1
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Germer J, Lessl AL, Pöhmerer J, Grau M, Weidinger E, Höhn M, Yazdi M, Cappelluti MA, Lombardo A, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Lipo-Xenopeptide Polyplexes for CRISPR/Cas9 based Gene editing at ultra-low dose. J Control Release 2024; 370:239-255. [PMID: 38663751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.037] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Double pH-responsive xenopeptide carriers containing succinoyl tetraethylene pentamine (Stp) and lipo amino fatty acids (LAFs) were evaluated for CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing. Different carrier topologies, variation of LAF/Stp ratios and LAF types as Cas9 mRNA/sgRNA polyplexes were screened in three different reporter cell lines using three different genomic targets (Pcsk9, eGFP, mdx exon 23). One U-shaped and three bundle (B2)-shaped lipo-xenopeptides exhibiting remarkable efficiencies were identified. Genome editing potency of top carriers were observed at sub-nanomolar EC50 concentrations of 0.4 nM sgRNA and 0.1 nM sgRNA for the top U-shape and top B2 carriers, respectively, even after incubation in full (≥ 90%) serum. Polyplexes co-delivering Cas9 mRNA/sgRNA with a single stranded DNA template for homology directed gene editing resulted in up to 38% conversion of eGFP to BFP in reporter cells. Top carriers were formulated as polyplexes or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for subsequent in vivo administration. Formulations displayed long-term physicochemical and functional stability upon storage at 4 °C. Importantly, intravenous administration of polyplexes or LNPs mediated in vivo editing of the dystrophin gene, triggering mRNA exon 23 splicing modulation in dystrophin-expressing cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle and brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janin Germer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Anna-Lina Lessl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Melina Grau
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Eric Weidinger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Martino Alfredo Cappelluti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Angelo Lombardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich 80799, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany; Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Munich 80799, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany.
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2
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Wang Q, Bu C, Dai Q, Chen J, Zhang R, Zheng X, Ren H, Xin X, Li X. Recent Progress in Nucleic Acid Pulmonary Delivery toward Overcoming Physiological Barriers and Improving Transfection Efficiency. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309748. [PMID: 38460157 PMCID: PMC11095210 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary delivery of therapeutic agents has been considered the desirable administration route for local lung disease treatment. As the latest generation of therapeutic agents, nucleic acid has been gradually developed as gene therapy for local diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and lung fibrosis. The features of nucleic acid, specific physiological structure, and pathophysiological barriers of the respiratory tract have strongly affected the delivery efficiency and pulmonary bioavailability of nucleic acid, directly related to the treatment outcomes. The development of pharmaceutics and material science provides the potential for highly effective pulmonary medicine delivery. In this review, the key factors and barriers are first introduced that affect the pulmonary delivery and bioavailability of nucleic acids. The advanced inhaled materials for nucleic acid delivery are further summarized. The recent progress of platform designs for improving the pulmonary delivery efficiency of nucleic acids and their therapeutic outcomes have been systematically analyzed, with the application and the perspectives of advanced vectors for pulmonary gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparation and ExcipientsNanjing210009China
| | - Chaozhi Bu
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxi214002China
| | - Qihao Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparation and ExcipientsNanjing210009China
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Ruitao Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparation and ExcipientsNanjing210009China
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Xiaomin Zheng
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxi214002China
| | - Hao Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
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3
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Zhou F, Huang L, Li S, Yang W, Chen F, Cai Z, Liu X, Xu W, Lehto V, Lächelt U, Huang R, Shi Y, Lammers T, Tao W, Xu ZP, Wagner E, Xu Z, Yu H. From structural design to delivery: mRNA therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2024; 4:20210146. [PMID: 38855617 PMCID: PMC11022630 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have emerged as powerful tools for cancer immunotherapy in accordance with their superiority in expressing all sequence-known proteins in vivo. In particular, with a small dosage of delivered mRNA, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) can synthesize mutant neo-antigens and multi-antigens and present epitopes to T lymphocytes to elicit antitumor effects. In addition, expressing receptors like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), T-cell receptor (TCR), CD134, and immune-modulating factors including