101
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Cheng Q, Wei T, Jia Y, Farbiak L, Zhou K, Zhang S, Wei Y, Zhu H, Siegwart DJ. Dendrimer-Based Lipid Nanoparticles Deliver Therapeutic FAH mRNA to Normalize Liver Function and Extend Survival in a Mouse Model of Hepatorenal Tyrosinemia Type I. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1805308. [PMID: 30368954 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201805308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
mRNA-mediated protein replacement represents a promising concept for the treatment of liver disorders. Children born with fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) mutations suffer from Hepatorenal Tyrosinemia Type 1 (HT-1) resulting in renal dysfunction, liver failure, neurological impairments, and cancer. Protein replacement therapy using FAH mRNA offers tremendous potential to cure HT-1, but is currently hindered by the development of effective mRNA carriers that can function in diseased livers. Structure-guided, rational optimization of 5A2-SC8 mRNA-loaded dendrimer lipid nanoparticles (mDLNPs) increases delivery potency of FAH mRNA, resulting in functional FAH protein and sustained normalization of body weight and liver function in FAH-/- knockout mice. Optimization using luciferase mRNA produces DLNP carriers that are efficacious at mRNA doses as low as 0.05 mg kg-1 in vivo. mDLNPs transfect > 44% of all hepatocytes in the liver, yield high FAH protein levels (0.5 mg kg-1 mRNA), and are well tolerated in a knockout mouse model with compromised liver function. Genetically engineered FAH-/- mice treated with FAH mRNA mDLNPs have statistically equivalent levels of TBIL, ALT, and AST compared to wild type C57BL/6 mice and maintain normal weight throughout the month-long course of treatment. This study provides a framework for the rational optimization of LNPs to improve delivery of mRNA broadly and introduces a specific and viable DLNP carrier with translational potential to treat genetic diseases of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Cheng
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Tuo Wei
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuemeng Jia
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Lukas Farbiak
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kejin Zhou
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Shuyuan Zhang
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yonglong Wei
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Hao Zhu
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Daniel J Siegwart
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
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102
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Cell specific delivery of modified mRNA expressing therapeutic proteins to leukocytes. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4493. [PMID: 30374059 PMCID: PMC6206083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06936-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic alteration of gene expression in vivo can be achieved by delivering nucleic acids (e.g., mRNA, siRNA) using nanoparticles. Recent progress in modified messenger RNA (mmRNA) synthesis facilitated the development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) loaded with mmRNA as a promising tool for in vivo protein expression. Although progress have been made with mmRNA-LNPs based protein expression in hepatocytes, cell specificity is still a major challenge. Moreover, selective protein expression is essential for an improved therapeutic effect, due to the heterogeneous nature of diseases. Here, we present a precision protein expression strategy in Ly6c+ inflammatory leukocytes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) induced mice. We demonstrate a therapeutic effect in an IBD model by targeted expression of the interleukin 10 in Ly6c+ inflammatory leukocytes. A selective mmRNA expression strategy has tremendous therapeutic potential in IBD and can ultimately become a novel therapeutic modality in many other diseases. Therapeutic alteration of protein expression using modified mRNA is limited by immunogenicity and instability in vivo. Here the authors use antibody-coated lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA to leukocytes and drive expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in an inflammatory bowel disease mouse model.
