1
|
Szebeni J, Kiss B, Bozó T, Turjeman K, Levi-Kalisman Y, Barenholz Y, Kellermayer M. Insights into the Structure of Comirnaty Covid-19 Vaccine: A Theory on Soft, Partially Bilayer-Covered Nanoparticles with Hydrogen Bond-Stabilized mRNA-Lipid Complexes. ACS Nano 2023. [PMID: 37417667 PMCID: PMC10373524 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the worldwide success of mRNA-LNP Covid-19 vaccines, the nanoscale structures of these formulations are still poorly understood. To fill this gap, we used a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and the determination of the intra-LNP pH gradient to analyze the nanoparticles (NPs) in BNT162b2 (Comirnaty), comparing it with the well-characterized PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil). Comirnaty NPs had similar size and envelope lipid composition to Doxil; however, unlike Doxil liposomes, wherein the stable ammonium and pH gradient enables accumulation of 14C-methylamine in the intraliposomal aqueous phase, Comirnaty LNPs lack such pH gradient in spite of the fact that the pH 4, at which LNPs are prepared, is raised to pH 7.2 after loading of the mRNA. Mechanical manipulation of Comirnaty NPs with AFM revealed soft, compliant structures. The sawtooth-like force transitions seen during cantilever retraction imply that molecular strands, corresponding to mRNA, can be pulled out of NPs, and the process is accompanied by stepwise rupture of mRNA-lipid bonds. Unlike Doxil, cryo-TEM of Comirnaty NPs revealed a granular, solid core enclosed by mono- and bilipid layers. Negative staining TEM shows 2-5 nm electron-dense spots in the LNP's interior that are aligned into strings, semicircles, or labyrinth-like networks, which may imply cross-link-stabilized RNA fragments. The neutral intra-LNP core questions the dominance of ionic interactions holding together this scaffold, raising the possibility of hydrogen bonding between mRNA and the lipids. Such interaction, described previously for another mRNA/lipid complex, is consistent with the steric structure of the ionizable lipid in Comirnaty, ALC-0315, displaying free ═O and -OH groups. It is hypothesized that the latter groups can get into steric positions that enable hydrogen bonding with the nitrogenous bases in the mRNA. These structural features of mRNA-LNP may be important for the vaccine's activities in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- János Szebeni
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1089, Hungary
- Department of Nanobiotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Miskolc University, Miskolc 2880, Hungary
- School of Chemical Engineering and Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Bálint Kiss
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), In Vivo Imaging Advanced Core Facility, Budapest 1094, Hungary
- ELKH-SE Biophysical Virology Research Group, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bozó
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), In Vivo Imaging Advanced Core Facility, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Keren Turjeman
- The Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yael Levi-Kalisman
- Institute of Life Sciences and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- The Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Miklós Kellermayer
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), In Vivo Imaging Advanced Core Facility, Budapest 1094, Hungary
- ELKH-SE Biophysical Virology Research Group, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bavli Y, Chen BM, Gross G, Hershko A, Turjeman K, Roffler S, Barenholz Y. Anti-PEG antibodies before and after a first dose of Comirnaty® (mRNA-LNP-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine). J Control Release 2023; 354:316-322. [PMID: 36549393 PMCID: PMC9838877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The early and massive vaccination campaign in Israel with the mRNA-LNP Comirnaty® (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus made available large amounts of data regarding the efficacy and safety of this vaccine. Adverse reactions to mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are rare events, but due to large mediatic coverage they became feared and acted as a potential source of delay for the vaccination of the Israeli population. The experience with the reactogenicity of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety of PEGylated liposomes, PEGylated proteins and other PEGylated drugs raised the fear that similar adverse effects can be associated with the PEG lipid which is an essential component of currently used mRNA-LNP vaccines against COVID-19. In this study we quantified the levels of anti-PEG IgG, IgM and IgE present in the blood of 79 volunteers immediately before and 3 weeks after receiving a first dose of Comirnaty® vaccine. Our in vitro results show that different humanized anti-PEG antibodies bind the PEGylated nano-liposomes in a concentration-dependent manner, but they bind with a lower affinity to the Comirnaty vaccine, despite it having a high mole% of neutral PEG2000-lipid on its surface. We found an increase in IgG concentration in the blood 3 weeks after the first vaccine administration, but no increase in IgM or IgE. In addition, no severe signs of adverse reactions to the Comirnaty vaccine were observed in the population studied despite the significant pre-existing high titers of IgG before the first dose of vaccine in 2 donors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaelle Bavli
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
| | - Bing-Mae Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Guy Gross
- Bio-Samples Bank (MIDGAM) Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
| | - Alon Hershko
- Department of Medicine C, Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Steve Roffler
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Szebeni J, Storm G, Ljubimova JY, Castells M, Phillips EJ, Turjeman K, Barenholz Y, Crommelin DJA, Dobrovolskaia MA. Applying lessons learned from nanomedicines to understand rare hypersensitivity reactions to mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Nat Nanotechnol 2022; 17:337-346. [PMID: 35393599 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-022-01071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