cytokines, interferons, and antibodies in specific cells can enhance immunological response against tumors. With the maturation of in vitro transcription (IVT) technology, large-scale and pure mRNA encoding specific proteins can be synthesized quickly. However, the clinical translation of mRNA-based anticancer strategies is restricted by delivering mRNA into target organs or cells and the inadequate endosomal escape efficiency of mRNA. Recently, there have been some advances in mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy, which can be roughly classified as modifications of the mRNA structure and the development of delivery systems, especially the lipid nanoparticle platforms. In this review, the latest strategies for overcoming the limitations of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and the recent advances in delivering mRNA into specific organs and cells are summarized. Challenges and opportunities for clinical applications of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lujia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shiqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Wenfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Fangmin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Wujun Xu
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Vesa‐Pekka Lehto
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Rongqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug DeliveryMinistry of Education, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular ImagingRWTH Aachen University ClinicAachenGermany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular ImagingRWTH Aachen University ClinicAachenGermany
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering and Institute of Systems and Physical BiologyShenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for NanoscienceLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunichGermany
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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4
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Berger S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Dynamic carriers for therapeutic RNA delivery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307799120. [PMID: 38437544 PMCID: PMC10945752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307799120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Carriers for RNA delivery must be dynamic, first stabilizing and protecting therapeutic RNA during delivery to the target tissue and across cellular membrane barriers and then releasing the cargo in bioactive form. The chemical space of carriers ranges from small cationic lipids applied in lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, over medium-sized sequence-defined xenopeptides, to macromolecular polycations applied in polyplexes and polymer micelles. This perspective highlights the discovery of distinct virus-inspired dynamic processes that capitalize on mutual nanoparticle-host interactions to achieve potent RNA delivery. From the host side, subtle alterations of pH, ion concentration, redox potential, presence of specific proteins, receptors, or enzymes are cues, which must be recognized by the RNA nanocarrier via dynamic chemical designs including cleavable bonds, alterable physicochemical properties, and supramolecular assembly-disassembly processes to respond to changing biological microenvironment during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
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5
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Albuquerque LJC, de Oliveira FA, Christoffolete MA, Nascimento-Sales M, Berger S, Wagner E, Lächelt U, Giacomelli FC. Nucleic acid delivery to retinal cells using lipopeptides as a potential tool towards ocular gene therapies. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 655:346-356. [PMID: 37948808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.003] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the use of lipopeptides capable to bind to nucleic acids towards plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. The investigations were particularly focused on arising retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) as motivated by the considerable number of ocular disorders linked to gene aberrations. The lipopeptides comprised the artificial oligoamino acid succinyl-tetraethylene pentamine (Stp) as well as incorporated lysines, histidines, cysteines, fatty acids, and tyrosine trimers. Regardless of the structural differences, the lipopeptides demonstrated to efficiently condense pDNA at nitrogen-to-phosphate molar ratio (N/P) ≥ 6. Spheric nanoparticles were observed by cryo-TEM and dynamic light scattering determined hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 50 to 130 nm. The biological assays evidenced highly efficient pDNA delivery with a lower degree of cytotoxicity compared to the well-known transfecting agent linear polyethylenimine (LPEI). Although more efficient than LPEI, cysteine-containing carriers were demonstrated to be less efficient than the other counterparts possibly due to exceeding polyplex stabilization via disulfide cross links, which could hamper pDNA unpacking at the target site. Therefore, clearly a balance between complex stability and cargo release should be taken into account to optimize the transfection efficiency of the non-viral vectors. The gene transfer activity in ARPE-19 cells suggests the applicability of this kind of carrier for ocular treatments based on retinal gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNs), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
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6
