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Metzloff AE, Padilla MS, Gong N, Billingsley MM, Han X, Merolle M, Mai D, Figueroa-Espada CG, Thatte AS, Haley RM, Mukalel AJ, Hamilton AG, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Sheppard NC, June CH, Mitchell MJ. Antigen Presenting Cell Mimetic Lipid Nanoparticles for Rapid mRNA CAR T Cell Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313226. [PMID: 38419362 PMCID: PMC11209815 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved remarkable clinical success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, producing these bespoke cancer-killing cells is a complicated ex vivo process involving leukapheresis, artificial T cell activation, and CAR construct introduction. The activation step requires the engagement of CD3/TCR and CD28 and is vital for T cell transfection and differentiation. Though antigen-presenting cells (APCs) facilitate activation in vivo, ex vivo activation relies on antibodies against CD3 and CD28 conjugated to magnetic beads. While effective, this artificial activation adds to the complexity of CAR T cell production as the beads must be removed prior to clinical implementation. To overcome this challenge, this work develops activating lipid nanoparticles (aLNPs) that mimic APCs to combine the activation of magnetic beads and the transfection capabilities of LNPs. It is shown that aLNPs enable one-step activation and transfection of primary human T cells with the resulting mRNA CAR T cells reducing tumor burden in a murine xenograft model, validating aLNPs as a promising platform for the rapid production of mRNA CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Metzloff
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marshall S Padilla
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Margaret M Billingsley
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Xuexiang Han
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maria Merolle
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Mai
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Christian G Figueroa-Espada
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ajay S Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca M Haley
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alvin J Mukalel
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Neil C Sheppard
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Carl H June
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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2
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Kitte R, Rabel M, Geczy R, Park S, Fricke S, Koehl U, Tretbar US. Lipid nanoparticles outperform electroporation in mRNA-based CAR T cell engineering. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101139. [PMID: 38027056 PMCID: PMC10663670 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been proven as efficacious therapies against selected hematological malignancies. However, the approved CAR T cell therapeutics strictly rely on viral transduction, a time- and cost-intensive procedure with possible safety issues. Therefore, the direct transfer of in vitro transcribed CAR-mRNA into T cells is pursued as a promising strategy for CAR T cell engineering. Electroporation (EP) is currently used as mRNA delivery method for the generation of CAR T cells in clinical trials but achieving only poor anti-tumor responses. Here, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were examined for ex vivo CAR-mRNA delivery and compared with EP. LNP-CAR T cells showed a significantly prolonged efficacy in vitro in comparison with EP-CAR T cells as a result of extended CAR-mRNA persistence and CAR expression, attributed to a different delivery mechanism with less cytotoxicity and slower CAR T cell proliferation. Moreover, CAR expression and in vitro functionality of mRNA-LNP-derived CAR T cells were comparable to stably transduced CAR T cells but were less exhausted. These results show that LNPs outperform EP and underline the great potential of mRNA-LNP delivery for ex vivo CAR T cell modification as next-generation transient approach for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reni Kitte
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Rabel
- Precision NanoSystems (now Part of Cytiva), 50 - 655 W Kent Avenue N, Vancouver, BC V6P6T7, Canada
| | - Reka Geczy
- Precision NanoSystems (now Part of Cytiva), 50 - 655 W Kent Avenue N, Vancouver, BC V6P6T7, Canada
| | - Stella Park
- Precision NanoSystems (now Part of Cytiva), 50 - 655 W Kent Avenue N, Vancouver, BC V6P6T7, Canada
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - U. Sandy Tretbar
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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3
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Miliotou AN, Georgiou-Siafis SK, Ntenti C, Pappas IS, Papadopoulou LC. Recruiting In Vitro Transcribed mRNA against Cancer Immunotherapy: A Contemporary Appraisal of the Current Landscape. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9181-9214. [PMID: 37998753 PMCID: PMC10670245 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110576] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 100 innovative in vitro transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs are presently undergoing clinical trials, with a projected substantial impact on the pharmaceutical market in the near future. Τhe idea behind this is that after the successful cellular internalization of IVT-mRNAs, they are subsequently translated into proteins with therapeutic or prophylactic relevance. Simultaneously, cancer immunotherapy employs diverse strategies to mobilize the immune system in the battle against cancer. Therefore, in this review, the fundamental principles of IVT-mRNA to its recruitment in cancer immunotherapy, are discussed and analyzed. More specifically, this review paper focuses on the development of mRNA vaccines, the exploitation of neoantigens, as well as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells, showcasing their clinical applications and the ongoing trials for the development of next-generation immunotherapeutics. Furthermore, this study investigates the synergistic potential of combining the CAR immunotherapy and the IVT-mRNAs by introducing our research group novel, patented delivery method that utilizes the Protein Transduction Domain (PTD) technology to transduce the IVT-mRNAs encoding the CAR of interest into the Natural Killer (NK)-92 cells, highlighting the potential for enhancing the CAR NK cell potency, efficiency, and bioenergetics. While IVT-mRNA technology brings exciting progress to cancer immunotherapy, several challenges and limitations must be acknowledged, such as safety, toxicity, and delivery issues. This comprehensive exploration of IVT-mRNA technology, in line with its applications in cancer therapeutics, offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, setting the stage for future advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androulla N. Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Department of Health Sciences, KES College, 1055 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sofia K. Georgiou-Siafis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Charikleia Ntenti