After over a billion of vaccinations with messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, anaphylaxis and other manifestations of hypersensitivity can be considered as very rare adverse events. Although current recommendations include avoiding a second dose in those with first-dose anaphylaxis, the underlying mechanisms are unknown; therefore, the risk of a future reaction cannot be predicted. Given how important new mRNA constructs will be to address the emergence of new viral variants and viruses, there is an urgent need for clinical approaches that would allow a safe repeated immunization of high-risk individuals and for reliable predictive tools of adverse reactions to mRNA vaccines. In many aspects, anaphylaxis symptoms experienced by the affected vaccine recipients resemble those of infusion reactions to nanomedicines. Here we share lessons learned over a decade of nanomedicine research and discuss the current knowledge about several factors that individually or collectively contribute to infusion reactions to nanomedicines. We aim to use this knowledge to inform the SARS-CoV-2 lipid-nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccine field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janos Szebeni
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- SeroScience LCC, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Nanobiotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Miskolc University, Miskolc, Hungary
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Mariana Castells
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daan J A Crommelin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saragovi A, Zilberman T, Yasur G, Turjeman K, Abramovich I, Kuchersky M, Gottlieb E, Barenholz Y, Berger M. Analysis of cellular water content in T cells reveals a switch from slow metabolic water gain to rapid water influx prior to cell division. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101795. [PMID: 35248530 PMCID: PMC9034303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell growth is driven by the acquisition and synthesis of both dry biomass and water mass. In this study, we examine the increase of water mass in T cell during cell growth. We found that T-cell growth is characterized by an initial phase of slow increase in cellular water, followed by a second phase of rapid increase in water content. To study the origin of the water gain, we developed a novel methodology we call cold aqua trap-isotope ratio mass spectrometry, which allows analysis of the isotope composition of intracellular water. Applying cold aqua trap-isotope ratio mass spectrometry, we discovered that glycolysis-coupled metabolism of water accounts on average for 11 fl out of the 20 fl of water gained per cell during the initial slow phase. In addition, we show that at the end of the rapid phase before initiation of cell division, a water influx occurs, increasing the cellular water mass by threefold. Thus, we conclude that activated T cells switch from metabolizing water to rapidly taking up water from the extracellular medium prior to cell division. Our work provides a method to analyze cell water content as well as insights into the ways cells regulate their water mass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Saragovi
- The Lautenberg center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - T Zilberman
- Department of Geochemistry, Geological Survey of Israel, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - G Yasur
- Department of Geochemistry, Geological Survey of Israel, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - K Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - I Abramovich
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - M Kuchersky
- The Lautenberg center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - E Gottlieb
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Y Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - M Berger
- The Lautenberg center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Goldstein Y, Spitz S, Turjeman K, Selinger F, Barenholz Y, Ertl P, Benny O, Bavli D. Breaking the Third Wall: Implementing 3D-Printing Technics to Expand the Complexity and Abilities of Multi-Organ-on-a-Chip Devices. Micromachines (Basel) 2021; 12:627. [PMID: 34071476 PMCID: PMC8227399 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The understanding that systemic context and tissue crosstalk are essential keys for bridging the gap between in vitro models and in vivo conditions led to a growing effort in the last decade to develop advanced multi-organ-on-a-chip devices. However, many of the proposed devices have failed to implement the means to allow for conditions tailored to each organ individually, a crucial aspect in cell functionality. Here, we present two 3D-print-based fabrication methods for a generic multi-organ-on-a-chip device: One with a PDMS microfluidic core unit and one based on 3D-printed units. The device was designed for culturing different tissues in separate compartments by integrating individual pairs of inlets and outlets, thus enabling tissue-specific perfusion rates that facilitate the generation of individual tissue-adapted perfusion profiles. The device allowed tissue crosstalk using microchannel configuration and permeable membranes used as barriers between individual cell culture compartments. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation confirmed the capability to generate significant differences in shear stress between the two individual culture compartments, each with a selective shear force. In addition, we provide preliminary findings that indicate the feasibility for biological compatibility for cell culture and long-term incubation in 3D-printed wells. Finally, we offer a cost-effective, accessible protocol enabling the design and fabrication of advanced multi-organ-on-a-chip devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoel Goldstein
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (F.S.); (P.E.)
