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He Y, Johnston APR, Pouton CW. Therapeutic applications of cell engineering using mRNA technology. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00191-4. [PMID: 39153909 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.07.012] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Engineering and reprogramming cells has significant therapeutic potential to treat a wide range of diseases, by replacing missing or defective proteins, to provide transcription factors (TFs) to reprogram cell phenotypes, or to provide enzymes such as RNA-guided Cas9 derivatives for CRISPR-based cell engineering. While viral vector-mediated gene transfer has played an important role in this field, the use of mRNA avoids safety concerns associated with the integration of DNA into the host cell genome, making mRNA particularly attractive for in vivo applications. Widespread application of mRNA for cell engineering is limited by its instability in the biological environment and challenges involved in the delivery of mRNA to its target site. In this review, we examine challenges that must be overcome to develop effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia He
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Angus P R Johnston
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Colin W Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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2
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Zhao H, Sousa AA, Schuck P. Flotation Coefficient Distributions of Lipid Nanoparticles by Sedimentation Velocity Analytical Ultracentrifugation. ACS NANO 2024; 18:18663-18672. [PMID: 38967176 PMCID: PMC11256894 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05322] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The robust characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating therapeutics or vaccines is an important and multifaceted translational problem. Sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) has proven to be a powerful approach in the characterization of size-distribution, interactions, and composition of various types of nanoparticles across a large size range, including metal nanoparticles (NPs), polymeric NPs, and also nucleic acid loaded viral capsids. Similar potential of SV-AUC can be expected for the characterization of LNPs, but is hindered by the flotation of LNPs being incompatible with common sedimentation analysis models. To address this gap, we developed a high-resolution, diffusion-deconvoluted sedimentation/flotation distribution analysis approach analogous to the most widely used sedimentation analysis model c(s). The approach takes advantage of independent measurements of the average particle size or diffusion coefficient, which can be conveniently determined, for example, by dynamic light scattering (DLS). We demonstrate the application to an experimental model of extruded liposomes as well as a commercial LNP product and discuss experimental potential and limitations of SV-AUC. The method is implemented analogously to the sedimentation models in the free, widely used SEDFIT software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory
of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Alioscka A. Sousa
- Department
of Biochemistry, Federal University of São
Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044, Brazil
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory
of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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3
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Liau B, Zhang L, Ang MJY, Ng JY, C V SB, Schneider S, Gudihal R, Bae KH, Yang YY. Quantitative analysis of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle stability in human plasma and serum by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2024; 58:102745. [PMID: 38499167 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2024.102745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the stability of mRNA loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) is imperative for their clinical development. Herein, we propose the use of size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) as a new approach to assessing mRNA-LNP stability in pure human serum and plasma. By applying a dual-column configuration to attenuate interference from plasma components, SEC-MALS was able to elucidate the degradation kinetics and physical property changes of mRNA-LNPs, which have not been observed accurately by conventional dynamic light scattering techniques. Interestingly, both serum and plasma had significantly different impacts on the molecular weight and radius of gyration of mRNA-LNPs, suggesting the involvement of clotting factors in desorption of lipids from mRNA-LNPs. We also discovered that a trace impurity (~1 %) in ALC-0315, identified as its O-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-protected form, greatly diminished mRNA-LNP stability in serum. These results demonstrated the potential utility of SEC-MALS for optimization and quality control of LNP formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Liau
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Li Zhang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Melgious Jin Yan Ang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jian Yao Ng
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Suresh Babu C V
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sonja Schneider
- Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Hewlett-Packard Strasse 8, 76337 Waldbronn, Germany
| | - Ravindra Gudihal
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ki Hyun Bae
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore.
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Guerrini G, Mehn D, Scaccabarozzi D, Gioria S, Calzolai L. Analytical Ultracentrifugation to Assess the Quality of LNP-mRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5718. [PMID: 38891903 PMCID: PMC11171944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115718] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The approval of safe and effective LNP-mRNA vaccines during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is catalyzing the development of the next generation of mRNA therapeutics. Proper characterization methods are crucial for assessing the quality and efficacy of these complex formulations. Here, we show that analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) can measure, simultaneously and without any sample preparation step, the sedimentation coefficients of both the LNP-mRNA formulation and the mRNA molecules. This allows measuring several quality attributes, such as particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency and density of the formulation. The technique can also be applied to study the stability of the formulation under stress conditions and different buffers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luigi Calzolai
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (G.G.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (S.G.)
