1
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Zeng W, Zheng L, Li Y, Yang J, Mao T, Zhang J, Liu Y, Ning J, Zhang T, Huang H, Chen X, Lu F. Engineered extracellular vesicles for delivering functional Cas9/gRNA to eliminate hepatitis B virus cccDNA and integration. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2284286. [PMID: 37982370 PMCID: PMC10763861 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2284286] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and HBV integration into the host genome in infected hepatocytes pose significant challenges to the cure of chronic HBV infection. Although CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing shows promise for targeted clearance of viral genomes, a safe and efficient delivery method is currently lacking. Here, we developed a novel approach by combining light-induced heterodimerization and protein acylation to enhance the loading efficiency of Cas9 protein into extracellular vesicles (EVs). Moreover, vesicular stomatitis virus-glycoprotein (VSV-G) was incorporated onto the EVs membrane, significantly facilitating the endosomal escape of Cas9 protein and increasing its gene editing activity in recipient cells. Our results demonstrated that engineered EVs containing Cas9/gRNA and VSV-G can effectively reduce viral antigens and cccDNA levels in the HBV-replicating and infected cell models. Notably, we also confirmed the antiviral activity and high safety of the engineered EVs in the HBV-replicating mouse model generated by hydrodynamic injection and the HBV transgenic mouse model. In conclusion, engineered EVs could successfully mediate functional CRISPR/Cas9 delivery both in vitro and in vivo, leading to the clearance of episomal cccDNA and integrated viral DNA fragments, and providing a novel therapeutic approach for curing chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjia Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liwei Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yukun Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianhao Mao
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanna Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Liang Q, Tu B, Cui L. Recombinant T7 RNA polymerase production using ClearColi BL21(DE3) and animal-free media for in vitro transcription. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:41. [PMID: 38180552 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12939-w] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
In vitro transcription (IVT) using T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) is integral to RNA research, yet producing this enzyme in E. coli presents challenges regarding endotoxins and animal-sourced toxins. This study demonstrates the viable production and characterization of T7 RNAP using ClearColi BL21(DE3) (an endotoxin-free E. coli strain) and animal-free media. Compared to BL21(DE3) with animal-free medium, soluble T7 RNAP expression is ~50% lower in ClearColi BL21(DE3). Optimal soluble T7 RNAP expression in flask fermentation is achieved through the design of experiments (DoE). Specification and functional testing showed that the endotoxin-free T7 RNAP has comparable activity to conventional T7 RNAP. After Ni-NTA purification, endotoxin levels were approximately 109-fold lower than T7 RNAP from BL21(DE3) with animal-free medium. Furthermore, a full factorial DoE created an optimal IVT system that maximized mRNA yield from the endotoxin-free and animal-free T7 RNAP. This work addresses critical challenges in recombinant T7 RNAP production through innovative host and medium combinations, avoided endotoxin risks and animal-derived toxins. Together with an optimized IVT reaction system, this study represents a significant advance for safe and reliable reagent manufacturing and RNA therapeutics. KEY POINTS: • Optimized IVT system maximizes mRNA yields, enabling the synthesis of long RNAs. • Novel production method yields endotoxin-free and animal-free T7 RNAP. • The T7 RNAP has equivalent specifications and function to conventional T7 RNAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Liang
- School of Pharmacy & School of Biological and Food Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bowen Tu
- Pathogenic Biological Laboratory, Changzhou Disease Control and Prevention Centre, Changzhou Medical Centre, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lun Cui
- School of Pharmacy & School of Biological and Food Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu Province, China.
- CCZU-JITRI Joint Bio-X Lab, Changzhou AiRiBio Healthcare CO., LTD, Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu Province, China.
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3
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Pu X, Li Z, Chen R, Shi J, Qin J, Zhu Y, Du J. Lung-selective nucleic acid vectors generated by in vivo lung-targeting-protein decoration of polyplexes. Biomater Sci 2024. [PMID: 38836707 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00502c] [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
Nucleic acid drugs show immense therapeutic potential, but achieving selective organ targeting (SORT) for pulmonary disease therapy remains a formidable challenge due to the high mortality rate caused by pulmonary embolism via intravenous administration or the mucus barrier in the respiratory tract via nebulized delivery. To meet this important challenge, we propose a new strategy to prepare lung-selective nucleic-acid vectors generated by in vivo decoration of lung-targeting proteins on bioreducible polyplexes. First, we synthesized polyamidoamines, named pabol and polylipo, to encapsulate and protect nucleic acids, forming polyamidoamines/mRNA polyplexes. Second, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was coated on the surface of these polyplexes, called BSA@polyplexes, including BSA@pabol polyplexes and BSA@polylipo polyplexes, to neutralize excess positive charge, thereby enhancing biosafety. Finally, after subcutaneous injection, proteins, especially vitronectin and fibronectins, attached to the polyplexes, resulting in the formation of lung-selective nucleic-acid vectors that achieve efficient lung targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Pu
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Zejuan Li
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Ran Chen
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Junqiu Shi
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Jinlong Qin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China.
| | - Yunqing Zhu
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China.
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4
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Guo Z, Zeng C, Shen Y, Hu L, Zhang H, Li Z, Dong W, Wang Q, Liu Q, Wang Y, Jiang W. Helper Lipid-Enhanced mRNA Delivery for Treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:6743-6752. [PMID: 38783628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent the forefront of mRNA delivery platforms, yet achieving precise delivery to specific cells remains a challenge. The current targeting strategies complicate the formulation and impede the regulatory approval process. Here, through a straightforward regulation of helper lipids within LNPs, we introduce an engineered LNP designed for targeted delivery of mRNA into hepatocytes for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) treatment. The optimized LNP, supplied with POPC as the helper lipid, exhibits a 2.49-fold increase in mRNA transfection efficiency in hepatocytes compared to that of FDA-approved LNPs. CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase α mRNA is selected for delivery to hepatocytes through the optimized LNP system for self-calibration of phosphatidylcholine levels to prevent lipid droplet expansion in MAFLD. This strategy effectively regulates lipid homeostasis, while demonstrating proven biosafety. Our results present a mRNA therapy for MAFLD and open a new avenue for discovering potent lipids enabling mRNA delivery to specific cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Guo
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Cici Zeng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yanqiong Shen
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Lei Hu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Core Facility Centre for Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Zhibin Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wang Dong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yucai Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
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5
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Wang B, Tang M, Chen Q, Ho W, Teng Y, Xiong X, Jia Z, Li X, Xu X, Zhang XQ. Delivery of mRNA Encoding Interleukin-12 and a Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist Potentiates Antitumor Efficacy through Reversing T Cell Exhaustion. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38832815 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
T cell exhaustion has emerged as a major hurdle that impedes the clinical translation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists. It is crucial to explore innovative strategies to rejuvenate exhausted T cells and potentiate the antitumor efficacy. Here, we propose an approach utilizing MSA-2 as a STING agonist, along with nanoparticle-mediated delivery of mRNA encoding interleukin-12 (IL-12) to restore the function of T cells. We developed a lipid nanoparticle (DMT7-IL12 LNP) that encapsulated IL12 mRNA. Our findings convincingly demonstrated that the combination of MSA-2 and DMT7-IL12 LNP can effectively reverse the exhausted T cell phenotype, as evidenced by the enhanced secretion of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and Granzyme B, coupled with reduced levels of inhibitory molecules such as T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 and programmed cell death protein-1 on CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, this approach led to improved survival and tumor regression without causing any systemic toxicity in melanoma and lung metastasis models. These findings suggest that mRNA encoding IL-12 in conjunction with STING agonists has the potential to confer superior clinical outcomes, representing a promising advancement in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Maoping Tang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qijing Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | | | - Yilong Teng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaojian Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhitong Jia
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiuling Li
- Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200051, China
| | | | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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6
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Völkers M, Preiss T, Hentze MW. RNA-binding proteins in cardiovascular biology and disease: the beat goes on. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024; 21:361-378. [PMID: 38163813 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00958-z] [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] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac development and function are becoming increasingly well understood from different angles, including signalling, transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. By contrast, the importance of the post-transcriptional landscape of cardiac biology largely remains to be uncovered, building on the foundation of a few existing paradigms. The discovery during the past decade of hundreds of additional RNA-binding proteins in mammalian cells and organs, including the heart, is expected to accelerate progress and has raised intriguing possibilities for better understanding the intricacies of cardiac development, metabolism and adaptive alterations. In this Review, we discuss the progress and new concepts on RNA-binding proteins and RNA biology and appraise them in the context of common cardiovascular clinical conditions, from cell and organ-wide perspectives. We also discuss how a better understanding of cardiac RNA-binding proteins can fill crucial knowledge gaps in cardiology and might pave the way to developing better treatments to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Völkers
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg and Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Preiss
- Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthias W Hentze
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany.
