51
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mRNA delivery via non-viral carriers for biomedical applications. Int J Pharm 2021; 607:121020. [PMID: 34416327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As an emerging new class of nucleic acid drugs, messenger RNA (mRNA) has huge potential in immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, vaccine, and gene editing. Comparing with siRNA and pDNA, mRNA is more vulnerable to nucleases in vivo. However, the lack of effective and safe delivery methods impedes the broad application of mRNA-based therapeutics. Up to now, the delivery of mRNA remains largely unexplored, and therefore, is a hot topic in the field of gene therapy. In this review, we will summarize the ongoing challenges in mRNA-based therapeutics and unmet requirements for delivery vehicles in terms of the unique structure of mRNA. We then highlight the advancement in mRNA delivery in both fundamental research and clinical applications. Finally, a prospective will be proposed upon reviewing the current progress in mRNA delivery.
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Hou X, Zaks T, Langer R, Dong Y. Lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 6:1078-1094. [PMID: 34394960 PMCID: PMC8353930 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1205] [Impact Index Per Article: 401.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a new category of therapeutic agent to prevent and treat various diseases. To function in vivo, mRNA requires safe, effective and stable delivery systems that protect the nucleic acid from degradation and that allow cellular uptake and mRNA release. Lipid nanoparticles have successfully entered the clinic for the delivery of mRNA; in particular, lipid nanoparticle-mRNA vaccines are now in clinical use against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which marks a milestone for mRNA therapeutics. In this Review, we discuss the design of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery and examine physiological barriers and possible administration routes for lipid nanoparticle-mRNA systems. We then consider key points for the clinical translation of lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulations, including good manufacturing practice, stability, storage and safety, and highlight preclinical and clinical studies of lipid nanoparticle-mRNA therapeutics for infectious diseases, cancer and genetic disorders. Finally, we give an outlook to future possibilities and remaining challenges for this promising technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucheng Hou
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Tal Zaks
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Robert Langer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
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53
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Bhat B, Karve S, Anderson DG. mRNA therapeutics: beyond vaccine applications. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:923-924. [PMID: 34172390 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shrirang Karve
- Translate Bio Inc., 29 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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54
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Kaczmarek JC, Patel AK, Rhym LH, Palmiero UC, Bhat B, Heartlein MW, DeRosa F, Anderson DG. Systemic delivery of mRNA and DNA to the lung using polymer-lipid nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120966. [PMID: 34147715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Non-viral vectors offer the potential to deliver nucleic acids including mRNA and DNA into cells in vivo. However, designing materials that effectively deliver to target organs and then to desired compartments within the cell remains a challenge. Here we develop polymeric materials that can be optimized for either DNA transcription in the nucleus or mRNA translation in the cytosol. We synthesized poly(beta amino ester) terpolymers (PBAEs) with modular changes to monomer chemistry to investigate influence on nucleic acid delivery. We identified two PBAEs with a single monomer change as being effective for either DNA (D-90-C12-103) or mRNA (DD-90-C12-103) delivery to lung endothelium following intravenous injection in mice. Physical properties such as particle size or charge did not account for the difference in transfection efficacy. However, endosome co-localization studies revealed that D-90-C12-103 nanoparticles resided in late endosomes to a greater extent than DD-90-C12-103. We compared luciferase expression in vivo and observed that, even with nucleic acid optimized vectors, peak luminescence using mRNA was two orders of magnitude greater than pDNA in the lungs of mice following systemic delivery. This study indicates that different nucleic acids require tailored delivery vectors, and further support the potential of PBAEs as intracellular delivery materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Kaczmarek
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Asha Kumari Patel
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; National Heart & Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Luke H Rhym
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Umberto Capasso Palmiero
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Department of Chemistry, Materials, And Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Daniel G Anderson
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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55
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Non-Immunotherapy Application of LNP-mRNA: Maximizing Efficacy and Safety. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050530. [PMID: 34068715 PMCID: PMC8151051 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulated messenger RNA-based (LNP-mRNA) vaccines came into the spotlight as the first vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 virus to be applied worldwide. Long-known benefits of mRNA-based technologies consisting of relatively simple and fast engineering of mRNA encoding for antigens and proteins of interest, no genomic integration, and fast and efficient manufacturing process compared with other biologics have been verified, thus establishing a basis for a broad range of applications. The intrinsic immunogenicity of LNP formulated in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA is beneficial to the LNP-mRNA vaccines. However, avoiding immune activation is critical for therapeutic applications of LNP-mRNA for protein replacement where targeted mRNA expression and repetitive administration of high doses for a lifetime are required. This review summarizes our current understanding of immune activation induced by mRNA, IVT byproducts, and LNP. It gives a comprehensive overview of the present status of preclinical and clinical studies in which LNP-mRNA is used for protein replacement and treatment of rare diseases with an emphasis on safety. Moreover, the review outlines innovations and strategies to advance pharmacology and safety of LNP-mRNA for non-immunotherapy applications.
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56
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Simonetta I, Tuttolomondo A, Daidone M, Miceli S, Pinto A. Treatment of Anderson-Fabry Disease. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:5089-5099. [PMID: 32183665 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200317142412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism that results in progressive accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids, predominantly globotriaosylsphingosine (Gb3) in lysosomes, as well as other cellular compartments of several tissues, causing multi-organ manifestations (acroparesthesias, hypohidrosis, angiokeratomas, signs and symptoms of cardiac, renal, cerebrovascular involvement). Pathogenic mutations lead to a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). In the presence of high clinical suspicion, a careful physical examination and specific laboratory tests are required. Finally, the diagnosis of Fabry's disease is confirmed by the demonstration of the absence of or reduced alpha-galactosidase A enzyme activity in hemizygous men and gene typing in heterozygous females. Measurement of the biomarkers Gb3 and Lyso Gb3 in biological specimens may facilitate diagnosis. The current treatment of Anderson-Fabry disease is represented by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and oral pharmacological chaperone. Future treatments are based on new strategic approaches such as stem cell-based therapy, pharmacological approaches chaperones, mRNA therapy, and viral gene therapy. This review outlines the current therapeutic approaches and emerging treatment strategies for Anderson-Fabry disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Simonetta
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Daidone
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Miceli
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Pinto
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Kim J, Eygeris Y, Gupta M, Sahay G. Self-assembled mRNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:83-112. [PMID: 33400957 PMCID: PMC7837307 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have evolved from being a mere curiosity to emerging as COVID-19 vaccine front-runners. Recent advancements in the field of RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology have generated interest in delivering safe and effective mRNA therapeutics. In this review, we discuss design and self-assembly of mRNA vaccines. Self-assembly, a spontaneous organization of individual molecules, allows for design of nanoparticles with customizable properties. We highlight the materials commonly utilized to deliver mRNA, their physicochemical characteristics, and other relevant considerations, such as mRNA optimization, routes of administration, cellular fate, and immune activation, that are important for successful mRNA vaccination. We also examine the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines currently in clinical trials. mRNA vaccines are ready for the clinic, showing tremendous promise in the COVID-19 vaccine race, and have pushed the boundaries of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
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58
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Zhang R, El-Mayta R, Murdoch TJ, Warzecha CC, Billingsley MM, Shepherd SJ, Gong N, Wang L, Wilson JM, Lee D, Mitchell MJ. Helper lipid structure influences protein adsorption and delivery of lipid nanoparticles to spleen and liver. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:1449-1463. [PMID: 33404020 PMCID: PMC8753632 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01609h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids, such as messenger RNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, and short interfering RNAs, hold great promise for treating previously 'undruggable' diseases. However, there are numerous biological barriers that hinder nucleic acid delivery to target cells and tissues. While lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been developed to protect nucleic acids from degradation and mediate their intracellular delivery, it is challenging to predict how alterations in LNP formulation parameters influence delivery to different organs. In this study, we utilized high-throughput in vivo screening to probe for structure-function relationships of intravenously administered LNPs along with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to measure the binding affinity of LNPs to apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a protein implicated in the clearance and uptake of lipoproteins by the liver. High-throughput in vivo screening of a library consisting of 96 LNPs identified several formulations containing the helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) that preferentially accumulated in the liver, while identical LNPs that substituted DOPE with the helper lipid 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) preferentially accumulated in the spleen. Using QCM-D, it was found that one DOPE-containing LNP formulation (LNP 42) had stronger interactions with ApoE than an identical LNP formulation that substituted DOPE with DSPC (LNP 90). In order to further validate our findings, we formulated LNP 42 and LNP 90 to encapsulate Cy3-siRNA or mRNA encoding for firefly luciferase. The DSPC-containing LNP (LNP 90) was found to increase delivery to the spleen for both siRNA (two-fold) and mRNA (five-fold). In terms of liver delivery, the DOPE-containing LNP (LNP 42) enhanced mRNA delivery to the liver by two-fold and improved liver transfection by three-fold. Understanding the role of the helper lipid in LNP biodistribution and ApoE adsorption may aid in the future design of LNPs for nucleic acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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59
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Delnoy B, Coelho AI, Rubio-Gozalbo ME. Current and Future Treatments for Classic Galactosemia. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11020075. [PMID: 33525536 PMCID: PMC7911353 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I (classic) galactosemia, galactose 1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT)-deficiency is a hereditary disorder of galactose metabolism. The current therapeutic standard of care, a galactose-restricted diet, is effective in treating neonatal complications but is inadequate in preventing burdensome complications. The development of several animal models of classic galactosemia that (partly) mimic the biochemical and clinical phenotypes and the resolution of the crystal structure of GALT have provided important insights; however, precise pathophysiology remains to be elucidated. Novel therapeutic approaches currently being explored focus on several of the pathogenic factors that have been described, aiming to (i) restore GALT activity, (ii) influence the cascade of events and (iii) address the clinical picture. This review attempts to provide an overview on the latest advancements in therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Delnoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.D.); (A.I.C.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana I. Coelho
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.D.); (A.I.C.)