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Haase F, Pöhmerer J, Yazdi M, Grau M, Zeyn Y, Wilk U, Burghardt T, Höhn M, Hieber C, Bros M, Wagner E, Berger S. Lipoamino bundle LNPs for efficient mRNA transfection of dendritic cells and macrophages show high spleen selectivity. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:95-109. [PMID: 38065313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.11.025] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a powerful tool for nucleic acid-based therapies and vaccination, but efficient and specific delivery to target tissues remains a significant challenge. In this study, we demonstrate lipoamino xenopeptide carriers as components of highly efficient mRNA LNPs. These lipo-xenopeptides are defined as 2D sequences in different 3D topologies (bundles or different U-shapes). The polar artificial amino acid tetraethylene pentamino succinic acid (Stp) and various lipophilic tertiary lipoamino fatty acids (LAFs) act as ionizable amphiphilic units, connected in different ratios via bisamidated lysines as branching units. A series of more lipophilic LAF4-Stp1 carriers with bundle topology is especially well suited for efficient encapsulation of mRNA into LNPs, facilitated cellular uptake and strongly enhanced endosomal escape. These LNPs display improved, faster transfection kinetics compared to standard LNP formulations, with high potency in a variety of tumor cell lines (including N2a neuroblastoma, HepG2 and Huh7 hepatocellular, and HeLa cervical carcinoma cells), J774A.1 macrophages, and DC2.4 dendritic cells. High transfection levels were obtained even in the presence of serum at very low sub-microgram mRNA doses. Upon intravenous application of only 3 µg mRNA per mouse, in vivo mRNA expression is found with a high selectivity for dendritic cells and macrophages, resulting in a particularly high overall preferred expression in the spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Haase
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Melina Grau
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Tobias Burghardt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Christoph Hieber
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany.
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany.
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7
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Egberink RO, van Asbeck AH, Boswinkel M, Muradjan G, Dieker J, Brock R. Deciphering Structural Determinants Distinguishing Active from Inactive Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Cytosolic mRNA Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1822-1834. [PMID: 37733627 PMCID: PMC10587869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The formation of noncovalent complexes by mixing of positively charged polymers with negatively charged oligonucleotides (ONs) is a widely explored concept in nanomedicine to achieve cellular delivery of ONs. Uptake of ON complexes occurs through endocytosis, which then requires release of ON from endosomes. As one type of polymer, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are being used which are peptides of about 8-30 amino acids in length. However, only a few CPPs yield effective cytosolic ON delivery and activity. Several strategies have been devised to increase cellular uptake and enhance endosomal release, among which an increase of osmotic pressure through the so-called proton sponge effect, disruption of membrane integrity through membrane activity, and disulfide-mediated polymerization. Here, we address the relevance of these concepts for mRNA delivery by incorporating structural features into the human lactoferrin-derived CPP, which shows uptake but not delivery. The incorporation of histidines was explored to address osmotic pressure and structural motifs of the delivery-active CPP PepFect14 (PF14) to address membrane disturbance, and finally, the impact of polymerization was explored. Whereas oligomerization increased the stability of polyplexes against heparin-induced decomplexation, neither this approach nor the incorporation of histidine residues to promote a proton-sponge effect yielded activity. Also, the replacement of arginine residues with lysine or ornithine residues, as in PF14, was without effect, even though all polyplexes showed cellular uptake. Ultimately, sufficient activity could only be achieved by transferring amphipathic sequence motifs from PF14 into the hLF context with some benefit of oligomerization demonstrating overarching principles of delivery for CPPs, lipid nanoparticles, and other types of delivery polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik Oude Egberink
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander H. van Asbeck
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Milou Boswinkel
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Grigor Muradjan
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Dieker
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
