51
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Sehrawat S, Osterrieder N, Schmid DS, Rouse BT. Can the triumph of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 be extended to other viral infections of humans and domesticated animals? Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105078. [PMID: 36435367 PMCID: PMC9682868 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.105078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented success of mRNA vaccines in managing the COVID-19 pandemic raises the prospect of applying the mRNA platform to other viral diseases of humans and domesticated animals, which may lead to more efficacious vaccines for some agents. We briefly discuss reasons why mRNA vaccines achieved such success against COVID-19 and indicate what other virus infections and disease conditions might also be ripe for control using mRNA vaccines. We also evaluate situations where mRNA could prove valuable to rebalance the status of immune responsiveness and achieve success as a therapeutic vaccine approach against infections that induce immunoinflammatory lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharvan Sehrawat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Sector 81, SAS Nagar Knowledge City, PO Manauli, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India.
| | - Nikolaus Osterrieder
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 5F, Block 1B, To Yuen Building, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
| | - D Scott Schmid
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Barry T Rouse
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA.
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52
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Curreri A, Sankholkar D, Mitragotri S, Zhao Z. RNA therapeutics in the clinic. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10374. [PMID: 36684099 PMCID: PMC9842029 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics are being actively researched as a therapeutic modality in preclinical and clinical studies. They have become one of the most ubiquitously known and discussed therapeutics in recent years in part due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Since the first approval in 1998, research on RNA therapeutics has progressed to discovering new therapeutic targets and delivery strategies to enhance their safety and efficacy. Here, we provide an overview of the current clinically relevant RNA therapeutics, mechanistic basis of their function, and strategies to improve their clinical use. We discuss the 17 approved RNA therapeutics and perform an in-depth analysis of the 222 ongoing clinical trials, with an emphasis on their respective mechanisms and disease areas. We also provide perspectives on the challenges for clinical translation of RNA therapeutics and suggest potential strategies to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Curreri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Samir Mitragotri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center Chicago Illinois USA
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53
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Chen P, Shi X, He W, Zhong G, Tang Y, Wang H, Zhang P. mRNA vaccine-a desirable therapeutic strategy for surmounting COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2040330. [PMID: 35321627 PMCID: PMC8973374 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2040330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As an acute respiratory infectious disease, COVID-19 threatens the safety of global public health. Given the current lack of specific treatment against this disease, research and development of vaccines have become sharp weapons for overcoming the pandemic. mRNA vaccines have become the lead in COVID-19 vaccination strategies due to their advantages, such as rapid industrial production and efficacy. A total of 137 COVID-19 vaccines have entered the clinical trial stage, among which 23 are mRNA vaccines, accounting for 17% of the total vaccines. Herein, we summarize the research and developmental processes of mRNA vaccines as well as the approach for protecting the human body against infection. Focusing on the latest clinical trial data of two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Modena, we discuss their effectiveness and safety. Finally, we analyze the challenges and problems that mRNA vaccines face in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixian Chen
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peopleʻs Republic of China
| | - Xiaoye Shi
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peopleʻs Republic of China
| | - Weixin He
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, No, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peopleʻs Republic of China
| | - Guowei Zhong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peopleʻs Republic of China
| | - Yan Tang
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peopleʻs Republic of China
| | - Hailin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Peopleʻs Hospital of Guangning County, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong, Peopleʻs Republic of China
| | - Peidong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, Peopleʻs Republic of China
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54
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Mohammadi Y, Nezafat N, Negahdaripour M, Eskandari S, Zamani M. In silico design and evaluation of a novel mRNA vaccine against BK virus: a reverse vaccinology approach. Immunol Res 2022; 71:422-441. [PMID: 36580228 PMCID: PMC9797904 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-022-09351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human polyomavirus type 1, or BK virus (BKV), is a ubiquitous pathogen belonging to the polyomaviridae family mostly known for causing BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN) and allograft rejection in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) following the immunosuppression regimens recommended in these patients. Reduction of the immunosuppression level and anti-viral agents are the usual approaches for BKV clearance, which have not met a desired outcome yet. There are also debating matters such as the effect of this pathogen on emerging various comorbidities and the related malignancies in the human population. In this study, a reverse vaccinology approach was implemented to design a mRNA vaccine against BKV by identifying the most antigenic proteins of this pathogen. Potential immunogenic T and B lymphocyte epitopes were predicted through various immunoinformatic tools. The final epitopes were selected according to antigenicity, toxicity, allergenicity, and cytokine inducibility scores. According to the obtained results, the designed vaccine was antigenic, neutral at the physiological pH, non-toxic, and non-allergenic with a world population coverage of 93.77%. Since the mRNA codon optimization ensures the efficient expression of the vaccine in a host cell, evaluation of different parameters showed our designed mRNA vaccine has a stable structure. Moreover, it had strong interactions with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) according to the molecular dynamic simulation studies. The in silico immune simulation analyses revealed an overall increase in the immune responses following repeated exposure to the designed vaccine. Based on our findings, the vaccine candidate is ready to be tested as a promising novel mRNA therapeutic vaccine against BKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Mohammadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Sedigheh Eskandari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Zamani
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
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55
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Chung S, Lee CM, Zhang M. Advances in nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery for liver cancer and liver-associated infectious diseases. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 8:10-28. [PMID: 36260016 PMCID: PMC11144305 DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00289b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a vital organ that functions to detoxify the body. Liver cancer and infectious diseases such as influenza and malaria can fatally compromise liver function. mRNA delivery is a relatively new means of therapeutic treatment which enables expression of tumor or pathogenic antigens, and elicits immune responses for therapeutic or prophylactic effect. Novel nanoparticles with unique biological properties serving as mRNA carriers have allowed mRNA-based therapeutics to become more clinically viable and relevant. In this review, we highlight recent progress in development of nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery systems for treatment of various liver diseases. First, we present developments in nanoparticle systems used to deliver mRNAs, with specific focus on enhanced cellular uptake and endosomal escape achieved through the use of these nanoparticles. To provide context for diseases that target the liver, we provide an overview of the function and structure of the liver, as well as the role of the immune system in the liver. Then, mRNA-based therapeutic approaches for addressing HCC are highlighted. We also discuss nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines for treating hepatotropic infectious diseases. Finally, we present current challenges in the clinical translation of nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery systems and provide outlooks for their utilization in treating liver-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokhwan Chung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
| | - Chan Mi Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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56
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Aditham A, Shi H, Guo J, Zeng H, Zhou Y, Wade SD, Huang J, Liu J, Wang X. Chemically Modified mocRNAs for Highly Efficient Protein Expression in Mammalian Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:3352-3366. [PMID: 34995053 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
mRNA has recently been established as a new class of therapeutics, due to its programmability and ability to produce proteins of interest rapidly in vivo. Despite its demonstrated utility, mRNA as a protein expression platform remains limited by its translational capacity and RNA stability. Here, we introduce messenger-oligonucleotide conjugated RNAs (mocRNAs) to enable site-specific, robust, and modularized encoding of chemical modifications for highly efficient and stable protein expression. In mocRNA constructs, chemically synthesized oligonucleotides are ligated to the 3' terminus of mRNA substrates to protect poly(A) tails from degradation, without compromising their potency in stimulating translation. As a proof-of-concept, mocRNAs modified by deadenylase-resistant oligonucleotides result in augmented protein production by factors of 2-4 in human HeLa cells and by 10-fold in primary rat cortical neuronal cultures. By directly linking enzymatic and organic synthesis of mRNA, we envision that the mocRNA design will open new avenues to expand the chemical space and translational capacity of RNA-based vectors in basic research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Aditham
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Hailing Shi
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jianting Guo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hu Zeng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Sarah Dunn Wade
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Jiahao Huang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jia Liu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02134, United States
| | - Xiao Wang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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57