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- 1st Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pappas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Lefkothea C. Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
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von Auw N, Serfling R, Kitte R, Hilger N, Zhang C, Gebhardt C, Duenkel A, Franz P, Koehl U, Fricke S, Tretbar US. Comparison of two lab-scale protocols for enhanced mRNA-based CAR-T cell generation and functionality. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18160. [PMID: 37875523 PMCID: PMC10598065 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45197-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Process development for transferring lab-scale research workflows to automated manufacturing procedures is critical for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies. Therefore, the key factor for cell viability, expansion, modification, and functionality is the optimal combination of medium and T cell activator as well as their regulatory compliance for later manufacturing under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). In this study, we compared two protocols for CAR-mRNA-modified T cell generation using our current lab-scale process, analyzed all mentioned parameters, and evaluated the protocols' potential for upscaling and process development of mRNA-based CAR-T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine von Auw
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Serfling
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reni Kitte
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nadja Hilger
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Clara Gebhardt
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Duenkel
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul Franz
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Leipzig, Germany
| | - U Sandy Tretbar
- Department for Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Leipzig, Germany.
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5
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Kong B, Kim Y, Kim EH, Suk JS, Yang Y. mRNA: A promising platform for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114993. [PMID: 37414361 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is now in the limelight as a powerful tool for treating various human diseases, especially malignant tumors, thanks to the remarkable clinical outcomes of mRNA vaccines using lipid nanoparticle technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent promising preclinical and clinical results that epitomize the advancement in mRNA and nanoformulation-based delivery technologies have highlighted the tremendous potential of mRNA in cancer immunotherapy. mRNAs can be harnessed for cancer immunotherapy in forms of various therapeutic modalities, including cancer vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapies, therapeutic antibodies, and immunomodulatory proteins. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and prospects of mRNA-based therapeutics, including numerous delivery and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byoungjae Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Yelee Kim
- Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Kim
- Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Yoosoo Yang
- Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Wang H, Tang L, Kong Y, Liu W, Zhu X, You Y. Strategies for Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119115. [PMID: 37298069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy in hematologic malignancies has made great progress, but there are still some problems. First, T cells from tumor patients show an exhaustion phenotype; thus, the persistence and function of the CAR-Ts are poor, and achieving a satisfactory curative effect is difficult. Second, some patients initially respond well but quickly develop antigen-negative tumor recurrence. Thirdly, CAR-T treatment is not effective in some patients and is accompanied by severe side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. The solution to these problems is to reduce the toxicity and enhance the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. In this paper, we describe various strategies for reducing the toxicity and enhancing the efficacy of CAR-T therapy in hematological malignancies. In the first section, strategies for modifying CAR-Ts using gene-editing technologies or combining them with other anti-tumor drugs to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T therapy are introduced. The second section describes some methods in which the design and construction of CAR-Ts differ from the conventional process. The aim of these methods is to enhance the anti-tumor activity of CAR-Ts and prevent tumor recurrence. The third section describes modifying the CAR structure or installing safety switches to radically reduce CAR-T toxicity or regulating inflammatory cytokines to control the symptoms of CAR-T-associated toxicity. Together, the knowledge summarized herein will aid in designing better-suited and safer CAR-T treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobing Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yingjie Kong
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pain Treatment, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yong You
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Nwokeoji AO, Chou T, Nwokeoji EA. Low Resource Integrated Platform for Production and Analysis of Capped mRNA. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:329-339. [PMID: 36495278 PMCID: PMC9872168 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The existing platform for large-scale mRNA production is fast, but consumable costs, process technicality, and complexity represent key bottlenecks limiting global mRNA biologics manufacturing. Another challenge is the lack of a consolidated platform for mRNA product characterization and assays that meet regulatory requirements. Bridging these innovation gaps to simplify processes and reduce cost would improve mRNA biologics manufacturability, especially in low-resource settings. This study develops a "cotranscriptional" capping strategy that utilizes T7 RNA polymerase, and the Vaccinia Capping System to synthesize and cap mRNA. We created an "integrated reaction buffer" that supports both capping enzymes for catalytic and in vitro transcription processes, enabling one-pot, two-step capped mRNA synthesis. Additionally, we report a novel, one-step analytic platform for rapid, quantitative, capped mRNA analysis. The assay involves target mRNA segment protection with cheap DNA primers and RNase digest of non-hybridized or non-target sequences before analysis by single nucleotide-resolving urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The integrated approach simplifies production processes and saves costs. Moreover, this assay has potential applications for mRNA analyses and post-transcriptional modification detection in biological samples. Finally, we propose a strategy that may enable unparalleled sequence coverage in RNase mass mapping by adapting the developed assay and replacing urea-PAGE with mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Obinna Nwokeoji
- Chemical
and Biological Engineering, University of
Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, South Yorkshire, U.K.
