1
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Reitemeier J, Metro J, Bohn PW. Detection of aldehydes from degradation of lipid nanoparticle formulations using a hierarchically-organized nanopore electrochemical biosensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 261:116457. [PMID: 38850733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Degradation of ionizable lipids in mRNA-based vaccines was recently found to deactivate the payload, demanding rigorous monitoring of impurities in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. However, parallel screening for lipid degradation in customized delivery systems for next-generation therapeutics maintains a challenging and unsolved problem. Here, we describe a nanopore electrochemical sensor to detect ppb-levels of aldehydes arising from lipid degradation in LNP formulations that can be deployed in massively parallel fashion. Specifically, we combine nanopore electrodes with a block copolymer (BCP) membrane capable of hydrophobic gating of analyte transport between the bulk solution and the nanopore volume. By incorporating aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), enzymatic oxidation of aldehydes generates NADH to enable ultrasensitive voltammetric detection with limits-of-detection (LOD) down to 1.2 ppb. Sensor utility was demonstrated by detecting degradation of N-oxidized SM-102, the ionizable lipid in Moderna's SpikeVax™ vaccine, in mRNA-1273 LNP formulation. This work should be of significant use in the pharmaceutical industry, paving the way for automated on-line quality assessments of next-generation therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Reitemeier
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Jarek Metro
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Paul W Bohn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States.
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2
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Guimaraes GJ, Kim J, Bartlett MG. Characterization of mRNA therapeutics. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024; 43:1066-1090. [PMID: 37401740 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have emerged as powerful tools in the treatment of complex diseases, especially for conditions that lack efficacious treatment. The successful application of this modality can be attributed to its ability to encode entire proteins. While the large nature of these molecules has supported their success as therapeutics, its extended size creates several analytical challenges. To further support therapeutic mRNA development and its deployment in clinical trials, appropriate methods to support their characterization must be developed. In this review, we describe current analytical methods that have been used in the characterization of RNA quality, identity, and integrity. Advantages and limitations from several analytical techniques ranging from gel electrophoresis to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and from shotgun sequencing to intact mass measurements are discussed. We comprehensively describe the application of analytical methods in the measurements of capping efficiency, poly A tail analysis, as well as their applicability in stability studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme J Guimaraes
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jaeah Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael G Bartlett
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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3
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Lu P, Ruan D, Huang M, Tian M, Zhu K, Gan Z, Xiao Z. Harnessing the potential of hydrogels for advanced therapeutic applications: current achievements and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:166. [PMID: 38945949 PMCID: PMC11214942 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01852-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The applications of hydrogels have expanded significantly due to their versatile, highly tunable properties and breakthroughs in biomaterial technologies. In this review, we cover the major achievements and the potential of hydrogels in therapeutic applications, focusing primarily on two areas: emerging cell-based therapies and promising non-cell therapeutic modalities. Within the context of cell therapy, we discuss the capacity of hydrogels to overcome the existing translational challenges faced by mainstream cell therapy paradigms, provide a detailed discussion on the advantages and principal design considerations of hydrogels for boosting the efficacy of cell therapy, as well as list specific examples of their applications in different disease scenarios. We then explore the potential of hydrogels in drug delivery, physical intervention therapies, and other non-cell therapeutic areas (e.g., bioadhesives, artificial tissues, and biosensors), emphasizing their utility beyond mere delivery vehicles. Additionally, we complement our discussion on the latest progress and challenges in the clinical application of hydrogels and outline future research directions, particularly in terms of integration with advanced biomanufacturing technologies. This review aims to present a comprehensive view and critical insights into the design and selection of hydrogels for both cell therapy and non-cell therapies, tailored to meet the therapeutic requirements of diverse diseases and situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilin Lu
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, and Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, PR China
| | - Dongxue Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute for Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Meiqi Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, and Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, PR China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Stomatology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610021, PR China
| | - Kangshun Zhu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, and Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, PR China.
| | - Ziqi Gan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, PR China.
| | - Zecong Xiao
- Nanomedicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China.
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4
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Wang C, Yuan F. A comprehensive comparison of DNA and RNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115340. [PMID: 38810703 PMCID: PMC11181159 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid technology has revolutionized vaccine development, enabling rapid design and production of RNA and DNA vaccines for prevention and treatment of diseases. The successful deployment of mRNA and plasmid DNA vaccines against COVID-19 has further validated the technology. At present, mRNA platform is prevailing due to its higher efficacy, while DNA platform is undergoing rapid evolution because it possesses unique advantages that can potentially overcome the problems associated with the mRNA platform. To help understand the recent performances of the two vaccine platforms and recognize their clinical potentials in the future, this review compares the advantages and drawbacks of mRNA and DNA vaccines that are currently known in the literature, in terms of development timeline, financial cost, ease of distribution, efficacy, safety, and regulatory approval of products. Additionally, the review discusses the ongoing clinical trials, strategies for improvement, and alternative designs of RNA and DNA platforms for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States.
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5
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Noske S, Karimov M, Krüger M, Lilli B, Ewe A, Aigner A. Spray-drying of PEI-/PPI-based nanoparticles for DNA or siRNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 199:114297. [PMID: 38641228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Spray-drying of nucleic acid-based drugs designed for gene therapy or gene knockdown is associated with many advantages including storage stability and handling as well as the possibility of pulmonary application. The encapsulation of nucleic acids in nanoparticles prior to spray-drying is one strategy for obtaining efficient formulations. This, however, strongly relies on the definition of optimal nanoparticles, excipients and spray-drying conditions. Among polymeric nanoparticles, polyethylenimine (PEI)-based complexes with or without chemical modifications have been described previously as very efficient for gene or oligonucleotide delivery. The tyrosine-modification of linear or branched low molecular weight PEIs, or of polypropylenimine (PPI) dendrimers, has led to high complex stability, improved cell uptake and transfection efficacy as well as high biocompatibility. In this study, we identify optimal spray-drying conditions for PEI-based nanoparticles containing large plasmid DNA or small siRNAs, and further explore the spray-drying of nanoparticles containing chemically modified polymers. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), but not trehalose or lactose, is particularly well-suited as excipient, retaining or even enhancing transfection efficacies compared to fresh complexes. A big mesh size is critically important as well, while the variation of the spray-drying temperature plays a minor role. Upon spray-drying, microparticles in a ∼ 3.3 - 8.5 µm size range (laser granulometry) are obtained, dependent on the polymers. Upon their release from the spray-dried material, the nanoparticles show increased sizes and markedly altered zeta potentials as compared to their fresh counterparts. This may contribute to their high efficacy that is seen also after prolonged storage of the spray-dried material. We conclude that these spray-dried systems offer a great potential for the preparation of nucleic acid drug storage forms with facile reconstitution, as well as for their direct pulmonary application as dry powder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Noske
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Karimov
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krüger
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 13, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bettina Lilli
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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6
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Hashiba K, Taguchi M, Sakamoto S, Otsu A, Maeda Y, Ebe H, Okazaki A, Harashima H, Sato Y. Overcoming thermostability challenges in mRNA-lipid nanoparticle systems with piperidine-based ionizable lipids. Commun Biol 2024; 7:556. [PMID: 38730092 PMCID: PMC11087515 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising platforms for efficient in vivo mRNA delivery owing to advancements in ionizable lipids. However, maintaining the thermostability of mRNA/LNP systems remains challenging. While the importance of only a small amount of lipid impurities on mRNA inactivation is clear, a fundamental solution has not yet been proposed. In this study, we investigate an approach to limit the generation of aldehyde impurities that react with mRNA nucleosides through the chemical engineering of lipids. We demonstrated that piperidine-based lipids improve the long-term storage stability of mRNA/LNPs at refrigeration temperature as a liquid formulation. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis and additional lipid synthesis revealed that amine moieties of ionizable lipids play a vital role in limiting reactive aldehyde generation, mRNA-lipid adduct formation, and loss of mRNA function during mRNA/LNP storage. These findings highlight the importance of lipid design and help enhance the shelf-life of mRNA/LNP systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Hashiba
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan.
