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Neill B, Romero AR, Fenton OS. Advances in Nonviral mRNA Delivery Materials and Their Application as Vaccines for Melanoma Therapy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:4894-4913. [PMID: 37930174 PMCID: PMC11220486 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are promising platforms for cancer immunotherapy because of their potential to encode for a variety of tumor antigens, high tolerability, and capacity to induce strong antitumor immune responses. However, the clinical translation of mRNA cancer vaccines can be hindered by the inefficient delivery of mRNA in vivo. In this review, we provide an overview of mRNA cancer vaccines by discussing their utility in treating melanoma. Specifically, we begin our review by describing the barriers that can impede mRNA delivery to target cells. We then review native mRNA structure and discuss various modification methods shown to enhance mRNA stability and transfection. Next, we outline the advantages and challenges of three nonviral carrier platforms (lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and lipopolyplexes) frequently used for mRNA delivery. Last, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated nonviral mRNA vaccines for the treatment of melanoma. In writing this review, we aim to highlight innovative nonviral strategies designed to address mRNA delivery challenges while emphasizing the exciting potential of mRNA vaccines as next-generation therapies for the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin Neill
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Adriana Retamales Romero
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Owen S. Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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2
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Chen B, Yang Y, Wang X, Yang W, Lu Y, Wang D, Zhuo E, Tang Y, Su J, Tang G, Shao S, Gu K. mRNA vaccine development and applications: A special focus on tumors (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:81. [PMID: 38994758 PMCID: PMC11251742 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5669] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by unlimited proliferation and metastasis, and traditional therapeutic strategies usually result in the acquisition of drug resistance, thus highlighting the need for more personalized treatment. mRNA vaccines transfer the gene sequences of exogenous target antigens into human cells through transcription and translation to stimulate the body to produce specific immune responses against the encoded proteins, so as to enable the body to obtain immune protection against said antigens; this approach may be adopted for personalized cancer therapy. Since the recent coronavirus pandemic, the development of mRNA vaccines has seen substantial progress and widespread adoption. In the present review, the development of mRNA vaccines, their mechanisms of action, factors influencing their function and the current clinical applications of the vaccine are discussed. A focus is placed on the application of mRNA vaccines in cancer, with the aim of highlighting unique advances and the remaining challenges of this novel and promising therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangjie Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yipin Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - You Lu
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Daoyue Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Enba Zhuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yanchao Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Junhong Su
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Guozheng Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, Anhui 237008, P.R. China
| | - Song Shao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, Anhui 237008, P.R. China
| | - Kangsheng Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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3
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Heras-Murillo I, Adán-Barrientos I, Galán M, Wculek SK, Sancho D. Dendritic cells as orchestrators of anticancer immunity and immunotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:257-277. [PMID: 38326563 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00859-1] [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: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous group of antigen-presenting innate immune cells that regulate adaptive immunity, including against cancer. Therefore, understanding the precise activities of DCs in tumours and patients with cancer is important. The classification of DC subsets has historically been based on ontogeny; however, single-cell analyses are now additionally revealing a diversity of functional states of DCs in cancer. DCs can promote the activation of potent antitumour T cells and immune responses via numerous mechanisms, although they can also be hijacked by tumour-mediated factors to contribute to immune tolerance and cancer progression. Consequently, DC activities are often key determinants of the efficacy of immunotherapies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Potentiating the antitumour functions of DCs or using them as tools to orchestrate short-term and long-term anticancer immunity has immense but as-yet underexploited therapeutic potential. In this Review, we outline the nature and emerging complexity of DC states as well as their functions in regulating adaptive immunity across different cancer types. We also describe how DCs are required for the success of current immunotherapies and explore the inherent potential of targeting DCs for cancer therapy. We focus on novel insights on DCs derived from patients with different cancers, single-cell studies of DCs and their relevance to therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Heras-Murillo
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Adán-Barrientos
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Galán
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefanie K Wculek
- Innate Immune Biology Laboratory, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Sancho
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Ozaki M, Kuwayama T, Shimotsuma M, Hirose T. Separation and purification of short-, medium-, and long-stranded RNAs by RP-HPLC using different mobile phases and C 18 columns with various pore sizes. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:1948-1956. [PMID: 38445900 DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00114a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acids, which have been employed in medicines for various diseases, are attracting attention as a new pharmaceutical model. Depending on the target substances, nucleic acid medicines with various nucleic acid chain lengths (several tens of nucleotides [nt] to several thousands of nt) exist. The purification of synthesized nucleic acids is crucial as various impurities remain in the crude product after synthesis. Presently, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) represents an effective purification method for nucleic acids. However, the information regarding the HPLC conditions for separating and purifying nucleic acids of various chain lengths is insufficient. Thus, this technical note describes the separation and purification of short-, medium-, and long-stranded nucleic acids (several tens of nt to thousands of nt) by RP-HPLC with various mobile phases and octadecyl-based columns with various pore sizes, such as normal (9-12 nm), wide (30 nm), and super wide (>30 nm) pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ozaki
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
| | - Tomomi Kuwayama
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
| | - Motoshi Shimotsuma
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
| | - Tsunehisa Hirose
- Research and Development Department, Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-cho, Muko-shi, Kyoto 617-0004, Japan.
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Lin Q, Liang L, Wang Q, Wang X, You Y, Rong Y, Zhou Y, Guo X. Identification of Novel Tumor Pyroptosis-Related Antigens and Pyroptosis Subtypes for Developing mRNA Vaccines in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Biomedicines 2024; 12:726. [PMID: 38672082 PMCID: PMC11048009 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040726] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the important components of immunotherapies, mRNA vaccines have displayed promising clinical outcomes in solid tumors. Nonetheless, their efficacy remains unclear in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Given the interaction of pyroptosis with anticancer immunity, our study aims to identify pyroptosis-related antigens for mRNA vaccine development and discern eligible candidates for vaccination. METHODS Utilizing gene expression data from TCGA and ICGC, we integrated RNA-seq data and compared genetic alterations through cBioPortal. Differential gene expressions were integrated using GEPIA. Relationships between immune cell abundance and tumor antigens were analyzed and visualized via TIMER. WGCNA facilitated the clustering of pyroptosis-related genes, identification of hub genes, and pathway enrichment analyses. Pyroptosis landscape was depicted through graph learning-based dimensional reduction. RESULTS Four overexpressed and mutant pyroptosis-related genes associated with poor prognosis were identified as potential antigens for mRNA vaccines in PAAD, including ANO6, PAK2, CHMP2B, and RAB5A. These genes displayed positive associations with antigen-presenting cells. PAAD patients were stratified into three pyroptosis subtypes. Notably, the PS3 subtype, characterized by a lower mutation count and TMB, exhibited "cold" immunological traits and superior survival compared to other subtypes. The pyroptosis landscape exhibited considerable heterogeneity among individuals. Furthermore, the turquoise module emerged as an independent prognostic indicator and patients with high expressions of hub genes might not be suitable candidates for mRNA vaccination. CONCLUSIONS In PAAD, ANO6, PAK2, CHMP2B, and RAB5A are prospective pyroptosis-related antigens for mRNA vaccine development, which holds potential benefits for patients classified as PS3 and those with diminished hub gene expressions, providing insights into personalized mRNA vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaowei Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.L.); (Y.R.)
| | - Li Liang
- Medical Oncology department of Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen 361015, China;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.W.); (X.W.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.W.); (X.W.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.W.); (X.W.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yang You
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.W.); (X.W.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yefei Rong
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.L.); (Y.R.)