| | - Tachung Chou
- School
of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, U.K.
- All
First Technologies, No.
208, Longnan Rd, Pingzhen District, Taoyuan
City 324, Taiwan
| | - Eleojo Ahuva Nwokeoji
- All
First Technologies, No.
208, Longnan Rd, Pingzhen District, Taoyuan
City 324, Taiwan
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8
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Georgiou-Siafis SK, Miliotou AN, Ntenti C, Pappas IS, Papadopoulou LC. An Innovative PTD-IVT-mRNA Delivery Platform for CAR Immunotherapy of ErbB(+) Solid Tumor Neoplastic Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2885. [PMID: 36359405 PMCID: PMC9687928 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy includes the genetic modification of immune cells to carry such a receptor and, thus, recognize cancer cell surface antigens. Viral transfection is currently the preferred method, but it carries the risk of off-target mutagenicity. Other transfection platforms have thus been proposed, such the in vitro transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs. In this study, we exploited our innovative, patented delivery platform to produce protein transduction domain (PTD)-IVT-mRNAs for the expression of CAR on NK-92 cells. CAR T1E-engineered NK-92 cells, harboring the sequence of T1E single-chain fragment variant (scFv) to recognize the ErbB receptor, bearing either CD28 or 4-1BB as co-stimulatory signaling domains, were prepared and assessed for their effectiveness in two different ErbB(+) cancer cell lines. Our results showed that the PTD-IVT-mRNA of CAR was safely transduced and expressed into NK-92 cells. CAR T1E-engineered NK-92 cells provoked high levels of cell death (25-33%) as effector cells against both HSC-3 (oral squamous carcinoma) and MCF-7 (breast metastatic adenocarcinoma) human cells in the co-incubation assays. In conclusion, the application of our novel PTD-IVT-mRNA delivery platform to NK-92 cells gave promising results towards future CAR immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia K. Georgiou-Siafis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Androulla N. Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
- Department of Health Sciences, KES College, Nicosia 1055, Cyprus
| | - Charikleia Ntenti
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
- 1st Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pappas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Lefkothea C. Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
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9
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Engineering off-the-shelf universal CAR T cells: A silver lining in the cloud. Cytokine 2022; 156:155920. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Szukiewicz D. Epigenetic regulation and T-cell responses in endometriosis – something other than autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943839. [PMID: 35935991 PMCID: PMC9355085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma located outside the uterine cavity. This common, estrogen dependent, inflammatory condition affects up to 15% of reproductive-aged women and is a well-recognized cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the still unknown etiology of endometriosis, much evidence suggests the participation of epigenetic mechanisms in the disease etiopathogenesis. The main rationale is based on the fact that heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence are common triggers for hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory disorders, which play a key role in the formation of endometriotic foci. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating T-cell responses, including DNA methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, deserve attention because tissue-resident T lymphocytes work in concert with organ structural cells to generate appropriate immune responses and are functionally shaped by organ-specific environmental conditions. Thus, a failure to precisely regulate immune cell transcription may result in compromised immunological integrity of the organ with an increased risk of inflammatory disorders. The coexistence of endometriosis and autoimmunity is a well-known occurrence. Recent research results indicate regulatory T-cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis, and an increased number of highly active Tregs and macrophages have been found in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. Elimination of the regulatory function of T cells and an imbalance between T helper cells of the Th1 and Th2 types have been reported in the endometria of women with endometriosis-associated infertility. This review aims to present the state of the art in recognition epigenetic reprogramming of T cells as the key factor in the pathophysiology of endometriosis in the context of T-cell-related autoimmunity. The new potential therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic modulation and/or adoptive transfer of T cells will also be outlined.