| | - Maria Estela Rubio-Gozalbo
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.D.); (A.I.C.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-43-3872920
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60
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Rizvi F, Everton E, Smith AR, Liu H, Osota E, Beattie M, Tam Y, Pardi N, Weissman D, Gouon-Evans V. Murine liver repair via transient activation of regenerative pathways in hepatocytes using lipid nanoparticle-complexed nucleoside-modified mRNA. Nat Commun 2021; 12:613. [PMID: 33504774 PMCID: PMC7840919 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-20903-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Induction of intrinsic liver regeneration is an unmet need that can be achieved by temporally activating key hepatocyte regenerative pathways. Here, we establish an efficient, safe, non-integrative method to transiently express hepatocyte-growth-factor (HGF) and epidermal-growth-factor (EGF) in hepatocytes via nucleoside-modified, lipid-nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA (mRNA-LNP) delivery in mice. We confirm specific hepatotropism of mRNA-LNP via intravenous injection of firefly luciferase encoding mRNA-LNP, with protein expression lasting about 3 days. In the liver, virtually all hepatocytes are transfected along with a subpopulation of endothelial and Kupffer cells. In homeostasis, HGF mRNA-LNP efficiently induce hepatocyte proliferation. In a chronic liver injury mouse model recapitulating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, injections of both HGF and EGF mRNA-LNP sharply reverse steatosis and accelerate restoration of liver function. Likewise, HGF and EGF mRNA-LNP accelerate liver regeneration after acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury with rapid return to baseline ALT levels. This study introduces mRNA-LNP as a potentially translatable safe therapeutic intervention to harness liver regeneration via controlled expression of endogenous mitogens in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Rizvi
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Section of Gastroenterology of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, 670 Albany street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Elissa Everton
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Section of Gastroenterology of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, 670 Albany street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Anna R Smith
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Section of Gastroenterology of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, 670 Albany street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Section of Gastroenterology of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, 670 Albany street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Elizabeth Osota
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Section of Gastroenterology of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, 670 Albany street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Ying Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Valerie Gouon-Evans
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Section of Gastroenterology of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, 670 Albany street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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61
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Riley RS, Kashyap MV, Billingsley MM, White B, Alameh MG, Bose SK, Zoltick PW, Li H, Zhang R, Cheng AY, Weissman D, Peranteau WH, Mitchell MJ. Ionizable lipid nanoparticles for in utero mRNA delivery. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eaba1028. [PMID: 33523869 PMCID: PMC7806221 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Clinical advances enable the prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases that are candidates for gene and enzyme therapies such as messenger RNA (mRNA)-mediated protein replacement. Prenatal mRNA therapies can treat disease before the onset of irreversible pathology with high therapeutic efficacy and safety due to the small fetal size, immature immune system, and abundance of progenitor cells. However, the development of nonviral platforms for prenatal delivery is nascent. We developed a library of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for in utero mRNA delivery to mouse fetuses. We screened LNPs for luciferase mRNA delivery and identified formulations that accumulate within fetal livers, lungs, and intestines with higher efficiency and safety compared to benchmark delivery systems, DLin-MC3-DMA and jetPEI. We demonstrate that LNPs can deliver mRNAs to induce hepatic production of therapeutic secreted proteins. These LNPs may provide a platform for in utero mRNA delivery for protein replacement and gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Riley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Meghana V Kashyap
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Brandon White
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Sourav K Bose
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Philip W Zoltick
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hiaying Li
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrew Y Cheng
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William H Peranteau
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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62
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Ely A, Singh P, Smith TS, Arbuthnot P. In vitro transcribed mRNA for expression of designer nucleases: Advantages as a novel therapeutic for the management of chronic HBV infection. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:134-146. [PMID: 32485207 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant worldwide medical problem. While diseases caused by HIV infection, tuberculosis and malaria are on the decline, new cases of chronic hepatitis B are on the rise. Because often fatal complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with chronic hepatitis B, the need for a cure is as urgent as ever. Currently licensed therapeutics fail to eradicate the virus and this is attributable to persistence of the viral replication intermediate comprising covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Elimination or inactivation of the viral cccDNA is thus a goal of research aimed at hepatitis B cure. The ability to engineer nucleases that are capable of specific cleavage of a DNA sequence now provides the means to disable cccDNA permanently. The scientific literature is replete with many examples of using designer zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and RNA-guided endonucleases (RGENs) to inactivate HBV. However, important concerns about safety, dose control and efficient delivery need to be addressed before the technology is employed in a clinical setting. Use of in vitro transcribed mRNA to express therapeutic gene editors goes some way to overcoming these concerns. The labile nature of RNA limits off-target effects and enables dose control. Compatibility with hepatotropic non-viral vectors is convenient for the large scale preparation that will be required for advancing gene editing as a mode of curing chronic hepatitis B.
