therapeutics/vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sora Son
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
| | - Minsa Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
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14
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Pawar S, Pingale P, Garkal A, Osmani RAM, Gajbhiye K, Kulkarni M, Pardeshi K, Mehta T, Rajput A. Unlocking the potential of nanocarrier-mediated mRNA delivery across diverse biomedical frontiers: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131139. [PMID: 38615863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has gained marvelous attention for managing and preventing various conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's, infectious diseases, etc. Due to the quick development and success of the COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines, mRNA has recently grown in prominence. A lot of products are in clinical trials and some are already FDA-approved. However, still improvements in line of optimizing stability and delivery, reducing immunogenicity, increasing efficiency, expanding therapeutic applications, scalability and manufacturing, and long-term safety monitoring are needed. The delivery of mRNA via a nanocarrier system gives a synergistic outcome for managing chronic and complicated conditions. The modified nanocarrier-loaded mRNA has excellent potential as a therapeutic strategy. This emerging platform covers a wide range of diseases, recently, several clinical studies are ongoing and numerous publications are coming out every year. Still, many unexplained physical, biological, and technical problems of mRNA for safer human consumption. These complications were addressed with various nanocarrier formulations. This review systematically summarizes the solved problems and applications of nanocarrier-based mRNA delivery. The modified nanocarrier mRNA meaningfully improved mRNA stability and abridged its immunogenicity issues. Furthermore, several strategies were discussed that can be an effective solution in the future for managing complicated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Pawar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga (E), Mumbai 400019, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prashant Pingale
- Department of Pharmaceutics, GES's Sir Dr. M. S. Gosavi College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nashik 422005, Maharashtra, India
| | - Atul Garkal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India; Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Riyaz Ali M Osmani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavita Gajbhiye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Erandwane, Pune 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Madhur Kulkarni
- SCES's Indira College of Pharmacy, New Pune Mumbai Highway, Tathwade 411033, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Krutika Pardeshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sandip University, Nashik 422213, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tejal Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Amarjitsing Rajput
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Erandwane, Pune 411038, Maharashtra, India.
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15
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Pedrera M, McLean RK, Medfai L, Thakur N, Todd S, Marsh G, Bailey D, Donofrio G, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Graham SP. Evaluation of the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored Nipah virus vaccine candidate in pigs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384417. [PMID: 38726013 PMCID: PMC11079202 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) poses a significant threat to human and livestock populations across South and Southeast Asia. Vaccines are required to reduce the risk and impact of spillover infection events. Pigs can act as an intermediate amplifying host for NiV and, separately, provide a preclinical model for evaluating human vaccine candidate immunogenicity. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored NiV vaccine candidate in pigs. Pigs were immunized twice with 100 μg nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine encoding soluble G glycoprotein from the Malaysia strain of NiV, formulated in lipid nanoparticles. Potent antigen-binding and virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in serum following the booster immunization. Antibody responses effectively neutralized both the Malaysia and Bangladesh strains of NiV but showed limited neutralization of the related (about 80% amino acid sequence identity for G) Hendra virus. Antibodies were also capable of neutralizing NiV glycoprotein mediated cell-cell fusion. NiV G-specific T cell cytokine responses were also measurable following the booster immunization with evidence for induction of both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. These data support the further evaluation of mRNA vectored NiV G as a vaccine for both pigs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lobna Medfai
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Nazia Thakur
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Shawn Todd
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn Marsh
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Dalan Bailey
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Medical-Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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16
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Opsomer L, Jana S, Mertens I, Cui X, Hoogenboom R, Sanders NN. Efficient in vitro and in vivo transfection of self-amplifying mRNA with linear poly(propylenimine) and poly(ethylenimine-propylenimine) random copolymers as non-viral carriers. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3927-3946. [PMID: 38563779 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb03003b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) based vaccines have been introduced worldwide to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. These vaccines consist of non-amplifying mRNA formulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Consequently, LNPs are considered benchmark non-viral carriers for nucleic acid delivery. However, the formulation and manufacturing of these mRNA-LNP nanoparticles are expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, we used self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) and synthesized novel polymers as alternative non-viral carrier platform to LNPs, which enable a simple, rapid, one-pot formulation of saRNA-polyplexes. Our novel polymer-based carrier platform consists of randomly concatenated ethylenimine and propylenimine comonomers, resulting in linear, poly(ethylenimine-ran-propylenimine) (L-PEIx-ran-PPIy) copolymers with controllable degrees of polymerization. Here we demonstrate in multiple cell lines, that our saRNA-polyplexes show comparable to higher in vitro saRNA transfection efficiencies and higher cell viabilities compared to formulations with Lipofectamine MessengerMAX™ (LFMM), a commercial, lipid-based carrier considered to be the in vitro gold standard carrier. This is especially true for our in vitro best performing saRNA-polyplexes with N/P 5, which are characterised with a size below 100 nm, a positive zeta potential, a near 100% encapsulation efficiency, a high retention capacity and the ability to protect the saRNA from degradation mediated by RNase A. Furthermore, an ex vivo hemolysis assay with pig red blood cells demonstrated that the saRNA-polyplexes exhibit negligible hemolytic activity. Finally, a bioluminescence-based in vivo study was performed over a 35-day period, and showed that the polymers result in a higher and prolonged bioluminescent signal compared to naked saRNA and L-PEI based polyplexes. Moreover, the polymers show different expression profiles compared to those of LNPs, with one of our new polymers (L-PPI250) demonstrating a higher sustained expression for at least 35 days after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Opsomer
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Somdeb Jana
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ine Mertens
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Xiaole Cui
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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17
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Beck JD, Diken M, Suchan M, Streuber M, Diken E, Kolb L, Allnoch L, Vascotto F, Peters D, Beißert T, Akilli-Öztürk Ö, Türeci Ö, Kreiter S, Vormehr M, Sahin U. Long-lasting mRNA-encoded interleukin-2 restores CD8 + T cell neoantigen immunity in MHC class I-deficient cancers. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:568-582.e11. [PMID: 38490213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation deficiency is a common cancer immune escape mechanism, but the mechanistic implications and potential strategies to address this challenge remain poorly understood. Studying β2-microglobulin (B2M) deficient mouse tumor models, we find that MHC class I loss leads to a substantial immune desertification of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and broad resistance to immune-, chemo-, and radiotherapy. We show that treatment with long-lasting mRNA-encoded interleukin-2 (IL-2) restores an immune cell infiltrated, IFNγ-promoted, highly proinflammatory TME signature, and when combined with a tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAB), can overcome therapeutic resistance. Unexpectedly, the effectiveness of this treatment is driven by IFNγ-releasing CD8+ T cells that recognize neoantigens cross-presented by TME-resident activated macrophages. These macrophages acquire augmented antigen presentation proficiency and other M1-phenotype-associated features under IL-2 treatment. Our findings highlight the importance of restoring neoantigen-specific immune responses in the treatment of cancers with MHC class I deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany; BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Suchan
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Streuber
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Elif Diken
