51
|
Kim YS, Kim DH, An D, Lim Y, Seo YJ, Kim HK, Kang HY. The RNA ligation method using modified splint DNAs significantly improves the efficiency of circular RNA synthesis. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:208-218. [PMID: 37808549 PMCID: PMC10552601 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2265165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a non-coding RNA with a covalently closed loop structure and usually more stable than messenger RNA (mRNA). However, coding sequences (CDSs) following an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in circRNAs can be translated, and this property has been recently utilized to produce proteins as novel therapeutic tools. However, it is difficult to produce large proteins from circRNAs because of the low circularization efficiency of lengthy RNAs. In this study, we report that we successfully synthesized circRNAs with the splint DNA ligation method using RNA ligase 1 and the splint DNAs, which contain complementary sequences to both ends of precursor linear RNAs. This method results in more efficient circularization than the conventional enzymatic method that does not use the splint DNAs, easily generating circRNAs that express relatively large proteins, including IgG heavy and light chains. Longer splint DNA (42 nucleotide) is more effective in circularization. Also, the use of splint DNAs with an adenine analog, 2,6-diaminopurine (DAP), increase the circularization efficiency presumably by strengthening the interaction between the splint DNAs and the precursor RNAs. The splint DNA ligation method requires 5 times more splint DNA than the precursor RNA to efficiently produce circRNAs, but our modified splint DNA ligation method can produce circRNAs using the amount of splint DNA which is equal to that of the precursor RNA. Our modified splint DNA ligation method will help develop novel therapeutic tools using circRNAs, to treat various diseases and to develop human and veterinary vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Seob Kim
- Drug Discovery Center, NuclixBio, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hyung Kim
- Drug Discovery Center, NuclixBio, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daegi An
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghyun Lim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Seo
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Kyun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Kang
- Drug Discovery Center, NuclixBio, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Fongaro B, Campara B, Moscatiello GY, De Luigi A, Panzeri D, Sironi L, Bigini P, Carretta G, Miolo G, Pasut G, Polverino De Laureto P. Assessing the physicochemical stability and intracellular trafficking of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Int J Pharm 2023; 644:123319. [PMID: 37586576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123319] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China in 2019 has had a profound impact on humanity in every facet. While vaccines against this viral pathogen have been approved a year later, limitations to this therapeutic intervention persist, such as drug sensitivity to transportation and storage conditions, as well as significant financial losses from non-injected resuspended vials. Our research delves into the effects of thermal denaturation (4 - 40 °C) and light irradiation (720 and 10460 kJ/m2) on the mRNA-based vaccines BNT162b2 from BioNTech/Pfizer and mRNA-1273 from Moderna. We also investigated vaccine stability following incubation in syringes to simulate potential interactions with silicon oil. By assaying the effects of these stressors via biochemical and biophysical methods, we aim to elucidate the physicochemical properties, integrity, and stability of these mRNA-based vaccines. Furthermore, the incorporation of a fluorophore into both vaccines allowed us to monitor their localization within cells and assess their capacity to evade vesicular transport mechanisms, thus evaluating the differences between the two formulations. A comprehensive understanding of the aforementioned attributes can enable the establishment of optimal storage and manipulation conditions for these vaccines, thereby ensuring their safe and efficacious application while minimizing the waste of functional and safe therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Fongaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo, 5, Padova, Italy
| | - Benedetta Campara
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo, 5, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Yuri Moscatiello
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milano, Italy
| | - Ada De Luigi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Panzeri
- Department of Physics, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Sironi
- Department of Physics, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Carretta
- Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, Via Don Federico Tosatto, 147, Venezia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Miolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo, 5, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pasut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo, 5, Padova, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
53
|
Kumar P, Wang M, Kumru OS, Hickey JM, Sanmiguel J, Zabaleta N, Vandenberghe LH, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Correlating physicochemical and biological properties to define critical quality attributes of a rAAV vaccine candidate. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:103-121. [PMID: 37746246 PMCID: PMC10512015 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are a preferred vector system in clinical gene transfer. A fundamental challenge to formulate and deliver rAAVs as stable and efficacious vaccines is to elucidate interrelationships between the vector's physicochemical properties and biological potency. To this end, we evaluated an rAAV-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine candidate that encodes the Spike antigen (AC3) and is produced by a commercially viable process. First, state-of-the-art analytical techniques were employed to determine key structural attributes of AC3, including primary and higher-order structures, particle size, empty/full capsid ratios, aggregates, and multi-step thermal degradation pathway analysis. Next, several quantitative potency measures for AC3 were implemented, and data were correlated with the physicochemical analyses on thermally stressed and control samples. Results demonstrate links between decreasing AC3 physical stability profiles, in vitro transduction efficiency in a cell-based assay, and, importantly, in vivo immunogenicity in a mouse model. These findings are discussed in the general context of future development of rAAV-based vaccine candidates as well as specifically for the rAAV vaccine application under study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Ozan S. Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - John M. Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Gupta S, Pellett S. Recent Developments in Vaccine Design: From Live Vaccines to Recombinant Toxin Vaccines. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:563. [PMID: 37755989 PMCID: PMC10536331 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most effective strategies to prevent pathogen-induced illness in humans. The earliest vaccines were based on live inoculations with low doses of live or related pathogens, which carried a relatively high risk of developing the disease they were meant to prevent. The introduction of attenuated and killed pathogens as vaccines dramatically reduced these risks; however, attenuated live vaccines still carry a risk of reversion to a pathogenic strain capable of causing disease. This risk is completely eliminated with recombinant protein or subunit vaccines, which are atoxic and non-infectious. However, these vaccines require adjuvants and often significant optimization to induce robust T-cell responses and long-lasting immune memory. Some pathogens produce protein toxins that cause or contribute to disease. To protect against the effects of such toxins, chemically inactivated toxoid vaccines have been found to be effective. Toxoid vaccines are successfully used today at a global scale to protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Recent developments for toxoid vaccines are investigating the possibilities of utilizing recombinant protein toxins mutated to eliminate biologic activity instead of chemically inactivated toxins. Finally, one of the most contemporary approaches toward vaccine design utilizes messenger RNA (mRNA) as a vaccine candidate. This approach was used globally to protect against coronavirus disease during the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2019, due to its advantages of quick production and scale-up, and effectiveness in eliciting a neutralizing antibody response. Nonetheless, mRNA vaccines require specialized storage and transport conditions, posing challenges for low- and middle-income countries. Among multiple available technologies for vaccine design and formulation, which technology is most appropriate? This review focuses on the considerable developments that have been made in utilizing diverse vaccine technologies with a focus on vaccines targeting bacterial toxins. We describe how advancements in vaccine technology, combined with a deeper understanding of pathogen-host interactions, offer exciting and promising avenues for the development of new and improved vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabine Pellett
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Zhang H, Zhang L, Lin A, Xu C, Li Z, Liu K, Liu B, Ma X, Zhao F, Jiang H, Chen C, Shen H, Li H, Mathews DH, Zhang Y, Huang L. Algorithm for optimized mRNA design improves stability and immunogenicity. Nature 2023; 621:396-403. [PMID: 37130545 PMCID: PMC10499610 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are being used to combat the spread of COVID-19 (refs. 1-3), but they still exhibit critical limitations caused by mRNA instability and degradation, which are major obstacles for the storage, distribution and efficacy of the vaccine products4. Increasing secondary structure lengthens mRNA half-life, which, together with optimal codons, improves protein expression5. Therefore, a principled mRNA design algorithm must optimize both structural stability and codon usage. However, owing to synonymous codons, the mRNA design space is prohibitively large-for example, there are around 2.4 × 10632 candidate mRNA sequences for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This poses insurmountable computational challenges. Here we provide a simple and unexpected solution using the classical concept of lattice parsing in computational linguistics, where finding the optimal mRNA sequence is analogous to identifying the most likely sentence among similar-sounding alternatives6. Our algorithm LinearDesign finds an optimal mRNA design for the spike protein in just 11 minutes, and can concurrently optimize stability and codon usage. LinearDesign substantially improves mRNA half-life and protein expression, and profoundly increases antibody titre by up to 128 times in mice compared to the codon-optimization benchmark on mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 and varicella-zoster virus. This result reveals the great potential of principled mRNA design and enables the exploration of previously unreachable but highly stable and efficient designs. Our work is a timely tool for vaccines and other mRNA-based medicines encoding therapeutic proteins such as monoclonal antibodies and anti-cancer drugs7,8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Vaccine Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ang Lin
- StemiRNA Therapeutics, Shanghai, China
- Vaccine Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Ziyu Li
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
| | - Kaibo Liu
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Boxiang Liu
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David H Mathews
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Coderna.ai, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
| | - Yujian Zhang
- StemiRNA Therapeutics, Shanghai, China.
- , Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - Liang Huang
- Baidu Research USA, Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
- School of EECS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
- Coderna.ai, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Grossen P, Skaripa Koukelli I, van Haasteren J, H E Machado A, Dürr C. The ice age - A review on formulation of Adeno-associated virus therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 190:1-23. [PMID: 37423416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies offer promising therapeutic alternatives for many disorders that currently lack efficient treatment options. Due to their chemical nature and physico-chemical properties, delivery of polynucleic acids into target cells and subcellular compartments remains a significant challenge. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have gained a lot of interest for the efficient delivery of therapeutic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes over the past decades. More than a hundred products have been tested in clinical settings and three products have received market authorization by the US FDA in recent years. A lot of effort is being made to generate potent recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors that show favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles for either local or systemic administration. Manufacturing processes are gradually being optimized to deliver a consistently high product quality and to serve potential market needs beyond rare indications. In contrast to protein therapeutics, most rAAV products are still supplied as frozen liquids within rather simple formulation buffers to enable sufficient product shelf life, significantly hampering global distribution and access. In this review, we aim to outline the hurdles of rAAV drug product development and discuss critical formulation and composition aspects of rAAV products under clinical evaluation. Further, we highlight recent development efforts in order to achieve stable liquid or lyophilized products. This review therefore provides a comprehensive overview on current state-of-the-art rAAV formulations and can further serve as a map for rational formulation development activities in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Grossen
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Irini Skaripa Koukelli
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joost van Haasteren
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Gene Therapy Development Clinical Manufacturing, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra H E Machado
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Dürr
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Zhang J, Liu Y, Li C, Xiao Q, Zhang D, Chen Y, Rosenecker J, Ding X, Guan S. Recent Advances and Innovations in the Preparation and Purification of In Vitro-Transcribed-mRNA-Based Molecules. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2182. [PMID: 37765153 PMCID: PMC10536309 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a disruptive impact on public health and the global economy. Fortunately, the development of COVID-19 vaccines based on in vitro-transcribed messenger RNA (IVT mRNA) has been a breakthrough in medical history, benefiting billions of people with its high effectiveness, safety profile, and ease of large-scale production. This success is the result of decades of continuous RNA research, which has led to significant improvements in the stability and expression level of IVT mRNA through various approaches such as sequence optimization and improved preparation processes. IVT mRNA sequence optimization has been shown to have a positive effect on enhancing the mRNA expression level. The innovation of IVT mRNA purification technology is also indispensable, as the purity of IVT mRNA directly affects the success of downstream vaccine preparation processes and the potential for inducing unwanted side effects in therapeutic applications. Despite the progress made, challenges related to IVT mRNA sequence design and purification still require further attention to enhance the quality of IVT mRNA in the future. In this review, we discuss the latest innovative progress in IVT mRNA design and purification to further improve its clinical efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Q.X.); (D.Z.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yuheng Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Q.X.); (D.Z.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chao Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Q.X.); (D.Z.); (Y.C.)
| | - Qin Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Q.X.); (D.Z.); (Y.C.)
| | - Dandan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Q.X.); (D.Z.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yang Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Q.X.); (D.Z.); (Y.C.)
| | - Joseph Rosenecker
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany;
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany;
| | - Shan Guan
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Q.X.); (D.Z.); (Y.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Mbatha LS, Akinyelu J, Maiyo F, Kudanga T. Future prospects in mRNA vaccine development. Biomed Mater 2023; 18:052006. [PMID: 37589309 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aceceb] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The recent advancements in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine development have vastly enhanced their use as alternatives to conventional vaccines in the prevention of various infectious diseases and treatment of several types of cancers. This is mainly due to their remarkable ability to stimulate specific immune responses with minimal clinical side effects. This review gives a detailed overview of mRNA vaccines currently in use or at various stages of development, the recent advancements in mRNA vaccine development, and the challenges encountered in their development. Future perspectives on this technology are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Londiwe Simphiwe Mbatha
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Jude Akinyelu
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria
| | - Fiona Maiyo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Kabarak University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tukayi Kudanga
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Kim H, Kirtane AR, Kim NY, Rajesh NU, Tang C, Ishida K, Hayward AM, Langer R, Traverso G. Gastrointestinal Delivery of an mRNA Vaccine Using Immunostimulatory Polymeric Nanoparticles. AAPS J 2023; 25:81. [PMID: 37589795 PMCID: PMC10845796 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines can be translated into protein antigens, in vivo, to effectively induce humoral and cellular immunity against these proteins. While current mRNA vaccines have generated potent immune responses, the need for ultracold storage conditions (- 80 °C) and healthcare professionals to administer the vaccine through the parenteral route has somewhat limited their distribution in rural areas and developing countries. Overcoming these challenges stands to transform future deployment of mRNA vaccines. In this study, we developed an mRNA vaccine that can trigger a systemic immune response through administration via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is stable at 4 °C. A library of cationic branched poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) polymers was synthesized and characterized, from which a polymer with high intracellular mRNA delivery efficiency and immune stimulation capacity was down-selected. mRNA vaccines made with the lead polymer-elicited cellular and humoral immunity in mice. Furthermore, lyophilization conditions of the formulation were optimized to enable storage under refrigeration. Our results suggest that PBAE nanoparticles are potent mRNA delivery platforms that can elicit B cell and T cell activation, including antigen-specific cellular and humoral responses. This system can serve as an easily administrable, potent oral mRNA vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjoon Kim
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047, USA
| | - Ameya R Kirtane
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Na Yoon Kim
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
| | - Netra Unni Rajesh
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
| | - Chaoyang Tang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
| | - Keiko Ishida
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alison M Hayward
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA
| | - Giovanni Traverso
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusettes, 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Han S, Lee P, Choi HJ. Non-Invasive Vaccines: Challenges in Formulation and Vaccine Adjuvants. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2114. [PMID: 37631328 PMCID: PMC10458847 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082114] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the limitations of conventional invasive vaccines, such as the requirement for a cold chain system and trained personnel, needle-based injuries, and limited immunogenicity, non-invasive vaccines have gained significant attention. Although numerous approaches for formulating and administrating non-invasive vaccines have emerged, each of them faces its own challenges associated with vaccine bioavailability, toxicity, and other issues. To overcome such limitations, researchers have created novel supplementary materials and delivery systems. The goal of this review article is to provide vaccine formulation researchers with the most up-to-date information on vaccine formulation and the immunological mechanisms available, to identify the technical challenges associated with the commercialization of non-invasive vaccines, and to guide future research and development efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hyo-Jick Choi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; (S.H.); (P.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Yihunie W, Nibret G, Aschale Y. Recent Advances in Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Vaccines and Their Delivery Systems: A Review. Clin Pharmacol 2023; 15:77-98. [PMID: 37554660 PMCID: PMC10405914 DOI: 10.2147/cpaa.s418314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was found as the intermediary that transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis in 1961. The emergency use authorization of the two covid-19 mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, is a significant achievement in the history of vaccine development. Because they are generated in a cell-free environment using the in vitro transcription (IVT) process, mRNA vaccines are risk-free. Moreover, chemical modifications to the mRNA molecule, such as cap structures and changed nucleosides, have proved critical in overcoming immunogenicity concerns, achieving sustained stability, and achieving effective, accurate protein production in vivo. Several vaccine delivery strategies (including protamine, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, nanoemulsions, and cell-based administration) were also optimized to load and transport RNA into the cytosol. LNPs, which are composed of a cationic or a pH-dependent ionizable lipid layer, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) component, phospholipids, and cholesterol, are the most advanced systems for delivering mRNA vaccines. Moreover, modifications of the four components that make up the LNPs showed to increase vaccine effectiveness and reduce side effects. Furthermore, the introduction of biodegradable lipids improved LNP biocompatibility. Furthermore, mRNA-based therapies are expected to be effective treatments for a variety of refractory conditions, including infectious diseases, metabolic genetic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the present review aims to provide the scientific community with up-to-date information on mRNA vaccines and their delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wubetu Yihunie
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getinet Nibret
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Aschale
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Zamani P, Mashreghi M, Rezazade Bazaz M, Zargari S, Alizadeh F, Dorrigiv M, Abdoli A, Aminianfar H, Hatamipour M, Zarqi J, Behboodifar S, Samsami Y, Khorshid Sokhangouy S, Sefidbakht Y, Uskoković V, Rezayat SM, Jaafari MR, Mozaffari-Jovin S. Characterization of stability, safety and immunogenicity of the mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccine Iribovax® against COVID-19 in nonhuman primates. J Control Release 2023; 360:316-334. [PMID: 37355212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines have proved their efficacy, versatility and unprecedented manufacturing speed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we report on the physicochemical properties, thermostability, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of the nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP vaccine candidate Iribovax® (also called SNEG2c). Injection of BALB/c mice, rabbits and nonhuman primates with two doses of SNEG2c induced production of high-titers of SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific and receptor-binding domain (RBD)-neutralizing antibodies in immunized animals. In addition to the strong humoral response, SNEG2c elicited substantial Th1-biased T-cell response. Sera from rhesus macaques immunized with a low dose of the vaccine showed robust spike-specific antibody titers 3-24× as high as those in convalescent sera from a panel of COVID-19 patients and 50% virus neutralization geometric mean titer of 1024 against SARS-CoV-2. Strikingly, immunization with SNEG2c completely cleared infectious SARS-CoV-2 from the upper and lower respiratory tracts of challenged macaques and protected them from viral-induced lung and trachea lesions. In contrast, the non-vaccinated macaques developed moderate to severe pulmonary pathology after the viral challenge. We present the results of repeat-dose and local tolerance toxicity and thermostability studies showing how the physicochemical properties of the mRNA-LNPs change over time and demonstrating that SNEG2 is safe, well tolerated and stable for long-term. These results support the planned human trials of SNEG2c.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Zamani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mashreghi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahere Rezazade Bazaz