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103
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Schumann C, Nguyen DX, Norgard M, Bortnyak Y, Korzun T, Chan S, Lorenz AS, Moses AS, Albarqi HA, Wong L, Michaelis K, Zhu X, Alani AWG, Taratula OR, Krasnow S, Marks DL, Taratula O. Increasing lean muscle mass in mice via nanoparticle-mediated hepatic delivery of follistatin mRNA. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:5276-5288. [PMID: 30555546 PMCID: PMC6276093 DOI: 10.7150/thno.27847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle atrophy occurs during chronic diseases, resulting in diminished quality of life and compromised treatment outcomes. There is a high demand for therapeutics that increase muscle mass while abrogating the need for special dietary and exercise requirements. Therefore, we developed an efficient nanomedicine approach capable of increasing muscle mass. Methods: The therapy is based on nanoparticle-mediated delivery of follistatin messenger RNA (mRNA) to the liver after subcutaneous administration. The delivered mRNA directs hepatic cellular machinery to produce follistatin, a glycoprotein that increases lean mass through inhibition of negative regulators of muscle mass (myostatin and activin A). These factors are elevated in numerous disease states, thereby providing a target for therapeutic intervention. Results: Animal studies validated that mRNA-loaded nanoparticles enter systemic circulation following subcutaneous injection, accumulate and internalize in the liver, where the mRNA is translated into follistatin. Follistatin serum levels were elevated for 72 h post injection and efficiently reduced activin A and myostatin serum concentrations. After eight weeks of repeated injections, the lean mass of mice in the treatment group was ~10% higher when compared to that of the controls. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results demonstrating an increased muscle mass as well as restricted fat accumulation, this nanoplatform might be a milestone in the development of mRNA technologies and the treatment of muscle wasting disorders.
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104
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Kaczmarek JC, Kauffman KJ, Fenton OS, Sadtler K, Patel AK, Heartlein MW, DeRosa F, Anderson DG. Optimization of a Degradable Polymer-Lipid Nanoparticle for Potent Systemic Delivery of mRNA to the Lung Endothelium and Immune Cells. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:6449-6454. [PMID: 30211557 PMCID: PMC6415675 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics hold great potential for treating a variety of diseases through protein-replacement, immunomodulation, and gene editing. However, much like siRNA therapy the majority of progress in mRNA delivery has been confined to the liver. Previously, we demonstrated that poly(β-amino esters), a class of degradable polymers, are capable of systemic mRNA delivery to the lungs in mice when formulated into nanoparticles with poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid conjugates. Using experimental design, a statistical approach to optimization that reduces experimental burden, we demonstrate herein that these degradable polymer-lipid nanoparticles can be optimized in terms of polymer synthesis and nanoparticle formulation to achieve a multiple order-of-magnitude increase in potency. Furthermore, using genetically engineered Cre reporter mice, we demonstrate that mRNA is functionally delivered to both the lung endothelium and pulmonary immune cells, expanding the potential utility of these nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C. Kaczmarek
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Kevin J. Kauffman
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Owen S. Fenton
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Kaitlyn Sadtler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Asha K. Patel
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD (UK)
| | | | | | - Daniel G. Anderson
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
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105
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Luo X, Zhao W, Li B, Zhang X, Zhang C, Bratasz A, Deng B, McComb DW, Dong Y. Co-delivery of mRNA and SPIONs through amino-ester nanomaterials. NANO RESEARCH 2018; 11:5596-5603. [PMID: 31737222 PMCID: PMC6858065 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-018-2082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles have been widely explored for combined therapeutic and diagnostic applications. For example, lipid-based nanoparticles have been used to encapsulate multiple types of agents and achieve multi-functions. Herein, we enabled a co-delivery of mRNA molecules and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) by using an amino-ester lipid-like nanomaterial. An orthogonal experimental design was used to identify the optimal formulation. The optimal formulation, MPA-Ab-8 LLNs, not only showed high encapsulation of both mRNA and SPIONs, but also increased the r 2 relaxivity of SPIONs by more than 1.5-fold in vitro. MPA-Ab-8 LLNs effectively delivered mRNA and SPIONs into cells, and consequently induced high protein expression as well as strong MRI contrast. Consistent herewith, we observed both mRNA-mediated protein expression and an evident negative contrast enhancement of MRI signal in mice. In conclusion, amino-ester nanomaterials demonstrate great potential as delivery vehicles for theranostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Luo
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Weiyu Zhao
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Xinfu Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Chengxiang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Anna Bratasz
- Small Animal Imaging Core, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Binbin Deng
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - David W McComb
