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Ward C, Beharry A, Tennakoon R, Rozik P, Wilhelm SDP, Heinemann IU, O’Donoghue P. Mechanisms and Delivery of tRNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7976-8008. [PMID: 38801719 PMCID: PMC11212642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) therapeutics will provide personalized and mutation specific medicines to treat human genetic diseases for which no cures currently exist. The tRNAs are a family of adaptor molecules that interpret the nucleic acid sequences in our genes into the amino acid sequences of proteins that dictate cell function. Humans encode more than 600 tRNA genes. Interestingly, even healthy individuals contain some mutant tRNAs that make mistakes. Missense suppressor tRNAs insert the wrong amino acid in proteins, and nonsense suppressor tRNAs read through premature stop signals to generate full length proteins. Mutations that underlie many human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and diverse rare genetic disorders, result from missense or nonsense mutations. Thus, specific tRNA variants can be strategically deployed as therapeutic agents to correct genetic defects. We review the mechanisms of tRNA therapeutic activity, the nature of the therapeutic window for nonsense and missense suppression as well as wild-type tRNA supplementation. We discuss the challenges and promises of delivering tRNAs as synthetic RNAs or as gene therapies. Together, tRNA medicines will provide novel treatments for common and rare genetic diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Ward
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Aruun Beharry
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rasangi Tennakoon
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Peter Rozik
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sarah D. P. Wilhelm
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ilka U. Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick O’Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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He W, Zhang X, Zou Y, Li J, Wang C, He Y, Jin Q, Ye J. Effective Synthesis of High-Integrity mRNA Using In Vitro Transcription. Molecules 2024; 29:2461. [PMID: 38893337 PMCID: PMC11173937 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112461] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines are entering a period of rapid development. However, their synthesis is still plagued by challenges related to mRNA impurities and fragments (incomplete mRNA). Most impurities of mRNA products transcribed in vitro are mRNA fragments. Only full-length mRNA transcripts containing both a 5'-cap and a 3'-poly(A) structure are viable for in vivo expression. Therefore, RNA fragments are the primary product-related impurities that significantly hinder mRNA efficacy and must be effectively controlled; these species are believed to originate from either mRNA hydrolysis or premature transcriptional termination. In the manufacturing of commercial mRNA vaccines, T7 RNA polymerase-catalyzed in vitro transcription (IVT) synthesis is a well-established method for synthesizing long RNA transcripts. This study identified a pivotal domain on the T7 RNA polymerase that is associated with erroneous mRNA release. By leveraging the advantageous properties of a T7 RNA polymerase mutant and precisely optimized IVT process parameters, we successfully achieved an mRNA integrity exceeding 91%, thereby further unlocking the immense potential of mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Xinya Zhang
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Yangxiaoyu Zou
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Ji Li
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Chong Wang
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Yucai He
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Qiuheng Jin
- Vazyme Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210037, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Jianren Ye
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
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Liu Y, Li Y, Hu Q. Advances in saRNA Vaccine Research against Emerging/Re-Emerging Viruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1142. [PMID: 37514957 PMCID: PMC10383046 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071142] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although conventional vaccine approaches have proven to be successful in preventing infectious diseases in past decades, for vaccine development against emerging/re-emerging viruses, one of the main challenges is rapid response in terms of design and manufacture. mRNA vaccines can be designed and produced within days, representing a powerful approach for developing vaccines. Furthermore, mRNA vaccines can be scaled up and may not have the risk of integration. mRNA vaccines are roughly divided into non-replicating mRNA vaccines and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of saRNA vaccines, and discuss future directions and challenges in advancing this promising vaccine platform to combat emerging/re-emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Yuncheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Qinxue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
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Blakney AK, Ip S, Geall AJ. An Update on Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:97. [PMID: 33525396 PMCID: PMC7911542 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review will explore the four major pillars required for design and development of an saRNA vaccine: Antigen design, vector design, non-viral delivery systems, and manufacturing (both saRNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNP)). We report on the major innovations, preclinical and clinical data reported in the last five years and will discuss future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Shell Ip
- Precision NanoSystems Inc., Vancouver, BC V6P 6T7, Canada; (S.I.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Andrew J. Geall
- Precision NanoSystems Inc., Vancouver, BC V6P 6T7, Canada; (S.I.); (A.J.G.)