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Fernandes Q, Inchakalody VP, Merhi M, Mestiri S, Taib N, Moustafa Abo El-Ella D, Bedhiafi T, Raza A, Al-Zaidan L, Mohsen MO, Yousuf Al-Nesf MA, Hssain AA, Yassine HM, Bachmann MF, Uddin S, Dermime S. Emerging COVID-19 variants and their impact on SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccines. Ann Med 2022; 54:524-540. [PMID: 35132910 PMCID: PMC8843115 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2031274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of novel and evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2 has fostered the need for change in the form of newer and more adaptive diagnostic methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections. On the other hand, developing rapid and sensitive diagnostic technologies is now more challenging due to emerging variants and varying symptoms exhibited among the infected individuals. In addition to this, vaccines remain the major mainstay of prevention and protection against infection. Novel vaccines and drugs are constantly being developed to unleash an immune response for the robust targeting of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated variants. In this review, we provide an updated perspective on the current challenges posed by the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 mutants/variants and the evolution of diagnostic techniques to enable their detection. In addition, we also discuss the development, formulation, working mechanisms, advantages, and drawbacks of some of the most used vaccines/therapeutic drugs and their subsequent immunological impact.Key messageThe emergence of novel variants of the SARS-CoV-2 in the past couple of months, highlights one of the primary challenges in the diagnostics, treatment, as well as vaccine development against the virus.Advancements in SARS-CoV-2 detection include nucleic acid based, antigen and immuno- assay-based and antibody-based detection methodologies for efficient, robust, and quick testing; while advancements in COVID-19 preventive and therapeutic strategies include novel antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs and SARS-CoV-2 targeted vaccines.The varied COVID-19 vaccine platforms and the immune responses induced by each one of them as well as their ability to battle post-vaccination infections have all been discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Philipose Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Moustafa Abo El-Ella
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Takwa Bedhiafi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afsheen Raza
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lobna Al-Zaidan
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mona O Mohsen
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biomedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Ali Ait Hssain
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of Biomedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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58
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Yang L, Gong L, Wang P, Zhao X, Zhao F, Zhang Z, Li Y, Huang W. Recent Advances in Lipid Nanoparticles for Delivery of mRNA. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2682. [PMID: 36559175 PMCID: PMC9787894 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA), which is composed of ribonucleotides that carry genetic information and direct protein synthesis, is transcribed from a strand of DNA as a template. On this basis, mRNA technology can take advantage of the body's own translation system to express proteins with multiple functions for the treatment of various diseases. Due to the advancement of mRNA synthesis and purification, modification and sequence optimization technologies, and the emerging lipid nanomaterials and other delivery systems, mRNA therapeutic regimens are becoming clinically feasible and exhibit significant reliability in mRNA stability, translation efficiency, and controlled immunogenicity. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), currently the leading non-viral delivery vehicles, have made many exciting advances in clinical translation as part of the COVID-19 vaccines and therefore have the potential to accelerate the clinical translation of gene drugs. Additionally, due to their small size, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, LNPs can effectively deliver nucleic acids into cells, which is particularly important for the current mRNA regimens. Therefore, the cutting-edge LNP@mRNA regimens hold great promise for cancer vaccines, infectious disease prevention, protein replacement therapy, gene editing, and rare disease treatment. To shed more lights on LNP@mRNA, this paper mainly discusses the rational of choosing LNPs as the non-viral vectors to deliver mRNA, the general rules for mRNA optimization and LNP preparation, and the various parameters affecting the delivery efficiency of LNP@mRNA, and finally summarizes the current research status as well as the current challenges. The latest research progress of LNPs in the treatment of other diseases such as oncological, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases is also given. Finally, the future applications and perspectives for LNP@mRNA are generally introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Liming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xinghui Zhao
- Beijing Bio-Bank Co., Ltd., Beijing 100107, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yunfei Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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59
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Chen J, Zhang T, Lu Y, Yang X, Ouyang Z. Emerging trends of research on mRNA vaccines: A co-citation analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2110409. [PMID: 36018287 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2110409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the emerging trends of research on mRNA vaccines. Altogether 3056 research articles related to mRNA vaccines published since 2010 were retrieved from the Web of Science database, based on which a co-citation analysis was conducted using CiteSpace. A total of 12 clusters were derived, all of which were classified into three periods according to the content and publication time of articles: (1) The preliminary exploratory period before early 2010s, when the potential of mRNA to induce immune response was evaluated; (2) the growing up period from early 2010s to 2019, when the stability and immunogenicity of mRNA vaccines were improved and the clinical development of products were pushed forward; (3) the rapid maturity period after the outbreak of COVID-19, when two products for COVID-19 were authorized for the first time. The approval of COVID-19 vaccines is an encouraging start, while the enormous potential of mRNA vaccines remains to be explored. Future research on mRNA-based infectious disease vaccines will focus on further optimizing mRNA modification and delivery, solving problems of the approved vaccines in real world, investigating mRNA vaccines for other infectious indications, and developing self-amplifying or thermostable vaccines. Future research on mRNA-based therapeutic cancer vaccines will focus on screening proper neoantigens, enhancing the delivery of mRNA into antigen-presenting cells and overcoming suppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Institute of Medical Information/Medical Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Institute of Medical Information/Medical Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Institute of Medical Information/Medical Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Yang
- Institute of Medical Information/Medical Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaolian Ouyang
- Institute of Medical Information/Medical Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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60
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Musa HH, Musa TH. A systematic and thematic analysis of the top 100 cited articles on mRNA vaccine indexed in Scopus database. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2135927. [PMID: 36328513 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2135927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 implies that this technology can be applied to target any pathogen. However, the scientific production and research trends using the bibliometric method are still unknown. The top 100 most cited articles on mRNA vaccine research were obtained from the Scopus database from 1995 to 2021. Bibliometrix, an R-Package, and VOSviewer 1.6.11 were used for data analysis. There is a rapid growth in scientific outputs with a gradual increase in 2021. The United States produced 45 (45%) of the articles, followed by Germany with 15 (15%) and Israel with 10 (10%). The New England Journal of Medicine published the most papers in this field 13 (13%), followed by Nature 6(6%). Barney S. Graham was the most productive author among the top 100 most cited mRNA vaccine articles. University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, US, was the top ranking institution, having 37 (37%). The visualization map clearly and spontaneously displayed the current state and research hot spots of mRNA research from a specific perspective. The most frequent keywords were COVID-19, vaccine, mRNA vaccine, mRNA, SARS-CoV-2, and immunogenicity, among others. A systematic review of the articles provided evidence that out of 100 articles, approximately 25 (25%) were focused on vaccine production and evaluation, followed by 26 (26%) in mRNA vaccine safety and efficacy, 23 (23%) were into mRNA vaccination, 23 (23%) considered risk factors associated with mRNA vaccination, while 8 (8%) of the articles covered the issue of mRNA vaccine delivery. In addition, 42% of the articles focused on COVID-19, 17% on cancer, 8% on influenza virus, 4% on COVID-19 and kidney disease, 3% COVID-19 and myocarditis, and 3% on rabies virus, among others. The findings of this systematic and thematic analysis provided the knowledge basis for further research on mRNA vaccines globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan H Musa
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Taha H Musa
- Biomedical Research Institute, Darfur University College, Nyala, Sudan.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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61
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Karim ME, Haque ST, Al-Busaidi H, Bakhtiar A, Tha KK, Holl MMB, Chowdhury EH. Scope and challenges of nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery in cancer treatment. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:865-893. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01418-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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62
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Li X, Dai X, Pan Y, Sun Y, Yang B, Chen K, Wang Y, Xu JF, Dong Y, Yang YR, Yan LT, Liu D. Studies on the Synergistic Effect of Tandem Semi-Stable Complementary Domains on Sequence-Defined DNA Block Copolymers. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:21267-21277. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaobin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yufan Pan
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yawei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Huadong), Qingdao 258000, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - You Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiang-Fei Xu
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuanchen Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Yuhe Renee Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Li-Tang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Li J, Liu Q, Liu J, Wu X, Lei Y, Li S, Zhao D, Li Z, Luo L, Peng S, Ou Y, Yang H, Jin J, Li Y, Peng Y. An mRNA-based rabies vaccine induces strong protective immune responses in mice and dogs. Virol J 2022; 19:184. [PMID: 36371169 PMCID: PMC9652961 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01919-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRabies is a lethal zoonotic disease that is mainly caused by the rabies virus (RABV). Although effective vaccines have long existed, current vaccines take both time and cost to produce. Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology is an emergent vaccine platform that supports rapid vaccine development on a large scale. Here, an optimized mRNA vaccine construct (LVRNA001) expressing rabies virus glycoprotein (RABV-G) was developed in vitro and then evaluated in vivo for its immunogenicity and protective capacity in mice and dogs. LVRNA001 induced neutralizing antibody production and a strong Th1 cellular immune response in mice. In both mice and dogs, LVRNA001 provided protection against challenge with 50-fold lethal dose 50 (LD50) of RABV. With regards to protective efficiency, an extended dosing interval (14 days) induced greater antibody production than 3- or 7-day intervals in mice. Finally, post-exposure immunization against RABV was performed to evaluate the survival rates of dogs receiving two 25 μg doses of LVRNA001 vs. five doses of inactivated vaccine over the course of three months. Survival rate in the LVRNA001 group was 100%, whereas survival rate in the inactivated vaccine control group was only 33.33%. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that LVRNA001 induced strong protective immune responses in mice and dogs, which provides a new and promising prophylactic strategy for rabies.