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7
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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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8
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McNamara JO, Giangrande PH. Toward the full potential of mRNA therapeutics. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00314-9. [PMID: 38788709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
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9
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Simonsen JB. Lipid nanoparticle-based strategies for extrahepatic delivery of nucleic acid therapies - challenges and opportunities. J Control Release 2024; 370:763-772. [PMID: 38621638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The advent of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing ionizable cationic lipids has enabled the encapsulation, stabilization, and intracellular delivery of nucleic acid payloads, leading to FDA-approved siRNA-based therapy and mRNA-based vaccines. Other nucleic acid-based therapeutic modalities, including protein replacement and CRISPR-mediated gene knockout and editing, are being tested in clinical trials, in many cases, for the treatment of liver-related diseases. However, to fully exploit these therapies beyond the liver, improvements in their delivery to extrahepatic targets are needed. Towards this end, both active targeting strategies based on targeting ligands grafted onto LNPs and passive targeting relying on physicochemical LNP parameters such as surface composition, charge, and size are being evaluated. Often, the latter strategy depends on the interaction of LNPs with blood components, forming what is known as the biomolecular corona. Here, I discuss potential challenges related to current LNP-based targeting strategies and the studies of the biomolecular corona on LNPs. I propose potential solutions to overcome some of these obstacles and present approaches currently being tested in preclinical and clinical studies, which face fewer biological barriers than traditional organ-targeting approaches.
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10
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Skerritt JH, Tucek-Szabo C, Sutton B, Nolan T. The Platform Technology Approach to mRNA Product Development and Regulation. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:528. [PMID: 38793779 PMCID: PMC11126020 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050528] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) medicinal products can be considered a platform technology because the development process is similar for different diseases and conditions, with similar noncoding mRNA sequences and lipid nanoparticles and essentially unchanged manufacturing and analytical methods often utilised for different products. It is critical not to lose the momentum built using the platform approach during the development, regulatory approval and rollout of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. This review proposes a set of modifications to existing regulatory requirements for mRNA products, based on a platform perspective for quality, manufacturing, preclinical, and clinical data. For the first time, we address development and potential regulatory requirements when the mRNA sequences and LNP composition vary in different products as well. In addition, we propose considerations for self-amplifying mRNA, individualised oncology mRNA products, and mRNA therapeutics. Providing a predictable development pathway for academic and commercial groups so that they can know in detail what product characterisation and data are required to develop a dossier for regulatory submission has many potential benefits. These include: reduced development and regulatory costs; faster consumer/patient access and more agile development of products in the face of pandemics; and for rare diseases where alternatives may not exist or to increase survival and the quality of life in cancer patients. Therefore, achieving consensus around platform approaches is both urgent and important. This approach with mRNA can be a template for similar platform frameworks for other therapeutics and vaccines to enable more efficient development and regulatory review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Skerritt
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | | | - Brett Sutton
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia;
| | - Terry Nolan
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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11
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Hashiba K, Taguchi M, Sakamoto S, Otsu A, Maeda Y, Ebe H, Okazaki A, Harashima H, Sato Y. Overcoming thermostability challenges in mRNA-lipid nanoparticle systems with piperidine-based ionizable lipids. Commun Biol 2024; 7:556. [PMID: 38730092 PMCID: PMC11087515 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06235-0] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising platforms for efficient in vivo mRNA delivery owing to advancements in ionizable lipids. However, maintaining the thermostability of mRNA/LNP systems remains challenging. While the importance of only a small amount of lipid impurities on mRNA inactivation is clear, a fundamental solution has not yet been proposed. In this study, we investigate an approach to limit the generation of aldehyde impurities that react with mRNA nucleosides through the chemical engineering of lipids. We demonstrated that piperidine-based lipids improve the long-term storage stability of mRNA/LNPs at refrigeration temperature as a liquid formulation. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis and additional lipid synthesis revealed that amine moieties of ionizable lipids play a vital role in limiting reactive aldehyde generation, mRNA-lipid adduct formation, and loss of mRNA function during mRNA/LNP storage. These findings highlight the importance of lipid design and help enhance the shelf-life of mRNA/LNP systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Hashiba
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan.