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63
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Hashiba A, Toyooka M, Sato Y, Maeki M, Tokeshi M, Harashima H. The use of design of experiments with multiple responses to determine optimal formulations for in vivo hepatic mRNA delivery. J Control Release 2020; 327:467-476. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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64
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Jiang L, Park JS, Yin L, Laureano R, Jacquinet E, Yang J, Liang S, Frassetto A, Zhuo J, Yan X, Zhu X, Fortucci S, Hoar K, Mihai C, Tunkey C, Presnyak V, Benenato KE, Lukacs CM, Martini PGV, Guey LT. Dual mRNA therapy restores metabolic function in long-term studies in mice with propionic acidemia. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5339. [PMID: 33087718 PMCID: PMC7578066 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Propionic acidemia/aciduria (PA) is an ultra-rare, life-threatening, inherited metabolic disorder caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme, propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) composed of six alpha (PCCA) and six beta (PCCB) subunits. We herein report an enzyme replacement approach to treat PA using a combination of two messenger RNAs (mRNAs) (dual mRNAs) encoding both human PCCA (hPCCA) and PCCB (hPCCB) encapsulated in biodegradable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to produce functional PCC enzyme in liver. In patient fibroblasts, dual mRNAs encoded proteins localize in mitochondria and produce higher PCC enzyme activity vs. single (PCCA or PCCB) mRNA alone. In a hypomorphic murine model of PA, dual mRNAs normalize ammonia similarly to carglumic acid, a drug approved in Europe for the treatment of hyperammonemia due to PA. Dual mRNAs additionally restore functional PCC enzyme in liver and thus reduce primary disease-associated toxins in a dose-dependent manner in long-term 3- and 6-month repeat-dose studies in PA mice. Dual mRNAs are well-tolerated in these studies with no adverse findings. These studies demonstrate the potential of mRNA technology to chronically administer multiple mRNAs to produce large complex enzymes, with applicability to other genetic disorders. Propionic acidemia is a serious pediatric inherited disorder with no effective treatments. Here the authors demonstrate that delivering dual mRNAs as an enzyme replacement approach can be used as an effective therapy in a mouse model of propionic acidemia, with potential applicability to chronically administer multiple mRNAs in other genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ji-Sun Park
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ling Yin
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Eric Jacquinet
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jinsong Yang
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shi Liang
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Jenny Zhuo
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Xinhua Yan
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Xuling Zhu
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Steven Fortucci
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kara Hoar
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Cosmin Mihai
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Vlad Presnyak
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lin T Guey
- Moderna Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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65
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Kant S, Atta MG. Therapeutic advances in Fabry disease: The future awaits. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110779. [PMID: 33152937 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in GLA gene responsible for coding of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A(α-GAL). The resultant accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb-3) leads to multisystemic disease including progressive chronic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, stroke, angiokeratomas and corneal whorls. Current treatments include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), along with recent advent of chaperone therapy. ERT has not shown to have dramatic improvement in outcomes for all organ systems, with benefit mostly seen in kidney disease and reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy. ERT, however, is associated with formation of anti-drug antibodies and requirement of long-term venous access, while chaperone therapy can only be used in amenable mutations. A multitude of therapies are now under investigation in various phases of clinical trials. These include pegylated form of α-GAL (pegunigalsidase alpha), gene therapy (both in-vivo and ex-vivo methods), mRNA therapy (inducing production of α-GAL) and substrate reduction therapy (inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase leading to reduction of Gb-3). This review encapsulates literature pertaining to current and investigational therapies for FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Kant
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohamed G Atta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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66
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Lee K, Kim TS, Seo Y, Kim SY, Lee H. Combined hybrid structure of siRNA tailed IVT mRNA (ChriST mRNA) for enhancing DC maturation and subsequent anticancer T cell immunity. J Control Release 2020; 327:225-234. [PMID: 32791078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics have received much attention in the development of anti-cancer therapies. Among them, synthetic mRNA (IVT mRNA) was investigated for cancer immunotherapy due to its abilities to express tumor associated antigens with stimulation of immune responses in dendritic cells (DCs). Despite of its great potential, several hurdles were remained such as insufficient immune stimulation and DC maturation. In this study, we aimed to present a novel IVT mRNA that can simultaneously express tumor associated antigens while suppress STAT3 proteins. Combined functions of siRNA and IVT mRNA were investigated and the hybrid structure of siRNA tailed mRNA (ChriST mRNA) was developed. We prepared the ChriST mRNA by employing polyA tail structures with RNAi sequences at the 3' end of mRNA. Complementary strands were annealed to form duplex siRNA structure to induce STAT3 gene silencing. In addition, a hybrid structure of DNA/RNA was introduced into the ChriST mRNA between polyA tail and RNAi sequences. It was expected that DNA/RNA duplex would be readily cleaved by RNase H in the intracellular environment. After the cleavage, ChriST mRNA was fully functionalized in cells and exhibited enhanced tumor specific DC maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Shin Kim
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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67
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Urbina F, Morales-Pison S, Maldonado E. Enzymatic Protein Biopolymers as a Tool to Synthetize Eukaryotic Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) with Uses in Vaccination, Immunotherapy and Nanotechnology. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12081633. [PMID: 32717794 PMCID: PMC7463467 DOI: 10.3390/polym12081633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-subunit enzymes are protein biopolymers that are involved in many cellular processes. The enzyme that carries out the process of transcription of mRNAs is RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), which is a multi-subunit enzyme in eukaryotes. This protein biopolymer starts the transcription from specific sites and is positioned by transcription factors, which form a preinitiation complex (PIC) on gene promoters. To recognize and position the RNAPII and the transcription factors on the gene promoters are needed specific DNA sequences in the gene promoters, which are named promoter elements. Those gene promoter elements can vary and therefore several kinds of promoters exist, however, it appears that all promoters can use a similar pathway for PIC formation. Those pathways are discussed in this review. The in vitro transcribed mRNA can be used as vaccines to fight infectious diseases, e.g., in immunotherapy against cancer and in nanotechnology to deliver mRNA for a missing protein into the cell. We have outlined a procedure to produce an mRNA vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the causing agent of the big pandemic, COVID-19, affecting human beings all over the world. The potential advantages of using eukaryotic RNAPII to synthetize large transcripts are outlined and discussed. In addition, we suggest a method to cap the mRNA at the 5′ terminus by using enzymes, which might be more effective than cap analogs. Finally, we suggest the construction of a future multi-talented RNAPII, which would be able to synthetize large mRNA and cap them in the test tube.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Urbina
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Sebastián Morales-Pison
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular Humana, Programa de Genética Humana, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Edio Maldonado
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-2978-6207
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68
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyang Meng
- Department of Nanomedicine Houston Methodist Research Institute Houston TX 77030 USA
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Changsha Hunan 410000 China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Nanomedicine Houston Methodist Research Institute Houston TX 77030 USA
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Changsha Hunan 410000 China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Nanomedicine Houston Methodist Research Institute Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Thomas Welte
- Department of Nanomedicine Houston Methodist Research Institute Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Haifa Shen
- Department of Nanomedicine Houston Methodist Research Institute Houston TX 77030 USA
- Cancer Center Houston Methodist Hospital Houston TX 77030 USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Weill Cornell Medical College New York NY 10065 USA
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69
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Hajj KA, Melamed JR, Chaudhary N, Lamson NG, Ball RL, Yerneni SS, Whitehead KA. A Potent Branched-Tail Lipid Nanoparticle Enables Multiplexed mRNA Delivery and Gene Editing In Vivo. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:5167-5175. [PMID: 32496069 PMCID: PMC7781386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The clinical translation of messengerRNA (mRNA) drugs has been slowed by a shortage of delivery vehicles that potently and safely shuttle mRNA into target cells. Here, we describe the properties of a particularly potent branched-tail lipid nanoparticle that delivers mRNA to >80% of three major liver cell types. We characterize mRNA delivery spatially, temporally, and as a function of injection type. Following intravenous delivery, our lipid nanoparticle induced greater protein expression than two benchmark lipids, C12-200 and DLin-MC3-DMA, at an mRNA dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Lipid nanoparticles were sufficiently potent to codeliver three distinct mRNAs (firefly luciferase, mCherry, and erythropoietin) and, separately, Cas9 mRNA and single guide RNA (sgRNA) for proof-of-concept nonviral gene editing in mice. Furthermore, our branched-tail lipid nanoparticle was neither immunogenic nor toxic to the liver. Together, these results demonstrate the unique potential of this lipid material to improve the management of diseases rooted in liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Hajj
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Jilian R Melamed
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Nicholas G Lamson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Rebecca L Ball
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Saigopalakrishna S Yerneni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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70
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Sultana N, Hadas Y, Sharkar MTK, Kaur K, Magadum A, Kurian AA, Hossain N, Alburquerque B, Ahmed S, Chepurko E, Zangi L. Optimization of 5' Untranslated Region of Modified mRNA for Use in Cardiac or Hepatic Ischemic Injury. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:622-633. [PMID: 32300609 PMCID: PMC7150433 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Modified mRNA (modRNA) is a gene-delivery platform for transiently introducing a single gene or several genes of interest to different cell types and tissues. modRNA is considered to be a safe vector for gene transfer, as it negligibly activates the innate immune system and does not compromise the genome integrity. The use of modRNA in basic and translational science is rising, due to the clinical potential of modRNA. We are currently using modRNA to induce cardiac regeneration post-ischemic injury. Major obstacles in using modRNA for cardiac ischemic disease include the need for the direct and single administration of modRNA to the heart and the inefficient translation of modRNA due to its short half-life. Modulation of the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) to enhance translation efficiency in ischemic cardiac disease has great value, as it can reduce the amount of modRNA needed per delivery and will achieve higher and longer protein production post-single delivery. Here, we identified that 5' UTR, from the fatty acid metabolism gene carboxylesterase 1D (Ces1d), enhanced the translation of firefly luciferase (Luc) modRNA by 2-fold in the heart post-myocardial infarction (MI). Moreover, we identified, in the Ces1d, a specific RNA element (element D) that is responsible for the improvement of modRNA translation and leads to a 2.5-fold translation increment over Luc modRNA carrying artificial 5' UTR, post-MI. Importantly, we were able to show that 5' UTR Ces1d also enhances modRNA translation in the liver, but not in the kidney, post-ischemic injury, indicating that Ces1d 5' UTR and element D may play a wider role in translation of protein under an ischemic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishat Sultana
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yoav Hadas
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Mohammad Tofael Kabir Sharkar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Keerat Kaur
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ajit Magadum
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ann Anu Kurian
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nadia Hossain
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bremy Alburquerque
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sakib Ahmed
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Elena Chepurko
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lior Zangi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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71
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Systemic modified messenger RNA for replacement therapy in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7052. [PMID: 32341402 PMCID: PMC7184591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency arises from an inherited mutation in the SERPINA1 gene. The disease causes damage in the liver where the majority of the AAT protein is produced. Lack of functioning circulating AAT protein also causes uninhibited elastolytic activity in the lungs leading to AAT deficiency-related emphysema. The only therapy apart from liver transplantation is augmentation with human AAT protein pooled from sera, which is only reserved for patients with advanced lung disease caused by severe AAT deficiency. We tested modified mRNA encoding human AAT in primary human hepatocytes in culture, including hepatocytes from AAT deficient patients. Both expression and functional activity were investigated. Secreted AAT protein increased from 1,14 to 3,43 µg/ml in media from primary human hepatocytes following mRNA treatment as investigated by ELISA and western blot. The translated protein showed activity and protease inhibitory function as measured by elastase activity assay. Also, mRNA formulation in lipid nanoparticles was assessed for systemic delivery in both wild type mice and the NSG-PiZ transgenic mouse model of AAT deficiency. Systemic intravenous delivery of modified mRNA led to hepatic uptake and translation into a functioning protein in mice. These data support the use of systemic mRNA therapy as a potential treatment for AAT deficiency.