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Lopes C, Cristóvão J, Silvério V, Lino PR, Fonte P. Microfluidic production of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles for vaccine applications. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1381-1395. [PMID: 36223174 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2135502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During past years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising carriers for RNA delivery, with several clinical trials focusing on both infectious diseases and cancer. More recently, the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for the treatment of severe diseases such as acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is partially justified by the development of LNPs encapsulating mRNA for efficient cytosolic delivery. AREAS COVERED This review examines the production and formulation of LNPs by using microfluidic devices, the status of mRNA-loaded LNPs therapeutics and explores spray drying process, as a promising dehydration process to enhance LNP stability and provide alternative administration routes. EXPERT OPINION Microfluidic techniques for preparation of LNPs based on organic solvent injection method promotes the generation of stable, uniform, and monodispersed nanoparticles enabling higher encapsulation efficiency. In particular, the application of microfluidics for the fabrication of mRNA-loaded LNPs is based on rapid mixing of small volumes of ethanol solution containing lipids and aqueous solution containing mRNA. Control of operating parameters and formulation has enabled the optimization of nanoparticle physicochemical characteristics and encapsulation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lopes
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Analytical Development, Lumiar Campus, Building R,1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal.,Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Inhalation and Advance Drug Delivery, Lumiar Campus, Building R, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Cristóvão
- Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Inhalation and Advance Drug Delivery, Lumiar Campus, Building R, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vânia Silvério
- Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering for Microsystems and Nanotechnologies, INESC MN, 1000-029 Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Roque Lino
- Hovione Farmaciência S.A., R&D Inhalation and Advance Drug Delivery, Lumiar Campus, Building R, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Fonte
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.,Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Althurwi HN, Alharthy KM, Albaqami FF, Altharawi A, Javed MR, Muhseen ZT, Tahir ul Qamar M. mRNA-Based Vaccine Designing against Epstein-Barr Virus to Induce an Immune Response Using Immunoinformatic and Molecular Modelling Approaches. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13054. [PMID: 36293632 PMCID: PMC9602923 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a human pathogen that has a morbidity rate of 90% in adults worldwide. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by EBV replication in B cells and epithelial cells of the host. EBV has also been related to autoimmune illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinomas and Burkitt's lymphoma. Currently, no effective medications or vaccinations are available to treat or prevent EBV infection. Thus, the current study focuses on a bioinformatics approach to design an mRNA-based multi-epitope (MEV) vaccine to prevent EBV infections. For this purpose, we selected six antigenic proteins from the EBV proteome based on their role in pathogenicity to predict, extract, and analyze T and B cell epitopes using immunoinformatics tools. The epitopes were directed through filtering parameters including allergenicity, toxicity, antigenicity, solubility, and immunogenicity assessment, and finally, the most potent epitopes able to induce T and B cell immune response were selected. In silico molecular docking of prioritized T cell peptides with respective Human Leukocytes Antigens molecules, were carried out to evaluate the individual peptide's binding affinity. Six CTL, four HTL, and ten linear B cell epitopes fulfilled the set parameters and were selected for MEV-based mRNA vaccine. The prioritized epitopes were joined using suitable linkers to improve epitope presentation. The immune simulation results affirmed the designed vaccine's capacity to elicit a proper immune response. The MEV-based mRNA vaccine constructed in this study offers a promising choice for a potent vaccine against EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan N. Althurwi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M. Alharthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal F. Albaqami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Altharawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Rizwan Javed
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ziyad Tariq Muhseen
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hillah 51001, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Muhammad Tahir ul Qamar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
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Tian Y, Deng Z, Yang P. mRNA vaccines: A novel weapon to control infectious diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1008684. [PMID: 36267192 PMCID: PMC9576954 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1008684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases have always threatened human life, but with the development of vaccines, effective strategies for preventing and controlling these diseases have become available. The global outbreak of COVID-19 ushered in the advent of mRNA vaccine technologies, which quickly led to the introduction of mRNA vaccines effective against SARS-CoV-2. The success of this approach has stimulated research into the use of mRNA vaccines in the fight against other emerging as well as remerging infectious diseases. This review examines the constructive strategies and delivery systems used in mRNA vaccines and provides an overview of current clinical trials of those vaccines in the prevention of infectious diseases. The underlying mechanisms of mRNA vaccines are also discussed, including the double-edged sword of the innate immune response. Finally, the challenges but also the potential of mRNA vaccines are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Tian
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhuoya Deng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Penghui Yang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- *Correspondence: Penghui Yang,
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Kugler‐Umana O, Zhang W, Kuang Y, Liang J, Castonguay CH, Tonkonogy SL, Marshak‐Rothstein A, Devarajan P, Swain SL. IgD + age-associated B cells are the progenitors of the main T-independent B cell response to infection that generates protective Ab and can be induced by an inactivated vaccine in the aged. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13705. [PMID: 36056604 PMCID: PMC9577953 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABC) accumulate with age and are associated with autoimmunity and chronic infection. However, their contributions to acute infection in the aged and their developmental pathways are unclear. We find that the response against influenza A virus infection in aged mice is dominated by a Fas+ GL7- effector B cell population we call infection-induced ABC (iABC). Most iABC express IgM and include antibody-secreting cells in the spleen, lung, and bone marrow. We find that in response to influenza, IgD+ CD21- CD23- ABC are the precursors of iABC and become memory B cells. These IgD+ ABC develop in germ-free mice, so are independent of foreign antigen recognition. The response of ABC to influenza infection, resulting in iABC, is T cell independent and requires both extrinsic TLR7 and TLR9 signals. In response to influenza infection, IgD+ ABC can induce a faster recovery of weight and higher total anti-influenza IgG and IgM titers that can neutralize virus. Immunization with whole inactivated virus also generates iABC in aged mice. Thus, in unimmunized aged mice, whose other B and T cell responses have waned, IgD+ ABC are likely the naive B cells with the potential to become Ab-secreting cells and to provide protection from infection in the aged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Kugler‐Umana
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Wenliang Zhang
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yi Kuang
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jialing Liang
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Catherine H. Castonguay
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Susan L. Tonkonogy
- College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ann Marshak‐Rothstein
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Susan L. Swain
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
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Rotich AK, Takashima E, Yanow SK, Gitaka J, Kanoi BN. Towards identification and development of alternative vaccines against pregnancy-associated malaria based on naturally acquired immunity. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.988284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum malaria, leading to substantial maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. While highly effective malaria vaccines are considered an essential component towards malaria elimination, strides towards development of vaccines for pregnant women have been minimal. The leading malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, has modest efficacy in children suggesting that it needs to be strengthened and optimized if it is to be beneficial for pregnant women. Clinical trials against pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) focused on the classical VAR2CSA antigen are ongoing. However, additional antigens have not been identified to supplement these initiatives despite the new evidence that VAR2CSA is not the only molecule involved in pregnancy-associated naturally acquired immunity. This is mainly due to a lack of understanding of the immune complexities in pregnancy coupled with difficulties associated with expression of malaria recombinant proteins, low antigen immunogenicity in humans, and the anticipated complications in conducting and implementing a vaccine to protect pregnant women. With the accelerated evolution of molecular technologies catapulted by the global pandemic, identification of novel alternative vaccine antigens is timely and feasible. In this review, we discuss approaches towards novel antigen discovery to support PAM vaccine studies.
