51
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Luo J, Han X, Wei Y, Wei X. mRNA vaccine: a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:33. [PMID: 33593376 PMCID: PMC7884263 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have tremendous potential to fight against cancer and viral diseases due to superiorities in safety, efficacy and industrial production. In recent decades, we have witnessed the development of different kinds of mRNAs by sequence optimization to overcome the disadvantage of excessive mRNA immunogenicity, instability and inefficiency. Based on the immunological study, mRNA vaccines are coupled with immunologic adjuvant and various delivery strategies. Except for sequence optimization, the assistance of mRNA-delivering strategies is another method to stabilize mRNAs and improve their efficacy. The understanding of increasing the antigen reactiveness gains insight into mRNA-induced innate immunity and adaptive immunity without antibody-dependent enhancement activity. Therefore, to address the problem, scientists further exploited carrier-based mRNA vaccines (lipid-based delivery, polymer-based delivery, peptide-based delivery, virus-like replicon particle and cationic nanoemulsion), naked mRNA vaccines and dendritic cells-based mRNA vaccines. The article will discuss the molecular biology of mRNA vaccines and underlying anti-virus and anti-tumor mechanisms, with an introduction of their immunological phenomena, delivery strategies, their importance on Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related clinical trials against cancer and viral diseases. Finally, we will discuss the challenge of mRNA vaccines against bacterial and parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Ziqi Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Jingwen Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Xuejiao Han
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
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52
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Mu Z, Haynes BF, Cain DW. HIV mRNA Vaccines-Progress and Future Paths. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:134. [PMID: 33562203 PMCID: PMC7915550 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic introduced the world to a new type of vaccine based on mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Instead of delivering antigenic proteins directly, an mRNA-based vaccine relies on the host's cells to manufacture protein immunogens which, in turn, are targets for antibody and cytotoxic T cell responses. mRNA-based vaccines have been the subject of research for over three decades as a platform to protect against or treat a variety of cancers, amyloidosis and infectious diseases. In this review, we discuss mRNA-based approaches for the generation of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines to HIV. We examine the special immunological hurdles for a vaccine to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies and effective T cell responses to HIV. Lastly, we outline an mRNA-based HIV vaccination strategy based on the immunobiology of broadly neutralizing antibody development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Mu
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Z.M.); (B.F.H.)
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Barton F. Haynes
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Z.M.); (B.F.H.)
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Derek W. Cain
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Z.M.); (B.F.H.)
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53
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Aldosari BN, Alfagih IM, Almurshedi AS. Lipid Nanoparticles as Delivery Systems for RNA-Based Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:206. [PMID: 33540942 PMCID: PMC7913163 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been increased interest in the development of RNA-based vaccines for protection against various infectious diseases and also for cancer immunotherapies. Rapid and cost-effective manufacturing methods in addition to potent immune responses observed in preclinical and clinical studies have made mRNA-based vaccines promising alternatives to conventional vaccine technologies. However, efficient delivery of these vaccines requires that the mRNA be protected against extracellular degradation. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been extensively studied as non-viral vectors for the delivery of mRNA to target cells because of their relatively easy and scalable manufacturing processes. This review highlights key advances in the development of LNPs and reviews the application of mRNA-based vaccines formulated in LNPs for use against infectious diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iman M. Alfagih
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia; (B.N.A.); (A.S.A.)
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54
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Blakney AK, Ip S, Geall AJ. An Update on Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:97. [PMID: 33525396 PMCID: PMC7911542 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review will explore the four major pillars required for design and development of an saRNA vaccine: Antigen design, vector design, non-viral delivery systems, and manufacturing (both saRNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNP)). We report on the major innovations, preclinical and clinical data reported in the last five years and will discuss future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Shell Ip
- Precision NanoSystems Inc., Vancouver, BC V6P 6T7, Canada; (S.I.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Andrew J. Geall
- Precision NanoSystems Inc., Vancouver, BC V6P 6T7, Canada; (S.I.); (A.J.G.)
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Abstract
The first proof-of-concept studies about the feasibility of genetic vaccines were published over three decades ago, opening the way for future development. The idea of nonviral antigen delivery had multiple advantages over the traditional live or inactivated pathogen-based vaccines, but a great deal of effort had to be invested to turn the idea of genetic vaccination into reality. Although early proof-of-concept studies were groundbreaking, they also showed that numerous aspects of genetic vaccines needed to be improved. Until the early 2000s, the vast majority of effort was invested into the development of DNA vaccines due to the potential issues of instability and low in vivo translatability of messenger RNA (mRNA). In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated the outstanding abilities of mRNA to elicit potent immune responses against infectious pathogens and different types of cancer, making it a viable platform for vaccine development. Multiple mRNA vaccine platforms have been developed and evaluated in small and large animals and humans and the results seem to be promising. RNA-based vaccines have important advantages over other vaccine approaches including outstanding efficacy, safety, and the potential for rapid, inexpensive, and scalable production. There is a substantial investment by new mRNA companies into the development of mRNA therapeutics, particularly vaccines, increasing the number of basic and translational research publications and human clinical trials underway. This review gives a broad overview about genetic vaccines and mainly focuses on the past and present of mRNA vaccines along with the future directions to bring this potent vaccine platform closer to therapeutic use.
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Abstract
HIV is a virus that remains a major health concern and results in an infection that has no cure even after over 30 years since its discovery. As such, HIV vaccine discovery continues to be an area of intensive research. In this review, we summarize the most recent HIV vaccine efficacy trials, clinical trials initiated within the last 3 years, and discuss prominent improvements that have been made in prophylactic HIV vaccine designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hyun Lee
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA; Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Shane Crotty
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA; Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA.
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57
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Nanoparticles as Adjuvants and Nanodelivery Systems for mRNA-Based Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2020; 13:pharmaceutics13010045. [PMID: 33396817 PMCID: PMC7823281 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines have shown promise against infectious diseases and several types of cancer in the last two decades. Their promise can be attributed to their safety profiles, high potency, and ability to be rapidly and affordably manufactured. Now, many RNA-based vaccines are being evaluated in clinical trials as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. However, until recently, their development has been limited by their instability and inefficient in vivo transfection. The nanodelivery system plays a dual function in RNA-based vaccination by acting as a carrier system and as an adjuvant. That is due to its similarity to microorganisms structurally and size-wise; the nanodelivery system can augment the response by the immune system via simulating the natural infection process. Nanodelivery systems allow non-invasive mucosal administration, targeted immune cell delivery, and controlled delivery, reducing the need for multiple administrations. They also allow co-encapsulating with immunostimulators to improve the overall adjuvant capacity. The aim of this review is to discuss the recent developments and applications of biodegradable nanodelivery systems that improve RNA-based vaccine delivery and enhance the immunological response against targeted diseases.
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Lundstrom K. Application of Viral Vectors for Vaccine Development with a Special Emphasis on COVID-19. Viruses 2020; 12:E1324. [PMID: 33218001 PMCID: PMC7698750 DOI: 10.3390/v12111324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors can generate high levels of recombinant protein expression providing the basis for modern vaccine development. A large number of different viral vector expression systems have been utilized for targeting viral surface proteins and tumor-associated antigens. Immunization studies in preclinical animal models have evaluated the elicited humoral and cellular responses and the possible protection against challenges with lethal doses of infectious pathogens or tumor cells. Several vaccine candidates for both infectious diseases and various cancers have been subjected to a number of clinical trials. Human immunization trials have confirmed safe application of viral vectors, generation of neutralizing antibodies and protection against challenges with lethal doses. A special emphasis is placed on COVID-19 vaccines based on viral vectors. Likewise, the flexibility and advantages of applying viral particles, RNA replicons and DNA replicon vectors of self-replicating RNA viruses for vaccine development are presented.
