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Yao R, Xie C, Xia X. Recent progress in mRNA cancer vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2307187. [PMID: 38282471 PMCID: PMC10826636 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2307187] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The research and development of messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines have gradually overcome numerous challenges through the application of personalized cancer antigens, structural optimization of mRNA, and the development of alternative RNA-based vectors and efficient targeted delivery vectors. Clinical trials are currently underway for various cancer vaccines that encode tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), or immunomodulators. In this paper, we summarize the optimization of mRNA and the emergence of RNA-based expression vectors in cancer vaccines. We begin by reviewing the advancement and utilization of state-of-the-art targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), followed by presenting the primary classifications and clinical applications of mRNA cancer vaccines. Collectively, mRNA vaccines are emerging as a central focus in cancer immunotherapy, offering the potential to address multiple challenges in cancer treatment, either as standalone therapies or in combination with current cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Zhao H, Zhang C, Tian C, Li L, Wu B, Stuart MAC, Wang M, Zhou X, Wang J. Rational design of diblock copolymer enables efficient cytosolic protein delivery. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 673:722-734. [PMID: 38901362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.123] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Polymer-mediated cytosolic protein delivery demonstrates a promising strategy for the development of protein therapeutics. Here, we propose a new designed diblock copolymer which realizes efficient cytosolic protein delivery both in vitro and in vivo. The polymer contains one protein-binding block composed of phenylboronic acid (PBA) and N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) (DMAP) pendant units for protein binding and endosomal escape, respectively, followed by the response to ATP enriched in the cytosol which triggers the protein release. The other block is PEG designed to improve particle size control and circulation in vivo. By optimizing the block composition, sequence and length of the copolymer, the optimal one (BP20) was identified with the binding block containing 20 units of both PBA and DMAP, randomly distributed along the chain. When mixed with proteins, the BP20 forms stable nanoparticles and mediates efficient cytosolic delivery of a wide range of proteins including enzymes, toxic proteins and CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNP), to various cell lines. The PEG block, especially when further modified with folic acid (FA), enables tumor-targeted delivery of Saporin in vivo, which significantly suppresses the tumor growth. Our results shall inspire the design of novel polymeric vehicles with robust capability for cytosolic protein delivery, which holds great potential for both biological research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Zhao
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, 200237 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Tian
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, 200237 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingshu Li
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, 200237 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bohang Wu
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, 200237 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Martien A Cohen Stuart
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, 200237 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, 200237 Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuhui Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003 Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junyou Wang
- State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, 200237 Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2743-2770. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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4
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Pu X, Li Z, Chen R, Shi J, Qin J, Zhu Y, Du J. Lung-selective nucleic acid vectors generated by in vivo lung-targeting-protein decoration of polyplexes. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3600-3609. [PMID: 38836707 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00502c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid drugs show immense therapeutic potential, but achieving selective organ targeting (SORT) for pulmonary disease therapy remains a formidable challenge due to the high mortality rate caused by pulmonary embolism via intravenous administration or the mucus barrier in the respiratory tract via nebulized delivery. To meet this important challenge, we propose a new strategy to prepare lung-selective nucleic-acid vectors generated by in vivo decoration of lung-targeting proteins on bioreducible polyplexes. First, we synthesized polyamidoamines, named pabol and polylipo, to encapsulate and protect nucleic acids, forming polyamidoamines/mRNA polyplexes. Second, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was coated on the surface of these polyplexes, called BSA@polyplexes, including BSA@pabol polyplexes and BSA@polylipo polyplexes, to neutralize excess positive charge, thereby enhancing biosafety. Finally, after subcutaneous injection, proteins, especially vitronectin and fibronectins, attached to the polyplexes, resulting in the formation of lung-selective nucleic-acid vectors that achieve efficient lung targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Pu
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Zejuan Li
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Ran Chen
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Junqiu Shi
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Jinlong Qin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China.
| | - Yunqing Zhu
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China.
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5
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Yi Y, An HW, Wang H. Intelligent Biomaterialomics: Molecular Design, Manufacturing, and Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305099. [PMID: 37490938 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Materialomics integrates experiment, theory, and computation in a high-throughput manner, and has changed the paradigm for the research and development of new functional materials. Recently, with the rapid development of high-throughput characterization and machine-learning technologies, the establishment of biomaterialomics that tackles complex physiological behaviors has become accessible. Breakthroughs in the clinical translation of nanoparticle-based therapeutics and vaccines have been observed. Herein, recent advances in biomaterials, including polymers, lipid-like materials, and peptides/proteins, discovered through high-throughput screening or machine learning-assisted methods, are summarized. The molecular design of structure-diversified libraries; high-throughput characterization, screening, and preparation; and, their applications in drug delivery and clinical translation are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the prospects and main challenges in future biomaterialomics and high-throughput screening development are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Hong-Wei An
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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6
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Hu M, Li X, You Z, Cai R, Chen C. Physiological Barriers and Strategies of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303266. [PMID: 37792475 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are currently the most promising vehicles for nucleic acid drug (NAD) delivery. Although their clinical applications have achieved success, the NAD delivery efficiency and safety are still unsatisfactory, which are, to a large extent, due to the existence of multi-level physiological barriers in vivo. It is important to elucidate the interactions between these barriers and LBNPs, which will guide more rational design of efficient NAD vehicles with low adverse effects and facilitate broader applications of nucleic acid therapeutics. This review describes the obstacles and challenges of biological barriers to NAD delivery at systemic, organ, sub-organ, cellular, and subcellular levels. The strategies to overcome these barriers are comprehensively reviewed, mainly including physically/chemically engineering LBNPs and directly modifying physiological barriers by auxiliary treatments. Then the potentials and challenges for successful translation of these preclinical studies into the clinic are discussed. In the end, a forward look at the strategies on manipulating protein corona (PC) is addressed, which may pull off the trick of overcoming those physiological barriers and significantly improve the efficacy and safety of LBNP-based NADs delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhen You
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Rong Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
- The GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou, 510700, China
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7
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Zhou F, Huang L, Li S, Yang W, Chen F, Cai Z, Liu X, Xu W, Lehto V, Lächelt U, Huang R, Shi Y, Lammers T, Tao W, Xu ZP, Wagner E, Xu Z, Yu H. From structural design to delivery: mRNA therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2024; 4:20210146. [PMID: 38855617 PMCID: PMC11022630 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have emerged as powerful tools for cancer immunotherapy in accordance with their superiority in expressing all sequence-known proteins in vivo. In particular, with a small dosage of delivered mRNA, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) can synthesize mutant neo-antigens and multi-antigens and present epitopes to T lymphocytes to elicit antitumor effects. In addition, expressing receptors like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), T-cell receptor (TCR), CD134, and immune-modulating factors including cytokines, interferons, and antibodies in specific cells can enhance immunological response against tumors. With the maturation of in vitro transcription (IVT) technology, large-scale and pure mRNA encoding specific proteins can be synthesized quickly. However, the clinical translation of mRNA-based anticancer strategies is restricted by delivering mRNA into target organs or cells and the inadequate endosomal escape efficiency of mRNA. Recently, there have been some advances in mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy, which can be roughly classified as modifications of the mRNA structure and the development of delivery systems, especially the lipid nanoparticle platforms. In this review, the latest strategies for overcoming the limitations of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and the recent advances in delivering mRNA into specific organs and cells are summarized. Challenges and opportunities for clinical applications of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lujia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shiqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Wenfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Fangmin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Wujun Xu
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Vesa‐Pekka Lehto
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Rongqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug DeliveryMinistry of Education, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular ImagingRWTH Aachen University ClinicAachenGermany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular ImagingRWTH Aachen University ClinicAachenGermany
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering and Institute of Systems and Physical BiologyShenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for NanoscienceLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunichGermany
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Berger S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Dynamic carriers for therapeutic RNA delivery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307799120. [PMID: 38437544 PMCID: PMC10945752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307799120] [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] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Carriers for RNA delivery must be dynamic, first stabilizing and protecting therapeutic RNA during delivery to the target tissue and across cellular membrane barriers and then releasing the cargo in bioactive form. The chemical space of carriers ranges from small cationic lipids applied in lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, over medium-sized sequence-defined xenopeptides, to macromolecular polycations applied in polyplexes and polymer micelles. This perspective highlights the discovery of distinct virus-inspired dynamic processes that capitalize on mutual nanoparticle-host interactions to achieve potent RNA delivery. From the host side, subtle alterations of pH, ion concentration, redox potential, presence of specific proteins, receptors, or enzymes are cues, which must be recognized by the RNA nanocarrier via dynamic chemical designs including cleavable bonds, alterable physicochemical properties, and supramolecular assembly-disassembly processes to respond to changing biological microenvironment during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
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Kimura S, Harashima H. Nano-Bio Interactions: Exploring the Biological Behavior and the Fate of Lipid-Based Gene Delivery Systems. BioDrugs 2024; 38:259-273. [PMID: 38345754 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00647-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy for many diseases is rapidly becoming a reality, as demonstrated by the recent approval of various nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Non-viral systems such as lipid-based carriers, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), for delivering different payloads including small interfering RNA, plasmid DNA, and messenger RNA have been particularly extensively explored and developed for clinical uses. One of the most important issues in LNP development is delivery to extrahepatic tissues. To achieve this, various lipids and lipid-like materials are being examined and screened. Several LNP formulations that target extrahepatic tissues, such as the spleen and the lungs have been developed by adjusting the lipid compositions of LNPs. However, mechanistic details of how the characteristics of LNPs affect delivery efficiency remains unclear. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of LNP-based nucleic acid delivery focusing on LNP components and their structures, as well as discussing biological factors, such as biomolecular corona and cellular responses related to the delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seigo Kimura
- Integrated Research Consortium on Chemical Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan.