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11
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Watanabe N, Mo F, McKenna MK. Impact of Manufacturing Procedures on CAR T Cell Functionality. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876339. [PMID: 35493513 PMCID: PMC9043864 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cell therapy has rapidly expanded in the past few decades. As of today, there are six CAR T cell products that have been approved by the FDA: KYMRIAH (tisagenlecleucel, CD19 CAR T cells), YESCARTA (axicabtagene ciloleucel, CD19 CAR T cells), TECARTUS (brexucabtagene autoleucel, CD19 CAR T cells), BREYANZI (lisocabtagene maraleucel, CD19 CAR T cells), ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel, BCMA CAR T cells) and CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel, BCMA CAR T cells). With this clinical success, CAR T cell therapy has become one of the most promising treatment options to combat cancers. Current research efforts focus on further potentiating its efficacy in non-responding patients and solid tumor settings. To achieve this, recent evidence suggested that, apart from developing next-generation CAR T cells with additional genetic modifications, ex vivo culture conditions could significantly impact CAR T cell functionality – an often overlooked aspect during clinical translation. In this review, we focus on the ex vivo manufacturing process for CAR T cells and discuss how it impacts CAR T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihiro Watanabe
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Norihiro Watanabe,
| | - Feiyan Mo
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Kathryn McKenna
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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12
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Wu L, Wang W, Tian J, Qi C, Cai Z, Yan W, Xuan S, Shang A. Engineered mRNA-expressed bispecific antibody prevent intestinal cancer via lipid nanoparticle delivery. Bioengineered 2021; 12:12383-12393. [PMID: 34895063 PMCID: PMC8810065 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2003666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of antibodies, especially for the bispecific antibodies, are limited by high cost and complex technical process of development and manufacturing. A cost-effective and rapid platform for the endogenous antibodies expression via using the in vitro transcription (IVT) technique to produce nucleoside-modified mRNA and then encapsulated into lipid nanoparticle (LNP) may turn the body to a manufactory. Coinhibitory pathway of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death protein 1 receptor (PD-1) could suppress the T-cell mediated immunity. We hypothesized that the coblocking of PD-L1 and PD-1 via bispecific antibodies may achieve more potential antitumor efficacies compare with the monospecific ones. Here, we described the application of mRNA to encode a bispecific antibody with ablated Fc immune effector functions that targets both human PD-L1 and PD-1, termed XA-1, which was further assessed the in vitro functional activities and in vivo antitumor efficacies. The in vitro mRNA-encoded XA-1 held comparable abilities to fully block the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway as well as to enhance functional T cell activation compared to XA-1 protein from CHO cell source. Pharmacokinetic tests showed enhanced area under curve (AUC) of mRNA-encoded XA-1 compared with XA-1 at same dose. Chronic treatment of LNP-encapsulated XA-1 mRNA in the mouse tumor models which were reconstituted with human immune cells effectively induced promising antitumor efficacies compared to XA-1 protein. Current results collectively demonstrated that LNP-encapsulated mRNA represents the viable delivery platform for treating cancer and hold potential to be applied in the treatment of many diseases. Abbreviations: IVT: in vitro transcription; LNP: lipid nanoparticle; hPD-1: human PD-1; hPD-L1: human PD-L1; ITS-G: Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium; Pen/Strep: penicillin-streptomycin; FBS: fetal bovine serum; TGI: tumor growth inhibition; IE1: cytomegalovirus immediate early 1; SP: signal peptide; hIgLC: human immunoglobulin kappa light chain; hIgHC: human IgG1 heavy chain; AUC: area under the curve; Cl: serum clearance; Vss: steady-state distributed volume; MLR: mixed lymphocyte reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipei Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongtai People's Hospital & Dongtai Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng, P.R. China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tinghu People's Hospital, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Jiale Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chunrun Qi
- Department of Pathology, Tinghu People's Hospital, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Zhengxin Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tinghu People's Hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Wenhui Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tinghu People's Hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Shihai Xuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongtai People's Hospital & Dongtai Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Anquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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13
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Miliotou AN, Pappas IS, Spyroulias G, Vlachaki E, Tsiftsoglou AS, Vizirianakis IS, Papadopoulou LC. Development of a novel PTD-mediated IVT-mRNA delivery platform for potential protein replacement therapy of metabolic/genetic disorders. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:694-710. [PMID: 34703653 PMCID: PMC8517095 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The potential clinical applications of the powerful in vitro-transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs, to restore defective protein functions, strongly depend on their successful intracellular delivery and transient translation through the development of safe and efficient delivery platforms. In this study, an innovative (international patent-pending) methodology was developed, combining the IVT-mRNAs with the protein transduction domain (PTD) technology, as an efficient delivery platform. Based on the PTD technology, which enables the intracellular delivery of various cargoes intracellularly, successful conjugation of a PTD to the IVT-mRNAs was achieved and evaluated by band-shift assay and NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the PTD-IVT-mRNAs were applied and evaluated in two protein-disease models, including the mitochondrial disorder fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency (attributed to SCO2 gene mutations) and β-thalassemia. The PTD-IVT-mRNA of SCO2 was successfully transduced and translated to the corresponding Sco2 protein inside the primary fibroblasts of a SCO2/COX-deficient patient, whereas the PTD-IVT-mRNA of β-globin was transduced and translated in bone marrow cells, derived from three β-thalassemic patients. The transducibility and the structural stability of the PDT-IVT-mRNAs, in both cases, were confirmed at the RNA and protein levels. We propose that our novel delivery platform could be clinically applicable as a protein therapy for metabolic/genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androulla N Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S Pappas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, 431 00 Thessaly, Greece
| | | | - Efthimia Vlachaki
- Adult Thalassemia Unit, Hippokrateion General Hospital, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
| | - Asterios S Tsiftsoglou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S Vizirianakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece.,Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Lefkothea C Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
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14
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Qin F, Xia F, Chen H, Cui B, Feng Y, Zhang P, Chen J, Luo M. A Guide to Nucleic Acid Vaccines in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases and Cancers: From Basic Principles to Current Applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633776. [PMID: 34113610 PMCID: PMC8185206 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Faced with the challenges posed by infectious diseases and cancer, nucleic acid vaccines present excellent prospects in clinical applications. Compared with traditional vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines have the characteristics of high efficiency and low cost. Therefore, nucleic acid vaccines have potential advantages in disease prevention and treatment. However, the low immunogenicity and instability of nucleic acid vaccines have limited their development. Therefore, a large number of studies have been conducted to improve their immunogenicity and stability by improving delivery methods, thereby supporting progress and development for clinical applications. This article mainly reviews the advantages, disadvantages, mechanisms, delivery methods, and clinical applications of nucleic acid vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongli Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bomiao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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In Vitro-Transcribed mRNA Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (IVT mRNA CAR T) Therapy in Hematologic and Solid Tumor Management: A Preclinical Update. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186514. [PMID: 32899932 PMCID: PMC7556036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapy has received considerable interest in the treatment of cancer. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy has emerged as a promising therapy in cancer treatment. In CAR T therapy, T cells from the patients are collected, reprogrammed genetically against tumor antigens, and reintroduced into the patients to trigger an immense immune response against cancer cells. CAR T therapy is successful in hematologic malignancies; however, in solid tumors, CAR T therapy faces multiple challenges, including the on-target off-tumor phenomenon, as most of the tumor-associated antigens are expressed in normal cells as well. Consequently, a transient in vitro-transcribed anti-mRNA-based CAR T cell (IVT mRNA CAR T) approach has been investigated to produce controlled cytotoxicity for a limited duration to avoid any undesirable effects in patients. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the therapeutic ability of mRNA-engineered T cells in solid tumors, including melanoma, neuroblastoma and ovarian cancer; however, very few clinical trials are registered. In the present review, we discuss the effect of IVT mRNA CAR T therapy in preclinical studies related to hematologic malignancies and solid tumor management. In addition, we discuss the clinical trial studies based on IVT mRNA CAR T therapy in cancer.
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16
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Wadhwa A, Aljabbari A, Lokras A, Foged C, Thakur A. Opportunities and Challenges in the Delivery of mRNA-based Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E102. [PMID: 32013049 PMCID: PMC7076378 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, there has been increasing focus on the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a new therapeutic modality. Current clinical efforts encompassing mRNA-based drugs are directed toward infectious disease vaccines, cancer immunotherapies, therapeutic protein replacement therapies, and treatment of genetic diseases. However, challenges that impede the successful translation of these molecules into drugs are that (i) mRNA is a very large molecule, (ii) it is intrinsically unstable and prone to degradation by nucleases, and (iii) it activates the immune system. Although some of these challenges have been partially solved by means of chemical modification of the mRNA, intracellular delivery of mRNA still represents a major hurdle. The clinical translation of mRNA-based therapeutics requires delivery technologies that can ensure stabilization of mRNA under physiological conditions. Here, we (i) review opportunities and challenges in the delivery of mRNA-based therapeutics with a focus on non-viral delivery systems, (ii) present the clinical status of mRNA vaccines, and (iii) highlight perspectives on the future of this promising new type of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Aneesh Thakur
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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