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Yang M, Qin C, Tao L, Cheng G, Li J, Lv F, Yang N, Xing Z, Chu X, Han X, Huo M, Yin L. Synchronous targeted delivery of TGF-β siRNA to stromal and tumor cells elicits robust antitumor immunity against triple-negative breast cancer by comprehensively remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122253. [PMID: 37536040 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The poor permeability of therapeutic drugs, limited T-cell infiltration, and strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) acts as a prominent barrier to the delivery of drugs and immunotherapy including programmed cell death ligand-1 antibody (anti-PD-L1). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, an important cytokine produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells contributes to the pathological vasculature, dense tumor stroma and strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a nanomedicine platform (HA-LSL/siTGF-β) employing dual-targeting, alongside hyaluronidase (HAase) and glutathione (GSH) triggered release was elaborately constructed to efficiently deliver TGF-β small interference RNA (siTGF-β). It was determined that this system was able to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-L1. The siTGF-β nanosystem efficiently silenced TGF-β-related signaling pathways in both activated NIH 3T3 cells and 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo. This occurred firstly, through CD44-mediated uptake, followed by rapid escape mediated by HAase in endo/lysosomes and release of siRNA mediated by high GSH concentrations in the cytoplasm. By simultaneous silencing of TGF-β in stromal and tumor cells, HA-LSL/siTGF-β dramatically reduced stroma deposition, promoted the penetration of nanomedicines for deep remodeling of the TME, improved oxygenation, T cells infiltration and subsequent anti-PD-L1 deep penetration. The double suppression of TGF-β has been demonstrated to promote blood vessel normalization, inhibit an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and further modify the immunosuppressive TME, which was supported by an overall increase in the proportion of dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells. Further, a reduction in the proportion of immunosuppression cells such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells was also observed in the TME. Based on the comprehensive remodeling of the tumor microenvironment by this nanosystem, subsequent anti-PD-L1 therapy elicited robust antitumor immunity. Specifically, this system was able to suppress the growth of both primary and distant tumor while preventing tumor metastasis to the lung. Therefore, the combination of the dual-targeted siTGF-β nanosystem, alongside anti-PD-L1 may serve as a novel method to enhance antitumor immunotherapy against stroma-rich TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Chao Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Linlin Tao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Gang Cheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Fangnan Lv
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zuhang Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xinyu Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Meirong Huo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Lifang Yin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China; Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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9
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Hall A, Bartek J, Wagner E, Lächelt U, Moghimi SM. High-resolution bioenergetics correlates the length of continuous protonatable diaminoethane motif of four-armed oligo(ethanamino)amide transfectants to cytotoxicity. J Control Release 2023; 361:115-129. [PMID: 37532151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent clinical success with Onpattro and cationic ionizable lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines has rejuvenated research in the design and engineering of broader synthetic cationic vectors for nucleic acid compaction and transfection. However, perturbation of metabolic processes and cytotoxicity are still of concern with synthetic cationic vectors. Here, through an integrated bioenergetic and biomembrane integrity probing in three different human cell lines we reveal the dynamic effect of a library of sequence-defined four-arm oligo(ethanamino)amide transfectant on cell homeostasis, and identify metabolically safe building units over wide concentration ranges. The results show differential effects of the oligo(ethanamino)amide structure of comparable molecular weight on cell energetics. The severity of polycation effect on bioenergetic crisis follows with the length of continuous protonatable diaminoethane motif in the ascending order of glutaryl-triethylene tetramine, succinyl-tetraethylene pentamine and succinyl-pentaethylene hexamine. We further identify oligomeric structures that do not induce bioenergetic crisis even at high concentrations. Finally, transfection studies with a library of polyplexes carrying a reporter gene show no correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. These observations demonstrate the usefulness of integrated high-resolution respirometry and plasma membrane integrity probing as a highly sensitive medium-throughput screening strategy for identification and selection of safe building units for transfectant engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaldur Hall
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jiri Bartek
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Butenandstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Butenandstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Seyed Moein Moghimi
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
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10