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
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10
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Zhang X, Li Y, Zhou Z. Lipid Nanoparticle-Based Delivery System-A Competing Place for mRNA Vaccines. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:6219-6234. [PMID: 38371811 PMCID: PMC10870384 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
mRNA, as one of the foci of biomedical research in the past decade, has become a candidate vaccine solution for various infectious diseases and tumors and for regenerative medicine and immunotherapy due to its high efficiency, safety, and effectiveness. A stable and effective delivery system is needed to protect mRNAs from nuclease degradation while also enhancing immunogenicity. The success of mRNA lipid nanoparticles in treating COVID-19, to a certain extent, marks a milestone for mRNA vaccines and also promotes further research on mRNA delivery systems. Here, we explore mRNA vaccine delivery systems, especially lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), considering the current research status, prospects, and challenges of lipid nanoparticles, and explore other mRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhang
- Research
Center for Infectious Diseases, Tianjin
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China
- Institute
for Biological Product Control, National
Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) and WHO Collaborating
Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, No.31 Huatuo Street, Daxing District, 102629 Beijing, China
- College
of Life Science, Jilin University, 130012 Changchun, China
| | - Yuanfang Li
- Department
of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen Branch), Fudan University, 361015 Xiamen, Fujian China
| | - Zehua Zhou
- Research
Center for Infectious Diseases, Tianjin
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 300193 Tianjin, China
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11
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Choe JA, Brinkman HM, Lee JS, Murphy WL. Optimized biomimetic minerals maintain activity of mRNA complexes after long term storage. Acta Biomater 2024; 174:428-436. [PMID: 38061679 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.044] [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] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics can be readily designed, manufactured, and brought to scale, as demonstrated by widespread global vaccination against COVID-19. However, mRNA therapies require cold chain shipment and storage from manufacturing to administration, which may limit them to affluent communities. This problem could be addressed by mimicking the known ability of mineralized fossils to durably stabilize nucleic acids under extreme conditions. We synthesized and screened 40 calcium-phosphate minerals for their ability to store and maintain the activity of lyophilized mRNA complexes. The optimal mineral formulation incorporated mRNA complexes with high efficiency (77 %), and increased mRNA transfection efficiency by 5.6-fold. Lyophilized mRNA complexes stored with the optimized mineral formulation for 6 months at 25 °C were 3.2-fold more active than those stored with state-of-the-art excipients, but without a mineral. mRNA complexes stored with minerals at room temperature did not decline in transfection efficacy from 3 days to 6 months of storage, indicating that minerals can durably maintain activity of therapeutic mRNA complexes without cold chain storage. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Therapeutic mRNA, such as mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, require extensive cold chain storage that limits their general application. This work screened a library of minerals to maintain the activity of mRNA complexes with freeze-drying. The optimized mineral was able to maintain mRNA activity up to 6 months of storage at room temperature outperforming current methods of freeze-drying therapeutic mRNA complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Choe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Madison, WI, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hannah M Brinkman
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Madison, WI, USA; Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jae Sung Lee
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William L Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Madison, WI, USA.
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12
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Gu J, Xu Z, Liu Q, Tang S, Zhang W, Xie S, Chen X, Chen J, Yong KT, Yang C, Xu G. Building a Better Silver Bullet: Current Status and Perspectives of Non-Viral Vectors for mRNA Vaccines. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302409. [PMID: 37964681 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302409] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have exhibited great potential to replace conventional vaccines owing to their low risk of insertional mutagenesis, safety and efficacy, rapid and scalable production, and low-cost manufacturing. With the great achievements of chemical modification and sequence optimization methods of mRNA, the key to the success of mRNA vaccines is strictly dependent on safe and efficient gene vectors. Among various delivery platforms, non-viral mRNA vectors could represent perfect choices for future clinical translation regarding their safety, sufficient packaging capability, low immunogenicity, and versatility. In this review, the recent progress in the development of non-viral mRNA vectors is focused on. Various organic vectors including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, peptides, and exosomes for efficient mRNA delivery are presented and summarized. Furthermore, the latest advances in clinical trials of mRNA vaccines are described. Finally, the current challenges and future possibilities for the clinical translation of these promising mRNA vectors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan, University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhourui Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Shiqi Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Wenguang Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shouxia Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan, University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, China
- Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chengbin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Gaixia Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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13
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Leng Q, He J, Anand A, Mixson AJ. Delivery of mRNA with Histidine-Lysine Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2822:367-386. [PMID: 38907929 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3918-4_23] [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] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Transfection with mRNA has been considered superior to that with plasmids since the mRNA can be translated to a protein in the cytosol without entering the nucleus. One disadvantage of using mRNA is its susceptibility to enzymatic biodegradability, and consequently, significant research has occurred to determine nonviral carriers that will sufficiently stabilize this nucleic acid for cellular transport. Histidine-lysine peptides (HK) are one such class of mRNA carriers, which we think serves as a model for other peptides and polymeric carrier systems. When the HK peptide and mRNA are mixed and interact through ionic and nonionic bonds, mRNA polyplexes are formed, which can transfect cells. In contrast to linear HK peptides, branched HK peptides protected and efficiently transfected mRNA into cells. After describing the preparation and biophysical characterization of these polyplexes, we will provide protocols for in vitro and in vivo transfection for these mRNA polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Leng
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiaxi He
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aishwarya Anand
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A James Mixson
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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14
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Jia Y, Wang X, Li L, Li F, Zhang J, Liang XJ. Lipid Nanoparticles Optimized for Targeting and Release of Nucleic Acid. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305300. [PMID: 37547955 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the most promising clinical nucleic acids drug delivery vehicles. LNPs prevent the degradation of cargo nucleic acids during blood circulation. Upon entry into the cell, specific components of the lipid nanoparticles can promote the endosomal escape of nucleic acids. These are the basic properties of lipid nanoparticles as nucleic acid carriers. As LNPs exhibit hepatic aggregation characteristics, enhancing targeting out of the liver is a crucial way to improve LNPs administrated in vivo. Meanwhile, endosomal escape of nucleic acids loaded in LNPs is often considered inadequate, and therefore, much effort is devoted to enhancing the intracellular release efficiency of nucleic acids. Here, different strategies to efficiently deliver nucleic acid delivery from LNPs are concluded and their mechanisms are investigated. In addition, based on the information on LNPs that are in clinical trials or have completed clinical trials, the issues that are necessary to be approached in the clinical translation of LNPs are discussed, which it is hoped will shed light on the development of LNP nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Jia
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiuguang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Luwei Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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15
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Walker AJ, Graham C, Greenwood M, Woodall M, Maeshima R, O’Hara-Wright M, Sanz DJ, Guerrini I, Aldossary AM, O’Callaghan C, Baines DL, Harrison PT, Hart SL. Molecular and functional correction of a deep intronic splicing mutation in CFTR by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101140. [PMID: 38027060 PMCID: PMC10661860 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. The 10th most common mutation, c.3178-2477C>T (3849+10kb C>T), involves a cryptic, intronic splice site. This mutation was corrected in CF primary cells homozygous for this mutation by delivering pairs of guide RNAs (gRNAs) with Cas9 protein in ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes that introduce double-strand breaks to flanking sites to excise the 3849+10kb C>T mutation, followed by DNA repair by the non-homologous end-joining pathway, which functions in all cells of the airway epithelium. RNP complexes were delivered to CF basal epithelial cell by a non-viral, receptor-targeted nanocomplex comprising a formulation of targeting peptides and lipids. Canonical CFTR mRNA splicing was, thus, restored leading to the restoration of CFTR protein expression with concomitant restoration of electrophysiological function in airway epithelial air-liquid interface cultures. Off-target editing was not detected by Sanger sequencing of in silico-selected genomic sites with the highest sequence similarities to the gRNAs, although more sensitive unbiased whole genome sequencing methods would be required for possible translational developments. This approach could potentially be used to correct aberrant splicing signals in several other CF mutations and other genetic disorders where deep-intronic mutations are pathogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. Walker
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Carina Graham
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Miriam Greenwood
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Maximillian Woodall
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ruhina Maeshima
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Michelle O’Hara-Wright
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - David J. Sanz
- Department of Physiology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ileana Guerrini
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Ahmad M. Aldossary
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Christopher O’Callaghan
- Infection, Immunity & Inflammation Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Deborah L. Baines