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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106
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Xiong Q, Lee GY, Ding J, Li W, Shi J. Biomedical applications of mRNA nanomedicine. NANO RESEARCH 2018; 11:5281-5309. [PMID: 31007865 PMCID: PMC6472920 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-018-2146-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
As an attractive alternative to plasmid DNA, messenger RNA (mRNA) has recently emerged as a promising class of nucleic acid therapeutics for biomedical applications. Advances in addressing the inherent shortcomings of mRNA and in the development of nanoparticle-based delivery systems have prompted the development and clinical translation of mRNA-based medicines. In this review, we discuss the chemical modification strategies of mRNA to improve its stability, minimize immune responses, and enhance translational efficacy. We also highlight recent progress in nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery. Considerable attention is given to the increasingly widespread applications of mRNA nanomedicine in the biomedical fields of vaccination, protein-replacement therapy, gene editing, and cellular reprogramming and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xiong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Gha Young Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Wenliang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013 China
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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107
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Metabolically stabilized double-stranded mRNA polyplexes. Gene Ther 2018; 25:473-484. [PMID: 30154525 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic instability of mRNA currently limits its utility for gene therapy. Compared to plasmid DNA, mRNA is significantly more susceptible to digestion by RNase in the circulation following systemic dosing. To increase mRNA metabolic stability, we hybridized a complementary reverse mRNA with forward mRNA to generate double-stranded mRNA (dsmRNA). RNase A digestion of dsmRNA established a 3000-fold improved metabolic stability compared to single-stranded mRNA (ssmRNA). Formulation of a dsmRNA polyplex using a PEG-peptide further improved the stability by 3000-fold. Hydrodynamic dosing and quantitative bioluminescence imaging of luciferase expression in the liver of mice established the potent transfection efficiency of dsmRNA and dsmRNA polyplexes. However, hybridization of the reverse mRNA against the 5' and 3' UTR of forward mRNA resulted in UTR denaturation and a tenfold loss in expression. Repeat dosing of dsmRNA polyplexes produced an equivalent transient expression, suggesting the lack of an immune response in mice. Co-administration of excess uncapped dsmRNA with a dsmRNA polyplex failed to knock down expression, suggesting that dsmRNA is not a Dicer substrate. Maximal circulatory stability was achieved using a fully complementary dsmRNA polyplex. The results established dsmRNA as a novel metabolically stable and transfection-competent form of mRNA.
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108
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Rosigkeit S, Meng M, Grunwitz C, Gomes P, Kreft A, Hayduk N, Heck R, Pickert G, Ziegler K, Abassi Y, Röder J, Kaps L, Vascotto F, Beissert T, Witzel S, Kuhn A, Diken M, Schuppan D, Sahin U, Haas H, Bockamp E. Monitoring Translation Activity of mRNA-Loaded Nanoparticles in Mice. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:3909-3919. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Meng
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Kuhn
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mustafa Diken
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- TRON gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- TRON gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinrich Haas
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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109
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Bortolussi G, Muro AF. Advances in understanding disease mechanisms and potential treatments for Crigler–Najjar syndrome. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1495558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bortolussi
- Mouse Molecular Genetics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrés Fernando Muro
- Mouse Molecular Genetics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
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110
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Kowalski PS, Palmiero UC, Huang Y, Rudra A, Langer R, Anderson DG. Ionizable Amino-Polyesters Synthesized via Ring Opening Polymerization of Tertiary Amino-Alcohols for Tissue Selective mRNA Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1801151. [PMID: 29975801 PMCID: PMC6320729 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201801151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The utility of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapy is gaining a broad interest due to its potential for addressing a wide range of diseases, while effective delivery of mRNA molecules to various tissues still poses a challenge. This study reports on the design and characterization of new ionizable amino-polyesters (APEs), synthesized via ring opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones with tertiary amino-alcohols that enable tissue and cell type selective delivery of mRNA. With a diverse library of APEs formulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNP), structure-activity parameters crucial for efficient transfection are established and APE-LNPs are identified that can preferentially home to and elicit effective mRNA expression with low in vivo toxicity in lung endothelium, liver hepatocytes, and splenic antigen presenting cells, including APE-LNP demonstrating nearly tenfold more potent systemic mRNA delivery to the lungs than vivo-jetPEI. Adopting tertiary amino-alcohols to initiate ROP of lactones allows to control polymer molecular weight and obtain amino-polyesters with narrow molecular weight distribution, exhibiting batch-to-batch consistency. All of which highlight the potential for clinical translation of APEs for systemic mRNA delivery and demonstrate the importance of employing controlled polymerization in the design of new polymeric nanomaterials to improve in vivo nucleic acid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr S. Kowalski