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69
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Fang H, Chen Q. Applications and challenges of biomaterial mediated mRNA delivery. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:428-444. [PMID: 36071982 PMCID: PMC9446159 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of gene therapy technology and the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics have attracted more and more attention, and the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency authorization. To improve the delivery efficiency of mRNA in vitro and in vivo, researchers have developed a variety of mRNA carriers and explored different administration routes. This review will systematically introduce the types of mRNA vectors, routes of administration, storage methods, safety of mRNA therapeutics, and the type of diseases that mRNA drugs are applied for. Finally, some suggestions are supplied on the development direction of mRNA therapeutic agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huapan Fang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
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Scaria PV, Rowe CG, Chen BB, Dickey TH, Renn JP, Lambert LE, Barnafo EK, Rausch KM, Tolia NH, Duffy PE. Protein-protein conjugation enhances the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) vaccines. iScience 2022; 25:104739. [PMID: 35846379 PMCID: PMC9270177 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been developed using different technologies. Although these vaccines target the isolates collected early in the pandemic, many have protected against serious illness from newer variants. Nevertheless, efficacy has diminished against successive variants and the need for effective and affordable vaccines persists especially in the developing world. Here, we adapted our protein-protein conjugate vaccine technology to generate a vaccine based on receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigen. RBD was conjugated to a carrier protein, EcoCRM®, to generate two types of conjugates: crosslinked and radial conjugates. In the crosslinked conjugate, antigen and carrier are chemically crosslinked; in the radial conjugate, the antigen is conjugated to the carrier by site-specific conjugation. With AS01 adjuvant, both conjugates showed enhanced immunogenicity in mice compared to RBD, with a Th1 bias. In hACE2 binding inhibition and pseudovirus neutralization assays, sera from mice vaccinated with the radial conjugate demonstrated strong functional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puthupparampil V. Scaria
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Chris G. Rowe
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Beth B. Chen
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Thayne H. Dickey
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Renn
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Lynn E. Lambert
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Emma K. Barnafo
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Kelly M. Rausch
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Niraj H. Tolia
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
| | - Patrick E. Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, 29 Lincoln Drive, Building 29B, Bethesda, MD 20892-2903, USA
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Janowski M, Andrzejewska A. The legacy of mRNA engineering: A lineup of pioneers for the Nobel Prize. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:272-284. [PMID: 35855896 PMCID: PMC9278038 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
mRNA is like Hermes, delivering the genetic code to cellular construction sites, so it has long been of interest, but only to a small group of scientists, and only demonstrating its remarkable efficacy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines allowed it to go out into the open. Therefore, now is the right timing to delve into the stepping stones that underpin this success and pay tribute to the underlying scientists. From this perspective, advances in mRNA engineering have proven crucial to the rapidly growing role of this molecule in healthcare. Development of consecutive generations of cap analogs, including anti-reverse cap analogs (ARCAs), has significantly boosted translation efficacy and maintained an enthusiasm for mRNA research. Nucleotide modification to protect mRNA molecules from the host's immune system, followed by finding appropriate purification and packaging methods, were other links in the chain enabling medical breakthroughs. Currently, vaccines are the central area of mRNA research, but it will reach far beyond COVID-19. Supplementation of missing or abnormal proteins is another large field of mRNA research. Ex vivo cell engineering and genome editing have been expanding recently. Thus, it is time to recognize mRNA pioneers while building upon their legacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslaw Janowski
- Program in Image Guided Neurointerventions, Center for Advanced Imaging Research, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA,Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Anna Andrzejewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland,Corresponding author Anna Andrzejewska, NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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Gómez-Aguado I, Rodríguez-Castejón J, Beraza-Millor M, Rodríguez-Gascón A, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Solinís MÁ. mRNA delivery technologies: Toward clinical translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 372:207-293. [PMID: 36064265 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-therapies have recently taken a huge step toward clinic thanks to the first mRNA-based medicinal products marketed. mRNA features for clinical purposes are improved by chemical modifications, but the inclusion in a delivery system is a regular requirement. mRNA nanomedicines must be designed for the specific therapeutic purpose, protecting the nucleic acid and facilitating the overcoming of biological barriers. Polymers, polypeptides, and cationic lipids are the main used materials to design mRNA delivery systems. Among them, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most advanced ones, and currently they are at the forefront of preclinical and clinical evaluation in several fields, including immunotherapy (against infectious diseases and cancer), protein replacement, gene editing and regenerative medicine. This chapter includes an overview on mRNA delivery technologies, with special interest in LNPs, and the most recent advances in their clinical application. Liposomes are the mRNA delivery technology with the highest clinical translation among LNPs, whereas the first clinical trial of a therapeutic mRNA formulated in exosomes has been recently approved for protein replacement therapy. The first mRNA products approved by the regulatory agencies worldwide are LNP-based mRNA vaccines against viral infections, specifically against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The clinical translation of mRNA-therapies for cancer is mainly focused on three strategies: anti-cancer vaccination by means of delivering cancer antigens or acting as an adjuvant, mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs), and expression of antibodies and immunomodulators. Cancer immunotherapy and, more recently, COVID-19 vaccines spearhead the advance of mRNA clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Gómez-Aguado
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Julen Rodríguez-Castejón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marina Beraza-Millor
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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Reina J. The new generation of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against influenza. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 41:301-304. [PMID: 35906174 PMCID: PMC9315338 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Today there are multiple types of flu vaccines. The emergence of nucleic acid technology used in vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 suggests its future application against this infection. Against influenza, two types of vaccines have been developed based on messenger RNA (mRNA): conventional or non-replicative and self-amplifying or replicative (auRNA), both included in lipid nanoparticles. Animal studies carried out with the former have shown their strong capacity to induce Th-1 antibodies and cellular immunity against influenza haemagglutinin (HA) with few side effects. Human trials have shown 87% seroconversion and 100% seroprotection. The auRNA vaccines have obtained similar results in animals but at a concentration 64 times lower than the conventional one. Vaccines based on mRNA platforms meet the WHO requirements for next generation influenza vaccines.