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Laura Kolb
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lisa Allnoch
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fulvia Vascotto
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Peters
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tim Beißert
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Akilli-Öztürk
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany; BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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18
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Fumagalli V, Ravà M, Marotta D, Di Lucia P, Bono EB, Giustini L, De Leo F, Casalgrandi M, Monteleone E, Mouro V, Malpighi C, Perucchini C, Grillo M, De Palma S, Donnici L, Marchese S, Conti M, Muramatsu H, Perlman S, Pardi N, Kuka M, De Francesco R, Bianchi ME, Guidotti LG, Iannacone M. Antibody-independent protection against heterologous SARS-CoV-2 challenge conferred by prior infection or vaccination. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:633-643. [PMID: 38486021 PMCID: PMC11003867 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Vaccines have reduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) morbidity and mortality, yet emerging variants challenge their effectiveness. The prevailing approach to updating vaccines targets the antibody response, operating under the presumption that it is the primary defense mechanism following vaccination or infection. This perspective, however, can overlook the role of T cells, particularly when antibody levels are low or absent. Here we show, through studies in mouse models lacking antibodies but maintaining functional B cells and lymphoid organs, that immunity conferred by prior infection or mRNA vaccination can protect against SARS-CoV-2 challenge independently of antibodies. Our findings, using three distinct models inclusive of a novel human/mouse ACE2 hybrid, highlight that CD8+ T cells are essential for combating severe infections, whereas CD4+ T cells contribute to managing milder cases, with interferon-γ having an important function in this antibody-independent defense. These findings highlight the importance of T cell responses in vaccine development, urging a broader perspective on protective immunity beyond just antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Fumagalli
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Ravà
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Marotta
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Di Lucia
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa B Bono
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Giustini
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica De Leo
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Violette Mouro
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Malpighi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Perucchini
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Grillo
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara De Palma
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Charles River Laboratories, Calco, Italy
| | - Lorena Donnici
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare (INGM) 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Conti
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare (INGM) 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', Milan, Italy
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mirela Kuka
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Francesco
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare (INGM) 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', Milan, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco E Bianchi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca G Guidotti
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Matteo Iannacone
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Experimental Imaging Centre, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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19
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Bitounis D, Jacquinet E, Rogers MA, Amiji MM. Strategies to reduce the risks of mRNA drug and vaccine toxicity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:281-300. [PMID: 38263456 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles is a transformative technology that has enabled the rapid development and administration of billions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses worldwide. However, avoiding unacceptable toxicity with mRNA drugs and vaccines presents challenges. Lipid nanoparticle structural components, production methods, route of administration and proteins produced from complexed mRNAs all present toxicity concerns. Here, we discuss these concerns, specifically how cell tropism and tissue distribution of mRNA and lipid nanoparticles can lead to toxicity, and their possible reactogenicity. We focus on adverse events from mRNA applications for protein replacement and gene editing therapies as well as vaccines, tracing common biochemical and cellular pathways. The potential and limitations of existing models and tools used to screen for on-target efficacy and de-risk off-target toxicity, including in vivo and next-generation in vitro models, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bitounis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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De Vos J, Morreel K, Alvarez P, Vanluchene H, Vankeirsbilck R, Sandra P, Sandra K. Evaluation of size-exclusion chromatography, multi-angle light scattering detection and mass photometry for the characterization of mRNA. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1719:464756. [PMID: 38402695 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The recent approval of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) as vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has been a scientific turning point. Today, the applicability of mRNA is being demonstrated beyond infectious diseases, for example in cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy and gene editing. mRNA is produced by in vitro transcription (IVT) from a linear DNA template and modified at the 3' and 5' ends to improve translational efficiency and stability. Co-existing impurities such as RNA fragments and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), amongst others, can drastically impact mRNA quality and efficacy. In this study, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is evaluated for the characterization of IVT-mRNA. The effect of mobile phase composition (ionic strength and organic modifier), pH, column temperature and pore size (300 Å, 1000 Å, and 2000 Å) on the separation performance and structural integrity of IVT-mRNA varying in size is described. Non-replicating, self-amplifying (saRNA), temperature degraded, and ribonuclease (RNase) digested mRNA, the latter to characterize the 3' poly(A) tail, were included in the study. Beyond ultraviolet (UV) detection, refractive index (RI) and multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detection were implemented to accurately determine molecular weight (MW) of mRNA. Finally, mass photometry is introduced as a complementary methodology to study mRNA under native conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle De Vos
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Kris Morreel
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Piotr Alvarez
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | | | - Pat Sandra
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Koen Sandra
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
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21
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Ozaki M, Kuwayama T, Shimotsuma M, Hirose T. Separation and purification of short-, medium-, and long-stranded RNAs by RP-HPLC using different mobile phases and C 18 columns with various pore sizes. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:1948-1956. [PMID: 38445900 DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00114a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acids, which have been employed in medicines for various diseases, are attracting attention as a new pharmaceutical model. Depending on the target substances, nucleic acid medicines with various nucleic acid chain lengths (several tens of nucleotides [nt] to several thousands of nt) exist. The purification of synthesized nucleic acids is crucial as various impurities remain in the crude product after synthesis. Presently, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) represents an effective purification method for nucleic acids. However, the information regarding the HPLC conditions for separating and purifying nucleic acids of various chain lengths is insufficient. Thus, this technical note describes the separation and purification of short-, medium-, and long-stranded nucleic acids (several tens of nt to thousands of nt) by RP-HPLC with various mobile phases and octadecyl-based columns with various pore sizes, such as normal (9-12 nm), wide (30 nm), and super wide (>30 nm) pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ozaki
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
| | - Tomomi Kuwayama
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
| | - Motoshi Shimotsuma
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
| | - Tsunehisa Hirose
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
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22