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Membrane and Liposome Research Lab, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (K.T.); (Y.B.)
| | - Florian Selinger
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (F.S.); (P.E.)
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Membrane and Liposome Research Lab, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (K.T.); (Y.B.)
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (F.S.); (P.E.)
| | - Ofra Benny
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
| | - Danny Bavli
- Membrane and Liposome Research Lab, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (K.T.); (Y.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gawne PJ, Clarke F, Turjeman K, Cope AP, Long NJ, Barenholz Y, Terry SYA, de Rosales RTM. PET Imaging of Liposomal Glucocorticoids using 89Zr-oxine: Theranostic Applications in Inflammatory Arthritis. Theranostics 2020; 10:3867-3879. [PMID: 32226525 PMCID: PMC7086351 DOI: 10.7150/thno.40403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The encapsulation of Glucocorticoids (GCs) into long-circulating liposomes (LCLs) is a proven strategy to reduce the side effects of glucocorticoids and improve the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With the aim of supporting the development of GC-loaded LCLs, and potentially predict patient response to therapy clinically, we evaluated a direct PET imaging radiolabelling approach for preformed GC-LCLs in an animal model of human inflammatory arthritis. Methods: A preformed PEGylated liposomal methylprednisolone hemisuccinate (NSSL-MPS) nanomedicine was radiolabelled using [89Zr]Zr(oxinate)4 (89Zr-oxine), characterised and tracked in vivo using PET imaging in a K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis (STA) mouse model of inflammatory arthritis and non-inflamed controls. Histology and joint size measurements were used to confirm inflammation. The biodistribution of 89Zr-NSSL-MPS was compared to that of free 89Zr in the same model. A therapeutic study using NSSL-MPS using the same time points as the PET/CT imaging was carried out. Results: The radiolabelling efficiency of NSSL-MPS with [89Zr]Zr(oxinate)4 was 69 ± 8 %. PET/CT imaging of 89Zr-NSSL-MPS showed high uptake (3.6 ± 1.5 % ID; 17.4 ± 9.3 % ID/mL) at inflamed joints, with low activity present in non-inflamed joints (0.5 ± 0.1 % ID; 2.7 ± 1.1 % ID/mL). Importantly, a clear correlation between joint swelling and high 89Zr-NSSL-MPS uptake was observed, which was not observed with free 89Zr. STA mice receiving a therapeutic dose of NSSL-MPS showed a reduction in inflammation at the time points used for the PET/CT imaging compared with the control group. Conclusions: PET imaging was used for the first time to track a liposomal glucocorticoid, showing high uptake at visible and occult inflamed sites and a good correlation with the degree of inflammation. A subsequent therapeutic response matching imaging time points in the same model demonstrated the potential of this radiolabeling method as a theranostic tool for the prediction of therapeutic response - with NSSL-MPS and similar nanomedicines - in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Gawne
- School of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Fiona Clarke
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry,Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andrew P Cope
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Nicholas J Long
- Department of Chemistry, MSRH, Imperial College London, White City Campus, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry,Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Samantha Y A Terry
- School of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Rafael T M de Rosales
- School of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, Strand Campus, London, WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bavli Y, Chen BM, Roffler SR, Dobrovolskaia MA, Elnekave E, Ash S, Barenholz Y, Turjeman K. PEGylated Liposomal Methyl Prednisolone Succinate does not Induce Infusion Reactions in Patients: A Correlation Between in Vitro Immunological and in Vivo Clinical Studies. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030558. [PMID: 32012928 PMCID: PMC7037198 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PEGylated nanomedicines are known to induce infusion reactions (IRs) that in some cases can be life-threatening. Herein, we report a case study in which a patient with rare mediastinal and intracardiac IgG4-related sclerosing disease received 8 treatments of intravenously administered PEGylated liposomal methylprednisolone-succinate (NSSL-MPS). Due to the ethical requirements to reduce IRs, the patient received a cocktail of premedication including low dose of steroids, acetaminophen and H2 blockers before each infusion. The treatment was well-tolerated in that IRs, complement activation, anti-PEG antibodies and accelerated blood clearance of the PEGylated drug were not detected. Prior to the clinical study, an in vitro panel of assays utilizing blood of healthy donors was used to determine the potential of a PEGylated drug to activate complement system, elicit pro-inflammatory cytokines, damage erythrocytes and affect various components of the blood coagulation system. The overall findings of the in vitro panel were negative and correlated with the results observed in the clinical phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaelle Bavli
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel; (Y.B.); (K.T.)