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Abstract
Current influenza vaccines, while being the best method of managing viral outbreaks, have several major drawbacks that prevent them from being wholly-effective. They need to be updated regularly and require extensive resources to develop. When considering alternatives, the recent deployment of mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 has created a unique opportunity to evaluate a new platform for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. The mRNA format has previously been examined for application to influenza and promising data suggest it may be a viable format for next-generation influenza vaccines. Here, we discuss the prospect of shifting global influenza vaccination efforts to an mRNA-based system that might allow better control over the product and immune responses and could aid in the development of a universal vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Shartouny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anice C Lowen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (Emory-CEIRR), USA
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McKay PF, Zhou J, Frise R, Blakney AK, Bouton CR, Wang Z, Hu K, Samnuan K, Brown JC, Kugathasan R, Yeow J, Stevens MM, Barclay WS, Tregoning JS, Shattock RJ. Polymer formulated self-amplifying RNA vaccine is partially protective against influenza virus infection in ferrets. OXFORD OPEN IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 3:iqac004. [PMID: 35996628 PMCID: PMC9384352 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has demonstrated the power of RNA vaccines as part of a pandemic response toolkit. Another virus with pandemic potential is influenza. Further development of RNA vaccines in advance of a future influenza pandemic will save time and lives. As RNA vaccines require formulation to enter cells and induce antigen expression, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a recently developed bioreducible cationic polymer, pABOL for the delivery of a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine for seasonal influenza virus in mice and ferrets. Mice and ferrets were immunized with pABOL formulated saRNA vaccines expressing either haemagglutinin (HA) from H1N1 or H3N2 influenza virus in a prime boost regime. Antibody responses, both binding and functional were measured in serum after immunization. Animals were then challenged with a matched influenza virus either directly by intranasal inoculation or in a contact transmission model. While highly immunogenic in mice, pABOL-formulated saRNA led to variable responses in ferrets. Animals that responded to the vaccine with higher levels of influenza virus-specific neutralizing antibodies were more protected against influenza virus infection. pABOL-formulated saRNA is immunogenic in ferrets, but further optimization of RNA vaccine formulation and constructs is required to increase the quality and quantity of the antibody response to the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F McKay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - J Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - R Frise
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - A K Blakney
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - C R Bouton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Z Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - K Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - K Samnuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - J C Brown
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - R Kugathasan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - J Yeow
- Departments of Materials and Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London , London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - M M Stevens
- Departments of Materials and Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London , London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - W S Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - J S Tregoning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
| | - R J Shattock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London , London W2 1PG, UK
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76
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Gerhardt A, Voigt E, Archer M, Reed S, Larson E, Van Hoeven N, Kramer R, Fox C, Casper C. A flexible, thermostable nanostructured lipid carrier platform for RNA vaccine delivery. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:205-214. [PMID: 35308783 PMCID: PMC8924030 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Current RNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are limited by instability of both the RNA and the lipid nanoparticle delivery system, requiring storage at -20°C or -70°C and compromising universally accessible vaccine distribution. This study demonstrates the thermostability and adaptability of a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) delivery system for RNA vaccines that has the potential to address these concerns. Liquid NLC alone is stable at refrigerated temperatures for ≥1 year, enabling stockpiling and rapid deployment by point-of-care mixing with any vaccine RNA. Alternatively, NLC complexed with RNA may be readily lyophilized and stored at room temperature for ≥8 months or refrigerated temperature for ≥21 months while still retaining the ability to express protein in vivo. The thermostability of this NLC/RNA vaccine delivery platform could significantly improve distribution of current and future pandemic response vaccines, particularly in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Gerhardt
- Product Development Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Emily Voigt
- RNA Vaccines Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Michelle Archer
- Product Development Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Sierra Reed
- Product Development Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Elise Larson
- Formulation Sciences Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Neal Van Hoeven
- RNA Vaccines Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Ryan Kramer
- Product Development Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Christopher Fox
- Formulation Sciences Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Corey Casper
- Product Development Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- RNA Vaccines Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- Formulation Sciences Group, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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77
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Trombetta CM, Marchi S, Montomoli E. The baculovirus expression vector system: a modern technology for the future of influenza vaccine manufacturing. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1233-1242. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2085565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi srl, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi Research srl, Siena, Italy
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78
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mRNA Vaccines: Past, Present, Future. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:491-522. [PMID: 36105317 PMCID: PMC9459002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have emerged as promising alternative platforms to conventional vaccines. Their ease of production, low cost, safety profile and high potency render them ideal candidates for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, especially in the midst of pandemics. The challenges that face in vitro transcribed RNA were partially amended by addition of tethered adjuvants or co-delivery of naked mRNA with an adjuvant-tethered RNA. However, it wasn't until recently that the progress made in nanotechnology helped enhance mRNA stability and delivery by entrapment in novel delivery systems of which, lipid nanoparticles. The continuous advancement in the fields of nanotechnology and tissue engineering provided novel carriers for mRNA vaccines such as polymeric nanoparticles and scaffolds. Various studies have shown the advantages of adopting mRNA vaccines for viral diseases and cancer in animal and human studies. Self-amplifying mRNA is considered today the next generation of mRNA vaccines and current studies reveal promising outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mRNA vaccines used in past and present studies, and discusses future directions and challenges in advancing this vaccine platform to widespread clinical use.
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79
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Qin S, Tang X, Chen Y, Chen K, Fan N, Xiao W, Zheng Q, Li G, Teng Y, Wu M, Song X. mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:166. [PMID: 35597779 PMCID: PMC9123296 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of messenger RNA (mRNA) has fueled great hope to combat a wide range of incurable diseases. Recent rapid advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine have enabled the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body by introducing mRNA as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. This represents a rising precision medicine field with great promise for preventing and treating many intractable or genetic diseases. In addition, in vitro transcribed mRNA has achieved programmed production, which is more effective, faster in design and production, as well as more flexible and cost-effective than conventional approaches that may offer. Based on these extraordinary advantages, mRNA vaccines have the characteristics of the swiftest response to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as the currently devastating pandemic COVID-19. It has always been the scientists’ desire to improve the stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery system to achieve efficient and safe delivery of mRNA. Excitingly, these scientific dreams have gradually been realized with the rapid, amazing achievements of molecular biology, RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we comprehensively describe mRNA-based therapeutics, including their principles, manufacture, application, effects, and shortcomings. We also highlight the importance of mRNA optimization and delivery systems in successful mRNA therapeutics and discuss the key challenges and opportunities in developing these tools into powerful and versatile tools to combat many genetic, infectious, cancer, and other refractory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kepan Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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80
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Nwagwu CS, Ugwu CN, Ogbonna JDN, Onugwu AL, Agbo CP, Echezona AC, Ezeibe EN, Uzondu S, Kenechukwu FC, Akpa PA, Momoh MA, Nnamani PO, Tarirai C, Ofokansi KC, Attama AA. Recent and advanced nano-technological strategies for COVID-19 vaccine development. METHODS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 50:151-188. [PMID: 38620863 PMCID: PMC9015106 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mim.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 has been one of the greatest challenges modern medicine and science has ever faced. It has affected millions of people around the world and altered human life and activities as we once knew. The high prevalence as well as an extended period of incubations which usually does not present with symptoms have played a formidable role in the transmission and infection of millions. A lot of research has been carried out on developing suitable treatment and effective preventive measures for the control of the pandemic. Preventive strategies which include social distancing, use of masks, washing of hands, and contact tracing have been effective in slowing the spread of the virus; however, the infectious nature of the SARS-COV-2 has made these strategies unable to eradicate its spread. In addition, the continuous increase in the number of cases and death, as well as the appearance of several variants of the virus, has necessitated the development of effective and safe vaccines in a bid to ensure that human activities can return to normalcy. Nanotechnology has been of great benefit in the design of vaccines as nano-sized materials have been known to aid the safe and effective delivery of antigens as well as serve as suitable adjuvants to potentiate responses to vaccines. There are only four vaccine candidates currently approved for use in humans while many other candidates are at various levels of development. This review seeks to provide updated information on the current nano-technological strategies employed in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinekwu Sherridan Nwagwu
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chinenye Nnenna Ugwu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria
| | - John Dike Nwabueze Ogbonna