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Tilsed CM, Sadiq BA, Papp TE, Areesawangkit P, Kimura K, Noguera-Ortega E, Scholler J, Cerda N, Aghajanian H, Bot A, Mui B, Tam Y, Weissman D, June CH, Albelda SM, Parhiz H. IL7 increases targeted lipid nanoparticle-mediated mRNA expression in T cells in vitro and in vivo by enhancing T cell protein translation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319856121. [PMID: 38513098 PMCID: PMC10990120 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319856121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) to encapsulate and deliver mRNA has become an important therapeutic advance. In addition to vaccines, LNP-mRNA can be used in many other applications. For example, targeting the LNP with anti-CD5 antibodies (CD5/tLNP) can allow for efficient delivery of mRNA payloads to T cells to express protein. As the percentage of protein expressing T cells induced by an intravenous injection of CD5/tLNP is relatively low (4-20%), our goal was to find ways to increase mRNA-induced translation efficiency. We showed that T cell activation using an anti-CD3 antibody improved protein expression after CD5/tLNP transfection in vitro but not in vivo. T cell health and activation can be increased with cytokines, therefore, using mCherry mRNA as a reporter, we found that culturing either mouse or human T cells with the cytokine IL7 significantly improved protein expression of delivered mRNA in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro. By pre-treating mice with systemic IL7 followed by tLNP administration, we observed significantly increased mCherry protein expression by T cells in vivo. Transcriptomic analysis of mouse T cells treated with IL7 in vitro revealed enhanced genomic pathways associated with protein translation. Improved translational ability was demonstrated by showing increased levels of protein expression after electroporation with mCherry mRNA in T cells cultured in the presence of IL7, but not with IL2 or IL15. These data show that IL7 selectively increases protein translation in T cells, and this property can be used to improve expression of tLNP-delivered mRNA in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M. Tilsed
- Center for Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | | | - Tyler E. Papp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Phurin Areesawangkit
- Center for Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok10700, Thailand
| | - Kenji Kimura
- Center for Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Estela Noguera-Ortega
- Center for Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - John Scholler
- Center for Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Nicholas Cerda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Adrian Bot
- Capstan Therapeutics, San Diego, CA92121
| | - Barbara Mui
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ying Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BCV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Drew Weissman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Carl H. June
- Center for Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Steven M. Albelda
- Center for Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Hamideh Parhiz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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23
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Parhiz H, Atochina-Vasserman EN, Weissman D. mRNA-based therapeutics: looking beyond COVID-19 vaccines. Lancet 2024; 403:1192-1204. [PMID: 38461842 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in mRNA technology and its delivery have enabled mRNA-based therapeutics to enter a new era in medicine. The rapid, potent, and transient nature of mRNA-encoded proteins, without the need to enter the nucleus or the risk of genomic integration, makes them desirable tools for treatment of a range of diseases, from infectious diseases to cancer and monogenic disorders. The rapid pace and ease of mass-scale manufacturability of mRNA-based therapeutics supported the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, challenges remain with regards to mRNA stability, duration of expression, delivery efficiency, and targetability, to broaden the applicability of mRNA therapeutics beyond COVID-19 vaccines. By learning from the rapidly expanding preclinical and clinical studies, we can optimise the mRNA platform to meet the clinical needs of each disease. Here, we will summarise the recent advances in mRNA technology; its use in vaccines, immunotherapeutics, protein replacement therapy, and genomic editing; and its delivery to desired specific cell types and organs for development of a new generation of targeted mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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24
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Camperi J, Lippold S, Ayalew L, Roper B, Shao S, Freund E, Nissenbaum A, Galan C, Cao Q, Yang F, Yu C, Guilbaud A. Comprehensive Impurity Profiling of mRNA: Evaluating Current Technologies and Advanced Analytical Techniques. Anal Chem 2024; 96:3886-3897. [PMID: 38377434 PMCID: PMC10918618 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
In vitro transcription (IVT) of mRNA is a versatile platform for a broad range of biotechnological applications. Its rapid, scalable, and cost-effective production makes it a compelling choice for the development of mRNA-based cancer therapies and vaccines against infectious diseases. The impurities generated during mRNA production can potentially impact the safety and efficacy of mRNA therapeutics, but their structural complexity has not been investigated in detail yet. This study pioneers a comprehensive profiling of IVT mRNA impurities, integrating current technologies with innovative analytical tools. We have developed highly reproducible, efficient, and stability-indicating ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography and capillary gel electrophoresis methods to determine the purity of mRNA from different suppliers. Furthermore, we introduced the applicability of microcapillary electrophoresis for high-throughput (<1.5 min analysis time per sample) mRNA impurity profiling. Our findings revealed that impurities are mainly attributed to mRNA variants with different poly(A) tail lengths due to aborted additions or partial hydrolysis and the presence of double-stranded mRNA (dsRNA) byproducts, particularly the dsRNA 3'-loop back form. We also implemented mass photometry and native mass spectrometry for the characterization of mRNA and its related product impurities. Mass photometry enabled the determination of the number of nucleotides of different mRNAs with high accuracy as well as the detection of their size variants [i.e., aggregates and partial and/or total absence of the poly(A) tail], thus providing valuable information on mRNA identity and integrity. In addition, native mass spectrometry provided insights into mRNA intact mass, heterogeneity, and important sequence features such as poly(A) tail length and distribution. This study highlights the existing bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement in the analytical characterization of IVT mRNA, thus contributing to the refinement and streamlining of mRNA production, paving the way for continued advancements in biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Camperi
- Cell
Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Steffen Lippold
- Protein
Analytical Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Luladey Ayalew
- Cell
Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Brian Roper
- Cell
Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Stephanie Shao
- Cell
Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Emily Freund
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ariane Nissenbaum
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Carolina Galan
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Qinjingwen Cao
- Protein
Analytical Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Feng Yang
- Protein
Analytical Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christopher Yu
- Cell
Therapy Engineering and Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Axel Guilbaud
- Protein
Analytical Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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25
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Leban M, Vodopivec Seravalli T, Hauer M, Böhm E, Mencin N, Potušek S, Thompson A, Trontelj J, Štrancar A, Sekirnik R. Determination of linearized pDNA template in mRNA production process using HPLC. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05204-0. [PMID: 38438547 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The recent clinical success of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology in managing the Covid pandemic has triggered an unprecedented innovation in production and analytical technologies for this therapeutic modality. mRNA is produced by enzymatic transcription of plasmid DNA (pDNA) using polymerase in a cell-free process of in vitro transcription. After transcription, the pDNA is considered a process-related impurity and is removed from the mRNA product enzymatically, chromatographically, or by precipitation. Regulatory requirements are currently set at 10 ng of template pDNA per single human dose, which typically ranges between 30 and 100 µg. Here, we report the development of a generic procedure based on enzymatic digestion and chromatographic separation for the determination of residual pDNA in mRNA samples, with a limit of quantification of 2.3 ng and a limit of detection of less than 0.1 ng. The procedure is based on enzymatic degradation of mRNA and anion exchange HPLC separation, followed by quantification of residual pDNA with a chromatographic method that is already widely adopted for pDNA quality analytics. The procedure has been successfully applied for in-process monitoring of three model mRNAs and a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) and can be considered a generic substitution for qPCR in mRNA in-process control analytical strategy, with added benefits that it is more cost-efficient, faster, and sequence agnostic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Leban
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | | | - Martina Hauer
- Biomay AG, Ada-Lovelace-Strasse 2, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Böhm
- Biomay AG, Ada-Lovelace-Strasse 2, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Mencin
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Sandra Potušek
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Thompson
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Trontelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Štrancar
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Rok Sekirnik
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270, Ajdovščina, Slovenia.