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Uchida S, Lau CYJ, Oba M, Miyata K. Polyplex designs for improving the stability and safety of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114972. [PMID: 37364611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have contributed to the recent clinical success of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and mRNA. RNA delivery using polymers has several distinct properties, such as enabling RNA delivery into extra-hepatic organs, modulation of immune responses to RNA, and regulation of intracellular RNA release. However, delivery systems should overcome safety and stability issues to achieve widespread therapeutic applications. Safety concerns include direct damage to cellular components, innate and adaptive immune responses, complement activation, and interaction with surrounding molecules and cells in the blood circulation. The stability of the delivery systems should balance extracellular RNA protection and controlled intracellular RNA release, which requires optimization for each RNA species. Further, polymer designs for improving safety and stability often conflict with each other. This review covers advances in polymer-based approaches to address these issues over several years, focusing on biological understanding and design concepts for delivery systems rather than material chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan; Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Chun Yin Jerry Lau
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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11
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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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12
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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13
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Yang W, Miyazaki T, Nakagawa Y, Boonstra E, Masuda K, Nakashima Y, Chen P, Mixich L, Barthelmes K, Matsumoto A, Mi P, Uchida S, Cabral H. Block catiomers with flanking hydrolyzable tyrosinate groups enhance in vivo mRNA delivery via π-π stacking-assisted micellar assembly. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS 2023; 24:2170164. [PMID: 36950277 PMCID: PMC10026751 DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2023.2170164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics have recently demonstrated high clinical potential with the accelerated approval of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. To fulfill the promise of unprecedented mRNA-based treatments, the development of safe and efficient carriers is still necessary to achieve effective delivery of mRNA. Herein, we prepared mRNA-loaded nanocarriers for enhanced in vivo delivery using biocompatible block copolymers having functional amino acid moieties for tunable interaction with mRNA. The block copolymers were based on flexible poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(glycerol) (PEG-PG) modified with glycine (Gly), leucine (Leu) or tyrosine (Tyr) via ester bonds to generate block catiomers. Moreover, the amino acids can be gradually detached from the block copolymers after ester bond hydrolyzation, avoiding cytotoxic effects. When mixed with mRNA, the block catiomers formed narrowly distributed polymeric micelles with high stability and enhanced delivery efficiency. Particularly, the micelles based on tyrosine-modified PEG-PG (PEG-PGTyr), which formed a polyion complex (PIC) and π-π stacking with mRNA, displayed excellent stability against polyanions and promoted mRNA integrity in serum. PEG-PGTyr-based micelles also increased the cellular uptake and the endosomal escape, promoting high protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the PEG-PGTyr-based micelles significantly extended the half-life of the loaded mRNA after intravenous injection. Our results highlight the potential of PEG-PGTyr-based micelles as safe and effective carriers for mRNA, expediting the rational design of polymeric materials for enhanced mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Center for Medical Imaging, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Ebina, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakagawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eger Boonstra
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Masuda
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakashima
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Pengwen Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lucas Mixich
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kevin Barthelmes
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Ebina, Japan
| | - Akira Matsumoto
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peng Mi
- Department of Radiology, Center for Medical Imaging, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Yang W, Mixich L, Boonstra E, Cabral H. Polymer-Based mRNA Delivery Strategies for Advanced Therapies. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2202688. [PMID: 36785927 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies offer great promise for the treatment of a variety of diseases. In 2020, two FDA approvals of mRNA-based vaccines have elevated mRNA vaccines to global recognition. However, the therapeutic capabilities of mRNA extend far beyond vaccines against infectious diseases. They hold potential for cancer vaccines, protein replacement therapies, gene editing therapies, and immunotherapies. For realizing such advanced therapies, it is crucial to develop effective carrier systems. Recent advances in materials science have led to the development of promising nonviral mRNA delivery systems. In comparison to other carriers like lipid nanoparticles, polymer-based delivery systems often receive less attention, despite their unique ability to carefully tune their chemical features to promote mRNA protection, their favorable pharmacokinetics, and their potential for targeting delivery. In this review, the central features of polymer-based systems for mRNA delivery highlighting the molecular design criteria, stability, and biodistribution are discussed. Finally, the role of targeting ligands for the future of RNA therapies is analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Lucas Mixich