| | - Masamitsu Taguchi
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Sachiko Sakamoto
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Ayaka Otsu
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ebe
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Arimichi Okazaki
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
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7
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Chheda U, Pradeepan S, Esposito E, Strezsak S, Fernandez-Delgado O, Kranz J. Factors Affecting Stability of RNA - Temperature, Length, Concentration, pH, and Buffering Species. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:377-385. [PMID: 38042343 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
RNA is prone to both chemical degradation and/or physical instability. Some of the factors affecting stability of RNA in solution are its length, 3' poly A tail and 5' cap integrity, excipients, buffering species, pH of the solution, nucleases, and divalent cations. In this work, we showed the effect of temperature, messenger RNA (mRNA) length, buffering species, pH of the solution, and the concentration of mRNA on its chemical and physical stability. Our thermodynamic analysis of a 4000 nucleotide-long mRNA measured an activation energy of 31.5 kcal/mol normalized per phosphodiester backbone. We found mRNA length to be negatively correlated to its stability. Buffering species and pH of the solution affected mRNA integrity along with affecting the onset temperature of melting obtained by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermograms. It was also found that increasing the concentration of mRNA in solution increased its stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmi Chheda
- GreenLight Biosciences, Lexington, MA 02421, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | - James Kranz
- GreenLight Biosciences, Lexington, MA 02421, United States
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8
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Casmil IC, Huang C, Blakney AK. A duplex droplet digital PCR assay for absolute quantification and characterization of long self-amplifying RNA. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19050. [PMID: 37923834 PMCID: PMC10624827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-amplifying messenger ribonucleic acid (saRNA) provides extended expression of genes of interest by encoding an alphavirus-derived RNA replicase and thus is 2-3 times larger than conventional messenger RNA. However, quality assessment of long RNA transcripts is challenging using standard techniques. Here, we utilized a multiplex droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to assess the quality of saRNA produced from an in vitro transcription reaction and the replication kinetics in human cell lines. Using the one-step reverse transcription ddPCR, we show that an in vitro transcription generates 50-60% full-length saRNA transcripts. However, we note that the two-step reverse transcription ddPCR assay results in a 20% decrease from results obtained using the one-step and confirmed using capillary gel electrophoresis. Additionally, we provided three formulas that differ in the level of stringency and assumptions made to calculate the fraction of intact saRNA. Using ddPCR, we also showed that subgenomic transcripts of saRNA were 19-to-108-fold higher than genomic transcripts at different hours post-transfection of mammalian cells in copies. Therefore, we demonstrate that multiplex ddPCR is well suited for quality assessment of long RNA and replication kinetics of saRNA based on absolute quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irafasha C Casmil
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cynthia Huang
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Anna K Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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9
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Kopp KT, Saerens L, Voorspoels J, Van den Mooter G. Solidification and oral delivery of biologics to the colon- A review. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 190:106523. [PMID: 37429482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The oral delivery of biologics such as therapeutic proteins, peptides and oligonucleotides for the treatment of colon related diseases has been the focus of increasing attention over the last years. However, the major disadvantage of these macromolecules is their degradation propensity in liquid state which can lead to the undesirable and complete loss of function. Therefore, to increase the stability of the biologic and reduce their degradation propensity, formulation techniques such as solidification can be performed to obtain a stable solid dosage form for oral administration. Due to their fragility, stress exerted on the biologic during solidification has to be reduced with the incorporation of stabilizing excipients into the formulation. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art solidification techniques required to obtain a solid dosage form for the oral delivery of biologics to the colon and the use of suitable excipients for adequate stabilization upon solidification. The solidifying processes discussed within this review are spray drying, freeze drying, bead coating and also other techniques such as spray freeze drying, electro spraying, vacuum- and supercritical fluid drying. Further, the colon as site of absorption in both healthy and diseased state is critically reviewed and possible oral delivery systems for biologics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Tatjana Kopp
- Eurofins Amatsigroup, Industriepark-Zwijnaarde 7B, 9052 Gent, Belgium; Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Campus Gasthuisberg ON2, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lien Saerens
- Eurofins Amatsigroup, Industriepark-Zwijnaarde 7B, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Jody Voorspoels
- Eurofins Amatsigroup, Industriepark-Zwijnaarde 7B, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Guy Van den Mooter
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Campus Gasthuisberg ON2, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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10
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Lee EM, Setterholm NA, Hajjar M, Barpuzary B, Chaput JC. Stability and mechanism of threose nucleic acid toward acid-mediated degradation. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9542-9551. [PMID: 37650628 PMCID: PMC10570051 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Xeno-nucleic acids (XNAs) have gained significant interest as synthetic genetic polymers for practical applications in biomedicine, but very little is known about their biophysical properties. Here, we compare the stability and mechanism of acid-mediated degradation of α-l-threose nucleic acid (TNA) to that of natural DNA and RNA. Under acidic conditions and elevated temperature (pH 3.3 at 90°C), TNA was found to be significantly more resistant to acid-mediated degradation than DNA and RNA. Mechanistic insights gained by reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry indicate that the resilience of TNA toward low pH environments is due to a slower rate of depurination caused by induction of the 2'-phosphodiester linkage. Similar results observed for 2',5'-linked DNA and 2'-O-methoxy-RNA implicate the position of the phosphodiester group as a key factor in destabilizing the formation of the oxocarbenium intermediate responsible for depurination and strand cleavage of TNA. Biochemical analysis indicates that strand cleavage occurs by β-elimination of the 2'-phosphodiester linkage to produce an upstream cleavage product with a 2'-threose sugar and a downstream cleavage product with a 3' terminal phosphate. This work highlights the unique physicochemical properties available to evolvable non-natural genetic polymers currently in development for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
| | - Noah A Setterholm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
| | - Mohammad Hajjar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
| | - Bhawna Barpuzary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
| | - John C Chaput
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3958, USA
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11
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Ren X, Su D, Shi D, Xiang X. The improving strategies and applications of nanotechnology-based drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1272850. [PMID: 37811369 PMCID: PMC10557528 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1272850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of tumor-related death worldwide. Conventional treatments for HCC include drugs, radiation, and surgery. Despite the unremitting efforts of researchers, the curative effect of HCC has been greatly improved, but because HCC is often found in the middle and late stages, the curative effect is still not satisfactory, and the 5-year survival rate is still low. Nanomedicine is a potential subject, which has been applied to the treatment of HCC and has achieved promising results. Here, we summarized the factors affecting the efficacy of drugs in HCC treatment and the strategies for improving the efficacy of nanotechnology-based drugs in HCC, reviewed the recent applications' progress on nanotechnology-based drugs in HCC treatment, and discussed the future perspectives and challenges of nanotechnology-based drugs in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Ren
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Danyang Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Doudou Shi
- The Ninth Hospital of Xi’an, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaohong Xiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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12