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Billingsley MM, Gong N, Mukalel AJ, Thatte AS, El-Mayta R, Patel SK, Metzloff AE, Swingle KL, Han X, Xue L, Hamilton AG, Safford HC, Alameh MG, Papp TE, Parhiz H, Weissman D, Mitchell MJ. In Vivo mRNA CAR T Cell Engineering via Targeted Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles with Extrahepatic Tropism. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304378. [PMID: 38072809 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
With six therapies approved by the Food and Drug Association, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have reshaped cancer immunotherapy. However, these therapies rely on ex vivo viral transduction to induce permanent CAR expression in T cells, which contributes to high production costs and long-term side effects. Thus, this work aims to develop an in vivo CAR T cell engineering platform to streamline production while using mRNA to induce transient, tunable CAR expression. Specifically, an ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) is utilized as these platforms have demonstrated clinical success in nucleic acid delivery. Though LNPs often accumulate in the liver, the LNP platform used here achieves extrahepatic transfection with enhanced delivery to the spleen, and it is further modified via antibody conjugation (Ab-LNPs) to target pan-T cell markers. The in vivo evaluation of these Ab-LNPs confirms that targeting is necessary for potent T cell transfection. When using these Ab-LNPs for the delivery of CAR mRNA, antibody and dose-dependent CAR expression and cytokine release are observed along with B cell depletion of up to 90%. In all, this work conjugates antibodies to LNPs with extrahepatic tropism, evaluates pan-T cell markers, and develops Ab-LNPs capable of generating functional CAR T cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alvin J Mukalel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ajay S Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Savan K Patel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ann E Metzloff
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kelsey L Swingle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Xuexiang Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lulu Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hannah C Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tyler E Papp
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hamideh Parhiz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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27
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Liu Y, Yan Q, Zeng Z, Fan C, Xiong W. Advances and prospects of mRNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189068. [PMID: 38171406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines, designed to activate the body's own immune system to fight against tumors, are a current trend in cancer treatment and receiving increasing attention. Cancer vaccines mainly include oncolytic virus vaccine, cell vaccine, peptide vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. Over the course of decades of research, oncolytic virus vaccine T-VEC, cellular vaccine sipuleucel-T, various peptide vaccines, and DNA vaccine against HPV positive cervical cancer have brought encouraging results for cancer therapy, but are losing momentum in development due to their respective shortcomings. In contrast, the advantages of mRNA vaccines such as high safety, ease of production, and unmatched efficacy are on full display. In addition, advances in technology such as pseudouridine modification have cracked down the bottleneck for developing mRNA vaccines including instability, innate immunogenicity, and low efficiency of in vivo delivery. Several cancer mRNA vaccines have achieved promising results in clinical trials, and their usage in conjunction with other immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has further boosted the efficiency of anti-tumor immune response. We expect a rapid development of mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy in the near future. This review provides a brief overview of the current status of mRNA vaccines, highlights the action mechanism of cancer mRNA vaccines, their recent advances in clinical trials, and prospects for their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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28
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Vanluchene H, Gillon O, Peynshaert K, De Smedt SC, Sanders N, Raemdonck K, Remaut K. Less is more: Self-amplifying mRNA becomes self-killing upon dose escalation in immune-competent retinal cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 196:114204. [PMID: 38302048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
In the last few years, mRNA therapeutics experienced a new wave of interest as therapy for retinal diseases. Nevertheless, despite the widespread use of mRNA vaccines in the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA delivery to the eye is still in its infancy. Recently, our research group has demonstrated that after subretinal and intravitreal delivery of modified mRNA, the number of transfected retinal cells and protein expression per cell remains limited. In this study, we aimed to tackle this limitation by using self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA), which in theory will increase the duration and level of protein expression when only a few mRNA molecules reach their target cells. A one-on-one comparison between modified mRNA and saRNA in two immune-competent human retinal cell types, including Müller cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells, and in immune-deficient BHK-21 cells revealed that saRNA delivery induced an innate immune response blocking its own translation above a certain dose threshold. Removal of double-stranded (ds)RNA byproducts by cellulose-based purification and addition of the innate immune inhibitor B18R remarkably improved translation from saRNA through a reduction in innate immune response. Taken together, when saRNA is applied for retinal disease, the dose should be controlled and measures should be taken to limit immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Vanluchene
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Oriane Gillon
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen Peynshaert
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niek Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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29
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Krammer F, Palese P. Profile of Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman: 2023 Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400423121. [PMID: 38381788 PMCID: PMC10907315 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400423121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
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30
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Han X, Xu J, Xu Y, Alameh MG, Xue L, Gong N, El-Mayta R, Palanki R, Warzecha CC, Zhao G, Vaughan AE, Wilson JM, Weissman D, Mitchell MJ. In situ combinatorial synthesis of degradable branched lipidoids for systemic delivery of mRNA therapeutics and gene editors. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1762. [PMID: 38409275 PMCID: PMC10897129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45537-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The ionizable lipidoid is a key component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Degradable lipidoids containing extended alkyl branches have received tremendous attention, yet their optimization and investigation are underappreciated. Here, we devise an in situ construction method for the combinatorial synthesis of degradable branched (DB) lipidoids. We find that appending branch tails to inefficacious lipidoids via degradable linkers boosts mRNA delivery efficiency up to three orders of magnitude. Combinatorial screening and systematic investigation of two libraries of DB-lipidoids reveal important structural criteria that govern their in vivo potency. The lead DB-LNP demonstrates robust delivery of mRNA therapeutics and gene editors into the liver. In a diet-induced obese mouse model, we show that repeated administration of DB-LNP encapsulating mRNA encoding human fibroblast growth factor 21 alleviates obesity and fatty liver. Together, we offer a construction strategy for high-throughput and cost-efficient synthesis of DB-lipidoids. This study provides insights into branched lipidoids for efficient mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexiang Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Junchao Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lulu Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rohan Palanki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Claude C Warzecha
- Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Andrew E Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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31
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Coll De Peña A, Vaduva M, Li NS, Shah S, Ben Frej M, Tripathi A. Enzymatic isolation and microfluidic electrophoresis analysis of residual dsRNA impurities in mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. Analyst 2024; 149:1509-1517. [PMID: 38265070 DOI: 10.1039/d3an02157b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The versatility, rapid development, and ease of production scalability of mRNA therapeutics have placed them at the forefront of biopharmaceutical research. However, despite their vast potential to treat diseases, their novelty comes with unsolved analytical challenges. A key challenge in ensuring sample purity has been monitoring residual, immunostimulatory dsRNA impurities generated during the in vitro transcription of mRNA. Here, we present a method that combines an enzyme, S1 nuclease, to identify and isolate dsRNA from an mRNA sample with a microfluidic electrophoresis analytical platform to characterize the impurity. After the method was developed and optimized, it was tested with clinically relevant, pseudouridine-modified 700 and 1800 bp dsRNA and 818-4451 nt mRNA samples. While the treatment impacted the magnitude of the fluorescent signal used to analyze the samples due to the interference of the buffer with the labeling of the sample, this signal loss was mitigated by 8.8× via treatment optimization. In addition, despite the mRNA concentration being up to 400× greater than that of the dsRNA, under every condition, there was a complete disappearance of the main mRNA peak. While the mRNA peak was digested, the dsRNA fragments remained physically unaffected by the treatment, with no change to their migration time. Using these samples, we detected 0.25% dsRNA impurities in mRNA samples using 15 μL with an analytical runtime of 1 min per sample after digestion and were able to predict their size within 8% of the expected length. The short runtime, sample consumption, and high throughput compatibility make it suitable to support the purity assessment of mRNA during purification and downstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Coll De Peña
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Matei Vaduva
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nina S Li
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | | | | | - Anubhav Tripathi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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32