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick T. Harrison
- Department of Physiology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Stephen L. Hart
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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16
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Saiding Q, Zhang Z, Chen S, Xiao F, Chen Y, Li Y, Zhen X, Khan MM, Chen W, Koo S, Kong N, Tao W. Nano-bio interactions in mRNA nanomedicine: Challenges and opportunities for targeted mRNA delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115116. [PMID: 37871748 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Upon entering the biological milieu, nanomedicines swiftly interact with the surrounding tissue fluid, subsequently being enveloped by a dynamic interplay of biomacromolecules, such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and cellular metabolites, but with predominant serum proteins within the biological corona. A notable consequence of the protein corona phenomenon is the unintentional loss of targeting ligands initially designed to direct nanomedicines toward particular cells or organs within the in vivo environment. mRNA nanomedicine displays high demand for specific cell and tissue-targeted delivery to effectively transport mRNA molecules into target cells, where they can exert their therapeutic effects with utmost efficacy. In this review, focusing on the delivery systems and tissue-specific applications, we aim to update the nanomedicine population with the prevailing and still enigmatic paradigm of nano-bio interactions, a formidable hurdle in the pursuit of targeted mRNA delivery. We also elucidate the current impediments faced in mRNA therapeutics and, by contemplating prospective avenues-either to modulate the corona or to adopt an 'ally from adversary' approach-aim to chart a course for advancing mRNA nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States; The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation's Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shuying Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Fan Xiao
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Yumeng Chen
- The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation's Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Muhammad Muzamil Khan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Na Kong
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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17
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Huang P, Deng H, Wang C, Zhou Y, Chen X. Cellular Trafficking of Nanotechnology-Mediated mRNA Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2307822. [PMID: 37929780 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy has emerged as a powerful, safe, and rapidly scalable therapeutic approach that involves technologies for both mRNA itself and the delivery vehicle. Although there are some unique challenges for different applications of mRNA therapy, a common challenge for all mRNA therapeutics is the transport of mRNA into the target cell cytoplasm for sufficient protein expression. This review is focused on the behaviors at the cellular level of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems, which have not been comprehensively reviewed yet. First, the four main therapeutic applications of mRNA are introduced, including immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy, genome editing, and cellular reprogramming. Second, common types of mRNA cargos and mRNA delivery systems are summarized. Third, strategies to enhance mRNA delivery efficiency during the cellular trafficking process are highlighted, including accumulation to the cell, internalization into the cell, endosomal escape, release of mRNA from the nanocarrier, and translation of mRNA into protein. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the development of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems are presented. This review can provide new insights into the future fabrication of mRNA nanocarriers with desirable cellular trafficking performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hongzhang Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
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18
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Fu L, Zhang Y, Farokhzad RA, Mendes BB, Conde J, Shi J. 'Passive' nanoparticles for organ-selective systemic delivery: design, mechanism and perspective. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:7579-7601. [PMID: 37817741 PMCID: PMC10623545 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00998f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has shown tremendous success in the drug delivery field for more effective and safer therapy, and has recently enabled the clinical approval of RNA medicine, a new class of therapeutics. Various nanoparticle strategies have been developed to improve the systemic delivery of therapeutics, among which surface modification of targeting ligands on nanoparticles has been widely explored for 'active' delivery to a specific organ or diseased tissue. Meanwhile, compelling evidence has recently been reported that organ-selective targeting may also be achievable by systemic administration of nanoparticles without surface ligand modification. In this Review, we highlight this unique set of 'passive' nanoparticles and their compositions and mechanisms for organ-selective delivery. In particular, the lipid-based, polymer-based, and biomimetic nanoparticles with tropism to different specific organs after intravenous administration are summarized. The underlying mechanisms (e.g., protein corona and size effect) of these nanosystems for organ selectivity are also extensively discussed. We further provide perspectives on the opportunities and challenges in this exciting area of organ-selective systemic nanoparticle delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyi Fu
- Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ryan A Farokhzad
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Bárbara B Mendes
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Conde
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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19
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He Z, Le Z, Shi Y, Liu L, Liu Z, Chen Y. A Multidimensional Approach to Modulating Ionizable Lipids for High-Performing and Organ-Selective mRNA Delivery. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202310401. [PMID: 37661193 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has enabled a successful clinical application of mRNA vaccines. However, disclosure of design principles for the core component-ionizable lipids (ILs), improving the delivery efficacy and organ targeting of LNPs, remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report a powerful strategy to modulate ILs in one-step chemistry using the Ugi four-component reaction (Ugi-4CR) under mild conditions. A large IL library of new structures was established simply and efficiently through a multidimensional approach, allowing us to identify the top-performing ILs in delivering mRNA via the formulated LNPs. Adjusting the skeleton of ILs has transformed the organ-specific and robust transfection in mRNA delivery from the liver to the spleen following different administration routes. Of note, a series of isomeric ILs were prepared and we found that the isomers mattered greatly in the performance of LNPs for mRNA delivery. Furthermore, owing to the bis-amide bonds formed in the Ugi-4CR reaction, the ILs within LNPs may form hydrogen bonding intermolecularly, facilitating the colloidal stabilization of LNPs. This work provides clues to the rapid discovery and rational design of IL candidates, assisting the application of mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zepeng He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhicheng Le
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yi Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhijia Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yongming Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060, China
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20
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Gu W, An J, Li Y, Yang Y, Wang S, Shan H, Li S, Li H, Liu G, Li K, Yin Y, Mu J, Chen X. Tuning the Organ Tropism of Polymersome for Spleen-Selective Nanovaccine Delivery to Boost Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301686. [PMID: 37165781 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed explosive development in drug delivery systems. However, in vivo delivery suffers from non-specific distribution in non-targeted organs or tissues, which may cause undesired side effects and even genotoxicity. Here, a general strategy that enables tuning the tropism of polymersomes for liver- and spleen-selective delivery is reported. By using a library screening approach, spleen-targeted polymersome PH9-Aln-8020 and liver-targeted polymersome PA9-ZP3-5050 are identified accordingly. Meanwhile, the second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging allows for in vivo dynamic evaluation of their spatial and temporal accumulation in specific tissues. O ur findings indicate that both polymer composition and protein corona on the surface are essential to determine the in vivo fate of polymersomes and tendency for specific organs. Importantly, PH9-Aln-8020 is employed as a systemic nanocarrier to co-deliver the antigen and adjuvant, which remarkably boost splenic immune responses in acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, and melanoma lung metastasis mouse models. This study may open a new frontier for polymersomes in organ-selective delivery and other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxing Gu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Jingnan An
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yaxi Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yajie Yang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Shumin Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Hui Shan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Shenhua Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Guoyong Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Kai Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Yin
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Jing Mu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
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21
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Yuan M, Han Z, Liang Y, Sun Y, He B, Chen W, Li F. mRNA nanodelivery systems: targeting strategies and administration routes. Biomater Res 2023; 27:90. [PMID: 37740246 PMCID: PMC10517595 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With the great success of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, mRNA therapeutics have gained significant momentum for the prevention and treatment of various refractory diseases. To function efficiently in vivo and overcome clinical limitations, mRNA demands safe and stable vectors and a reasonable administration route, bypassing multiple biological barriers and achieving organ-specific targeted delivery of mRNA. Nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery systems representing leading vector approaches ensure the successful intracellular delivery of mRNA to the target organ. In this review, chemical modifications of mRNA and various types of advanced mRNA NPs, including lipid NPs and polymers are summarized. The importance of passive targeting, especially endogenous targeting, and active targeting in mRNA nano-delivery is emphasized, and different cellular endocytic mechanisms are discussed. Most importantly, based on the above content and the physiological structure characteristics of various organs in vivo, the design strategies of mRNA NPs targeting different organs and cells are classified and discussed. Furthermore, the influence of administration routes on targeting design is highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the remaining challenges and future development toward mRNA targeted therapies and precision medicine is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujie Yuan
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zeyu Han
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266073, China
| | - Yong Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266073, China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Wantao Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China.