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Miklavčič R, Megušar P, Kodermac ŠM, Bakalar B, Dolenc D, Sekirnik R, Štrancar A, Černigoj U. High Recovery Chromatographic Purification of mRNA at Room Temperature and Neutral pH. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14267. [PMID: 37762568 PMCID: PMC10532270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is becoming an increasingly important therapeutic modality due to its potential for fast development and platform production. New emerging RNA modalities, such as circular RNA, drive the need for the development of non-affinity purification approaches. Recently, the highly efficient chromatographic purification of mRNA was demonstrated with multimodal monolithic chromatography media (CIM® PrimaS), where efficient mRNA elution was achieved with an ascending pH gradient approach at pH 10.5. Here, we report that a newly developed chromatographic material enables the elution of mRNA at neutral pH and room temperature. This material demonstrates weak anion-exchanging properties and an isoelectric point of 5.3. It enables the baseline separation of mRNA (at least up to 10,000 nucleotides (nt) in size) from parental plasmid DNA (regardless of isoform composition) with both a NaCl gradient and ascending pH gradient approach, while mRNA elution is achieved in a pH range of 5-7. In addition, the basic structure of the novel material is a chromatographic monolith, enabling convection-assisted mass transfer of large RNA molecules to and from the active surface. This facilitates the elution of mRNA in 3-7 column volumes with more than 80% elution recovery and uncompromised integrity. This is demonstrated by the purification of a model mRNA (size 995 nt) from an in vitro transcription reaction mixture. The purified mRNA is stable for at least 34 days, stored in purified H2O at room temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Miklavčič
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Megušar
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | | | - Blaž Bakalar
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Darko Dolenc
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Rok Sekirnik
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Štrancar
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Urh Černigoj
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Mirce 21, 5270 Ajdovščina, Slovenia
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13
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Yihunie W, Nibret G, Aschale Y. Recent Advances in Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Vaccines and Their Delivery Systems: A Review. Clin Pharmacol 2023; 15:77-98. [PMID: 37554660 PMCID: PMC10405914 DOI: 10.2147/cpaa.s418314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was found as the intermediary that transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis in 1961. The emergency use authorization of the two covid-19 mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, is a significant achievement in the history of vaccine development. Because they are generated in a cell-free environment using the in vitro transcription (IVT) process, mRNA vaccines are risk-free. Moreover, chemical modifications to the mRNA molecule, such as cap structures and changed nucleosides, have proved critical in overcoming immunogenicity concerns, achieving sustained stability, and achieving effective, accurate protein production in vivo. Several vaccine delivery strategies (including protamine, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, nanoemulsions, and cell-based administration) were also optimized to load and transport RNA into the cytosol. LNPs, which are composed of a cationic or a pH-dependent ionizable lipid layer, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) component, phospholipids, and cholesterol, are the most advanced systems for delivering mRNA vaccines. Moreover, modifications of the four components that make up the LNPs showed to increase vaccine effectiveness and reduce side effects. Furthermore, the introduction of biodegradable lipids improved LNP biocompatibility. Furthermore, mRNA-based therapies are expected to be effective treatments for a variety of refractory conditions, including infectious diseases, metabolic genetic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the present review aims to provide the scientific community with up-to-date information on mRNA vaccines and their delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wubetu Yihunie
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getinet Nibret
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Aschale
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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14
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Kawamoto Y, Wu Y, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y. Development of nucleic acid medicines based on chemical technology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114872. [PMID: 37244354 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have attracted attention as an emerging modality that includes the modulation of genes and their binding proteins related to diseases, allowing us to take action on previously undruggable targets. Since the late 2010s, the number of oligonucleotide medicines approved for clinical uses has dramatically increased. Various chemistry-based technologies have been developed to improve the therapeutic properties of oligonucleotides, such as chemical modification, conjugation, and nanoparticle formation, which can increase nuclease resistance, enhance affinity and selectivity to target sites, suppress off-target effects, and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Similar strategies employing modified nucleobases and lipid nanoparticles have been used for developing coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of chemistry-based technologies aimed at using nucleic acids for developing therapeutics over the past several decades, with a specific emphasis on the structural design and functionality of chemical modification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - You Wu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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15
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Patel N, Davis Z, Hofmann C, Vlasak J, Loughney JW, DePhillips P, Mukherjee M. Development and Characterization of an In Vitro Cell-Based Assay to Predict Potency of mRNA-LNP-Based Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1224. [PMID: 37515040 PMCID: PMC10383996 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as a flexible platform for vaccine development. The evolution of lipid nanoparticles as effective delivery vehicles for modified mRNA encoding vaccine antigens was demonstrated by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to rapidly develop effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines from the spike protein genome, and to then manufacture multibillions of doses per year was an extraordinary achievement and a vaccine milestone. Further development and application of this platform for additional pathogens is clearly of interest. This comes with the associated need for new analytical tools that can accurately predict the performance of these mRNA vaccine candidates and tie them to an immune response expected in humans. Described here is the development and characterization of an imaging based in vitro assay able to quantitate transgene protein expression efficiency, with utility to measure lipid nanoparticles (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA vaccine potency, efficacy, and stability. Multiple biologically relevant adherent cell lines were screened to identify a suitable cell substrate capable of providing a wide dose-response curve and dynamic range. Biologically relevant assay attributes were examined and optimized, including cell monolayer morphology, antigen expression kinetics, and assay sensitivity to LNP properties, such as polyethylene glycol-lipid (or PEG-lipid) composition, mRNA mass, and LNP size. Collectively, this study presents a strategy to quickly optimize and develop a robust cell-based potency assay for the development of future mRNA-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisarg Patel
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Zach Davis
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Carl Hofmann
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Josef Vlasak
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - John W Loughney
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Pete DePhillips
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Malini Mukherjee
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
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16
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Ingle RG, Fang WJ. An Overview of the Stability and Delivery Challenges of Commercial Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041158. [PMID: 37111643 PMCID: PMC10143938 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid (NA)-based biopharmaceuticals have emerged as promising therapeutic modalities. NA therapeutics are a diverse class of RNA and DNA and include antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, miRNA, mRNA, small activating RNA, and gene therapies. Meanwhile, NA therapeutics have posed significant stability and delivery challenges and are expensive. This article discusses the challenges and opportunities for achieving stable formulations of NAs with novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). Here we review the current progress in the stability issues and the significance of novel DDSs associated with NA-based biopharmaceuticals, as well as mRNA vaccines. We also highlight the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved NA-based therapeutics with their formulation profiles. NA therapeutics could impact future markets if the remaining challenges and requirements are addressed. Regardless of the limited information available for NA therapeutics, reviewing and collating the relevant facts and figures generates a precious resource for formulation experts familiar with the NA therapeutics' stability profile, their delivery challenges, and regulatory acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul G Ingle
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Dr. Rajendra Gode College of Pharmacy, Amravati 444602, India
| | - Wei-Jie Fang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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17
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Cheng F, Wang Y, Bai Y, Liang Z, Mao Q, Liu D, Wu X, Xu M. Research Advances on the Stability of mRNA Vaccines. Viruses 2023; 15:668. [PMID: 36992377 PMCID: PMC10051489 DOI: 10.3390/v15030668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to other vaccines, the inherent properties of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and their interaction with lipid nanoparticles make them considerably unstable throughout their life cycles, impacting their effectiveness and global accessibility. It is imperative to improve mRNA vaccine stability and investigate the factors influencing stability. Since mRNA structure, excipients, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems, and manufacturing processes are the primary factors affecting mRNA vaccine stability, optimizing mRNA structure and screening excipients can effectively improve mRNA vaccine stability. Moreover, improving manufacturing processes could also prepare thermally stable mRNA vaccines with safety and efficacy. Here, we review the regulatory guidance associated with mRNA vaccine stability, summarize key factors affecting mRNA vaccine stability, and propose a possible research path to improve mRNA vaccine stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiran Cheng