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Wang HY, Li L, Nelson CS, Barfield R, Valencia S, Chan C, Muramatsu H, Lin PJC, Pardi N, An Z, Weissman D, Permar SR. Multivalent cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B nucleoside modified mRNA vaccines did not demonstrate a greater antibody breadth. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:38. [PMID: 38378950 PMCID: PMC10879498 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00821-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains the most common congenital infection and infectious complication in immunocompromised patients. The most successful HCMV vaccine to date, an HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) subunit vaccine adjuvanted with MF59, achieved 50% efficacy against primary HCMV infection. A previous study demonstrated that gB/MF59 vaccinees were less frequently infected with HCMV gB genotype strains most similar to the vaccine strain than strains encoding genetically distinct gB genotypes, suggesting strain-specific immunity accounted for the limited efficacy. To determine whether vaccination with multiple HCMV gB genotypes could increase the breadth of anti-HCMV gB humoral and cellular responses, we immunized 18 female rabbits with monovalent (gB-1), bivalent (gB-1+gB-3), or pentavalent (gB-1+gB-2+gB-3+gB-4+gB-5) gB lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated nucleoside-modified RNA (mRNA-LNP) vaccines. The multivalent vaccine groups did not demonstrate a higher magnitude or breadth of the IgG response to the gB ectodomain or cell-associated gB compared to that of the monovalent vaccine. Also, the multivalent vaccines did not show an increase in the breadth of neutralization activity and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis against HCMV strains encoding distinct gB genotypes. Interestingly, peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived gB-2-specific T-cell responses elicited by multivalent vaccines were of a higher magnitude compared to that of monovalent vaccinated animals against a vaccine-mismatched gB genotype at peak immunogenicity. Yet, no statistical differences were observed in T cell response against gB-3 and gB-5 variable regions among the three vaccine groups. Our data suggests that the inclusion of multivalent gB antigens is not an effective strategy to increase the breadth of anti-HCMV gB antibody and T cell responses. Understanding how to increase the HCMV vaccine protection breadth will be essential to improve the vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Leike Li
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Cody S Nelson
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Richard Barfield
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Sarah Valencia
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Cliburn Chan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paulo J C Lin
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sallie R Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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33
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Slezak A, Chang K, Hossainy S, Mansurov A, Rowan SJ, Hubbell JA, Guler MO. Therapeutic synthetic and natural materials for immunoengineering. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1789-1822. [PMID: 38170619 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00805c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Immunoengineering is a rapidly evolving field that has been driving innovations in manipulating immune system for new treatment tools and methods. The need for materials for immunoengineering applications has gained significant attention in recent years due to the growing demand for effective therapies that can target and regulate the immune system. Biologics and biomaterials are emerging as promising tools for controlling immune responses, and a wide variety of materials, including proteins, polymers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, are being developed for this purpose. In this review article, we explore the different types of materials used in immunoengineering applications, their properties and design principles, and highlight the latest therapeutic materials advancements. Recent works in adjuvants, vaccines, immune tolerance, immunotherapy, and tissue models for immunoengineering studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slezak
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Kevin Chang
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Samir Hossainy
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Aslan Mansurov
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Stuart J Rowan
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Mustafa O Guler
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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34
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Lee S, Lee J, Cho SH, Roh G, Park HJ, Lee YJ, Jeon HE, Lee YS, Bae SH, Youn SB, Cho Y, Oh A, Ha D, Lee SY, Choi EJ, Cho S, Lee S, Kim DH, Kang MH, Yoon MS, Lim BK, Nam JH. Assessing the impact of mRNA vaccination in chronic inflammatory murine model. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:34. [PMID: 38360752 PMCID: PMC10869740 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00825-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The implications of administration of mRNA vaccines to individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases, including myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are unclear. We investigated mRNA vaccine effects in a chronic inflammation mouse model implanted with an LPS pump, focusing on toxicity and immunogenicity. Under chronic inflammation, mRNA vaccines exacerbated cardiac damage and myocarditis, inducing mild heart inflammation with heightened pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory cell infiltration in the heart. Concurrently, significant muscle damage occurred, with disturbances in mitochondrial fusion and fission factors signaling impaired muscle repair. However, chronic inflammation did not adversely affect muscles at the vaccination site or humoral immune responses; nevertheless, it partially reduced the cell-mediated immune response, particularly T-cell activation. These findings underscore the importance of addressing mRNA vaccine toxicity and immunogenicity in the context of chronic inflammation, ensuring their safe and effective utilization, particularly among vulnerable populations with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonghyun Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisun Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Cho
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Gahyun Roh
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Park
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Jeung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, 28024, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Eun Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, 28024, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Sun Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Hyeon Bae
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue Bean Youn
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngran Cho
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayoung Oh
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahyeon Ha
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Yeon Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Choi
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongje Cho
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sowon Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hyung Kim
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- SML Biopharm, Gwangmyeong, 14353, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ho Kang
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Sup Yoon
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung-Kwan Lim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, 28024, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Hwan Nam
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 four Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon, Republic of Korea.
- SML Biopharm, Gwangmyeong, 14353, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Sharma P, Hoorn D, Aitha A, Breier D, Peer D. The immunostimulatory nature of mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 205:115175. [PMID: 38218350 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are at the forefront of global medical research. With the development of mRNA-LNP vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical potential of this platform was unleashed. Upon administering 16 billion doses that protected billions of people, it became clear that a fraction of them witnessed mild and in some cases even severe adverse effects. Therefore, it is paramount to define the safety along with the therapeutic efficacy of the mRNA-LNP platform for the successful translation of new genetic medicines based on this technology. While mRNA was the effector molecule of this platform, the ionizable lipid component of the LNPs played an indispensable role in its success. However, both of these components possess the ability to induce undesired immunostimulation, which is an area that needs to be addressed systematically. The immune cell agitation caused by this platform is a two-edged sword as it may prove beneficial for vaccination but detrimental to other applications. Therefore, a key challenge in advancing the mRNA-LNP drug delivery platform from bench to bedside is understanding the immunostimulatory behavior of these components. Herein, we provide a detailed overview of the structural modifications and immunogenicity of synthetic mRNA. We discuss the effect of ionizable lipid structure on LNP functionality and offer a mechanistic overview of the ability of LNPs to elicit an immune response. Finally, we shed some light on the current status of this technology in clinical trials and discuss a few challenges to be addressed to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniek Hoorn
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anjaiah Aitha
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dor Breier
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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36
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Anindita J, Tanaka H, Yamakawa T, Sato Y, Matsumoto C, Ishizaki K, Oyama T, Suzuki S, Ueda K, Higashi K, Moribe K, Sasaki K, Ogura Y, Yonemochi E, Sakurai Y, Hatakeyama H, Akita H. The Effect of Cholesterol Content on the Adjuvant Activity of Nucleic-Acid-Free Lipid Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:181. [PMID: 38399242 PMCID: PMC10893020 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA vaccines are applicable to the treatment of various infectious diseases via the inducement of robust immune responses against target antigens by expressing antigen proteins in the human body. The delivery of messenger RNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has become a versatile drug delivery system used in the administration of RNA vaccines. LNPs are widely considered to possess adjuvant activity that induces a strong immune response. However, the properties of LNPs that contribute to their adjuvant activity continue to require clarification. To characterize the relationships between the lipid composition, particle morphology, and adjuvant activity of LNPs, the nanostructures of LNPs and their antibody production were evaluated. To simply compare the adjuvant activity of LNPs, empty LNPs were subcutaneously injected with recombinant proteins. Consistent with previous research, the presence of ionizable lipids was one of the determinant factors. Adjuvant activity was induced when a tiny cholesterol assembly (cholesterol-induced phase, ChiP) was formed according to the amount of cholesterol present. Moreover, adjuvant activity was diminished when the content of cholesterol was excessive. Thus, it is plausible that an intermediate structure of cholesterol (not in a crystalline-like state) in an intra-particle space could be closely related to the immunogenicity of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Anindita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuma Yamakawa
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuka Sato
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chika Matsumoto
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kota Ishizaki
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Taiji Oyama
- Sales Division, JASCO Corporation, 2967-5 Ishikawa, Hachioji City 192-8537, Tokyo, Japan;
| | - Satoko Suzuki
- Applicative Solution Lab Division, JASCO Corporation, 2967-5 Ishikawa, Hachioji City 192-8537, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ueda
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan; (K.U.)