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Vaidya A, Parande D, Khadse N, Vargas-Montoya N, Agarwal V, Ortiz C, Ellis G, Kaushal N, Sarode A, Karve S, DeRosa F. Analytical Characterization of Heterogeneities in mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles Using Sucrose Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation. Anal Chem 2024; 96:5570-5579. [PMID: 38529613 PMCID: PMC11007679 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Rational design and robust formulation processes are critical for optimal delivery of mRNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Varying degrees of heterogeneity in mRNA-LNPs can affect their biophysical and functional properties. Given the profound complexity of mRNA-LNPs, it is critical to develop comprehensive and orthogonal analytical techniques for a better understanding of these formulations. To this end, we developed a robust ultracentrifugation method for density-based separation of subpopulations of mRNA-LNPs. Four LNP formulations encapsulating human erythropoietin (hEPO) with varying functionalities were synthesized using two ionizable lipids, A and B, and two helper lipids, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) and 1,2-dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DEPE), along with cholesterol and DMG-PEG-2K. Upon ultracentrifugation on a sucrose gradient, a distinct pattern of "fractions" was observed across the gradient, from the less dense topmost fraction to the increasingly denser bottom fractions, which were harvested for comprehensive analyses. Parent LNPs, A-DOPE and B-DOPE, were resolved into three density-based fractions, each differing significantly in the hEPO expression following intravenous and intramuscular routes of administration. Parent B-DEPE LNPs resolved into two density-based fractions, with most of the payload and lipid content being attributed to the topmost fraction compared to the lower one, indicating some degree of heterogeneity, while parent A-DEPE LNPs showed remarkable homogeneity, as indicated by comparable in vivo potency, lipid numbers, and particle count among the three density-based fractions. This study is the first to demonstrate the application of density gradient-based ultracentrifugation (DGC) for a head-to-head comparison of heterogeneity as a function of biological performance and biophysical characteristics of parent mRNA-LNPs and their subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Vaidya
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Dipen Parande
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Nikita Khadse
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Vikram Agarwal
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Christian Ortiz
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Gordon Ellis
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Neha Kaushal
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Ashish Sarode
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Shrirang Karve
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Frank DeRosa
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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Wu L, Li X, Qian X, Wang S, Liu J, Yan J. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery Carrier-Assisted Targeted Controlled Release mRNA Vaccines in Tumor Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:186. [PMID: 38400169 PMCID: PMC10891594 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020186] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have attracted extensive attention in tumor immunotherapy. Targeting immune cells in cancer therapy has become a strategy of great research interest. mRNA vaccines are a potential choice for tumor immunotherapy, due to their ability to directly encode antigen proteins and stimulate a strong immune response. However, the mode of delivery and lack of stability of mRNA are key issues limiting its application. LNPs are an excellent mRNA delivery carrier, and their structural stability and biocompatibility make them an effective means for delivering mRNA to specific targets. This study summarizes the research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity. The role of LNPs in improving mRNA stability, immunogenicity, and targeting is discussed. This review aims to systematically summarize the latest research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity to provide new ideas and strategies for tumor immunotherapy, as well as to provide more effective treatment plans for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liusheng Wu
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Xinye Qian
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Shuang Wang
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Jixian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Jun Yan
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
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Demeler B, Gilbert R, Patel TR. Proceedings of the 25th Analytical Ultracentrifugation Workshops and Symposium. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:195-201. [PMID: 37526680 PMCID: PMC10870507 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01674-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The 25th International Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) Workshops and Symposium (AUC2022) took place at the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Canada, in July 2022. In total, 104 attendees (Attendance Profile: 104 attendees, 69 in-person, 35 remote. Brazil 1, Canada 24, China 1, Czech Republic 2, Finland 1, France 3, Germany 22, India 3, Italy 1, Japan 4, Spain 1, Switzerland 3, Taiwan 1, United Kingdom 5, United States 32) participated in the event and presented the latest advances in the field. While the primary focus of the conference was to showcase the applications of AUC in chemical, life sciences, and nanoparticle disciplines, several presentations also integrated complementary methods, such as isothermal titration calorimetry, microscale thermophoresis, light scattering (static and dynamic), small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-electron microscopy. Additionally, the delegates gained valuable hands-on experience from 20 workshops covering a broad range of applications, experimental designs and systems, and the latest software innovations in solution biophysics. The AUC2022 special volume highlights the sustained innovation, utility and relevance of AUC and related solution biophysical methods across various disciplines, including biochemistry, structural biology, synthetic polymer chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, protein and nucleic acid characterization, nano-science, and macromolecular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borries Demeler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
- Canadian Centre for Hydrodynamics, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Robert Gilbert
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
- Canadian Centre for Hydrodynamics, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
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