| | - Bing-Mae Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (B.-M.C.); (S.R.R.)
| | - Steve R. Roffler
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (B.-M.C.); (S.R.R.)
| | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Eldad Elnekave
- Davidoff Cancer Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
- Correspondence: (E.E.); (Y.B.)
| | - Shifra Ash
- Rina Zaizov Pediatric Hematology Oncology Division, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tiqva, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel 4920235, Israel;
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel; (Y.B.); (K.T.)
- Correspondence: (E.E.); (Y.B.)
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel; (Y.B.); (K.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Turjeman K, Yanay N, Elbaz M, Bavli Y, Gross M, Rabie M, Barenholz Y, Nevo Y. Liposomal steroid nano-drug is superior to steroids as-is in mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine 2019; 16:34-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
9
|
Mészáros T, Kozma GT, Shimizu T, Miyahara K, Turjeman K, Ishida T, Barenholz Y, Urbanics R, Szebeni J. Involvement of complement activation in the pulmonary vasoactivity of polystyrene nanoparticles in pigs: unique surface properties underlying alternative pathway activation and instant opsonization. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:6345-6357. [PMID: 30349254 PMCID: PMC6187999 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s161369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been proposed that many hypersensitivity reactions to nanopharmaceuticals represent complement (C)-activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA), and that pigs provide a sensitive animal model to study the phenomenon. However, a recent study suggested that pulmonary hypertension, the pivotal symptom of porcine CARPA, is not mediated by C in cases of polystyrene nanoparticle (PS-NP)-induced reactions. Goals To characterize PS-NPs and reexamine the contribution of CARPA to their pulmonary reactivity in pigs. Study design C activation by 200, 500, and 750 nm (diameter) PS-NPs and their opsonization were measured in human and pig sera, respectively, and correlated with hemodynamic effects of the same NPs in pigs in vivo. Methods Physicochemical characterization of PS-NPs included size, ζ-potential, cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and hydrophobicity analyses. C activation in human serum was measured by ELISA and opsonization of PS-NPs in pig serum by Western blot and flow cytometry. Pulmonary vasoactivity of PS-NPs was quantified in the porcine CARPA model. Results PS-NPs are monodisperse, highly hydrophobic spheres with strong negative surface charge. In human serum, they caused size-dependent, significant rises in C3a, Bb, and sC5b-9, but not C4d. Exposure to pig serum led within minutes to deposition of C5b-9 and opsonic iC3b on the NPs, and opsonic iC3b fragments (C3dg, C3d) also appeared in serum. PS-NPs caused major hemodynamic changes in pigs, primarily pulmonary hypertension, on the same time scale (minutes) as iC3b fragmentation and opsonization proceeded. There was significant correlation between C activation by different PS-NPs in human serum and pulmonary hypertension in pigs. Conclusion PS-NPs have extreme surface properties with no relevance to clinically used nanomedicines. They can activate C via the alternative pathway, entailing instantaneous opsonization of NPs in pig serum. Therefore, rather than being solely C-independent reactivity, the mechanism of PS-NP-induced hypersensitivity in pigs may involve C activation. These data are consistent with the “double-hit” concept of nanoparticle-induced hypersensitivity reactions involving both CARPA and C-independent pseudoallergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Mészáros
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, .,SeroScience Ltd, Budapest, Hungary,
| | | | - Taro Shimizu
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Koga Miyahara
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tatsuhiro Ishida
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rudolf Urbanics
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, .,SeroScience Ltd, Budapest, Hungary,
| | - János Szebeni