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72
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Ickenstein LM, Garidel P. Lipid-based nanoparticle formulations for small molecules and RNA drugs. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 16:1205-1226. [PMID: 31530041 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2019.1669558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Liposomes and lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) effectively deliver cargo molecules to specific tissues, cells, and cellular compartments. Patients benefit from these nanoparticle formulations by altered pharmacokinetic properties, higher efficacy, or reduced side effects. While liposomes are an established delivery option for small molecules, Onpattro® (Sanofi Genzyme, Cambridge, MA) is the first commercially available LNP formulation of a small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA). Areas covered: This review article summarizes key features of liposomal formulations for small molecule drugs and LNP formulations for RNA therapeutics. We describe liposomal formulations that are commercially available or in late-stage clinical development and the most promising LNP formulations for ASOs, siRNAs, saRNA, and mRNA therapeutics. Expert opinion: Similar to liposomes, LNPs for RNA therapeutics have matured but still possess a niche application status. RNA therapeutics, however, bear an immense hope for difficult to treat diseases and fuel the imagination for further applications of RNA drugs. LNPs face similar challenges as liposomes including limitations in biodistribution, the risk to provoke immune responses, and other toxicities. However, since properties of RNA molecules within the same group are very similar, the entire class of therapeutic molecules would benefit from improvements in a few key parameters of the delivery technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludger M Ickenstein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals , Biberach an der Riss , Germany
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals , Biberach an der Riss , Germany
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73
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Veiga N, Diesendruck Y, Peer D. Targeted lipid nanoparticles for RNA therapeutics and immunomodulation in leukocytes. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 159:364-376. [PMID: 32298783 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in leukocytes' function are associated with many immune related disorders, such as cancer, autoimmunity and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Recent developments in Genome-wide-association-studies give rise to new opportunities for novel therapeutics. RNA-based modalities, that allow a selective genetic manipulation in vivo, are powerful tools for personalized medicine, enabling downregulation or expression of relevant proteins. Yet, RNA-based therapeutics requires a delivery modality to facilitate the stability, uptake and intracellular release of the RNA molecules. The use of lipid nanoparticles as a drug delivery approach improves the payloads' stability, pharmacokinetics, bio-distribution and therapeutic benefit while reducing side effects. Moreover, a wide variety of targeting moieties allow a precise and modular manipulation of gene expression, together with the ability to identify and selectively affect disease-relevant leukocytes-subsets. Altogether, RNA-based therapeutics, targeting leukocytes subsets, is believed to be one of the most promising therapeutic concepts of the near future, addressing pressing issues in cancer and inflammation heterogeneity.
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74
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Chen CY, Tran DM, Cavedon A, Cai X, Rajendran R, Lyle MJ, Martini PGV, Miao CH. Treatment of Hemophilia A Using Factor VIII Messenger RNA Lipid Nanoparticles. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:534-544. [PMID: 32330871 PMCID: PMC7178004 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hemophilia A (HemA) patients are currently treated with costly and inconvenient replacement therapy of short-lived factor VIII (FVIII) protein. Development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA encoding FVIII can change this paradigm. LNP technology constitutes a biocompatible and scalable system to efficiently package and deliver mRNA to the target site. Mice intravenously infused with the luciferase mRNA LNPs showed luminescence signals predominantly in the liver 4 h after injection. Repeated injections of LNPs did not induce elevation of liver transaminases. We next injected LNPs carrying mRNAs encoding different variants of human FVIII (F8 LNPs) into HemA mice. A single injection of B domain-deleted F8 LNPs using different dosing regimens achieved a wide range of therapeutic activities rapidly, which can be beneficial for various usages in hemophilia treatment. The expression slowly declined yet remained above therapeutic levels up to 5–7 days post-injection. Furthermore, routine repeated injections of F8 LNPs in immunodeficient mice produced consistent expression of FVIII over time. In conclusion, F8 LNP treatment produced rapid and prolonged duration of FVIII expression that could be applied to prophylactic treatment and potentially various other treatment options. Our study showed potential for a safe and effective platform of new mRNA therapies for HemA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Chen
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Xiaohe Cai
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Meghan J Lyle
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Carol H Miao
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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75
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Weng Y, Li C, Yang T, Hu B, Zhang M, Guo S, Xiao H, Liang XJ, Huang Y. The challenge and prospect of mRNA therapeutics landscape. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107534. [PMID: 32088327 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics hold the potential to cause a major revolution in the pharmaceutical industry because they can be used for precise and individualized therapy, and enable patients to produce therapeutic proteins in their own bodies without struggling with the comprehensive manufacturing issues associated with recombinant proteins. Compared with the current therapeutics, the production of mRNA is much cost-effective, faster and more flexible because it can be easily produced by in vitro transcription, and the process is independent of mRNA sequence. Moreover, mRNA vaccines allow people to develop personalized medications based on sequencing results and/or personalized conditions rapidly. Along with the great potential from bench to bedside, technical obstacles facing mRNA pharmaceuticals are also obvious. The stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery are all pivotal issues need to be addressed. In the recently published research results, these issues are gradually being overcome by state-of-the-art development technologies. In this review, we describe the structural properties and modification technologies of mRNA, summarize the latest advances in developing mRNA delivery systems, review the preclinical and clinical applications, and put forward our views on the prospect and challenges of developing mRNA into a new class of drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Tongren Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China.
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76
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Nanomedicines to Deliver mRNA: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10020364. [PMID: 32093140 PMCID: PMC7075285 DOI: 10.3390/nano10020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of messenger RNA (mRNA) in gene therapy is increasing in recent years, due to its unique features compared to plasmid DNA: Transient expression, no need to enter into the nucleus and no risk of insertional mutagenesis. Nevertheless, the clinical application of mRNA as a therapeutic tool is limited by its instability and ability to activate immune responses; hence, mRNA chemical modifications together with the design of suitable vehicles result essential. This manuscript includes a revision of the strategies employed to enhance in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA functionality and efficacy, including the optimization of its stability and translational efficiency, as well as the regulation of its immunostimulatory properties. An overview of the nanosystems designed to protect the mRNA and to overcome the intra and extracellular barriers for successful delivery is also included. Finally, the present and future applications of mRNA nanomedicines for immunization against infectious diseases and cancer, protein replacement, gene editing, and regenerative medicine are highlighted.