| | - Masamitsu Taguchi
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Sachiko Sakamoto
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Ayaka Otsu
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ebe
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Arimichi Okazaki
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
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12
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Taibi T, Cheon S, Perna F, Vu LP. mRNA-based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00299-5. [PMID: 38702886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.035] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical research, the emergence of RNA-based therapeutics is paradigm shifting. It is mainly driven by the molecular adaptability and capacity to provide precision in targeting. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic crisis underscored the effectiveness of the mRNA therapeutic development platform and brought it to the forefront of RNA-based interventions. These RNA-based therapeutic approaches can reshape gene expression, manipulate cellular functions, and correct the aberrant molecular processes underlying various diseases. The new technologies hold the potential to engineer and deliver tailored therapeutic agents to tackle genetic disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases in a highly personalized and precisely tuned manner. The review discusses the most recent advancements in the field of mRNA therapeutics for cancer treatment, with a focus on the features of the most utilized RNA-based therapeutic interventions, current pre-clinical and clinical developments, and the remaining challenges in delivery strategies, effectiveness, and safety considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilelli Taibi
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sehyun Cheon
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fabiana Perna
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ly P Vu
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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13
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Gil-Cabrerizo P, Simon-Yarza T, Garbayo E, Blanco-Prieto MJ. Navigating the landscape of RNA delivery systems in cardiovascular disease therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115302. [PMID: 38574952 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115302] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as the leading cause of death worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. Consequently, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance CVDs treatment is imperative. RNA-based therapies, encompassing non-coding RNAs, mRNA, aptamers, and CRISPR/Cas9 technology, have emerged as promising tools for addressing CVDs. However, inherent challenges associated with RNA, such as poor cellular uptake, susceptibility to RNase degradation, and capture by the reticuloendothelial system, underscore the necessity of combining these therapies with effective drug delivery systems. Various non-viral delivery systems, including extracellular vesicles, lipid-based carriers, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles, as well as hydrogels, have shown promise in enhancing the efficacy of RNA therapeutics. In this review, we offer an overview of the most relevant RNA-based therapeutic strategies explored for addressing CVDs and emphasize the pivotal role of delivery systems in augmenting their effectiveness. Additionally, we discuss the current status of these therapies and the challenges that hinder their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Gil-Cabrerizo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science, INSERM U1148, X. Bichat Hospital, Paris 75018, France
| | - Elisa Garbayo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - María J Blanco-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
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14
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Shen G, Liu J, Yang H, Xie N, Yang Y. mRNA therapies: Pioneering a new era in rare genetic disease treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:696-721. [PMID: 38580137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.056] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases, often referred to as orphan diseases due to their low prevalence and limited treatment options, have long posed significant challenges to our medical system. In recent years, Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy has emerged as a highly promising treatment approach for various diseases caused by genetic mutations. Chemically modified mRNA is introduced into cells using carriers like lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), producing functional proteins that compensate for genetic deficiencies. Given the advantages of precise dosing, biocompatibility, transient expression, and minimal risk of genomic integration, mRNA therapies can safely and effectively correct genetic defects in rare diseases and improve symptoms. Currently, dozens of mRNA drugs targeting rare diseases are undergoing clinical trials. This comprehensive review summarizes the progress of mRNA therapy in treating rare genetic diseases. It introduces the development, molecular design, and delivery systems of mRNA therapy, highlighting their research progress in rare genetic diseases based on protein replacement and gene editing. The review also summarizes research progress in various rare disease models and clinical trials. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and future prospects of mRNA therapy. Researchers are encouraged to join this field and collaborate to advance the clinical translation of mRNA therapy, bringing hope to patients with rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobo Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanmei Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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15
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Short L, Holt RA, Cullis PR, Evgin L. Direct in vivo CAR T cell engineering. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:406-418. [PMID: 38614815 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.03.004] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
T cells modified to express intelligently designed chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are exceptionally powerful therapeutic agents for relapsed and refractory blood cancers and have the potential to revolutionize therapy for many other diseases. To circumvent the complexity and cost associated with broad-scale implementation of ex vivo manufactured adoptive cell therapy products, alternative strategies to generate CAR T cells in vivo by direct infusion of nanoparticle-formulated nucleic acids or engineered viral vectors under development have received a great deal of attention in the past few years. Here, we outline the ex vivo manufacturing process as a motivating framework for direct in vivo strategies and discuss emerging data from preclinical models to highlight the potency of the in vivo approach, the applicability for new disease indications, and the remaining challenges associated with clinical readiness, including delivery specificity, long term efficacy, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauralie Short
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert A Holt
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Laura Evgin
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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16
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Nele V, Campani V, Alia Moosavian S, De Rosa G. Lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery: Self-assembling vs driven-assembling strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115291. [PMID: 38514018 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115291] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Among non-viral vectors, lipid nanovectors are considered the gold standard for the delivery of RNA therapeutics. The success of lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, with three products approved for human use, has stimulated further investigation into RNA therapeutics for different pathologies. This requires decoding the pathological intracellular processes and tailoring the delivery system to the target tissue and cells. The complexity of the lipid nanovectors morphology originates from the assembling of the lipidic components, which can be elicited by various methods able to drive the formation of nanoparticles with the desired organization. In other cases, pre-formed nanoparticles can be mixed with RNA to induce self-assembly and structural reorganization into RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this review, the most relevant lipid nanovectors and their potentialities for RNA delivery are described on the basis of the assembling mechanism and of the particle architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Nele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Campani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Seyedeh Alia Moosavian
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy.
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17
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Lin J, Carman PJ, Gambogi CW, Kendsersky NM, Chuang E, Gates SN, Yokom AL, Rizo AN, Southworth DR, Shorter J. Design principles to tailor Hsp104 therapeutics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.591398. [PMID: 38712168 PMCID: PMC11071516 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.591398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The hexameric AAA+ disaggregase, Hsp104, collaborates with Hsp70 and Hsp40 via its autoregulatory middle domain (MD) to solubilize aggregated protein conformers. However, how ATP- or ADP-specific MD configurations regulate Hsp104 hexamers remains poorly understood. Here, we define an ATP-specific network of interprotomer contacts between nucleotide-binding domain 1 (NBD1) and MD helix L1, which tunes Hsp70 collaboration. Manipulating this network can: (a) reduce Hsp70 collaboration without enhancing activity; (b) generate Hsp104 hypomorphs that collaborate selectively with class B Hsp40s; (c) produce Hsp70-independent potentiated variants; or (d) create species barriers between Hsp104 and Hsp70. Conversely, ADP-specific intraprotomer contacts between MD helix L2 and NBD1 restrict activity, and their perturbation frequently potentiates Hsp104. Importantly, adjusting the NBD1:MD helix L1 rheostat via rational design enables finely tuned collaboration with Hsp70 to safely potentiate Hsp104, minimize off-target toxicity, and counteract FUS proteinopathy in human cells. Thus, we establish important design principles to tailor Hsp104 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiaBei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
| | - Peter J. Carman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
| | - Craig W. Gambogi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
| | - Nathan M. Kendsersky
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
- Pharmacology Graduate Group Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
| | - Edward Chuang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
- Pharmacology Graduate Group Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
| | - Stephanie N. Gates
- Graduate Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. U.S.A
- Current address: Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. U.S.A
| | - Adam L. Yokom
- Graduate Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. U.S.A
- Current address: Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. U.S.A
| | - Alexandrea N. Rizo
- Graduate Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. U.S.A
| | - Daniel R. Southworth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158. U.S.A
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
- Pharmacology Graduate Group Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. U.S.A
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18
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Zhang X, Su K, Wu S, Lin L, He S, Yan X, Shi L, Liu S. One-Component Cationic Lipids for Systemic mRNA Delivery to Splenic T Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202405444. [PMID: 38637320 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405444] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Unlocking the full potential of mRNA immunotherapy necessitates targeted delivery to specific cell subsets in the spleen. Four-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) utilized in numerous clinical trials are primarily limited in hepatocyte and muscular targeting, highlighting the imperative demand for targeted and simplified non-liver mRNA delivery systems. Herein, we report the rational design of one-component ionizable cationic lipids to selectively deliver mRNA to the spleen and T cells with high efficacy. Unlike the tertiary amine-based ionizable lipids involved in LNPs, the proposed cationic lipids rich in secondary amines can efficiently deliver mRNA both in vitro and in vivo as the standalone carriers. Furthermore, these vectors facilitate efficacious mRNA delivery to the T cell subsets following intravenous administration, demonstrating substantial potential for advancing immunotherapy applications. This straightforward strategy extends the utility of lipid family for extrahepatic mRNA delivery, offering new insights into vector development beyond LNPs to further the field of precise mRNA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Kexin Su