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, .,SeroScience Ltd, Budapest, Hungary, .,Department of Nanobiotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Miskolc University, Miskolc, Hungary,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroids are the most efficacious anti-inflammatory agents. However, their toxicities and side-effects compromise their clinical application. Various strategies and major efforts were dedicated for formulating viable liposomal glucocorticosteroids (GCs), so far none of these were approved. OBJECTIVES To evaluate these approaches for formulating GC-delivery systems, especially liposomes, and with focus on the Barenholz Lab experience. METHODS We developed PEGylated nano-liposomes (NSSL) remotely loaded with water-soluble amphipathic weak acid GC-prodrugs. Their remote loading results in high, efficient and stable loading to the level that enables human clinical use. We characterized them for their physical chemistry and stability. We demonstrated their therapeutic efficacy in relevant animal models and studied their pharmacokinetics (PK), biodistribution (BD) and pharmacodynamics advantages over the free pro-drugs. RESULTS Our steroidal nano-drugs demonstrate much superior PK, BD, tolerability and therapeutic efficacies compared to the free pro-drugs and to most drugs currently used to treat these diseases. These nano-drugs act as robust immune-suppressors, affecting cytokines secretion and diminishing hemorrhage and edema. CONCLUSIONS The combination of improved physical-chemistry, PK, BD, tolerability and therapeutic efficacy of these steroidal nano-drugs over the pro-drugs "as-is" support their further clinical development as potential therapeutic agents for treating inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keren Turjeman
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research , Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School , Jerusalem , Israel
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research , Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School , Jerusalem , Israel
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Turjeman K, Bavli Y, Kizelsztein P, Schilt Y, Allon N, Katzir TB, Sasson E, Raviv U, Ovadia H, Barenholz Y. Nano-Drugs Based on Nano Sterically Stabilized Liposomes for the Treatment of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130442. [PMID: 26147975 PMCID: PMC4492950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study shows the advantages of liposome-based nano-drugs as a novel strategy of delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that involve neuroinflammation. We used the most common animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), mice experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The main challenges to overcome are the drugs’ unfavorable pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, which result in inadequate therapeutic efficacy and in drug toxicity (due to high and repeated dosage). We designed two different liposomal nano-drugs, i.e., nano sterically stabilized liposomes (NSSL), remote loaded with: (a) a “water-soluble” amphipathic weak acid glucocorticosteroid prodrug, methylprednisolone hemisuccinate (MPS) or (b) the amphipathic weak base nitroxide, Tempamine (TMN). For the NSSL-MPS we also compared the effect of passive targeting alone and of active targeting based on short peptide fragments of ApoE or of β-amyloid. Our results clearly show that for NSSL-MPS, active targeting is not superior to passive targeting. For the NSSL-MPS and the NSSL-TMN it was demonstrated that these nano-drugs ameliorate the clinical signs and the pathology of EAE. We have further investigated the MPS nano-drug’s therapeutic efficacy and its mechanism of action in both the acute and the adoptive transfer EAE models, as well as optimizing the perfomance of the TMN nano-drug. The highly efficacious anti-inflammatory therapeutic feature of these two nano-drugs meets the criteria of disease-modifying drugs and supports further development and evaluation of these nano-drugs as potential therapeutic agents for diseases with an inflammatory component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Yaelle Bavli
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pablo Kizelsztein
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaelle Schilt
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nahum Allon
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Efrat Sasson
- BioImage MRI Research & Consulting, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Raviv
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haim Ovadia
- Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Waknine-Grinberg JH, Even-Chen S, Avichzer J, Turjeman K, Bentura-Marciano A, Haynes RK, Weiss L, Allon N, Ovadia H, Golenser J, Barenholz Y. Glucocorticosteroids in nano-sterically stabilized liposomes are efficacious for elimination of the acute symptoms of experimental cerebral malaria. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72722. [PMID: 23991146 PMCID: PMC3753236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is the most severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, and a leading cause of death in children under the age of five in malaria-endemic areas. We report high therapeutic efficacy of a novel formulation of liposome-encapsulated water-soluble glucocorticoid prodrugs, and in particular β-methasone hemisuccinate (BMS), for treatment of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), using the murine P. berghei ANKA model. BMS is a novel derivative of the potent steroid β-methasone, and was specially synthesized to enable remote loading into nano-sterically stabilized liposomes (nSSL), to form