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.W.); (X.W.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Xi Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Q.W.); (X.W.); (Y.Y.)
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6
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Deyhimfar R, Izady M, Shoghi M, Kazazi MH, Ghazvini ZF, Nazari H, Fekrirad Z, Arefian E. The clinical impact of mRNA therapeutics in the treatment of cancers, infections, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26971. [PMID: 38486748 PMCID: PMC10937594 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based therapeutics have revolutionized medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. The recent progress in the optimization and formulation of mRNAs has led to the development of a new therapeutic platform with a broad range of applications. With a growing body of evidence supporting the use of mRNA-based drugs for precision medicine and personalized treatments, including cancer immunotherapy, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases, this emerging technology offers a rapidly expanding category of therapeutic options. Furthermore, the development and deployment of mRNA vaccines have facilitated a prompt and flexible response to medical emergencies, exemplified by the COVID-19 outbreak. The establishment of stable and safe mRNA molecules carried by efficient delivery systems is now available through recent advances in molecular biology and nanotechnology. This review aims to elucidate the advancements in the clinical applications of mRNAs for addressing significant health-related challenges such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, and infections and provide insights into the efficacy and safety of mRNA therapeutics in recent clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roham Deyhimfar
- Department of Stem Cells Technology and Tissue Regeneration, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Urology Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Izady
- Department of Stem Cells Technology and Tissue Regeneration, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hossein Kazazi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Zahra Fakhraei Ghazvini
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojjatollah Nazari
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zahra Fekrirad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Imani S, Tagit O, Pichon C. Neoantigen vaccine nanoformulations based on Chemically synthesized minimal mRNA (CmRNA): small molecules, big impact. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38238340 PMCID: PMC10796345 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, chemically synthesized minimal mRNA (CmRNA) has emerged as a promising alternative to in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) for cancer therapy and immunotherapy. CmRNA lacking the untranslated regions and polyadenylation exhibits enhanced stability and efficiency. Encapsulation of CmRNA within lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPPs) offers an effective approach for personalized neoantigen mRNA vaccines with improved control over tumor growth. LPP-based delivery systems provide superior pharmacokinetics, stability, and lower toxicity compared to viral vectors, naked mRNA, or lipid nanoparticles that are commonly used for mRNA delivery. Precise customization of LPPs in terms of size, surface charge, and composition allows for optimized cellular uptake, target specificity, and immune stimulation. CmRNA-encoded neo-antigens demonstrate high translational efficiency, enabling immune recognition by CD8+ T cells upon processing and presentation. This perspective highlights the potential benefits, challenges, and future directions of CmRNA neoantigen vaccines in cancer therapy compared to Circular RNAs and IVT-mRNA. Further research is needed to optimize vaccine design, delivery, and safety assessment in clinical trials. Nevertheless, personalized LPP-CmRNA vaccines hold great potential for advancing cancer immunotherapy, paving the way for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Imani
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Oya Tagit
- Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Center of Molecular Biophysics, CNRS, Orléans, France.
- ART-ARNm, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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8
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Malla R, Srilatha M, Farran B, Nagaraju GP. mRNA vaccines and their delivery strategies: A journey from infectious diseases to cancer. Mol Ther 2024; 32:13-31. [PMID: 37919901 PMCID: PMC10787123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.024] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have evolved as promising cancer therapies. These vaccines can encode tumor-allied antigens, thus enabling personalized treatment approaches. They can also target cancer-specific mutations and overcome immune evasion mechanisms. They manipulate the body's cellular functions to produce antigens, elicit immune responses, and suppress tumors by overcoming limitations associated with specific histocompatibility leukocyte antigen molecules. However, successfully delivering mRNA into target cells destroys a crucial challenge. Viral and nonviral vectors (lipid nanoparticles and cationic liposomes) have shown great capacity in protecting mRNA from deterioration and assisting in cellular uptake. Cell-penetrating peptides, hydrogels, polymer-based nanoparticles, and dendrimers have been investigated to increase the delivery efficacy and immunogenicity of mRNA. This comprehensive review explores the landscape of mRNA vaccines and their delivery platforms for cancer, addressing design considerations, diverse delivery strategies, and recent advancements. Overall, this review contributes to the progress of mRNA vaccines as an innovative strategy for effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam 530045, AP, India
| | - Mundla Srilatha
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati 517502, AP, India
| | - Batoul Farran
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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9
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Duan Z, Yang D, Yuan P, Dai X, Chen G, Wu D. Advances, opportunities and challenges in developing therapeutic cancer vaccines. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104198. [PMID: 37949152 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104198] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic cancer vaccines have shown promising efficacy in helping immunotherapy for cancer patients, but the systematic characterization of the clinical application and the method for improving efficacy is lacking. Here, we mainly summarize the classification of therapeutic cancer vaccines, including protein vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines, cellular vaccines and anti-idiotypic antibody vaccines, and subdivide the above vaccines according to different types and delivery forms. Additionally, we outline the clinical efficacy and safety of vaccines, as well as the combination strategies of therapeutic cancer vaccines with other therapies. This review will provide a detailed overview and rationale for the future clinical application and development of therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Duan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoming Dai
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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10
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Pan S, Fan R, Han B, Tong A, Guo G. The potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer nanomedicine and immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:20-31. [PMID: 38142147 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.11.003] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their outstanding performance against COVID-19, mRNA vaccines have brought great hope for combating various incurable diseases, including cancer. Differences in the encoded proteins result in different molecular and cellular mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and molecular medicine, personalized antigen-encoding mRNA vaccines that enhance antigen presentation can trigger effective immune responses and prevent off-target toxicities. Herein, we review new insights into the influence of encoded antigens, cytokines, and other functional proteins on the mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. We also highlight the importance of delivery systems and chemical modifications for mRNA translation efficiency, stability, and targeting, and we discuss the potential problems and application prospects of mRNA vaccines as versatile tools for combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Pan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rangrang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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11