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shiqi Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Lixin Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shun He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinxin Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lu Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Guri-Lamce I, AlRokh Y, Kim Y, Maeshima R, Graham C, Hart SL, McGrath JA, Jacków-Malinowska J. Topical gene editing therapeutics using lipid nanoparticles: 'gene creams' for genetic skin diseases? Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:617-627. [PMID: 38149939 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad528] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Patients living with inherited skin diseases have benefited from recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies that provide new or improved diagnostics. However, developing and delivering new treatments for the 'genodermatoses' remains challenging. The goal of creating topical preparations that can recover the inherent gene pathology remains largely aspirational. However, recent progress in two fields - the chemistry of topical delivery formulations (lipid nanoparticles) and the molecular biology of gene repair (CRISPR-Cas9, base and prime editing) - presents new opportunities to address this unmet need. In this review, we discuss how lipid nanoparticle delivery vehicles could be used to deliver gene-editing tools to formulate topical 'gene creams' suitable for the treatment of genodermatoses. We summarize the historical landscape of topical therapeutics and advances in gene editing that may herald an era of new therapies for patients with inherited skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Guri-Lamce
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yara AlRokh
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Youngah Kim
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ruhina Maeshima
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Carina Graham
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Stephen L Hart
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - John A McGrath
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, UK
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20
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Obexer R, Nassir M, Moody ER, Baran PS, Lovelock SL. Modern approaches to therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing. Science 2024; 384:eadl4015. [PMID: 38603508 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4015] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic oligonucleotides are a powerful drug modality with the potential to treat many diseases. The rapidly growing number of therapies that have been approved and that are in advanced clinical trials will place unprecedented demands on our capacity to manufacture oligonucleotides at scale. Existing methods based on solid-phase phosphoramidite chemistry are limited by their scalability and sustainability, and new approaches are urgently needed to deliver the multiton quantities of oligonucleotides that are required for therapeutic applications. The chemistry community has risen to the challenge by rethinking strategies for oligonucleotide production. Advances in chemical synthesis, biocatalysis, and process engineering technologies are leading to increasingly efficient and selective routes to oligonucleotide sequences. We review these developments, along with remaining challenges and opportunities for innovations that will allow the sustainable manufacture of diverse oligonucleotide products.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Obexer
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - M Nassir
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - E R Moody
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P S Baran
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S L Lovelock
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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21
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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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22
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Nie S, Qin Y, Ou L, Chen X, Li L. In Situ Reprogramming of Immune Cells Using Synthetic Nanomaterials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310168. [PMID: 38229527 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310168] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In the past decade, adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the complexity and high costs involved in manufacturing current adoptive cell therapy greatly inhibit its widespread availability and access. To address this, in situ cell therapy, which directly reprograms immune cells inside the body, has recently been developed as a promising alternative. Here, an overview of the recent progress in the development of synthetic nanomaterials is provided to deliver plasmid DNA or mRNA for in situ reprogramming of T cells and macrophages, focusing especially on in situ CAR therapies. Also, the main challenges for in situ immune cell reprogramming are discussed and some approaches to overcome these barriers to fulfill the clinical applications are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuyang Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liyuan Ou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Ling Li
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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23
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Wang J, Zhu H, Gan J, Liang G, Li L, Zhao Y. Engineered mRNA Delivery Systems for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308029. [PMID: 37805865 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308029] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutic strategies have shown remarkable promise in preventing and treating a staggering range of diseases. Optimizing the structure and delivery system of engineered mRNA has greatly improved its stability, immunogenicity, and protein expression levels, which has led to a wider range of uses for mRNA therapeutics. Herein, a thorough analysis of the optimization strategies used in the structure of mRNA is first provided and delivery systems are described in great detail. Furthermore, the latest advancements in biomedical engineering for mRNA technology, including its applications in combatting infectious diseases, treating cancer, providing protein replacement therapy, conducting gene editing, and more, are summarized. Lastly, a perspective on forthcoming challenges and prospects concerning the advancement of mRNA therapeutics is offered. Despite these challenges, mRNA-based therapeutics remain promising, with the potential to revolutionize disease treatment and contribute to significant advancements in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Haofang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jingjing Gan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
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24
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D'Atri V, Imiołek M, Quinn C, Finny A, Lauber M, Fekete S, Guillarme D. Size exclusion chromatography of biopharmaceutical products: From current practices for proteins to emerging trends for viral vectors, nucleic acids and lipid nanoparticles. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1722:464862. [PMID: 38581978 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464862] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The 21st century has been particularly productive for the biopharmaceutical industry, with the introduction of several classes of innovative therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies and related compounds, gene therapy products, and RNA-based modalities. All these new molecules are susceptible to aggregation and fragmentation, which necessitates a size variant analysis for their comprehensive characterization. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is one of the reference techniques that can be applied. The analytical techniques for mAbs are now well established and some of them are now emerging for the newer modalities. In this context, the objective of this review article is: i) to provide a short historical background on SEC, ii) to suggest some clear guidelines on the selection of packing material and mobile phase for successful method development in modern SEC; and iii) to highlight recent advances in SEC, such as the use of narrow-bore and micro-bore columns, ultra-wide pore columns, and low-adsorption column hardware. Some important innovations, such as recycling SEC, the coupling of SEC with mass spectrometry, and the use of alternative detectors such as charge detection mass spectrometry and mass photometry are also described. In addition, this review discusses the use of SEC in multidimensional setups and shows some of the most recent advances at the preparative scale. In the third part of the article, the possibility of SEC for the characterization of new modalities is also reviewed. The final objective of this review is to provide a clear summary of opportunities and limitations of SEC for the analysis of different biopharmaceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina D'Atri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Abraham Finny
- Waters Corporation, Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Lauber
- Waters Corporation, Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Davy Guillarme
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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25
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McCormick K, Moreno Herrero J, Haas H, Fattah S, Heise A, O’Brien FJ, Cryan SA. Optimizing the Delivery of mRNA to Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1662-1676. [PMID: 38504417 PMCID: PMC10988554 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00898] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) represents a promising therapeutic tool in the field of tissue engineering for the fast and transient production of growth factors to support new tissue regeneration. However, one of the main challenges to optimizing its use is achieving efficient uptake and delivery to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been long reported as difficult-to-transfect. The aim of this study was to systematically screen a range of nonviral vectors to identify optimal transfection conditions for mRNA delivery to MSCs. Furthermore, for the first time, we wanted to directly compare the protein expression profile from three different types of mRNA, namely, unmodified mRNA (uRNA), base-modified mRNA (modRNA), and self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) in MSCs. A range of polymer- and lipid-based vectors were used to encapsulate mRNA and directly compared in terms of physicochemical properties as well as transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity in MSCs. We found that both lipid- and polymer-based materials were able to successfully condense and encapsulate mRNA into nanosized particles (<200 nm). The overall charge and encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles was dependent on the vector type as well as the vector:mRNA ratio. When screened in vitro, lipid-based vectors proved to be superior in terms of mRNA delivery to MSCs cultured in a 2D monolayer and from a 3D collagen-based scaffold with minimal effects on cell viability, thus opening the potential for scaffold-based mRNA delivery. Modified mRNA consistently showed the highest levels of protein expression in MSCs, demonstrating 1.2-fold and 5.6-fold increases versus uRNA and saRNA, respectively. In summary, we have fully optimized the nonviral delivery of mRNA to MSCs, determined the importance of careful selection of the mRNA type used, and highlighted the strong potential of mRNA for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie McCormick
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
| | | | | | - Sarinj Fattah
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- School
of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Andreas Heise
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Dept.
of Chemistry, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Fergal J. O’Brien
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity
College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Sally-Ann Cryan
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity
College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
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26
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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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27
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Katopodi T, Petanidis S, Grigoriadou E, Anestakis D, Charalampidis C, Chatziprodromidou I, Floros G, Eskitzis P, Zarogoulidis P, Koulouris C, Sevva C, Papadopoulos K, Roulia P, Mantalovas S, Dagher M, Karakousis AV, Varsamis N, Vlassopoulos K, Theodorou V, Mystakidou CM, Katsios NI, Farmakis K, Kosmidis C. Immune Specific and Tumor-Dependent mRNA Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy: Reprogramming Clinical Translation into Tumor Editing Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:455. [PMID: 38675116 PMCID: PMC11053579 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040455] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive research into mRNA vaccines for cancer therapy in preclinical and clinical trials has prepared the ground for the quick development of immune-specific mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therapeutic cancer vaccines based on mRNA are well tolerated, and are an attractive choice for future cancer immunotherapy. Ideal personalized tumor-dependent mRNA vaccines could stimulate both humoral and cellular immunity by overcoming cancer-induced immune suppression and tumor relapse. The stability, structure, and distribution strategies of mRNA-based vaccines have been improved by technological innovations, and patients with diverse tumor types are now being enrolled in numerous clinical trials investigating mRNA vaccine therapy. Despite the fact that therapeutic mRNA-based cancer vaccines have not yet received clinical approval, early clinical trials with mRNA vaccines as monotherapy and in conjunction with checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results. In this review, we analyze the most recent clinical developments in mRNA-based cancer vaccines and discuss the optimal platforms for the creation of mRNA vaccines. We also discuss the development of the cancer vaccines' clinical research, paying particular attention to their clinical use and therapeutic efficacy, which could facilitate the design of mRNA-based vaccines in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Katopodi
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Savvas Petanidis
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.K.); (E.G.)