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Selma Zargari
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahyar Dorrigiv
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asghar Abdoli
- Pasteur Institute of Iran, Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Tehran, Iran; Amirabad Virology Laboratory, Vaccine Unit, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Aminianfar
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Hatamipour
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Javad Zarqi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeed Behboodifar
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yalda Samsami
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeideh Khorshid Sokhangouy
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yahya Sefidbakht
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vuk Uskoković
- College of Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Seyed Mahdi Rezayat
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Sina Mozaffari-Jovin
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Uchida S, Lau CYJ, Oba M, Miyata K. Polyplex designs for improving the stability and safety of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114972. [PMID: 37364611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have contributed to the recent clinical success of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and mRNA. RNA delivery using polymers has several distinct properties, such as enabling RNA delivery into extra-hepatic organs, modulation of immune responses to RNA, and regulation of intracellular RNA release. However, delivery systems should overcome safety and stability issues to achieve widespread therapeutic applications. Safety concerns include direct damage to cellular components, innate and adaptive immune responses, complement activation, and interaction with surrounding molecules and cells in the blood circulation. The stability of the delivery systems should balance extracellular RNA protection and controlled intracellular RNA release, which requires optimization for each RNA species. Further, polymer designs for improving safety and stability often conflict with each other. This review covers advances in polymer-based approaches to address these issues over several years, focusing on biological understanding and design concepts for delivery systems rather than material chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan; Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Chun Yin Jerry Lau
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Gupta SL, Goswami S, Anand A, Naman N, Kumari P, Sharma P, Jaiswal RK. An assessment of the strategy and status of COVID-19 vaccination in India. Immunol Res 2023; 71:565-577. [PMID: 37041424 PMCID: PMC10089693 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09373-5] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease continues to cause devastation for almost 3 years of its identification. India is one of the leading countries to set clinical trials, production, and administration of COVID-19 vaccination. Recent COVID-19 vaccine tracker record suggests that 12 vaccines are approved in India, including protein subunit, RNA/DNA, non-replicating viral vector, and inactivated vaccine. Along with that 16 more vaccines are undergoing clinical trials to counter COVID-19. The availability of different vaccines gives alternate and broad perspectives to fight against viral immune resistance and, thus, viruses escaping the immune system by mutations. Using the recently published literature on the Indian vaccine and clinical trial sites, we have reviewed the development, clinical evaluation, and registration of vaccines trial used in India against COVID-19. Moreover, we have also summarized the status of all approved vaccines in India, their associated registered clinical trials, manufacturing, efficacy, and their related safety and immunogenicity profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Surbhi Goswami
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067 India
| | - Ananya Anand
- Department of Zoology, Patna Science College, Patna University, Bihar, India
| | - Namrata Naman
- Department of Zoology, Patna Science College, Patna University, Bihar, India
| | - Priya Kumari
- Department of Zoology, Patna Science College, Patna University, Bihar, India
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Patna Science College, Patna University, Bihar, India
| | - Rishi K. Jaiswal
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Kawamoto Y, Wu Y, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y. Development of nucleic acid medicines based on chemical technology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114872. [PMID: 37244354 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have attracted attention as an emerging modality that includes the modulation of genes and their binding proteins related to diseases, allowing us to take action on previously undruggable targets. Since the late 2010s, the number of oligonucleotide medicines approved for clinical uses has dramatically increased. Various chemistry-based technologies have been developed to improve the therapeutic properties of oligonucleotides, such as chemical modification, conjugation, and nanoparticle formation, which can increase nuclease resistance, enhance affinity and selectivity to target sites, suppress off-target effects, and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Similar strategies employing modified nucleobases and lipid nanoparticles have been used for developing coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of chemistry-based technologies aimed at using nucleic acids for developing therapeutics over the past several decades, with a specific emphasis on the structural design and functionality of chemical modification strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - You Wu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Kumru OS, Bajoria S, Kaur K, Hickey JM, Van Slyke G, Doering J, Berman K, Richardson C, Lien H, Kleanthous H, Mantis NJ, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Effects of aluminum-salt, CpG and emulsion adjuvants on the stability and immunogenicity of a virus-like particle displaying the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2264594. [PMID: 37932241 PMCID: PMC10760504 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2264594] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Second-generation COVID-19 vaccines with improved immunogenicity (e.g., breadth, duration) and availability (e.g., lower costs, refrigerator stable) are needed to enhance global coverage. In this work, we formulated a clinical-stage SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate (IVX-411) with widely available adjuvants. Specifically, we assessed the in vitro storage stability and in vivo mouse immunogenicity of IVX-411 formulated with aluminum-salt adjuvants (Alhydrogel™, AH and Adjuphos™, AP), without or with the TLR-9 agonist CpG-1018™ (CpG), and compared these profiles to IVX-411 adjuvanted with an oil-in-water nano-emulsion (AddaVax™, AV). Although IVX-411 bound both AH and AP, lower binding strength of antigen to AP was observed by Langmuir binding isotherms. Interestingly, AH- and AP-adsorbed IVX-411 had similar storage stability profiles as measured by antigen-binding assays (competitive ELISAs), but the latter displayed higher pseudovirus neutralizing titers (pNT) in mice, at levels comparable to titers elicited by AV-adjuvanted IVX-411. CpG addition to alum (AP or AH) resulted in a marginal trend of improved pNTs in stressed samples only, yet did not impact the storage stability profiles of IVX-411. In contrast, previous work with AH-formulations of a monomeric RBD antigen showed greatly improved immunogenicity and decreased stability upon CpG addition to alum. At elevated temperatures (25, 37°C), IVX-411 formulated with AH or AP displayed decreased in vitro stability compared to AV-formulated IVX-411and this rank-ordering correlated with in vivo performance (mouse pNT values). This case study highlights the importance of characterizing antigen-adjuvant interactions to develop low cost, aluminum-salt adjuvanted recombinant subunit vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozan S. Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sakshi Bajoria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - John M. Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Greta Van Slyke
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Doering
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Katherine Berman
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Harry Kleanthous
- Discovery & Translational Sciences, Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Kafetzis KN, Papalamprou N, McNulty E, Thong KX, Sato Y, Mironov A, Purohit A, Welsby PJ, Harashima H, Yu-Wai-Man C, Tagalakis AD. The Effect of Cryoprotectants and Storage Conditions on the Transfection Efficiency, Stability, and Safety of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for mRNA and DNA Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203022. [PMID: 36906918 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles have recently shown great promise, establishing themselves as the gold standard in delivering novel RNA therapeutics. However, research on the effects of storage on their efficacy, safety, and stability is still lacking. Herein, the impact of storage temperature on two types of lipid-based nanocarriers, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and receptor-targeted nanoparticles (RTNs), loaded with either DNA or messenger RNA (mRNA), is explored and the effects of different cryoprotectants on the stability and efficacy of the formulations are investigated. The medium-term stability of the nanoparticles was evaluated by monitoring their physicochemical characteristics, entrapment and transfection efficiency, every two weeks over one month. It is demonstrated, that the use of cryoprotectants protects nanoparticles against loss of function and degradation in all storage conditions. Moreover, it is shown that the addition of sucrose enables all nanoparticles to remain stable and maintain their efficacy for up to a month when stored at -80 °C, regardless of cargo or type of nanoparticle. DNA-loaded nanoparticles also remain stable in a wider variety of storage conditions than mRNA-loaded ones. Importantly, these novel LNPs show increased GFP expression that can signify their future use in gene therapies, beyond the established role of LNPs in RNA therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisha McNulty
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, L39 4QP, UK
| | - Kai X Thong
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Aleksandr Mironov
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility (RRID: SCR_021147), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Atul Purohit
- Oncology Drug Discovery & Women's Health Group, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | | | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
68
|
Huang Y, Zhu X, Guo X, Zhou Y, Liu D, Mao J, Xiong Y, Deng Y, Gao X. Advances in mRNA vaccines for viral diseases. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28924. [PMID: 37417396 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the onset of the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have demonstrated outstanding performance. mRNA vaccines offer significant advantages over conventional vaccines in production speed and cost-effectiveness, making them an attractive option against other viral diseases. This article reviewed recent advances in viral mRNA vaccines and their delivery systems to provide references and guidance for developing mRNA vaccines for new viral diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukai Huang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xuerui Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuancheng Zhou
- Livestock and Poultry Biological Products Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongying Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingrui Mao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongai Xiong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Youcai Deng
- Department of Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghong Gao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Provincial Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease & Bio-Safety, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Shirane D, Tanaka H, Sakurai Y, Taneichi S, Nakai Y, Tange K, Ishii I, Akita H. Development of an Alcohol Dilution-Lyophilization Method for the Preparation of mRNA-LNPs with Improved Storage Stability. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1819. [PMID: 37514007 PMCID: PMC10383539 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The lipid nanoparticle (LNP) is one of the promising nanotechnologies for the delivery of RNA molecules, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA). A series of LNPs that contain an mRNA encoding the antigen protein of SARS-CoV-2 were already approved as RNA vaccines against this infectious disease. Since LNP formulations are generally metastable, their physicochemical properties are expected to shift toward a more stable state during the long-time storage of suspensions. The current mRNA vaccines are supplied in the form of frozen formulations with a cryoprotectant for preventing deterioration. They must be stored in a freezer at temperatures from -80 °C to -15 °C. It is thought that therapeutic applications of this mRNA-LNP technology could be accelerated if a new formulation that permits mRNA-LNPs to be stored under milder conditions were available. We previously reported on a one-pot method for producing siRNA-encapsulated LNPs by combining freeze-drying technology with the conventional alcohol dilution method (referred to herein as the "alcohol dilution-lyophilization method"). In this study, this method was applied to the preparation of mRNA-LNPs to provide a freeze-dried formulation of mRNA LNPs. The resulting formulation can be stored at 4 °C for at least 4 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Shirane