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D'haese S, Lacroix C, Garcia F, Plana M, Ruta S, Vanham G, Verrier B, Aerts JL. Off the beaten path: Novel mRNA-nanoformulations for therapeutic vaccination against HIV. J Control Release 2020; 330:1016-1033. [PMID: 33181204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, immunotherapy for HIV in general and therapeutic vaccination in particular, has received a tremendous boost, both in preclinical research and in clinical applications. This interest is based on the evidence that the immune system plays a crucial role in controlling HIV infection, as shown for long-term non-progressors and elite controllers, and that immune responses can be manipulated towards targeting conserved epitopes. So far, the most successful approach has been vaccination with autologous dendritic cells (DCs) loaded ex vivo with antigens and activation signals. Although this approach offers much promise, it also comes with significant drawbacks such as the requirement of a specialized infrastructure and expertise, as well as major challenges for logistics and storage, making it extremely time consuming and costly. Therefore, methods are being developed to avoid the use of ex vivo generated, autologous DCs. One of these methods is based on mRNA for therapeutic vaccination. mRNA has proven to be a very promising vaccine platform, as the coding information for any desired protein, including antigens and activation signals, can be generated in a very short period of time, showing promise both as an off-the-shelf therapy and as a personalized approach. However, an important drawback of this approach is the short half-life of native mRNA, due to the presence of ambient RNases. In addition, proper immunization requires that the antigens are expressed, processed and presented at the right immunological site (e.g. the lymphoid tissues). An ambivalent aspect of mRNA as a vaccine is its capacity to induce type I interferons, which can have beneficial adjuvant effects, but also deleterious effects on mRNA stability and translation. Thus, proper formulation of the mRNA is crucially important. Many approaches for RNA formulation have already been tested, with mixed success. In this review we discuss the state-of-the-art and future trends for mRNA-nanoparticle formulations for HIV vaccination, both in the prophylactic and in the therapeutic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid D'haese
- Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy (NAVI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Céline Lacroix
- Institute for the Biology and Chemistry of Proteins (IBCP), Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Simona Ruta
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Guido Vanham
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bernard Verrier
- Institute for the Biology and Chemistry of Proteins (IBCP), Lyon, France
| | - Joeri L Aerts
- Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy (NAVI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
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60
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Anderluzzi G, Schmidt ST, Cunliffe R, Woods S, Roberts CW, Veggi D, Ferlenghi I, O'Hagan DT, Baudner BC, Perrie Y. Rational design of adjuvants for subunit vaccines: The format of cationic adjuvants affects the induction of antigen-specific antibody responses. J Control Release 2020; 330:933-944. [PMID: 33152394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A range of cationic delivery systems have been investigated as vaccine adjuvants, though few direct comparisons exist. To investigate the impact of the delivery platform, we prepared four cationic systems (emulsions, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles) all containing equal concentrations of the cationic lipid dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide in combination with the Neisseria adhesin A variant 3 subunit antigen. The formulations were physicochemically characterized and their ability to associate with cells and promote antigen processing (based on degradation of DQ-OVA, a substrate for proteases which upon hydrolysis is fluorescent) was compared in vitro and their vaccine efficacy (antigen-specific antibody responses and IFN-γ production) and biodistribution (antigen and adjuvant) were evaluated in vivo. Due to their cationic nature, all delivery systems gave high antigen loading (> 85%) with liposomes, lipid nanoparticles and emulsions being <200 nm, whilst polymeric nanoparticles were larger (~350 nm). In vitro, the particulate systems tended to promote cell uptake and antigen processing, whilst emulsions were less effective. Similarly, whilst the particulate delivery systems induced a depot (of both delivery system and antigen) at the injection site, the cationic emulsions did not. However, out of the systems tested the cationic emulsions induced the highest antibody responses. These results demonstrate that while cationic lipids can have strong adjuvant activity, their formulation platform influences their immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Anderluzzi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Signe Tandrup Schmidt
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen S 2300, Denmark
| | - Robert Cunliffe
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Stuart Woods
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Craig W Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Yvonne Perrie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
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61
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Bloom K, van den Berg F, Arbuthnot P. Self-amplifying RNA vaccines for infectious diseases. Gene Ther 2020; 28:117-129. [PMID: 33093657 PMCID: PMC7580817 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-00204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Vaccinology is shifting toward synthetic RNA platforms which allow for rapid, scalable, and cell-free manufacturing of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. The simple development pipeline is based on in vitro transcription of antigen-encoding sequences or immunotherapies as synthetic RNA transcripts, which are then formulated for delivery. This approach may enable a quicker response to emerging disease outbreaks, as is evident from the swift pursuit of RNA vaccine candidates for the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Both conventional and self-amplifying RNAs have shown protective immunization in preclinical studies against multiple infectious diseases including influenza, RSV, Rabies, Ebola, and HIV-1. Self-amplifying RNAs have shown enhanced antigen expression at lower doses compared to conventional mRNA, suggesting this technology may improve immunization. This review will explore how self-amplifying RNAs are emerging as important vaccine candidates for infectious diseases, the advantages of synthetic manufacturing approaches, and their potential for preventing and treating chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa.