- Department of Pulmonology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Eirini Grigoriadou
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Doxakis Anestakis
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus; (D.A.); (C.C.)
| | | | | | - George Floros
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 38334 Volos, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Eskitzis
- Department of Obstetrics, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece;
| | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Charilaos Koulouris
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Christina Sevva
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Papadopoulos
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Panagiota Roulia
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Stylianos Mantalovas
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Marios Dagher
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Alexandros Vasileios Karakousis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | | | - Konstantinos Vlassopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.V.); (V.T.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Vasiliki Theodorou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.V.); (V.T.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Chrysi Maria Mystakidou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.V.); (V.T.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Nikolaos Iason Katsios
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Farmakis
- Pediatric Surgery Clinic, General Hospital of Thessaloniki “G. Gennimatas”, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christoforos Kosmidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
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28
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Chen H, Liu D, Guo J, Aditham A, Zhou Y, Tian J, Luo S, Ren J, Hsu A, Huang J, Kostas F, Wu M, Liu DR, Wang X. Branched chemically modified poly(A) tails enhance the translation capacity of mRNA. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02174-7. [PMID: 38519719 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Although messenger RNA (mRNA) has proved effective as a vaccine, its potential as a general therapeutic modality is limited by its instability and low translation capacity. To increase the duration and level of protein expression from mRNA, we designed and synthesized topologically and chemically modified mRNAs with multiple synthetic poly(A) tails. Here we demonstrate that the optimized multitailed mRNA yielded ~4.7-19.5-fold higher luminescence signals than the control mRNA from 24 to 72 h post transfection in cellulo and 14 days detectable signal versus <7 days signal from the control in vivo. We further achieve efficient multiplexed genome editing of the clinically relevant genes Pcsk9 and Angptl3 in mouse liver at a minimal mRNA dosage. Taken together, these results provide a generalizable approach to synthesize capped branched mRNA with markedly enhanced translation capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jianting Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Abhishek Aditham
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jiakun Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shuchen Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jingyi Ren
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alvin Hsu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jiahao Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Franklin Kostas
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mingrui Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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29
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Le ND, Nguyen BL, Patil BR, Chun H, Kim S, Nguyen TOO, Mishra S, Tandukar S, Chang JH, Kim DY, Jin SG, Choi HG, Ku SK, Kim J, Kim JO. Antiangiogenic Therapeutic mRNA Delivery Using Lung-Selective Polymeric Nanomedicine for Lung Cancer Treatment. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8392-8410. [PMID: 38450656 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) show clinical benefits in treating nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Nonetheless, the therapeutic effects of systemically administered anti-VEGF antibodies are often hindered in NSCLCs because of their limited distribution in the lungs and their adverse effects on normal tissues. These challenges can be overcome by delivering therapeutic antibodies in their mRNA form to lung endothelial cells, a primary target of VEGF-mediated pulmonary angiogenesis, to suppress the NSCLCs. In this study, we synthesized derivatives of poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) and prepared nanoparticles to encapsulate the synthetic mRNA encoding bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody used in the clinic. Optimization of nanoparticle formulations resulted in a selective lung transfection after intravenous administration. Notably, the optimized PBAE nanoparticles were distributed in lung endothelial cells, resulting in the secretion of bevacizumab. We analyzed the protein corona on the lung- and spleen-targeting nanoparticles using proteomics and found distinctive features potentially contributing to their organ-selectivity. Lastly, bevacizumab mRNA delivered by the lung-targeting PBAE nanoparticles more significantly inhibited tumor proliferation and angiogenesis than recombinant bevacizumab protein in orthotopic NSCLC mouse models, supporting the therapeutic potential of bevacizumab mRNA therapy and its selective delivery through lung-targeting nanoparticles. Our proof-of-principle results highlight the clinical benefits of nanoparticle-mediated mRNA therapy in anticancer antibody treatment in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Duy Le
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Bao Loc Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | | | - HeeSang Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - SiYoon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sunil Mishra
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Sudarshan Tandukar
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Giu Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Gon Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Kwang Ku
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Oh Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
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30
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Witten J, Hu Y, Langer R, Anderson DG. Recent advances in nanoparticulate RNA delivery systems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307798120. [PMID: 38437569 PMCID: PMC10945842 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307798120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based RNA delivery has shown great progress in recent years with the approval of two mRNA vaccines for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and a liver-targeted siRNA therapy. Here, we discuss the preclinical and clinical advancement of new generations of RNA delivery therapies along multiple axes. Improvements in cargo design such as RNA circularization and data-driven untranslated region optimization can drive better mRNA expression. New materials discovery research has driven improved delivery to extrahepatic targets such as the lung and splenic immune cells, which could lead to pulmonary gene therapy and better cancer vaccines, respectively. Other organs and even specific cell types can be targeted for delivery via conjugation of small molecule ligands, antibodies, or peptides to RNA delivery nanoparticles. Moreover, the immune response to any RNA delivery nanoparticle plays a crucial role in determining efficacy. Targeting increased immunogenicity without induction of reactogenic side effects is crucial for vaccines, while minimization of immune response is important for gene therapies. New developments have addressed each of these priorities. Last, we discuss the range of RNA delivery clinical trials targeting diverse organs, cell types, and diseases and suggest some key advances that may play a role in the next wave of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Witten
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Yizong Hu
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Daniel G. Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
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31
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Marcos-Villar L, Perdiguero B, Anthiya S, Borrajo ML, Lou G, Franceschini L, Esteban I, Sánchez-Cordón PJ, Zamora C, Sorzano CÓS, Jordá L, Codó L, Gelpí JL, Sisteré-Oró M, Meyerhans A, Thielemans K, Martínez-Jiménez F, López-Bigas N, García F, Alonso MJ, Plana M, Esteban M, Gómez CE. Modulating the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 by different nanocarriers delivering an mRNA expressing trimeric RBD of the spike protein: COVARNA Consortium. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:53. [PMID: 38448450 PMCID: PMC10918104 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00838-8] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccines based on mRNA technology have revolutionized the field. In fact, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) formulated with mRNA are the preferential vaccine platform used in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection, with wider application against other diseases. The high demand and property right protection of the most potent cationic/ionizable lipids used for LNP formulation of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have promoted the design of alternative nanocarriers for nucleic acid delivery. In this study we have evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of different rationally designed lipid and polymeric-based nanoparticle prototypes against SARS-CoV-2 infection. An mRNA coding for a trimeric soluble form of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein from SARS-CoV-2 was encapsulated using different components to form nanoemulsions (NE), nanocapsules (NC) and lipid nanoparticles (LNP). The toxicity and biological activity of these prototypes were evaluated in cultured cells after transfection and in mice following homologous prime/boost immunization. Our findings reveal good levels of RBD protein expression with most of the formulations. In C57BL/6 mice immunized intramuscularly with two doses of formulated RBD-mRNA, the modified lipid nanoparticle (mLNP) and the classical lipid nanoparticle (LNP-1) were the most effective delivery nanocarriers at inducing binding and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Both prototypes fully protected susceptible K18-hACE2 transgenic mice from morbidity and mortality following a SARS-CoV-2 challenge. These results highlight that modulation of mRNAs immunogenicity can be achieved by using alternative nanocarriers and support further assessment of mLNP and LNP-1 prototypes as delivery vehicles for mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marcos-Villar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Perdiguero
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Shubaash Anthiya
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mireya L Borrajo
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gustavo Lou
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ignasi Esteban