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Umberto Capasso Palmiero
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7 - 20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Yuxuan Huang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Arnab Rudra
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniel G. Anderson
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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111
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Abstract
Messenger RNA is emerging as a highly versatile biological construct for creation of impactful medicines. mRNA vaccines directed toward infectious disease and cancer are in clinical development with encouraging early reads on tolerability and efficacy. The use of mRNA to direct intense but transient expression of paracrine factors is finding utility in reprogramming progenitor cells for wound healing and cardiac regeneration and for stimulation of antitumor immune responses, at least preclinically as we await clinical results. The use of mRNA for prolonged and repeated expression of proteins and enzymes to treat rare, typically monogenic disease is nearing clinical entry. These uses of mRNA require delivery solutions, and the application of and improvement to existing nanoparticle nucleic acid delivery systems have jump started the pace of development and reenergized the field of particle based nucleic acid delivery. The current status of mRNA delivery is reviewed in this article with an eye toward clinical tractability.
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112
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Sabnis S, Kumarasinghe ES, Salerno T, Mihai C, Ketova T, Senn JJ, Lynn A, Bulychev A, McFadyen I, Chan J, Almarsson Ö, Stanton MG, Benenato KE. A Novel Amino Lipid Series for mRNA Delivery: Improved Endosomal Escape and Sustained Pharmacology and Safety in Non-human Primates. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1509-1519. [PMID: 29653760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 439] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of mRNA-based therapies depends on the availability of a safe and efficient delivery vehicle. Lipid nanoparticles have been identified as a viable option. However, there are concerns whether an acceptable tolerability profile for chronic dosing can be achieved. The efficiency and tolerability of lipid nanoparticles has been attributed to the amino lipid. Therefore, we developed a new series of amino lipids that address this concern. Clear structure-activity relationships were developed that resulted in a new amino lipid that affords efficient mRNA delivery in rodent and primate models with optimal pharmacokinetics. A 1-month toxicology evaluation in rat and non-human primate demonstrated no adverse events with the new lipid nanoparticle system. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the improved efficiency can be attributed to increased endosomal escape. This effort has resulted in the first example of the ability to safely repeat dose mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles in non-human primate at therapeutically relevant levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staci Sabnis
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Timothy Salerno
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Cosmin Mihai
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tatiana Ketova
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joseph J Senn
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Andy Lynn
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alex Bulychev
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Iain McFadyen
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joyce Chan
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Örn Almarsson
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Matthew G Stanton
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kerry E Benenato
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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113
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Prieve MG, Harvie P, Monahan SD, Roy D, Li AG, Blevins TL, Paschal AE, Waldheim M, Bell EC, Galperin A, Ella-Menye JR, Houston ME. Targeted mRNA Therapy for Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency. Mol Ther 2018; 26:801-813. [PMID: 29433939 PMCID: PMC5910669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel, two-nanoparticle mRNA delivery system and show that it is highly effective as a means of intracellular enzyme replacement therapy (i-ERT) using a murine model of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD). Our Hybrid mRNA Technology delivery system (HMT) comprises an inert lipid nanoparticle that protects the mRNA from nucleases in the blood as it distributes to the liver and a polymer micelle that targets hepatocytes and triggers endosomal release of mRNA. This results in high-level synthesis of the desired protein specifically in the liver. HMT delivery of human OTC mRNA normalizes plasma ammonia and urinary orotic acid levels, and leads to a prolonged survival benefit in the murine OTCD model. HMT represents a unique, non-viral mRNA delivery method that allows multi-dose, systemic administration for treatment of single-gene inherited metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Prieve
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA.