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Sakura Taneichi
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0865, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0865, Japan
| | - Kota Tange
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0865, Japan
| | - Itsuko Ishii
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Wang Y, Yang K, Zhou H. Immunogenic proteins and potential delivery platforms for mpox virus vaccine development: A rapid review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125515. [PMID: 37353117 PMCID: PMC10284459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Since May 2022, the mpox virus (MPXV) has spread worldwide and become a potential threat to global public health. Vaccines are important tools for preventing MPXV transmission and infection in the population. However, there are still no available potent and applicable vaccines specifically for MPXV. Herein, we highlight several potential vaccine targets for MPVX and emphasize potent immunogens, such as M1R, E8L, H3L, A29L, A35R, and B6R proteins. These proteins can be integrated into diverse vaccine platforms to elicit powerful B-cell and T-cell responses, thereby providing protective immunity against MPXV infection. Overall, research on the MPXV vaccine targets would provide valuable information for developing timely effective MPXV-specific vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Kaiwen Yang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Huelsmeyer M, Kuzman D, Bončina M, Martinez J, Steinbrugger C, Weusten J, Calero-Rubio C, Roche W, Niederhaus B, VanHaelst Y, Hrynyk M, Ballesta P, Achard H, Augusto S, Guillois M, Pszczolinski C, Gerasimov M, Neyra C, Ponduri D, Ramesh S, Clénet D. A universal tool for stability predictions of biotherapeutics, vaccines and in vitro diagnostic products. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10077. [PMID: 37344503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
It is of particular interest for biopharmaceutical companies developing and distributing fragile biomolecules to warrant the stability and activity of their products during long-term storage and shipment. In accordance with quality by design principles, advanced kinetic modeling (AKM) has been successfully used to predict long-term product shelf-life and relies on data from short-term accelerated stability studies that are used to generate Arrhenius-based kinetic models that can, in turn, be exploited for stability forecasts. The AKM methodology was evaluated through a cross-company perspective on stability modeling for key stability indicating attributes of different types of biotherapeutics, vaccines and biomolecules combined in in vitro diagnostic kits. It is demonstrated that stability predictions up to 3 years for products maintained under recommended storage conditions (2-8 °C) or for products that have experienced temperature excursions outside the cold-chain show excellent agreement with experimental real-time data, thus confirming AKM as a universal and reliable tool for stability predictions for a wide range of product types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Huelsmeyer
- Drug Product Development, AbbVie, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - D Kuzman
- Biologics Drug Product, Technical R&D, Global Drug Development, Novartis , Mengeš, Slovenia
| | - M Bončina
- Biologics Drug Product, Technical R&D, Global Drug Development, Novartis , Mengeš, Slovenia
| | - J Martinez
- R&D Immunoassays, Biomolecule Engineering - bioMAP, bioMérieux, Marcy L'étoile, France
| | - C Steinbrugger
- R&D Immunoassays, Biomolecule Engineering - bioMAP, bioMérieux, Marcy L'étoile, France
| | - J Weusten
- Center for Mathematical Sciences, MSD, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - C Calero-Rubio
- Biologics Drug Product Development & Manufacturing, Sanofi, Framingham, USA
| | - W Roche
- MSAT, Sanofi, Waterford, Ireland
| | - B Niederhaus
- CMC-Biologics Statistics, Sanofi, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Y VanHaelst
- CMC-Biologics Statistics, Sanofi, Gent, Germany
| | - M Hrynyk
- Global Drug Product Bioprocess Development, Sanofi, Toronto, Canada
| | - P Ballesta
- Altran Technologies, Capgemini Engineering, Lyon, France
| | - H Achard
- Altran Technologies, Capgemini Engineering, Lyon, France
| | - S Augusto
- Manufacturing Technology Department, Sanofi, Val-de-Reuil, France
| | - M Guillois
- Manufacturing Technology Department, Sanofi, Val-de-Reuil, France
| | - C Pszczolinski
- Manufacturing Technology Department, Sanofi, Val-de-Reuil, France
| | - M Gerasimov
- Manufacturing Technology Department, Sanofi, Swiftwater, USA
| | - C Neyra
- Manufacturing Technology Department, Sanofi, Swiftwater, USA
| | - D Ponduri
- Manufacturing Technology Department, Sanofi, Hyderabad, India
| | - S Ramesh
- Manufacturing Technology Department, Sanofi, Hyderabad, India
| | - D Clénet
- Global Drug Product Bioprocess Development, Sanofi, Marcy L'étoile, France.
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Turyasingura N, James WG, Vermund SH. COVID-19 vaccine equity in Africa. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:470-472. [PMID: 36622662 PMCID: PMC10235805 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dominated global health discourse since early 2020. By early 2021, the unprecedented speed of vaccine development against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by government, academia and industry contributed biotechnological tools to reduce severe COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths. However, vaccine distribution has not been equitable. We address one element of this challenge, namely the low COVID-19 vaccination rates in African countries, which lag behind higher-income nations. We evaluate key obstacles to initiatives addressing this inequity and emphasize Africa-based research and development as a sustainable solution to ensuring vaccine equity in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Turyasingura
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Wilmot G James
- Institute for Social and Economic Policy and Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Archer MC, McCollum J, Press C, Dutill TS, Liang H, Fedor D, Kapilow-Cohen L, Gerhardt A, Phan T, Trappler EH, Orr MT, Kramer RM, Fox CB. Stressed stability and protective efficacy of lead lyophilized formulations of ID93+GLA-SE tuberculosis vaccine. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17325. [PMID: 37366520 PMCID: PMC10278894 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With the recent exception of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), tuberculosis (TB) causes more deaths globally than any other infectious disease, and approximately 1/3 of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). However, encouraging progress in TB vaccine development has been reported, with approximately 50% efficacy achieved in Phase 2b clinical testing of an adjuvanted subunit TB vaccine candidate. Nevertheless, current lead vaccine candidates require cold-chain transportation and storage. In addition to temperature stress, vaccines may be subject to several other stresses during storage and transport, including mechanical, photochemical, and oxidative stresses. Optimal formulations should enable vaccine configurations with enhanced stability and decreased sensitivity to physical and chemical stresses, thus reducing reliance on the cold chain and facilitating easier worldwide distribution. In this report, we describe the physicochemical stability performance of three lead thermostable formulations of the ID93 + GLA-SE TB vaccine candidate under various stress conditions. Moreover, we evaluate the impact of thermal stress on the protective efficacy of the vaccine formulations. We find that formulation composition impacts stressed stability performance, and our comprehensive evaluation enables selection of a lead single-vial lyophilized candidate containing the excipient trehalose and Tris buffer for advanced development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph McCollum
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Formerly IDRI, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher Press
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Formerly IDRI, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Hong Liang
- Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dawn Fedor
- Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Alana Gerhardt
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Formerly IDRI, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tony Phan
- Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Mark T Orr
- Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan M Kramer
- Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher B Fox
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Formerly IDRI, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
van Rijn CJM, Vlaming KE, Bem RA, Dekker RJ, Poortinga A, Breit T, van Leeuwen S, Ensink WA, van Wijnbergen K, van Hamme JL, Bonn D, Geijtenbeek TBH. Low energy nebulization preserves integrity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines for respiratory delivery. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8851. [PMID: 37258559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35872-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nebulization of mRNA therapeutics can be used to directly target the respiratory tract. A promising prospect is that mucosal administration of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based mRNA vaccines may lead to a more efficient protection against respiratory viruses. However, the nebulization process can rupture the LNP vehicles and degrade the mRNA molecules inside. Here we present a novel nebulization method able to preserve substantially the integrity of vaccines, as tested with two SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. We compare the new method with well-known nebulization methods used for medical respiratory applications. We find that a lower energy level in generating LNP droplets using the new nebulization method helps safeguard the integrity of the LNP and vaccine. By comparing nebulization techniques with different energy dissipation levels we find that LNPs and mRNAs can be kept largely intact if the energy dissipation remains below a threshold value, for LNP integrity 5-10 J/g and for mRNA integrity 10-20 J/g for both vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cees J M van Rijn
- van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Killian E Vlaming
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinout A Bem
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob J Dekker
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Poortinga
- van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Breit
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Selina van Leeuwen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim A Ensink
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly van Wijnbergen
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John L van Hamme
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Bonn
- van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Teunis B H Geijtenbeek
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Murray K, Gao Y, Griffiths CA, Kinney NLH, Guo Q, Gibson MI, Whale TF. Chemically Induced Extracellular Ice Nucleation Reduces Intracellular Ice Formation Enabling 2D and 3D Cellular Cryopreservation. JACS AU 2023; 3:1314-1320. [PMID: 37234117 PMCID: PMC10207112 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
3D cell assemblies such as spheroids reproduce the in vivo state more accurately than traditional 2D cell monolayers and are emerging as tools to reduce or replace animal testing. Current cryopreservation methods are not optimized for complex cell models, hence they are not easily banked and not as widely used as 2D models. Here we use soluble ice nucleating polysaccharides to nucleate extracellular ice and dramatically improve spheroid cryopreservation outcomes. This protects the cells beyond using DMSO alone, and with the major advantage that the nucleators function extracellularly and hence do not need to permeate the 3D cell models. Critical comparison of suspension, 2D and 3D cryopreservation outcomes demonstrated that warm-temperature ice nucleation reduces the formation of (fatal) intracellular ice, and in the case of 2/3D models this reduces propagation of ice between adjacent cells. This demonstrates that extracellular chemical nucleators could revolutionize the banking and deployment of advanced cell models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn
A. Murray
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Division
of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Yanan Gao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University
of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Christopher A. Griffiths
- Department
of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Marine Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Nina L. H. Kinney
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Qiongyu Guo
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University
of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Matthew I. Gibson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- Division
of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas F. Whale