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Zhang G, Tang T, Chen Y, Huang X, Liang T. mRNA vaccines in disease prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:365. [PMID: 37726283 PMCID: PMC10509165 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have emerged as highly effective strategies in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, thanks largely although not totally to their extraordinary performance in recent years against the worldwide plague COVID-19. The huge superiority of mRNA vaccines regarding their efficacy, safety, and large-scale manufacture encourages pharmaceutical industries and biotechnology companies to expand their application to a diverse array of diseases, despite the nonnegligible problems in design, fabrication, and mode of administration. This review delves into the technical underpinnings of mRNA vaccines, covering mRNA design, synthesis, delivery, and adjuvant technologies. Moreover, this review presents a systematic retrospective analysis in a logical and well-organized manner, shedding light on representative mRNA vaccines employed in various diseases. The scope extends across infectious diseases, cancers, immunological diseases, tissue damages, and rare diseases, showcasing the versatility and potential of mRNA vaccines in diverse therapeutic areas. Furthermore, this review engages in a prospective discussion regarding the current challenge and potential direction for the advancement and utilization of mRNA vaccines. Overall, this comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals, providing a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects, historical context, and future prospects of mRNA vaccines in the fight against various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinfeng Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Wei HH, Zheng L, Wang Z. mRNA therapeutics: New vaccination and beyond. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:749-759. [PMID: 38933291 PMCID: PMC10017382 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea of mRNA therapy had been conceived for decades before it came into reality during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mRNA vaccine emerges as a powerful and general tool against new viral infections, largely due to its versatility and rapid development. In addition to prophylactic vaccines, mRNA technology also offers great promise for new applications as a versatile drug modality. However, realizing the conceptual potential faces considerable challenges, such as minimal immune stimulation, high and long-term expression, and efficient delivery to target cells and tissues. Here we review the applications of mRNA-based therapeutics, with emphasis on the innovative design and future challenges/solutions. In addition, we also discuss the next generation of mRNA therapy, including circular mRNA and self-amplifying RNAs. We aim to provide a conceptual overview and outlook on mRNA therapeutics beyond prophylactic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Huan Wei
- Bio-med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai 200032, China
| | | | - Zefeng Wang
- Bio-med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, China
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13
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Lee KW, Yam JWP, Mao X. Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A Shift from Conventional Approach to New Generations. Cells 2023; 12:2147. [PMID: 37681880 PMCID: PMC10486560 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the emerging era of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and adoptive cell transfer therapies (ACTs) have gained significant attention. However, their therapeutic efficacies are limited due to the presence of cold type tumors, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and immune-related side effects. On the other hand, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have been suggested as a new cancer immunotherapy regimen that can address the limitations encountered by ICBs and ACTs. Despite the success of the first generation of DC-based vaccines, represented by the first FDA-approved DC-based therapeutic cancer vaccine Provenge, several challenges remain unsolved. Therefore, new DC vaccine strategies have been actively investigated. This review addresses the limitations of the currently most adopted classical DC vaccine and evaluates new generations of DC vaccines in detail, including biomaterial-based, immunogenic cell death-inducing, mRNA-pulsed, DC small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-based, and tumor sEV-based DC vaccines. These innovative DC vaccines are envisioned to provide a significant breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy landscape and are expected to be supported by further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Won Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
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14
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Zhang T, Xu H, Zheng X, Xiong X, Zhang S, Yi X, Li J, Wei Q, Ai J. Clinical benefit and safety associated with mRNA vaccines for advanced solid tumors: A meta-analysis. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e286. [PMID: 37470066 PMCID: PMC10353527 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor mRNA vaccines have been developed for over 20 years. Whether mRNA vaccines could promote a clinical benefit to advanced cancer patients is highly unknown. PubMed and Embase were retrieved from January 1, 2000 to January 4, 2023. Random effects models were employed. Clinical benefit (objective response rate [ORR], disease control rate [DCR], 1-year/2-year progression-free survival [PFS], and overall survival [OS]) and safety (vaccine-related grade 3-5 adverse events [AEs]) were evaluated. Overall, 984 patients (32 trials) were enrolled. The most typical cancer types were melanoma (13 trials), non-small cell lung cancer (5 trials), renal cell carcinoma (4 trials), and prostate adenocarcinoma (4 trials). The pooled ORR and DCR estimates were 10.0% (95%CI, 4.6-17.0%) and 34.6% (95%CI, 24.1-45.9%). The estimates for 1-year and 2-year PFS were 38.4% (95%CI, 24.8-53.0%) and 20.0% (95%CI, 10.4-31.7%), respectively. The estimates for 1-year and 2-year OS were 75.3% (95%CI, 62.4-86.3%) and 45.5% (95%CI, 34.0-57.2%), respectively. The estimate for vaccine-related grade 3-5 AEs was 1.0% (95%CI, 0.2-2.4%). Conclusively, mRNA vaccines seem to demonstrate modest clinical response rates, with acceptable survival rates and rare grade 3-5 AEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian‐yi Zhang
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiao‐nan Zheng
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xing‐yu Xiong
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shi‐yu Zhang
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xian‐yanling Yi
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jian‐zhong Ai
- Department of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Institute of Urology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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15
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Han G, Noh D, Lee H, Lee S, Kim S, Yoon HY, Lee SH. Advances in mRNA therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy: From modification to delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114973. [PMID: 37369262 PMCID: PMC10290897 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA vaccines have demonstrated their ability to solve the issues posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This success has led to the renaissance of research into mRNA and their nanoformulations as potential therapeutic modalities for various diseases. The potential of mRNA as a template for synthesizing proteins and protein fragments for cancer immunotherapy is now being explored. Despite the promise, the use of mRNA in cancer immunotherapy is limited by challenges, such as low stability against extracellular RNases, poor delivery efficiency to the target organs and cells, short circulatory half-life, variable expression levels and duration. This review highlights recent advances in chemical modification and advanced delivery systems that are helping to address these challenges and unlock the biological and pharmacological potential of mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. The review concludes by discussing future perspectives for mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy, which holds great promise as a next-generation therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geonhee Han
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahye Noh
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 02792; Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hokyung Lee
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehoon Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Yeol Yoon
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 02792.
| | - Soo Hyeon Lee
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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16
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Kuwayama T, Ozaki M, Shimotsuma M, Hirose T. Separation of long-stranded RNAs by RP-HPLC using an octadecyl-based column with super-wide pores. ANAL SCI 2023; 39:417-425. [PMID: 36566342 PMCID: PMC9789886 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-022-00253-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) have been used in vaccines for various diseases and are attracting attention as a new pharmaceutical paradigm. The purification of mRNAs is necessary because various impurities, such as template DNAs and transcription enzymes, remain in the crude product after mRNA synthesis. Among the various purification methods, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) is currently attracting attention. Herein, we optimized the pore size of the packing materials, the mobile phase composition, and the temperature of the process; we also evaluated changes in the separation patterns of RNA strands of various lengths via RP-HPLC. Additionally, single-stranded (50-1000 nucleotides in length) and double-stranded (80-500 base pairs in length) RNAs were separated while their non-denatured states were maintained by performing the analysis at 60 °C using triethylammonium acetate as the mobile phase and octadecyl-based RNA-RP1 with super-wide pores (> 30 nm) as the column. Furthermore, impurities in a long-stranded RNA of several thousand nucleotides synthesized by in vitro transcription were successfully separated using an RNA-RP1 column. The columns used in this study are expected to separate various RNA strands and the impurities contained in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Kuwayama
- Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-Cho, Muko, Kyoto, 617-0004, Japan
| | - Makoto Ozaki
- Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-Cho, Muko, Kyoto, 617-0004, Japan
| | | | - Tsunehisa Hirose
- Nacalai Tesque, Inc., Ishibashi Kaide-Cho, Muko, Kyoto, 617-0004, Japan.