| | - Fiona van den Berg
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
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62
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Xu S, Yang K, Li R, Zhang L. mRNA Vaccine Era-Mechanisms, Drug Platform and Clinical Prospection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6582. [PMID: 32916818 PMCID: PMC7554980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based drugs, notably mRNA vaccines, have been widely proven as a promising treatment strategy in immune therapeutics. The extraordinary advantages associated with mRNA vaccines, including their high efficacy, a relatively low severity of side effects, and low attainment costs, have enabled them to become prevalent in pre-clinical and clinical trials against various infectious diseases and cancers. Recent technological advancements have alleviated some issues that hinder mRNA vaccine development, such as low efficiency that exist in both gene translation and in vivo deliveries. mRNA immunogenicity can also be greatly adjusted as a result of upgraded technologies. In this review, we have summarized details regarding the optimization of mRNA vaccines, and the underlying biological mechanisms of this form of vaccines. Applications of mRNA vaccines in some infectious diseases and cancers are introduced. It also includes our prospections for mRNA vaccine applications in diseases caused by bacterial pathogens, such as tuberculosis. At the same time, some suggestions for future mRNA vaccine development about storage methods, safety concerns, and personalized vaccine synthesis can be found in the context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kunpeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
| | - Rose Li
- M.B.B.S., School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China;
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
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63
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Ballesteros-Briones MC, Silva-Pilipich N, Herrador-Cañete G, Vanrell L, Smerdou C. A new generation of vaccines based on alphavirus self-amplifying RNA. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 44:145-153. [PMID: 32898764 PMCID: PMC7474593 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alphavirus self-amplifiying RNA (saRNA) induces more potent immune responses than conventional mRNA. saRNA delivery can be enhanced by electroporation or conjugation with cationic lipid or polymers. saRNA vaccines induce protective responses against human pathogens in preclinical models. saRNA replication mediates innate immune signals that contribute to the strength of immune responses. saRNA vaccines could be generated in a quick way to face emergent pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
DNA or mRNA vaccines have potential advantages over conventional vaccines since they are easier to manufacture and have higher safety profiles. In particular, self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) derived from alphavirus expression vectors has shown to be very efficient to induce humoral and cellular responses against many antigens in preclinical models, being superior to non-replicating mRNA and DNA. This is mainly due to the fact that saRNA can provide very high expression levels and simultaneously induces strong innate responses, potentiating immunity. saRNA can be administered as viral particles or DNA, but direct delivery as RNA represents a safer and more simple approach. Although saRNA can be delivered as naked RNA, in vivo transfection can be enhanced by electroporation or by complexing it with cationic lipids or polymers. Alphavirus saRNA could have broad application to vaccinate against human pathogens, including emerging ones like SARS-CoV-2, for which clinical trials have been recently initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cristina Ballesteros-Briones
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Silva-Pilipich
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Herrador-Cañete
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lucia Vanrell
- Facultad de ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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64
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Luisi K, Morabito KM, Burgomaster KE, Sharma M, Kong WP, Foreman BM, Patel S, Fisher B, Aleshnick MA, Laliberte J, Wallace M, Ruckwardt TJ, Gordon DN, Linton C, Ruggiero N, Cohen JL, Johnson R, Aggarwal K, Ko SY, Yang ES, Pelc RS, Dowd KA, O’Hagan D, Ulmer J, Mossman S, Sambor A, Lepine E, Mascola JR, Pierson TC, Graham BS, Yu D. Development of a potent Zika virus vaccine using self-amplifying messenger RNA. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba5068. [PMID: 32821824 PMCID: PMC7413734 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba5068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is the cause of a pandemic associated with microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. Currently, there are no available treatments or vaccines for ZIKV, and the development of a safe and effective vaccine is a high priority for many global health organizations. We describe the development of ZIKV vaccine candidates using the self-amplifying messenger RNA (SAM) platform technology delivered by cationic nanoemulsion (CNE) that allows bedside mixing and is particularly useful for rapid responses to pandemic outbreaks. Two immunizations of either of the two lead SAM (CNE) vaccine candidates elicited potent neutralizing antibody responses to ZIKV in mice and nonhuman primates. Both SAM (CNE) vaccines protected these animals from ZIKV challenge, with one candidate providing complete protection against ZIKV infection in nonhuman primates. The data provide a preclinical proof of concept that a SAM (CNE) vaccine candidate can rapidly elicit protective immunity against ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaitlyn M. Morabito
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine E. Burgomaster
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Bryant M. Foreman
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Brian Fisher
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maya A. Aleshnick
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | - Tracy J. Ruckwardt
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David N. Gordon
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sung-Youl Ko
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eun Sung Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Pelc
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Dowd
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John R. Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Theodore C. Pierson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Corresponding author. (D.Y.); (B.S.G.); (T.C.P.)
| | - Barney S. Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Corresponding author. (D.Y.); (B.S.G.); (T.C.P.)
| | - Dong Yu
- GSK Vaccines, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
- Corresponding author. (D.Y.); (B.S.G.); (T.C.P.)
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65
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Lundstrom K. Self-Amplifying RNA Viruses as RNA Vaccines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145130. [PMID: 32698494 PMCID: PMC7404065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded RNA viruses such as alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses are characterized by their capacity of highly efficient self-amplification of RNA in host cells, which make them attractive vehicles for vaccine development. Particularly, alphaviruses and flaviviruses can be administered as recombinant particles, layered DNA/RNA plasmid vectors carrying the RNA replicon and even RNA replicon molecules. Self-amplifying RNA viral vectors have been used for high level expression of viral and tumor antigens, which in immunization studies have elicited strong cellular and humoral immune responses in animal models. Vaccination has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of viral pathogens and tumor cells. Moreover, clinical trials have demonstrated safe application of RNA viral vectors and even promising results in rhabdovirus-based phase III trials on an Ebola virus vaccine. Preclinical and clinical applications of self-amplifying RNA viral vectors have proven efficient for vaccine development and due to the presence of RNA replicons, amplification of RNA in host cells will generate superior immune responses with significantly reduced amounts of RNA delivered. The need for novel and efficient vaccines has become even more evident due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has further highlighted the urgency in challenging emerging diseases.
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66
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Tan L, Zheng T, Li M, Zhong X, Tang Y, Qin M, Sun X. Optimization of an mRNA vaccine assisted with cyclodextrin-polyethyleneimine conjugates. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2020; 10:678-689. [PMID: 32048201 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00725-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have attracted great interest in recent years due to their high potency, safety profile, and potential of rapid development. Although a number of mRNA vaccines have entered clinical trials, there remain several challenges. Inefficient in vivo delivery of mRNA is the foremost one. Here we synthesized a conjugate composed of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and branched polyethyleneimine (molecular weight 2 kDa, bPEI2k) to deliver an mRNA vaccine. The CD-PEI (CP) conjugate helped the encapsulated mRNA molecules pass through the plasma membranes and escape from the endosomes, which consequently ensured high transfection efficiency. On this basis, we optimized several structural elements of mRNA molecules via synthesizing an advanced cap structure and incorporating untranslated regions (UTRs) and an extended poly(A) tail into the sequence. These modifications led to a higher expression level of encoded proteins, which was expected to induce potent immune responses with a relatively low dosage. We also investigated the relevance of the administration route to the immune responses induced by CP-assisted mRNA vaccines with in vivo evidence, providing a basis for the selection of optimum administration route in specific cases. This CP-based mRNA vaccine platform, with an optimized mRNA structure and administrated in a most appropriate route, holds a promise to be applied to specific antigens in the future. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Man Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ming Qin
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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67
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Blakney AK, Zhu Y, McKay PF, Bouton C, Yeow J, Tang J, Hu K, Samnuan K, Grigsby CL, Shattock RJ, Stevens MM. Big Is Beautiful: Enhanced saRNA Delivery and Immunogenicity by a Higher Molecular Weight, Bioreducible, Cationic Polymer. ACS NANO 2020; 14:5711-5727. [PMID: 32267667 PMCID: PMC7304921 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines are highly advantageous, as they result in enhanced protein expression compared to mRNA (mRNA), thus minimizing the required dose. However, previous delivery strategies were optimized for siRNA or mRNA and do not necessarily deliver saRNA efficiently due to structural differences of these RNAs, thus motivating the development of saRNA delivery platforms. Here, we engineer a bioreducible, linear, cationic polymer called "pABOL" for saRNA delivery and show that increasing its molecular weight enhances delivery both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that pABOL enhances protein expression and cellular uptake via both intramuscular and intradermal injection compared to commercially available polymers in vivo and that intramuscular injection confers complete protection against influenza challenge. Due to the scalability of polymer synthesis and ease of formulation preparation, we anticipate that this polymer is highly clinically translatable as a delivery vehicle for saRNA for both vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Blakney
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College
London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, U.K.
| | - Yunqing Zhu
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji
University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Paul F. McKay
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College
London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, U.K.
| | - Clément
R. Bouton
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College
London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, U.K.
| | - Jonathan Yeow
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Jiaqing Tang
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Kai Hu
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College
London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, U.K.
| | - Karnyart Samnuan
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College
London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, U.K.
| | - Christopher L. Grigsby
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 65, Sweden
| | - Robin J. Shattock
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College
London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, U.K.