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Ryzhikov AB, Ryzhikov EA, Bogryantseva MP, Usova SV, Nechaeva EA, Danilenko ED, Pyankov SA, Gudymo AS, Moiseeva AA, Onkhonova GS, Pyankov OV, Sleptsova ES, Lomakin NV, Vasilyeva VS, Tulikov MV, Gusarov VG, Pulin AA, Balalaeva MA, Erofeeva SB, Terpigorev SA, Rychkova OA, Petrov IM, Delian VY, Rafalskiy VV, Tyranovets SV, Gavrilova EV, Maksyutov RA. Assessment of Safety and Prophylactic Efficacy of the EpiVacCorona Peptide Vaccine for COVID-19 Prevention (Phase III). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050998. [PMID: 37243102 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050998] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR" of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) has developed the peptide-based EpiVacCorona vaccine, which is the first synthetic peptide-based antiviral vaccine for mass immunization in international vaccinology. An early clinical trial (Phase I-II) demonstrated that the EpiVacCorona vaccine is a safe product. The "Multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparative, randomized trial to assess the tolerability, safety, immunogenicity and prophylactic efficacy of the EpiVacCorona COVID-19 vaccine based on peptide antigens in 3000 volunteers aged 18 years and older" was performed regarding vaccine safety. The key objectives of the study were to evaluate the safety and prophylactic efficacy of the two-dose EpiVacCorona vaccine administered via the intramuscular route. The results of the clinical study (Phase III) demonstrated the safety of the EpiVacCorona vaccine. Vaccine administration was accompanied by mild local reactions in ≤27% of cases and mild systemic reactions in ≤14% of cases. The prophylactic efficacy of the EpiVacCorona COVID-19 vaccine after the completion of the vaccination series was 82.5% (CI95 = 75.3-87.6%). The high safety and efficacy of the vaccine give grounds for recommending this vaccine for regular seasonal prevention of COVID-19 as a safe and effective medicinal product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B Ryzhikov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | | | - Marina P Bogryantseva
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Usova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Elena A Nechaeva
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Elena D Danilenko
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Stepan A Pyankov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Andrey S Gudymo
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Anastasiya A Moiseeva
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Galina S Onkhonova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Oleg V Pyankov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | | | - Nikita V Lomakin
- Central Clinical Hospital, Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, 121359 Moscow, Russia
| | - Veronika S Vasilyeva
- Central Clinical Hospital, Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, 121359 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Tulikov
- Central Clinical Hospital, Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, 121359 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vitaly G Gusarov
- Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, 105203 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Pulin
- Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, 105203 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A Balalaeva
- Russian Research Center of Surgery n.a. Academician B.V. Petrovsky, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana B Erofeeva
- Krasnogorsk City Hospital No. 1, 143403 Krasnogorsk, Russia
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute n.a. M.F. Vladimirsky, 129110 Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav A Terpigorev
- Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, 105203 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute n.a. M.F. Vladimirsky, 129110 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga A Rychkova
- Institute of Motherhood and Childhood, Tyumen State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 625023 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Ivan M Petrov
- Institute of Motherhood and Childhood, Tyumen State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 625023 Tyumen, Russia
| | | | - Vladimir V Rafalskiy
- Medical Institute, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236041 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Sergey V Tyranovets
- Limited Liability Company "Clinical Research Laboratory", 111672 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V Gavrilova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Rinat A Maksyutov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR", Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Koltsovo, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Sutton WJH, Branham PJ, Williamson YM, Cooper HC, Najjar FN, Pierce-Ruiz CL, Barr JR, Williams TL. Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expression from mRNA vaccines using isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00458-9. [PMID: 37202272 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The advent of mRNA vaccine technology has been vital in rapidly creating and manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines at an industrial scale. To continue to accelerate this leading vaccine technology, an accurate method is needed to quantify antigens produced by the transfection of cells with a mRNA vaccine product. This will allow monitoring of protein expression during mRNA vaccine development and provide information on how changes to vaccine components affects the expression of the desired antigen. Developing novel approaches that allow for high-throughput screening of vaccines to detect changes in antigen production in cell culture prior to in vivo studies could aid vaccine development. We have developed and optimized an isotope dilution mass spectrometry method to detect and quantify the spike protein expressed after transfection of baby hamster kidney cells with expired COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Five peptides of the spike protein are simultaneously quantified and provide assurance that protein digestion in the region of the target peptides is complete since results between the five peptides had a relative standard deviation of less than 15 %. In addition, two housekeeping proteins, actin and GAPDH, are quantified in the same analytical run to account for any variation in cell growth within the experiment. IDMS allows a precise and accurate means to quantify protein expression by mammalian cells transfected with an mRNA vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J H Sutton
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Paul J Branham
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Yulanda M Williamson
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Hans C Cooper
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Fabio N Najjar
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Carrie L Pierce-Ruiz
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - John R Barr
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Tracie L Williams
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Li H, Liu G, Zhou Q, Yang H, Zhou C, Kong W, Su J, Li G, Si H, Ou C. Which strain of the avian coronavirus vaccine will become the prevalent one in China next? Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1139089. [PMID: 37215473 PMCID: PMC10196085 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1139089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a vital pathogen in poultry farms, which can induce respiratory, nephropathogenic, oviduct, proventriculus, and intestinal diseases. Based on the phylogenetic classification of the full-length S1 gene, IBV isolates have been categorized into nine genotypes comprising 38 lineages. GI (GI-1, GI-2, GI-3, GI-4, GI-5, GI-6, GI-7, GI-13, GI-16, GI-18, GI-19, GI-22, GI-28, and GI-29), GVI-1 and GVII-1 have been reported in China in the past 60 years. In this review, a brief history of IBV in China is described, and the current epidemic strains and licensed IBV vaccine strains, as well as IBV prevention and control strategies, are highlighted. In addition, this article presents unique viewpoints and recommendations for a more effective management of IBV. The recombinant Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) vector vaccine expressed S gene of IBV QX-like and 4/91 strains may be the dominant vaccine strains against NDV and IBV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haizhu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Gengsong Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qiaoyan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongchun Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Congcong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Weili Kong
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jieyu Su
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Gonghe Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Hongbin Si
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Changbo Ou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Yu X, Yu C, Wu X, Cui Y, Liu X, Jin Y, Li Y, Wang L. Validation of an HPLC-CAD Method for Determination of Lipid Content in LNP-Encapsulated COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050937. [PMID: 37243041 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050937] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are widely used as delivery systems for mRNA vaccines. The stability and bilayer fluidity of LNPs are determined by the properties and contents of the various lipids used in the formulation system, and the delivery efficiency of LNPs largely depends on the lipid composition. For the quality control of such vaccines, here we developed and validated an HPLC-CAD method to identify and determine the contents of four lipids in an LNP-encapsulated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine to support lipid analysis for the development of new drugs and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Chuanfei Yu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Xiaoda Liu
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Ingle RG, Fang WJ. An Overview of the Stability and Delivery Challenges of Commercial Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041158. [PMID: 37111643 PMCID: PMC10143938 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid (NA)-based biopharmaceuticals have emerged as promising therapeutic modalities. NA therapeutics are a diverse class of RNA and DNA and include antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, miRNA, mRNA, small activating RNA, and gene therapies. Meanwhile, NA therapeutics have posed significant stability and delivery challenges and are expensive. This article discusses the challenges and opportunities for achieving stable formulations of NAs with novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). Here we review the current progress in the stability issues and the significance of novel DDSs associated with NA-based biopharmaceuticals, as well as mRNA vaccines. We also highlight the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved NA-based therapeutics with their formulation profiles. NA therapeutics could impact future markets if the remaining challenges and requirements are addressed. Regardless of the limited information available for NA therapeutics, reviewing and collating the relevant facts and figures generates a precious resource for formulation experts familiar with the NA therapeutics' stability profile, their delivery challenges, and regulatory acceptance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul G Ingle
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Dr. Rajendra Gode College of Pharmacy, Amravati 444602, India
| | - Wei-Jie Fang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Jörgensen AM, Wibel R, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Biodegradable Cationic and Ionizable Cationic Lipids: A Roadmap for Safer Pharmaceutical Excipients. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206968. [PMID: 36610004 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cationic and ionizable cationic lipids are broadly applied as auxiliary agents, but their use is associated with adverse effects. If these excipients are rapidly degraded to endogenously occurring metabolites such as amino acids and fatty acids, their toxic potential can be minimized. So far, synthesized and evaluated biodegradable cationic and ionizable cationic lipids already showed promising results in terms of functionality and safety. Within this review, an overview about the different types of such biodegradable lipids, the available building blocks, their synthesis and cleavage by endogenous enzymes is provided. Moreover, the relationship between the structure of the lipids and their toxicity is described. Their application in drug delivery systems is critically discussed and placed in context with the lead compounds used in mRNA vaccines. Moreover, their use as preservatives is reviewed, guidance for their design is provided, and an outlook on future developments is given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arne Matteo Jörgensen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Richard Wibel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Cherkaoui D, Mesquita SG, Huang D, Lugli EB, Webster BL, McKendry RA. CRISPR-assisted test for Schistosoma haematobium. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4990. [PMID: 36973334 PMCID: PMC10042105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as a public health issue by 2030, however there is an urgent need for more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests suitable to resource-limited settings. Here we developed CATSH, a CRISPR-assisted diagnostic test for Schistosoma haematobium, utilising recombinase polymerase amplification, Cas12a-targeted cleavage and portable real-time fluorescence detection. CATSH showed high analytical sensitivity, consistent detection of a single parasitic egg and specificity for urogenital Schistosoma species. Thanks to a novel CRISPR-compatible sample preparation developed using simulated urine samples containing parasitic eggs, CATSH had a sample-to-result within 2 h. The components of CATSH can be lyophilised, reducing cold chain dependence and widening access to lower and middle-income countries. This work presents a new application of CRISPR diagnostics for highly sensitive and specific detection of parasitic pathogens in remote areas and could have a significant impact on the elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dounia Cherkaoui
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK.