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77
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Jackson NAC, Kester KE, Casimiro D, Gurunathan S, DeRosa F. The promise of mRNA vaccines: a biotech and industrial perspective. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:11. [PMID: 32047656 PMCID: PMC7000814 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-0159-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA technologies have the potential to transform areas of medicine, including the prophylaxis of infectious diseases. The advantages for vaccines range from the acceleration of immunogen discovery to rapid response and multiple disease target manufacturing. A greater understanding of quality attributes that dictate translation efficiency, as well as a comprehensive appreciation of the importance of mRNA delivery, are influencing a new era of investment in development activities. The application of translational sciences and growing early-phase clinical experience continue to inform candidate vaccine selection. Here we review the state of the art for the prevention of infectious diseases by using mRNA and pertinent topics to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. C. Jackson
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gibbs building, 215 Euston Road, Bloomsbury, London, NW1 2BE UK
| | - Kent E. Kester
- Sanofi Pasteur, 1 Discovery Dr, Swiftwater, PA 18370 USA
| | | | | | - Frank DeRosa
- Translate Bio, 29 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, MA 02421 USA
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78
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Shirai S, Shibuya M, Kawai A, Tamiya S, Munakata L, Omata D, Suzuki R, Aoshi T, Yoshioka Y. Lipid Nanoparticles Potentiate CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotide-Based Vaccine for Influenza Virus. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3018. [PMID: 31998305 PMCID: PMC6962196 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current influenza vaccines are generally effective against highly similar (homologous) strains, but their effectiveness decreases markedly against antigenically mismatched (heterologous) strains. One way of developing a universal influenza vaccine with a broader spectrum of protection is to use appropriate vaccine adjuvants to improve a vaccine's effectiveness and change its immune properties. Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) motifs (CpG ODNs), which are Toll-like-receptor 9 (TLR9) agonists, are among the most promising adjuvants and are already being used in humans. However, the development of novel delivery vehicles to improve adjuvant effects in vivo is highly desirable. Here, we assessed the potential of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as CpG ODN delivery vehicles in mice to augment the vaccine adjuvant effects of CpG ODN and enhance the protective spectrum of conventional influenza split vaccine (SV). In vitro, compared with CpG ODN, LNPs containing CpG ODNs (LNP-CpGs) induced significantly greater production of cytokines such as IL-12 p40 and IFN-α by mouse dendritic cells (DCs) and significantly greater expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on DCs. In addition, after subcutaneous administration in mice, compared with CpG ODN, LNP-CpGs enhanced the expression of CD80 and CD86 on plasmacytoid DCs in draining lymph nodes. LNP-CpGs given with SV from H1N1 influenza A virus improved T-cell responses and gave a stronger not only SV-specific but also heterologous-virus-strain-specific IgG2c response than CpG ODN. Furthermore, immunization with SV plus LNP-CpGs protected against not only homologous strain challenge but also heterologous and heterosubtypic strain challenge, whereas immunization with SV plus CpG ODNs protected against homologous strain challenge only. We therefore demonstrated that LNP-CpGs improved the adjuvant effects of CpG ODN and broadened the protective spectrum of SV against influenza virus. We expect that this strategy will be useful in developing adjuvant delivery vehicles and universal influenza vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiki Shirai
- Laboratory of Nano-Design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Vaccine Creation Project, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Meito Shibuya
- Laboratory of Nano-Design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Vaccine Creation Project, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawai
- Laboratory of Nano-Design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Vaccine Creation Project, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Tamiya
- Laboratory of Nano-Design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Vaccine Creation Project, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Lisa Munakata
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery Research, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiki Omata
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery Research, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Laboratory of Drug and Gene Delivery Research, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiki Aoshi
- Vaccine Dynamics Project, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,BIKEN Center for Innovative Vaccine Research and Development, The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Nano-Design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Vaccine Creation Project, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,BIKEN Center for Innovative Vaccine Research and Development, The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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79
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Witzigmann D, Kulkarni JA, Leung J, Chen S, Cullis PR, van der Meel R. Lipid nanoparticle technology for therapeutic gene regulation in the liver. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 159:344-363. [PMID: 32622021 PMCID: PMC7329694 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary genetic disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases of the liver affect millions of people around the globe and are a major public health burden. Most contemporary treatments offer limited relief as they generally aim to alleviate disease symptoms. Targeting the root cause of diseases originating in the liver by regulating malfunctioning genes with nucleic acid-based drugs holds great promise as a therapeutic approach. However, employing nucleic acid therapeutics in vivo is challenging due to their unfavorable characteristics. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology is a revolutionary development that has enabled clinical translation of gene therapies. LNPs can deliver siRNA, mRNA, DNA, or gene-editing complexes, providing opportunities to treat hepatic diseases by silencing pathogenic genes, expressing therapeutic proteins, or correcting genetic defects. Here we discuss the state-of-the-art LNP technology for hepatic gene therapy including formulation design parameters, production methods, preclinical development and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Witzigmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jayesh A. Kulkarni
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Evonik Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jerry Leung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sam Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Integrated Nanotherapeutics, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pieter R. Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Corresponding author
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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80
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Guimaraes PPG, Zhang R, Spektor R, Tan M, Chung A, Billingsley MM, El-Mayta R, Riley RS, Wang L, Wilson JM, Mitchell MJ. Ionizable lipid nanoparticles encapsulating barcoded mRNA for accelerated in vivo delivery screening. J Control Release 2019; 316:404-417. [PMID: 31678653 PMCID: PMC7032071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has recently emerged as a promising class of nucleic acid therapy, with the potential to induce protein production to treat and prevent a range of diseases. However, the widespread use of mRNA as a therapeutic requires safe and effective in vivo delivery technologies. Libraries of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been designed to encapsulate mRNA, prevent its degradation, and mediate intracellular delivery. However, these LNPs are typically characterized and screened in an in vitro setting, which may not fully replicate the biological barriers that they encounter in vivo. Here, we designed and evaluated a library of engineered LNPs containing barcoded mRNA (b-mRNA) to accelerate the screening of mRNA delivery platforms in vivo. These b-mRNA are similar in structure and function to regular mRNA, and contain barcodes that enable their delivery to be quantified via deep sequencing. Using a mini-library of b-mRNA LNPs formulated via microfluidic mixing, we show that these different formulations can be pooled together, administered intravenously into mice as a single pool, and their delivery to multiple organs (liver, spleen, brain, lung, heart, kidney, pancreas, and muscle) can be quantified simultaneously using deep sequencing. In the context of liver and spleen delivery, LNPs that exhibited high b-mRNA delivery also yielded high luciferase expression, indicating that this platform can identify lead LNP candidates as well as optimal formulation parameters for in vivo mRNA delivery. Interestingly, LNPs with identical formulation parameters that encapsulated different types of nucleic acid barcodes (b-mRNA versus a DNA barcode) altered in vivo delivery, suggesting that the structure of the barcoded nucleic acid affects LNP in vivo delivery. This platform, which enables direct barcoding and subsequent quantification of a functional mRNA, can accelerate the in vivo screening and design of LNPs for mRNA therapeutic applications such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, mRNA vaccination, and other mRNA-based regenerative medicine and protein replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro P G Guimaraes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Roman Spektor
- Graduate Field of Genetics, Genomics and Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Mingchee Tan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amanda Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Margaret M Billingsley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachel S Riley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lili Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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81
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mRNA as a Novel Treatment Strategy for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 5. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 15:359-370. [PMID: 31828178 PMCID: PMC6888748 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5 is a neurodegenerative disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the CYP7B1 gene encoding the oxysterol 7-α-hydroxylase involved in bile acid synthesis in the liver. Lack of CYP7B1 leads to an accumulation of its oxysterol substrates, in particular 25-hydroxycholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and have neurotoxic properties. A potential therapeutic strategy for SPG5 is the replacement of CYP7B1 by administration of mRNA. Here, we studied the intravenous application of formulated mouse and human CYP7B1 mRNA in mice lacking the endogenous Cyp7b1 gene. A single-dose injection of either mouse or human CYP7B1 mRNA led to a pronounced degradation of oxysterols in liver and serum within 2 days of treatment. Pharmacokinetics indicate a single injection of human CYP7B1 mRNA to be effective in reducing oxysterols for at least 5 days. Repetitive applications of mRNA were safe for at least 17 days and resulted in a significant reduction of neurotoxic oxysterols not only in liver and serum but also to some extent in the brain. Our study highlights the potential to use mRNA as a novel therapy to treat patients with SPG5 disease.