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17
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Sun H, Zhang Y, Wang G, Yang W, Xu Y. mRNA-Based Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020622. [PMID: 36839944 PMCID: PMC9964383 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant technological innovations have led to messenger RNA (mRNA) becoming a promising option for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and genome engineering. The success of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has sparked new enthusiasm for other medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are structurally designed to resemble naturally occurring mature mRNA. Delivery of IVT mRNA via delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles allows host cells to produce many copies of encoded proteins, which can serve as antigens to stimulate immune responses or as additional beneficial proteins for supplements. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics include mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA encoding cytokines, chimeric antigen receptors, tumor suppressors, and other combination therapies. To better understand the current development and research status of mRNA therapies for cancer treatment, this review focused on the molecular design, delivery systems, and clinical indications of mRNA therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence:
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18
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mRNA-From COVID-19 Treatment to Cancer Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020308. [PMID: 36830845 PMCID: PMC9953480 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview covering mRNA from its use in the COVID-19 pandemic to cancer immunotherapy, starting from the selection of appropriate antigens, tumor-associated and tumor-specific antigens, neoantigens, the basics of optimizing the mRNA molecule in terms of stability, efficacy, and tolerability, choosing the best formulation and the optimal route of administration, to summarizing current clinical trials of mRNA vaccines in tumor therapy.
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19
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Yuan Y, Gao F, Chang Y, Zhao Q, He X. Advances of mRNA vaccine in tumor: a maze of opportunities and challenges. Biomark Res 2023; 11:6. [PMID: 36650562 PMCID: PMC9845107 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
High-frequency mutations in tumor genomes could be exploited as an asset for developing tumor vaccines. In recent years, with the tremendous breakthrough in genomics, intelligence algorithm, and in-depth insight of tumor immunology, it has become possible to rapidly target genomic alterations in tumor cell and rationally select vaccine targets. Among a variety of candidate vaccine platforms, the early application of mRNA was limited by instability low efficiency and excessive immunogenicity until the successful development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-COV-2 broken of technical bottleneck in vaccine preparation, allowing tumor mRNA vaccines to be prepared rapidly in an economical way with good performance of stability and efficiency. In this review, we systematically summarized the classification and characteristics of tumor antigens, the general process and methods for screening neoantigens, the strategies of vaccine preparations and advances in clinical trials, as well as presented the main challenges in the current mRNA tumor vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Gao
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Chang
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingxing He
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
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20
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Wang D, Gu W, Chen W, Zhou J, Yu L, Kook Kim B, Zhang X, Seung Kim J. Advanced nanovaccines based on engineering nanomaterials for accurately enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Chemical and Synthetic Biology Approaches for Cancer Vaccine Development. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27206933. [PMID: 36296526 PMCID: PMC9611187 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines have been considered promising therapeutic strategies and are often constructed from whole cells, attenuated pathogens, carbohydrates, peptides, nucleic acids, etc. However, the use of whole organisms or pathogens can elicit unwanted immune responses arising from unforeseen reactions to the vaccine components. On the other hand, synthetic vaccines, which contain antigens that are conjugated, often with carrier proteins, can overcome these issues. Therefore, in this review we have highlighted the synthetic approaches and discussed several bioconjugation strategies for developing antigen-based cancer vaccines. In addition, the major synthetic biology approaches that were used to develop genetically modified cancer vaccines and their progress in clinical research are summarized here. Furthermore, to boost the immune responses of any vaccines, the addition of suitable adjuvants and a proper delivery system are essential. Hence, this review also mentions the synthesis of adjuvants and utilization of biomaterial scaffolds, which may facilitate the design of future cancer vaccines.
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22
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Wang D, Cui Q, Yang YJ, Liu AQ, Zhang G, Yu JC. Application of dendritic cells in tumor immunotherapy and progress in the mechanism of anti-tumor effect of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) modulating dendritic cells: a review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113541. [PMID: 36127221 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that are essential in mediating the body's natural and adaptive immune responses. The body can regulate the function of DCs in various ways to enhance their antitumor effects. In the tumour microenvironment (TME), antigen-specific T cell responses are initiated through DC processing and delivery of tumour-associated antigens (TAAs); conversely, tumour cells inhibit DC recruitment by releasing metabolites, cytokines and other regulatory TME and function. Different subpopulations of DCs exist in tumour tissues, and their functions vary. Insight into DC subgroups in TME allows assessment of the effectiveness of tumour immunotherapy. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is the main component of the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus. The study found that the antitumor effects of APS are closely related to DCs. APS can promote the expression of surface molecules CD80 and CD86, promote the maturation of DCs, and activate CTL to exert antitumor effects. We reviewed the application of DCs in tumor immunotherapy and the mechanism of modulation of DCs by Astragalus polysaccharide to provide new directions and strategies for tumor therapy and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300193, China; Graduate School of Tianjin University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Cui
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300193, China; Graduate School of Tianjin University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300193, China; Graduate School of Tianjin University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - A Qing Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300193, China; Graduate School of Tianjin University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300193, China; Graduate School of Tianjin University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Chun Yu
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300193, China.
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23
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Tsao SY. Potential of mRNA vaccines to become versatile cancer vaccines. World J Clin Oncol 2022; 13:663-674. [PMID: 36160466 PMCID: PMC9476609 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v13.i8.663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For centuries, therapeutic cancer vaccines have been developed and tried clinically. Way back in the late 19th century, the Father of Immunotherapy, William Coley had discovered that bacterial toxins were effective for inoperable sarcomas. In the 1970s, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine was repurposed, e.g., for advanced melanomas. Then, therapeutic cancer vaccines based on tumor-associated antigens (found on the surfaces of cancer cells) were tried clinically but apparently have not made a really significant clinical impact. For repurposed pathogen vaccines, only the BCG vaccine was approved in 1989 for local application to treat nonmuscle-invading bladder cancers. Although the mildly toxic vaccine adjuvants deliberately added to conventional pathogen vaccines are appropriate for seasonal applications, when repurposed for continual oncology usage, toxicity may be problematic. In 2010, even with the approval of sipuleucel-T as the very first cancer vaccine (dendritic cell) developed for designated prostate cancers, it has also not made a really significant clinical impact. Perhaps more "user friendly" cancer vaccines should be explored. As from approximately 30 years ago, the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccination for oncology had already been studied, the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, though disastrous, has given such progressively advancing technology a kickstart. For oncology, other virtues of mRNA vaccines seem advantageous, e.g., rapid and versatile development, convenient modular design, and entirely cell-free synthesis, are being progressively recognized. Moreover, mRNAs encoding various oncology antigens for vaccination may also be tested with the combi-nation of relatively non-toxic modalities of oncology treatments, e.g., metformin or metronomic (low-dose, prolonged administration) chemotherapy. Admittedly, robust clinical data obtained through good quality clinical trials are mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiu-Ying Tsao
- Department of Oncology, Hong Kong SAR Oncology Centre, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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24
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Application of mRNA Technology in Cancer Therapeutics. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081262. [PMID: 36016150 PMCID: PMC9415393 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based therapeutics pose as promising treatment strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Improvements in materials and technology of delivery systems have helped to overcome major obstacles in generating a sufficient immune response required to fight a specific type of cancer. Several in vivo models and early clinical studies have suggested that various mRNA treatment platforms can induce cancer-specific cytolytic activity, leading to numerous clinical trials to determine the optimal method of combinations and sequencing with already established agents in cancer treatment. Nevertheless, further research is required to optimize RNA stabilization, delivery platforms, and improve clinical efficacy by interacting with the tumor microenvironment to induce a long-term antitumor response. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the available evidence on the recent advances and efforts to overcome existing challenges of mRNA-based treatment strategies, and how these efforts play key roles in offering perceptive insights into future considerations for clinical application.