| | - Kenjirou Higashi
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan; (K.U.)
| | - Kunikazu Moribe
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan; (K.U.)
| | - Kasumi Sasaki
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Shinagawa City 142-8501, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumika Ogura
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Shinagawa City 142-8501, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuo Yonemochi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Shinagawa City 142-8501, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hiroto Hatakeyama
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City 260-0856, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai City 980-8578, Miyagi, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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37
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Imani S, Tagit O, Pichon C. Neoantigen vaccine nanoformulations based on Chemically synthesized minimal mRNA (CmRNA): small molecules, big impact. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38238340 PMCID: PMC10796345 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, chemically synthesized minimal mRNA (CmRNA) has emerged as a promising alternative to in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) for cancer therapy and immunotherapy. CmRNA lacking the untranslated regions and polyadenylation exhibits enhanced stability and efficiency. Encapsulation of CmRNA within lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPPs) offers an effective approach for personalized neoantigen mRNA vaccines with improved control over tumor growth. LPP-based delivery systems provide superior pharmacokinetics, stability, and lower toxicity compared to viral vectors, naked mRNA, or lipid nanoparticles that are commonly used for mRNA delivery. Precise customization of LPPs in terms of size, surface charge, and composition allows for optimized cellular uptake, target specificity, and immune stimulation. CmRNA-encoded neo-antigens demonstrate high translational efficiency, enabling immune recognition by CD8+ T cells upon processing and presentation. This perspective highlights the potential benefits, challenges, and future directions of CmRNA neoantigen vaccines in cancer therapy compared to Circular RNAs and IVT-mRNA. Further research is needed to optimize vaccine design, delivery, and safety assessment in clinical trials. Nevertheless, personalized LPP-CmRNA vaccines hold great potential for advancing cancer immunotherapy, paving the way for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Imani
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Oya Tagit
- Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Center of Molecular Biophysics, CNRS, Orléans, France.
- ART-ARNm, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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38
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Smith AR, Rizvi F, Everton E, Adeagbo A, Wu S, Tam Y, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Gouon-Evans V. Transient growth factor expression via mRNA in lipid nanoparticles promotes hepatocyte cell therapy to treat murine liver diseases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.11.575286. [PMID: 38260488 PMCID: PMC10802626 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Primary human hepatocyte (PHH) transplantation is a promising alternative to liver transplantation, whereby liver function could be restored by partial repopulation of the diseased organ with healthy cells. However, currently PHH engraftment efficiency is low and benefits are not maintained long-term. Here we refine two mouse models of human chronic and acute liver diseases to recapitulate compromised hepatocyte proliferation observed in nearly all human liver diseases by overexpression of p21 in hepatocytes. In these clinically relevant contexts, we demonstrate that transient, yet robust expression of human hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor in the liver via nucleoside-modified mRNA in lipid nanoparticles, whose safety was validated with mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, drastically improves PHH engraftment, reduces disease burden, and improves overall liver function. This novel strategy may overcome the critical barriers to clinical translation of cell therapies with primary or stem cell-derived hepatocytes for the treatment of liver diseases.
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39
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Matias J, Cui Y, Lynn GE, DePonte K, Mesquita E, Muramatsu H, Alameh MG, Dwivedi G, Tam YK, Pardi N, Weissman D, Fikrig E. mRNA vaccination of rabbits alters the fecundity, but not the attachment, of adult Ixodes scapularis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:496. [PMID: 38177212 PMCID: PMC10766947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50389-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
19ISP is a nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine that targets 19 Ixodes scapularis proteins. We demonstrate that adult I. scapularis have impaired fecundity when allowed to engorge on 19ISP-immunized rabbits. 19ISP, therefore, has the potential to interrupt the tick reproductive cycle, without triggering some of the other effects associated with acquired tick resistance. This may lead to the development of new strategies to reduce I. scapularis populations in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Matias
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Geoffrey E Lynn
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Kathleen DePonte
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Emily Mesquita
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mohamad G Alameh
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Garima Dwivedi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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40
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Wang AYL, Chang YC, Chen KH, Loh CYY. Potential Application of Modified mRNA in Cardiac Regeneration. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241248956. [PMID: 38715279 PMCID: PMC11080755 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241248956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure remains the leading cause of human death worldwide. After a heart attack, the formation of scar tissue due to the massive death of cardiomyocytes leads to heart failure and sudden death in most cases. In addition, the regenerative ability of the adult heart is limited after injury, partly due to cell-cycle arrest in cardiomyocytes. In the current post-COVID-19 era, urgently authorized modified mRNA (modRNA) vaccines have been widely used to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, modRNA-based protein replacement may act as an alternative strategy for improving heart disease. It is a safe, effective, transient, low-immunogenic, and integration-free strategy for in vivo protein expression, in addition to recombinant protein and stem-cell regenerative therapies. In this review, we provide a summary of various cardiac factors that have been utilized with the modRNA method to enhance cardiovascular regeneration, cardiomyocyte proliferation, fibrosis inhibition, and apoptosis inhibition. We further discuss other cardiac factors, modRNA delivery methods, and injection methods using the modRNA approach to explore their application potential in heart disease. Factors for promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation such as a cocktail of three genes comprising FoxM1, Id1, and Jnk3-shRNA (FIJs), gp130, and melatonin have potential to be applied in the modRNA approach. We also discuss the current challenges with respect to modRNA-based cardiac regenerative medicine that need to be overcome to apply this approach to heart disease. This review provides a short description for investigators interested in the development of alternative cardiac regenerative medicines using the modRNA platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Yen Ling Wang
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ching Chang
- Department of Health Industry Technology Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hung Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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41
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Chen W, Zhu Y, He J, Sun X. Path towards mRNA delivery for cancer immunotherapy from bench to bedside. Theranostics 2024; 14:96-115. [PMID: 38164145 PMCID: PMC10750210 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. mRNA vaccines, in particular, offer an alternative approach to conventional vaccines, boasting high potency, rapid development capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and safe administration. However, the clinical application of mRNA vaccines is hindered by the challenges of mRNA instability and inefficient in vivo delivery. In recent times, remarkable technological advancements have emerged to address these challenges, utilizing two main approaches: ex vivo transfection of dendritic cells (DCs) with mRNA and direct injection of mRNA-based therapeutics, either with or without a carrier. This review offers a comprehensive overview of major non-viral vectors employed for mRNA vaccine delivery. It showcases notable preclinical and clinical studies in the field of cancer immunotherapy and discusses important considerations for advancing these promising vaccine platforms for broader therapeutic applications. Additionally, we provide insights into future possibilities and the remaining challenges in mRNA delivery technology, emphasizing the significance of ongoing research in mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yining Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jinhan He
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Rauch S, Lutz J, Mühe J, Kowalczyk A, Schlake T, Heidenreich R. Sequence-Optimized mRNA Vaccines Against Infectious Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:183-203. [PMID: 38814395 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Developing effective mRNA vaccines poses certain challenges concerning mRNA stability and ability to induce sufficient immune stimulation and requires a specific panel of techniques for production and testing. Here, we describe the production of stabilized mRNA vaccines (RNActive® technology) with enhanced immunogenicity, generated using conventional nucleotides only, by introducing changes to the mRNA sequence and by formulation into lipid nanoparticles. Methods described here include the synthesis, purification, and formulation of mRNA vaccines as well as a comprehensive panel of in vitro and in vivo methods for evaluation of vaccine quality and immunogenicity.