| | - Pierrot Harvie
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Sean D Monahan
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Debashish Roy
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Allen G Li
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Teri L Blevins
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Amber E Paschal
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Matt Waldheim
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Eric C Bell
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Anna Galperin
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | | | - Michael E Houston
- PhaseRx, Inc., 410 W. Harrison Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
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114
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Miller JB, Kos P, Tieu V, Zhou K, Siegwart DJ. Development of Cationic Quaternary Ammonium Sulfonamide Amino Lipids for Nucleic Acid Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:2302-2311. [PMID: 29286232 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b15982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) currently comprise the most effective carrier class for the delivery of small RNAs. Among lipid carriers, charge-unbalanced lipids are relatively unexplored synthetically. Herein, we developed and evaluated a novel collection of compounds for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery, termed cationic quaternary ammonium sulfonamide amino lipids (CSALs). The formulated CSAL LNPs containing cholesterol, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and lipid poly(ethylene glycol) exhibited biophysical property trends directly related to the CSAL chemical structure. Lead CSAL LNPs were identified using an siRNA delivery screen. Further chemical synthesis using a rational structure-guided design showed that the head group structure could alter the pKa and other physical properties that modulated delivery efficacy. Shorter-chained dimethylamino head groups, acetate side chains, and higher tail carbon numbers were favorable for delivery. This led to a further study of A3-OAc-C2Me LNPs, which enabled in vivo delivery to normal mouse lungs and subcutaneous and orthotopic lung tumors. Incorporation of CSALs into liver-targeting formulations shifted the in vivo delivery of these carriers to the lungs. This study highlights the importance of the cationic lipid structure in LNPs and provides further design guidelines for nucleic acid carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason B Miller
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Petra Kos
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Victor Tieu
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Kejin Zhou
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Daniel J Siegwart
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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115
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Systemic Messenger RNA Therapy as a Treatment for Methylmalonic Acidemia. Cell Rep 2017; 21:3548-3558. [PMID: 29262333 PMCID: PMC9667413 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolated methylmalonic acidemia/aciduria (MMA) is a devastating metabolic disorder with poor outcomes despite current medical treatments. Like other mitochondrial enzymopathies, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is not available, and although promising, AAV gene therapy can be limited by pre-existing immunity and has been associated with genotoxicity in mice. To develop a new class of therapy for MMA, we generated a 5-methoxyU-modified codon-optimized mRNA encoding human methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (hMUT), the enzyme most frequently mutated in MMA, and encapsulated it into biodegradable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Intravenous (i.v.) administration of hMUT mRNA in two different mouse models of MMA resulted in a 75%–85% reduction in plasma methylmalonic acid and was associated with increased hMUT protein expression and activity in liver. Repeat dosing of hMUT mRNA reduced circulating metabolites and dramatically improved survival and weight gain. Additionally, repeat i.v. dosing did not increase markers of liver toxicity or inflammation in heterozygote MMA mice. An et al. find that systemically delivered LNP-encapsulated mRNA results in hepatic protein expression. hMUT mRNA expresses functional mitochondrial MUT enzyme, and MMA mouse models show a metabolic and clinical response after mRNA therapy.