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department
of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical
Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 65, Sweden
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68
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Investigating the Impact of Delivery System Design on the Efficacy of Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020212. [PMID: 32397231 PMCID: PMC7348957 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines combine the positive attributes of both live-attenuated and subunit vaccines. In order for these to be applied for clinical use, they require to be formulated with delivery systems. However, there are limited in vivo studies which compare different delivery platforms. Therefore, we have compared four different cationic platforms: (1) liposomes, (2) solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), (3) polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and (4) emulsions, to deliver a self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) vaccine. All formulations contained either the non-ionizable cationic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) or dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA) and they were characterized in terms of physico-chemical attributes, in vitro transfection efficiency and in vivo vaccine potency. Our results showed that SAM encapsulating DOTAP polymeric nanoparticles, DOTAP liposomes and DDA liposomes induced the highest antigen expression in vitro and, from these, DOTAP polymeric nanoparticles were the most potent in triggering humoral and cellular immunity among candidates in vivo.
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69
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Blakney AK, Abdouni Y, Yilmaz G, Liu R, McKay PF, Bouton CR, Shattock RJ, Becer CR. Mannosylated Poly(ethylene imine) Copolymers Enhance saRNA Uptake and Expression in Human Skin Explants. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:2482-2492. [PMID: 32250603 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a promising platform for both vaccines and therapeutics, and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) is particularly advantageous, as it enables higher protein expression and dose minimization. Here, we present a delivery platform for targeted delivery of saRNA using mannosylated poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) enabled by the host-guest interaction between cyclodextrin and adamantane. We show that the host-guest complexation does not interfere with the electrostatic interaction with saRNA and observed that increasing the degree of mannosylation inhibited transfection efficiency in vitro, but enhanced the number of cells expressing GFP by 8-fold in human skin explants. Besides, increasing the ratio of glycopolymer to saRNA also enhanced the percentage of transfected cells ex vivo. We identified that these mannosylated PEIs specifically increased protein expression in the epithelial cells resident in human skin in a mannose-dependent manner. This platform is promising for further study of glycosylation of PEI and targeted saRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Blakney
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Yamin Abdouni
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Gokhan Yilmaz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Renjie Liu
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Paul F McKay
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Clément R Bouton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J Shattock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - C Remzi Becer
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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70
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Jones LD, Moody MA, Thompson AB. Innovations in HIV-1 Vaccine Design. Clin Ther 2020; 42:499-514. [PMID: 32035643 PMCID: PMC7102617 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The field of HIV-1 vaccinology has evolved during the last 30 years from the first viral vector HIV gene insert constructs to vaccination regimens using a myriad of strategies. These strategies now include germline-targeting, lineage-based, and structure-guided immunogen design. This narrative review outlines the historical context of HIV vaccinology and subsequently highlights the scientific discoveries during the last 6 years that promise to propel the field forward. METHODS We conducted a search of 2 electronic databases, PubMed and EMBASE, for experimental studies that involved new HIV immunogen designs between 2013 and 2019. During the title and abstract reviews, publications were excluded if they were written in language other than English and/or were a letter to the editor, a commentary, or a conference-only presentation. We then used ClinicalTrials.gov to identify completed and ongoing clinical trials using these strategies. FINDINGS The HIV vaccinology field has undergone periods of significant growth during the last 3 decades. Findings elucidated in preclinical studies have revealed the importance of the interaction between the cellular and humoral immune system. As a result, several new rationally designed vaccine strategies have been developed and explored in the last 6 years, including native-like envelope trimers, nanoparticle, and mRNA vaccine design strategies among others. Several of these strategies have shown enough promise in animal models to progress toward first-in-human Phase I clinical trials. IMPLICATIONS Rapid developments in preclinical and early-phase clinical studies suggest that a tolerable and effective HIV vaccine may be on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letitia D Jones
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M Anthony Moody
- Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amelia B Thompson
- Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
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71
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Weng Y, Li C, Yang T, Hu B, Zhang M, Guo S, Xiao H, Liang XJ, Huang Y. The challenge and prospect of mRNA therapeutics landscape. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107534. [PMID: 32088327 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics hold the potential to cause a major revolution in the pharmaceutical industry because they can be used for precise and individualized therapy, and enable patients to produce therapeutic proteins in their own bodies without struggling with the comprehensive manufacturing issues associated with recombinant proteins. Compared with the current therapeutics, the production of mRNA is much cost-effective, faster and more flexible because it can be easily produced by in vitro transcription, and the process is independent of mRNA sequence. Moreover, mRNA vaccines allow people to develop personalized medications based on sequencing results and/or personalized conditions rapidly. Along with the great potential from bench to bedside, technical obstacles facing mRNA pharmaceuticals are also obvious. The stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery are all pivotal issues need to be addressed. In the recently published research results, these issues are gradually being overcome by state-of-the-art development technologies. In this review, we describe the structural properties and modification technologies of mRNA, summarize the latest advances in developing mRNA delivery systems, review the preclinical and clinical applications, and put forward our views on the prospect and challenges of developing mRNA into a new class of drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Tongren Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China.
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72
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Nanomedicines to Deliver mRNA: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10020364. [PMID: 32093140 PMCID: PMC7075285 DOI: 10.3390/nano10020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of messenger RNA (mRNA) in gene therapy is increasing in recent years, due to its unique features compared to plasmid DNA: Transient expression, no need to enter into the nucleus and no risk of insertional mutagenesis. Nevertheless, the clinical application of mRNA as a therapeutic tool is limited by its instability and ability to activate immune responses; hence, mRNA chemical modifications together with the design of suitable vehicles result essential. This manuscript includes a revision of the strategies employed to enhance in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA functionality and efficacy, including the optimization of its stability and translational efficiency, as well as the regulation of its immunostimulatory properties. An overview of the nanosystems designed to protect the mRNA and to overcome the intra and extracellular barriers for successful delivery is also included. Finally, the present and future applications of mRNA nanomedicines for immunization against infectious diseases and cancer, protein replacement, gene editing, and regenerative medicine are highlighted.
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73
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Betker JL, Anchordoquy TJ. The Use of Lactose as an Alternative Coating for Nanoparticles. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:1573-1580. [PMID: 32004536 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery has long utilized PEGylation as a mechanism for reducing uptake by the reticuloendothelial system and extending circulation lifetimes. However, studies over the past 2 decades have established that immune responses to PEG can promote clearance on repeat injection and elicit life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in some patients. As a potential alternative to PEGylation, we explored the ability of utilizing lactose, a naturally occurring sugar that is common on the surface of blood cells, as a coating for lipoplexes. Our data indicate that lactose imparts similar effects as PEG in terms of reducing leukocyte uptake, extending circulation half-life, and enhancing delivery to the tumor and other organs. In addition, measurements of blood cytokine levels after repeat injection indicate that reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNFα) are elicited in response to lipoplexes coated with lactose as compared to PEG. These data indicate that a lactose coating on lipoplexes results in slightly improved tumor accumulation as compared to PEGylated formulations while eliciting a reduced innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Betker
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Thomas J Anchordoquy
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045.
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74
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Nanomaterials for direct and indirect immunomodulation: A review of applications. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 142:105139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.105139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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75
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Abstract
Mucosal surfaces represent important routes of entry into the human body for the majority of pathogens, and they constitute unique sites for targeted vaccine delivery. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are emerging technologies for delivering and improving the efficacy of mucosal vaccines. Recent studies have provided new insights into formulation and delivery aspects of importance for the design of safe and efficacious mucosal subunit vaccines based on nanoparticles. These include novel nanomaterials, their physicochemical properties and formulation approaches, nanoparticle interaction with immune cells in the mucosa, and mucosal immunization and delivery strategies. Here, we present recent progress in the application of nanoparticle-based approaches for mucosal vaccine delivery and discuss future research challenges and opportunities in the field.