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Adaeze Linda Onugwu
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chinazom Precious Agbo
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Adaeze Chidiebere Echezona
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ezinwanne Nneoma Ezeibe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Uzondu
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Frankline Chimaobi Kenechukwu
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Paul Achile Akpa
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Mumuni Audu Momoh
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Petra Obioma Nnamani
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Clemence Tarirai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Kenneth Chibuzor Ofokansi
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Amaechi Attama
- Drug Delivery & Nanomedicines Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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81
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Kwon S, Kwon M, Im S, Lee K, Lee H. mRNA vaccines: the most recent clinical applications of synthetic mRNA. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:245-262. [PMID: 35426547 PMCID: PMC9012156 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA has been considered as an emerging biotherapeutic agent for the past decades. Recently, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to the first clinical use of synthetic mRNA. mRNA vaccines showed far surpassing influences on the public as compared to other vaccine platforms such as viral vector vaccines and recombinant protein vaccines. It allowed rapid development and production of vaccines that have never been achieved in history. Synthetic mRNA, called in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA, is the key component of mRNA vaccines. It has several advantages over conventional gene-expressing systems such as plasmid DNA and viral vectors. It can translate proteins in the cytoplasm by structurally resembling natural mRNA and exhibit various protein expression patterns depending on how it is engineered. Another advantage is that synthetic mRNA enables fast, scalable, and cost-effective production. Therefore, starting with the mRNA vaccine, synthetic mRNA is now in the spotlight as a promising new drug development agent. In this review, we will summarize the latest IVT mRNA technology such as new mRNA structures or large-scale production. In addition, the nature of the innate immunogenicity of IVT mRNA will be discussed along with its roles in the development of vaccines. Finally, the principles of the mRNA vaccine and the future direction of synthetic mRNA will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suji Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseon Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongeun Im
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, 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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82
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Bell MR, Kutzler MA. An old problem with new solutions: Strategies to improve vaccine efficacy in the elderly. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 183:114175. [PMID: 35202770 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective measure to protect against infections. However, with increasing age, there is a progressive decline in the ability of the immune system to both protect against infection and develop protective immunity from vaccination. This age-related decline of the immune system is due to age-related changes in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. With an aging world population and increased risk of pandemics, there is a need to continue to develop strategies to increase vaccine responses in the elderly. Here, the major age-related changes that occur in both the innate and adaptive immune responses that impair the response to vaccination in the elderly will be highlighted. Existing and future strategies to improve vaccine efficacy in the elderly will then be discussed, including adjuvants, delivery methods, and formulation. These strategies provide mechanisms to improve the efficacy of existing vaccines and develop novel vaccines for the elderly.
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83
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Akamine CM, El Sahly HM. Messenger ribonucleic acid vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 - a review. Transl Res 2022; 242:1-19. [PMID: 34954088 PMCID: PMC8695521 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mRNA therapeutics have been studied since the 1970s and the currently available mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 are the culmination of decades of scientific research. The mRNA vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 have played a key role in our global response to the COVID-19 pandemic as they have demonstrated significant advantages over conventional vaccines and have proven to be highly effective against COVID-19 associated hospitalization and severe illness in large clinical trials and studies using real-world data.
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Key Words
- covid-19, coronavirus disease of 2019
- sars-cov-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- mrna, messenger ribonucleic acid
- lnp, liposomal nanoparticle
- sam, self-amplifying mrna
- dsrna, double-stranded rna
- ad5, adenovirus type 5
- apcs, antigen presenting cells
- rbd, receptor-binding domain
- mers-cov, middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- gmt, geometric mean titer
- bmi, body mass index
- eua, emergency use authorization
- cdc, centers for disease control
- b.1.1.7, alpha variant
- b.1.351, beta variant
- covid-net, covid-19-associated hospitalization surveillance network
- voc, variants of concern
- utr, untranslated regions
- pamps, pathogen-associated molecular patterns
- mhc, major histocompatibility complex
- dcs, dendritic cells
- ace-2, angiotensin converting enzyme receptor
- cvncov, curevac
- gmc, geometric mean concentration
- fda, food and drug administration
- vaers, vaccine adverse event reporting system
- bau, binding antibody units
- dna, deoxyribonucleic acid
- trna, transfer ribonucleic acid
- prnt50, plaque reduction neutralization test
- nab, neutralizing antibodies
- bla, biologics license application
- ve, vaccine efficacy
- vsd, vaccine safety datalink
- va, department of veterans affairs
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hana M El Sahly
- Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
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84
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Wang Y, Tang CY, Wan XF. Antigenic characterization of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:2841-2881. [PMID: 34905077 PMCID: PMC8669429 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Antigenic characterization of emerging and re-emerging viruses is necessary for the prevention of and response to outbreaks, evaluation of infection mechanisms, understanding of virus evolution, and selection of strains for vaccine development. Primary analytic methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent/lectin assays, hemagglutination inhibition, neuraminidase inhibition, micro-neutralization assays, and antigenic cartography, have been widely used in the field of influenza research. These techniques have been improved upon over time for increased analytical capacity, and some have been mobilized for the rapid characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as its variants, facilitating the development of highly effective vaccines within 1 year of the initially reported outbreak. While great strides have been made for evaluating the antigenic properties of these viruses, multiple challenges prevent efficient vaccine strain selection and accurate assessment. For influenza, these barriers include the requirement for a large virus quantity to perform the assays, more than what can typically be provided by the clinical samples alone, cell- or egg-adapted mutations that can cause antigenic mismatch between the vaccine strain and circulating viruses, and up to a 6-month duration of vaccine development after vaccine strain selection, which allows viruses to continue evolving with potential for antigenic drift and, thus, antigenic mismatch between the vaccine strain and the emerging epidemic strain. SARS-CoV-2 characterization has faced similar challenges with the additional barrier of the need for facilities with high biosafety levels due to its infectious nature. In this study, we review the primary analytic methods used for antigenic characterization of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and discuss the barriers of these methods and current developments for addressing these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Cynthia Y Tang
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Xiu-Feng Wan
- MU Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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85
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Kim D, Han S, Ji Y, Moon S, Nam H, Lee JB. Multimeric RNAs for efficient RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. J Control Release 2022; 345:770-785. [PMID: 35367477 PMCID: PMC8970614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in RNA therapeutics globally, and much progress has been made in this area, which has been further accelerated by the clinical applications of RNA-based vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Following these successful clinical trials, various technologies have been developed to improve the efficacy of RNA-based drugs. Multimerization of RNA therapeutics is one of the most attractive approaches to ensure high stability, high efficacy, and prolonged action of RNA-based drugs. In this review, we offer an overview of the representative approaches for generating repetitive functional RNAs by chemical conjugation, structural self-assembly, enzymatic elongation, and self-amplification. The therapeutic and vaccine applications of engineered multimeric RNAs in various diseases have also been summarized. By outlining the current status of multimeric RNAs, the potential of multimeric RNA as a promising treatment strategy is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajeong Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sangwoo Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoonbin Ji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunghyun Moon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyangsu Nam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Bum Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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86
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Fang E, Liu X, Li M, Zhang Z, Song L, Zhu B, Wu X, Liu J, Zhao D, Li Y. Advances in COVID-19 mRNA vaccine development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:94. [PMID: 35322018 PMCID: PMC8940982 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00950-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has determined 399,600,607 cases and 5,757,562 deaths worldwide. COVID-19 is a serious threat to human health globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 pandemic a major public health emergency. Vaccination is the most effective and economical intervention for controlling the spread of epidemics, and consequently saving lives and protecting the health of the population. Various techniques have been employed in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Among these, the COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine has been drawing increasing attention owing to its great application prospects and advantages, which include short development cycle, easy industrialization, simple production process, flexibility to respond to new variants, and the capacity to induce better immune response. This review summarizes current knowledge on the structural characteristics, antigen design strategies, delivery systems, industrialization potential, quality control, latest clinical trials and real-world data of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as well as mRNA technology. Current challenges and future directions in the development of preventive mRNA vaccines for major infectious diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyue Fang
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products, Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430207, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Miao Li
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Zelun Zhang
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Lifang Song
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Baiyu Zhu
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Danhua Zhao
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China.