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22
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Pratumyot K, Yuntasiri P, Khunsuk PO, Phuangkaew T, Sittplangkoon C, Pattarakankul T, Palaga T, Kiatkamjornwong S, Hoven VP. Pyrene-Labeled and Quaternized Chitosan: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Potential Application for Fluorescently Trackable Nucleic Acid Delivery into Cells. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4005-4018. [PMID: 37549394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
A chitosan derivative (Pyr-CS-HTAP) having pyrene (Pyr) and N-[(2-hydroxyl-3-trimethylammonium)] propyl (HTAP) units conjugated at C6 and C2 positions, respectively, was synthesized and characterized. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy revealed that Pyr-CS-HTAP self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 211 ± 5 nm and a ζ-potential of +49 mV. The successful binding of Pyr-CS-HTAP with nucleic acid was ascertained by fluorescence resonance energy-transfer analysis and gel electrophoresis. Pyr-CS-HTAP facilitated the cellular uptake of nucleic acid up to 99%. Co-localization analysis using fluorescence microscopy revealed the endosomal escape of the Pyr-CS-HTAP/nucleic acid complexes and the successful release of the nucleic acid cargoes from the polyplexes into the nucleus. It is strongly believed that Pyr-CS-HTAP can potentially be developed into a fluorescently trackable gene delivery system in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornkanya Pratumyot
- Organic Synthesis, Electrochemistry and Natural Product Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Pracha Uthit Road, Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Supramolecular Chemistry Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Pracha Uthit Road, Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Yuntasiri
- Organic Synthesis, Electrochemistry and Natural Product Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Pracha Uthit Road, Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Phim-On Khunsuk
- Program in Petrochemistry and Polymer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tinnakorn Phuangkaew
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chutamath Sittplangkoon
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thitiporn Pattarakankul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Materials and Bio-interfaces, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tanapat Palaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Materials and Bio-interfaces, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Suda Kiatkamjornwong
- FRST, Academy of Science, Office of the Royal Society, Sanam Suea Pa, Khet Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
- Office of Research Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Voravee P Hoven
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Materials and Bio-interfaces, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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23
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Suberi A, Grun MK, Mao T, Israelow B, Reschke M, Grundler J, Akhtar L, Lee T, Shin K, Piotrowski-Daspit AS, Homer RJ, Iwasaki A, Suh HW, Saltzman WM. Polymer nanoparticles deliver mRNA to the lung for mucosal vaccination. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq0603. [PMID: 37585505 PMCID: PMC11137749 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq0603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
An inhalable platform for messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics would enable minimally invasive and lung-targeted delivery for a host of pulmonary diseases. Development of lung-targeted mRNA therapeutics has been limited by poor transfection efficiency and risk of vehicle-induced pathology. Here, we report an inhalable polymer-based vehicle for delivery of therapeutic mRNAs to the lung. We optimized biodegradable poly(amine-co-ester) (PACE) polyplexes for mRNA delivery using end-group modifications and polyethylene glycol. These polyplexes achieved high transfection of mRNA throughout the lung, particularly in epithelial and antigen-presenting cells. We applied this technology to develop a mucosal vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and found that intranasal vaccination with spike protein-encoding mRNA polyplexes induced potent cellular and humoral adaptive immunity and protected susceptible mice from lethal viral challenge. Together, these results demonstrate the translational potential of PACE polyplexes for therapeutic delivery of mRNA to the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Suberi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Molly K Grun
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Tianyang Mao
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Benjamin Israelow
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Melanie Reschke
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Julian Grundler
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Laiba Akhtar
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Teresa Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Kwangsoo Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | - Robert J Homer
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, CT 06510, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Hee-Won Suh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - W Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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24
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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25
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Truong LB, Medina-Cruz D, Mostafavi E. Current state of RNA delivery using lipid nanoparticles to extrahepatic tissues: A review towards clinical translation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125185. [PMID: 37276899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic medicine, including ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapy, has delivered numerous progresses to the treatment of diseases thanks to the development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as a delivery vehicle. However, RNA therapeutics are still limited by the lack of safe, precise, and efficient delivery outside of the liver. Thus, to fully realize the potential of genetic medicine, strategies to arm LNPs with extrahepatic targeting capabilities are urgently needed. This review explores the current state of next-generation LNPs that can bring RNA biomolecules to their targeted organ. The main approaches commonly used are described, including the modulation of internal lipid chemistries, the use of conjugated targeting moieties, and the designs of clinical administration. This work will demonstrate the advances in each approach and the remaining challenges in the field, focusing on clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh B Truong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Medina-Cruz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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26
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Zhou Y, Liang Q, Wu X, Duan S, Ge C, Ye H, Lu J, Zhu R, Chen Y, Meng F, Yin L. siRNA Delivery against Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Mediated by Reversibly Camouflaged Biomimetic Nanocomplexes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210691. [PMID: 36913720 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
siRNA-mediated management of myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is greatly hampered by the inefficient myocardial enrichment and cardiomyocyte transfection. Herein, nanocomplexes (NCs) reversibly camouflaged with a platelet-macrophage hybrid membrane (HM) are developed to efficiently deliver Sav1 siRNA (siSav1) into cardiomyocytes, suppressing the Hippo pathway and inducing cardiomyocyte regeneration. The biomimetic BSPC@HM NCs consist of a cationic nanocore assembled from a membrane-penetrating helical polypeptide (P-Ben) and siSav1, a charge-reversal intermediate layer of poly(l-lysine)-cis-aconitic acid (PC), and an outer shell of HM. Due to HM-mediated inflammation homing and microthrombus targeting, intravenously injected BSPC@HM NCs can efficiently accumulate in the IR-injured myocardium, where the acidic inflammatory microenvironment triggers charge reversal of PC to shed off both HM and PC layers and allow the penetration of the exposed P-Ben/siSav1 NCs into cardiomyocytes. In rats and pigs, BSPC@HM NCs remarkably downregulates Sav1 in IR-injured myocardium, promotes myocardium regeneration, suppresses myocardial apoptosis, and recovers cardiac functions. This study reports a bioinspired strategy to overcome the multiple systemic barriers against myocardial siRNA delivery, and holds profound potential for gene therapy against cardiac injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qiujun Liang
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xuejie Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Shanzhou Duan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Chenglong Ge
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Huan Ye
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianhui Lu
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Haimen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Haimen, 226100, China
| | - Rongying Zhu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Yongbing Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Fenghua Meng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Lichen Yin
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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27
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Litvinova VR, Rudometov AP, Karpenko LI, Ilyichev AA. mRNA Vaccine Platform: mRNA Production and Delivery. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2023; 49:220-235. [PMID: 37252004 PMCID: PMC10197051 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162023020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most efficient way to prevent infectious diseases. mRNA-based vaccines is a new approach to vaccine development, which have several very useful advantages over other types of vaccines. Since mRNA encodes only the target antigen there is no potential risk of infection as in the case with attenuated or inactivated pathogens. The mode of action of mRNA-vaccines implies that their genetic information is expressed only in the cytosol, leaving very little possibility of mRNA integration into the host's genome. mRNA-vaccines can induce specific cellular and humoral immune responses, but do not induce the antivector immune response. The mRNA-vaccine platform allows for easy target gene replacement without the need to change the production technology, which is important to address the time lag between the epidemic onset and vaccine release. The present review discusses the history of mRNA vaccines, mRNA vaccine production technology, ways to increase mRNA stability, modifications of the cap, poly(A)-tail, coding and noncoding parts of mRNA, target mRNA vaccine purification from byproducts, and delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. R. Litvinova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 630559 Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region Russia
| | - A. P. Rudometov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 630559 Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region Russia
| | - L. I. Karpenko
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 630559 Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region Russia
| | - A. A. Ilyichev
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare, 630559 Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region Russia
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28