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Eger Boonstra
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
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15
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Lin Y, Wilk U, Pöhmerer J, Hörterer E, Höhn M, Luo X, Mai H, Wagner E, Lächelt U. Folate Receptor-Mediated Delivery of Cas9 RNP for Enhanced Immune Checkpoint Disruption in Cancer Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205318. [PMID: 36399647 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system offers great opportunities for the treatment of numerous diseases by precise modification of the genome. The functional unit of the system is represented by Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins (RNP), which mediate sequence-specific cleavage of DNA. For therapeutic applications, efficient and cell-specific transport into target cells is essential. Here, Cas9 RNP nanocarriers are described, which are based on lipid-modified oligoamino amides and folic acid (FolA)-PEG to realize receptor-mediated uptake and gene editing in cancer cells. In vitro studies confirm strongly enhanced potency of receptor-mediated delivery, and the nanocarriers enable efficient knockout of GFP and two immune checkpoint genes, PD-L1 and PVR, at low nanomolar concentrations. Compared with non-targeted nanoparticles, FolA-modified nanocarriers achieve substantially higher gene editing including dual PD-L1/PVR gene disruption after injection into CT26 tumors in vivo. In the syngeneic mouse model, dual disruption of PD-L1 and PVR leads to CD8+ T cell recruitment and distinct CT26 tumor growth inhibition, clearly superior to the individual knockouts alone. The reported Cas9 RNP nanocarriers represent a versatile platform for potent and receptor-specific gene editing. In addition, the study demonstrates a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy by permanent and combined immune checkpoint disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lin
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Hörterer
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Xianjin Luo
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Hongcheng Mai
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmacy and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
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16
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Andrée L, Oude Egberink R, Dodemont J, Hassani Besheli N, Yang F, Brock R, Leeuwenburgh SCG. Gelatin Nanoparticles for Complexation and Enhanced Cellular Delivery of mRNA. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3423. [PMID: 36234551 PMCID: PMC9565693 DOI: 10.3390/nano12193423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is increasingly gaining interest as a modality in vaccination and protein replacement therapy. In regenerative medicine, the mRNA-mediated expression of growth factors has shown promising results. In contrast to protein delivery, successful mRNA delivery requires a vector to induce cellular uptake and subsequent endosomal escape to reach its end destination, the ribosome. Current non-viral vectors such as lipid- or polymer-based nanoparticles have been successfully used to express mRNA-encoded proteins. However, to advance the use of mRNA in regenerative medicine, it is required to assess the compatibility of mRNA with biomaterials that are typically applied in this field. Herein, we investigated the complexation, cellular uptake and maintenance of the integrity of mRNA complexed with gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs). To this end, GNPs with positive, neutral or negative surface charge were synthesized to assess their ability to bind and transport mRNA into cells. Positively charged GNPs exhibited the highest binding affinity and transported substantial amounts of mRNA into pre-osteoblastic cells, as assessed by confocal microscopy using fluorescently labeled mRNA. Furthermore, the GNP-bound mRNA remained stable. However, no expression of mRNA-encoded protein was detected, which is likely related to insufficient endosomal escape and/or mRNA release from the GNPs. Our results indicate that gelatin-based nanomaterials interact with mRNA in a charge-dependent manner and also mediate cellular uptake. These results create the basis for the incorporation of further functionality to yield endosomal release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Andrée
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Oude Egberink
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Dodemont
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Negar Hassani Besheli
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
| | - Sander C. G. Leeuwenburgh
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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17