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87
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He Q, Gao H, Tan D, Zhang H, Wang JZ. mRNA cancer vaccines: Advances, trends and challenges. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2969-2989. [PMID: 35345451 PMCID: PMC8942458 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients exhibit good tolerance to messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, and the choice of encoded molecules is flexible and diverse. These vaccines can be engineered to express full-length antigens containing multiple epitopes without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction, are relatively easy to control and can be rapidly mass produced. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, which has generated enthusiasm for mRNA vaccine research and development. Based on the above characteristics and the development of mRNA vaccines, mRNA cancer vaccines have become a research hotspot and have undergone rapid development, especially in the last five years. This review analyzes the advances in mRNA cancer vaccines from various perspectives, including the selection and expression of antigens/targets, the application of vectors and adjuvants, different administration routes, and preclinical evaluation, to reflect the trends and challenges associated with these vaccines.
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88
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Zogg H, Singh R, Ro S. Current Advances in RNA Therapeutics for Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052736. [PMID: 35269876 PMCID: PMC8911101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the discovery of nucleic acids by Friedrich Miescher in 1868, DNA and RNA were recognized as the genetic code containing the necessary information for proper cell functioning. In the years following these discoveries, vast knowledge of the seemingly endless roles of RNA have become better understood. Additionally, many new types of RNAs were discovered that seemed to have no coding properties (non-coding RNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs). The discovery of these new RNAs created a new avenue for treating various human diseases. However, RNA is relatively unstable and is degraded fairly rapidly once administered; this has led to the development of novel delivery mechanisms, such as nanoparticles to increase stability as well as to prevent off-target effects of these molecules. Current advances in RNA-based therapies have substantial promise in treating and preventing many human diseases and disorders through fixing the pathology instead of merely treating the symptomology similarly to traditional therapeutics. Although many RNA therapeutics have made it to clinical trials, only a few have been FDA approved thus far. Additionally, the results of clinical trials for RNA therapeutics have been ambivalent to date, with some studies demonstrating potent efficacy, whereas others have limited effectiveness and/or toxicity. Momentum is building in the clinic for RNA therapeutics; future clinical care of human diseases will likely comprise promising RNA therapeutics. This review focuses on the current advances of RNA therapeutics and addresses current challenges with their development.
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89
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Johnson LC, Akinmola AT, Scholz C. Poly(glutamic acid): From natto to drug delivery systems. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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90
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Abstract
The therapeutic potential for messenger RNA (mRNA) in infectious diseases and cancer was first realized almost three decades ago, but only in 2018 did the first lipid nanoparticle-based small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy reach the market with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of patisiran (Onpattro™) for hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. This was largely made possible by major advances in the formulation technology for stabilized lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs). Design of the cationic ionizable lipids, which are a key component of the LNP formulations, with an acid dissociation constant (pKa) close to the early endosomal pH, would not only ensure effective encapsulation of mRNA into the stabilized lipoplexes within the LNPs, but also its subsequent endosomal release into the cytoplasm after endocytosis. Unlike other gene therapy modalities, which require nuclear delivery, the site of action for exogenous mRNA vaccines is the cytosol where they get translated into antigenic proteins and thereby elicit an immune response. LNPs also protect the mRNA against enzymatic degradation by the omnipresent ribonucleases (RNases). Cationic nano emulsion (CNE) is also explored as an alternative and relatively thermostable mRNA vaccine delivery vehicle. In this review, we have summarized the various delivery strategies explored for mRNA vaccines, including naked mRNA injection; ex vivo loading of dendritic cells; CNE; cationic peptides; cationic polymers and finally the clinically successful COVID-19 LNP vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines)-their components, design principles, formulation parameter optimization and stabilization challenges. Despite the clinical success of LNP-mRNA vaccine formulations, there is a specific need to enhance their storage stability above 0 °C for these lifesaving vaccines to reach the developing world.
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91
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Kang M, Zanin M, Wong SS. Subtype H3N2 Influenza A Viruses: An Unmet Challenge in the Western Pacific. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10010112. [PMID: 35062773 PMCID: PMC8778411 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Subtype H3N2 influenza A viruses (A(H3N2)) have been the dominant strain in some countries in the Western Pacific region since the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza; however, low vaccine effectiveness has been reported in some influenza seasons, especially for A(H3N2). Antigenic mismatch introduced by egg-adaptation during vaccine production between the vaccine and circulating viral stains is one of the reasons for low vaccine effectiveness. Here we review the extent of this phenomenon, the underlying molecular mechanisms and discuss recent strategies to ameliorate this, including new vaccine platforms that may provide better protection and should be considered to reduce the impact of A(H3N2) in the Western Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kang
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
- Guangdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Mark Zanin
- State Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases and National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, 195 Dongfengxi Road, Guangzhou 511436, China;
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sook-San Wong
- State Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases and National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, 195 Dongfengxi Road, Guangzhou 511436, China;
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-178-2584-6078
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92
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The nano delivery systems and applications of mRNA. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113910. [PMID: 34689071 PMCID: PMC8497955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 epidemic has greatly accelerated the application of mRNA technology to our real world, and during this battle mRNA has proven it's unique advantages compared to traditional biopharmaceutical and vaccine technology. In order to overcome mRNA instability in human physiological environments, mRNA chemical modifications and nano delivery systems are two key factors for their in vivo applications. In this review, we would like to summarize the challenges for clinical translation of mRNA-based therapeutics, with an emphasis on recent advances in innovative materials and delivery strategies. The nano delivery systems include lipid delivery systems (lipid nanoparticles and liposomes), polymer complexes, micelles, cationic peptides and so on. The similarities and differences of lipid nanoparticles and liposomes are also discussed. In addition, this review also present the applications of mRNA to other areas than COVID-19 vaccine, such as infectious diseases, tumors, and cardiovascular disease, for which a variety of candidate vaccines or drugs have entered clinical trials. Furthermore, mRNA was found that it might be used to treat some genetic disease, overcome the immaturity of the immune system due to the small fetal size in utero, treat some neurological diseases that are difficult to be treated surgically, even be used in advancing the translation of iPSC technology et al. In short, mRNA has a wide range of applications, and its era has just begun.