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25
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Laureano RS, Sprooten J, Vanmeerbeerk I, Borras DM, Govaerts J, Naulaerts S, Berneman ZN, Beuselinck B, Bol KF, Borst J, Coosemans A, Datsi A, Fučíková J, Kinget L, Neyns B, Schreibelt G, Smits E, Sorg RV, Spisek R, Thielemans K, Tuyaerts S, De Vleeschouwer S, de Vries IJM, Xiao Y, Garg AD. Trial watch: Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy for cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2096363. [PMID: 35800158 PMCID: PMC9255073 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2096363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination for cancer treatment has seen considerable development over recent decades. However, this field is currently in a state of flux toward niche-applications, owing to recent paradigm-shifts in immuno-oncology mobilized by T cell-targeting immunotherapies. DC vaccines are typically generated using autologous (patient-derived) DCs exposed to tumor-associated or -specific antigens (TAAs or TSAs), in the presence of immunostimulatory molecules to induce DC maturation, followed by reinfusion into patients. Accordingly, DC vaccines can induce TAA/TSA-specific CD8+/CD4+ T cell responses. Yet, DC vaccination still shows suboptimal anti-tumor efficacy in the clinic. Extensive efforts are ongoing to improve the immunogenicity and efficacy of DC vaccines, often by employing combinatorial chemo-immunotherapy regimens. In this Trial Watch, we summarize the recent preclinical and clinical developments in this field and discuss the ongoing trends and future perspectives of DC-based immunotherapy for oncological indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel S Laureano
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jenny Sprooten
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isaure Vanmeerbeerk
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel M Borras
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jannes Govaerts
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Naulaerts
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zwi N Berneman
- Department of Haematology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | | | - Kalijn F Bol
- Department of Tumour Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - an Coosemans
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, ImmunOvar Research Group, Ku Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angeliki Datsi
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jitka Fučíková
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lisa Kinget
- Department of General Medical Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gerty Schreibelt
- Department of Tumour Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rüdiger V Sorg
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Radek Spisek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Tuyaerts
- Department of Medical Oncology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven De Vleeschouwer
- Research Group Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosurgery, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Tumour Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanling Xiao
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Abhishek D Garg
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Stability Program in Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A “Real-World” Experience in the Immuno-Gene Therapy Factory of Romagna Cancer Center. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10070999. [PMID: 35891165 PMCID: PMC9323699 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10070999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced therapy medical products (ATMPs) are rapidly growing as innovative medicines for the treatment of several diseases. Hence, the role of quality analytical tests to ensure consistent product safety and quality has become highly relevant. Several clinical trials involving dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines for cancer treatment are ongoing at our institute. The DC-based vaccine is prepared via CD14+ monocyte differentiation. A fresh dose of 10 million DCs is administered to the patient, while the remaining DCs are aliquoted, frozen, and stored in nitrogen vapor for subsequent treatment doses. To evaluate the maintenance of quality parameters and to establish a shelf life of frozen vaccine aliquots, a stability program was developed. Several parameters of the DC final product at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were evaluated. Our results reveal that after 24 months of storage in nitrogen vapor, the cell viability is in a range between 82% and 99%, the expression of maturation markers remains inside the criteria for batch release, the sterility tests are compliant, and the cell costimulatory capacity unchanged. Thus, the data collected demonstrate that freezing and thawing do not perturb the DC vaccine product maintaining over time its functional and quality characteristics.
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27
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Sobhani N, Scaggiante B, Morris R, Chai D, Catalano M, Tardiel-Cyril DR, Neeli P, Roviello G, Mondani G, Li Y. Therapeutic cancer vaccines: From biological mechanisms and engineering to ongoing clinical trials. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 109:102429. [PMID: 35759856 PMCID: PMC9217071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines are currently at the forefront of medical innovation. Various endeavors have been made to develop more consolidated approaches to producing nucleic acid-based vaccines, both DNA and mRNA vaccines. These innovations have continued to propel therapeutic platforms forward, especially for mRNA vaccines, after the successes that drove emergency FDA approval of two mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. These vaccines use modified mRNAs and lipid nanoparticles to improve stability, antigen translation, and delivery by evading innate immune activation. Simple alterations of mRNA structure- such as non-replicating, modified, or self-amplifying mRNAs- can provide flexibility for future vaccine development. For protein vaccines, the use of long synthetic peptides of tumor antigens instead of short peptides has further enhanced antigen delivery success and peptide stability. Efforts to identify and target neoantigens instead of antigens shared between tumor cells and normal cells have also improved protein-based vaccines. Other approaches use inactivated patient-derived tumor cells to elicit immune responses, or purified tumor antigens are given to patient-derived dendritic cells that are activated in vitro prior to reinjection. This review will discuss recent developments in therapeutic cancer vaccines such as, mode of action and engineering new types of anticancer vaccines, in order to summarize the latest preclinical and clinical data for further discussion of ongoing clinical endeavors in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - Rachel Morris
- Thunder Biotech, 395 Cougar Blvd, Provo, UT 84604, USA.
| | - Dafei Chai
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
| | - Martina Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy.
| | - Dana Rae Tardiel-Cyril
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Praveen Neeli
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Mondani
- Royal Infirmary Hospital, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom.