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Center for Reference Materials and Standardization, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yu Bai
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zhenglun Liang
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Qunying Mao
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Dong Liu
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xing Wu
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Miao Xu
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
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18
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Sun H, Zhang Y, Wang G, Yang W, Xu Y. mRNA-Based Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020622. [PMID: 36839944 PMCID: PMC9964383 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant technological innovations have led to messenger RNA (mRNA) becoming a promising option for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and genome engineering. The success of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has sparked new enthusiasm for other medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are structurally designed to resemble naturally occurring mature mRNA. Delivery of IVT mRNA via delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles allows host cells to produce many copies of encoded proteins, which can serve as antigens to stimulate immune responses or as additional beneficial proteins for supplements. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics include mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA encoding cytokines, chimeric antigen receptors, tumor suppressors, and other combination therapies. To better understand the current development and research status of mRNA therapies for cancer treatment, this review focused on the molecular design, delivery systems, and clinical indications of mRNA therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence:
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19
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Xian H, Zhang Y, Yu C, Wang Y. Nanobiotechnology-Enabled mRNA Stabilization. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020620. [PMID: 36839942 PMCID: PMC9965532 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA technology has attracted enormous interest due to its great therapeutic potential. Strategies that can stabilize fragile mRNA molecules are crucial for their widespread applications. There are numerous reviews on mRNA delivery, but few focus on the underlying causes of mRNA instability and how to tackle the instability issues. Herein, the recent progress in nanobiotechnology-enabled strategies for stabilizing mRNA and better delivery is reviewed. First, factors that destabilize mRNA are introduced. Second, nanobiotechnology-enabled strategies to stabilize mRNA molecules are reviewed, including molecular and nanotechnology approaches. The impact of formulation processing on mRNA stability and shelf-life, including freezing and lyophilization, are also briefly discussed. Lastly, our perspectives on challenges and future directions are presented. This review may provide useful guidelines for understanding the structure-function relationship and the rational design of nanobiotechnology for mRNA stability enhancement and mRNA technology development.
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20
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Schmidt C, Schnierle BS. Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Candidates: Alternative Platforms for mRNA Vaccine Development. Pathogens 2023; 12:138. [PMID: 36678486 PMCID: PMC9863218 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The present use of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has shown for the first time the potential of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases. Here we will summarize the current knowledge about improved mRNA vaccines, i.e., the self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines. This approach may enhance antigen expression by amplification of the antigen-encoding RNA. RNA design, RNA delivery, and the innate immune responses induced by RNA will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Schmidt
- Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Barbara S. Schnierle
- Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
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21
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Klotz K, Radwan Y, Chakrabarti K. Dissecting Functional Biological Interactions Using Modular RNA Nanoparticles. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010228. [PMID: 36615420 PMCID: PMC9821959 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are an exciting and innovative technology in the context of both basic and biomedical research. Made of DNA, RNA, or their chemical analogs, NANPs are programmed for carrying out specific functions within human cells. NANPs are at the forefront of preventing, detecting, and treating disease. Their nucleic acid composition lends them biocompatibility that provides their cargo with enhanced opportunity for coordinated delivery. Of course, the NANP system of targeting specific cells and tissues is not without its disadvantages. Accumulation of NANPs outside of the target tissue and the potential for off-target effects of NANP-mediated cargo delivery present challenges to research and medical professionals and these challenges must be effectively addressed to provide safe treatment to patients. Importantly, development of NANPs with regulated biological activities and immunorecognition becomes a promising route for developing versatile nucleic acid therapeutics. In a basic research context, NANPs can assist investigators in fine-tuning the structure-function relationship of final formulations and in this review, we explore the practical applications of NANPs in laboratory and clinical settings and discuss how we can use established nucleic acid research techniques to design effective NANPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Klotz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Yasmine Radwan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kausik Chakrabarti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- Correspondence:
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22
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Hashiba K, Sato Y, Taguchi M, Sakamoto S, Otsu A, Maeda Y, Shishido T, Murakawa M, Okazaki A, Harashima H. Branching Ionizable Lipids Can Enhance the Stability, Fusogenicity, and Functional Delivery of mRNA. SMALL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202200071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Hashiba
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6 Kita-Ku Sapporo 060-0812 Japan
| | - Masamitsu Taguchi
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Sachiko Sakamoto
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Ayaka Otsu
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Takuya Shishido
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Masao Murakawa
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Arimichi Okazaki
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6 Kita-Ku Sapporo 060-0812 Japan
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23
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Kamiya M, Matsumoto M, Yamashita K, Izumi T, Kawaguchi M, Mizukami S, Tsurumaru M, Mukai H, Kawakami S. Stability Study of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles Exposed to Various Conditions Based on the Evaluation between Physicochemical Properties and Their Relation with Protein Expression Ability. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2357. [PMID: 36365175 PMCID: PMC9697436 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently in the spotlight as delivery systems for mRNA therapeutics and have been used in the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA-LNP formulations have been indicated to require strict control, including maintenance at fairly low temperatures during their transport and storage. Since it is a new pharmaceutical modality, there is a lack of information on the systematic investigation of how storage and handling conditions affect the physicochemical properties of mRNA-LNPs and their protein expression ability. In this study, using the mRNA-LNPs with standard composition, we evaluated the effects of temperature, cryoprotectants, vibration, light exposure, and syringe aspiration from the vials on the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles in relation to their in vitro/in vivo protein expression ability. Among these factors, storage at -80 °C without a cryoprotectant caused a decrease in protein expression, which may be attributed to particle aggregation. Exposure to vibration and light also caused similar changes under certain conditions. Exposure to these factors can occur during laboratory and hospital handling. It is essential to have sufficient knowledge of the stability of mRNA-LNPs in terms of their physical properties and protein expression ability at an early stage to ensure reproducible research and development and medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Kamiya
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsumoto
- Under Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Kazuma Yamashita
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Izumi
- Under Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Maho Kawaguchi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
| | - Shusaku Mizukami
- Department of Immune Regulation, SHionogi Global INfectious DiseasEs Division (SHINE), Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Masako Tsurumaru
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Mukai
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
- Under Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kawakami
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
- Under Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
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24