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Zhang YQ, Guo RR, Chen YH, Li TC, Du WZ, Xiang RW, Guan JB, Li YP, Huang YY, Yu ZQ, Cai Y, Zhang P, Ling GX. Ionizable drug delivery systems for efficient and selective gene therapy. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:9. [PMID: 36843103 PMCID: PMC9968649 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has shown great potential to treat various diseases by repairing the abnormal gene function. However, a great challenge in bringing the nucleic acid formulations to the market is the safe and effective delivery to the specific tissues and cells. To be excited, the development of ionizable drug delivery systems (IDDSs) has promoted a great breakthrough as evidenced by the approval of the BNT162b2 vaccine for prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 2021. Compared with conventional cationic gene vectors, IDDSs can decrease the toxicity of carriers to cell membranes, and increase cellular uptake and endosomal escape of nucleic acids by their unique pH-responsive structures. Despite the progress, there remain necessary requirements for designing more efficient IDDSs for precise gene therapy. Herein, we systematically classify the IDDSs and summarize the characteristics and advantages of IDDSs in order to explore the underlying design mechanisms. The delivery mechanisms and therapeutic applications of IDDSs are comprehensively reviewed for the delivery of pDNA and four kinds of RNA. In particular, organ selecting considerations and high-throughput screening are highlighted to explore efficiently multifunctional ionizable nanomaterials with superior gene delivery capacity. We anticipate providing references for researchers to rationally design more efficient and accurate targeted gene delivery systems in the future, and indicate ideas for developing next generation gene vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qi Zhang
- Faculty of Medical Device, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Ran-Ran Guo
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Yong-Hu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin, China
| | - Tian-Cheng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Wen-Zhen Du
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Rong-Wu Xiang
- Faculty of Medical Device, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Ji-Bin Guan
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Yu-Peng Li
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Yuan-Yu Huang
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science; School of Life Science; School of Medical Technology; Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523018, Guangdong, China
| | - Yin Cai
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
| | - Gui-Xia Ling
- Faculty of Medical Device, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
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29
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Gorachinov F, Mraiche F, Moustafa DA, Hishari O, Ismail Y, Joseph J, Crcarevska MS, Dodov MG, Geskovski N, Goracinova K. Nanotechnology - a robust tool for fighting the challenges of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 14:240-261. [PMID: 36865093 PMCID: PMC9972888 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.14.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genomic and proteomic mutation analysis is the standard of care for selecting candidates for therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors against the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR TKI therapies) and further monitoring cancer treatment efficacy and cancer development. Acquired resistance due to various genetic aberrations is an unavoidable problem during EGFR TKI therapy, leading to the rapid exhaustion of standard molecularly targeted therapeutic options against mutant variants. Attacking multiple molecular targets within one or several signaling pathways by co-delivery of multiple agents is a viable strategy for overcoming and preventing resistance to EGFR TKIs. However, because of the difference in pharmacokinetics among agents, combined therapies may not effectively reach their targets. The obstacles regarding the simultaneous co-delivery of therapeutic agents at the site of action can be overcome using nanomedicine as a platform and nanotools as delivery agents. Precision oncology research to identify targetable biomarkers and optimize tumor homing agents, hand in hand with designing multifunctional and multistage nanocarriers that respond to the inherent heterogeneity of the tumors, may resolve the challenges of inadequate tumor localization, improve intracellular internalization, and bring advantages over conventional nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Gorachinov
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Fatima Mraiche
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, T6G 2R3 Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Ola Hishari
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yomna Ismail
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jensa Joseph
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maja Simonoska Crcarevska
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Marija Glavas Dodov
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Nikola Geskovski
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Katerina Goracinova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
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30
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Seo H, Jeon L, Kwon J, Lee H. High-Precision Synthesis of RNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203033. [PMID: 36737864 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of RNA-based therapeutics in delivering nucleic acids for gene editing and regulating protein translation has led to the effective treatment of various diseases including cancer, inflammatory and genetic disorder, as well as infectious diseases. Among these, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as a promising platform for RNA delivery and have shed light by resolving the inherent instability issues of naked RNA and thereby enhancing the therapeutic potency. These LNP consisting of ionizable lipid, helper lipid, cholesterol, and poly(ethylene glycol)-anchored lipid can stably enclose RNA and help them release into the cells' cytosol. Herein, the significant progress made in LNP research starting from the LNP constituents, formulation, and their diverse applications is summarized first. Moreover, the microfluidic methodologies which allow precise assembly of these newly developed constituents to achieve LNP with controllable composition and size, high encapsulation efficiency as well as scalable production are highlighted. Furthermore, a short discussion on current challenges as well as an outlook will be given on emerging approaches to resolving these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjin Seo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Leekang Jeon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Jaeyeong Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
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31
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Rodrigues AF, Rebelo C, Simões S, Paulo C, Pinho S, Francisco V, Ferreira L. A Polymeric Nanoparticle Formulation for Targeted mRNA Delivery to Fibroblasts. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205475. [PMID: 36529964 PMCID: PMC9929262 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies offer enhanced control over the production of therapeutic proteins for many diseases. Their clinical implementation warrants formulations capable of delivering them safely and effectively to target sites. Owing to their chemical versatility, polymeric nanoparticles can be designed by combinatorial synthesis of different ionizable, cationic, and aromatic moieties to modulate cell targeting, using inexpensive formulation steps. Herein, 152 formulations are evaluated by high-throughput screening using a reporter fibroblast model sensitive to functional delivery of mRNA encoding Cre recombinase. Using in vitro and in vivo models, a polymeric nanoformulation based on the combination of 3 specific monomers is identified to transfect fibroblasts much more effectively than other cell types populating the skin, with superior performance than lipid-based transfection agents in the delivery of Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA. This tropism can be explained by receptor-mediated endocytosis, involving CD26 and FAP, which are overexpressed in profibrotic fibroblasts. Structure-activity analysis reveals that efficient mRNA delivery required the combination of high buffering capacity and low mRNA binding affinity for rapid release upon endosomal escape. These results highlight the use of high-throughput screening to rapidly identify chemical features towards the design of highly efficient mRNA delivery systems targeting fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Filipe Rodrigues
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Catarina Rebelo
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
- Faculty of MedicinePólo das Ciências da SaúdeUnidade CentralUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐354Portugal
| | - Susana Simões
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Cristiana Paulo
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Sónia Pinho
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Vítor Francisco
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC–Center for Neurosciences and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐517Portugal
- Faculty of MedicinePólo das Ciências da SaúdeUnidade CentralUniversity of CoimbraCoimbra3000‐354Portugal
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32
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Melamed JR, Yerneni SS, Arral ML, LoPresti ST, Chaudhary N, Sehrawat A, Muramatsu H, Alameh MG, Pardi N, Weissman D, Gittes GK, Whitehead KA. Ionizable lipid nanoparticles deliver mRNA to pancreatic β cells via macrophage-mediated gene transfer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade1444. [PMID: 36706177 PMCID: PMC9882987 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Systemic messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery to organs outside the liver, spleen, and lungs remains challenging. To overcome this issue, we hypothesized that altering nanoparticle chemistry and administration routes may enable mRNA-induced protein expression outside of the reticuloendothelial system. Here, we describe a strategy for delivering mRNA potently and specifically to the pancreas using lipid nanoparticles. Our results show that delivering lipid nanoparticles containing cationic helper lipids by intraperitoneal administration produces robust and specific protein expression in the pancreas. Most resultant protein expression occurred within insulin-producing β cells. Last, we found that pancreatic mRNA delivery was dependent on horizontal gene transfer by peritoneal macrophage exosome secretion, an underappreciated mechanism that influences the delivery of mRNA lipid nanoparticles. We anticipate that this strategy will enable gene therapies for intractable pancreatic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilian R. Melamed
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Mariah L. Arral
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Samuel T. LoPresti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anuradha Sehrawat
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - George K. Gittes
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Whitehead
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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33
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Steffens RC, Wagner E. Directing the Way-Receptor and Chemical Targeting Strategies for Nucleic Acid Delivery. Pharm Res 2023; 40:47-76. [PMID: 36109461 PMCID: PMC9483255 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03385-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have shown great potential for the treatment of numerous diseases, such as genetic disorders, cancer and infections. Moreover, they have been successfully used as vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to unfold full therapeutical potential, these nano agents have to overcome several barriers. Therefore, directed transport to specific tissues and cell types remains a central challenge to receive carrier systems with enhanced efficiency and desired biodistribution profiles. Active targeting strategies include receptor-targeting, mediating cellular uptake based on ligand-receptor interactions, and chemical targeting, enabling cell-specific delivery as a consequence of chemically and structurally modified carriers. With a focus on synthetic delivery systems including polyplexes, lipid-based systems such as lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, and direct conjugates optimized for various types of nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, oligonucleotides), we highlight recent achievements, exemplified by several nucleic acid drugs on the market, and discuss challenges for targeted delivery to different organs such as brain, eye, liver, lung, spleen and muscle in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda Carolin Steffens