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82
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Balakrishnan B, An D, Nguyen V, DeAntonis C, Martini PGV, Lai K. Novel mRNA-Based Therapy Reduces Toxic Galactose Metabolites and Overcomes Galactose Sensitivity in a Mouse Model of Classic Galactosemia. Mol Ther 2019; 28:304-312. [PMID: 31604675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Classic galactosemia (CG) is a potentially lethal inborn error of galactose metabolism that results from deleterious mutations in the human galactose-1 phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) gene. Previously, we constructed a GalT-/- (GalT-deficient) mouse model that exhibits galactose sensitivity in the newborn mutant pups, reduced fertility in adult females, impaired motor functions, and growth restriction in both sexes. In this study, we tested whether restoration of hepatic GALT activity alone could decrease galactose-1 phosphate (gal-1P) and plasma galactose in the mouse model. The administration of different doses of mouse GalT (mGalT) mRNA resulted in a dose-dependent increase in mGalT protein expression and enzyme activity in the liver of GalT-deficient mice. Single intravenous (i.v.) dose of human GALT (hGALT) mRNA decreased gal-1P in mutant mouse liver and red blood cells (RBCs) within 24 h with low levels maintained for over a week. Repeated i.v. injections increased hepatic GalT expression, nearly normalized gal-1P levels in liver, and decreased gal-1P levels in RBCs and peripheral tissues throughout all doses. Moreover, repeated dosing reduced plasma galactose by 60% or more throughout all four doses. Additionally, a single intraperitoneal dose of hGALT mRNA overcame the galactose sensitivity and promoted the growth in a GalT-/- newborn pup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijina Balakrishnan
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Ding An
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vi Nguyen
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Kent Lai
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
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83
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Coutinho MF, Matos L, Santos JI, Alves S. RNA Therapeutics: How Far Have We Gone? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1157:133-177. [PMID: 31342441 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-19966-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the RNA molecule became one of the most promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, a large number of RNA-based therapeutics are being investigated both at the basic research level and in late-stage clinical trials. Some of them are even already approved for treatment. RNA-based approaches can act at pre-mRNA level (by splicing modulation/correction using antisense oligonucleotides or U1snRNA vectors), at mRNA level (inhibiting gene expression by siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides) or at DNA level (by editing mutated sequences through the use of CRISPR/Cas). Other RNA approaches include the delivery of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA or the use of oligonucleotides aptamers. Here we review these approaches and their translation into clinics trying to give a brief overview also on the difficulties to its application as well as the research that is being done to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Matos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Inês Santos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.
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84
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Huysmans H, Zhong Z, De Temmerman J, Mui BL, Tam YK, Mc Cafferty S, Gitsels A, Vanrompay D, Sanders NN. Expression Kinetics and Innate Immune Response after Electroporation and LNP-Mediated Delivery of a Self-Amplifying mRNA in the Skin. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:867-878. [PMID: 31472371 PMCID: PMC6722285 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we studied the expression kinetics and innate immune response of a self-amplifying mRNA (sa-RNA) after electroporation and lipid-nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated delivery in the skin of mice. Intradermal electroporation of the sa-RNA resulted in a plateau-shaped expression, with the plateau between day 3 and day 10. The overall protein expression of sa-RNA was significantly higher than that obtained after electroporation of plasmid DNA (pDNA) or non-replication mRNAs. Moreover, using IFN-β reporter mice, we elucidated that intradermal electroporation of sa-RNA induced a short-lived moderate innate immune response, which did not affect the expression of the sa-RNA. A completely different expression profile and innate immune response were observed when LNPs were used. The expression peaked 24 h after intradermal injection of sa-RNA-LNPs and subsequently showed a sharp drop. This drop might be explained by a translational blockage caused by the strong innate immune response that we observed in IFN-β reporter mice shortly (4 h) after intradermal injection of sa-RNA-LNPs. A final interesting observation was the capacity of sa-RNA-LNPs to transfect the draining lymph nodes after intradermal injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Huysmans
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Zifu Zhong
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Joyca De Temmerman
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Séan Mc Cafferty
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arlieke Gitsels
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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85
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An D, Frassetto A, Jacquinet E, Eybye M, Milano J, DeAntonis C, Nguyen V, Laureano R, Milton J, Sabnis S, Lukacs CM, Guey LT. Long-term efficacy and safety of mRNA therapy in two murine models of methylmalonic acidemia. EBioMedicine 2019; 45:519-528. [PMID: 31303505 PMCID: PMC6642332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Isolated methylmalonic acidemia/aciduria (MMA) is an ultra-rare, serious, inherited metabolic disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Exogenously delivered mRNA encoding human methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (hMUT), the enzyme most frequently mutated in MMA, is a potential therapy to produce functional MUT enzyme in liver. Methods Two 12-week repeat-dose studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenously-administered hMUT mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles in two murine models of MMA. Findings In MMA hypomorphic mice, hMUT mRNA treatment resulted in dose-dependent and reproducible biomarker responses after each dose. Enzymatically-active MUT protein was produced in liver in a dose-dependent manner. hMUT mRNA was well-tolerated with no adverse effects, as indicated by the lack of clinical observations, minimal changes in clinical chemistry parameters, and histopathology examination across all tissues. In severe MMA mice, hMUT mRNA led to substantially improved survival and growth and ameliorated biochemical abnormalities, all of which are cardinal clinical manifestations in severely affected patients. Interpretation These data demonstrate durable functional benefit of hMUT mRNA and support development of this new class of therapy for a devastating, pediatric disorder. Fund This work was funded by Moderna, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding An
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Eric Jacquinet
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Marianne Eybye
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joseph Milano
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Vi Nguyen
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Jaclyn Milton
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Staci Sabnis
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Lin T Guey
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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86
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Martini PGV, Guey LT. A New Era for Rare Genetic Diseases: Messenger RNA Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:1180-1189. [PMID: 31179759 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenous delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) is emerging as a new class of medicine with broad applicability including the potential to treat rare monogenic disorders. Recent advances in mRNA technology, including modifications to the mRNA itself along with improvements to the delivery vehicle, have transformed the utility of mRNA as a potential therapy to restore or replace different types of therapeutic proteins. Preclinical proof-of-concept has been demonstrated for mRNA therapy for three different rare metabolic disorders: methylmalonic acidemia, acute intermittent porphyria, and Fabry disease. Herein, we review those preclinical efficacy and safety studies in multiple animal models. For all three disorders, mRNA therapy restored functional protein to therapeutically relevant levels in target organs, led to sustained and reproducible pharmacology following each dose administration of mRNA, and was well tolerated as supported by liver function tests evaluated in animal models including nonhuman primates. These data provide compelling support for the clinical development of mRNA therapy as a treatment for various rare metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lin T Guey
- Rare Diseases, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
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87
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Berraondo P, Martini PGV, Avila MA, Fontanellas A. Messenger RNA therapy for rare genetic metabolic diseases. Gut 2019; 68:1323-1330. [PMID: 30796097 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Decades of intense research in molecular biology and biochemistry are fructifying in the emergence of therapeutic messenger RNAs (mRNA) as a new class of drugs. Synthetic mRNAs can be sequence optimised to improve translatability into proteins, as well as chemically modified to reduce immunogenicity and increase chemical stability using naturally occurring uridine modifications. These structural improvements, together with the development of safe and efficient vehicles that preserve mRNA integrity in circulation and allow targeted intracellular delivery, have paved the way for mRNA-based therapeutics. Indeed, mRNAs formulated into biodegradable lipid nanoparticles are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical studies for multiple diseases including cancer immunotherapy and vaccination for infectious diseases. An emerging application of mRNAs is the supplementation of proteins that are not expressed or are not functional in a regulated and tissue-specific manner. This so-called 'protein replacement therapy' could represent a solution for genetic metabolic diseases currently lacking effective treatments. Here we summarise this new class of drugs and discuss the preclinical evidence supporting the potential of liver-mediated mRNA therapy for three rare genetic conditions: methylmalonic acidaemia, acute intermittent porphyria and ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Berraondo
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (Cima), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, CIBERonc, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Matias A Avila
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.,Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Fontanellas