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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28
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Abstract
mRNA vaccines have brought about a great revolution in the vaccine fields owing to their simplicity and adaptability in antigen design, potential to induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and demonstrated high efficacy, and rapid and low-cost production by using the same manufacturing platform for different mRNA vaccines. Multiple mRNA vaccines have been investigated for both infectious diseases and cancers, showing significant superiority to other types of vaccines. Although great success of mRNA vaccines has been achieved in the control of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there are still multiple challenges for the future development of mRNA vaccines. In this review, the most recent developments of mRNA vaccines against both infectious diseases and cancers are summarized for an overview of this field. Moreover, the challenges are also discussed on the basis of these developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA;
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29
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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: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.5] [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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30
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Liu J, Fu M, Wang M, Wan D, Wei Y, Wei X. Cancer vaccines as promising immuno-therapeutics: platforms and current progress. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:28. [PMID: 35303904 PMCID: PMC8931585 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01247-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 119.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on tumor immunotherapy has made tremendous progress in the past decades, with numerous studies entering the clinical evaluation. The cancer vaccine is considered a promising therapeutic strategy in the immunotherapy of solid tumors. Cancer vaccine stimulates anti-tumor immunity with tumor antigens, which could be delivered in the form of whole cells, peptides, nucleic acids, etc. Ideal cancer vaccines could overcome the immune suppression in tumors and induce both humoral immunity and cellular immunity. In this review, we introduced the working mechanism of cancer vaccines and summarized four platforms for cancer vaccine development. We also highlighted the clinical research progress of the cancer vaccines, especially focusing on their clinical application and therapeutic efficacy, which might hopefully facilitate the future design of the cancer vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Wan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Huff AL, Jaffee EM, Zaidi N. Messenger RNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy: progress promotes promise. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e156211. [PMID: 35289317 PMCID: PMC8920340 DOI: 10.1172/jci156211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated mRNA vaccines to global recognition due to their unprecedented success rate in protecting against a deadly virus. This international success is underscored by the remarkable versatility, favorable immunogenicity, and overall safety of the mRNA platform in diverse populations. Although mRNA vaccines have been studied in preclinical models and patients with cancer for almost three decades, development has been slow. The recent technological advances responsible for the COVID-19 vaccines have potential implications for successfully adapting this vaccine platform for cancer therapeutics. Here we discuss the lessons learned along with the chemical, biologic, and immunologic adaptations needed to optimize mRNA technology to successfully treat cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Huff
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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32
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Kardani K, Milani A, Bolhassani A. Gene delivery in adherent and suspension cells using the combined physical methods. Cytotechnology 2022; 74:245-257. [PMID: 35464169 PMCID: PMC8975990 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-022-00524-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical methods are widely utilized to deliver nucleic acids into cells such as electro-transfection or heat shock. An efficient gene electro-transfection requires the best conditions including voltage, the pulse length or number, buffer, incubation time and DNA form. In this study, the delivery of pEGFP-N1 vector into two adherent cell lines (HEK-293 T and COS-7) with the same origin (epithelial cells), and also mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) was evaluated using electroporation under different conditions alone and along with heat treatment. Our data showed that the highest green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in HEK-293 T and COS-7 cells was observed in serum-free RPMI cell culture medium as electroporation buffer, voltage (200 V), the pulse number (2), the pulse length (15 ms), the circular form of DNA, and 48 h after electro-transfection. In addition, the highest GFP expression in DCs was detected in serum-free RPMI, voltage (300 V), the pulse number (1), the pulse length (5 ms), and 48 h after electro-transfection. The use of sucrose as electroporation buffer, the pulse number (2), and the pulse length (25 ms) led to further cytotoxicity and lower transfection in HEK293T and COS-7 cells than other conditions. Moreover, the high voltage (700 V) increased the cell cytotoxicity, and decreased electro-transfection efficiency in DCs. On the other hand, the best conditions of electroporation along with heat treatment could significantly augment the transfection efficiency in all the cells. These data will be useful for gene delivery in other cells with the same properties using physical methods. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-022-00524-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Milani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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33
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Xu SM, Shi CJ, Xia RH, Wang LZ, Tian Z, Ye WM, Liu L, Liu SL, Zhang CY, Hu YH, Zhou R, Han Y, Wang Y, Zhang ZY, Li J. Analysis of Immunological Characteristics and Genomic Alterations in HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on PD-L1 Expression. Front Immunol 2022; 12:798424. [PMID: 35145511 PMCID: PMC8821172 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.798424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression has been approved as an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response predictive biomarker; however, the clinicopathological and molecular features of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma [HPV(+)OPSCC] based on PD-L1 expression are not well studied. We aimed to characterize clinicopathological, tumor immune microenvironmental, and molecular features of HPV(+)OPSCC with different PD-L1 expression scored by combined positive score (CPS). A total of 112 cases were collected from 2008-2021 and received PD-L1 and CD8 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. 71 samples received DNA sequencing out of which 32 samples received RNA sequencing for immune-related gene alterations or expression analysis. The 32 samples were also subjected to analysis of CD20, CD4, CD8, CD68, Foxp3 and P16 by multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining, and the immune markers were evaluated in the tumor body (TB), tumor margin (TM) and normal stroma (NS) regions separately. Our results showed that of 112 HPV(+)OPSCC tumors, high(CPS≥20), intermediate(1≤CPS<20), and low(CPS<1) PD-L1 expression was seen in 29.5%, 43.8% and 26.8% cases respectively. Non-smoking patients and patients with tumors occurring at the tonsils or having rich lymphocytes infiltration had significantly higher PD-L1 expression. Patients with CPS≥20 had significantly higher tumor mutation burden (TMB, p=0.0058), and PD-L1 expression correlated significantly with CD8+ T cells infiltration, which were ample in tumor regions than in NS in mIF. CD20+, CD4+, CD68+, Foxp3+CD4+ cells were demonstrated to infiltrate higher in TM while CD20+ and CD68+ cells were also enriched in NS and TB regions respectively. However, none of them showed correlations with PD-L1 expression. ARID1A, STK11 alterations were enriched in the low PD-L1 group significantly, while anti-viral immune associated APOBEC mutation signature and immune-related genes expression such as XCL1 and IL11 were positively associated with PD-L1 expression (p<0.05). This is a comprehensive investigation revealing immune and molecular features of HPV(+)OPSCC based on PD-L1 expression. Our study suggested that 73.2% of HPV(+)OPSCC patients may benefit from immunotherapy, and high PD-L1 expression reflects immune-active status of HPV(+)OPSCC accompanied by higher immune effect factors such as TMB, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and immune-related genomic alterations. Our study offers valuable information for understanding the immune features of HPV(+)OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-ming Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-ji Shi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-hui Xia
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-zhen Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Tian
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-min Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-li Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-ye Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-hua Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-yuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiang Li, ; Zhi-yuan Zhang,
| | - Jiang Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiang Li, ; Zhi-yuan Zhang,
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Yu J, Sun H, Cao W, Song Y, Jiang Z. Research progress on dendritic cell vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35074008 PMCID: PMC8784280 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines induce specific immune responses that can selectively eliminate target cells. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to explore DC vaccination in the treatment of hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as other nonleukemia malignancies. There are at least two different strategies that use DCs to promote antitumor immunity: in situ vaccination and canonical vaccination. Monocyte-derived DCs (mo-DCs) and leukemia-derived DCs (DCleu) are the main types of DCs used in vaccines for AML and MDS thus far. Different cancer-related molecules such as peptides, recombinant proteins, apoptotic leukemic cells, whole tumor cells or lysates and DCs/DCleu containing a vaster antigenic repertoire with RNA electroporation, have been used as antigen sources to load DCs. To enhance DC vaccine efficacy, new strategies, such as combination with conventional chemotherapy, monospecific/bispecific antibodies and immune checkpoint-targeting therapies, have been explored. After a decade of trials and tribulations, much progress has been made and much promise has emerged in the field. In this review we summarize the recent advances in DC vaccine immunotherapy for AML/MDS as well as other nonleukemia malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Gp-100 as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235968. [PMID: 34885078 PMCID: PMC8656894 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glycoprotein 100 (Gp-100) is a protein highly expressed in melanoma tissue that has recently been effectively targeted by tebentafusp, a first-in-class bispecific protein of the immune-mobilizing monoclonal T cell receptors against cancer (ImmTACs) family. Recently, a randomized phase III trial reported an overall survival benefit for tebentafusp in patients with untreated metastatic uveal melanoma. Abstract Uveal melanoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis in the metastatic setting. Unlike cutaneous melanoma, treatment with kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors is not effective. Glycoprotein 100 (Gp-100) is a protein highly expressed in melanocytes and melanoma that has recently been effectively targeted by tebentafusp, a first-in-class bispecific protein of the immune-mobilizing monoclonal T cell receptors against cancer (ImmTACs) family. Tebentafusp targets tumor cells that express a peptide of Gp-100 presented by HLA*A0201, creating an immune synapse that kills targeted tumor cells. Recently, a randomized phase III trial reported an overall survival benefit for tebentafusp in patients with untreated metastatic uveal melanoma. The aim of this comprehensive review is to summarize evidence of Gp-100 as a therapeutic target in melanoma, and the preclinical and clinical development of tebentafusp as a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with uveal melanoma.