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Kavanagh EW, Green JJ. Toward Gene Transfer Nanoparticles as Therapeutics. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102145. [PMID: 35006646 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Genetic medicine has great potential to treat the underlying causes of many human diseases with exquisite precision, but the field has historically been stymied by delivery as the central challenge. Nanoparticles, engineered constructs the size of natural viruses, are being designed to more closely mimic the delivery efficiency of viruses, while enabling the advantages of increased safety, cargo-carrying flexibility, specific targeting, and ease in manufacturing. The speed in which nonviral gene transfer nanoparticles are making progress in the clinic is accelerating, with clinical validation of multiple nonviral nucleic acid delivery nanoparticle formulations recently FDA approved for both expression and for silencing of genes. While much of this progress has been with lipid nanoparticle formulations, significant development is being made with other nanomaterials for gene transfer as well, with favorable attributes such as biodegradability, scalability, and cell targeting. This review highlights the state of the field, current challenges in delivery, and opportunities for engineered nanomaterials to meet these challenges, including enabling long-term therapeutic gene editing. Delivery technology utilizing different kinds of nanomaterials and varying cargos for gene transfer (DNA, mRNA, and ribonucleoproteins) are discussed. Clinical applications are presented, including for the treatment of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin W. Kavanagh
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5017 Baltimore MD 21231 USA
| | - Jordan J. Green
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5017 Baltimore MD 21231 USA
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18
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Dirisala A, Uchida S, Li J, Van Guyse JFR, Hayashi K, Vummaleti SVC, Kaur S, Mochida Y, Fukushima S, Kataoka K. Effective mRNA Protection by Poly(l-ornithine) Synergizes with Endosomal Escape Functionality of a Charge-Conversion Polymer toward Maximizing mRNA Introduction Efficiency. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100754. [PMID: 35286740 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For efficient delivery of messenger (m)RNA, delivery carriers need two major functions: protecting mRNA from nucleases and translocating mRNA from endolysosomes to the cytoplasm. Herein, these two complementary functionalities are integrated into a single polyplex by fine-tuning the catiomer chemical structure and incorporating the endosomal escape modality. The effect of the methylene spacer length on the catiomer side chain is evaluated by comparing poly(l-lysine) (PLL) with a tetramethylene spacer and poly(L-ornithine) (PLO) with a trimethylene spacer. Noteworthily, the nuclease stability of the mRNA/catiomer polyplexes is largely affected by the difference in one methylene group, with PLO/mRNA polyplex showing enhanced stability compared to PLL/mRNA polyplex. To introduce the endosomal escape function, the PLO/mRNA polyplex is wrapped with a charge-conversion polymer (CCP), which is negatively charged at extracellular pH but turns positive at endosomal acidic pH to disrupt the endosomal membrane. Compared to the parent PLO/mRNA polyplex, CCP facilitated the endosomal escape of the polyplex in cultured cells to improve the protein expression efficiency from mRNA by approximately 80-fold. Collectively, this system synergizes the protective effect of PLO against nucleases and the endosomal escape capability of CCP in mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjaneyulu Dirisala
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.,Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Junjie Li
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Joachim F R Van Guyse
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kotaro Hayashi
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Sai V C Vummaleti
- Institute of High Performance Computing Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 1 Fusionopolis Way, 16-6 Connexis, 138632, Singapore
| | - Sarandeep Kaur
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Universität Leipzig, Johannisallee 29, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Shigeto Fukushima
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan
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Byun MJ, Lim J, Kim SN, Park DH, Kim TH, Park W, Park CG. Advances in Nanoparticles for Effective Delivery of RNA Therapeutics. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022; 16:128-145. [PMID: 35261724 PMCID: PMC8891745 DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00052-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics, including messenger RNA (mRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), are genetic materials that mediate the translation of genetic direction from genes to induce or inhibit specific protein production. Although the interest in RNA therapeutics is rising globally, the absence of an effective delivery system is an obstacle to the clinical application of RNA therapeutics. Additionally, immunogenicity, short duration of protein expression, unwanted enzymatic degradation, and insufficient cellular uptake could limit the therapeutic efficacy of RNA therapeutics. In this regard, novel platforms based on nanoparticles are crucial for delivering RNAs to the targeted site to increase efficiency without toxicity. In this review, the most recent status of nanoparticles as RNA delivery vectors, with a focus on polymeric nanoparticles, peptide-derived nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and hybrid nanoparticles, is discussed. These nanoparticular platforms can be utilized for safe and effective RNA delivery to augment therapeutic effects. Ultimately, RNA therapeutics encapsulated in nanoparticle-based carriers will be used to treat many diseases and save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Byun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Na Kim
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080 Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Park
- Department of Engineering Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974 Republic of Korea
| | - Wooram Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
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