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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34
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Dilliard SA, Siegwart DJ. Passive, active and endogenous organ-targeted lipid and polymer nanoparticles for delivery of genetic drugs. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2023; 8:282-300. [PMID: 36691401 PMCID: PMC9850348 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetic drugs based on nucleic acid biomolecules are a rapidly emerging class of medicines that directly reprogramme the central dogma of biology to prevent and treat disease. However, multiple biological barriers normally impede the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, necessitating the use of a delivery system. Lipid and polymer nanoparticles represent leading approaches for the clinical translation of genetic drugs. These systems circumnavigate biological barriers and facilitate the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids in the correct cells of the target organ using passive, active and endogenous targeting mechanisms. In this Review, we highlight the constituent materials of these advanced nanoparticles, their nucleic acid cargoes and how they journey through the body. We discuss targeting principles for liver delivery, as it is the organ most successfully targeted by intravenously administered nanoparticles to date, followed by the expansion of these concepts to extrahepatic (non-liver) delivery. Ultimately, this Review connects emerging materials and biological insights playing key roles in targeting specific organs and cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A. Dilliard
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Daniel J. Siegwart
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
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35
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Kunte N, Westerfield M, McGraw E, Choi J, Akinsipe T, Whitaker SK, Brannen A, Panizzi P, Tomich JM, Avila LA. Evaluation of transfection efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicity of branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) associated with mRNA. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6980-6991. [PMID: 36254388 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01314b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to be a suitable mRNA delivery platform by conferring protection against ribonucleases and facilitating cellular uptake. Several NPs have succeeded in delivering mRNA intranasally, intratracheally, and intramuscularly in preclinical settings. However, intravenous mRNA delivery has been less explored. Only a few NPs have been tested for systemic delivery of mRNA, many of which are formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The incorporation of PEG presents some tradeoffs that must be carefully considered when designing a systemic delivery model. For example, while the addition of PEG may prolong circulation time by preventing early clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS), it has also been reported that treating patients with PEGylated drugs can result in hypersensitivity reactions due to anti-PEG antibodies. Thus, it is desirable to have alternative PEG-free delivery methods for mRNA to avoid these adverse effects while preserving the beneficial effects. Our research group developed BAPCs (branched amphiphilic peptide capsules), a peptide-based nanoparticle that resists disruption by chaotropes, proteases, and elevated temperature, thus displaying significant stability and shelf-life. In this study, we demonstrated that similarly to PEG, mRNA shields the BAPC cationic surface to avoid early clearance by the MPS. Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) and fluorescence reflectance imaging were imaging techniques used to analyze biodistribution within major MPS organs. Analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression showed that BAPC-mRNA complexes do not cause chronic inflammation. Additionally, BAPCs enhance intracellular delivery of mRNA with negligible cytotoxicity or oxidative stress. These results might pave the way for future therapeutic applications of BAPCs as a delivery platform for systemic mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Kunte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL- 36849, USA.
| | - Matthew Westerfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL- 36849, USA.
| | - Erin McGraw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL- 36849, USA.
| | - Jiyeong Choi
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, NY- 14853, USA
| | - Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL- 36849, USA.
| | - Susan K Whitaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, 141 Chalmers Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas- 66506, USA
| | | | - Peter Panizzi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - John M Tomich
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, NY- 14853, USA
| | - L Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL- 36849, USA.
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36
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Park Y, Moses AS, Demessie AA, Singh P, Lee H, Korzun T, Taratula OR, Alani AG, Taratula O. Poly(aspartic acid)-Based Polymeric Nanoparticle for Local and Systemic mRNA Delivery. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:4696-4704. [PMID: 36409995 PMCID: PMC9826779 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, therapeutics based on mRNA (mRNA) have attracted significant interest for vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and gene editing. However, the lack of biocompatible vehicles capable of delivering mRNA to the target tissue and efficiently expressing the encoded proteins impedes the development of mRNA-based therapies for a variety of diseases. Herein, we report mRNA-loaded polymeric nanoparticles based on diethylenetriamine-substituted poly(aspartic acid) that induce protein expression in the lungs and muscles following intravenous and intramuscular injections, respectively. Animal studies revealed that the amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the nanoparticle surface affects the translation of the delivered mRNA into the encoded protein in the target tissue. After systemic administration, only mRNA-loaded nanoparticles modified with PEG at a molar ratio of 1:1 (PEG/polymer) induce protein expression in the lungs. In contrast, protein expression was detected only following intramuscular injection of mRNA-loaded nanoparticles with a PEG/polymer ratio of 10:1. These findings suggest that the PEG density on the surface of poly(aspartic acid)-based nanoparticles should be optimized for different delivery routes depending on the purpose of the mRNA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngrong Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Abraham S. Moses
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Ananiya A. Demessie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Prem Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Hyelim Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Tetiana Korzun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Olena R. Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Adam G. Alani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Oleh Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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37
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Recent approaches to mRNA vaccine delivery by lipid-based vectors prepared by continuous-flow microfluidic devices. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1561-1581. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in nanotechnology have resulted in the introduction of several nonviral delivery vectors for the nontoxic, efficient delivery of encapsulated mRNA-based vaccines. Lipid- and polymer-based nanoparticles (NP) have proven to be the most potent delivery systems, providing increased delivery efficiency and protection of mRNA molecules from degradation. Here, the authors provide an overview of the recent studies carried out using lipid NPs and their functionalized forms, polymeric and lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers utilized mainly for the encapsulation of mRNAs for gene and immune therapeutic applications. A microfluidic system as a prevalent methodology for the preparation of NPs with continuous flow enables NP size tuning, rapid mixing and production reproducibility. Continuous-flow microfluidic devices for lipid and polymeric encapsulated RNA NP production are specifically reviewed.
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38
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Zadory M, Lopez E, Babity S, Gravel SP, Brambilla D. Current knowledge on the tissue distribution of mRNA nanocarriers for therapeutic protein expression. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6077-6115. [PMID: 36097955 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00859a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Exogenously delivered mRNA-based drugs are emerging as a new class of therapeutics with the potential to treat several diseases. Over the last decade, advancements in the design of non-viral delivery tools have enabled mRNA to be evaluated for several therapeutic purposes including protein replacement therapies, gene editing, and vaccines. However, in vivo delivery of mRNA to targeted organs and cells remains a critical challenge. Evaluation of the biodistribution of mRNA vehicles is of utmost importance for the development of effective pharmaceutical candidates. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the design of nanoparticles loaded with mRNA and extrapolate the key factors influencing their biodistribution following administration. Finally, we highlight the latest developments in the preclinical and clinical translation of mRNA therapeutics for protein supplementation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Zadory
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Elliot Lopez
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Samuel Babity
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Simon-Pierre Gravel
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Davide Brambilla
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
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39
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mRNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles Targeting Dendritic Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081572. [PMID: 36015198 PMCID: PMC9413374 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are attractive antigen-presenting cells to be targeted for vaccinations. However, the systemic delivery of mRNA to DCs is hampered by technical challenges. We recently reported that it is possible to regulate the size of RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to over 200 nm with the addition of salt during their formation when a microfluidic device is used and that larger LNPs delivered RNA more efficiently and in greater numbers to splenic DCs compared to the smaller counterparts. In this study, we report on the in vivo optimization of mRNA-loaded LNPs for use in vaccines. The screening included a wide range of methods for controlling particle size in addition to the selection of an appropriate lipid type and its composition. The results showed a clear correlation between particle size, uptake and gene expression activity in splenic DCs and indicated that a size range from 200 to 500 nm is appropriate for use in targeting splenic DCs. It was also found that it was difficult to predict the transgene expression activity and the potency of mRNA vaccines in splenic DCs using the whole spleen. A-11-LNP, which was found to be the optimal formulation, induced better transgene expression activity and maturation in DCs and induced clear therapeutic antitumor effects in an E.G7-OVA tumor model compared to two clinically relevant LNP formulations.