- AIDS Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro J Sánchez-Cordón
- Veterinary Pathology Department, Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Zamora
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Óscar S Sorzano
- Biocomputing Unit and Computational Genomics, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Jordá
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Codó
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep L Gelpí
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sisteré-Oró
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Meyerhans
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francisco Martínez-Jiménez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria López-Bigas
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe García
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María J Alonso
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Montserrat Plana
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- AIDS Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Elena Gómez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
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Cappelluti MA, Mollica Poeta V, Valsoni S, Quarato P, Merlin S, Merelli I, Lombardo A. Durable and efficient gene silencing in vivo by hit-and-run epigenome editing. Nature 2024; 627:416-423. [PMID: 38418872 PMCID: PMC10937395 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Permanent epigenetic silencing using programmable editors equipped with transcriptional repressors holds great promise for the treatment of human diseases1-3. However, to unlock its full therapeutic potential, an experimental confirmation of durable epigenetic silencing after the delivery of transient delivery of editors in vivo is needed. To this end, here we targeted Pcsk9, a gene expressed in hepatocytes that is involved in cholesterol homeostasis. In vitro screening of different editor designs indicated that zinc-finger proteins were the best-performing DNA-binding platform for efficient silencing of mouse Pcsk9. A single administration of lipid nanoparticles loaded with the editors' mRNAs almost halved the circulating levels of PCSK9 for nearly one year in mice. Notably, Pcsk9 silencing and accompanying epigenetic repressive marks also persisted after forced liver regeneration, further corroborating the heritability of the newly installed epigenetic state. Improvements in construct design resulted in the development of an all-in-one configuration that we term evolved engineered transcriptional repressor (EvoETR). This design, which is characterized by a high specificity profile, further reduced the circulating levels of PCSK9 in mice with an efficiency comparable with that obtained through conventional gene editing, but without causing DNA breaks. Our study lays the foundation for the development of in vivo therapeutics that are based on epigenetic silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Mollica Poeta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valsoni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Quarato
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
| | - Angelo Lombardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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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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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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35
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [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: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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36
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Zhao G, Xue L, Geisler HC, Xu J, Li X, Mitchell MJ, Vaughan AE. Precision treatment of viral pneumonia through macrophage-targeted lipid nanoparticle delivery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314747121. [PMID: 38315853 PMCID: PMC10873611 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314747121] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are integral components of the innate immune system, playing a dual role in host defense during infection and pathophysiological states. Macrophages contribute to immune responses and aid in combatting various infections, yet their production of abundant proinflammatory cytokines can lead to uncontrolled inflammation and worsened tissue damage. Therefore, reducing macrophage-derived proinflammatory cytokine release represents a promising approach for treating various acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. However, limited macrophage-specific delivery vehicles have hindered the development of macrophage-targeted therapies. In this study, we screened a pool of 112 lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to identify an optimal LNP formulation for efficient siRNA delivery. Subsequently, by conjugating the macrophage-specific antibody F4/80 to the LNP surface, we constructed MacLNP, an enhanced LNP formulation designed for targeted macrophage delivery. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, MacLNP demonstrated a significant enhancement in targeting macrophages. Specifically, delivery of siRNA targeting TAK1, a critical kinase upstream of multiple inflammatory pathways, effectively suppressed the phosphorylation/activation of NF-kB. LNP-mediated inhibition of NF-kB, a key upstream regulator in the classic inflammatory signaling pathway, in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 significantly reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines after stimulation with the viral RNA mimic Poly(I:C). Finally, intranasal administration of MacLNP-encapsulated TAK1 siRNA markedly ameliorated lung injury induced by influenza infection. In conclusion, our findings validate the potential of targeted macrophage interventions in attenuating inflammatory responses, reinforcing the potential of LNP-mediated macrophage targeting to treat pulmonary inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Penn-Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Lung Biology Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Lulu Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Hannah C. Geisler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Junchao Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Xinyuan Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Penn-Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Lung Biology Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19014
| | - Andrew E. Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Penn-Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Lung Biology Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
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37
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Hou Y, Zhang W, McGilvray PT, Sobczyk M, Wang T, Weng SHS, Huff A, Huang S, Pena N, Katanski CD, Pan T. Engineered mischarged transfer RNAs for correcting pathogenic missense mutations. Mol Ther 2024; 32:352-371. [PMID: 38104240 PMCID: PMC10861979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.12.014] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations account for approximately 50% of pathogenic mutations in human genetic diseases, and most lack effective treatments. Gene therapies, gene editing, and RNA therapies, including transfer RNA (tRNA) modalities, are common strategies for genetic disease treatments. However, reported tRNA therapies are for nonsense mutations only. It has not been explored how tRNAs can be engineered to correct missense mutations. Here, we describe missense-correcting tRNAs (mc-tRNAs) as a potential therapeutic for correcting pathogenic missense mutations. Mc-tRNAs are engineered tRNAs charged with one amino acid, but read codons of another in translation. We first developed a series of fluorescent protein-based reporters that indicate the successful correction of missense mutations via restoration of fluorescence. We engineered mc-tRNAs that effectively corrected serine and arginine missense mutations in the reporters and confirmed the amino acid substitution by mass spectrometry and mc-tRNA expression by sequencing. We examined the transcriptome response to mc-tRNA expression and found some mc-tRNAs induced minimum transcriptomic changes. Furthermore, we applied an mc-tRNA to rescue a pathogenic CAPN3 Arg-to-Gln mutant involved in LGMD2A. These results establish a versatile pipeline for mc-tRNA engineering and demonstrate the potential of mc-tRNA as an alternative therapeutic platform for the treatment of genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Hou
- Committee on Genomics, Genetics and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Marek Sobczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tianxin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Allen Huff
- Proteomics Platform, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sihao Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Noah Pena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Tao Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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38
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Huang L, Zhao F, He M, Fang Y, Ma X, Lu S, Li E, Xiao H, Zhu H, Wang X, Tang S, Yu B, Wang J, Zhao D, Wang C, Li H, Gao Y, Peng X, Shen H. An inoculation site-retained mRNA vaccine induces robust immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants. J Control Release 2024; 366:479-493. [PMID: 38184234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.002] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutic agents hold great promise in prevention and treatment of human diseases, yet high percentage of systemic adverse effect in clinic remains a big safety concern. One major potential cause is a high level of leakage of the locally inoculated mRNA vaccine nanoparticles into circulation. We have screened and optimized a core-shell structured lipopolyplex (LPP) formulation for mRNA with a tissue-retention property. Upon intramuscular inoculation, the mRNA-encapsulated LPP nanoparticles were preferentially taken up by the phagocytic antigen-presentation cells, and potently promoted dendritic cell maturation. We applied the new formulation to prepare a prophylactic vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, and observed potent humoral and cellular immune responses from the vaccine in both murine models and non-human primates. More importantly, the vaccine demonstrated a benign safety profile in non-human primates, with limited side effects after repeated treatment with high dosages of LPP/mRNA. Taken together, the inoculation site-retained vaccine formulation serves as a promising vehicle for mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China; Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fanfan Zhao
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Muye He
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Shuaiyao Lu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Entao Li
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Hanfei Zhu
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Xueli Wang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hangwen Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China.
| | - Yuwei Gao
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China.
| | - Haifa Shen
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China.