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93
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Lopez-Cantu DO, Wang X, Carrasco-Magallanes H, Afewerki S, Zhang X, Bonventre JV, Ruiz-Esparza GU. From Bench to the Clinic: The Path to Translation of Nanotechnology-Enabled mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2022; 14:41. [PMID: 34981278 PMCID: PMC8722410 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00771-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
During the last decades, the use of nanotechnology in medicine has effectively been translated to the design of drug delivery systems, nanostructured tissues, diagnostic platforms, and novel nanomaterials against several human diseases and infectious pathogens. Nanotechnology-enabled vaccines have been positioned as solutions to mitigate the pandemic outbreak caused by the novel pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. To fast-track the development of vaccines, unprecedented industrial and academic collaborations emerged around the world, resulting in the clinical translation of effective vaccines in less than one year. In this article, we provide an overview of the path to translation from the bench to the clinic of nanotechnology-enabled messenger ribonucleic acid vaccines and examine in detail the types of delivery systems used, their mechanisms of action, obtained results during each phase of their clinical development and their regulatory approval process. We also analyze how nanotechnology is impacting global health and economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana O Lopez-Cantu
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard University - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, 64849, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Xichi Wang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard University - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Hector Carrasco-Magallanes
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 64849, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Samson Afewerki
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard University - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xingcai Zhang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- School of Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Joseph V Bonventre
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard University - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Guillermo U Ruiz-Esparza
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard University - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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94
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Clinical Development of mRNA Vaccines: Challenges and Opportunities. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:167-186. [PMID: 35906319 DOI: 10.1007/82_2022_259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of safe and effective mRNA platform-based COVID-19 vaccines from the recent pandemic has changed the face of vaccine development. Compared with conventional technologies used historically, mRNA-based vaccines offer a rapid flexible and robust approach to preventing disease caused by transient viral strains such as SAR2-CoV-2 variants of concern and seasonal influenza. Adaptations in the formulation of the mRNA delivery systems such as with lipid nanoparticle delivery (LNP) used in mRNA-1273 and BNT16b2b have enabled this technology to flourish under the urgent collective response and collaborative regulatory understanding derived from COVID-19 vaccine development. The application of mRNA-based therapeutics in other areas holds potential promise including combination vaccines that might deliver protections against multiple infectious diseases. Future studies and further advances in mRNA-based technologies will provide insight into the clinical efficacy and real-world effectiveness of vaccines as well as provisions with respect to the impact of reactogenicity profiles. Overall, the success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has helped unlock a platform likely to result in many more candidate vaccines entering clinical evaluation to address the unmet medical needs of other diseases including viral respiratory diseases, herpesviruses, and historically challenging vaccine targets such as HIV.
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95
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Abstract
In the past 20 years, the mRNA vaccine technology has evolved from the first proof of concept to the first licensed vaccine against emerging pandemics such as SARS-CoV-2. Two mRNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 have received emergency use authorization by US FDA, conditional marketing authorization by EMA, as well as multiple additional national regulatory authorities. The simple composition of an mRNA encoding the antigen formulated in a lipid nanoparticle enables a fast adaptation to new emerging pathogens. This can speed up vaccine development in pandemics from antigen and sequence selection to clinical trial to only a few months. mRNA vaccines are well tolerated and efficacious in animal models for multiple pathogens and will further contribute to the development of vaccines for other unaddressed diseases. Here, we give an overview of the mRNA vaccine design and factors for further optimization of this new promising technology and discuss current knowledge on the mode of action of mRNA vaccines interacting with the innate and adaptive immune system.
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96
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Alameh MG, Weissman D, Pardi N. Messenger RNA-Based Vaccines Against Infectious Diseases. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:111-145. [PMID: 32300916 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed, messenger RNA-based infectious disease vaccines have the potential to successfully address many of the weaknesses of traditional vaccine platforms, such as the lack of potency and/or durability of vaccine protection, time-consuming, and expensive manufacturing, and, in some cases, safety issues. This optimism is fueled by a great deal of impressive recent data demonstrating that mRNA vaccines have many of the attributes that are necessary for a viable new vaccine class for human use. This review briefly describes mRNA vaccine types, discusses the most relevant and recent publications on infectious disease mRNA vaccines, and highlights the hurdles that need to be overcome to bring this promising novel vaccine modality to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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97
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Abstract
Infectious diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, and vaccines are the cheapest and efficient approach to preventing diseases. Use of conventional vaccination strategies such as live, attenuated, and subunit has limitations as it does not fully provide protection against many infectious diseases. Hence, there was a need for the development of a new vaccination strategy. Use of nucleic acids-DNA and RNA-has emerged as promising alternative to conventional vaccine approaches. Knowledge of mRNA biology, chemistry, and delivery systems in recent years have enabled mRNA to become a promising vaccine candidate. One of the advantages of a mRNA vaccine is that clinical batches can be generated after the availability of a sequence encoding the immunogen. The process is cell-free and scalable. mRNA is a noninfectious, nonintegrating molecule and there is no potential risk of infection or mutagenesis. mRNA is degraded by normal cellular processes, and its in vivo half-life can be regulated by different modifications and delivery methods. The efficacy can be increased by modifications of the nucleosides that can make mRNA more stable and highly translatable. Efficient in vivo delivery can be achieved by formulating mRNA into carrier molecules, allowing rapid uptake and expression in the cytoplasm. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 and spread globally, prompting an international effort to accelerate development of a vaccine. The spike (S) glycoprotein mediates host cell attachment and is required for viral entry; it is the primary vaccine target for many candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Development of a lipid nanoparticle encapsulated mRNA vaccine that encodes the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein stabilized in its prefusion conformation conferred 95% protection against Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Thomas
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, USA.
| | - Ann Abraham
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, USA
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98
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Simnani FZ, Singh D, Kaur R. COVID-19 phase 4 vaccine candidates, effectiveness on SARS-CoV-2 variants, neutralizing antibody, rare side effects, traditional and nano-based vaccine platforms: a review. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:15. [PMID: 34926119 PMCID: PMC8665991 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-03076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has endangered world health and the economy. As the number of cases is increasing, different companies have started developing potential vaccines using both traditional and nano-based platforms to overcome the pandemic. Several countries have approved a few vaccine candidates for emergency use authorization (EUA), showing significant effectiveness and inducing a robust immune response. Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech's BNT162, Moderna's mRNA-1273, Sinovac's CoronaVac, Johnson & Johnson, Sputnik-V, and Sinopharm's vaccine candidates are leading the race. However, the SARS-CoV-2 is constantly mutating, making the vaccines less effective, possibly by escaping immune response for some variants. Besides, some EUA vaccines have been reported to induce rare side effects such as blood clots, cardiac injury, anaphylaxis, and some neurological effects. Although the COVID-19 vaccine candidates promise to overcome the pandemic, a more significant and clear understanding is needed. In this review, we brief about the clinical trial of some leading candidates, their effectiveness, and their neutralizing effect on SARS-CoV-2 variants. Further, we have discussed the rare side effects, different traditional and nano-based platforms to understand the scope of future development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dibyangshee Singh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, 751024 India
| | - Ramneet Kaur
- Department of Life Sciences, RIMT University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
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99
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Wang Y, Hu J, Li Y, Liu Z. Rare earth ion Nd3+ promotes production of cellulose ethanol by Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405. Polyhedron 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2021.115555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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100
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Huang L, Zhang L, Li W, Li S, Wen J, Li H, Liu Z. Advances in Development of mRNA-Based Therapeutics. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:147-166. [PMID: 32683507 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recently, mRNA-based therapeutics have been greatly boosted since the development of novel technologies of both mRNA synthesis and delivery system. Promising results were showed in both preclinical and clinical studies in the field of cancer vaccine, tumor immunotherapy, infectious disease prevention and protein replacement therapy. Recent advancements in clinical trials also encouraged scientists to attempt new applications of mRNA therapy such as gene editing and cell programming. These studies bring mRNA therapeutics closer to real-world application. Herein, we provide an overview of recent advances in mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Shiqiang Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Jianguo Wen
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Hangwen Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China.
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