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Kairuz D, Samudh N, Ely A, Arbuthnot P, Bloom K. Advancing mRNA technologies for therapies and vaccines: An African context. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018961. [PMID: 36353641 PMCID: PMC9637871 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA technologies represent a versatile platform that can be used to develop advanced drug products. The remarkable speed with which vaccine development programs designed and manufactured safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines has rekindled interest in mRNA technology, particularly for future pandemic preparedness. Although recent R&D has focused largely on advancing mRNA vaccines and large-scale manufacturing capabilities, the technology has been used to develop various immunotherapies, gene editing strategies, and protein replacement therapies. Within the mRNA technologies toolbox lie several platforms, design principles, and components that can be adapted to modulate immunogenicity, stability, in situ expression, and delivery. For example, incorporating modified nucleotides into conventional mRNA transcripts can reduce innate immune responses and improve in situ translation. Alternatively, self-amplifying RNA may enhance vaccine-mediated immunity by increasing antigen expression. This review will highlight recent advances in the field of synthetic mRNA therapies and vaccines, and discuss the ongoing global efforts aimed at reducing vaccine inequity by establishing mRNA manufacturing capacity within Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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25
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Liu T, Tian Y, Zheng A, Cui C. Design Strategies for and Stability of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle COVID-19 Vaccines. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:4195. [PMID: 36236141 PMCID: PMC9572882 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have shown great preventive potential in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The lipid nanoparticle (LNP), as a non-viral vector with good safety and potency factors, is applied to mRNA delivery in the clinic. Among the recently FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, lipid-based nanoparticles have been shown to be well-suited to antigen presentation and enhanced immune stimulation to elicit potent humoral and cellular immune responses. However, a design strategy for optimal mRNA-LNP vaccines has not been fully elaborated. In this review, we comprehensively and systematically discuss the research strategies for mRNA-LNP vaccines against COVID-19, including antigen and lipid carrier selection, vaccine preparation, quality control, and stability. Meanwhile, we also discuss the potential development directions for mRNA-LNP vaccines in the future. We also conduct an in-depth review of those technologies and scientific insights in regard to the mRNA-LNP field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Aiping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Chunying Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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Cao Y, He Z, Chen Q, He X, Su L, Yu W, Zhang M, Yang H, Huang X, Li J. Helper-Polymer Based Five-Element Nanoparticles (FNPs) for Lung-Specific mRNA Delivery with Long-Term Stability after Lyophilization. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:6580-6589. [PMID: 35969167 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c01784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) carrying therapeutic mRNAs hold great promise in treating lung-associated diseases like viral infections, tumors, and genetic disorders. However, because of their thermodynamically unstable nature, traditional LNPs carrying mRNAs need to be stored at low temperatures, which hinders their prevalence. Herein, an efficient lung-specific mRNA delivery platform named five-element nanoparticles (FNPs) is developed in which helper-polymer poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) and DOTAP are used in combination. The new strategy endows FNPs with high stability by increasing the charge repulsion between nanoparticles and the binding force of the aliphatic chains within the nanoparticles. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) shows that PBAEs with E1 end-caps, higher degrees of polymerization, and longer alkyl side chains exhibit higher hit rates. Lyophilized FNP formulations can be stably stored at 4 °C for at least 6 months. Overall, a novel delivery platform with high efficiency, specificity, and stability was developed for advancing mRNA-based therapies for lung-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cao
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zongxing He
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qimingxing Chen
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lili Su
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenxia Yu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Huiying Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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Ripoll M, Bernard MC, Vaure C, Bazin E, Commandeur S, Perkov V, Lemdani K, Nicolaï MC, Bonifassi P, Kichler A, Frisch B, Haensler J. An imidazole modified lipid confers enhanced mRNA-LNP stability and strong immunization properties in mice and non-human primates. Biomaterials 2022; 286:121570. [PMID: 35576809 PMCID: PMC9078044 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mRNA vaccine technology has promising applications to fight infectious diseases as demonstrated by the licensing of two mRNA-based vaccines, Comirnaty® (Pfizer/BioNtech) and Spikevax® (Moderna), in the context of the Covid-19 crisis. Safe and effective delivery systems are essential to the performance of these vaccines and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) able to entrap, protect and deliver the mRNA in vivo are considered by many as the current "best in class". Nevertheless, current mRNA/LNP vaccine technology has still some limitations, one of them being thermostability, as evidenced by the ultracold distribution chain required for the licensed vaccines. We found that the thermostability of mRNA/LNP, could be improved by a novel imidazole modified lipid, DOG-IM4, in combination with standard helper lipids. DOG-IM4 comprises an ionizable head group consisting of imidazole, a dioleoyl lipid tail and a short flexible polyoxyethylene spacer between the head and tail. Here we describe the synthesis of DOG-IM4 and show that DOG-IM4 LNPs confer strong immunization properties to influenza HA mRNA in mice and macaques and a remarkable stability to the encapsulated mRNA when stored liquid in phosphate buffered saline at 4 °C. We speculate the increased stability to result from some specific attributes of the lipid's imidazole head group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Ripoll
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France; Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe 3Bio (Biovectorisation, Bioconjugaison, Biomatériaux), UMR 7199 - CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch Cedex, France.
| | | | - Céline Vaure
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Emilie Bazin
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Sylvie Commandeur
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Vladimir Perkov
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Katia Lemdani
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France; Neovacs, 3 impasse Reille, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Marie-Claire Nicolaï
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Patrick Bonifassi
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Antoine Kichler
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe 3Bio (Biovectorisation, Bioconjugaison, Biomatériaux), UMR 7199 - CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch Cedex, France.
| | - Benoit Frisch
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe 3Bio (Biovectorisation, Bioconjugaison, Biomatériaux), UMR 7199 - CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch Cedex, France.
| | - Jean Haensler
- Sanofi R&D, Campus Mérieux, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
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28
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The Potential of Nanomedicine to Unlock the Limitless Applications of mRNA. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020460. [PMID: 35214191 PMCID: PMC8879057 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The year 2020 was a turning point in the way society perceives science. Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology finally showed and shared its potential, starting a new era in medicine. However, there is no doubt that commercialization of these vaccines would not have been possible without nanotechnology, which has finally answered the long-term question of how to deliver mRNA in vivo. The aim of this review is to showcase the importance of this scientific milestone for the development of additional mRNA therapeutics. Firstly, we provide a full description of the marketed vaccine formulations and disclose LNPs’ pharmaceutical properties, including composition, structure, and manufacturing considerations Additionally, we review different types of lipid-based delivery technologies currently in preclinical and clinical development, namely lipoplexes and cationic nanoemulsions. Finally, we highlight the most promising clinical applications of mRNA in different fields such as vaccinology, immuno-oncology, gene therapy for rare genetic diseases and gene editing using CRISPR Cas9.
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A novel mechanism for the loss of mRNA activity in lipid nanoparticle delivery systems. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6777. [PMID: 34811367 PMCID: PMC8608879 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated mRNA vaccines were rapidly developed and deployed in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Due to the labile nature of mRNA, identifying impurities that could affect product stability and efficacy is crucial to the long-term use of nucleic-acid based medicines. Herein, reversed-phase ion pair high performance liquid chromatography (RP-IP HPLC) was used to identify a class of impurity formed through lipid:mRNA reactions; such reactions are typically undetectable by traditional mRNA purity analytical techniques. The identified modifications render the mRNA untranslatable, leading to loss of protein expression. Specifically, electrophilic impurities derived from the ionizable cationic lipid component are shown to be responsible. Mechanisms implicated in the formation of reactive species include oxidation and subsequent hydrolysis of the tertiary amine. It thus remains critical to ensure robust analytical methods and stringent manufacturing control to ensure mRNA stability and high activity in LNP delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticle delivery of mRNA vaccines has become of particular importance, however, mRNA stability is a major concern. Here, the authors report on a study of lipid impurity mRNA interactions using reverse phase ion pair HPLC to identify reactions which render the mRNA untranslatable, reducing vaccine efficiency.