nSSL-BMS. The novel nano-drug, composed of nSSL remote loaded with BMS, dramatically improves drug efficacy and abolishes the high toxicity seen upon administration of free BMS. nSSL-BMS reduces ECM rates in a dose-dependent manner and creates a survival time-window, enabling administration of an antiplasmodial drug, such as artemisone. Administration of artemisone after treatment with the nSSL-BMS results in complete cure. Treatment with BMS leads to lower levels of cerebral inflammation, demonstrated by changes in cytokines, chemokines, and cell markers, as well as diminished hemorrhage and edema, correlating with reduced clinical score. Administration of the liposomal formulation results in accumulation of BMS in the brains of sick mice but not of healthy mice. This steroidal nano-drug effectively eliminates the adverse effects of the cerebral syndrome even when the treatment is started at late stages of disease, in which disruption of the blood-brain barrier has occurred and mice show clear signs of neurological impairment. Overall, sequential treatment with nSSL-BMS and artemisone may be an efficacious and well-tolerated therapy for prevention of CM, elimination of parasites, and prevention of long-term cognitive damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith H. Waknine-Grinberg
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Simcha Even-Chen
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jasmine Avichzer
- Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Annael Bentura-Marciano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery and Synthesis, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Lola Weiss
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nahum Allon
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haim Ovadia
- Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jacob Golenser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research – Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (YB), (JG)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ulmansky R, Turjeman K, Baru M, Katzavian G, Harel M, Sigal A, Naparstek Y, Barenholz Y. Glucocorticoids in nano-liposomes administered intravenously and subcutaneously to adjuvant arthritis rats are superior to the free drugs in suppressing arthritis and inflammatory cytokines. J Control Release 2012; 160:299-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
14
|
Avnir Y, Turjeman K, Tulchinsky D, Sigal A, Kizelsztein P, Tzemach D, Gabizon A, Barenholz Y. Fabrication principles and their contribution to the superior in vivo therapeutic efficacy of nano-liposomes remote loaded with glucocorticoids. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25721. [PMID: 21998684 PMCID: PMC3188566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the design, development and performance of a novel formulation of liposome- encapsulated glucocorticoids (GCs). A highly efficient (>90%) and stable GC encapsulation was obtained based on a transmembrane calcium acetate gradient driving the active accumulation of an amphipathic weak acid GC pro-drug into the intraliposome aqueous compartment, where it forms a GC-calcium precipitate. We demonstrate fabrication principles that derive from the physicochemical properties of the GC and the liposomal lipids, which play a crucial role in GC release rate and kinetics. These principles allow fabrication of formulations that exhibit either a fast, second-order (t(1/2) ~1 h), or a slow, zero-order release rate (t(1/2) ~ 50 h) kinetics. A high therapeutic efficacy was found in murine models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and hematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Avnir
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Keren Turjeman
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Deborah Tulchinsky
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alex Sigal
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pablo Kizelsztein
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dina Tzemach
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alberto Gabizon
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Goldberg R, Schroeder A, Silbert G, Turjeman K, Barenholz Y, Klein J. Boundary lubricants with exceptionally low friction coefficients based on 2D close-packed phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Adv Mater 2011; 23:3517-21. [PMID: 21728188 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201101053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Goldberg
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Dept. of Materials and Interfaces, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schroeder A, Turjeman K, Schroeder JE, Leibergall M, Barenholz Y. Using liposomes to target infection and inflammation induced by foreign body injuries or medical implants. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2010; 7:1175-89. [DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2010.517519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
17
|
|