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76
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Coutinho De Oliveira B, Duthie MS, Alves Pereira VR. Vaccines for leishmaniasis and the implications of their development for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:919-930. [PMID: 31634036 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1678998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The leishmaniases are a collection of vector-borne parasitic diseases caused by a number of different Leishmania species that are distributed worldwide. Clinical and laboratory research have together revealed several important immune components that control Leishmania infection and indicate the potential of immunization to prevent leishmaniasis. In this review we introduce previous and ongoing experimental research efforts to develop vaccines against Leishmania species. First, second and third generation vaccine strategies that have been proposed to counter cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (CL and VL, respectively) are summarized. One of the major bottlenecks in development is the transition from results in animal model studies to humans, and we highlight that although American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL; New World CL) can progress to destructive and disfiguring mucosal lesions, most research has been conducted using mouse models and Old World Leishmania species. We conclude that assessment of vaccine candidates in ATL settings therefore appears merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Coutinho De Oliveira
- Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
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77
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Blakney AK, McKay PF, Yus BI, Aldon Y, Shattock RJ. Inside out: optimization of lipid nanoparticle formulations for exterior complexation and in vivo delivery of saRNA. Gene Ther 2019; 26:363-372. [PMID: 31300730 PMCID: PMC6760535 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0095-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) is a promising biotherapeutic tool that has been used as a vaccine against both infectious diseases and cancer. saRNA has been shown to induce protein expression for up to 60 days and elicit immune responses with lower dosing than messenger RNA (mRNA). Because saRNA is a large (~9500 nt), negatively charged molecule, it requires a delivery vehicle for efficient cellular uptake and degradation protection. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been widely used for RNA formulations, where the prevailing paradigm is to encapsulate RNA within the particle, including the first FDA-approved small-interfering siRNA therapy. Here, we compared LNP formulations with cationic and ionizable lipids with saRNA either on the interior or exterior of the particle. We show that LNPs formulated with cationic lipids protect saRNA from RNAse degradation, even when it is adsorbed to the surface. Furthermore, cationic LNPs deliver saRNA equivalently to particles formulated with saRNA encapsulated in an ionizable lipid particle, both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we show that cationic and ionizable LNP formulations induce equivalent antibodies against HIV-1 Env gp140 as a model antigen. These studies establish formulating saRNA on the surface of cationic LNPs as an alternative to the paradigm of encapsulating RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Blakney
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul F McKay
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Yoann Aldon
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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78
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Immunogenicity of RNA Replicons Encoding HIV Env Immunogens Designed for Self-Assembly into Nanoparticles. Mol Ther 2019; 27:2080-2090. [PMID: 31515132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA replicons are a promising platform technology for vaccines. To evaluate the potential of lipid nanoparticle-formulated replicons for delivery of HIV immunogens, we designed and tested an alphavirus replicon expressing a self-assembling protein nanoparticle immunogen, the glycoprotein 120 (gp120) germline-targeting engineered outer domain (eOD-GT8) 60-mer. The eOD-GT8 immunogen is a germline-targeting antigen designed to prime human B cells capable of evolving toward VRC01-class broadly neutralizing antibodies. Replicon RNA was encapsulated with high efficiency in 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP)-based lipid nanoparticles, which provided effective delivery in the muscle and expression of luciferase lasting ∼30 days in normal mice, contrasting with very brief and low levels of expression obtained by delivery of equivalent modified mRNA (modRNA). eOD-GT8 60-mer-encoding replicons elicited high titers of gp120-specific antibodies following a single injection in mice, and increased levels of antigen-specific germinal center B cells compared with protein immunization. Immunization of transgenic mice expressing human inferred-germline VRC01 heavy chain B cell receptors that are the targets of the eOD antigen led to priming of B cells and somatic hypermutation consistent with VRC01-class antibody development. Altogether, these data suggest replicon delivery of Env immunogens may be a promising avenue for HIV vaccine development.
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79
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Manara C, Brazzoli M, Piccioli D, Taccone M, D'Oro U, Maione D, Frigimelica E. Co-administration of GM-CSF expressing RNA is a powerful tool to enhance potency of SAM-based vaccines. Vaccine 2019; 37:4204-4213. [PMID: 31227353 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Self-amplifying mRNAs (SAM)-based vaccines have been shown to induce a robust immune response in various animal species against both viral and bacterial pathogens. Due to their synthetic nature and to the versatility of the manufacturing process, SAM technology may represent an attractive solution for rapidly producing novel vaccines, which is particularly critical in case of pandemic infections or diseases mediated by newly emerging pathogens. Recent published data support the hypothesis that Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs) are responsible for CD8+ T-cell priming after SAM vaccination, suggesting cross-priming as the key mechanism for antigen presentation by SAM vaccines. In our study we investigated the possibility to enhance the immune response induced in mice by a single immunization with SAM by increasing the recruitment of APCs at the site of injection. To enhance SAM immunogenicity, we selected murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as a model chemoattractant for APCs, and developed a SAM-GM-CSF vector. We evaluated whether the use of SAM-GM-CSF in combination with a SAM construct encoding the Influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP) would lead to an increase of APC recruitment and NP-specific immune response. We indeed observed that the administration of SAM-GM-CSF enhances the recruitment of APCs at the injection site. Consistently with our hypothesis, co-administration of SAM-GM-CSF with SAM-NP significantly improved the magnitude of NP-specific CD8+ T-cell response both in terms of frequency of cytotoxic antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells and their functional activity in vivo. Furthermore, co-immunization with SAM-GM-CSF and SAM-NP provided an increase in protection against a lethal challenge with influenza virus. In conclusion, we demonstrated that increased recruitment of APCs at the site of injection is associated with an enhanced effectiveness of SAM vaccination and might be a powerful tool to potentiate the efficacy of RNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diego Piccioli
- GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Ugo D'Oro
- GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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80
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Blakney AK, McKay PF, Ibarzo Yus B, Hunter JE, Dex EA, Shattock RJ. The Skin You Are In: Design-of-Experiments Optimization of Lipid Nanoparticle Self-Amplifying RNA Formulations in Human Skin Explants. ACS NANO 2019; 13:5920-5930. [PMID: 31046232 PMCID: PMC7007275 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b01774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a promising tool for biotherapeutics, and self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) is particularly advantageous, because it results in abundant protein expression and production is easily scalable. While mRNA therapeutics have been shown to be highly effective in small animals, the outcomes do not scale linearly when these formulations are translated to dose-escalation studies in humans. Here, we utilize a design of experiments (DoE) approach to optimize the formulation of saRNA lipid nanoparticles in human skin explants. We first observed that luciferase expression from saRNA peaked after 11 days in human skin. Using DoE inputs of complexing lipid identity, lipid nanoparticle dose, lipid concentration, particle concentration, and ratio of zwitterionic to cationic lipids, we optimized the saRNA-induced luciferase expression in skin explants. Lipid identity and lipid concentration were found to be significant parameters in the DoE model, and the optimized formulation resulted in ∼7-fold increase in luciferase expression, relative to initial 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) formulation. Using flow cytometry, we observed that optimized formulations delivered the saRNA to ∼2% of the resident cells in the human skin explants. Although immune cells comprise only 7% of the total population of cells in skin, immune cells were found to express ∼50% of the RNA. This study demonstrates the powerful combination of using a DoE approach paired with clinically relevant human skin explants to optimize nucleic acid formulations. We expect that this system will be useful for optimizing both formulation and molecular designs of clinically translational nucleic acid vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Blakney