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40
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Janowski M, Andrzejewska A. The legacy of mRNA engineering: A lineup of pioneers for the Nobel Prize. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:272-284. [PMID: 35855896 PMCID: PMC9278038 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
mRNA is like Hermes, delivering the genetic code to cellular construction sites, so it has long been of interest, but only to a small group of scientists, and only demonstrating its remarkable efficacy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines allowed it to go out into the open. Therefore, now is the right timing to delve into the stepping stones that underpin this success and pay tribute to the underlying scientists. From this perspective, advances in mRNA engineering have proven crucial to the rapidly growing role of this molecule in healthcare. Development of consecutive generations of cap analogs, including anti-reverse cap analogs (ARCAs), has significantly boosted translation efficacy and maintained an enthusiasm for mRNA research. Nucleotide modification to protect mRNA molecules from the host's immune system, followed by finding appropriate purification and packaging methods, were other links in the chain enabling medical breakthroughs. Currently, vaccines are the central area of mRNA research, but it will reach far beyond COVID-19. Supplementation of missing or abnormal proteins is another large field of mRNA research. Ex vivo cell engineering and genome editing have been expanding recently. Thus, it is time to recognize mRNA pioneers while building upon their legacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslaw Janowski
- Program in Image Guided Neurointerventions, Center for Advanced Imaging Research, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA,Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Anna Andrzejewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland,Corresponding author Anna Andrzejewska, NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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41
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Zhang M, Hussain A, Yang H, Zhang J, Liang XJ, Huang Y. mRNA-based modalities for infectious disease management. NANO RESEARCH 2022; 16:672-691. [PMID: 35818566 PMCID: PMC9258466 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-022-4627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still rampant all over the world, causing incalculable losses to the world. Major pharmaceutical organizations around the globe are focusing on vaccine research and drug development to prevent further damage caused by the pandemic. The messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has got ample of attention after the success of the two very effective mRNA vaccines during the recent pandemic of COVID-19. mRNA vaccine has been promoted to the core stage of pharmaceutical industry, and the rapid development of mRNA technology has exceeded expectations. Beyond COVID-19, the mRNA vaccine has been tested for various infectious diseases and undergoing clinical trials. Due to the ability of constant mutation, the viral infections demand abrupt responses and immediate production, and therefore mRNA-based technology offers best answers to sudden outbreaks. The need for mRNA-based vaccine became more obvious due to the recent emergence of new Omicron variant. In this review, we summarized the unique properties of mRNA-based vaccines for infectious diseases, delivery technologies, discussed current challenges, and highlighted the prospects of this promising technology in the future. We also discussed various clinical studies as well preclinical studies conducted on mRNA therapeutics for diverse infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Haiyin Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002 China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
- School of Materials and the Environment, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, 519085 China
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42
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Nakamura T, Sato Y, Yamada Y, Abd Elwakil MM, Kimura S, Younis MA, Harashima H. Extrahepatic targeting of lipid nanoparticles in vivo with intracellular targeting for future nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114417. [PMID: 35787389 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A new era of nanomedicines that involve nucleic acids/gene therapy has been opened after two decades in 21st century and new types of more efficient drug delivery systems (DDS) are highly expected and will include extrahepatic delivery. In this review, we summarize the possibility and expectations for the extrahepatic delivery of small interfering RNA/messenger RNA/plasmid DNA/genome editing to the spleen, lung, tumor, lymph nodes as well as the liver based on our studies as well as reported information. Passive targeting and active targeting are discussed in in vivo delivery and the importance of controlled intracellular trafficking for successful therapeutic results are also discussed. In addition, mitochondrial delivery as a novel strategy for nucleic acids/gene therapy is introduced to expand the therapeutic dimension of nucleic acids/gene therapy in the liver as well as the heart, kidney and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yuma Yamada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Mahmoud M Abd Elwakil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Seigo Kimura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Mahmoud A Younis
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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43
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Qin S, Tang X, Chen Y, Chen K, Fan N, Xiao W, Zheng Q, Li G, Teng Y, Wu M, Song X. mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:166. [PMID: 35597779 PMCID: PMC9123296 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of messenger RNA (mRNA) has fueled great hope to combat a wide range of incurable diseases. Recent rapid advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine have enabled the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body by introducing mRNA as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. This represents a rising precision medicine field with great promise for preventing and treating many intractable or genetic diseases. In addition, in vitro transcribed mRNA has achieved programmed production, which is more effective, faster in design and production, as well as more flexible and cost-effective than conventional approaches that may offer. Based on these extraordinary advantages, mRNA vaccines have the characteristics of the swiftest response to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as the currently devastating pandemic COVID-19. It has always been the scientists’ desire to improve the stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery system to achieve efficient and safe delivery of mRNA. Excitingly, these scientific dreams have gradually been realized with the rapid, amazing achievements of molecular biology, RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we comprehensively describe mRNA-based therapeutics, including their principles, manufacture, application, effects, and shortcomings. We also highlight the importance of mRNA optimization and delivery systems in successful mRNA therapeutics and discuss the key challenges and opportunities in developing these tools into powerful and versatile tools to combat many genetic, infectious, cancer, and other refractory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kepan Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Maeki M, Uno S, Niwa A, Okada Y, Tokeshi M. Microfluidic technologies and devices for lipid nanoparticle-based RNA delivery. J Control Release 2022; 344:80-96. [PMID: 35183654 PMCID: PMC8851889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In 2021, mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 were approved by the Food and Drug Administration. mRNA vaccines are important for preventing severe COVID-19 and returning to normal life. The development of RNA-delivery technology, including mRNA vaccines, has been investigated worldwide for ~30 years. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a breakthrough technology that stably delivers RNA to target organs, and RNA-loaded LNP-based nanomedicines have been studied for the development of vaccines and nanomedicines for RNA-, gene-, and cell-based therapies. Recently, microfluidic devices and technologies have attracted attention for the production of LNPs, particularly RNA-loaded LNPs. Microfluidics provides many advantages for RNA-loaded LNP production, including precise LNP size controllability, high reproducibility, high-throughput optimization of LNP formulation, and continuous LNP-production processes. In this review, we summarize microfluidic-based RNA-loaded LNP production and its applications in RNA-based therapy and genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Maeki
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan; JST PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Shuya Uno
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Ayuka Niwa
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Yuto Okada
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan.