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Silvia G Mesquita
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
- René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London, W21 PG, UK
| | - Da Huang
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK
| | - Elena B Lugli
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London, W21 PG, UK
| | - Bonnie L Webster
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London, W21 PG, UK.
| | - Rachel A McKendry
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK.
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
You H, Jones MK, Gordon CA, Arganda AE, Cai P, Al-Wassiti H, Pouton CW, McManus DP. The mRNA Vaccine Technology Era and the Future Control of Parasitic Infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0024121. [PMID: 36625671 PMCID: PMC10035331 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00241-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive long-term efforts, with very few exceptions, the development of effective vaccines against parasitic infections has presented considerable challenges, given the complexity of parasite life cycles, the interplay between parasites and their hosts, and their capacity to escape the host immune system and to regulate host immune responses. For many parasitic diseases, conventional vaccine platforms have generally proven ill suited, considering the complex manufacturing processes involved and the costs they incur, the inability to posttranslationally modify cloned target antigens, and the absence of long-lasting protective immunity induced by these antigens. An effective antiparasite vaccine platform is required to assess the effectiveness of novel vaccine candidates at high throughput. By exploiting the approach that has recently been used successfully to produce highly protective COVID mRNA vaccines, we anticipate a new wave of research to advance the use of mRNA vaccines to prevent parasitic infections in the near future. This article considers the characteristics that are required to develop a potent antiparasite vaccine and provides a conceptual foundation to promote the development of parasite mRNA-based vaccines. We review the recent advances and challenges encountered in developing antiparasite vaccines and evaluate the potential of developing mRNA vaccines against parasites, including those causing diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis, against which vaccines are currently suboptimal or not yet available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alexa E. Arganda
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Harry Al-Wassiti
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin W. Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Hussain H, Ganesh A, Milane L, Amiji M. Lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; from nucleic acid nanomedicines, to clinical trials, herd immunity, and the vaccination divide. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:489-506. [PMID: 36890642 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2189697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In November 2019, the idea of a zoonotic virus crossing over to human transmission in a seafood market in Wuhan, China, and then soaring across the globe to claim over 6.3 million lives and persisting to date, seemed more like wild science fiction than a future reality. As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues, it is important to hallmark the imprints the pandemic has made on science. AREAS COVERED This review covers the biology of SARS-CoV-2, vaccine formulations and trials, the concept of 'herd resistance,' and the vaccination divide. EXPERT OPINION The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed the landscape of medicine. The rapid approval of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has changed the culture of drug development and clinical approvals. This change is already leading to more accelerated trials. The RNA vaccines have opened the market for nucleic acid therapies and the applications are limitless - from cancer to influenza. A phenomenon that has occurred is that the low efficacy of current vaccines and the rapid mutation rate of the virus is preventing herd immunity from being attained. Instead, herd resistance is being acquired. Even with future, more effective vaccines, anti-vaccination attitudes will continue to challenge the quest for SARS-CoV-2 herd immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aishwarya Ganesh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lara Milane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mansoor Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Park J, Champion JA. Effect of Antigen Structure in Subunit Vaccine Nanoparticles on Humoral Immune Responses. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:1296-1306. [PMID: 36848229 PMCID: PMC10015428 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Subunit vaccines offer numerous attractive features, including good safety profiles and well-defined components with highly characterized properties because they do not contain whole pathogens. However, vaccine platforms based on one or few selected antigens are often poorly immunogenic. Several advances have been made in improving the effectiveness of subunit vaccines, including nanoparticle formulation and/or co-administration with adjuvants. Desolvation of antigens into nanoparticles is one approach that has been successful in eliciting protective immune responses. Despite this advance, damage to the antigen structure by desolvation can compromise the recognition of conformational antigens by B cells and the subsequent humoral response. Here, we used ovalbumin as a model antigen to demonstrate enhanced efficacy of subunit vaccines by preserving antigen structures in nanoparticles. An altered antigen structure due to desolvation was first validated by GROMACS and circular dichroism. Desolvant-free nanoparticles with a stable ovalbumin structure were successfully synthesized by directly cross-linking ovalbumin or using ammonium sulfate to form nanoclusters. Alternatively, desolvated OVA nanoparticles were coated with a layer of OVA after desolvation. Vaccination with salt-precipitated nanoparticles increased OVA-specific IgG titers 4.2- and 22-fold compared to the desolvated and coated nanoparticles, respectively. In addition, enhanced affinity maturation by both salt precipitated and coated nanoparticles was displayed in contrast to desolvated nanoparticles. These results demonstrate both that salt-precipitated antigen nanoparticles are a potential new vaccine platform with significantly improved humoral immunity and a functional value of preserving antigen structures in vaccine nanoparticle design.
Collapse
|
86
|
Scarnà T, Menozzi-Arnaud M, Friede M, DeMarco K, Plopper G, Hamer M, Chakrabarti A, Gilbert PA, Jarrahian C, Mistilis J, Hesselink R, Gandrup-Marino K, Amorij JP, Giersing B. Accelerating the development of vaccine microarray patches for epidemic response and equitable immunization coverage requires investment in microarray patch manufacturing facilities. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:315-322. [PMID: 36649573 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2168641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a need for investment in manufacturing for vaccine microarray patches (vMAPs) to accelerate vMAP development and access. vMAPs could transform vaccines deployment and reach to everyone, everywhere. AREAS COVERED We outline vMAPs' potential benefits for epidemic preparedness and for outreach in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), share lessons learned from pandemic response, and highlight that investment in manufacturing-at-risk could accelerate vMAP development. EXPERT OPINION Pilot manufacturing capabilities are needed to produce clinical trial material and enable emergency response. Funding vMAP manufacturing scale-up in parallel to clinical proof-of-concept studies could accelerate vMAP approval and availability. Incentives could mitigate the risks of establishing multi-vMAP manufacturing facilities early.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kerry DeMarco
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Seattle, Washington DC, USA
| | - George Plopper
- Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Seattle, Washington DC, USA
| | - Melinda Hamer
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Seattle, Washington DC, USA.,Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Renske Hesselink
- Coalition for Epidemics Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
87
|
Pregeljc D, Skok J, Vodopivec T, Mencin N, Krušič A, Ličen J, Nemec KŠ, Štrancar A, Sekirnik R. Increasing yield of in vitro transcription reaction with at-line high pressure liquid chromatography monitoring. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:737-747. [PMID: 36471904 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented rate of development of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, which are produced by in vitro transcription reactions. The latter has been the focus of intense development to increase productivity and decrease cost. Optimization of in vitro transcription (IVT) depends on understanding the impact of individual reagents on the kinetics of mRNA production and the consumption of building blocks, which is hampered by slow, low-throughput, end-point analytics. We implemented a workflow based on rapid at-line high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) monitoring of consumption of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) with concomitant production of mRNA, with a sub-3 min read-out, allowing for adjustment of IVT reaction parameters with minimal time lag. IVT was converted to fed-batch resulting in doubling the reaction yield compared to batch IVT protocol, reaching 10 mg/ml for multiple constructs. When coupled with exonuclease digestion, HPLC analytics for quantification of mRNA was extended to monitoring capping efficiency of produced mRNA. When HPLC monitoring was applied to production of an anti-reverse cap analog (ARCA)-capped mRNA construct, which requires an approximate 4:1 ARCA:guanidine triphosphate ratio, the optimized fed-batch approach achieved productivity of 9 mg/ml with 79% capping. The study provides a methodological platform for optimization of factors influencing IVT reactions, converting the reaction from batch to fed-batch mode, determining reaction kinetics, which are critical for optimization of continuous addition of reagents, thus in principle enabling continuous manufacturing of mRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domen Pregeljc
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Janja Skok
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Tina Vodopivec
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Nina Mencin
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Krušič
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Jure Ličen
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Kristina Š Nemec
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Štrancar
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Rok Sekirnik
- BIA Separations d.o.o., a Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Mendonça MCP, Kont A, Kowalski PS, O'Driscoll CM. Design of lipid-based nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103505. [PMID: 36708760 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The successful development of nonviral delivery systems for nucleic acids has been reported extensively over the past number of years. Among them, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) represent the most advanced platform. This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in LNP technology, focusing on the delivery of a range of nucleic acids. Recent advances in the development of an efficient and safe lipid-based system are critically analyzed with a particular emphasis on the rationale behind the design of LNPs and on attempts to elucidate the resulting molecular assembly and structure, their interactions with cellular proteins and biodistribution. In addition, manufacturing methods including microfluidics and their potential to influence stability and scale-up are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayse Kont