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43
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Francis C, Frida J P, Thanh-Huong B, Alicja M, Artem K, Jérémie P, Sven Even B. Urea supplementation improves mRNA in vitro transcription by decreasing both shorter and longer RNA byproducts. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-6. [PMID: 38411163 PMCID: PMC10900265 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2321764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The current letter to the editor describes the presence of RNA byproducts in small-scale in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions as evaluated by capillary gel electrophoresis, asymmetric flow field flow fractionation, immunoblotting, cell-free translation assays, and in IFN reporter cells. We compare standard T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) based IVT reactions to two recently described protocols employing either urea supplementation or using the VSW3 RNAP. Our results indicate that urea supplementation yields considerably less RNA byproducts and positively affects the overall number of full-length transcripts. In contrast, VSW3 IVT reactions demonstrated a low yield and generated a higher fraction of truncated transcripts. Lastly, both urea mRNA and VSW3 mRNA elicited considerably less IFN responses after transfection in mouse macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Combes Francis
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Bui Thanh-Huong
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Molska Alicja
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Komissarov Artem
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Parot Jérémie
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Borgos Sven Even
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
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44
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Combes F, Bui TH, Pettersson FJ, Hak S. Rapid and scalable detection of synthetic mRNA byproducts using polynucleotide phosphorylase and polythymidine oligonucleotides. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-8. [PMID: 38836544 PMCID: PMC11155706 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2363029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Production and storage of synthetic mRNA can introduce a variety of byproducts which reduce the overall integrity and functionality of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. mRNA integrity is therefore designated as a critical quality attribute which must be evaluated with state-of-the-art analytical methods before clinical use. The current study first demonstrates the effect of heat degradation on transcript translatability and then describes a novel enzymatic approach to assess the integrity of conventional mRNA and long self-amplifying mRNA. By first hybridizing oligo-T to the poly(A) tail of intact mRNA and subsequently digesting the unhybridized RNA fragments with a 3'-5' exoribonuclease, individual nucleotides can be selectively released from RNA fragments. The adenosine-based fraction of these nucleotides can then be converted into ATP and detected by luminescence as a sensitive indicator of mRNA byproducts. We developed a polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase)-based assay that offers fast and sensitive evaluation of mRNA integrity, regardless of its length, thus presenting a novel and fully scalable alternative to chromatographic-, electrophoresis-, or sequencing-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Combes
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thanh-Huong Bui
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Sjoerd Hak
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
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45
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Vadovics M, Muramatsu H, Sárközy A, Pardi N. Production and Evaluation of Nucleoside-Modified mRNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:167-181. [PMID: 38814394 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines have demonstrated potency in multiple preclinical models against various pathogens and have recently received considerable attention due to the success of the two safe and effective COVID-19 mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. The use of nucleoside modification in mRNA vaccines seems to be critical to achieve a sufficient level of safety and immunogenicity in humans, as illustrated by the results of clinical trials using either nucleoside-modified or unmodified mRNA-based vaccine platforms. It is well documented that the incorporation of modified nucleosides in the mRNA and stringent mRNA purification after in vitro transcription render it less inflammatory and highly translatable; these two features are likely key for mRNA vaccine safety and potency. Formulation of the mRNA into LNPs is important because LNPs protect mRNA from rapid degradation, enabling efficient delivery and high levels of protein production for extended periods of time. Additionally, recent studies have provided evidence that certain LNPs with ionizable cationic lipids (iLNPs) possess adjuvant activity that fosters the induction of strong humoral and cellular immune responses by mRNA-iLNP vaccines.In this chapter we describe the production of iLNP-encapsulated, nucleoside-modified, and purified mRNA and the evaluation of antigen-specific T cell and antibody responses elicited by this vaccine form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Vadovics
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - András Sárközy
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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46
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Wang Z, Jacobus EJ, Stirling DC, Krumm S, Flight KE, Cunliffe RF, Mottl J, Singh C, Mosscrop LG, Santiago LA, Vogel AB, Kariko K, Sahin U, Erbar S, Tregoning JS. Reducing cell intrinsic immunity to mRNA vaccine alters adaptive immune responses in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102045. [PMID: 37876532 PMCID: PMC10591005 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The response to mRNA vaccines needs to be sufficient for immune cell activation and recruitment, but moderate enough to ensure efficacious antigen expression. The choice of the cap structure and use of N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) instead of uridine, which have been shown to reduce RNA sensing by the cellular innate immune system, has led to improved efficacy of mRNA vaccine platforms. Understanding how RNA modifications influence the cell intrinsic immune response may help in the development of more effective mRNA vaccines. In the current study, we compared mRNA vaccines in mice against influenza virus using three different mRNA formats: uridine-containing mRNA (D1-uRNA), m1Ψ-modified mRNA (D1-modRNA), and D1-modRNA with a cap1 structure (cC1-modRNA). D1-uRNA vaccine induced a significantly different gene expression profile to the modified mRNA vaccines, with an up-regulation of Stat1 and RnaseL, and increased systemic inflammation. This result correlated with significantly reduced antigen-specific antibody responses and reduced protection against influenza virus infection compared with D1-modRNA and cC1-modRNA. Incorporation of m1Ψ alone without cap1 improved antibodies, but both modifications were required for the optimum response. Therefore, the incorporation of m1Ψ and cap1 alters protective immunity from mRNA vaccines by altering the innate immune response to the vaccine material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyin Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - David C. Stirling
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Katie E. Flight
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Robert F. Cunliffe
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Charanjit Singh
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Lucy G. Mosscrop
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - John S. Tregoning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
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47
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Ziegenhals T, Frieling R, Wolf P, Göbel K, Koch S, Lohmann M, Baiersdörfer M, Fesser S, Sahin U, Kuhn AN. Formation of dsRNA by-products during in vitro transcription can be reduced by using low steady-state levels of UTP. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1291045. [PMID: 38146535 PMCID: PMC10749352 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1291045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Exogeneous messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) can be used as therapeutic and preventive medication. However, during the enzymatic production process, commonly called in vitro transcription, by-products occur which can reduce the therapeutic efficacy of mRNA. One such by-product is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We therefore sought to limit the generation of dsRNA by-products during in vitro transcription. Materials and methods: In vitro transcription was performed with a DNA template including a poly(A)-tail-encoding region, dinucleotide or trinucleotide cap analogs for cotranscriptional capping, and relevant nucleoside triphosphates. Concentrations of UTP or modified UTP (m1ΨTP) and GTP were reduced and fed over the course of the reaction. mRNA was analyzed for dsRNA contamination, yield of the reaction, RNA integrity, and capping efficiency before translational activity was assessed. Results: Limiting the steady-state level of UTP or m1ΨTP during the enzymatic reaction reduced dsRNA formation, while not affecting mRNA yield or RNA integrity. Capping efficiency was optimized with the use of a combined GTP and UTP or m1ΨTP feed, while still reducing dsRNA formation. Lower dsRNA levels led to higher protein expression from the corresponding mRNAs. Discussion: Low steady-state concentrations of UTP and GTP, fed in combination over the course of the in vitro transcription reaction, produce mRNA with high capping and low levels of dsRNA formation, resulting in high levels of protein expression. This novel approach may render laborious purification steps to remove dsRNA unnecessary.