- Department
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Paul F. McKay
- Department
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Bárbara Ibarzo Yus
- Department
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Judith E. Hunter
- Department
of Plastic Surgery, Imperial NHS Trust, London, W68RF, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A. Dex
- Department
of Plastic Surgery, Imperial NHS Trust, London, W68RF, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J. Shattock
- Department
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W21PG, United Kingdom
- E-mail:
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81
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Zhang C, Maruggi G, Shan H, Li J. Advances in mRNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:594. [PMID: 30972078 PMCID: PMC6446947 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last two decades, there has been broad interest in RNA-based technologies for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Preclinical and clinical trials have shown that mRNA vaccines provide a safe and long-lasting immune response in animal models and humans. In this review, we summarize current research progress on mRNA vaccines, which have the potential to be quick-manufactured and to become powerful tools against infectious disease and we highlight the bright future of their design and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Hu Shan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Junwei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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82
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Li B, Zhang X, Dong Y. Nanoscale platforms for messenger RNA delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 11:e1530. [PMID: 29726120 PMCID: PMC6443240 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has become a promising class of drugs for diverse therapeutic applications in the past few years. A series of clinical trials are ongoing or will be initiated in the near future for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Currently, mRNA-based therapeutics mainly focuses on ex vivo transfection and local administration in clinical studies. Efficient and safe delivery of therapeutically relevant mRNAs remains one of the major challenges for their broad applications in humans. Thus, effective delivery systems are urgently needed to overcome this limitation. In recent years, numerous nanoscale biomaterials have been constructed for mRNA delivery in order to protect mRNA from extracellular degradation and facilitate endosomal escape after cellular uptake. Nanoscale platforms have expanded the feasibility of mRNA-based therapeutics, and enabled its potential applications to protein replacement therapy, cancer immunotherapy, therapeutic vaccines, regenerative medicine, and genome editing. This review focuses on recent advances, challenges, and future directions in nanoscale platforms designed for mRNA delivery, including lipid and lipid-derived nanoparticles, polymer-based nanoparticles, protein derivatives mRNA complexes, and other types of nanomaterials. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xinfu Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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83
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mRNA as a Transformative Technology for Vaccine Development to Control Infectious Diseases. Mol Ther 2019; 27:757-772. [PMID: 30803823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been growing interest in mRNA-based technology for the development of prophylactic vaccines against infectious diseases. Technological advancements in RNA biology, chemistry, stability, and delivery systems have accelerated the development of fully synthetic mRNA vaccines. Potent, long-lasting, and safe immune responses observed in animal models, as well as encouraging data from early human clinical trials, make mRNA-based vaccination an attractive alternative to conventional vaccine approaches. Thanks to these data, together with the potential for generic, low-cost manufacturing processes and the completely synthetic nature, the prospects for mRNA vaccines are very promising. In addition, mRNA vaccines have the potential to streamline vaccine discovery and development, and facilitate a rapid response to emerging infectious diseases. In this review, we overview the unique attributes of mRNA vaccine approaches, review the data of mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases, discuss the current challenges, and highlight perspectives about the future of this promising technology.
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84
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Yang Y, Chen L, Sun HW, Guo H, Song Z, You Y, Yang LY, Tong YN, Gao JN, Zeng H, Yang WC, Zou QM. Epitope-loaded nanoemulsion delivery system with ability of extending antigen release elicits potent Th1 response for intranasal vaccine against Helicobacter pylori. J Nanobiotechnology 2019; 17:6. [PMID: 30660182 PMCID: PMC6339695 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0441-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains a global public health issue, especially in Asia. Due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and the complexity of H. pylori infection, conventional vaccination is the best way to control the disease. Our previous study found that the N-acetyl-neuroaminyllactose-binding hemagglutinin protein (HpaA) is an effective protective antigen for vaccination against H. pylori infection, and intranasal immunization with the immunodominant HpaA epitope peptide (HpaA 154-171, P22, MEGVLIPAGFIKVTILEP) in conjunction with a CpG adjuvant decreased bacterial colonization in H. pylori-infected mice. However, to confer more robust and effective protection against H. pylori infection, an optimized delivery system is needed to enhance the P22-specific memory T cell response. RESULTS In this study, an intranasal nanoemulsion (NE) delivery system offering high vaccine efficacy without obvious cytotoxicity was designed and produced. We found that this highly stable system significantly prolonged the nasal residence time and enhanced the cellular uptake of the epitope peptide, which powerfully boosted the specific Th1 responses of the NE-P22 vaccine, thus reducing bacterial colonization without CpG. Furthermore, the protection efficacy was further enhanced by combining the NE-P22 vaccine with CpG. CONCLUSION This epitope-loaded nanoemulsion delivery system was shown to extend antigen release and elicit potent Th1 response, it is an applicable delivery system for intranasal vaccine against H. pylori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-wu Sun
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Song
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying You
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liu-yang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya-nan Tong
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-ning Gao
- Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wu-chen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan-ming Zou
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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85
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Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccines for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Induce Robust Protective Immunogenicity in Mice. Mol Ther 2019; 27:850-865. [PMID: 30770173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a known biological defense threat. A live-attenuated investigational vaccine, TC-83, is available, but it has a high non-response rate and can also cause severe reactogenicity. We generated two novel VEE vaccine candidates using self-amplifying mRNA (SAM). LAV-CNE is a live-attenuated VEE SAM vaccine formulated with synthetic cationic nanoemulsion (CNE) and carrying the RNA genome of TC-83. IAV-CNE is an irreversibly-attenuated VEE SAM vaccine formulated with CNE, delivering a TC-83 genome lacking the capsid gene. LAV-CNE launches a TC-83 infection cycle in vaccinated subjects but eliminates the need for live-attenuated vaccine production and potentially reduces manufacturing time and complexity. IAV-CNE produces a single cycle of RNA amplification and antigen expression without generating infectious viruses in subjects, thereby creating a potentially safer alternative to live-attenuated vaccine. Here, we demonstrated that mice vaccinated with LAV-CNE elicited immune responses similar to those of TC-83, providing 100% protection against aerosol VEEV challenge. IAV-CNE was also immunogenic, resulting in significant protection against VEEV challenge. These studies demonstrate the proof of concept for using the SAM platform to streamline the development of effective attenuated vaccines against VEEV and closely related alphavirus pathogens such as western and eastern equine encephalitis and Chikungunya viruses.