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.,Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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88
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Limongi T, Susa F, Cauda V. Nanoparticles for hematologic diseases detection and treatment. HEMATOLOGY & MEDICAL ONCOLOGY 2019; 4:1000183. [PMID: 33860108 PMCID: PMC7610588 DOI: 10.15761/hmo.1000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology, as an interdisciplinary science, combines engineering, physics, material sciences, and chemistry with the biomedicine knowhow, trying the management of a wide range of diseases. Nanoparticle-based devices holding tumor imaging, targeting and therapy capabilities are formerly under study. Since conventional hematological therapies are sometimes defined by reduced selectivity, low therapeutic efficacy and many side effects, in this review we discuss the potential advantages of the NPs' use in alternative/combined strategies. In the introduction the basic notion of nanomedicine and nanoparticles' classification are described, while in the main text nanodiagnostics, nanotherapeutics and theranostics solutions coming out from the use of a wide-ranging NPs availability are listed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Limongi
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Susa
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Cauda
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
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89
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Zhao W, Hou X, Vick OG, Dong Y. RNA delivery biomaterials for the treatment of genetic and rare diseases. Biomaterials 2019; 217:119291. [PMID: 31255978 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and rare diseases (GARDs) affect more than 350 million patients worldwide and remain a significant challenge in the clinic. Hence, continuous efforts have been made to bridge the significant gap between the supply and demand of effective treatments for GARDs. Recent decades have witnessed the impressive progress in the fight against GARDs, with an improved understanding of the genetic origins of rare diseases and the rapid development in gene therapy providing a new avenue for GARD therapy. RNA-based therapeutics, such as RNA interference (RNAi), messenger RNA (mRNA) and RNA-involved genome editing technologies, demonstrate great potential as a therapy tool for treating genetic associated rare diseases. In the meantime, a variety of RNA delivery vehicles were established for boosting the widespread applications of RNA therapeutics. Among all the RNA delivery platforms which enable the systemic applications of RNAs, non-viral RNA delivery biomaterials display superior properties and a few biomaterials have been successfully exploited for achieving the RNA-based gene therapies on GARDs. In this review article, we focus on recent advances in the development of novel biomaterials for delivery of RNA-based therapeutics and highlight their applications to treat GARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Zhao
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Xucheng Hou
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Olivia G Vick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
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90
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Rybakova Y, Kowalski PS, Huang Y, Gonzalez JT, Heartlein MW, DeRosa F, Delcassian D, Anderson DG. mRNA Delivery for Therapeutic Anti-HER2 Antibody Expression In Vivo. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1415-1423. [PMID: 31160223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based drugs are a leading class of biologics used to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. However, wide antibody implementation is hindered by manufacturing challenges and high production cost. Use of in-vitro-transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) for endogenous protein expression has the potential to circumvent many of the shortcomings of antibody production and therapeutic application. Here, we describe the development of an IVT-mRNA system for in vivo delivery of a humanized anti-HER2 (also known as ERBB2) antibody, trastuzumab, and demonstrate its anticancer activity. We engineered the IVT-mRNA sequence to maximize expression, then formulated the IVT-mRNA into lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) to protect the mRNA from degradation and enable efficient in vivo delivery. Systemic delivery of the optimized IVT-mRNA loaded into LNPs resulted in antibody serum concentrations of 45 ± 8.6 μg/mL for 14 days after LNP injection. Further studies demonstrated an improved pharmacokinetic profile of the produced protein compared to injection of trastuzumab protein. Finally, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with trastuzumab IVT-mRNA LNPs selectively reduced the volume of HER2-positive tumors and improved animal survival. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrate that using IVT-mRNA LNPs to express full-size therapeutic antibodies in the liver can provide an effective strategy for cancer treatment and offers an alternative to protein administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Rybakova
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Piotr S Kowalski
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yuxuan Huang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - John T Gonzalez
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Derfogail Delcassian
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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91
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Cao J, An D, Galduroz M, Zhuo J, Liang S, Eybye M, Frassetto A, Kuroda E, Funahashi A, Santana J, Mihai C, Benenato KE, Kumarasinghe ES, Sabnis S, Salerno T, Coughlan K, Miracco EJ, Levy B, Besin G, Schultz J, Lukacs C, Guey L, Finn P, Furukawa T, Giangrande PH, Saheki T, Martini PGV. mRNA Therapy Improves Metabolic and Behavioral Abnormalities in a Murine Model of Citrin Deficiency. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1242-1251. [PMID: 31056400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Citrin deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in SLC25A13, encoding the liver-specific mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate transporter. It has a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes, including life-threatening neurological complications. Conventional protein replacement therapy is not an option for these patients because of drug delivery hurdles, and current gene therapy approaches (e.g., AAV) have been hampered by immunogenicity and genotoxicity. Although dietary approaches have shown some benefits in managing citrin deficiency, the only curative treatment option for these patients is liver transplantation, which is high-risk and associated with long-term complications because of chronic immunosuppression. To develop a new class of therapy for citrin deficiency, codon-optimized mRNA encoding human citrin (hCitrin) was encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). We demonstrate the efficacy of hCitrin-mRNA-LNP therapy in cultured human cells and in a murine model of citrin deficiency that resembles the human condition. Of note, intravenous (i.v.) administration of the hCitrin-mRNA resulted in a significant reduction in (1) hepatic citrulline and blood ammonia levels following oral sucrose challenge and (2) sucrose aversion, hallmarks of hCitrin deficiency. In conclusion, mRNA-LNP therapy could have a significant therapeutic effect on the treatment of citrin deficiency and other mitochondrial enzymopathies with limited treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ding An
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eishi Kuroda
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Aki Funahashi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lin Guey
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Tatsuhiko Furukawa
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | - Takeyori Saheki
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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92
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Patel S, Ryals RC, Weller KK, Pennesi ME, Sahay G. Lipid nanoparticles for delivery of messenger RNA to the back of the eye. J Control Release 2019; 303:91-100. [PMID: 30986436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy has had unprecedented success in generating treatments that can halt vision loss. However, immunogenic response and long-term toxicity with the use of viral vectors remain a concern. Non-viral vectors are relatively non-immunogenic, scalable platforms that have had limited success with DNA delivery to the eye. Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics has expanded the ability to achieve high gene expression while eliminating unintended genomic integration or the need to cross the restrictive nuclear barrier. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) remain at the forefront of potent delivery vectors for nucleic acids. Herein, we tested eleven different LNP variants for their ability to deliver mRNA to the back of the eye. LNPs that contained ionizable lipids with low pKa and unsaturated hydrocarbon chains showed the highest amount of reporter gene transfection in the retina. The kinetics of gene expression showed a rapid onset (within 4 h) that persisted for 96 h. The gene delivery was cell-type specific with majority of the expression in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and limited expression in the Müller glia. LNP-delivered mRNA can be used to treat monogenic retinal degenerative disorders of the RPE. The transient nature of mRNA-based therapeutics makes it desirable for applications that are directed towards retinal reprogramming or genome editing. Overall, non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics to diverse cell types within the retina can provide transformative new approaches to prevent blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kyle K Weller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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93
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Trepotec Z, Lichtenegger E, Plank C, Aneja MK, Rudolph C. Delivery of mRNA Therapeutics for the Treatment of Hepatic Diseases. Mol Ther 2019; 27:794-802. [PMID: 30655211 PMCID: PMC6453508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Promising improvements in the field of transcript therapeutics have clearly enhanced the potential of mRNA as a new pillar for protein replacement therapies. Synthetic mRNAs are engineered to replace mutated mRNAs and to be immunologically inconspicuous and highly stable while maximizing protein expression. Approaches to deliver mRNA into the cellular cytoplasm safely and efficiently have been further developed so that two mRNA-based approaches replacing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have now made it into clinical trials. These studies bring mRNA therapeutics for protein replacement therapy closer to clinical realization. Herein, we provide an overview of preclinical and clinical developments of mRNA therapeutics for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeljka Trepotec
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christian Plank
- Ethris GmbH, RNA Biology, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Rudolph
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; Ethris GmbH, RNA Biology, 82152 Planegg, Germany.