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Piotr S Kowalski
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
89
|
Hendy DA, Haven A, Bachelder EM, Ainslie KM. Preclinical developments in the delivery of protein antigens for vaccination. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:367-384. [PMID: 36731824 PMCID: PMC9992317 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2176844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine technology has constantly advanced since its origin. One of these advancements is where purified parts of a pathogen are used rather than the whole pathogen. Subunit vaccines have no chance of causing disease; however, alone these antigens are often poorly immunogenic. Therefore, they can be paired with immune stimulating adjuvants. Further, subunits can be combined with delivery strategies such as nano/microparticles to enrich their delivery to organs and cells of interest as well as protect them from in vivo degradation. Here, we seek to highlight some of the more promising delivery strategies for protein antigens. AREAS COVERED We present a brief description of the different types of vaccines, clinically relevant examples, and their disadvantages when compared to subunit vaccines. Also, specific preclinical examples of delivery strategies for protein antigens. EXPERT OPINION Subunit vaccines provide optimal safety given that they have no risk of causing disease; however, they are often not immunogenic enough on their own to provide protection. Advanced delivery systems are a promising avenue to increase the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines, but scalability and stability can be improved. Further, more research is warranted on systems that promote a mucosal immune response to provide better protection against infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan A. Hendy
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Alex Haven
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Eric M. Bachelder
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Kristy M. Ainslie
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Chen F, Li S, Liu X, Wu H, Wu X, Cheng H, Wang H, Ya B. Vaccine inequity-induced COVID-19 dilemma: Time to sober up. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023. [PMID: 36878477 DOI: 10.2196/41157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
UNSTRUCTURED The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has not only posed a serious threat to public health but has also imposed a heavy burden on medical systems and global economies. To combat this challenge, unprecedented efforts have been made by governments and the scientific community in the development and production of vaccines. As a result, less than a year elapsed between identification of a novel pathogen sequence and large-scale vaccine rollout. However, much of the focus and debate has increasingly shifted to the looming risk of global vaccine inequity and whether we could do more to modify this risk. In this paper, we first outline the scope of inequitable vaccine distribution and identify its truly catastrophic consequences. Then, from the perspectives of political will, free markets and profit-driven enterprises based on patent and intellectual property protection, we analyze in-depth the root causes why this phenomenon is so difficult to combat. Apart from these, some specific and crucial solutions that should be undertaken in the long term were also put forward, in order to provide a useful reference for the authorities, stakeholders and researchers involved in addressing this global crisis and the next one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, CN
| | - Shuhui Li
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, CN
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, CN
| | - Hao Wu
- Dongping County People's Hospital, Tai-an, CN
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Dongping County People's Hospital, Tai-an, CN
| | - Hongju Cheng
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, CN
| | - Haiying Wang
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, CN
| | - Bailiu Ya
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, CN
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Mirtaleb MS, Falak R, Heshmatnia J, Bakhshandeh B, Taheri RA, Soleimanjahi H, Zolfaghari Emameh R. An insight overview on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: Advantageous, pharmacology, mechanism of action, and prospective considerations. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109934. [PMID: 36867924 PMCID: PMC9968612 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has urged scientists to present some novel vaccine platforms during this pandemic to provide a rather prolonged immunity against this respiratory viral infection. In spite of many campaigns formed against the administration of mRNA-based vaccines, those platforms were the most novel types, which helped us meet the global demand by developing protection against COVID-19 and reducing the development of severe forms of this respiratory viral infection. Some societies are worry about the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine administration and the potential risk of genetic integration of inoculated mRNA into the human genome. Although the efficacy and long-term safety of mRNA vaccines have not yet been fully clarified, obviously their application has switched the mortality and morbidity of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the structural features and technologies used in producing of COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines as the most influential factor in controlling this pandemic and a successful pattern for planning to produce other kind of genetic vaccines against infections or cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Sadat Mirtaleb
- Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), 14965/161, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jalal Heshmatnia
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behnaz Bakhshandeh
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ramezan Ali Taheri
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Zolfaghari Emameh
- Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), 14965/161, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Jakubek ZJ, Chen S, Zaifman J, Tam YYC, Zou S. Lipid Nanoparticle and Liposome Reference Materials: Assessment of Size Homogeneity and Long-Term -70 °C and 4 °C Storage Stability. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:2509-2519. [PMID: 36748988 PMCID: PMC9948293 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With recent advances and anticipated proliferation of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-delivered vaccines and therapeutics, there is a need for the availability of internationally recognized reference materials of LNP systems. Accordingly, we developed six LNP and liposome (anionic, neutral, and cationic each) candidate reference material formulations and thoroughly characterized by dynamic light scattering their particle hydrodynamic size (Z-avr) and polydispersity. We also evaluated the particle size homogeneity and long-term -70 °C and 4 °C storage stability using multiple large sets of randomly selected vials for each formulation. The formulations stored at -70 °C remained stable and homogeneous for a minimum of 9 months. The Z-avr relative combined uncertainty and the long-term variability were both <1.3% for liposome formulations and anionic LNPs, (3.9% and 1.7%) for neutral LNPs, and (6.7% and 4.4%) for cationic LNPs. An inadvertent few-hour-long storage temperature increase to -35 °C due to a freezer malfunction resulted in a small change of the size and size distribution of anionic liposomes and LNPs but, unexpectedly, a larger size increase of the neutral and cationic liposomes (≤5%) and LNPs (≤25%). The mean Z-avr values of the LNPs stored at 4 °C appeared to slowly increase with t1/3, where t is the storage time, and the Z-avr between-vial heterogeneity and mean polydispersity index values appeared to decrease; no change was observed for liposomes. The size and size distribution evolution of LNPs stored at 4 °C was attributed to an incomplete equilibration of the formulations following the addition of sucrose prior to the initial freezing. Such a process of size increase and size distribution narrowing has not been previously discussed nor observed in the context of LNPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zygmunt J. Jakubek
- Metrology
Research Center, National Research Council
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Sam Chen
- Integrated
Nanotherapeutics Inc., 205-4475 Wayburne Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5G 4X4, Canada
| | - Josh Zaifman
- Integrated
Nanotherapeutics Inc., 205-4475 Wayburne Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5G 4X4, Canada
| | - Yuen Yi C. Tam
- Integrated
Nanotherapeutics Inc., 205-4475 Wayburne Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5G 4X4, Canada
| | - Shan Zou
- Metrology
Research Center, National Research Council
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Xian H, Zhang Y, Yu C, Wang Y. Nanobiotechnology-Enabled mRNA Stabilization. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020620. [PMID: 36839942 PMCID: PMC9965532 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA technology has attracted enormous interest due to its great therapeutic potential. Strategies that can stabilize fragile mRNA molecules are crucial for their widespread applications. There are numerous reviews on mRNA delivery, but few focus on the underlying causes of mRNA instability and how to tackle the instability issues. Herein, the recent progress in nanobiotechnology-enabled strategies for stabilizing mRNA and better delivery is reviewed. First, factors that destabilize mRNA are introduced. Second, nanobiotechnology-enabled strategies to stabilize mRNA molecules are reviewed, including molecular and nanotechnology approaches. The impact of formulation processing on mRNA stability and shelf-life, including freezing and lyophilization, are also briefly discussed. Lastly, our perspectives on challenges and future directions are presented. This review may provide useful guidelines for understanding the structure-function relationship and the rational design of nanobiotechnology for mRNA stability enhancement and mRNA technology development.
Collapse
|
94
|
Cell-free protein synthesis systems for vaccine design and production. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 79:102888. [PMID: 36641905 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are vital for protection against existing and emergent diseases. Current vaccine production strategies are limited by long production times, risky viral material, weak immunogenicity, and poor stability, ultimately restricting the safe or rapid production of vaccines for widespread utilization. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems, which use extracted transcriptional and translational machinery from cells, are promising tools for vaccine production because they can rapidly produce proteins without the constraints of living cells, have a highly optimizable open system, and can be used for on-demand biomanufacturing. Here, we review how CFPS systems have been explored for the production of subunit, conjugate, virus-like particle (VLP), and membrane-augmented vaccines and as a tool in vaccine design. We also discuss efforts to address potential limitations with CFPS such as the presence of endotoxins, poor protein folding, reaction stability, and glycosylation to enable promising future vaccine design and production.