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Filin IY, Kitaeva KV, Rutland CS, Rizvanov AA, Solovyeva VV. Recent Advances in Experimental Dendritic Cell Vaccines for Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:730824. [PMID: 34631558 PMCID: PMC8495208 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.730824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of immunotherapeutic methods for the treatment of oncological diseases have made it possible to improve the effectiveness of standard therapies. There was no breakthrough after first using of personalized therapeutic vaccines based on dendritic cells in clinical practice. A deeper study of the biology of dendritic cells, as well as the use of new approaches and agents for antigenic work, have made it possible to expand the field of application of dendritic cell (DC) vaccines and improve the indicators of cancer patients. In addition, the low toxicity of DC vaccines in clinical trials makes it possible to use promising predictions of their applicability in wider clinical practice. This review examines new approaches and recent advances of the DC vaccine in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Y Filin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Kristina V Kitaeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Catrin S Rutland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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Bidram M, Zhao Y, Shebardina NG, Baldin AV, Bazhin AV, Ganjalikhany MR, Zamyatnin AA, Ganjalikhani-hakemi M. mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccines: A Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Melanoma Patients. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1060. [PMID: 34696168 PMCID: PMC8540049 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and the leading cause of death from skin tumors. Given the increased incidence of melanoma diagnoses in recent years, it is essential to develop effective treatments to control this disease. In this regard, the use of cancer vaccines to enhance cell-mediated immunity is considered to be one of the most modern immunotherapy options for cancer treatment. The most recent cancer vaccine options are mRNA vaccines, with a focus on their usage as modern treatments. Advantages of mRNA cancer vaccines include their rapid production and low manufacturing costs. mRNA-based vaccines are also able to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. In addition to the many advantages of mRNA vaccines for the treatment of cancer, their use is associated with a number of challenges. For this reason, before mRNA vaccines can be used for the treatment of cancer, comprehensive information about them is required and a large number of trials need to be conducted. Here, we reviewed the general features of mRNA vaccines, including their basis, stabilization, and delivery methods. We also covered clinical trials involving the use of mRNA vaccines in melanoma cancer and the challenges involved with this type of treatment. This review also emphasized the combination of treatment with mRNA vaccines with the use of immune-checkpoint blockers to enhance cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bidram
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran; (M.B.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (Y.Z.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Natalia G. Shebardina
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey V. Baldin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (Y.Z.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Mohamad Reza Ganjalikhany
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran; (M.B.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7X, UK
| | - Mazdak Ganjalikhani-hakemi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran
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Ascierto PA, Blank C, Dummer R, Ernstoff MS, Ferrone S, Fox BA, Gajewski TF, Garbe C, Hwu P, Kalinski P, Krogsgaard M, Lo RS, Luke JJ, Neyns B, Postow MA, Quezada SA, Teng MWL, Trinchieri G, Testori A, Caracò C, Osman I, Puzanov I, Thurin M. Perspectives in Melanoma: meeting report from the Melanoma Bridge (December 3rd-5th, 2020, Italy). J Transl Med 2021; 19:278. [PMID: 34193182 PMCID: PMC8243582 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02951-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in immune checkpoint therapy and targeted therapy have led to improvement in overall survival for patients with advanced melanoma. Single agent checkpoint PD-1 blockade and combination with BRAF/MEK targeted therapy demonstrated benefit in overall survival (OS). Superior response rates have been demonstrated with combined PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade, with a significant OS benefit compared with single-agent PD-1 blockade. Despite the progress in diagnosis of melanocytic lesions, correct classification of patients, selection of appropriate adjuvant and systemic therapies, and prediction of response to therapy remain real challenges in melanoma. Improved understanding of the tumor microenvironment, tumor immunity and response to therapy has prompted extensive translational and clinical research in melanoma. Development of novel biomarker platforms may help to improve diagnostics and predictive accuracy for selection of patients for specific treatment. There is a growing evidence that genomic and immune features of pre-treatment tumor biopsies may correlate with response in patients with melanoma and other cancers but they have yet to be fully characterized and implemented clinically. Overall, the progress in melanoma therapeutics and translational research will help to optimize treatment regimens to overcome resistance and develop robust biomarkers to guide clinical decision-making. During the Melanoma Bridge meeting (December 3rd-5th, 2020, Italy) we reviewed the currently approved systemic and local therapies for advanced melanoma and discussed novel biomarker strategies and advances in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo A Ascierto
- Department of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, Instituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc S Ernstoff
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Therapy & Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Thomas F Gajewski
- Department of Pathology and Department of Medicine (Section of Hematology/Oncology), University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Claus Garbe
- Center for Dermato-Oncology, University-Department of Dermatology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Pawel Kalinski
- Cancer Vaccine and Dendritic Cell Therapies, Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Developmental Therapeutics, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Roger S Lo
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason J Luke
- Cancer Immunotherapeutic Center of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bart Neyns
- Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael A Postow
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Hematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Michele W L Teng
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Giorgio Trinchieri
- Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology (LICI), Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alessandro Testori
- Image Rigenerative Clinic-Skin Oncology Division, Milan, Italy
- Chairman Surgical Subgroup EORTC Melanoma Group Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corrado Caracò
- Division of Surgery of Melanoma and Skin Cancer, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Pascale" IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Iman Osman
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Magdalena Thurin
- Cancer Diagnosis Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
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Salah A, Wang H, Li Y, Ji M, Ou WB, Qi N, Wu Y. Insights Into Dendritic Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy: From Bench to Clinical Applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:686544. [PMID: 34262904 PMCID: PMC8273339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.686544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are efficient antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and potent activators of naïve T cells. Therefore, they act as a connective ring between innate and adaptive immunity. DC subsets are heterogeneous in their ontogeny and functions. They have proven to potentially take up and process tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). In this regard, researchers have developed strategies such as genetically engineered or TAA-pulsed DC vaccines; these manipulated DCs have shown significant outcomes in clinical and preclinical models. Here, we review DC classification and address how DCs are skewed into an immunosuppressive phenotype in cancer patients. Additionally, we present the advancements in DCs as a platform for cancer immunotherapy, emphasizing the technologies used for in vivo targeting of endogenous DCs, ex vivo generated vaccines from peripheral blood monocytes, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived DCs (iPSC-DCs) to boost antitumoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Salah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China.,Hangzhou Biaomo Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.,Asia Stem Cell Therapies Co., Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Ji
- Hangzhou Biaomo Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nianmin Qi