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86
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Zhang R, Billingsley MM, Mitchell MJ. Biomaterials for vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2018; 292:256-276. [PMID: 30312721 PMCID: PMC6355332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of therapeutic cancer vaccines as a means to generate immune reactivity against tumors has been explored since the early discovery of tumor-specific antigens by Georg Klein in the 1960s. However, challenges including weak immunogenicity, systemic toxicity, and off-target effects of cancer vaccines remain as barriers to their broad clinical translation. Advances in the design and implementation of biomaterials are now enabling enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity of cancer vaccines by controlling the presentation and release of vaccine components to immune cells and their microenvironment. Here, we discuss the rational design and clinical status of several classes of cancer vaccines (including DNA, mRNA, peptide/protein, and cell-based vaccines) along with novel biomaterial-based delivery technologies that improve their safety and efficacy. Further, strategies for designing new platforms for personalized cancer vaccines are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Margaret M Billingsley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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87
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Engineered mRNA-expressed antibodies prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3999. [PMID: 30275522 PMCID: PMC6167369 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lung is a critical prophylaxis target for clinically important infectious agents, including human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. Here, we develop a modular, synthetic mRNA-based approach to express neutralizing antibodies directly in the lung via aerosol, to prevent RSV infections. First, we express palivizumab, which reduces RSV F copies by 90.8%. Second, we express engineered, membrane-anchored palivizumab, which prevents detectable infection in transfected cells, reducing in vitro titer and in vivo RSV F copies by 99.7% and 89.6%, respectively. Finally, we express an anchored or secreted high-affinity, anti-RSV F, camelid antibody (RSV aVHH and sVHH). We demonstrate that RSV aVHH, but not RSV sVHH, significantly inhibits RSV 7 days post transfection, and we show that RSV aVHH is present in the lung for at least 28 days. Overall, our data suggests that expressing membrane-anchored broadly neutralizing antibodies in the lungs could potentially be a promising pulmonary prophylaxis approach. Engineered neutralizing antibodies are potential therapeutics for numerous viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Here, the authors develop an mRNA-based approach to express membrane-anchored neutralizing antibodies in the lung and demonstrate that it inhibits RSV infections in mice.
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88
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Rauch S, Jasny E, Schmidt KE, Petsch B. New Vaccine Technologies to Combat Outbreak Situations. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1963. [PMID: 30283434 PMCID: PMC6156540 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ever since the development of the first vaccine more than 200 years ago, vaccinations have greatly decreased the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, famously leading to the eradication of small pox and allowing the restriction of diseases such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and measles. A multitude of research efforts focuses on the improvement of established and the discovery of new vaccines such as the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine in 2006. However, radical changes in the density, age distribution and traveling habits of the population worldwide as well as the changing climate favor the emergence of old and new pathogens that bear the risk of becoming pandemic threats. In recent years, the rapid spread of severe infections such as HIV, SARS, Ebola, and Zika have highlighted the dire need for global preparedness for pandemics, which necessitates the extremely rapid development and comprehensive distribution of vaccines against potentially previously unknown pathogens. What is more, the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria calls for new approaches to prevent infections. Given these changes, established methods for the identification of new vaccine candidates are no longer sufficient to ensure global protection. Hence, new vaccine technologies able to achieve rapid development as well as large scale production are of pivotal importance. This review will discuss viral vector and nucleic acid-based vaccines (DNA and mRNA vaccines) as new approaches that might be able to tackle these challenges to global health.
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89
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Shin H, Park SJ, Yim Y, Kim J, Choi C, Won C, Min DH. Recent Advances in RNA Therapeutics and RNA Delivery Systems Based on Nanoparticles. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hojeong Shin
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Jin Park
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeajee Yim
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Kim
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence Technology; Lemonex Inc.; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwon Choi
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolhee Won
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence Technology; Lemonex Inc.; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Dal-Hee Min
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence Technology; Lemonex Inc.; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
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90
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A Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Delivery of a Replicating Viral RNA Provides Single, Low-Dose Protection against Zika. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2507-2522. [PMID: 30078765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first demonstration of in vivo gene expression from an injected RNA molecule almost two decades ago,1 the field of RNA-based therapeutics is now taking significant strides, with many cancer and infectious disease targets entering clinical trials.2 Critical to this success has been advances in the knowledge and application of delivery formulations. Currently, various lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platforms are at the forefront,3 but the encapsulation approach underpinning LNP formulations offsets the synthetic and rapid-response nature of RNA vaccines.4 Second, limited stability of LNP formulated RNA precludes stockpiling for pandemic readiness.5 Here, we show the development of a two-vialed approach wherein the delivery formulation, a highly stable nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), can be manufactured and stockpiled separate from the target RNA, which is admixed prior to administration. Furthermore, specific physicochemical modifications to the NLC modulate immune responses, either enhancing or diminishing neutralizing antibody responses. We have combined this approach with a replicating viral RNA (rvRNA) encoding Zika virus (ZIKV) antigens and demonstrated a single dose as low as 10 ng can completely protect mice against a lethal ZIKV challenge, representing what might be the most potent approach to date of any Zika vaccine.
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91
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Nisini R, Poerio N, Mariotti S, De Santis F, Fraziano M. The Multirole of Liposomes in Therapy and Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Front Immunol 2018; 9:155. [PMID: 29459867 PMCID: PMC5807682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liposomes are closed bilayer structures spontaneously formed by hydrated phospholipids that are widely used as efficient delivery systems for drugs or antigens, due to their capability to encapsulate bioactive hydrophilic, amphipathic, and lipophilic molecules into inner water phase or within lipid leaflets. The efficacy of liposomes as drug or antigen carriers has been improved in the last years to ameliorate pharmacokinetics and capacity to release their cargo in selected target organs or cells. Moreover, different formulations and variations in liposome composition have been often proposed to include immunostimulatory molecules, ligands for specific receptors, or stimuli responsive compounds. Intriguingly, independent research has unveiled the capacity of several phospholipids to play critical roles as intracellular messengers in modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses through various mechanisms, including (i) activation of different antimicrobial enzymatic pathways, (ii) driving the fusion–fission events between endosomes with direct consequences to phagosome maturation and/or to antigen presentation pathway, and (iii) modulation of the inflammatory response. These features can be exploited by including selected bioactive phospholipids in the bilayer scaffold of liposomes. This would represent an important step forward since drug or antigen carrying liposomes could be engineered to simultaneously activate different signal transduction pathways and target specific cells or tissues to induce antigen-specific T and/or B cell response. This lipid-based host-directed strategy can provide a focused antimicrobial innate and adaptive immune response against specific pathogens and offer a novel prophylactic or therapeutic option against chronic, recurrent, or drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nisini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Poerio
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Mariotti
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica De Santis
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fraziano
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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92
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Leyman B, Huysmans H, Mc Cafferty S, Combes F, Cox E, Devriendt B, Sanders NN. Comparison of the Expression Kinetics and Immunostimulatory Activity of Replicating mRNA, Nonreplicating mRNA, and pDNA after Intradermal Electroporation in Pigs. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:377-384. [PMID: 29297692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to pDNA-based gene therapy. Currently, multiple synthetic mRNA platforms have been developed. In this study we investigated the expression kinetics and the changes in mRNA encoding cytokine and chemokine levels following intradermal electroporation in pigs of pDNA, self-replicating mRNA, and modified and unmodified mRNA. The self-replicating mRNA tended to induce the highest protein expression, followed by pDNA, modified mRNA, and unmodified mRNA. Interestingly, the self-replicating mRNA was able to maintain its high expression levels during at least 12 days. In contrast, the expression of pDNA and the nonreplicating mRNAs dropped after respectively one and two days. Six days after intradermal electroporation a dose-dependent expression was observed for all vectors. Again, also at lower doses, the self-replicating mRNA tended to show the highest expression. All the mRNA vectors, including the modified mRNA, induced elevated levels of mRNA encoding cytokines and chemokines in the porcine skin after intradermal electroporation, while no such response was noticed after intradermal electroporation of the pDNA vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bregje Leyman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hanne Huysmans
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Séan Mc Cafferty
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University , 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Francis Combes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University , 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Eric Cox
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University , Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bert Devriendt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University , Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University , 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Pardi N, Hogan MJ, Porter FW, Weissman D. mRNA vaccines - a new era in vaccinology. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:261-279. [PMID: 29326426 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2330] [Impact Index Per Article: 388.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines represent a promising alternative to conventional vaccine approaches because of their high potency, capacity for rapid development and potential for low-cost manufacture and safe administration. However, their application has until recently been restricted by the instability and inefficient in vivo delivery of mRNA. Recent technological advances have now largely overcome these issues, and multiple mRNA vaccine platforms against infectious diseases and several types of cancer have demonstrated encouraging results in both animal models and humans. This Review provides a detailed overview of mRNA vaccines and considers future directions and challenges in advancing this promising vaccine platform to widespread therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Hogan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Frederick W Porter
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Abstract
Since the turn of the century, a remarkable expansion has been achieved in the range and effectiveness of products and strategies available to prevent, treat, and control malaria, including advances in diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and vector control. These advances have once again put malaria elimination on the agenda. However, it is clear that even with the means available today, malaria control and elimination pose a formidable challenge in many settings. Thus, currently available resources must be used more effectively, and new products and approaches likely to achieve these goals must be developed. This paper considers tools (both those available and others that may be required) to achieve and maintain malaria elimination. New diagnostics are needed to direct treatment and detect transmission potential; new drugs and vaccines to overcome existing resistance and protect against clinical and severe disease, as well as block transmission and prevent relapses; and new vector control measures to overcome insecticide resistance and more powerfully interrupt transmission. It is also essential that strategies for combining new and existing approaches are developed for different settings to maximise their longevity and effectiveness in areas with continuing transmission and receptivity. For areas where local elimination has been recently achieved, understanding which measures are needed to maintain elimination is necessary to prevent rebound and the reestablishment of transmission. This becomes increasingly important as more countries move towards elimination.