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Machado BAS, Hodel KVS, Fonseca LMDS, Mascarenhas LAB, Andrade LPCDS, Rocha VPC, Soares MBP, Berglund P, Duthie MS, Reed SG, Badaró R. The Importance of RNA-Based Vaccines in the Fight against COVID-19: An Overview. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1345. [PMID: 34835276 PMCID: PMC8623509 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, vaccine development using ribonucleic acid (RNA) has become the most promising and studied approach to produce safe and effective new vaccines, not only for prophylaxis but also as a treatment. The use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as an immunogenic has several advantages to vaccine development compared to other platforms, such as lower coast, the absence of cell cultures, and the possibility to combine different targets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of mRNA as a vaccine became more relevant; two out of the four most widely applied vaccines against COVID-19 in the world are based on this platform. However, even though it presents advantages for vaccine application, mRNA technology faces several pivotal challenges to improve mRNA stability, delivery, and the potential to generate the related protein needed to induce a humoral- and T-cell-mediated immune response. The application of mRNA to vaccine development emerged as a powerful tool to fight against cancer and non-infectious and infectious diseases, for example, and represents a relevant research field for future decades. Based on these advantages, this review emphasizes mRNA and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) for vaccine development, mainly to fight against COVID-19, together with the challenges related to this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Katharine Valéria Saraiva Hodel
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Larissa Moraes dos Santos Fonseca
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Luís Alberto Brêda Mascarenhas
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Leone Peter Correia da Silva Andrade
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Vinícius Pinto Costa Rocha
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Peter Berglund
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Malcolm S. Duthie
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Steven G. Reed
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Roberto Badaró
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
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31
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Xu C, Zhao C, Ma B, Liu H. Uncertainties in synthetic DNA-based data storage. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5451-5469. [PMID: 33836076 PMCID: PMC8191772 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has evolved to be a naturally selected, robust biomacromolecule for gene information storage, and biological evolution and various diseases can find their origin in uncertainties in DNA-related processes (e.g. replication and expression). Recently, synthetic DNA has emerged as a compelling molecular media for digital data storage, and it is superior to the conventional electronic memory devices in theoretical retention time, power consumption, storage density, and so forth. However, uncertainties in the in vitro DNA synthesis and sequencing, along with its conjugation chemistry and preservation conditions can lead to severe errors and data loss, which limit its practical application. To maintain data integrity, complicated error correction algorithms and substantial data redundancy are usually required, which can significantly limit the efficiency and scale-up of the technology. Herein, we summarize the general procedures of the state-of-the-art DNA-based digital data storage methods (e.g. write, read, and preservation), highlighting the uncertainties involved in each step as well as potential approaches to correct them. We also discuss challenges yet to overcome and research trends in the promising field of DNA-based data storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Biao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
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32
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Schoenmaker L, Witzigmann D, Kulkarni JA, Verbeke R, Kersten G, Jiskoot W, Crommelin DJA. mRNA-lipid nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccines: Structure and stability. Int J Pharm 2021; 601:120586. [PMID: 33839230 PMCID: PMC8032477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 620] [Impact Index Per Article: 206.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A drawback of the current mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) COVID-19 vaccines is that they have to be stored at (ultra)low temperatures. Understanding the root cause of the instability of these vaccines may help to rationally improve mRNA-LNP product stability and thereby ease the temperature conditions for storage. In this review we discuss proposed structures of mRNA-LNPs, factors that impact mRNA-LNP stability and strategies to optimize mRNA-LNP product stability. Analysis of mRNA-LNP structures reveals that mRNA, the ionizable cationic lipid and water are present in the LNP core. The neutral helper lipids are mainly positioned in the outer, encapsulating, wall. mRNA hydrolysis is the determining factor for mRNA-LNP instability. It is currently unclear how water in the LNP core interacts with the mRNA and to what extent the degradation prone sites of mRNA are protected through a coat of ionizable cationic lipids. To improve the stability of mRNA-LNP vaccines, optimization of the mRNA nucleotide composition should be prioritized. Secondly, a better understanding of the milieu the mRNA is exposed to in the core of LNPs may help to rationalize adjustments to the LNP structure to preserve mRNA integrity. Moreover, drying techniques, such as lyophilization, are promising options still to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linde Schoenmaker
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jayesh A Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gideon Kersten
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstrasse 18b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstrasse 18b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Daan J A Crommelin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Crommelin DJA, Anchordoquy TJ, Volkin DB, Jiskoot W, Mastrobattista E. Addressing the Cold Reality of mRNA Vaccine Stability. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:997-1001. [PMID: 33321139 PMCID: PMC7834447 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As mRNA vaccines became the frontrunners in late-stage clinical trials to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges surrounding their formulation and stability became readily apparent. In this commentary, we first describe company proposals, based on available public information, for the (frozen) storage of mRNA vaccine drug products across the vaccine supply chain. We then review the literature on the pharmaceutical stability of mRNA vaccine candidates, including attempts to improve their stability, analytical techniques to monitor their stability, and regulatory guidelines covering product characterization and storage stability. We conclude that systematic approaches to identify the key physicochemical degradation mechanism(s) of formulated mRNA vaccine candidates are currently lacking. Rational design of optimally stabilized mRNA vaccine formulations during storage, transport, and administration at refrigerated or ambient temperatures should thus have top priority in the pharmaceutical development community. In addition to evidence of human immunogenicity against multiple viral pathogens, including compelling efficacy results against COVID-19, another key strength of the mRNA vaccine approach is that it is readily adaptable to rapidly address future outbreaks of new emerging infectious diseases. Consequently, we should not wait for the next pandemic to address and solve the challenges associated with the stability and storage of formulated mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan J A Crommelin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Thomas J Anchordoquy
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David B Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Lu T, Klein LJ, Ha S, Rustandi RR. High-Resolution capillary electrophoresis separation of large RNA under non-aqueous conditions. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1618:460875. [PMID: 31982098 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.460875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Large RNAs including messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are promising candidates for development of new drug products and vaccines. Development of high resolution methods for direct analysis of large RNAs, especially for purity in general and size or length in particular, is critical to support new drug development and manufacture. However, resolution based on size or length for large RNAs is limited even by capillary electrophoresis (CE), which is one of the most efficient separation methods for nucleic acids in general. This paper presents a capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) method for separating large RNA molecules by size or length under strongly denaturing, non-aqueous conditions. We believe that our work constitutes the first time that a gel suitable for CGE prepared with high molecular weight polymers and using only formamide as solvent has been successfully employed to analyze large RNAs on the basis of their size or length with high resolution. With an eye toward application for mRNAs in particular, separation conditions in this work were optimized for RNAs approximately 2000 nucleotides (nt) in length. As compared to a standard CGE method using an aqueous gel, resolution for commercially-available RNA ladder components at 1500 and 2000 nt is increased approximately 6-fold. The impacts of polymer type, molecular weight of the polymer, and polymer concentration on the separation were studied and optimized. Analysis of the results presented here also provides guidance for optimization of separation conditions for RNAs with different sizes as needed for particular applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lu
- Vaccine Analytical Research Development, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA.