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48
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Rizvi F, Lee YR, Diaz-Aragon R, Bawa PS, So J, Florentino RM, Wu S, Sarjoo A, Truong E, Smith AR, Wang F, Everton E, Ostrowska A, Jung K, Tam Y, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Soto-Gutierrez A, Shin D, Gouon-Evans V. VEGFA mRNA-LNP promotes biliary epithelial cell-to-hepatocyte conversion in acute and chronic liver diseases and reverses steatosis and fibrosis. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1640-1657.e8. [PMID: 38029740 PMCID: PMC10843608 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is known for its remarkable regenerative ability through proliferation of hepatocytes. Yet, during chronic injury or severe hepatocyte death, proliferation of hepatocytes is exhausted. To overcome this hurdle, we propose vascular-endothelial-growth-factor A (VEGFA) as a therapeutic means to accelerate biliary epithelial-cell (BEC)-to-hepatocyte conversion. Investigation in zebrafish establishes that blocking VEGF receptors abrogates BEC-driven liver repair, while VEGFA overexpression promotes it. Delivery of VEGFA via nonintegrative and safe nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) in acutely or chronically injured mouse livers induces robust BEC-to-hepatocyte conversion and elimination of steatosis and fibrosis. In human and murine diseased livers, we further identified VEGFA-receptor KDR-expressing BECs associated with KDR-expressing cell-derived hepatocytes. This work defines KDR-expressing cells, most likely being BECs, as facultative progenitors. This study reveals unexpected therapeutic benefits of VEGFA delivered via nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP, whose safety is widely validated with COVID-19 vaccines, for harnessing BEC-driven repair to potentially treat liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Rizvi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yu-Ri Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ricardo Diaz-Aragon
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Pushpinder S Bawa
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Rodrigo M Florentino
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Susan Wu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Arianna Sarjoo
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Emily Truong
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anna R Smith
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Feiya Wang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Elissa Everton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alina Ostrowska
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyounghwa Jung
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Ying Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 10104, USA
| | - Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transcriptional Medicine, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Valerie Gouon-Evans
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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49
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Hamilton AG, Swingle KL, Joseph RA, Mai D, Gong N, Billingsley MM, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Sheppard NC, June CH, Mitchell MJ. Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles with Integrated Immune Checkpoint Inhibition for mRNA CAR T Cell Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301515. [PMID: 37602495 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) signaling pathway is a major source of dampened T cell activity in the tumor microenvironment. While clinical approaches to inhibiting the PD-1 pathway using antibody blockade have been broadly successful, these approaches lead to widespread PD-1 suppression, increasing the risk of autoimmune reactions. This study reports the development of an ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for simultaneous therapeutic gene expression and RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated transient gene knockdown in T cells. In developing this platform, interesting interactions are observed between the two RNA cargoes when co-encapsulated, leading to improved expression and knockdown characteristics compared to delivering either cargo alone. This messenger RNA (mRNA)/small interfering RNA (siRNA) co-delivery platform is adopted to deliver chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) mRNA and siRNA targeting PD-1 to primary human T cells ex vivo and strong CAR expression and PD-1 knockdown are observed without apparent changes to overall T cell activation state. This delivery platform shows great promise for transient immune gene modulation for a number of immunoengineering applications, including the development of improved cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kelsey L Swingle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ryann A Joseph
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Mai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Neil C Sheppard
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Carl H June
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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50
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Dhurbachandra Singh C, Morshed Alom K, Kumar Kannan D, Simander Singh T, Samantaray S, Siddappa Ravi Kumara G, Jun Seo Y. mRNA incorporation of C(5)-halogenated pyrimidine ribonucleotides and induced high expression of corresponding protein for the development of mRNA vaccine. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106897. [PMID: 37793265 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
In this report, we present our studies on mRNA, which was modified by introducing various halogen substituents at the C(5) position of the pyrimidine base. Specifically, we synthesized C(5)-halogenated (F, Cl, Br, I) pyrimidine ribonucleoside triphosphates and incorporated them into mRNA during in-vitro transcription. The efficiency of the in-vitro transcription reaction of halogenated pyrimidine was observed to decrease as the size of the halogen substituent increased and the electronegativity thereof decreased (F > Cl > Br) except for iodine. Interestingly, we found that, among the C(5)-halogenated pyrimidine ribonucleotides, mRNA incorporating C(5)-halogenated cytidine (5-F rCTP and 5-Cl rCTP) exhibited more prominent protein expression than mRNA modified with C(5)-halogenated uridine and unmodified mRNA. In particular, in the case of mRNA to which fluorine (5-F rCTP) and chlorine (5-Cl rCTP) were introduced, the protein was dramatically expressed about 4 to 5 times more efficiently than the unmodified mRNA, which was similar to pseudouridine (ψ). More interestingly, when pseudouridine(ψ) and fluorocytidine nucleotides (5-F rCTP), were simultaneously introduced into mRNA for dual incorporation, the protein expression efficiency dramatically increased as much as tenfold. The efficiency of cap-dependent protein expression is much higher than the IRES-dependent (internal ribosome entry site) expression with mRNA incorporating C(5)-halogenated pyrimidine ribonucleotide. We expect these results to contribute meaningfully to the development of therapeutics based on modified mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazi Morshed Alom
- Department of Chemistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, South Korea
| | - Dinesh Kumar Kannan
- Department of Chemistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Young Jun Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, South Korea.
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