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Wu J, Wu W, Zhou B, Li B. Chimeric antigen receptor therapy meets mRNA technology. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:228-240. [PMID: 37741706 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.08.005] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have emerged as a new game changer in cancer immunotherapy. The utility of CAR T cell therapy against hematological malignancies has been validated in clinical practice. Other CAR immune cells are currently under investigation to improve the potency of CAR therapy in solid tumors. As a new class of therapeutic modalities, mRNA-based therapeutics hold enormous potential beyond COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Arming immune cells with mRNA-encoded CARs represents a new frontier in cancer and beyond, enabling in vivo generation of CAR cells without causing transgene integration. In this review, we summarize recent advances in mRNA-based CAR immunotherapies and highlight their opportunities and challenges for the development of a new generation of living drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacai Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology and The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China; School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Weigang Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology and The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Boping Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology and The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China; School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology and The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China; School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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40
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DeJulius CR, Walton BL, Colazo JM, d'Arcy R, Francini N, Brunger JM, Duvall CL. Engineering approaches for RNA-based and cell-based osteoarthritis therapies. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:81-100. [PMID: 38253889 PMCID: PMC11129836 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, debilitating disease that substantially impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. The underlying mechanisms of OA are diverse and are becoming increasingly understood at the systemic, tissue, cellular and gene levels. However, the pharmacological therapies available remain limited, owing to drug delivery barriers, and consist mainly of broadly immunosuppressive regimens, such as corticosteroids, that provide only short-term palliative benefits and do not alter disease progression. Engineered RNA-based and cell-based therapies developed with synthetic chemistry and biology tools provide promise for future OA treatments with durable, efficacious mechanisms of action that can specifically target the underlying drivers of pathology. This Review highlights emerging classes of RNA-based technologies that hold potential for OA therapies, including small interfering RNA for gene silencing, microRNA and anti-microRNA for multi-gene regulation, mRNA for gene supplementation, and RNA-guided gene-editing platforms such as CRISPR-Cas9. Various cell-engineering strategies are also examined that potentiate disease-dependent, spatiotemporally regulated production of therapeutic molecules, and a conceptual framework is presented for their application as OA treatments. In summary, this Review highlights modern genetic medicines that have been clinically approved for other diseases, in addition to emerging genome and cellular engineering approaches, with the goal of emphasizing their potential as transformative OA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlisle R DeJulius
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bonnie L Walton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Juan M Colazo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Richard d'Arcy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nora Francini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan M Brunger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Craig L Duvall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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41
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Zhao B, Zhang X, Bickle MS, Fu S, Li Q, Zhang F. Development of polypeptide-based materials toward messenger RNA delivery. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2250-2264. [PMID: 38213302 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05635j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutic agents have demonstrated significant potential in recent times, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. As a promising prophylactic and therapeutic strategy, polypeptide-based mRNA delivery systems attract significant interest because of their low cost, simple preparation, tuneable sizes and morphology, convenient large-scale production, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this review, we begin with a brief discussion of the synthesis of polypeptides, followed by a review of commonly used polypeptides in mRNA delivery, including classical polypeptides and cell-penetrating peptides. Then, the challenges against mRNA delivery, including extracellular, intracellular, and clinical barriers, are discussed in detail. Finally, we highlight a range of strategies for polypeptide-based mRNA delivery, offering valuable insights into the advancement of polypeptide-based mRNA carrier development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Molly S Bickle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Shiwei Fu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Qingchun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Fuwu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
- The Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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42
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Zhang F, Ignatova VV, Ming GL, Song H. Advances in brain epitranscriptomics research and translational opportunities. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:449-463. [PMID: 38123727 PMCID: PMC11116067 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical modifications of all RNA transcripts, or epitranscriptomics, have emerged as crucial regulators of RNA metabolism, attracting significant interest from both basic and clinical researchers due to their diverse functions in biological processes and immense clinical potential as highlighted by the recent profound success of RNA modifications in improving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Rapid accumulation of evidence underscores the critical involvement of various RNA modifications in governing normal neural development and brain functions as well as pathogenesis of brain disorders. Here we provide an overview of RNA modifications and recent advancements in epitranscriptomic studies utilizing animal models to elucidate important roles of RNA modifications in regulating mammalian neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptic formation, and brain function. Moreover, we emphasize the pivotal involvement of RNA modifications and their regulators in the pathogenesis of various human brain disorders, encompassing neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumors, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, we discuss potential translational opportunities afforded by RNA modifications in combatting brain disorders, including their use as biomarkers, in the development of drugs or gene therapies targeting epitranscriptomic pathways, and in applications for mRNA-based vaccines and therapies. We also address current limitations and challenges hindering the widespread clinical application of epitranscriptomic research, along with the improvements necessary for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Valentina V Ignatova
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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43
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Coller J, Ignatova Z. tRNA therapeutics for genetic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:108-125. [PMID: 38049504 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00829-9] [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: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) have a crucial role in protein synthesis, and in recent years, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of genetic diseases - primarily those associated with a mutation altering mRNA translation - has gained significant attention. Engineering tRNAs to readthrough nonsense mutation-associated premature termination of mRNA translation can restore protein synthesis and function. In addition, supplementation of natural tRNAs can counteract effects of missense mutations in proteins crucial for tRNA biogenesis and function in translation. This Review will present advances in the development of tRNA therapeutics with high activity and safety in vivo and discuss different formulation approaches for single or chronic treatment modalities. The field of tRNA therapeutics is still in its early stages, and a series of challenges related to tRNA efficacy and stability in vivo, delivery systems with tissue-specific tropism, and safe and efficient manufacturing need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Coller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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44