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116
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Kwon H, Kim M, Seo Y, Moon YS, Lee HJ, Lee K, Lee H. Emergence of synthetic mRNA: In vitro synthesis of mRNA and its applications in regenerative medicine. Biomaterials 2017; 156:172-193. [PMID: 29197748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The field of gene therapy has evolved over the past two decades after the first introduction of nucleic acid drugs, such as plasmid DNA (pDNA). With the development of in vitro transcription (IVT) methods, synthetic mRNA has become an emerging class of gene therapy. IVT mRNA has several advantages over conventional pDNA for the expression of target proteins. mRNA does not require nuclear localization to mediate protein translation. The intracellular process for protein expression is much simpler and there is no potential risk of insertion mutagenesis. Having these advantages, the level of protein expression is far enhanced as comparable to that of viral expression systems. This makes IVT mRNA a powerful alternative gene expression system for various applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and preparation of IVT mRNA and its therapeutic applications. The article includes the design and preparation of IVT mRNA, chemical modification of IVT mRNA, and therapeutic applications of IVT mRNA in cellular reprogramming, stem cell engineering, and protein replacement therapy. Finally, future perspectives and challenges of IVT mRNA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyokyoung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yae Seul Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Jeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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117
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Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics are an established class of drugs that enable specific targeting of a gene of interest. This diverse family of drugs includes antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, and mRNA replacement therapies, which can elicit both gene repression and activation, primarily at the RNA level. Recent advances in medicinal chemistry have increased drug potency and enhanced delivery and distribution to a broad array of tissue and cell types. A key advantage of nucleic acid therapeutics is in their application to monogenic diseases. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one such disease that affects ∼70,000 people globally. This severe disease is an excellent candidate for nucleic acid therapies, as it is due to a genetic defect in a single epithelial chloride channel. Although CF affects many tissues, the primary cause of patient mortality is lung disease. Here we review the various nucleic acid therapeutic modalities and their mechanisms of action, the opportunities and challenges associated with application of nucleic acid drugs to the lung pathology of CF, and the current state and prospects for nucleic acid drugs for the treatment of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuling Guo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
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118
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Patel S, Ashwanikumar N, Robinson E, DuRoss A, Sun C, Murphy-Benenato KE, Mihai C, Almarsson Ö, Sahay G. Boosting Intracellular Delivery of Lipid Nanoparticle-Encapsulated mRNA. NANO LETTERS 2017; 17:5711-5718. [PMID: 28836442 PMCID: PMC5623340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b02664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery of mRNA holds great potential for vaccine1-3 and therapeutic4 discovery and development. Despite increasing recognition of the utility of lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) for intracellular delivery of mRNA, particle engineering is hindered by insufficient understanding of endosomal escape, which is believed to be a main limiter of cytosolic availability and activity of the nucleic acid inside the cell. Using a series of CRISPR-based genetic perturbations of the lysosomal pathway, we have identified that late endosome/lysosome (LE/Ly) formation is essential for functional delivery of exogenously presented mRNA. Lysosomes provide a spatiotemporal hub to orchestrate mTOR signaling and are known to control cell proliferation, nutrient sensing, ribosomal biogenesis, and mRNA translation. Through modulation of the mTOR pathway we were able to enhance or inhibit LNP-mediated mRNA delivery. To further boost intracellular delivery of mRNA, we screened 212 bioactive lipid-like molecules that are either enriched in vesicular compartments or modulate cell signaling. Surprisingly, we have discovered that leukotriene-antagonists, clinically approved for treatment of asthma and other lung diseases, enhance intracellular mRNA delivery in vitro (over 3-fold, p < 0.005) and in vivo (over 2-fold, p < 0.005). Understanding LNP-mediated intracellular delivery will inspire the next generation of RNA therapeutics that have high potency and limited toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - N Ashwanikumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - Emily Robinson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - Allison DuRoss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
| | - Conroy Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Medicine, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, 97239
| | | | - Cosmin Mihai
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Örn Almarsson
- Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Science Building, 2730 SW Moody Ave, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, 97201
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119
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Granot Y, Peer D. Delivering the right message: Challenges and opportunities in lipid nanoparticles-mediated modified mRNA therapeutics-An innate immune system standpoint. Semin Immunol 2017; 34:68-77. [PMID: 28890238 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
mRNA molecules hold tremendous potential as a tool for gene therapy of a wide range of diseases. However, the main hurdle in implementation of mRNA for therapeutics, the systemic delivery of mRNA molecules to target cells, remains a challenge. A feasible solution for this challenge relies in the rapidly evolving field of nucleic acid-loaded nanocarriers and specifically in the established family of lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs). Herein, we will discuss the main factors, which determine the fate of modified mRNA (mmRNA)-loaded LNPs in-vivo, and will focus on their interactions with the innate immune system as a main consideration in the design of lipid-based mmRNA delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Granot
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Dept. of Cell Research & Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Dept. of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Dept. of Cell Research & Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Dept. of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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120