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94
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Schlake T, Thran M, Fiedler K, Heidenreich R, Petsch B, Fotin-Mleczek M. mRNA: A Novel Avenue to Antibody Therapy? Mol Ther 2019; 27:773-784. [PMID: 30885573 PMCID: PMC6453519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
First attempts to use exogenous mRNA for protein expression in vivo were made more than 25 years ago. However, widespread appreciation of in vitro transcribed mRNA as a powerful technology for supplying therapeutic proteins to the body has evolved only during the past few years. Various approaches to turning mRNA into a potent therapeutic have been developed. All of them share utilization of specifically designed, rather than endogenous, sequences and thorough purification protocols. Apart from this, there are two fundamental philosophies, one promoting the use of chemically modified nucleotides, the other advocating restriction to unmodified building blocks. Meanwhile, both strategies have received broad support by successful mRNA-based protein treatments in animal models. For such in vivo use, specifically optimized mRNA had to be combined with potent formulations to enable efficient in vivo delivery. The present review analyzes the applicability of mRNA technology to antibody therapy in all main fields: antitoxins, infectious diseases, and oncology.
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95
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Kowalski PS, Rudra A, Miao L, Anderson DG. Delivering the Messenger: Advances in Technologies for Therapeutic mRNA Delivery. Mol Ther 2019; 27:710-728. [PMID: 30846391 PMCID: PMC6453548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 604] [Impact Index Per Article: 120.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA has broad potential as a therapeutic. Current clinical efforts are focused on vaccination, protein replacement therapies, and treatment of genetic diseases. The clinical translation of mRNA therapeutics has been made possible through advances in the design of mRNA manufacturing and intracellular delivery methods. However, broad application of mRNA is still limited by the need for improved delivery systems. In this review, we discuss the challenges for clinical translation of mRNA-based therapeutics, with an emphasis on recent advances in biomaterials and delivery strategies, and we present an overview of the applications of mRNA-based delivery for protein therapy, gene editing, and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr S Kowalski
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Arnab Rudra
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lei Miao
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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96
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Non-viral Delivery of Zinc Finger Nuclease mRNA Enables Highly Efficient In Vivo Genome Editing of Multiple Therapeutic Gene Targets. Mol Ther 2019; 27:866-877. [PMID: 30902585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has previously been shown that engineered zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) can be packaged into adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and delivered intravenously into mice, non-human primates, and most recently, humans to induce highly efficient therapeutic genome editing in the liver. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are synthetic delivery vehicles that enable repeat administration and are not limited by the presence of preexisting neutralizing antibodies in patients. Here, we show that mRNA encoding ZFNs formulated into LNP can enable >90% knockout of gene expression in mice by targeting the TTR or PCSK9 gene, at mRNA doses 10-fold lower than has ever been reported. Additionally, co-delivering mRNA-LNP containing ZFNs targeted to intron 1 of the ALB locus with AAV packaged with a promoterless human IDS or FIX therapeutic transgene can result in high levels of targeted integration and subsequent therapeutically relevant levels of protein expression in mice. Finally, we show repeat administration of ZFN mRNA-LNP after a single AAV donor dose results in significantly increased levels of genome editing and transgene expression compared to a single dose. These results demonstrate LNP-mediated ZFN mRNA delivery can drive highly efficient levels of in vivo genome editing and can potentially offer a new treatment modality for a variety of diseases.
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97
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DeRosa F, Smith L, Shen Y, Huang Y, Pan J, Xie H, Yahalom B, Heartlein MW. Improved Efficacy in a Fabry Disease Model Using a Systemic mRNA Liver Depot System as Compared to Enzyme Replacement Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 27:878-889. [PMID: 30879951 PMCID: PMC6453518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of α-galactosidase A. Enzyme deficiency results in a progressive decline in renal and cardiac function, leading to cardiomyopathy and end-stage renal disease. Current treatments available, including enzyme replacement therapies, have provided significant benefit to patients; however, unmet medical needs remain. mRNA therapy, with drug-like properties, has the unique ability to produce therapeutic proteins endogenously. Here we describe the sustained delivery of therapeutic human α-galactosidase protein in vivo via nanoparticle-formulated mRNA in mouse and non-human primate, with a demonstration of efficacy through clinically relevant biomarker reduction in a mouse Fabry disease model. Multi-component nanoparticles formulated with lipids and lipid-like materials were developed for the delivery of mRNA encoding human α-galactosidase protein. Upon delivery of human GLA mRNA to mice, serum GLA protein levels reached as high as ∼1,330-fold over normal physiological values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yan Huang
- Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA 02141, USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA 02141, USA
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98
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Li B, Zhang X, Dong Y. Nanoscale platforms for messenger RNA delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 11:e1530. [PMID: 29726120 PMCID: PMC6443240 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has become a promising class of drugs for diverse therapeutic applications in the past few years. A series of clinical trials are ongoing or will be initiated in the near future for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Currently, mRNA-based therapeutics mainly focuses on ex vivo transfection and local administration in clinical studies. Efficient and safe delivery of therapeutically relevant mRNAs remains one of the major challenges for their broad applications in humans. Thus, effective delivery systems are urgently needed to overcome this limitation. In recent years, numerous nanoscale biomaterials have been constructed for mRNA delivery in order to protect mRNA from extracellular degradation and facilitate endosomal escape after cellular uptake. Nanoscale platforms have expanded the feasibility of mRNA-based therapeutics, and enabled its potential applications to protein replacement therapy, cancer immunotherapy, therapeutic vaccines, regenerative medicine, and genome editing. This review focuses on recent advances, challenges, and future directions in nanoscale platforms designed for mRNA delivery, including lipid and lipid-derived nanoparticles, polymer-based nanoparticles, protein derivatives mRNA complexes, and other types of nanomaterials. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xinfu Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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99
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Hajj KA, Ball RL, Deluty SB, Singh SR, Strelkova D, Knapp CM, Whitehead KA. Branched-Tail Lipid Nanoparticles Potently Deliver mRNA In Vivo due to Enhanced Ionization at Endosomal pH. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1805097. [PMID: 30637934 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201805097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The potential of mRNA therapeutics will be realized only once safe and effective delivery systems are established. Unfortunately, delivery vehicle development is stymied by an inadequate understanding of how the molecular properties of a vehicle confer efficacy. Here, a small library of lipidoid materials is used to elucidate structure-function relationships and identify a previously unappreciated parameter-lipid nanoparticle surface ionization-that correlates with mRNA delivery efficacy. The two most potent materials of the library, 306O10 and 306Oi10 , induce substantial luciferase expression in mice following a single 0.75 mg kg-1 mRNA dose. These lipidoids, which have ten-carbon tails and identical molecular weights, vary only in that the 306O10 tail is straight and the 306Oi10 tail has a one-carbon branch. Remarkably, this small difference in structure conferred a tenfold improvement in 306Oi10 efficacy. The enhanced potency of this branched-tail lipidoid is attributed to its strong surface ionization at the late endosomal pH of 5.0. A secondary lipidoid library confirms that Oi10 materials ionize more strongly and deliver mRNA more potently than lipidoids containing linear tails. Together, these data highlight the exquisite control that lipid chemistry exerts on the mRNA delivery process and show that branched-tail lipids facilitate protein expression in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Hajj
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rebecca L Ball
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sarah B Deluty
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Shridhar R Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Daria Strelkova
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Christopher M Knapp
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Schlake T, Thess A, Thran M, Jordan I. mRNA as novel technology for passive immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:301-328. [PMID: 30334070 PMCID: PMC6339677 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2935-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While active immunization elicits a lasting immune response by the body, passive immunotherapy transiently equips the body with exogenously generated immunological effectors in the form of either target-specific antibodies or lymphocytes functionalized with target-specific receptors. In either case, administration or expression of recombinant proteins plays a fundamental role. mRNA prepared by in vitro transcription (IVT) is increasingly appreciated as a drug substance for delivery of recombinant proteins. With its biological role as transient carrier of genetic information translated into protein in the cytoplasm, therapeutic application of mRNA combines several advantages. For example, compared to transfected DNA, mRNA harbors inherent safety features. It is not associated with the risk of inducing genomic changes and potential adverse effects are only temporary due to its transient nature. Compared to the administration of recombinant proteins produced in bioreactors, mRNA allows supplying proteins that are difficult to manufacture and offers extended pharmacokinetics for short-lived proteins. Based on great progress in understanding and manipulating mRNA properties, efficacy data in various models have now demonstrated that IVT mRNA constitutes a potent and flexible platform technology. Starting with an introduction into passive immunotherapy, this review summarizes the current status of IVT mRNA technology and its application to such immunological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schlake
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Thess
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Thran
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Jordan
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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