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96
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Lutz J, Lazzaro S, Habbeddine M, Schmidt KE, Baumhof P, Mui BL, Tam YK, Madden TD, Hope MJ, Heidenreich R, Fotin-Mleczek M. Unmodified mRNA in LNPs constitutes a competitive technology for prophylactic vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2017; 2:29. [PMID: 29263884 PMCID: PMC5648897 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-017-0032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA represents a promising new vaccine technology platform with high flexibility in regard to development and production. Here, we demonstrate that vaccines based on sequence optimized, chemically unmodified mRNA formulated in optimized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are highly immunogenic and well tolerated in non-human primates (NHPs). Single intramuscular vaccination of NHPs with LNP-formulated mRNAs encoding rabies or influenza antigens induced protective antibody titers, which could be boosted and remained stable during an observation period of up to 1 year. First mechanistic insights into the mode of action of the LNP-formulated mRNA vaccines demonstrated a strong activation of the innate immune response at the injection site and in the draining lymph nodes (dLNs). Activation of the innate immune system was reflected by a transient induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and activation of the majority of immune cells in the dLNs. Notably, our data demonstrate that mRNA vaccines can compete with licensed vaccines based on inactivated virus or are even superior in respect of functional antibody and T cell responses. Importantly, we show that the developed LNP-formulated mRNA vaccines can be used as a vaccination platform allowing multiple, sequential vaccinations against different pathogens. These results provide strong evidence that the mRNA technology is a valid approach for the development of effective prophylactic vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Lutz
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Lazzaro
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Ying K. Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
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97
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Efficient Targeting and Activation of Antigen-Presenting Cells In Vivo after Modified mRNA Vaccine Administration in Rhesus Macaques. Mol Ther 2017; 25:2635-2647. [PMID: 28958578 PMCID: PMC5768558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines are rapidly emerging as a powerful platform for infectious diseases because they are well tolerated, immunogenic, and scalable and are built on precise but adaptable antigen design. We show that two immunizations of modified non-replicating mRNA encoding influenza H10 hemagglutinin (HA) and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) induce protective HA inhibition titers and H10-specific CD4+ T cell responses after intramuscular or intradermal delivery in rhesus macaques. Administration of LNP/mRNA induced rapid and local infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells (DCs) to the site of administration and the draining lymph nodes (LNs). While these cells efficiently internalized LNP, mainly monocytes and DCs translated the mRNA and upregulated key co-stimulatory receptors (CD80 and CD86). This coincided with upregulation of type I IFN-inducible genes, including MX1 and CXCL10. The innate immune activation was transient and resulted in priming of H10-specific CD4+ T cells exclusively in the vaccine-draining LNs. Collectively, this demonstrates that mRNA-based vaccines induce type-I IFN-polarized innate immunity and, when combined with antigen production by antigen-presenting cells, lead to generation of potent vaccine-specific responses.
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98
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Iavarone C, O'hagan DT, Yu D, Delahaye NF, Ulmer JB. Mechanism of action of mRNA-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:871-881. [PMID: 28701102 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1355245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present review summarizes the growing body of work defining the mechanisms of action of this exciting new vaccine technology that should allow rational approaches in the design of next generation mRNA vaccines. Areas covered: Bio-distribution of mRNA, localization of antigen production, role of the innate immunity, priming of the adaptive immune response, route of administration and effects of mRNA delivery systems. Expert commentary: In the last few years, the development of RNA vaccines had a fast growth, the rising number of proof will enable rational approaches to improving the effectiveness and safety of this modern class of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong Yu
- a GSK Vaccines , Rockville , MD , USA
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99
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Merani S, Pawelec G, Kuchel GA, McElhaney JE. Impact of Aging and Cytomegalovirus on Immunological Response to Influenza Vaccination and Infection. Front Immunol 2017; 8:784. [PMID: 28769922 PMCID: PMC5512344 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of people over the age of 60 is expected to double by 2050 according to the WHO. This emphasizes the need to ensure optimized resilience to health stressors in late life. In older adults, influenza is one of the leading causes of catastrophic disability (defined as the loss of independence in daily living and self-care activities). Influenza vaccination is generally perceived to be less protective in older adults, with some studies suggesting that the humoral immune response to the vaccine is further impaired in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive older people. CMV is a β-herpes virus infection that is generally asymptomatic in healthy individuals. The majority of older adults possess serum antibodies against the virus indicating latent infection. Age-related changes in T-cell-mediated immunity are augmented by CMV infection and may be associated with more serious complications of influenza infection. This review focuses on the impact of aging and CMV on immune cell function, the response to influenza infection and vaccination, and how the current understanding of aging and CMV can be used to design a more effective influenza vaccine for older adults. It is anticipated that efforts in this field will address the public health need for improved protection against influenza in older adults, particularly with regard to the serious complications leading to loss of independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzma Merani
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tübingen Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - George A Kuchel
- UConn Center on Aging, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
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100
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Kosinska AD, Bauer T, Protzer U. Therapeutic vaccination for chronic hepatitis B. Curr Opin Virol 2017; 23:75-81. [PMID: 28453967 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A therapeutic vaccine is meant to activate the patient's immune system to fight and finally control or ideally eliminate an already established infectious pathogen. Whereas the success of prophylactic vaccination is based on rapid antibody-mediated neutralization of an invading pathogen, control and elimination of persistent viruses such as hepatitis, herpes or papilloma viruses requires multi-specific and polyfunctional effector T cell responses. These are ideally directed against continuously expressed viral antigens to keep the pathogen in check. Activation of a humoral immune response in order to lower viral antigen load and to limit virus spread, however, confers an additional benefit. Therapeutic vaccines are under development for a number of chronic infections and require an intelligent vaccine design. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may serve as a prime example since a spontaneous, immune-mediated recovery of chronic hepatitis B and an elimination of the virus is possible even if it is observed only in very rare cases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and potential improvements of therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Germany
| | - Tanja Bauer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Germany.
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