Collapse
|
95
|
Oude Blenke E, Örnskov E, Schöneich C, Nilsson GA, Volkin DB, Mastrobattista E, Almarsson Ö, Crommelin DJA. The Storage and In-Use Stability of mRNA Vaccines and Therapeutics: Not A Cold Case. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:386-403. [PMID: 36351479 PMCID: PMC9637289 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of mRNA vaccines on mitigating disease and improving public health has been amply demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many new mRNA-based vaccine and therapeutic candidates are in development, yet the current reality of their stability limitations requires their frozen storage. Numerous challenges remain to improve formulated mRNA stability and enable refrigerator storage, and this review provides an update on developments to tackle this multi-faceted stability challenge. We describe the chemistry underlying mRNA degradation during storage and highlight how lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations are a double-edged sword: while LNPs protect mRNA against enzymatic degradation, interactions with and between LNP excipients introduce additional risks for mRNA degradation. We also discuss strategies to improve mRNA stability both as a drug substance (DS) and a drug product (DP) including the (1) design of the mRNA molecule (nucleotide selection, primary and secondary structures), (2) physical state of the mRNA-LNP complexes, (3) formulation composition and purity of the components, and (4) DS and DP manufacturing processes. Finally, we summarize analytical control strategies to monitor and assure the stability of mRNA-based candidates, and advocate for an integrated analytical and formulation development approach to further improve their storage, transport, and in-use stability profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Oude Blenke
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Eivor Örnskov
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Christian Schöneich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047 United States.
| | - Gunilla A Nilsson
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - David B Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047 United States; Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047 United States.
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Örn Almarsson
- AfiRx LLC, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 United States; Visiting Fellow, UNSW RNA Institute and the School of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Daan J A Crommelin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Aljabali AAA, Bashatwah RM, Obeid MA, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Serrano-Aroca Á, Lundstrom K, Tambuwala MM. Current state of, prospects for, and obstacles to mRNA vaccine development. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103458. [PMID: 36427779 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Given their superior efficacy, rapid engineering, low-cost manufacturing, and safe delivery prospects, mRNA vaccines offer an intriguing alternative to conventional vaccination technologies. Several mRNA vaccine platforms targeting infectious diseases and various types of cancer have exhibited beneficial results both in vivo and in vitro. Issues related to mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been addressed. Current mRNA vaccines can generate robust immune responses, without being constrained by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype of the recipient. Given that mRNA vaccinations are the only transient genetic information carriers, they are also safe. In this review, we provide an update and overview on mRNA vaccines, including their current state, and the problems that have prevented them from being used in more general therapeutic ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan.
| | - Rasha M Bashatwah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A Obeid
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan.
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials & Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | | | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Rzymski P, Szuster-Ciesielska A, Dzieciątkowski T, Gwenzi W, Fal A. mRNA vaccines: The future of prevention of viral infections? J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28572. [PMID: 36762592 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 are the first authorized biological preparations developed using this platform. During the pandemic, their administration has been proven to be a life-saving intervention. Here, we review the main advantages of using mRNA vaccines, identify further technological challenges to be met during the development of the mRNA platform, and provide an update on the clinical progress on leading mRNA vaccine candidates against different viruses that include influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus 1, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. The prospects and challenges of manufacturing mRNA vaccines in low-income countries are also discussed. The ongoing interest and research in mRNA technology are likely to overcome some existing challenges for this technology (e.g., related to storage conditions and immunogenicity of some components of lipid nanoparticles) and enhance the portfolio of vaccines against diseases for which classical formulations are already authorized. It may also open novel pathways of protection against infections and their consequences for which no safe and efficient immunization methods are currently available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Willis Gwenzi
- Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Guest Professor, Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Universität Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany.,Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Guest Professor, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andrzej Fal
- Collegium Medicum, Warsaw Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Public Health, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Kamran MA, Kia R, Goodarzian F, Ghasemi P. A new vaccine supply chain network under COVID-19 conditions considering system dynamic: Artificial intelligence algorithms. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLANNING SCIENCES 2023; 85:101378. [PMID: 35966449 PMCID: PMC9359548 DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2022.101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
With the discovery of the COVID-19 vaccine, what has always been worrying the decision-makers is related to the distribution management, the vaccination centers' location, and the inventory control of all types of vaccines. As the COVID-19 vaccine is highly demanded, planning for its fair distribution is a must. University is one of the most densely populated areas in a city, so it is critical to vaccinate university students so that the spread of this virus is curbed. As a result, in the present study, a new stochastic multi-objective, multi-period, and multi-commodity simulation-optimization model has been developed for the COVID-19 vaccine's production, distribution, location, allocation, and inventory control decisions. In this study, the proposed supply chain network includes four echelons of manufacturers, hospitals, vaccination centers, and volunteer vaccine students. Vaccine manufacturers send the vaccines to the vaccination centers and hospitals after production. The students with a history of special diseases such as heart disease, corticosteroids, blood clots, etc. are vaccinated in hospitals because of accessing more medical care, and the rest of the students are vaccinated in the vaccination centers. Then, a system dynamic structure of the prevalence of COVID -19 in universities is developed and the vaccine demand is estimated using simulation, in which the demand enters the mathematical model as a given stochastic parameter. Thus, the model pursues some goals, namely, to minimize supply chain costs, maximize student desirability for vaccination, and maximize justice in vaccine distribution. To solve the proposed model, Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) algorithms are used. In terms of novelties, the most important novelties in the simulation model are considering the virtual education and exerted quarantine effect on estimating the number of the vaccines. In terms of the mathematical model, one of the remarkable contributions is paying attention to social distancing while receiving the injection and the possibility of the injection during working and non-working hours, and regarding the novelties in the solution methodology, a new heuristic method based on a meta-heuristic algorithm called Modified WOA with VNS (MVWOA) is developed. In terms of the performance metrics and the CPU time, the MOWOA is discovered with a superior performance than other given algorithms. Moreover, regarding the data, a case study related to the COVID-19 pandemic period in Tehran/Iran is provided to validate the proposed algorithm. The outcomes indicate that with the demand increase, the costs increase sharply while the vaccination desirability for students decreases with a slight slope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi A Kamran
- Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Logistics, Tourism and Service Management, German University of Technology, Muscat, Oman
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran
| | - Reza Kia
- Department of Engineering, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG, UK
| | - Fariba Goodarzian
- Engineering Group, School of Engineering, University of Seville, Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Peiman Ghasemi
- Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Logistics, Tourism and Service Management, German University of Technology, Muscat, Oman
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
De A, Ko YT. Why mRNA-ionizable LNPs formulations are so short-lived: causes and way-out. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:175-187. [PMID: 36588456 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2162876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) are biological molecules that can be heated, frozen, lyophilized, precipitated, or re-suspended without degradation. Currently, ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a promising approach for mRNA therapy. However, the long-term shelf-life stability of mRNA-ionizable LNPs is one of the open questions about their use and safety. At an acidic pH, ionizable lipids shield anionic mRNA. However, the stability of mRNA under storage conditions remains a mystery. Moreover, ionizable LNPs excipients also cause instability during long-term storage. AREA COVERED This paper aims to illustrate why mRNA-ionizable LNPs have such a limited storage half-life. For the first time, we compile the tentative reasons for the short half-life and ultra-cold storage of mRNA-LNPs in the context of formulation excipients. The article also provided possible ways of prolonging the lifespan of mRNA-ionizable LNPs during long storage. EXPERT OPINION mRNA-ionizable LNPs are the future of genetic medicine. Current limitations of the formulation can be overcome by an advanced drying process or a whole new hybrid formulation strategy to extend the shelf life of mRNA-ionizable LNPs. A breakthrough technology may open up new research directions for producing thermostable and safe mRNA-ionizable LNPs at room temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anindita De
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Young Tag Ko
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Zane L, Kraschowetz S, Trentini MM, Alves VDS, Araujo SC, Goulart C, Leite LCDC, Gonçalves VM. Peptide linker increased the stability of pneumococcal fusion protein vaccine candidate. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1108300. [PMID: 36777254 PMCID: PMC9909212 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1108300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterial pathogen exclusive to humans, responsible for respiratory and systemic diseases. Pneumococcal protein vaccines have been proposed as serotype-independent alternatives to currently used conjugated polysaccharide vaccines, which have presented limitations regarding their coverage. Previously in our group, pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and detoxified pneumolysin (PdT) were genetically fused and the hybrid protein protected mice against pneumococcal challenge, offered higher cross-protection against different strains and showed greater opsonophagocytosis rate than co-administered proteins. As juxtaposed fusion was unstable to upscale production of the protein, flexible (PspA-FL-PdT) and rigid (PspA-RL-PdT) molecular linkers were inserted between the antigens to increase stability. This work aimed to produce recombinant fusion proteins, evaluate their stability after linker insertion, both in silico and experimentally, and enable the production of two antigens in a single process. The two constructs with linkers were cloned into Escherichia coli and hybrid proteins were purified using chromatography; purity was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and stability by Western blot and high performance size exclusion chromatography. PspA-FL-PdT showed higher stability at -20°C and 4°C, without additional preservatives. In silico analyses also showed differences regarding stability of the fusion proteins, with molecule without linker presenting disallowed amino acid positions in Ramachandran plot and PspA-FL-PdT showing the best scores, in agreement with experimental results. Mice were immunized with three doses and different amounts of each protein. Both fusion proteins protected all groups of mice against intranasal lethal challenge. The results show the importance of hybrid protein structure on the stability of the products, which is essential for a successful bioprocess development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Zane
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stefanie Kraschowetz
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Vitor dos Santos Alves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Carneiro Araujo
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cibelly Goulart
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Viviane Maimoni Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil,*Correspondence: Viviane Maimoni Gonçalves,
| |
Collapse
|