| | - Lee J Klein
- Vaccine Analytical Research Development, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Sha Ha
- Vaccine Analytical Research Development, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | - Richard R Rustandi
- Vaccine Analytical Research Development, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
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Lee J, Arun Kumar S, Jhan YY, Bishop CJ. Engineering DNA vaccines against infectious diseases. Acta Biomater 2018; 80:31-47. [PMID: 30172933 PMCID: PMC7105045 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Engineering vaccine-based therapeutics for infectious diseases is highly challenging, as trial formulations are often found to be nonspecific, ineffective, thermally or hydrolytically unstable, and/or toxic. Vaccines have greatly improved the therapeutic landscape for treating infectious diseases and have significantly reduced the threat by therapeutic and preventative approaches. Furthermore, the advent of recombinant technologies has greatly facilitated growth within the vaccine realm by mitigating risks such as virulence reversion despite making the production processes more cumbersome. In addition, seroconversion can also be enhanced by recombinant technology through kinetic and nonkinetic approaches, which are discussed herein. Recombinant technologies have greatly improved both amino acid-based vaccines and DNA-based vaccines. A plateau of interest has been reached between 2001 and 2010 for the scientific community with regard to DNA vaccine endeavors. The decrease in interest may likely be attributed to difficulties in improving immunogenic properties associated with DNA vaccines, although there has been research demonstrating improvement and optimization to this end. Despite improvement, to the extent of our knowledge, there are currently no regulatory body-approved DNA vaccines for human use (four vaccines approved for animal use). This article discusses engineering DNA vaccines against infectious diseases while discussing advantages and disadvantages of each, with an emphasis on applications of these DNA vaccines. Statement of Significance This review paper summarizes the state of the engineered/recombinant DNA vaccine field, with a scope entailing “Engineering DNA vaccines against infectious diseases”. We endeavor to emphasize recent advances, recapitulating the current state of the field. In addition to discussing DNA therapeutics that have already been clinically translated, this review also examines current research developments, and the challenges thwarting further progression. Our review covers: recombinant DNA-based subunit vaccines; internalization and processing; enhancing immune protection via adjuvants; manufacturing and engineering DNA; the safety, stability and delivery of DNA vaccines or plasmids; controlling gene expression using plasmid engineering and gene circuits; overcoming immunogenic issues; and commercial successes. We hope that this review will inspire further research in DNA vaccine development.
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Fabre AL, Luis A, Colotte M, Tuffet S, Bonnet J. High DNA stability in white blood cells and buffy coat lysates stored at ambient temperature under anoxic and anhydrous atmosphere. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188547. [PMID: 29190767 PMCID: PMC5708797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional storage of blood-derived fractions relies on cold. However, lately, ambient temperature preservation has been evaluated by several independent institutions that see economic and logistic advantages in getting rid of the cold chain. Here we validated a novel procedure for ambient temperature preservation of DNA in white blood cell and buffy coat lysates based on the confinement of the desiccated biospecimens under anoxic and anhydrous atmosphere in original hermetic minicapsules. For this validation we stored encapsulated samples either at ambient temperature or at several elevated temperatures to accelerate aging. We found that DNA extracted from stored samples was of good quality with a yield of extraction as expected. Degradation rates were estimated from the average fragment size of denatured DNA run on agarose gels and from qPCR reactions. At ambient temperature, these rates were too low to be measured but the degradation rate dependence on temperature followed Arrhenius’ law, making it possible to extrapolate degradation rates at 25°C. According to these values, the DNA stored in the encapsulated blood products would remain larger than 20 kb after one century at ambient temperature. At last, qPCR experiments demonstrated the compatibility of extracted DNA with routine DNA downstream analyses. Altogether, these results showed that this novel storage method provides an adequate environment for ambient temperature long term storage of high molecular weight DNA in dehydrated lysates of white blood cells and buffy coats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lise Fabre
- Imagene, R&D department, Université de Bordeaux, ENSTBB, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, France
- Imagene, production platform, Rue Henri Desbruères, Genopole campus 1, Bât 6, Evry, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Aurélie Luis
- Imagene, R&D department, Université de Bordeaux, ENSTBB, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marthe Colotte
- Imagene, production platform, Rue Henri Desbruères, Genopole campus 1, Bât 6, Evry, France
| | - Sophie Tuffet
- Imagene, R&D department, Université de Bordeaux, ENSTBB, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jacques Bonnet
- Imagene, R&D department, Université de Bordeaux, ENSTBB, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, France
- Institut Bergonié- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1218, 229 Cours de l'Argonne, Bordeaux, France
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Li L, Leone T, Foley JP, Welch CJ. Separation of small interfering RNA stereoisomers using reversed-phase ion-pairing chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2017; 1500:84-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Critical considerations for developing nucleic acid macromolecule based drug products. Drug Discov Today 2015; 21:430-44. [PMID: 26674130 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Protein expression therapy using nucleic acid macromolecules (NAMs) as a new paradigm in medicine has recently gained immense therapeutic potential. With the advancement of nonviral delivery it has been possible to target NAMs against cancer, immunodeficiency and infectious diseases. Owing to the complex and fragile structure of NAMs, however, development of a suitable, stable formulation for a reasonable product shelf-life and efficacious delivery is indeed challenging to achieve. This review provides a synopsis of challenges in the formulation and stability of DNA/m-RNA based medicines and probable mitigation strategies including a brief summary of delivery options to the target cells. Nucleic acid based drugs at various stages of ongoing clinical trials are compiled.
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Colotte M, Coudy D, Tuffet S, Bonnet J. Adverse effect of air exposure on the stability of DNA stored at room temperature. Biopreserv Biobank 2014; 9:47-50. [PMID: 24850205 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2010.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marthe Colotte
- 1 Société Imagene, Plateforme de Production, Evry, France
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40
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Highlights of recent developments and trends in cancer nanotechnology research--view from NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer. Biotechnol Adv 2013; 32:666-78. [PMID: 23948249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the incidence of cancer and cancer related deaths in the United States has decreased over the past two decades due to improvements in early detection and treatment, cancer still is responsible for a quarter of the deaths in this country. There is much room for improvement on the standard treatments currently available and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has recognized the potential for nanotechnology and nanomaterials in this area. The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer was formed in 2004 to support multidisciplinary researchers in the application of nanotechnology to cancer diagnosis and treatment. The researchers in the Alliance have been productive in generating innovative solutions to some of the central issues of cancer treatment including how to detect tumors earlier, how to target cancer cells specifically, and how to improve the therapeutic index of existing chemotherapies and radiotherapy treatments. Highly creative ideas are being pursued where novelty in nanomaterial development enables new modalities of detection or therapy. This review highlights some of the innovative materials approaches being pursued by researchers funded by the NCI Alliance. Their discoveries to improve the functionality of nanoparticles for medical applications includes the generation of new platforms, improvements in the manufacturing of nanoparticles and determining the underlying reasons for the movement of nanoparticles in the blood.
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Abstract
Nonviral vector technology is attracting increasing importance in the biomedical community owing to unique advantages and prospects for the treatment of severe diseases by gene therapy. In this review, synthetic vectors that allow the controlled design of efficient and biocompatible carriers are highlighted. The current benefits, potentials, problems and unmet needs of synthetic gene delivery systems, as well as the strategies to overcome the obstacles are also discussed. Common design principles and structure–activity trends have been established that are important for stable and targeted transport to regions of interest in the body, efficient uptake into cells as well as controlled release of drugs inside the cells, for example, in specialized compartments. The status quo of the use of these systems in preclinical and clinical trials is also considered.