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Kruse RL, Shum T, Legras X, Barzi M, Pankowicz FP, Gottschalk S, Bissig KD. In Situ Liver Expression of HBsAg/CD3-Bispecific Antibodies for HBV Immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 7:32-41. [PMID: 29018834 PMCID: PMC5626922 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Current therapies against hepatitis B virus (HBV) do not reliably cure chronic infection, necessitating new therapeutic approaches. The T cell response can clear HBV during acute infection, and the adoptive transfer of antiviral T cells during bone marrow transplantation can cure patients of chronic HBV infection. To redirect T cells to HBV-infected hepatocytes, we delivered plasmids encoding bispecific antibodies directed against the viral surface antigen (HBsAg) and CD3, expressed on almost all T cells, directly into the liver using hydrodynamic tail vein injection. We found a significant reduction in HBV-driven reporter gene expression (184-fold) in a mouse model of acute infection, which was 30-fold lower than an antibody only recognizing HBsAg. While bispecific antibodies triggered, in part, antigen-independent T cell activation, antibody production within hepatocytes was non-cytotoxic. We next tested the bispecific antibodies in a different HBV mouse model, which closely mimics the transcriptional template for HBV, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). We found that the antiviral effect was noncytopathic, mediating a 495-fold reduction in HBsAg levels at day 4. At day 33, bispecific antibody-treated mice exhibited 35-fold higher host HBsAg immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody production versus untreated groups. Thus, gene therapy with HBsAg/CD3-bispecific antibodies represents a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Kruse
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas Shum
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xavier Legras
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mercedes Barzi
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Frank P Pankowicz
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Karl-Dimiter Bissig
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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121
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Michel T, Luft D, Abraham MK, Reinhardt S, Salinas Medina ML, Kurz J, Schaller M, Avci-Adali M, Schlensak C, Peter K, Wendel HP, Wang X, Krajewski S. Cationic Nanoliposomes Meet mRNA: Efficient Delivery of Modified mRNA Using Hemocompatible and Stable Vectors for Therapeutic Applications. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:459-468. [PMID: 28918045 PMCID: PMC5545769 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Synthetically modified mRNA is a unique bioactive agent, ideal for use in therapeutic applications, such as cancer vaccination or treatment of single-gene disorders. In order to facilitate mRNA transfections for future therapeutic applications, there is a need for the delivery system to achieve optimal transfection efficacy, perform with durable stability, and provide drug safety. The objective of our study was to comprehensively analyze the use of 3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane) carbamoyl](DC-Cholesterol)/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) liposomes as a potential transfection agent for modified mRNAs. Our cationic liposomes facilitated a high degree of mRNA encapsulation and successful cell transfection efficiencies. More importantly, no negative effects on cell viability or immune reactions were detected posttransfection. Notably, the liposomes had a long-acting transfection effect on cells, resulting in a prolonged protein production of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). In addition, the stability of these mRNA-loaded liposomes allowed storage for 80 days, without the loss of transfection efficacy. Finally, comprehensive analysis showed that these liposomes are fully hemocompatible with fresh human whole blood. In summary, we present an extensive analysis on the use of DC-cholesterol/DOPE liposomes as mRNA delivery vehicles. This approach provides the basis of a safe and efficient therapeutic strategy in the development of successful mRNA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Michel
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Luft
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meike-Kristin Abraham
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sabrina Reinhardt
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martha L Salinas Medina
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Kurz
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3500, Australia
| | - Hans Peter Wendel
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3500, Australia
| | - Stefanie Krajewski
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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122
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Kaczmarek JC, Kowalski PS, Anderson DG. Advances in the delivery of RNA therapeutics: from concept to clinical reality. Genome Med 2017; 9:60. [PMID: 28655327 PMCID: PMC5485616 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 447] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid expansion of the available genomic data continues to greatly impact biomedical science and medicine. Fulfilling the clinical potential of genetic discoveries requires the development of therapeutics that can specifically modulate the expression of disease-relevant genes. RNA-based drugs, including short interfering RNAs and antisense oligonucleotides, are particularly promising examples of this newer class of biologics. For over two decades, researchers have been trying to overcome major challenges for utilizing such RNAs in a therapeutic context, including intracellular delivery, stability, and immune response activation. This research is finally beginning to bear fruit as the first RNA drugs gain FDA approval and more advance to the final phases of clinical trials. Furthermore, the recent advent of CRISPR, an RNA-guided gene-editing technology, as well as new strides in the delivery of messenger RNA transcribed in vitro, have triggered a major expansion of the RNA-therapeutics field. In this review, we discuss the challenges for clinical translation of RNA-based therapeutics, with an emphasis on recent advances in delivery technologies, and present an overview of the applications of RNA-based drugs for modulation of gene/protein expression and genome editing that are currently being investigated both in the laboratory as well as in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Kaczmarek
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA.,David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Piotr S Kowalski
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA. .,David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA. .,Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA. .,Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA.