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Yoo SJ, Kwon T, Lyoo YS. Challenges of influenza A viruses in humans and animals and current animal vaccines as an effective control measure. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2018; 7:1-15. [PMID: 29399575 PMCID: PMC5795040 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2018.7.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are genetically diverse and variable pathogens that share various hosts including human, swine, and domestic poultry. Interspecies and intercontinental viral spreads make the ecology of IAV more complex. Beside endemic IAV infections, human has been exposed to pandemic and zoonotic threats from avian and swine influenza viruses. Animal health also has been threatened by high pathogenic avian influenza viruses (in domestic poultry) and reverse zoonosis (in swine). Considering its dynamic interplay between species, prevention and control against IAV should be conducted effectively in both humans and animal sectors. Vaccination is one of the most efficient tools against IAV. Numerous vaccines against animal IAVs have been developed by a variety of vaccine technologies and some of them are currently commercially available. We summarize several challenges in control of IAVs faced by human and animals and discuss IAV vaccines for animal use with those application in susceptible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung J. Yoo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Taeyong Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young S. Lyoo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
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Liu Y, Sousa R, Wang YX. Specific labeling: An effective tool to explore the RNA world. Bioessays 2015; 38:192-200. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Protein-Nucleic Acid Interaction Section; Structural Biophysics Laboratory; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Frederick MD USA
| | - Rui Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Texas Health Science Center; San Antonio TX USA
| | - Yun-Xing Wang
- Protein-Nucleic Acid Interaction Section; Structural Biophysics Laboratory; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Frederick MD USA
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Rahn J, Hoffmann D, Harder TC, Beer M. Vaccines against influenza A viruses in poultry and swine: Status and future developments. Vaccine 2015; 33:2414-24. [PMID: 25835575 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses are important pathogens with a very broad host spectrum including domestic poultry and swine. For preventing clinical disease and controlling the spread, vaccination is one of the most efficient tools. Classical influenza vaccines for domestic poultry and swine are conventional inactivated preparations. However, a very broad range of novel vaccine types ranging from (i) nucleic acid-based vaccines, (ii) replicon particles, (iii) subunits and virus-like particles, (iv) vectored vaccines, or (v) live-attenuated vaccines has been described, and some of them are now also used in the field. The different novel approaches for vaccines against avian and swine influenza virus infections are reviewed, and additional features like universal vaccines, novel application approaches and the "differentiating infected from vaccinated animals" (DIVA)-strategy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rahn
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - D Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - T C Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccines. NONVIRAL VECTORS FOR GENE THERAPY - PHYSICAL METHODS AND MEDICAL TRANSLATION 2015; 89:179-233. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Kramps T, Probst J. Messenger RNA-based vaccines: progress, challenges, applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2013; 4:737-49. [PMID: 23893949 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years after the demonstration that messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed and immunogenic upon direct injection in mice, the first successful proof-of-concept of specific protection against viral infection in small and large animals was reported. These data indicate wider applicability to infectious disease and should encourage continued translation of mRNA-based prophylactic vaccines into human clinical trials. At the conceptual level, mRNA-based vaccines-more than other genetic vectors-combine the simplicity, safety, and focused immunogenicity of subunit vaccines with favorable immunological properties of live viral vaccines: (1) mRNA vaccines are molecularly defined and carry no excess information. In the environment and upon physical contact, RNA is rapidly degraded by ubiquitous RNases and cannot persist. These characteristics also guarantee tight control over their immunogenic profile (including avoidance of vector-specific immune responses that could interfere with repeated administration), pharmacokinetics, and dosing. (2) mRNA vaccines are synthetically produced by an enzymatic process, just requiring information about the nucleic acid sequence of the desired antigen. This greatly reduces general complications associated with biological vaccine production, such as handling of infectious agents, genetic variability, environmental risks, or restrictions to vaccine distribution. (3) RNA can be tailored to provide potent adjuvant stimuli to the innate immune system by direct activation of RNA-specific receptors; this may reduce the need for additional adjuvants. The formation of native antigen in situ affords great versatility, including intracellular localization, membrane association, posttranslational modification, supra-molecular assembly, or targeted structural optimization of delivered antigen. Messenger RNA vaccines induce balanced immune responses including B cells, helper T cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, rendering them an extremely adaptable platform. This article surveys the design, mode of action, and capabilities of state-of-the-art mRNA vaccines, focusing on the paradigm of influenza prophylaxis.
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