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Abstract
Like DNA, RNA can be designed and manipulated to produce a variety of different nanostructures. Moreover, RNA has a flexible structure and possesses catalytic functions that are similar to proteins. Although RNA nanotechnology resembles DNA nanotechnology in many ways, the base-pairing rules for constructing nanoparticles are different. The large variety of loops and motifs found in RNA allows it to fold into numerous complicated structures, and this diversity provides a platform for identifying viable building blocks for various applications. The thermal stability of RNA also allows the production of multivalent nanostructures with defined stoichiometry. Here we review techniques for constructing RNA nanoparticles from different building blocks, we describe the distinct attributes of RNA inside the body, and discuss potential applications of RNA nanostructures in medicine. We also offer some perspectives on the yield and cost of RNA production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixuan Guo
- Nanobiomedical Center, College of Engineering and College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, USA.
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Rossmanith P, Röder B, Frühwirth K, Vogl C, Wagner M. Mechanisms of degradation of DNA standards for calibration function during storage. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 89:407-17. [PMID: 20967442 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-2943-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/09/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of molecular diagnostics offering quantitative technology is directly associated with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This rapid, accurate and sensitive method requires careful execution, including reliable calibration standards. The storage of such standards is crucial to prevent nucleic acid decay and to ensure stable results using real-time PCR. In this study, a broad investigation of possible causes of DNA degradation during storage was performed, including GC-content of the fragments, long-term storage, rapid freeze-and-thaw experiments, genomic DNA and short DNA fragments of different species, the influence of shear stress and the effect of nuclease remaining after DNA isolation. Several known chemical DNA degradation mechanisms have been matched with the experimental data through a process of elimination. Protocols for practical application, as well as a theoretical model describing the underlying mechanisms of deviation of real-time PCR results due to decay of standard DNA, have been developed. Primary amines in the buffer composition, which enhance depurination of the DNA helix, and shear stress due to ice crystal formation, could be identified as major sources of interaction. This results in degradation of the standard DNA, as well as in the probability of occurrence of mismatches affecting real-time PCR performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rossmanith
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Molecular Food Analytics, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Impact of long-term storage on stability of standard DNA for nucleic acid-based methods. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:4260-2. [PMID: 20810770 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01230-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time PCR is dependent upon a calibration function for quantification. While long-term storage of standards saves cost and time, solutions of DNA are prone to degradation. We present here the benchmark treatment for preservation of DNA standards, involving storage in 50% glycerol-double-distilled water, whereby a deviation of 0.2 threshold cycle (C(T)) values resulted after 100 days of storage.
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Bonnet J, Colotte M, Coudy D, Couallier V, Portier J, Morin B, Tuffet S. Chain and conformation stability of solid-state DNA: implications for room temperature storage. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 38:1531-46. [PMID: 19969539 PMCID: PMC2836546 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently wide interest in room temperature storage of dehydrated DNA. However, there is insufficient knowledge about its chemical and structural stability. Here, we show that solid-state DNA degradation is greatly affected by atmospheric water and oxygen at room temperature. In these conditions DNA can even be lost by aggregation. These are major concerns since laboratory plastic ware is not airtight. Chain-breaking rates measured between 70 degrees C and 140 degrees C seemed to follow Arrhenius' law. Extrapolation to 25 degrees C gave a degradation rate of about 1-40 cuts/10(5) nucleotides/century. However, these figures are to be taken as very tentative since they depend on the validity of the extrapolation and the positive or negative effect of contaminants, buffers or additives. Regarding the secondary structure, denaturation experiments showed that DNA secondary structure could be preserved or fully restored upon rehydration, except possibly for small fragments. Indeed, below about 500 bp, DNA fragments underwent a very slow evolution (almost suppressed in the presence of trehalose) which could end in an irreversible denaturation. Thus, this work validates using room temperature for storage of DNA if completely protected from water and oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Bonnet
- Université de Bordeaux-plateforme Génomique Fonctionnelle, Institut Bergonié-INSERM U916 VINCO, Bordeaux, France.
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Watts JK, Katolik A, Viladoms J, Damha MJ. Studies on the hydrolytic stability of 2'-fluoroarabinonucleic acid (2'F-ANA). Org Biomol Chem 2009; 7:1904-10. [PMID: 19590787 DOI: 10.1039/b900443b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The stability of 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoroarabinonucleic acid (2'F-ANA) to hydrolysis under acidic and basic conditions was compared to that of DNA, RNA and 2'F-RNA. In enzyme-free simulated gastric fluid (pH approximately 1.2), 2'F-ANA was found to have dramatically increased stability (virtually no cleavage observed after 2 days) with respect to both DNA (t(1/2) approximately 2 min) and RNA (t(1/2) approximately 3 h (PO) or 3 days (PS)). These results were observed for both phosphodiester and phosphorothioate backbones and with multiple mixed-base sequences. Under basic conditions, 2'F-ANA also showed good stability. In 1 M NaOH at 65 degrees C, 2'F-ANA had a t(1/2) of approximately 20 h, while RNA was entirely degraded in a few minutes. Furthermore, the nuclease cleavage of phosphorothioate 2'F-ANA and DNA by snake venom phosphodiesterase was studied in detail. One diastereomer of the PS-2'F-ANA linkage was found to be much more vulnerable to enzymatic cleavage than the other, which is parallel to the properties observed for PS-DNA. Additional studies of 2'F-ANA-containing oligonucleotides are warranted based on the excellent stability properties described here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K Watts
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2K6
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Lin B, Zhan XC, Tao JL, Li LL, Qi HJ. Step Nonisothermal Method to Study Stability of Drugs. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2009; 35:154-64. [DOI: 10.1080/03639040802178938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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48
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Study of forced decomposition behavior of lamivudine using LC, LC-MS/TOF and MS(n). J Pharm Biomed Anal 2008; 49:55-63. [PMID: 19022602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2008.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lamivudine was subjected to forced decomposition conditions of hydrolysis (neutral, acidic and alkaline), oxidation, photolysis and thermal stress, as suggested in the ICH guideline Q1A(R2). The drug showed instability in acid and alkali, while it remained stable in neutral conditions. It also degraded extensively under oxidative environment. It remained stable to light and thermal stress. In total, five degradation products were formed, which could be separated by LC on a C18 column using a gradient method. To characterize the products, first a complete fragmentation pathway of the drug was established by carrying out multi-stage (MS(n)) and MS/TOF accurate mass studies. The same was compared to fragment pattern of the degradation products resulting from LC-MS/TOF studies. The accurate mass values obtained from LC-MS/TOF were used to obtain elemental compositions, and the total information helped in identification of the degradation products. Subsequently, degradation pathway of the drug was laid down, along with mechanisms of formation of the degradation products. There is no previous information on these aspects on the drug in the literature.
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LIN B, ZHAN XC, LI LL, LI CR, QI HJ, TAO JL. Step Nonisothermal Method in Kinetics Studies of Captopril Oxidation under Compressed Oxygen. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2008; 128:617-24. [PMID: 18379179 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.128.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bing LIN
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University
| | - Xian-Cheng ZHAN
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University
| | - Lin-Li LI
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University
| | - Cheng-Rong LI
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University
| | - Hai-Jun QI
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University
| | - Jian-Lin TAO
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University
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