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123
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Systemic delivery of factor IX messenger RNA for protein replacement therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E1941-E1950. [PMID: 28202722 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1619653114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Safe and efficient delivery of messenger RNAs for protein replacement therapies offers great promise but remains challenging. In this report, we demonstrate systemic, in vivo, nonviral mRNA delivery through lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to treat a Factor IX (FIX)-deficient mouse model of hemophilia B. Delivery of human FIX (hFIX) mRNA encapsulated in our LUNAR LNPs results in a rapid pulse of FIX protein (within 4-6 h) that remains stable for up to 4-6 d and is therapeutically effective, like the recombinant human factor IX protein (rhFIX) that is the current standard of care. Extensive cytokine and liver enzyme profiling showed that repeated administration of the mRNA-LUNAR complex does not cause any adverse innate or adaptive immune responses in immune-competent, hemophilic mice. The levels of hFIX protein that were produced also remained consistent during repeated administrations. These results suggest that delivery of long mRNAs is a viable therapeutic alternative for many clotting disorders and for other hepatic diseases where recombinant proteins may be unaffordable or unsuitable.
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124
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Nanotechnologies in delivery of mRNA therapeutics using nonviral vector-based delivery systems. Gene Ther 2017; 24:133-143. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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125
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Stanton MG, Murphy-Benenato KE. Messenger RNA as a Novel Therapeutic Approach. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2016_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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126
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Kauffman KJ, Mir FF, Jhunjhunwala S, Kaczmarek JC, Hurtado JE, Yang JH, Webber MJ, Kowalski PS, Heartlein MW, DeRosa F, Anderson DG. Efficacy and immunogenicity of unmodified and pseudouridine-modified mRNA delivered systemically with lipid nanoparticles in vivo. Biomaterials 2016; 109:78-87. [PMID: 27680591 PMCID: PMC5267554 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
mRNA has broad potential for treating diseases requiring protein expression. However, mRNA can also induce an immune response with associated toxicity. Replacement of uridine bases with pseudouridine has been postulated to modulate both mRNA immunogenicity and potency. Here, we explore the immune response and activity of lipid nanoparticle-formulated unmodified and pseudouridine-modified mRNAs administered systemically in vivo. Pseudouridine modification to mRNA had no significant effect on lipid nanoparticle physical properties, protein expression in vivo, or mRNA immunogenicity compared to unmodified mRNA when delivered systemically with liver-targeting lipid nanoparticles, but reduced in vitro transfection levels. Indicators of a transient, extracellular innate immune response to mRNA were observed, including neutrophilia, myeloid cell activation, and up-regulation of four serum cytokines. This study provides insight into the immune responses to mRNA lipid nanoparticles, and suggests that pseudouridine modifications may be unnecessary for therapeutic application of mRNA in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Kauffman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Faryal F Mir
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Siddharth Jhunjhunwala
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - James C Kaczmarek
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Juan E Hurtado
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jung H Yang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Matthew J Webber
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Piotr S Kowalski
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel G Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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