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Suberi A, Grun MK, Mao T, Israelow B, Reschke M, Grundler J, Akhtar L, Lee T, Shin K, Piotrowski-Daspit AS, Homer RJ, Iwasaki A, Suh HW, Saltzman WM. Inhalable polymer nanoparticles for versatile mRNA delivery and mucosal vaccination. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.03.22.485401. [PMID: 35350207 PMCID: PMC8963702 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.22.485401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An inhalable platform for mRNA therapeutics would enable minimally invasive and lung targeted delivery for a host of pulmonary diseases. Development of lung targeted mRNA therapeutics has been limited by poor transfection efficiency and risk of vehicle-induced pathology. Here we report an inhalable polymer-based vehicle for delivery of therapeutic mRNAs to the lung. We optimized biodegradable poly(amine-co-ester) polyplexes for mRNA delivery using end group modifications and polyethylene glycol. Our polyplexes achieved high transfection of mRNA throughout the lung, particularly in epithelial and antigen-presenting cells. We applied this technology to develop a mucosal vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. Intranasal vaccination with spike protein mRNA polyplexes induced potent cellular and humoral adaptive immunity and protected K18-hACE2 mice from lethal viral challenge. One-sentence summary Inhaled polymer nanoparticles (NPs) achieve high mRNA expression in the lung and induce protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
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Huang L, Zhang L, Li W, Li S, Wen J, Li H, Liu Z. Advances in Development of mRNA-Based Therapeutics. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:147-166. [PMID: 32683507 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recently, mRNA-based therapeutics have been greatly boosted since the development of novel technologies of both mRNA synthesis and delivery system. Promising results were showed in both preclinical and clinical studies in the field of cancer vaccine, tumor immunotherapy, infectious disease prevention and protein replacement therapy. Recent advancements in clinical trials also encouraged scientists to attempt new applications of mRNA therapy such as gene editing and cell programming. These studies bring mRNA therapeutics closer to real-world application. Herein, we provide an overview of recent advances in mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Shiqiang Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Jianguo Wen
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Hangwen Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, 201206, China.
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Liu S, Wang X, Yu X, Cheng Q, Johnson LT, Chatterjee S, Zhang D, Lee SM, Sun Y, Lin TC, Liu JL, Siegwart DJ. Zwitterionic Phospholipidation of Cationic Polymers Facilitates Systemic mRNA Delivery to Spleen and Lymph Nodes. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:21321-21330. [PMID: 34878786 PMCID: PMC9437927 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Polymers represent a promising therapeutic platform for extrahepatic messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery but are hampered by low in vivo efficacy due to polyplex serum instability and inadequate endosomal escape following systemic administration. Here, we report the rational design and combinatorial synthesis of zwitterionic phospholipidated polymers (ZPPs) via cationic polymer postmodification by alkylated dioxaphospholane oxides to deliver mRNA to spleen and lymph nodes in vivo. This modular postmodification approach readily produces tunable zwitterionic species for serum resistance and introduces alkyl chains simultaneously to enhance endosomal escape, thereby transforming deficient cationic polymers to efficacious zwitterionic mRNA carriers without the need to elaborately synthesize functional monomers. ZPPs mediated up to 39 500-fold higher protein expression than their parent cationic counterparts in vitro and enabled efficacious mRNA delivery selectively in spleen and lymph nodes following intravenous administration in vivo. This zwitterionic phospholipidation methodology provides a versatile and generalizable postmodification strategy to introduce zwitterions into the side chains of cationic polymers, extending the utility of cationic polymer families for precise mRNA delivery and demonstrating substantial potential for immunotherapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Xueliang Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Lindsay T. Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Sumanta Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Sang M. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Yehui Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Ting-Chih Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - John L. Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Daniel J. Siegwart
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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48
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Yu X, Liu S, Cheng Q, Lee SM, Wei T, Zhang D, Farbiak L, Johnson LT, Wang X, Siegwart DJ. Hydrophobic Optimization of Functional Poly(TPAE-co-suberoyl chloride) for Extrahepatic mRNA Delivery following Intravenous Administration. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111914. [PMID: 34834329 PMCID: PMC8624493 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has generated great attention due to its broad potential therapeutic applications, including vaccines, protein replacement therapy, and immunotherapy. Compared to other nucleic acids (e.g., siRNA and pDNA), there are more opportunities to improve the delivery efficacy of mRNA through systematic optimization. In this report, we studied a high-throughput library of 1200 functional polyesters for systemic mRNA delivery. We focused on the chemical investigation of hydrophobic optimization as a method to adjust mRNA polyplex stability, diameter, pKa, and efficacy. Focusing on a region of the library heatmap (PE4K-A17), we further explored the delivery of luciferase mRNA to IGROV1 ovarian cancer cells in vitro and to C57BL/6 mice in vivo following intravenous administration. PE4K-A17-0.2C8 was identified as an efficacious carrier for delivering mRNA to mouse lungs. The delivery selectivity between organs (lungs versus spleen) was found to be tunable through chemical modification of polyesters (both alkyl chain length and molar ratio in the formulation). Cre recombinase mRNA was delivered to the Lox-stop-lox tdTomato mouse model to study potential application in gene editing. Overall, we identified a series of polymer-mRNA polyplexes stabilized with Pluronic F-127 for safe and effective delivery to mouse lungs and spleens. Structure–activity relationships between alkyl side chains and in vivo delivery were elucidated, which may be informative for the continued development of polymer-based mRNA delivery.
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Krhač Levačić A, Berger S, Müller J, Wegner A, Lächelt U, Dohmen C, Rudolph C, Wagner E. Dynamic mRNA polyplexes benefit from bioreducible cleavage sites for in vitro and in vivo transfer. J Control Release 2021; 339:27-40. [PMID: 34547258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently, messenger RNA (mRNA)-based lipid nanoparticle formulations revolutionize the clinical field. Cationic polymer-based complexes (polyplexes) represent an alternative compound class for mRNA delivery. After establishing branched polyethylenimine with a succinylation degree of 10% (succPEI) as highly effective positive mRNA transfection standard, a diverse library of PEI-like peptides termed sequence-defined oligoaminoamides (OAAs) was screened for mRNA delivery. Notably, sequences, which had previously been identified as potent plasmid DNA (pDNA) or small-interfering RNA (siRNA) carriers, displayed only moderate mRNA transfection activity. A second round of screening combined the cationizable building block succinoyl tetraethylene pentamine and histidines for endosomal buffering, tyrosine tripeptides and various fatty acids for mRNA polyplex stabilization, as well as redox-sensitive units for programmed intracellular release. For the tested OAA carriers, balancing of extracellular stability, endosomal lytic activity, and intracellular release capability was found to be of utmost importance for optimum mRNA transfection efficiency. OAAs with T-shape topology containing two oleic acids as well-stabilizing fatty acids, attached via a dynamic bioreducible building block, displayed superior activity with up to 1000-fold increased transfection efficiency compared to their non-reducible analogs. In the absence of the dynamic linkage, incorporation of shorter less stabilizing fatty acids could only partly compensate for mRNA delivery. Highest GFP expression and the largest fraction of transfected cells (96%) could be detected for the bioreducible OAA with incorporated histidines and a dioleoyl motif, outperforming all other tested carriers as well as the positive control succPEI. The good in vitro performance of the dynamic lead structure was verified in vivo upon intratracheal administration of mRNA complexes in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhač Levačić
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Müller
- Ethris GmbH, Semmelweisstr. 3, Planegg D-82152, Germany
| | - Andrea Wegner
- Ethris GmbH, Semmelweisstr. 3, Planegg D-82152, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
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50
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Ding F, Zhang H, Cui J, Li Q, Yang C. Boosting ionizable lipid nanoparticle-mediated in vivo mRNA delivery through optimization of lipid amine-head groups. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:7534-7546. [PMID: 34647548 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00866h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In vitro transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) holds great promise for the development of novel therapeutics, such as immunotherapy and vaccination. However, the main obstacle towards clinical translation is the lack of effective delivery systems. Herein, we have synthesized a series of ionizable lipids by the addition of an alkyl-acrylate to amine-containing molecules (amine-head groups) as a key component of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs) and thoroughly investigated the impact of the amine-head group on the transfection efficiency of iLNPs/mRNA lipoplexes both in vitro and in vivo. The top-performing iLNP (114-iLNP), composed of a lipid with spermine as the amine-head, demonstrated the strongest cellular uptake, membrane disruption and endosomal escape, and further achieved the highest protein expression in HeLa cells with more than 95% transfection efficiency. More importantly, intravenous injection of luciferase mRNA loaded 114-iLNP enables the most efficacious in vivo protein expression, predominantly in the liver. Biodistribution and biosafety evaluation of 114-iLNP/mRNA further demonstrated the liver-selective delivery capability and high biocompatibility. In addition, 114-iLNP facilitated efficient in vivo delivery of a therapeutic gene, human erythropoietin (hEPO) mRNA, and induced hEPO expression in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the amine-head group in the ionizable lipid significantly affects mRNA delivery efficacy and the leading candidate 114-iLNP composed of a lipid with spermine as the amine-head has great potential for mRNA therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China.
| | - Hongqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China.
| | - Jiwei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China.
| | - Chuanxu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China.
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