- Hangzhou Biaomo Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.,Asia Stem Cell Therapies Co., Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuehong Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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Lim KP, Zainal NS. Monitoring T Cells Responses Mounted by Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:623475. [PMID: 33937323 PMCID: PMC8082312 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.623475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
With the regulatory approval of Provenge and Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and advanced melanoma respectively, and other promising clinical trials outcomes, cancer vaccine is gaining prominence as a cancer therapeutic agent. Cancer vaccine works to induce T cell priming, expansion, and infiltration resulting in antigen-specific cytotoxicity. Such an approach that can drive cytotoxicity within the tumor could complement the success of checkpoint inhibitors as tumors shown to have high immune cell infiltration are those that would respond well to these antibodies. With the advancements in cancer vaccine, methods to monitor and understand how cancer vaccines modify the immune milieu is under rapid development. This includes using ELISpot and intracellular staining to detect cytokine secretion by activated T cells; tetramer and CyTOF to quantitate the level of antigen specific T cells; proliferation and cell killing assay to detect the expansion of T cell and specific killing activity. More recently, T cell profiling has provided unprecedented detail on immune cell subsets and providing clues to the mechanism involved in immune activation. Here, we reviewed cancer vaccines currently in clinical trials and highlight available techniques in monitoring the clinical response in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kue Peng Lim
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Nur Syafinaz Zainal
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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Heine A, Juranek S, Brossart P. Clinical and immunological effects of mRNA vaccines in malignant diseases. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:52. [PMID: 33722265 PMCID: PMC7957288 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01339-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed messenger RNA-based therapeutics represent a relatively novel and highly efficient class of drugs. Several recently published studies emphasize the potential efficacy of mRNA vaccines in treating different types of malignant and infectious diseases where conventional vaccine strategies and platforms fail to elicit protective immune responses. mRNA vaccines have lately raised high interest as potent vaccines against SARS-CoV2. Direct application of mRNA or its electroporation into dendritic cells was shown to induce polyclonal CD4+ and CD8+ mediated antigen-specific T cell responses as well as the production of protective antibodies with the ability to eliminate transformed or infected cells. More importantly, the vaccine composition may include two or more mRNAs coding for different proteins or long peptides. This enables the induction of polyclonal immune responses against a broad variety of epitopes within the encoded antigens that are presented on various MHC complexes, thus avoiding the restriction to a certain HLA molecule or possible immune escape due to antigen-loss. The development and design of mRNA therapies was recently boosted by several critical innovations including the development of technologies for the production and delivery of high quality and stable mRNA. Several technical obstacles such as stability, delivery and immunogenicity were addressed in the past and gradually solved in the recent years.This review will summarize the most recent technological developments and application of mRNA vaccines in clinical trials and discusses the results, challenges and future directions with a special focus on the induced innate and adaptive immune responses.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Humans
- Immunity
- Immunotherapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/pathology
- Neoplasms/etiology
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- RNA Stability
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Annkristin Heine
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Abstract
mRNA vaccines have become a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy. During vaccination, naked or vehicle loaded mRNA vaccines efficiently express tumor antigens in antigen-presenting cells (APCs), facilitate APC activation and innate/adaptive immune stimulation. mRNA cancer vaccine precedes other conventional vaccine platforms due to high potency, safe administration, rapid development potentials, and cost-effective manufacturing. However, mRNA vaccine applications have been limited by instability, innate immunogenicity, and inefficient in vivo delivery. Appropriate mRNA structure modifications (i.e., codon optimizations, nucleotide modifications, self-amplifying mRNAs, etc.) and formulation methods (i.e., lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, peptides, etc.) have been investigated to overcome these issues. Tuning the administration routes and co-delivery of multiple mRNA vaccines with other immunotherapeutic agents (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors) have further boosted the host anti-tumor immunity and increased the likelihood of tumor cell eradication. With the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of LNP-loaded mRNA vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 and the promising therapeutic outcomes of mRNA cancer vaccines achieved in several clinical trials against multiple aggressive solid tumors, we envision the rapid advancing of mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy in the near future. This review provides a detailed overview of the recent progress and existing challenges of mRNA cancer vaccines and future considerations of applying mRNA vaccine for cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Miao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Wei C, Liu X, Wang Q, Li Q, Xie M. Identification of Hypoxia Signature to Assess the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Predict Prognosis in Patients with Ovarian Cancer. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:4156187. [PMID: 34950205 PMCID: PMC8692015 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4156187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 5-year overall survival rate of ovarian cancer (OC) patients is less than 40%. Hypoxia promotes the proliferation of OC cells and leads to the decline of cell immunity. It is crucial to find potential predictors or risk model related to OC prognosis. This study aimed at establishing the hypoxia-associated gene signature to assess tumor immune microenvironment and predicting the prognosis of OC. METHODS The gene expression data of 378 OC patients and 370 OC patients were downloaded from datasets. The hypoxia risk model was constructed to reflect the immune microenvironment in OC and predict prognosis. RESULTS 8 genes (AKAP12, ALDOC, ANGPTL4, CITED2, ISG20, PPP1R15A, PRDX5, and TGFBI) were included in the hypoxic gene signature. Patients in the high hypoxia risk group showed worse survival. Hypoxia signature significantly related to clinical features and may serve as an independent prognostic factor for OC patients. 2 types of immune cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cell and regulatory T cell, showed a significant infiltration in the tissues of the high hypoxia risk group patients. Most of the immunosuppressive genes (such as ARG1, CD160, CD244, CXCL12, DNMT1, and HAVCR1) and immune checkpoints (such as CD80, CTLA4, and CD274) were upregulated in the high hypoxia risk group. Gene sets related to the high hypoxia risk group were associated with signaling pathways of cell cycle, MAPK, mTOR, PI3K-Akt, VEGF, and AMPK. CONCLUSION The hypoxia risk model could serve as an independent prognostic indicator and reflect overall immune response intensity in the OC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Wei
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shangzhou District, Shangluo, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qipei Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Esprit A, de Mey W, Bahadur Shahi R, Thielemans K, Franceschini L, Breckpot K. Neo-Antigen mRNA Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E776. [PMID: 33353155 PMCID: PMC7766040 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in therapeutic cancer vaccines has caught enormous attention in recent years due to several breakthroughs in cancer research, among which the finding that successful checkpoint blockade treatments reinvigorate neo-antigen-specific T cells and that successful adoptive cell therapies are directed towards neo-antigens. Neo-antigens are cancer-specific antigens, which develop from somatic mutations in the cancer cell genome that can be highly immunogenic and are not subjected to central tolerance. As the majority of neo-antigens are unique to each patient's cancer, a vaccine technology that is flexible and potent is required to develop personalized neo-antigen vaccines. In vitro transcribed mRNA is such a technology platform and has been evaluated for delivery of neo-antigens to professional antigen-presenting cells both ex vivo and in vivo. In addition, strategies that support the activity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment have been developed. These represent a unique opportunity to ensure durable T cell activity upon vaccination. Here, we comprehensively review recent progress in mRNA-based neo-antigen vaccines, summarizing critical milestones that made it possible to bring the promise of therapeutic cancer vaccines within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.E.); (W.d.M.); (R.B.S.); (K.T.); (L.F.)
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