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Sun J, Chen J, Sun Y, Hou Y, Liu Z, Lu H. On the origin of the low immunogenicity and biosafety of a neutral α-helical polypeptide as an alternative to polyethylene glycol. Bioact Mater 2024; 32:333-343. [PMID: 37927900 PMCID: PMC10622589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a prominent synthetic polymer widely used in biomedicine. Despite its notable success, recent clinical evidence highlights concerns regarding the immunogenicity and adverse effects associated with PEG in PEGylated proteins and lipid nanoparticles. Previous studies have found a neutral helical polypeptide poly(γ-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl l-glutamate), namely L-P(EG3Glu), as a potential alternative to PEG, displaying lower immunogenicity. To comprehensively assess the immunogenicity, distribution, degradation, and biosafety of L-P(EG3Glu), herein, we employ assays including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, and fluorescent resonance energy transfer. Our investigations involve in vivo immune responses, biodistribution, and macrophage activation of interferon (IFN) conjugates tethered with helical L-P(EG3Glu) (L20k-IFN), random-coiled DL-P(EG3Glu) (DL20k-IFN), and PEG (PEG20k-IFN). Key findings encompass: minimal anti-IFN and anti-polymer antibodies elicited by L20k-IFN; length-dependent affinity of PEG to anti-PEG antibodies; accelerated clearance of DL20k-IFN and PEG20k-IFN linked to anti-IFN and anti-polymer IgG; complement activation for DL20k-IFN and PEG20k-IFN but not L20k-IFN; differential clearance with L20k-IFN kidney-based, and DL20k-IFN/PEG20k-IFN accumulation mainly in liver/spleen; enhanced macrophage activation by DL20k-IFN and PEG20k-IFN; L-P(EG3Glu) resistance to proteolysis; and safer repeated administrations of L-P(EG3Glu) in rats. Overall, this study offers comprehensive insights into the lower immunogenicity of L-P(EG3Glu) compared to DL-P(EG3Glu) and PEG, supporting its potential clinical use in protein conjugation and nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Junyi Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yiming Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yingqin Hou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhibo Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking University–Tsinghua University Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Hua Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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Gao M, Li Y, Ho W, Chen C, Chen Q, Li F, Tang M, Fan Q, Wan J, Yu W, Xu X, Li P, Zhang XQ. Targeted mRNA Nanoparticles Ameliorate Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption Postischemic Stroke by Modulating Microglia Polarization. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3260-3275. [PMID: 38227975 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The ischemic stroke is a major global health concern, with high mortality and disability rates. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of effective clinical interventions for managing poststroke neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption that are crucial for the brain injury evolving and neurological deficits. By leveraging the pathological progression of an ischemic stroke, we developed an M2 microglia-targeting lipid nanoparticle (termed MLNP) approach that can selectively deliver mRNA encoding phenotype-switching interleukin-10 (mIL-10) to the ischemic brain, creating a beneficial feedback loop that drives microglial polarization toward the protective M2 phenotypes and augments the homing of mIL-10-loaded MLNPs (mIL-10@MLNPs) to ischemic regions. In a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model of an ischemic stroke, our findings demonstrate that intravenously injected mIL-10@MLNPs induce IL-10 production and enhance the M2 polarization of microglia. The resulting positive loop reinforces the resolution of neuroinflammation, restores the impaired BBB, and prevents neuronal apoptosis after stroke. Using a permanent distal MCAO mouse model of an ischemic stroke, the neuroprotective effects of mIL-10@MLNPs have been further validated by the attenuation of the sensorimotor and cognitive neurological deficits. Furthermore, the developed mRNA-based targeted therapy has great potential to extend the therapeutic time window at least up to 72 h poststroke. This study depicts a simple and versatile LNP platform for selective delivery of mRNA therapeutics to cerebral lesions, showcasing a promising approach for addressing an ischemic stroke and associated brain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Gao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - William Ho
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qijing Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fengshi Li
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200127, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Cerebrovascular Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Maoping Tang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiuyue Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jieqing Wan
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200127, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Cerebrovascular Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Peiying Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200127, China
- Clinical Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai 200240, China
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46
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Bui NL, Chu DT. An introduction to RNA therapeutics and their potentials. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 203:1-12. [PMID: 38359993 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics is a biological term regarding the usage of RNA-based molecules for medical purposes. Thanks to the success of mRNA-vaccine production against COVID-19, RNA therapeutics has gained more and more attention and investigation from worldwide scientists. It is considered as one of the promising alternatives for conventional drugs. In this first chapter, we presented an overview of the history and perspectives of RNA therapeutics' development. This chapter also explained the underlying mechanisms of different RNA-based molecules, including antisense oligonucleotide, interfering RNA (iRNA), aptamer, and mRNA, from degrading mRNA to inactivating targeted protein. Although there are many advantages of RNA therapeutics, its challenges in designing RNA chemical structure and the delivery vehicle need to be discussed. We described advanced technologies in the development of drug delivery systems that are positively correlated to the efficacy of the drug. Our aim is to provide a general background of RNA therapeutics to the audience before introducing plenty of more detailed parts, including clinical applications in certain diseases in the following chapters of the "RNA therapeutics" book.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat-Le Bui
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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47
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Lowenthal MS, Antonishek AS, Phinney KW. Quantification of mRNA in Lipid Nanoparticles Using Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:1214-1222. [PMID: 38189247 PMCID: PMC10809213 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04406] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA (LNP-mRNA) holds great promise as a novel modality for treating a broad range of diseases. The ability to quantify mRNA accurately in therapeutic products helps to ensure consistency and safety. Here, we consider a central aspect of accuracy, measurement traceability, which establishes trueness in quantity. In this study, LNP-mRNA is measured in situ using a novel liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach with traceable quantification. Previous works established that oligonucleotide quantification is possible through the accounting of an oligomer's fundamental nucleobases, with traceability established through common nucleobase calibrators. This sample preparation does not require mRNA extraction, detergents, or enzymes and can be achieved through direct acid hydrolysis of an LNP-mRNA product prior to an isotope dilution strategy. This results in an accurate quantitative analysis of mRNA, independent of time or place. Acid hydrolysis LC-MS is demonstrated to be amenable to measuring mRNA as both an active substance or a formulated mRNA drug product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Lowenthal
- Biomolecular Measurement
Division, Material Measurement Lab, National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Abigail S. Antonishek
- Biomolecular Measurement
Division, Material Measurement Lab, National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Karen W. Phinney
- Biomolecular Measurement
Division, Material Measurement Lab, National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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48
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Martinsen E, Jinnurine T, Subramani S, Rogne M. Advances in RNA therapeutics for modulation of 'undruggable' targets. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 204:249-294. [PMID: 38458740 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, drug discovery utilizing small pharmacological compounds, fragment-based therapeutics, and antibody therapy have significantly advanced treatment options for many human diseases. However, a major bottleneck has been that>70% of human proteins/genomic regions are 'undruggable' by the above-mentioned approaches. Many of these proteins constitute essential drug targets against complex multifactorial diseases like cancer, immunological disorders, and neurological diseases. Therefore, alternative approaches are required to target these proteins or genomic regions in human cells. RNA therapeutics is a promising approach for many of the traditionally 'undruggable' targets by utilizing methods such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, aptamers, and the development of mRNA therapeutics. In the following chapter, we will put emphasis on recent advancements utilizing these approaches against challenging drug targets, such as intranuclear proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins, untranslated genomic regions, and targets expressed in inaccessible tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saranya Subramani
- Pioneer Research AS, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Rogne
- Pioneer Research AS, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway; Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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49
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Luo Z, Chen Y. Unlocking Delivery Strategies for mRNA Therapeutics. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2024; 19:126-129. [PMID: 37287306 DOI: 10.2174/1574892818666230607093231] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
mRNA emerged as an attractive therapy modality with the development of mRNA structure engineering techniques and delivery platforms. mRNA therapeutics, applied for vaccine therapy, protein replacement therapy, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based therapy, has shown huge potential in treating a wide range of diseases, such as cancer and rare genetic diseases, with successful and exciting preclinical and clinical progress. In mRNA therapeutics, a potent delivery system is key to the success of its application for disease treatment. Herein, different types of mRNA delivery strategies, including nanoparticles produced from lipid or polymer materials, virus-based platforms, and exosome-based platforms, are mainly focused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Luo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Yangchao Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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50
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Crawford BC, Elias BC, Benjamin JT. Future of biotherapeutics: Harnessing mRNA to enhance elastin expression. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102069. [PMID: 38034029 PMCID: PMC10682659 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Crawford
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bertha C. Elias
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John T. Benjamin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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